Beyond the Rankings: 2026 NFL Draft Sleepers Emerge

The 2026 National Football League (NFL) Draft , scheduled to begin on Thursday, is set to showcase a group of prospects that analysts have flagged as potential standouts beyond widely used consensus boards. The players identified span multiple positions, with evaluators focusing on production, measurable traits, and what they describe as football intelligence.

One of the names drawing attention is Cole Payton , a quarterback from North Dakota State . In 13 games, Payton completed 72% of his passes for 2,719 yards, throwing 16 touchdowns against four interceptions. Analysts also pointed to his rushing output, noting he added 777 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns last season, a profile that highlights dual-threat capability.

At running back, Johnson was cited for both volume and versatility. He posted 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 251 carries, and he also logged 85 receptions over two seasons. Analysts described that combination as a marker of a back who can contribute in multiple phases of an offense, including in the passing game.

At wide receiver, evaluators highlighted Zachariah Branch and Brazzell for speed and receiving production. Branch recorded 81 catches for 811 yards, while Brazzell produced 1,017 yards on 62 receptions. Analysts framed those lines as evidence of playmaking ability, while also emphasizing traits that could translate into different offensive roles.

Other prospects mentioned include tight end Eli Raridon , who totaled 482 receiving yards in nine games, and offensive tackle Max Iheanachor . Iheanachor was listed at 6-foot-6 and 321 pounds, with a 4.91-second 40-yard dash time, measurements analysts cited when discussing physical upside at a premium position.

Across the group, analysts pointed to themes such as versatility, work ethic, and developmental potential within NFL systems. Projections for these players were described as ranging from early rounds to later selections, underscoring uncertainty around where teams may ultimately value specific traits versus production. With the draft beginning Thursday, the key unknown remains how individual clubs will weigh these profiles against broader positional needs and their own internal evaluations.