12 Forgotten NFL Draft Prospects from 2026 Class Who Could Become Stars
By Jason Bolton January 09, 2026 06:31
As the confetti settles on the 2025 college football season and scouts sharpen their pencils for the Senior Bowl and NFL combine, the 2026 draft class is taking shape. Sure, the blue-chippers like Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (Heisman winner with 3,172 yards, 36 TDs) and Oregon's Dante Moore (3,280 yards, 30 TDs) dominate mocks. But every draft has its hidden gems the overlooked talents who slip through early hype cycles only to explode in the pros. These "forgotten" prospects, often from smaller programs or buried on depth charts, boast intriguing tools, breakout 2025 stats, and traits that scream upside. Drawing from scouting reports and insider buzz, here are 12 under-the-radar names who could rewrite their narratives come April and become NFL stars down the line.
1. Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
Once a dual-threat dynamo in the FCS shadows, Payton led the Bison to an unbeaten regular season in 2025, throwing for 16 touchdowns while rushing for 13 more. At 6-3, 220 pounds, his arm strength and escapability draw comparisons to a raw Josh Allen. "If some top QBs return to school, he could climb the pecking order," noted USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz. In a thin QB class, Payton's developmental upside could make him a mid-round steal for teams like the Raiders.
2. Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Hurst transferred from Valdosta State and immediately imposed himself at the FBS level, hauling in 71 catches for 1,004 yards and six scores in 2025. His 6-3, 210-pound frame makes him a red-zone nightmare, with contested-catch ability that screams pro potential. "He has the tools to be an imposing downfield threat," Middlehurst-Schwartz observed. Forgotten amid Power 5 stars, Hurst could rise like recent Group of 5 risers such as Puka Nacua.
3. Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
The younger brother of Trey Lance (2021 No. 3 pick), Bryce averaged 21.2 yards per catch in 2025 after a 17-touchdown explosion the prior year. His reliable hands and red-zone prowess make him a contested-catch specialist. "He figures to be an immediate asset on jump balls," per USA Today. In a WR-loaded class, Lance's pedigree and production could vault him into Day 2.
4. Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
At just 5-9, 170 pounds, Thompson scorched SEC defenses in 2025, averaging 17.9 yards per catch and topping 60 yards in his final six games. His elite speed turns slants into house calls, drawing gadget comparisons to Tyreek Hill. "He could become the kind of big-play threat defenses must account for," Middlehurst-Schwartz wrote. Underrated in a deep WR group, Thompson's testing could spark a pre-draft surge.
5. Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Overshadowed as Brock Bowers' successor, Delp never topped 250 receiving yards in a season but flashed as a run blocker and pass protector. The former top TE recruit brings a high floor with untapped upside. "The best might be yet to come," per USA Today. In a TE class lacking elite athletes, Delp's blocking versatility could make him a Day 3 gem for teams like the Patriots.
6. Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
A Nigeria native who didn't play football until junior college, Iheanachor earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 with nimble feet and raw power. His strides in technique scream project potential. "He's the kind of imposing tackle coaches leap at," Middlehurst-Schwartz noted. Forgotten in a tackle-heavy class, Iheanachor could develop into a starter like Orlando Brown Jr.
7. Malachi Lawrence, DE, Central Florida
Lawrence tied for fifth in the Big 12 with seven sacks in 2025, weaponizing his length and speed off the edge. While run defense remains a liability, his pass-rush traits shine. "With proper development, he could be a promising edge threat," per USA Today. In a edge-rusher premium draft, Lawrence's tools make him a mid-round sleeper.
8. Mateen Ibirogba, DT, Wake Forest
A Georgetown transfer, Ibirogba was steadily disruptive in 2025 with two sacks and havoc-creating interior pressure. Contrasting space-eating noses, his agility draws suitors. "His ability to create havoc could make him a bargain," Middlehurst-Schwartz said. Underrated amid DT stars, Ibirogba fits as a rotational piece.
9. Devon Marshall, CB, North Carolina State
Marshall, a Villanova transfer, posted an FBS-high 15 pass breakups in 2025, including two picks and six PBUs in one game against Florida State. His one-on-one relish suits zone schemes. "His arrow is pointing up," per USA Today. Forgotten in a CB class led by Caleb Downs, Marshall could rise like recent mid-round steals.
10. Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
Masses transferred from FIU and became a ballhawk, leading the FBS with 18 passes defended and tying for fifth with five interceptions in 2025. A first-team All-ACC pick, he's suited for zone coverage. "He could end up as a mid-round bargain," Middlehurst-Schwartz observed. In a draft needing DBs, Masses' production screams value.
11. Robert Henry, RB, UTSA
Henry's elusive style draws James Cook comps, with 2025 stats topping 1,000 rushing yards and explosive bursts. "He plays like Cook they're athletically comparable," Footballguys' Matt Waldman said. Forgotten amid RB depth, Henry's vision could make him a change-of-pace star.
12. Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
Robertson threw for over 3,000 yards in 2025, showcasing arm talent in Baylor's air-raid. Draft Countdown calls him a "deep dive sleeper" with upside. In a QB-needy draft, his mechanics could elevate him to Day 2.
Drafts are won on Day 3 steals, and these 12 fit the bill raw tools, late blooms, and overlooked pedigrees. As one scout told ESPN, "The class has depth in the shadows." Come combine time, don't be surprised if these forgotten faces become unforgettable.
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