2026 NFL Draft: 20 famous names who won’t be drafted until the later rounds

Allar was a Heisman hopeful coming into 2025, but a fractured left ankle ended his season early. He never put up elite numbers in college, though a wealth of experience should make him attractive as a backup prospect.

There’s a lot of tread on Allen’s tires after playing consistently for four years at Penn State. Still, he continued to progress throughout his college career, culminating with over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 scores last season. He could be pushed to Day 2 with a strong combine.

Altmyer helped get the Illini program back on track after transferring from Ole Miss. He started for three seasons and showed greatly improved passing accuracy last season with a completion rate above 67%.

Beck became a household name for his play at Georgia and Miami. He has an NFL pocket passer profile, but grew a reputation for struggling in big moments and had issues with interceptions over the last two years.

The Hoosiers wouldn’t have ended up as National Champs without Black, a James Madison transfer. He’s older than most players from his class, turning 25 in October, but Black’s production in his senior season stands out.

Listed at 6-foot-5, Brazzell is a Red Zone threat to say the least. He had a breakout season in 2025 with 1,107 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games.

Daniels helped get Kansas football back on track during his career as a mobile playmaker. He’s undersized and without the accuracy to start at the next level, but Daniels could find a role as a backup in the right system.

Height played for four different schools in his college career, ending with Texas Tech. He benefitted on a defense loaded with talent, recording 10 sacks last season.

Hemby paired well with Kaelon Black after transferring from Maryland, recording 1,285 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns last season. He has the versatility to play on third downs.

Johnson was one of the country’s leading rushers last season, with 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also showed off great versatility as a pass catcher and should be an immediate fit as a third-down back.

Keenan plugged the middle of Alabama’s defense for four seasons, showing occasional pass-rushing upside. His lack of height will likely push him to the third day of the draft.

Klubnik never quite met expectations at Clemson, and his stats took multiple hits last season. The former top recruit still has the strong arm and mobility that teams covet, but will likely be drafted on Day 3.

Nussmeier looked like a potential first-round pick coming into 2025 despite his lack of athleticism, but a forgettable season while playing through an oblique injury has hurt his stock. He still managed to complete more than 67% of his passes in nine games.

Pavia finished second in the Heisman race, but there’s skepticism about how his lack of size and skill set will translate to the NFL. He greatly improved his accuracy last season and remained a pesky, mobile quarterback with 862 yards rushing.

Perkins rebounded from a torn ACL suffered in 2024, though his production last season still wasn’t quite up to the standard he set early in his career. He could still push himself up draft boards with a strong combine performance.

Retzlaff was productive as the starter at BYU and Tulane over the last two seasons, though his passing accuracy leaves something to be desired. His athleticism makes him an interesting Day 3 prospect.

Robertson posted huge numbers over the last two seasons at Baylor, including over 3,600 yards and 31 touchdowns last year. He displayed a strong arm but has lacked accuracy.

An All-American at Texas Tech last season, Rodriguez was among college leaders in tackles over the last two years. He also proved to be a playmaker with four interceptions and seven forced fumbles last year.

The end zone was Sarratt’s second home in college, with 31 touchdowns in three years. His ability as a deep threat could translate well to the next level.

Stowers was an All-American at Vanderbilt, with 62 catches for 769 yards last season. He’s slightly undersized at tight end, but hoping to sneak into Day 2 of the draft.