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Throughout the pre-draft process, scouts will identify a handful of prospects who they believe will be successful despite their circumstances. These players may lack prototypical size or elite traits, but their passion, performance and production as a college player will prompt talent evaluators to make a compelling case for them in the draft room.
In fact, scouts’ belief in the potential of these prospects should encourage them to “plant the flag” when asked to defend their opinions.
With that in mind, here are seven prospects in the class of 2026 who I think will surpass their draft status.
Carson Beck, quarterback, 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 collegiate seasons, displaying pinpoint accuracy and touch as a pace passer from the pocket. Although his critical turnovers in some big games have changed the narrative, detractors are undervaluing his toughness and competitiveness as the undisputed leader of two championship-caliber teams.
Beck routinely delivered in big moments for Miami and Georgia, and those “winning” plays should translate into solid late-game play as a pro. With a polished game that has been honed in pro-style offensive schemes, particularly his ability to operate from under center and run multiple fake plays, Beck is primed and ready to make his mark at the next level.
Carson Beck played 55 games in six college seasons with Georgia and Miami. In two of the last three, he led the FBS in completions and had a 72.4% completion percentage each year.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
After posting more than 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns during 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 has seemingly overshadowed his performance and production as a workhorse running back. Even though Johnson showed outstanding explosion, balance and body control with the ball in his hands, skeptics have labeled him a “one-year wonder” due to his dramatic jump in production in 2025.
Although astute evaluators will focus on Johnson’s abilities as a dynamic running back and receiver who set the Big Ten on fire as a unique offensive weapon, much of the football world has allowed the naysayers to dominate the pre-draft discussion. After taking another look at his film, Johnson could have the scouting community talking about his abilities when we look back at the class of 2026 in a few years.
Emmett Johnson had the fourth-highest production score of all running backs at the 2026 NFL Combine. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
Malachy Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Had the NFL Draft been held shortly after the Senior Bowl, Fields could have been a top-20 pick based on rumors in scouting circles. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound pass catcher dominated the competition all week, displaying exceptional ball skills and hand-eye coordination, snatching jumpers away from overmatched defensive backs on the perimeter. The contested receiving dominance combined with his smooth route-running abilities as an “X” receiver made it easy to imagine him playing an important role as WR2 on any team.
While his speed (4.61 40-yard dash) has raised concerns about his separation ability, his superior size, physicality and toughness will give him a chance to win any matchup. Given the importance of those traits near the red zone and on third downs 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 catch the ball, as Pittsburgh CB Rashad Battle discovered last November. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The draft process is a lot like a beauty pageant, with scouts often opting for bigger, faster and stronger prospects over talented coaches. Miller could be the best of both worlds as a coaching warrior with a polished all-around game due to his extensive experience as a 54-game starter at Clemson.
Listed at 6-foot-6, 317 pounds, with 34¼-inch arms and elite athletic traits (5.04-second 40-yard dash time, 32.5-inch vertical leap and 9-foot-5 broad jump at the combine), Miller possesses the length and agility to shadow defenders on the edges. Additionally, he displays excellent footwork, balance and body control, executing “jumps” on running plays to reach defenders at the second level.
With few blockers to match his impeccable footwork and close-quarters combat skills, Miller could emerge as the standout among his peers when we revisit the 2026 class in the future.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The sprint specialist displays a dizzying array of pass rush moves that will give opposing offensive tackles nightmares before their matchups. Howell’s combination of speed, quickness and burst, combined with balance and body control around the corner, will give most offensive tackles problems in long-yardage situations.
With the 6-foot-2, 253-pounder also displaying a high-revving motor and relentless focus, it’s hard to imagine the Texas A&M and Bowling Green standout not being able to make an impact as a designated pass rusher.
Although his short arms (30¼ inches) and one-dimensional game (pass-rush specialist) might limit his chances of emerging as a full-time starter early in his career, Howell’s skills and consistent production (27 career sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss in four seasons) generally lead to long-term success as a pro.
Cashius Howell has pass rush moves that will give opposing offensive tackles nightmares. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
There is always a place in the league for high-effort players with an “alpha” mentality and an ultra-physical playing style. Louis will make his mark on the league as a special teams standout and hybrid linebacker/safety for a team willing to put the 5-foot-11, 220-pound fielder in a playmaking role.
Louis has a knack for making plays on the ball and displays impressive instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills as a second-level defender. He quickly attacks running backs and receivers in his area, displaying impressive anticipation and timing while tracking the ball. With his speed and physicality routinely producing “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 pivotal role.
Keionte Scott, S, Miami
As more teams look for “star” defenders (slot cornerbacks/nickel safeties) to include in subpackages, versatile defensive backs with “hit, run, and cover” skills are coveted at a high price. As an experienced player (6th year senior) with outstanding instincts and awareness, Scott excels as a box defender with blitzing and coverage duties.
Listed at 5-foot-11, 193 pounds with 4.33 speed (Miami Pro Day), Scott possesses the speed and quickness to match slot receivers in coverage. He also shows skill and awareness as a pass rusher to create chaos in the backfield. Whether harassing quarterbacks or destroying runs and perimeter screens, Scott’s aggressiveness near the line of scrimmage will make him a valuable asset as a slot defender in a creative defensive scheme.
With more teams employing three-safety schemes and “dime” defenses with more than six defensive backs on the field, the super senior could carve out a long career as a designated playmaker.
