Five NFL Draft prospects who improved their stock with strong pro days

The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here, and the final evaluations are underway. The pro day circuit has become a last, high-stakes audition — a chance for college prospects to sharpen impressions, answer lingering questions and, in some cases, force evaluators to take a second look ahead of the draft in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.

Some top names, like Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, used their pro days primarily to confirm elite traits, while others delivered eye-opening workouts that boosted their stock, erased doubts or cemented their rankings. 

Here are five who improved their 2026 NFL Draft stock: 

QB Ty Simpson | Alabama

Pro day: March 25

Simpson (6-foot-1, 211 pounds) is widely considered the second-best QB in the draft, and he only cemented that status at his pro day. Pro Football Focus ranks him the second-best QB, behind Mendoza and ahead of LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, who is ranked third. 

In 2025, Simpson threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdown passes and five interceptions. 

At his pro day, Simpson demonstrated command within the pocket and the ability to deliver with good ball placement at all levels of the field.

“I know I’m ready,” Simpson said, per The Athletic. “Wherever I go, whether I have to sit or play, just know I’m going to give it my all.”

OL Josh Gesky | Illinois

Pro day: March 12

Gesky hasn't received much notice during the draft process. The interior offensive lineman was not even invited to the NFL Combine. But the 6-foot-3, 300-pound mauler impressed at his school's pro day, running a 4.94 40-yard dash and posting a 33-inch vertical and 30 reps on the bench press.

The New Orleans Saints recently held a private workout for the versatile interior player who could rise up draft boards. 

QB Fernando Mendoza | Indiana

Pro day: April 1

Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) didn't "rise" because he is already the top prospect in the 2026 draft. What he did was solidify his position and command a higher price for teams interested in trading up with the Las Vegas Raiders for the future franchise QB. (The Raiders are widely expected to keep the pick.)

During his pro day, Mendoza commanded the scene, communicating vocally with his receivers and delivering with elite accuracy (53-for-56 completions). 

"Mendoza doesn't have rare physical gifts," PFF noted, "but his football IQ, football character and ball placement are top-class." 

WR Skyler Bell | UConn

Pro day: March 24

Bell (6-foot, 185 pounds) has been steadily rising since his strong combine showing, where he posted a 41-inch vertical and a 4.4 40-yard dash. At his pro day, attended by the WR-needy Buffalo Bills, he built on that momentum by posting elite marks, including a 6.65 in the three-cone drill and a 4.11 in the pro shuttle. 

Bell demonstrated excellent route-running precision and change-of-direction ability, areas critical for creating separation. He has deep-threat potential, positioning him as a reliable Day 2 selection.

DT Tyas Martin | Marshall

Pro day: March 11

At his pro day, Martin — who had an average 2025 season — showed good power, pad level and hand usage to create leverage. He met with the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers. 

At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, Martin solidified himself as a high-upside Day 3 pick.