While the 2026 NFL Draft cycle has been dominated by blue-chip headliners, a formidable group of “under-the-radar” defensive prospects is beginning to demand the national spotlight. This cohort is defined by specialized traits that NFL front offices crave: from the “VICE-like” technical discipline of Ohio State’s Caden Curry and the towering, gap-erasing frame of Ole Miss’s Zxavian Harris, to the elite interior twitch of Penn State’s Zane Durant. Complementing this front-line power are the relentless motor of Iowa’s Max Llewellyn and the fluid, “island-capable” coverage skills of Texas A&M’s Will Lee III. These players may not have started the cycle as household names. Still, their combination of high-floor consistency and unique physical tools makes them the essential “missing pieces” for teams looking to bolster their defensive identity on Day 2 of the draft.

Defensive Line

Caden Curry, Ohio State: A high-motor, “hair-on-fire” player who broke out in 2025.

Strengths: Elite effort, functional strength at the point of attack, and special teams value.

Weakness: Historically short arms and stiff hips that limit his “bend” around the edge.

NFL Comparison: George Karlaftis

Ideal Teams: Patriots, Ravens, Lions, Steelers

Max Llewellyn, Iowa: The prototypical Iowa power-end with a massive 6’5″ frame.

Strengths: Technical hand usage and disciplined run containment.

Weakness: Lacked elite “twitch” in 2026 Combine testing (4.81s 40-yard dash).

NFL Comparison: Maxx Crosby (Lite)

Ideal Teams: Packers, Bills, Vikings, Jaguars

Zxavian Harris   Ole Miss: A true mountain of a man at 6’7″, 320+ lbs.

Strengths: Rare size/explosiveness combo that resets the line of scrimmage.

Weakness: Character concerns (off-field history) and pad level consistency due to his height.

NFL Comparison: Jordan Davis

Ideal Teams: Cowboys, Eagles, Browns, Chargers

Zane Durant   Penn State: An undersized but hyper-athletic interior disruptor.

Strengths: Elite first-step quickness (4.75s 40-yard dash).

Weakness: Can be washed out by double teams; purely a “one-gap” penetrator.

NFL Comparison: Ed Oliver

Ideal Teams: Dolphins, Rams, Texans, Seahawks

Linebackers

Eric Gentry  USC: A physical “unicorn” standing 6’6″ with an elite wingspan.

Strengths: Erases passing lanes in zone coverage; forced 5 fumbles in 2025.

Weakness: Struggles to stack-and-shed blocks in the box; needs to add significant bulk.

NFL Comparison:  Isaiah Simmons

Ideal Teams:   Broncos, Seahawks, Jets

Red Murdock  Buffalo: A downhill enforcer and tone-setter.

Strengths: Violent tackler and turnover machine (FBS record for forced fumbles).

Weakness: Limited lateral range and struggles in man-to-man coverage.

NFL Comparison: T.J. Edwards  

Ideal Teams: Patriots, Steelers, Bears

Jack Kelly, BYU: A multi-tool athlete with high-end pass-rush production (31.5 career sacks).

Strengths: Explosive interior blitzer and versatile enough to play the edge.

Weakness: Inconsistent motor, and occasionally takes poor pursuit angles.

NFL Comparison: Kyle Van Noy

Ideal Teams: Ravens, Dolphins, Patriots

Secondary

Will Lee III, Texas A&M: An aggressive, physical corner with elite leaping ability (42″ vertical).

Strengths: High football IQ and excellent awareness of the first-down sticks.

Weakness: Lacks top-end recovery speed and can be “grabby,” leading to penalties.

NFL Comparison: Jaylon Johnson

Ideal Teams: Giants, Colts, 49ers

Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina: A versatile “Big Nickel” who started immediately as a freshman in the SEC.

Strengths: Elite ball skills (tied for SEC lead in INTs) and physical run support.

Weakness: Concerns about man coverage fluidity against vertical speedsters.

NFL Comparison: Jeremy Chinn

Ideal Teams: Texans, Seahawks, Chiefs

Bishop Fitzgerald  USC: A dual-threat former QB with high-level route recognition.

Strengths: “Turnover machine” instincts (10 career INTs) and closing speed.

Weakness: Needs work on run-game discipline and “eye hygiene.”

NFL Comparison:  Damontae Kazee

Ideal Teams: Steelers, Bucs, Falcons

VJ Payne, Kansas State: A coverage stabilizer and four-year starter.

Strengths: Smart communicator who thrives in split-zone roles.

Weakness: Lacks elite lateral agility; needs to improve lower-body mass to finish tackles through contact.

NFL Comparison: Kamren Curl

Ideal Teams: Rams, Commanders, Raiders

Draft Spotlight: Why These Fits?

• Eric Gentry to Denver: Experts have identified Gentry as the Broncos’ “ideal late-round fit” to help balance a roster that recently lost Dre Greenlaw and needs speed off the ball.
• Red Murdock to New England: Murdock’s 6’3 “, 240-lb frame and record-breaking forced fumble totals align perfectly with the Patriots’ preference for” tone-setting” enforcers who thrive in goal-line and early-down situations.
• Jalon Kilgore to Houston: Kilgore mentioned meeting with the Texans at Pro Day. Pairing him with Jalen Pitre would give Houston one of the most versatile and athletic nickel/safety tandems in the AFC.
• Bishop Fitzgerald to Pittsburgh: His background as a former high school QB gives him unique route recognition skills that mirror the instinctive playstyle often coveted by the Steelers’ coaching staff