NFL Scouting Combine: Five under-the-radar prospects to watch

Quarterback Joe Fagnano ( UConn)

In a thin quarterback class, Fagnano (6-foot-4 and 225 pounds) could climb boards after throwing for 28 touchdowns and only one interception in 2025. He has drawn notice for his poise under pressure and arm talent. 

Strong on-field workouts and good interviews could push him into mid-round conversations as a developmental prospect. Fagnano and the rest of the quarterbacks will work out Saturday. 

Noted Ian Cummings of Pro Football And Sports Network about Fagnano's starting potential: "Good processor, decisive thrower... Can work under center & on boot actions... ultimately a Day 3 prospect, but he can be a very good backup/spot starter."

Wide receiver Brenen Thompson ( Mississippi State)

Thompson (5-foot-9 and 170 pounds), a former high school track star, can stretch the field vertically. If he runs a sub-4.3 40 as projected by some experts, he could become one of the biggest risers because pure speed sells at the combine. However, his ball-tracking skills continue to be highly underrated in this class.  

Thompson, who will start his positional drills Saturday, is the pick of The Athletic's Dane Brugler to run the fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine. 

"Thompson is small... but size doesn’t matter much if no one on the field can catch you," he wrote.

Running Back Mike Washington Jr. ( Arkansas)

Washington (6-foot-2 and 223 pounds) is known for his post-snap vision, contact balance and physical presence at the point of attack. A strong showing in positional drills and athletic testing could boost him even higher. 

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein noted about Washington: "He’s fast with loose hips and adequate agility... Washington has the traits and talent to become a solid rotational back."

The running backs begin drills on Saturday, joining the quarterbacks and receivers. 

Running Back Jonah Coleman (Washington)

Coleman (5-foot-9 and 228 pounds) has the potential to be a lead back. He's versatile, explosive and has good contact balance. Scouts love his athletic traits — if he clocks a fast 40 and shows good athletic ability, he could emerge as a high-upside Day 2 or early Day 3 pick as a change-of-pace weapon. 

Bleacher Report's Damian Parsons noted: "Coleman is a compact and densely built ball carrier who bowls through defenders like a boulder rolling downhill."

Tight end Dallen Bentley (Utah)

Bentley (6-foot-4 and 264 pounds) posted a solid production last season for Utah (620 yards receiving, 48 catches, six TD receptions). His route running and mental processing when attacking zone coverage stand out. A quick 40 and pro shuttle could elevate him. 

He will work out Friday with the rest of the tight ends. 

Noted Todd McShay on his podcast: "Bentley might be the guy where everyone’s like, ‘Where did he come from?’"