NFL draft prospects who could become biggest steals in 2026

Every NFL Draft cycle produces its share of headline names—the projected top-five picks, the polished stars, the players whose trajectories feel almost preordained. But history consistently reminds us that real roster-building value often lies deeper on the board.

Each year, a handful of prospects slip through the cracks—whether due to scheme fit, limited exposure, or evaluative blind spots—only to emerge as foundational pieces at the next level. That dynamic is what makes identifying potential “steals” such a compelling exercise.

According to Sports Illustrated , this group of 2026 prospects embodies that exact inefficiency in the draft process.

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These are not necessarily the players dominating early mock drafts or commanding national spotlight, but rather those whose traits, production, and developmental upside suggest far more than their projected draft range indicates.

From versatile offensive playmakers to disruptive defenders with untapped ceilings, each name on this list offers a blend of translatable skills and situational value that NFL teams covet—often without fully realizing it.

What stands out about this collection is its diversity of profiles. Some are technically refined players whose consistency may be undervalued, while others are high-upside athletes still scratching the surface of their potential. In either case, the common thread is clear: these are prospects who could significantly outperform expectations in the right environment.

For front offices willing to trust their evaluations over consensus, this group represents an opportunity to extract disproportionate value from the 2026 draft.

Denzel Boston — WR, Washington

Boston profiles as a classic value receiver whose game may translate better to the NFL than his draft slot suggests. He combines strong ball-tracking ability with physicality at the catch point, making him particularly effective in contested situations. While he may not generate elite separation on every route, his reliability and body control give quarterbacks a dependable target in critical moments. In the right offensive system, Boston could quickly outperform expectations as a chain-moving possession weapon.

Demond Claiborne — RB, Wake Forest

Claiborne brings a blend of vision, burst, and lateral agility that often gets overlooked in a crowded running back class. He excels in tight spaces, showing the ability to make defenders miss without losing forward momentum. His versatility as both a runner and pass catcher enhances his value, particularly in modern spread offenses. If utilized properly, Claiborne has the skill set to emerge as a highly productive back well beyond his projected draft range.

Malachi Fields — WR, Notre Dame

Fields possesses the size-speed profile NFL teams covet, but his polish as a route runner is what could ultimately separate him. He shows a natural feel for leverage and spacing, allowing him to uncover even against disciplined coverage. His catch radius and ability to adjust to off-target throws make him quarterback-friendly in a variety of situations. With continued refinement, Fields could develop into a reliable starter who significantly outperforms his draft position.

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Keldric Faulk — EDGE, Auburn

Faulk’s physical tools immediately stand out, particularly his length and power at the point of attack. He flashes the ability to collapse pockets with a strong bull rush while also showing developing pass-rush counters. Though still refining his technique, his motor and disruptive presence suggest a high developmental ceiling. In a system that prioritizes edge rotation and growth, Faulk could evolve into a highly impactful defender relative to where he’s selected.

Anthony Lucas — EDGE, USC

Lucas offers an intriguing combination of size, explosiveness, and positional versatility along the defensive front. He has the athleticism to win off the edge and the strength to hold up against the run, giving coordinators flexibility in deployment. While consistency has been an area for growth, his flashes of dominance indicate untapped potential. If his technique continues to progress, Lucas could emerge as one of the more productive edge defenders in his class.

Derrick Moore — EDGE, Michigan

Moore is a fundamentally sound defender whose game is built on discipline, leverage, and effort. He consistently sets the edge against the run while also contributing as a pass rusher through technique and persistence. Though he may lack elite bend, his reliability and football IQ make him a valuable asset in any defensive scheme. Players with his profile often outperform expectations, carving out long, productive NFL careers.

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D’Angelo Ponds — CB, Indiana

Ponds is a competitive, instinctive corner who plays with a level of confidence that belies his size. He shows quick feet in coverage and a strong understanding of route concepts, allowing him to anticipate and disrupt passing lanes. His aggressiveness at the catch point and willingness to support against the run add to his appeal. In a league that values playmaking defensive backs, Ponds could become a high-impact starter despite modest draft projections.

Noah Whittington — RB, Oregon

Whittington is a compact, decisive runner with excellent acceleration through the hole. He demonstrates strong vision and balance, allowing him to maximize yardage even when blocking breaks down. His ability to contribute in the passing game enhances his three-down potential. Given his well-rounded skill set, Whittington could quickly outperform expectations and become a key contributor in an NFL backfield rotation.

Conclusion

Ultimately, draft steals are less about luck and more about vision—identifying traits that translate before the rest of the league catches up. This Sports Illustrated list highlights players who possess that kind of hidden upside, whether through refinement, versatility, or untapped potential. If even a few of these prospects land in the right system, they won’t just outperform their draft slots—they could reshape how this class is remembered.