The 2026 NFL Draft is nearly here. While most of the attention has been on players expected to get drafted in the first or second round, NFL teams find the diamonds in the rough during the third round and on Day 3. Therefore, let’s look at 10 potential NFL Draft sleepers who won’t hear their name called during the first two rounds.
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2026 NFL Draft Sleepers
Drew Allar (QB – Penn State)
Allar might be one of the most polarizing prospects in the NFL Draft. His draft stock plummeted in 2025 after a rocky start to the year, before suffering a season-ending broken ankle. However, he has several raw tools that scouts love, including size, arm strength, and sneaky athleticism. Hopefully, Allar lands in a spot where he can spend a year or two learning from the bench. His ideal landing spot would be in the third round to the Los Angeles Rams.
Nick Singleton (RB – Penn State)
Unfortunately, Singleton had a disappointing 2025 season, like many Penn State players. After averaging 6.4 yards per rushing attempt and 73.3 yards per game in 2024, Singleton averaged 4.5 and 45.8 last year, setting career lows or near lows in both categories. Furthermore, his draft stock has slipped because he has missed most of the pre-draft process after suffering a broken foot during the Senior Bowl week. Yet, Singleton is an explosive runner and can have an impact in the passing game when healthy.
Skyler Bell (WR – UConn)
Despite not having a big-name quarterback at UConn, Bell had a breakout season and was one of the top wide receivers in the country last year. He had 101 receptions for 1,278 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking in the top four in college football in every category. Furthermore, the former UConn star was a Consensus All-American, earning the honor over several wide receivers expected to be drafted ahead of him. Don’t be surprised if Bell makes an All-Rookie team if he lands in a capable offense.
Bryce Lance (WR – North Dakota State)
While some draft evaluators will knock him for playing at North Dakota State, Lance is an underrated prospect. Trey Lance’s younger brother had back-to-back years with over 1,000 receiving yards to end his college career. Furthermore, he had 25 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons, including 17 in 2024 with Cam Miller under center. Lance is an athletic star, ranking in the 94th percentile or better among wide receivers in 40-yard dash (4.34), broad jump (133”), and vertical jump (41.5”).
Brian Parker II (OL – Duke)
Every year, there is at least one prospect who played left tackle in college that scouts want to move inside to either guard or center. Former Duke star Graham Barton was that guy in 2024, and Parker is this year’s prospect. Unfortunately, his arm length measured at 32 and 7/8 inches at the NFL Combine, just short of the ideal threshold of 33 inches. Yet, the former Duke star will likely be drafted in the third round and be a star as a rookie.
Dani Dennis-Sutton (EDGE – Penn State)
Dennis-Sutton received first-round hype heading into the 2025 college football season. While Penn State fell short of expectations, Dennis-Sutton quietly had another impressive year. After totaling 13 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks in 16 games in 2024, he had 12 and 8.5 in 13 games last season. Furthermore, Dennis-Sutton is an explosive freak, ranking in the 95th percentile or better among edge rushers in broad jump (131”) and vertical jump (39.5”). Don’t be surprised if he ranks among the top rookies in sacks this year.
Kyle Louis (LB – Pittsburgh)
Some teams have Louis listed on their draft board as a linebacker, while others have him as a safety. Regardless of where he is listed on the team’s depth chart, Louis can make plays on defense. The former Pittsburgh star totaled 182 tackles, 24 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and six interceptions over his final two college seasons. Louis’ size (6’0” and 220 pounds) will hurt his draft stock, but he will be a difference maker for some team’s defense.
Malik Muhammad (CB – Texas)
Cornerback might be the deepest defensive position in the NFL Draft class. Muhammad has plenty of experience under his belt, starting 29 of 41 career games at Texas, including 25 over the past two seasons. According to PFF, he had only seven career penalties on 1,969 defensive snaps and a 57.7% allowed catch rate. The former Texas star is one of a handful of cornerbacks expected to come off the board in the third round who might be a second-round selection in most years.
Jalon Kilgore (DB – South Carolina)
Today’s NFL requires defenses to have chess piece players, guys they move all over the field based on the matchup and situation. Kilgore has drawn comparisons to Nick Emmanwori due to their similar size, length, and speed. While Emmanwori was the better prospect, Kilgore will also likely be drafted on Day 2. He can play multiple spots in the secondary, including as a traditional safety, a big nickel, and a dime linebacker, making him the ultimate weapon for a creative defensive coordinator.
Michael Taaffe (S – Texas)
While Taaffe will never be a star, the former Texas safety is a smart player who knows where he is supposed to be on every play. Unfortunately, Taaffe is far from an athletic freak, ranking in the bottom 29th percentile among safeties in size, weight, and arm length. However, he will be an impact player in the NFL for a long time thanks to his football IQ. At the least, Taaffe will get a locker room leader who makes an impact on special teams for the next decade.
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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.
