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6 Biggest Defensive Sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft
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- 6 Biggest Defensive Sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft
Every year in the NFL Draft, a handful of prospects emerge from under the radar to have a big impact on their teams after going through the majority of the predraft process without much fanfare.
The 2026 class is sure to be no exception, with plenty of underrated players who have the talent to make a splash right away at the next level, but could fall through the cracks of the early rounds for any number of reasons.
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Here are my picks for the biggest defensive sleepers in this year's draft:
Edge/LB Jaishawn Barham , Michigan
If your favorite team isn't gonna get a shot at Ohio State 's Arvell Reese at the top of this year's draft, Barham might be the next best thing. Much like Reese, Barham has more tape as an off-ball linebacker than he does off the edge, but the glimpses we saw of that part of his game last year are tantalizing:
A transfer from Maryland , Barham's versatile skill set, impressive athleticism, and violent style of play should earn him plenty of fans among NFL coaching staffs. He should be an early Day 2 pick, making him a potential bargain if he's still on the board into the third round. It may take a little patience to unlock his lofty potential as an edge rusher, but the return on investment could be massive.
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LB Red Murdock , Buffalo
This year's linebacker class is loaded with top talent from Power 4 programs, but if you're looking for Day 3 value at the position, Murdock is your guy. An absolute wrecking ball at the second level, Murdock packs a punch at the point of attack, and knows how to create splash plays with his hard-hitting style:
Murdock has the three-down skill set to be an every-snap defender at the next level, and his ability to impact the game as an extra pass rusher (five sacks in 2025) gives him added value in passing situations. Anytime on Day 3, Murdock should be on the radar of any team who wants to steal an eventual starter with big-play ability.
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DL Kaleb Proctor , Southeastern Louisiana
There aren't a ton of high-end interior pass rushers in this year's defensive line class, but Proctor is one of the most dynamic with you turn on the tape. He jumps off the screen with his explosiveness and lateral quickness, showing the ability to get into the backfield quickly and wreak havoc on opposing offenses:
There will be questions about his level of competition, but Proctor's tape is so dominant, teams should take the chance that he's got special talent at a position that continues to be vital to defensive success in the modern NFL. He should be a Day 2 pick, and if he's still on the board beyond that range, Proctor could prove to be one of the steals of the draft.
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CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin
Another small-school prospect who should be getting more attention, Demmings turned heads with an impressive performance during Senior Bowl week, and then again at this year's NFL Scouting Combine. That sequence forced many of us back to the tape to see if those athletic traits translated to the field, and sure enough, we found an impact player:
The combine is important for small-school guys to compare those testing numbers across the board with their peers from bigger programs, and the same is true for Senior Bowl practices, where they get to prove they can match up with top talent on the field. Demmings passed both tests with flying colors, proving he's got everything he needs to be a Day 3 bargain.
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S Jakobe Thomas , Miami (FL)
It's hard to be a sleeper when you play for a powerhouse program that's coming of a trip to the national title game, but Thomas is still flying under the radar thanks to a strong safety class. Thomas lined up all over the field for the Canes, and made plenty of big plays when the ball came his way:
That combination of range and versatility should translate seamlessly to the next level, where NFL defenses are constantly asking more from their safeties in terms of alignment and post-snap changes. Thomas' experience in big games against top competition should help him make an immediate impact at the next level, no matter when or where he gets picked.
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Edge Keyron Crawford , Auburn
Keldric Faulk is the Auburn edge defender consistently being projected as a first-round pick, but it's Crawford who was the more productive player for the Tigers last season. A high-effort player with a relentless motor, Crawford knows how to maximize his physical traits on his way to the quarterback:
His lack of length will be a concern for some teams, but he's not the only edge rusher in that department this year ( Cashius Howell , Rueben Bain Jr. ). Just like those two, Crawford clearly knows how to mitigate his physical shortcomings and still make a big impact, and there's no reason to think that won't continue at the next level.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
