Spend enough hours grinding all-22, and you'll find yourself with prospects who tickle your fancy.
It's a bit of a yearly tradition, from Ashtyn Davis in the 2020 NFL Draft to Kyle Monangai last cycle, some guys are impossible to quit. They might not go on Day 1, but when they flash on Sundays how they did on Saturdays, it's rewarding all the same.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, there are few players I'll be rooting for harder than Virginia Tech Hokies running back Terion Stewart. He's not a lock to be drafted or carve out an NFL career, but if the league agrees with me, Stewart will find himself on a 53-man roster come September.
Terion Stewart's height goes viral
Stewart has largely flown under the radar this cycle, but he went viral when he fell victim to a similar fate to many of the Major League Baseball players getting measured for ABS.
As Stewart learned, you can only lie about your height for so long.
During Virginia Tech's pro day, Stewart measured in at 5'5 and 7'8" and 219 pounds. On the Hokies website, he's listed at 5'9". We won't make him update his Hinge, but it's a bit of a shock to the system for evaluators plugging that original frame into their models.
Fortunately, Stewart's height wasn't a sticking point on his profile. He always looked small, and that low center of gravity made him a tough assignment for oncoming tacklers.
The biggest difference now is that -- barring J.J. Taylor or Deuce Vaughn making an active roster -- Stewart would make his NFL debut as its shortest running back.
Shocked more people haven’t picked up on VA Tech’s Terion Stewart in a weak RB class.
Absolute unit, standing in at 5’9 and 222 pounds.
Forced a missed tackle on 47%(!) of his career carries. Highest ever tracked for a RB.
No other RB was above 40%. pic.twitter.com/fkdRyCed8f
— I Don’t Watch Film (Football Analytics) (@NoFilm_Analysis) February 3, 2026
Of course, Stewart has to survive cut-down day. But as a potential Day 3 pick, he offers a handful of traits that offenses should value. That's epitomized by his contact balance and ability to break tackles. It's an 80-grade trait in baseball terms and combines his stout frame with incredible leg drive and elite competitive toughness.
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Matched with enough burst and footwork, he's a human Beyblade who could make a living in short-distance situations. Likewise, his frame makes him a strong pass protector, and there may be enough consistency to trust him on a more down-to-down basis.
Explaining why he didn't get those reps in his lone season with the Hokies could be the key to whether he's draftable. After five seasons (including 2022, which he missed for mental health and academic reasons) with Bowling Green, Stewart's effectiveness was mitigated by his spot on the depth chart. As the backup running back in a run-heavy attack, he logged the third most attempts and yards at Virginia Tech.
Perhaps even more astonishing is the lack of receiving work throughout his career. Not every back projects as a dual-threat option out of the backfield. But Stewart has nine career catches, testing the limits of what's possible for a draftable back.
One can argue that Stewart's frame is his superpower, giving him access to the tackle-breaking ability that has put him (and kept him) on the NFL radar.
With his unique skill set, winding road to the pros, and admirable playstyle, there's a cult hero on Virginia Tech's campus. It remains unclear whether Stewart will be drafted, but the football world should anticipate him making noise if his 5'5" frame gets a shot this summer.
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