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Throughout the pre-draft process, scouts will identify a handful of prospects who they believe will succeed despite their circumstances. These players may lack prototypical size or elite traits, but their passion, performance and production as college kids will inspire talent evaluators to make a compelling case in their favor in the draft room.
In fact, recruiters’ confidence in these prospects’ potential should encourage them to “plant the flag” when asked to defend their opinions.
With that in mind, here are seven prospects in the 2026 class who I think will surpass their draft status.
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
As an experienced quarterback with prototypical physical tools and a winning pedigree, Beck should appeal to coaches looking for a high-end game manager for the QB1/QB2 role. The 6-foot-4, 233-pounder logged 43 starts in six college seasons, displaying exceptional accuracy and touch as a rhythmic passer from the pocket. Although his critical turnovers in a few marquee games have changed the narrative, naysayers underestimate his tenacity and competitiveness as the undisputed leader of two championship-caliber teams.
Beck has consistently delivered big moments for Miami and Georgia, and those “winning” plays should translate into strong late-game play as a pro. With a polished game that has been honed into pro-style offensive schemes, particularly his ability to operate from the center and execute various play simulations, Beck is primed and ready to make his mark at the next level.
Carson Beck played in 55 games over six college seasons with Georgia and Miami. In two of the last three years, he led the FBS in completions and had a 72.4% completion percentage each year.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
After rushing for over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final season at Nebraska, Johnson appeared to be in line to secure the No. 2 spot on the running back list. However, a disappointing 40-yard dash (4.56) at the NFL Combine seemingly overshadowed his performance and production as a workhorse runner. Although Johnson showed exceptional swing, balance and body control with the ball in his hands, skeptics called him a “one-year wonder” due to his dramatic jump in production in 2025.
Although astute evaluators will focus on Johnson’s skills as a dynamic runner and receiver who torched the Big Ten as a unique offensive weapon, the majority of the football world has allowed naysayers to dominate the pre-draft discussion. After taking another look at his film, Johnson could have the scouting community talking about his skills when we look back at the 2026 class in a few years.
Emmett Johnson had the fourth-highest production rating of all running backs at the 2026 NFL Combine. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Had the NFL Draft been held shortly after the Senior Bowl, Fields could have been selected as a top-20 pick based on buzz in scouting circles. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound pass catcher dominated the competition throughout the week, displaying exceptional ball skills and hand-eye coordination, snatching jump shots from overmatched defensive backs on the perimeter. The contested catch dominance combined with his smooth route running skills as an “X” receiver made it easy to imagine him playing a major role as a WR2 on any team.
Although his speed (4.61 for 40 yards) has raised concerns about his separation ability, his superior size, physicality and toughness will give him a chance to win any game. Given the importance of these traits near the red zone and on third down or critical moments, Fields could carve out a successful role as a starter or specialist in the league.
The 6-foot-4 Malachi Fields can go up and get the ball, as Pittsburgh CB Rashad Battle discovered last November. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Blake Miller, occupational therapist, Clemson
The selection process is much like a beauty contest, with recruiters frequently opting for the tallest, fastest and strongest candidates over talented technicians. Miller could be the best of both worlds as a practice warrior with a polished overall game because of his extensive experience as a 54-game starter at Clemson.
At 6-foot-6, 317 pounds with 34¼-inch arms and elite athleticism (5.04-second 40-yard dash time, 32.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-5 broad jump combined), Miller possesses the length and agility of shadowbox defenders on the edge. Additionally, he displays exceptional footwork, balance and body control, executing “skip pulls” on running plays to climb toward second-level defenders.
With few blockers matching his impeccable footwork and hand-to-hand combat skills, Miller could stand out among his peers when we look back at the 2026 class later.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The fast-running specialist showcases a dizzying array of pass-rushing moves that will give opposing offensive tackles nightmares before their faceoffs. Howell’s combination of speed, quickness and burst, combined with balance and body control in the corners, will pose problems for most offensive tackles in long-yardage situations.
With the 6-foot-2, 253-pounder also displaying a high-revving motor and relentless approach, it’s hard to imagine the Texas A&M and Bowling Green star failing to make an impact as a designated passer.
Although his short arms (30¼ inches) and one-dimensional game (pass-rushing specialist) may limit his chances of becoming a full-time starter early in his career, Howell’s skills and consistent production (27 career sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss over four seasons) generally lead to long-term success as a professional.
Cashius Howell has the passing moves that will give opposing offensive tackles nightmares. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
There’s always a place in the league for high-effort players with an “alpha dawg” mentality and ultra-physical style of play. Louis will make his mark on the league as a standout special teams player and hybrid linebacker/safety for a team ready to put the 5-foot-11, 220-pounder on the field in a playmaking role.
Louis has a knack for playing on the ball and demonstrates impressive instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills as a second-level defender. He quickly attacks runners and receivers in his zone, showing impressive anticipation and timing while tracking the ball. Considering how his speed and physicality regularly produce “splash” plays (10 career sacks, 25.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions and two forced fumbles), the Pittsburgh product will find a way to earn a central role.
Keionte Scott, S, Miami
As more teams look for “star” defenders (slot corners/nickel safeties) to slot into sub-packages, versatile defensive backs with “hit, run and cover” skills are coveted at a high price. As an experienced player (sixth year senior) with exceptional instincts and awareness, Scott thrives as a zone defender with blitz and coverage duties.
Standing at 5-foot-11, 193 pounds with 4.33 speed (Miami Pro Day), Scott possesses the speed and quickness to compete with slot receivers in coverage. He also shows skill and awareness as a passer to create chaos in the backfield. Whether it’s harassing quarterbacks or blowing up perimeter runs and screens, Scott’s aggressiveness near the line of scrimmage will make him a valuable asset as a slot defender in a creative defensive system.
With more teams employing three-man safeties and “dime” defenses with more than six defensive backs on the field, the super senior could forge a long career as a designated playmaker.
