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During the pre-draft process, scouts will identify a handful of prospects who they believe will succeed despite their circumstances. These players may lack prototypical size or elite traits, but their passion, performance and production as colleagues will have talent evaluators making a compelling case for them in the draft room.
In fact, scouts’ belief in the potential of these prospects should encourage them to “plant the flag” when asked to defend their opinions.
With that in mind, here are seven prospects in the 2026 class who I think will outperform their draft status.
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
As an experienced quarterback with prototypical physical tools and a winning pedigree, Beck should appeal to coaches looking for an advanced game manager for the QB1/QB2 role. The 6-foot-4, 233-pounder logged 43 starts in six college seasons, showing precision and touch as a rhythm passer from the pocket. Although his critical turnover in a few marquee games has changed the narrative, the naysayers underestimate his toughness and competitiveness as the undisputed leader of two championship-caliber teams.
Beck routinely delivered in big moments for Miami and Georgia, and those “winning” plays should translate into solid late-game play like a pro. With a polished game that has been honed in pro-style offensive schemes, especially his ability to operate from the middle and execute various play fakes, Beck is primed and ready to make his mark at the next level.
Carson Beck played in 55 games in six college seasons with Georgia and Miami. In two of the past three, he led the FBS in completions and had a 72.4% completion percentage each year.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
After rumbling for more than 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns during his final season at Nebraska, Johnson appeared to be in line to secure the No. 2 spot on the running back list. However, a disappointing 40-yard dash (4.56) at the NFL Combine has seemingly overshadowed his performance and production as a workhorse runner. Despite Johnson showing exceptional burst, poise and body control with the ball in his hands, skeptics have tagged him as a “one-year wonder” due to his spectacular jump in production in 2025.
Although astute evaluators will focus on Johnson’s abilities as a dynamic runner and receiver who torched the Big Ten as a unique offensive weapon, the majority of the football world has allowed the naysayers to dominate the pre-draft discussion. After taking another look at his film, Johnson could have the scouting community buzzing about his skills when we look back at the 2026 class in a few years.
Emmett Johnson had the fourth-best production grade of all running backs at the 2026 NFL Combine. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
If the NFL Draft had been held shortly after the Senior Bowl, Fields might have been selected as a top 20 pick based on the buzz in scouting circles. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound pass catcher dominated the competition all week, displaying exceptional ball skills and hand-eye coordination, snagging jump balls away from overmatched defensive backs on the perimeter. The contested catching dominance combined with his smooth route running skills as an “X” receiver made it easy to envision him playing a major role as a WR2 on any team.
While his speed (4.61 40-yard dash) has led to concerns about his separation ability, his superior size, physicality and toughness will give him a chance to win any matchup. Given the importance of these traits near the red zone and on third down or critical moments, Fields could carve out a successful role as a starter or specialist in the league.
6-foot-4 Malachi Fields can go up and get the ball, as Pittsburgh CB Rashad Battle found out last November. (Photo: G Fiume/Getty Images)
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The draft process is much like a beauty pageant, with scouts often choosing the bigger, faster and stronger prospects over talented technicians. Miller might be the best of both worlds as a practice warrior with a polished overall game due to his extensive experience starting 54 games at Clemson.
At 6-foot-6, 317 pounds with 34¼-inch arms and elite athleticism (5.04-second 40-yard dash time, 32.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-5-inch combine broad jump), Miller possesses the length and agility of edge-box defenders. In addition, he displays excellent footwork, balance and body control, executing “jump moves” on running plays to climb up to second-level defenders.
With few blocks to match his flawless footwork and hand-to-hand combat skills, Miller could emerge as the standout among his peers when we check back in on the 2026 class down the road.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The speed-rushing specialist displays a dizzying array of pass-rush moves that will give opposing offensive tackles nightmares ahead of their matchups. Howell’s combination of speed, quickness and burst, combined with poise and body control around the corner, will give most offensive tackles trouble in long-yardage situations.
At 6-foot-2, 253 pounds, who also displays a high-revving motor and relentless approach, it’s hard to imagine the Texas A&M and Bowling Green standout won’t make an impact as a designated pass rusher.
Although his short arms (30¼ inches) and one-dimensional game (pass-rushing specialist) could limit his chances to emerge as a full-time starter early in his career, Howell’s skills and consistent production (27 career sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss over four seasons) typically lead to long-term success as a pro.
Cashius Howell has the pass rush moves that will give opposing offensive tackles nightmares. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
There’s always room in the league for high-effort players with an “alpha dawg” mentality and an ultra-physical style of play. Louis will make his mark in the league as a special teams standout and hybrid linebacker/safety for a team willing to put the 5-foot-11, 220-pounder on the field in a playmaking role.
Louis has an ability to play on the ball and displays impressive instincts, awareness and diagnostic skills as a second-level defender. He quickly attacks runners and receivers in his area and displays impressive anticipation and timing while tracking the ball. Given how his speed and physicality routinely produce “splash” plays (10 career sacks, 25.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions and two forced fumbles), the Pittsburgh product will find a way to earn a pivotal role.
Keionte Scott, S, Miami
As more teams look for “Star” defenders (slot cornerbacks/nickel safeties) to include in sub packages, versatile defensive backs with “hit, run and cover” skills are sought after at a premium. An experienced player (6th year senior) with excellent instincts and awareness, Scott thrives as a box-area defender with blitz and coverage assignments.
At 5-foot-11, 193 pounds with 4.33 speed (Miami Pro Day), Scott possesses the speed and quickness to match up with slot receivers in coverage. He also shows the ability and awareness as a pass rusher to wreak havoc in the backfield. Whether he’s harassing quarterbacks or blowing up perimeter runs and screens, Scott’s aggressiveness near the line of scrimmage will make him a valuable asset as a slot defender in a creative defensive scheme.
With more teams using three-safety schemes and “dime” defenses with six-plus defensive backs on the field, the super senior could carve out a long career as a designated playmaker.
