Every year, the NFL Draft is dominated by big names, flashy highlights, and first-round projections. Fans and analysts spend months debating which quarterback will go No. 1 or which superstar prospect will change a franchise overnight. But if you look closely at past drafts, the real story often unfolds later. That is where the hidden gems come in.
The 2026 NFL Draft is no different. While the spotlight is on the top prospects, there is growing buzz around a group of underrated players who are quietly climbing boards based on early scouting reports and pre-draft evaluations. These players may not have the same hype right now, but they have the tools, production, and upside to become future stars at the next level.
Advertisement
MORE: Fernando Mendoza’s Indiana Pro Day updates, highlights before 2026 NFL Draft
Finding hidden gems is not just about stats. It comes down to context, system fit, athletic traits, and long-term development. Some prospects are overlooked because they come from smaller programs. Others are still refining their game or have not had consistent national exposure. That does not mean they cannot succeed in the NFL.
Here are some under-the-radar prospects who could turn into major steals.
Advertisement
Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton (QB15) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton (QB15) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Let’s start with a classic developmental quarterback.
Cole Payton has not received widespread first-round attention, but his dual-threat ability makes him intriguing. He is still developing as a passer, yet his athleticism and versatility stand out.
Advertisement
Why he could break out:
Dynamic rushing ability
High developmental upside
Could thrive in a creative offensive system
Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
North Dakota State wideout Bryce Lance (WO26) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Dakota State wideout Bryce Lance (WO26) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Bryce Lance, the younger brother of Trey Lance, brings size and athleticism to the table.
He has not faced top-tier competition consistently, which has limited his exposure, but the physical tools are there for him to develop into a vertical threat.
Why he could break out:
Strong athletic profile
Big-play potential downfield
Upside as a deep threat receiver
MORE: Does the Jalen Hurts discourse make sense?
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Florida offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (OL47) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (OL47) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Interior linemen often fly under the radar, but Jake Slaughter has built a reputation as a reliable and technically sound center.
He projects as a player who could contribute early thanks to his consistency and awareness in pass protection.
Why he could break out:
Solid fundamentals and technique
High floor as a prospect
Immediate depth or starting potential
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Indiana Hoosiers defensive back DÕAngelo Ponds (5) warms up prior to the game at Memorial Stadium.
Aug 31, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive back DÕAngelo Ponds (5) warms up prior to the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
D’Angelo Ponds is gaining attention for his playmaking ability and instincts in coverage.
While he may not yet be a mainstream name, his athletic traits and ball skills make him a strong candidate to outperform his draft position.
Why he could break out:
Good instincts in coverage
Playmaking ability on the ball
Fits modern pass-heavy defensive schemes
Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
Oct 11, 2025; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) celebrates on the sideline after a long touchdown run in the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Demond Claiborne has started to generate buzz thanks to his speed and explosiveness.
While exact testing numbers vary across reports, he is widely viewed as one of the faster backs in this class.
Why he could break out:
Explosive running style
Big-play capability
Potential to carve out an early role in the right system
Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Max Klare catches a pass during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Max Klare catches a pass during Pro Day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletics Center on March 25, 2026.
Max Klare is a name that is still flying under the radar, but his receiving ability makes him an intriguing tight end prospect.
He has shown flashes as a versatile pass catcher who can line up in different spots.
Why he could break out:
Strong receiving upside
Versatility across formations
Fits the modern pass-catching tight end role
MORE: Greatest NFL MVP seasons ever, ranked from elite to legendary
Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State
Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) passes the ball as Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. (6) chases in the first overtime period at Scott Stadium
Sep 26, 2025; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) passes the ball as Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. (6) chases in the first overtime period at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Darrell Jackson Jr. brings the kind of size and physical tools that NFL teams look for in defensive linemen.
He may not be getting first-round buzz, but his traits and run-stopping ability give him a solid foundation.
Why he could break out:
Impressive size and strength
Strong against the run
Developmental upside as a three-down player
Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi State wideout Brenen Thompson (WO39) runs in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Brenen Thompson is known for his speed, which immediately stands out on tape.
Even without fully verified testing numbers, his ability to stretch the field makes him a dangerous weapon.
Why he could break out:
Elite speed profile
Big-play threat
Potential impact as a deep target early
Every draft produces its share of surprises, and the 2026 class will likely follow that pattern. While the top prospects will dominate headlines, history shows that some of the most valuable players emerge from outside the spotlight.
If even a few of these under-the-radar names land in the right situation, they could quickly outperform expectations and become key contributors at the next level.