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With the 2026 NFL Draft nearing, consensus big boards are solidifying. The real value lies in players with Day 1 starter traits. They remain overlooked or are projected to the middle rounds.

Here are 20 of the most underrated 2026 prospects. These are players who could become hidden gems or impact contributors. They may come from small schools or powerhouse programs.

The Quarterbacks & Skill Positions

1. Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State): He is the class’s top developmental quarterback. He is an elite dual-threat athlete. He commanded attention with his athleticism at the Combine. Scouts now consider him a prime Day 2 value pick.
2. Taylen Green (QB, Arkansas): With a record-breaking 4.37 forty-yard dash, Green is a rare athletic quarterback. His accuracy needs refinement, but his size and arm strength make him a high-ceiling project.
3. Rahsul Faison (RB, South Carolina): Faison is the class’s most disciplined runner. He excels at reading blocks and exploding through holes. His start-stop agility is top-tier.
4. Adam Randall (RB/WR, Clemson): At 233 pounds, Randall is a versatile hybrid. He was originally a receiver. Now he offers value as both a powerful back and a mismatched pass-catcher.
5. Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana): After a breakout title season, Cooper stands out for his toughness. He thrives in the slot, consistently making contested catches and doing the hard work over the middle.
6. Ted Hurst (WR, Georgia State): Hurst has prototypical outside receiver size. He dominated at his level. He excelled as a boundary target and consistently gained position on defenders.
7. Michael Trigg (TE, Baylor): Trigg is an athletic mismatch. He is too fast for linebackers and too big for safeties. He offers teams a dynamic “move” tight end, especially in the red zone.

The Trench Warriors

8. Max Iheanachor (OT, Arizona State): A massive, high-upside tackle who has shot up draft boards. Raw in his technique, he offers rare physical tools for teams picking outside the Top 15.
9. Sam Hecht (C, Kansas State): An intelligent center and pre-snap leader. Hecht projects as a reliable anchor for an NFL line. He is a safe pick who rarely makes mistakes.
10. Caleb Banks (DT, Florida): Banks is a gamble with high upside. He battled injuries last year. Yet, his earlier film and elite Combine numbers reveal big-time athleticism for his size.
11. Tim Keenan III (DT, Alabama): A run-stopping specialist, Keenan anchors the line so linebackers can play freely. He projects as a plug-and-play starter for 3-4 teams.
12. Trey Zuhn III (IOL, Texas A&M): Zuhn is a collegiate tackle. He is projected as a pro guard or center. Zuhn impresses scouts with elite hand placement. His grip strength is suited for the interior.

The Defensive Sleepers

13. Jake Golday (LB, Cincinnati): Golday is a former edge rusher who became a linebacker. He pairs over 100 tackles with impressive sideline range. This makes him ideal for the modern NFL.
14. Kyle Louis (LB, Pitt): He is undersized but explosive. Louis performs every role as an “overhang” linebacker. He blitzes, covers, and tackles with relentless energy.
15. Treydan Stukes (CB, Arizona): Treydan Stukes is a seasoned cornerback. He has six years of college play. Stukes’s high football IQ sets him apart. His impressive production sets him apart, too, despite his age.
16. Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke): Though undersized, Rivers thrives in zone coverage, using quick instincts to close passing lanes exceptionally well.
17. Genesis Smith (S, Arizona): Smith is a rangy, well-built safety with fluid movement skills. He projects as a Day 2 pick. He can play like a first-rounder.
18. Keionte Scott (DB, Miami): Scott is a quick, physical “Star” defender. He is effective as both a nickel and a safety. Scott is known for blitzing and tackling in space.
19. Jacob Thomas (S, G5 Sleeper/James Madison): Thomas is a versatile defensive back. He excels both in the box and deep. He allows few completions. He’s a favorite for analytics-driven teams.
20. Bailey Despanie (S, Tulane): Despanie is a frequent playmaker. He disrupts the run and passing game. He maximizes his impact every snap.