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The 2026 NFL Draft was loaded with big-name talent at the top of the board, but often, it’s the late-round gems who prove to be the most valuable picks.
Every fan base across the league can look back at their favorite team’s history and see a handful of selections that went under the radar at the time, but ended up being key contributors who proved they should have been drafted much earlier.
As preseason action continues, here’s a look at the most underrated player from every team’s 2026 rookie class:
Arizona Cardinals
WR Reggie Virgil
The Cards don’t have an immediate need in their starting lineup for a high-impact pass-catcher, but Virgil’s big frame and reliable hands should give them some valuable depth. A fifth-round pick out of Texas Tech, Virgil has impressed throughout training camp whenever the ball has come his way. Whenever he does see the field, Virgil should give Arizona another productive target who could easily outplay his draft slot down the road.
Atlanta Falcons
LB Harold Perkins Jr.
If you rewind a year or two, you’ll find Perkins in the first round of many mock drafts. A highly touted recruit coming out of high school, injuries and inconsistency kept Perkins from living up to the hype at LSU, and the Tigers struggled to find the right spot in the lineup for his frame and skill set. The talent is still there, though, and if the Falcons can find the right way to unleash what he brings to the table, Perkins could prove to be a massive steal as a sixth-round pick.
Baltimore Ravens
CB Chandler Rivers
Baltimore’s defense struggled at every level last year, and they need more consistent performers who can create big plays in 2026. Enter Rivers, a Day 2 talent who fell all the way to the fifth round, likely over concerns about his undersized frame. That lack of ideal size didn’t keep Rivers from making a big impact at Duke, as his combination of quickness, polished technique, physicality and competitiveness made him a valuable defensive weapon. He’s capable of being a quality starter in the slot for the Ravens.
Buffalo Bills
DL Zane Durant
He may not be on Ed Oliver’s level, but Durant is another undersized but explosive interior defender who can create serious problems for opposing offenses. Durant gets off the ball in a hurry, bursting into the backfield to wreak havoc on quarterbacks and running backs alike. He obviously gives up some power as a run defender, but in the right situational role, Durant’s ability to make splash plays behind the line of scrimmage could make him a massive bargain as a fifth-round selection.
Carolina Panthers
S Zakee Wheatley
Wheatley was one of my favorite safety prospects to watch throughout the predraft process, and deserved to be a Day 2 pick. Instead, the Panthers stole him in the fifth round, landing a versatile playmaker who can line up all over the secondary and create big plays. Wheatley’s ability to play over the top, down the box, or out in the slot should give Carolina a ton of options when he’s on the field, and his knack for finding the ball quickly and violently should make him a starter before too long.
Chicago Bears
LB Keyshaun Elliott
Injuries exposed the Bears’ lack of quality depth at linebacker last season, and Elliott should keep that from being an issue moving forward. An athletic defender who packs a punch when he gets to the ball-carrier, Elliott has a three-down skill set and the physical traits to make a big impact against both the run and pass, which will serve Chicago well if he needs to be inserted into the starting lineup at any point this season. In the meantime, Elliott should make an instant impact on special teams as a fifth-round bargain.
Cincinnati Bengals
DL Landon Robinson
Given his lack of size and playing his college ball at Navy, it wasn’t surprising to see Robinson slip to Day 3. But given his ability to disrupt the trenches with explosiveness and power, it’s shocking that nobody took a chance on Robinson’s upside before the Bengals stole him in the seventh round. Robinson is the kind of upfield disruptor who would be the perfect complement to Dexter Lawrence along the interior of Cincy’s defensive front, and he already showed off his upside with an impressive performance in the Bengals’ preseason opener. Expect more where that came from.
Cleveland Browns
QB Taylen Green
All of the attention in Cleveland has been focused on the battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson for the starting job, but neither of them are the most talented quarterback on this roster. That would be Green, who brings a rare skill set with his combination of size, arm strength, and elite speed/athleticism. He still needs a ton of refinement when it comes to being an efficient, consistent passer from the pocket, but he was well worth a sixth-round pick after the promise he showed at Arkansas. It’ll take some time, but Green’s potential is through the roof.
Dallas Cowboys
LB Jaishawn Barham
Throughout the predraft process, Barham became one of my favorite defenders to watch and project. He may not have the same level of athleticism and upside of top-10 pick Arvell Reese, but his skill set and potential usage feels similar, given what we saw on tape from him throughout his college career. At Michigan, I saw a player who can line up all over the front seven and create assignment problems for opposing blockers, and I’m betting the Cowboys’ defensive coaching staff saw the same thing. If he stays healthy, Barham can become an absolute game-wrecker in this defense.
Denver Broncos
LB Red Murdock
Heading into the draft, I had a fourth-round grade on Murdock, who was a top-150 player on my board. He nearly went undrafted, but the Broncos wisely spent a late seventh-round pick to get him in their building. After flying around on tape and making big plays at Buffalo, Murdock now joins one of the league’s most dominant defenses, where they have a long-term need for an off-ball linebacker who can make a three-down impact. After flying under the radar throughout the draft process, Murdock is perfectly placed to fill that need.
Detroit Lions
CB Keith Abney II
If I were an NFL general manager in need of a versatile corner with starter potential, I would have happily spent a Day 2 pick on Abney in this draft. Luckily for the Lions, Abney was still on the board in the fifth round, giving them a massive bargain at a position where they desperately need more quality depth. Abney is undersized, but you wouldn’t know it from the way he plays, and his ability to line up on the outside or in the slot gives him the ability to fill in at multiple spots. Injuries have plagued this unit in recent years, and following the Terrion Arnold situation, Abney should be in position to make a huge impact despite being a late-round pick.
Green Bay Packers
WR J. Michael Sturdivant
The Packers only had a six-man draft class this year, but they were still able to land some gems after the draft. Sturdivant earned a sixth-round grade from me, but Green Bay grabbed him as an undrafted free agent, bringing his intriguing blend of size and playmaking ability to an already promising group of pass-catchers. Given the injury issues the Packers have had at the position, Sturdivant could end up on the field plenty if he continues his strong training camp/preseason and earns a spot on the 53-man roster as a big-bodied target for Jordan Love.
Houston Texans
DB Kamari Ramsey
This franchise knows how to identify defensive talent at every level, and they’ve done it again with Ramsey, who brings versatility and big-play ability to an already talented secondary. While he spent much of last season in the slot for USC, Ramsey’s best role is patrolling the deep areas of the field, where he can read and react to the ball and close quickly for takeaways. He already grabbed one in Houston’s preseason opener, and for a player who should’ve been a Day 2 selection, there should be plenty more big plays ahead for this fifth-round pick.
Indianapolis Colts
WR Deion Burks
A top-100 player on my board heading into the draft, Burks somehow made it all the way to the seventh round, where the Colts snatched him up with their final selection (No. 254 overall). An undersized but explosive playmaker, Burks created a ton of big plays down the field at Oklahoma, and with the injuries and offseason departures the Colts have dealt with at the position, there should be plenty of opportunities for him to make a splash early on. If he gets the snaps, it won’t be surprising to see Burks challenging opposing defenses over the top for some big plays this season and beyond.
Jacksonville Jaguars
WR Josh Cameron
Wide receiver might be the Jags’ deepest position group, but that didn’t keep them from grabbing a bargain in the fifth round with Cameron, who brings a unique skill set to the offense. A tough, physical playmaker who is built more like a running back, Cameron excels at turning short catches into big gains with his physicality and contact balance, and he knows how to use his size to his advantage in contested-catch situations. He might have a tough time getting on the field this year (barring injury), but Cameron could make a big impact in the return game. No matter what, getting him in the later rounds was a huge win for Jacksonville.
Kansas City Chiefs
RB Emmett Johnson
It looks like the cat is already out of the bag with Cyrus Allen, but he’s not the only Day 3 steal the Chiefs landed in this year’s draft. Johnson was a recruiting afterthought coming out of high school, but after patiently waiting his turn at Nebraska, he delivered some big numbers as a full-time starter for the Huskers. All eyes will be on Kenneth Walker III in the Chiefs’ backfield this year, but Johnson is a tough, explosive back who has proven he can handle a full workload. He should be a valuable backup who can handle starting duties if Walker gets banged up at any point.
Las Vegas Raiders
CB Hezekiah Masses
The Raiders landed a first-round talent in the fourth round with Jermod McCoy due to his recovery from a knee injury, but they also landed another starting-caliber corner on Day 3 with Masses. A smooth mover with fluid footwork and impressive technique, Masses has the polish and ball skills to quickly push for a starting job despite being a fifth-round selection. I had a fourth-round grade on Masses, and while McCoy is getting most of the attention right now, this guy deserves more buzz as a late-round steal at a premium position where there’s a huge need in Vegas.
Los Angeles Chargers
DB Genesis Smith
There will be big questions for the Chargers to answer on defense this year after losing coordinator Jesse Minter to the Ravens’ head-coaching job, but picks like this one will help the transition. Smith is another versatile defender who can line up over the top or in the slot, with the instincts, intelligence, ball skills and athleticism to be a big-play machine when the ball comes his way. Smith was a top-100 player on my board with a third-round grade, Smith nearly made a one-handed interception in his preseason debut (one foot landed out of bounds), and I won’t be surprised if he proves to be a steal.
Los Angeles Rams
DL Tim Keenan III
I’ve talked/written multiple times about how much I love the fit with CJ Daniels and this offense, but he’s not the only late-round steal the Rams got out of this class. I had a fourth-round grade on Keenan heading into the draft, but Los Angeles was able to wait until the seventh round to grab him. A massive mauler at the point of attack, Keenan’s powerful frame makes him tough to move in the run game, and this defense could use a true nose tackle who can handle those early-down responsibilities in the trenches. Even as a two-down player, Keenan could bring a ton of value to the Rams as a late-round selection.
Miami Dolphins
LB Kyle Louis
Miami’s full rebuild got a ton of help with a massive draft class, and Louis might be my favorite player they added in the entire offseason. A versatile defender who lined up all over the place at Pitt, Louis has an undersized frame for a traditional linebacker, but he makes up for it with the athleticism and instincts to make huge plays against both the run and pass. He’s proven he can even move out and cover in the slot, which will give the Dolphins a ton of flexibility with what they call on defense. This guy’s a star in the making, which isn’t too shabby for a fourth-round pick.
Minnesota Vikings
CB Charles Demmings
One of my favorite small-school prospects in this class, Demmings was always going to be one of my favorite sleeper picks, and that was before he landed in Brian Flores’ defense. This scheme will be the perfect fit for the size, length, and playing style that Demmings brings to the table, and Flores will love his physicality and competitiveness. Minnesota already has an experienced starting lineup at corner, but don’t be surprised if Demmings forces his way into a rotational role while making an instant impact on special teams.
New England Patriots
OT Dametrious Crownover
The Pats have invested first-round picks both last year and this year at offensive tackle, but the best value they’ve landed at the position could end up being Crownover. I had a fourth-round grade on the Texas A&M product (No. 116 overall on my board), thanks to an impressive blend of size, power and athleticism. He’s still chasing consistency as he learns to maximize those impressive physical tools, but there’s a world in which both 2025 top-five pick Will Campbell and 2026 first-rounder Caleb Lomu both end up sliding inside to guard, while Crownover ends up starting long-term at tackle as a sixth-rounder.
New Orleans Saints
TE Oscar Delp
After Kenyon Sadiq (this year’s No. 16 overall pick), Delp was the next-best tight end on my board, and a top-50 overall prospect in the draft. But five more tight ends came off the board before the Saints grabbed Delp in the third round, and I won’t be surprised if he outplays them all. Georgia’s run-first offense turned Delp into a capable blocker, but it took full advantage of his value as a pass-catching weapon far too often. That should change in New Orleans, where Delp’s combination of size and athleticism should make him a valuable mismatch weapon against back-seven defenders down the field.
New York Giants
OT J.C. Davis
The Giants have solid veterans at both tackle spots for the time being, but having a reliable swing tackle with NFL traits and a ton of starting experience is a massive asset. That’s what Davis could bring as a four-year starter who held his ground against some of the nation’s best edge rushers in the Big Ten over the past two seasons. He’s got a powerful frame, and ideal arm length for the positions, and the Giants landed him a round later than he should’ve come off the board. He should give them valuable depth in case injuries knock either of their starters out of the lineup.
New York Jets
S VJ Payne
Payne’s NFL career isn’t off to a great start thanks to a bone bruise that will keep him out of preseason action, but I’m still bullish on his potential. He started 42 games at the college level, and with his combination of size, length and range, Payne has all the physical and intangible traits to eventually develop into a quality starter at the NFL level. I had a fourth-round grade on him, but the Jets somehow managed to snag him in the seventh round, making him a massive bargain who could eventually make a big impact for a rebuilding team once he gets back to full strength.
Philadelphia Eagles
LB Deontae Lawson
A knee injury kept Lawson from being a potential top-50 pick coming out of Alabama as an underclassman, but he still earned a fourth-round grade from me after a solid senior season with the Crimson Tide. The Eagles were able to land him as an undrafted free agent, giving them a huge value with Lawson’s well-rounded skill set, experience against top competition, and leadership qualities. He’s been impressive throughout training camp and the preseason so far, which should come as no surprise to anyone who watched his college tape. He should make this roster, and there’s a chance he eventually earns a starting job.
Pittsburgh Steelers
S Robert Spears-Jennings
It’s hard to find starting caliber players in the seventh round, but the Steelers may have done just that with Spears-Jennings. A downhill rocket with elite straight-line speed, Spears-Jennings has the range to be a disruptive playmaker at all levels of the field. He’s already flashed those traits multiple times throughout training camp practices and preseason action so far, and he clearly doesn’t lack for confidence. If he keeps making big plays, it won’t be surprising to see him forcing his way onto the field in the regular season, and not just on special teams.
San Francisco 49ers
DL Gracen Halton
There are few things more valuable to an NFL defense than interior pressure, and when combing through film on this year’s top prospects, Halton was clearly among the best in that department. He consistently found his way into opposing backfields at lightning speed, creating havoc as both a pass rusher and a run stuffer. He was the No. 87 overall player on my board (third-round grade), but the 49ers grabbed him at No. 107 in the fourth round. Judging by the early returns from training camp and the preseason opener, San Francisco could have a disruptive force on their hands, and a fantastic value pick for Raheem Morris’ defense.
Seattle Seahawks
DB Julian Neal
Neal was selected about where I expected based on my board, but it’s the fit in Seattle’s defense that could make him even more valuable. Mike Macdonald’s unit lost one big, long corner in Riq Woolen, but Neal’s measurements are an ideal replacement. He also knows how to use those traits, playing with physicality and competitiveness that makes life difficult for opposing receivers. Neal has the versatility to also line up at safety, if needed, giving him all kinds of ways to make a big impact for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB Jalon Daniels
There’s nothing in the NFL more valuable than a capable quarterback, and the Bucs didn’t even have to spend a draft pick to land one in Daniels, who was a dynamic playmaker at Kansas. He gets plenty of credit for his dual-threat ability, but Daniels is an efficient operator in the pocket, in addition to his ability to make big plays when things break down and he’s forced to rely on his athleticism. Baker Mayfield will be Tampa Bay’s starter for a while yet (even if on the franchise tag), and they signed an experienced veteran in Jake Browning to serve as his backup. But Daniels is an intriguing long-term investment who could pay huge dividends down the road as an undrafted free agent.
Tennessee Titans
RB Nicholas Singleton
Singleton was easily one of the most talented running backs in this year’s draft, but he suffered a foot injury during Senior Bowl practice that put a damper on his predraft process. His loss was the Titans’ gain, as they landed what could have easily been a Day 2 pick in the fifth round. Singleton is a complete back with all the traits to be a three-down workhorse at the next level, and after splitting carries with Kaytron Allen at Penn State, he’ll have plenty of tread on his tires at the NFL level. The Titans won’t need him to be that kind of featured back right away, but he could grow into a huge role down the road.
Washington Commanders
RB Kaytron Allen
Speaking of Allen, he went a round later than Singleton, making him a similar bargain for Washington relative to his skill set, value, and college production. I would’ve understood if Allen fell to the fourth round given most teams unwillingness to spend early-round picks on the position, but he should’ve been long gone by the 187th overall spot. Washington has some capable backs on the roster, but Allen has the best shot to earn the top spot on the depth chart long term, thanks to a well-rounded skill set and proven track record of production against top competition.
More must-reads:
- Vikings seem to have made J.J. McCarthy call after Kyler Murray decision
- Saints' Jordyn Tyson injury an opportunity for other rookie WRs to step up
- The 'Rookie passing leader by team' quiz
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