For many analysts, their minds are already starting to shift to the 2026 NFL Draft. They’re aggressively scouting college prospects who can develop into the next great playmakers in the league. Among them are standout players such as Tim Keenan III, Jordyn Tyson, Spencer Fano, LaNorris Sellers, D’Angelo Ponds, and Caleb Lomu. All three of these athletes proved to be stellar playmakers throughout their time in the college ranks, cementing themselves as potential first-round selections.
The draft anticipated to occur in late April 2026 is already having teams plan ahead in how they execute things. The Minnesota Vikings can’t wait to take advantage of this important roster-building opportunity. At the same time, the Miami Dolphins have plans of their own for big leaps forward. The Vikings have shored up the right side of their offensive line with guard Donovan Jackson. For those who do not know, the Dolphins are in the market for a talented outside cornerback to enhance their secondary.
Key Prospects to Watch
Alabama defensive tackle Tim Keenan III is no slouch either and is one of the hottest prospects going into the draft. Widely recognized for his violent impact on the football field, Keenan has established himself as a game-changing weapon in creating havoc within opposing offensive lines. His knack for getting in the backfield and making plays has Scouts all around the NFL buzzing about his game. Many analysts believe that his combination of size and agility will make him a valuable asset for any team looking to improve its defensive line.
Jordyn Tyson, a wide receiver from Arizona State, has been one of the biggest finds on this search. Possessing elite speed paired with advanced, precise route-running ability, Tyson is widely seen as a locked-in top-10 pick. He was one of the best tight end prospects ever in 2024, winning headlines when he caught 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. His first season in the spotlight showcased his exceptional athleticism. It showcased his ability to develop into a game-breaking wideout at the next level.
One of the other best offensive linemen in Spencer Fano from Utah. Impressively, Fano has made a name for himself getting very good at the game. He tallied three sacks and 17 pressures in only 11 games last season. Programs looking to bulk up their o-line will be paying a lot of attention to Fano. He would immediately help keep their quarterbacks upright and improve their rushing attack.
Quarterback Prospects
Keeping things with the signal-callers, LaNorris Sellers, NFL teams are showing significant interest in the South Carolina QB. Last season, Sellers threw for 18 touchdowns against seven interceptions, showcasing his ability to manage games while making crucial plays. His elite decision-making and arm talent have made him a consensus top-10 pick and viable candidate to be the first overall selection.
There’s still a huge demand for talented quarterbacks across the league. Among others, the Vikings and Dolphins are paying attention to Sellers’ development. Franchises are desperately searching for their franchise quarterbacks. Workouts and interviews will be key for Sellers, and what he does during those processes will largely determine his draft stock.
Along with Sellers, D’Angelo Ponds of Indiana is one of the top cornerback prospects going off. Ponds has evolved into a sure, trustworthy defensive back, showing great ball skills and tackling ability. His consistent, impressive play during the past three seasons has made him quite appealing to teams in need of backcourt depth. The Dolphins, for example, are particularly keen to shore up their cornerback depth.
Offensive Line Depth
The second Utahn offensive tackle is just the dakota of a deep class of o-line prospects. All that being said, Lomu’s versatility and football IQ have earned him high praise from coaches and analysts. His overall mental grasp of defensive schemes at such a young age gives him a leg up on most prospects. Teams looking to rebuild their offensive line will see Lomu as an intriguing option. He can certainly be the catalyst for them developing a stronger offensive front.
The 2026 NFL Draft provides each team an opportunity to address their biggest weaknesses. They can introduce green talent eager and prepared to hit the ground running. Names such as Keenan III, Tyson, Fano, Sellers, Ponds, Lomu are starting to generate buzz as likely future Day 1 or 2 picks. The buzz about this year’s draft is already building up quickly!
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