4 Defensive NFL Draft Risers From Week 3

Edge Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke

Vincent Anthony Jr. did not enter the season as a prominent name in the 2026 NFL Draft, but after his incredible start to the season, he is putting himself into draft consideration. He had a three-sack game against Illinois in Week 2, and followed it up with another impressive game against Tulane in Week 3, where he recorded one sack and a forced fumble. Through three weeks, he has recorded the most sacks in the entire country, and he has showcased incredible length, good bend, and solid play strength.

CB Collin Wright, Stanford

Collin Wright was a standout performer in Stanford’s first win of the season over Boston College. Wright recorded a pick-six and helped the Cardinal defense shut out the Boston College offense in the second half. Wright is an experienced player in his third straight season as a full-time starter. He offers versatility with the ability to play outside corner, slot corner, and safety. Wright earned a spot on the Senior Bowl Top 300 List this offseason, and with his experience, versatility, and strong start to this season, he is certainly a name to watch in this year’s draft class.

S Bishop Fitzgerald, USC

Bishop Fitzgerald was not a player who had a ton of NFL Draft buzz in the offseason, but through three weeks, he has potentially put himself into draft conversations as one of the best defensive players in the nation in the early part of the season. Fitzgerald recorded two interceptions against Purdue, including a game-sealing interception in the red zone late in the fourth quarter in a two-score game. He is currently one of five players leading the country with three interceptions, and is one of only two of those leaders with a pick-six interception. He is also currently the highest graded safety in the country, according to PFF, with a 93.8 overall defense grade and a 92.8 coverage grade, which is best among all safeties as well.

DL Keyshawn James-Newby, New Mexico

Keyshawn James-Newby began his career at the NAIA level at Montana Tech and has worked his way up to the FBS level, where he continues to have great success. He was one of the top players in the FCS last season at Idaho, where he was a Buchanan Award Finalist. He transferred to New Mexico for this season, and like his two sack game against Oregon and three sack game against Wyoming last season, he is currently showing that he has the talent to play against a higher level of competition. Against UCLA, James-Newby had 12 pressures and recorded a 91.1 PFF pass rush grade to earn PFF Week 3 National Defensive Player of the Week honors. 

James-Newby is an under-the-radar draft prospect right now, but he is a good athlete, and he has the pass-rush ability to potentially make it to the NFL if he continues to put together performances like the one he had against UCLA.