The 2026 NFL Draft is less than 70 days away. Much will change between now and draft day, including at the end of the month with the NFL Combine.
Which draft prospects are seeing their stock rise, and which are falling? Let’s examine three risers and three fallers as we head into the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason.
- 2026 NFL Draft Guide
- 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- 2026 NFL Mock Drafts
- Dynasty Rookie Mock Drafts
2026 NFL Draft Risers & Fallers
NFL Draft Risers
The 2026 quarterback class is one of the worst in recent history. Fernando Mendoza will be the first overall pick, while Ty Simpson should be a first-round selection. Unfortunately, the rest of the class lacks appeal. However, Nussmeier played well enough during the Senior Bowl week put himself in the second-round conversation. Furthermore, the former LSU star is a heavy favorite to be the third quarterback selected after Trinidad Chambliss was granted another year of eligibility at Ole Miss. Don’t be surprised if Nussmeier ends up being a top-50 pick.
Max Iheanachor (OT -Arizona State)
Five offensive tackles came off the board in the first round of last year’s draft, including two in the final four picks. Fans should expect similar results this year, with potentially six coming off the board on Day 1 after Iheanachor’s performance during Senior Bowl week. The former Arizona State star was considered the far-and-away top offensive lineman throughout the event, showcasing his athleticism and movement skills in pass protection. Iheanachor is a near lock to come off the board in the first round and could be a top-20 selection.
LSU’s Mansoor Delane will likely be the first cornerback drafted. However, the No. 2 cornerback off the board could be Hood. Jermod McCoy didn’t play in 2025 because of a torn ACL, while Avieon Terrell had a down year like the entire Clemson team. Meanwhile, Hood had an excellent lone season at Tennessee as the team’s No. 1 cornerback, totaling 50 tackles, eight passes defended, and two defensive touchdowns, setting career-highs in every category. Several teams picking between seventh and 13th overall who have a significant need at cornerback.
NFL Draft Fallers
Unfortunately, Sadiq’s draft stock has slightly slipped since the end of the college football season. However, it has nothing to do with the former Oregon star and more to do with the defensive-heavy draft class and team needs. Thanks to last year’s outstanding class, several teams don’t need to spend a first-round pick on a tight end, leaving limited spots for Sadiq to come off the board. While he remains a first-round lock, the former Oregon star is likely a mid-to-late Day 1 pick rather than a top-15 option.
There is at least one first-round graded college offensive tackle who scouts believe is better suited to play inside in the NFL. This year, Proctor is that offensive tackle. Unfortunately, that label and the rising draft stock of Monroe Freeling and Max Iheanachor could push the former Alabama star down draft boards. Furthermore, some scouts fear Proctor could be the next Evan Neal. While he shouldn’t slip out of the first round, Proctor might have to wait until the late 20s before hearing his name called on draft night.
Hill entered the 2025 college football season as a potential top-15 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Unfortunately for him, Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles had excellent years, pushing Hill out of the top two linebacker slots. Meanwhile, C.J. Allen and Jake Golday had outstanding seasons and moved ahead of the former Texas star in most rankings. Furthermore, some scouts have a higher draft grade on Jacob Rodriguez and Josiah Trotter than Hill. He will need a massive showing at the NFL Combine to get back into the first-round conversation.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
