5 Prospects Who Could Sneak into the 1st Round of the 2026 NFL Draft

As is the case in the lead-up to most NFL drafts, there are spirited discussions as to who could be surprise first-round picks. After the top half of the selections, teams usually have vastly different boards, which can allow prospects seen as Day 2 picks to sneak into the top 32. 

Some prospects don't have the prototypical measurables for their position or the powerhouse-school pedigree, but they have the production to warrant consideration on Day 1. 

On the back end of the first round, some general managers are willing to trade up for a prospect who may not be available for them in the second or third round. Critics will see those moves as reaches, though they can also be calculated gambles. 

Based on recent mock draft trends and rumors, here are five prospects who are widely expected to be Day 2 picks, though they have the resume to go in the first round of the 2026 draft.

Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

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Defensive end Cashius Howell

This year, Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey lead the pure pass-rushers, and then teams may discuss who's in the second tier. Cashius Howell should be in that conversation.

Howell is an explosive athlete who can get around the edge and make game-changing plays. He demonstrated that ability at Bowling Green and Texas A&M, registering 9.5 sacks in 2023 and 11.5 last year.

The 6'2, 253-pounder uses speed and crisp spin moves to collapse the pocket. He could add to his move set on the edge, which indicates his potential upside at the pro level.

However, clubs may view Howell as a limited defender due to his lean frame. Initially, he'll likely play in a designated pass-rushing role to hide possible limitations in stopping the run. Talent evaluators could also be concerned with his 30 ¼"  arm length. 

Nonetheless, Howell's athletic profile, coupled with his sack production over the previous three years, could push him into the back end of the first round, especially with pass-rusher-needy teams like the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs holding late first-round picks.

CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana

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Cornerback D'Angelo Ponds

At 5'9", 182 pounds, D'Angelo Ponds lined up on the perimeter at James Madison and Indiana over the last three years, though he will likely transition to the slot on the pro level, which isn't a seamless move.

As a result, Ponds, despite his strong collegiate resume with 33 pass breakups and seven interceptions, projects as a second-round pick in most mocks. 

That said, the Indiana product has shown the ability to make plays in the backfield, logging 10.5 tackles for loss. He's a no-fear defender who has given maximum effort in tackling, but B/R scout Daniel Harms pointed out a shortcoming in that particular area.

"While he's a willing participant against the run, he struggles to get off blocks and wrapping up consistently is a challenge," Harms wrote. "Instead, he falls down around the ankles too often, which creates missed tackles."

If NFL teams picked up on what Harms saw on tape, Ponds likely waits until the second round. Yet his high-level consistency in coverage gives him a shot to be a trade target in the 25-32 range. 

RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

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Running back Jadarian Price

This year, the top two running backs could be coming out of Notre Dame.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes Jadarian Price will be the second tailback off the board and may sneak into the first round within a shallow class of ball-carriers.

Jeremiyah Love, a projected first-rounder, and Price played together through three terms with the Fighting Irish. The former took on the featured role after Audric Estime's departure to the NFL, while the latter served in a complementary role.

Although Price didn't rack up more than 746 yards in a single collegiate term, he averaged at least six yards per carry and scored 18 touchdowns over the last two years.

After a couple of seasons as Notre Dame's No. 2 running back, Price may have more to offer a team that wants a decisive early-down ball-carrier who can also contribute on special teams. He returned three kickoffs for touchdowns in college.

Most of the league's clubs feature multiple running backs, so don't discount one of them taking Price on Day 1.

LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

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Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez

Linebackers are low on the pro premium position scale. Yet high-end players at the position can become the "quarterback" of a strong defense, relaying sideline communication from coaches and getting teammates lined up based on play calls and offensive alignment.

Based on Jacob Rodriguez's collegiate resume, he has the football IQ and playmaking ability to fill that role in the middle of a defense.

Rodriguez, a consensus 2025 All-American, won the Bronko Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik Awards for Most Outstanding Defensive Player and Defensive Player of the Year, respectively. In 2024, the versatile linebacker registered five sacks. Last year, he snagged four interceptions and recorded six pass breakups. He also led the Big 12 in solo tackles for consecutive terms.

ESPN's Jordan Reid shared a bold prediction that a team will take Rodriguez in the first round.

"Rodriguez has continued to check all boxes during the predraft process, and many evaluators have strong second-round grades on him," Reid wrote. "But don't be completely shocked if someone takes the leap late on Day 1."

Rodriguez's possible draft bump likely depends on how much teams picking outside the top 20 value the linebacker position.

TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

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Tight end Eli Stowers

Most expect Oregon product Kenyon Sadiq to be the first tight end off the draft board, though it's worth noting Eli Stowers was a more productive pass-catcher over the last three years.

In 2024, Stowers transferred to Vanderbilt and became a primary target, leading the program in receptions over the last two years. He finished his collegiate run as a 2025 consensus All-American with over 1,700 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

As a former quarterback, Stowers has limited experience at tight end, dating back three years to his time at New Mexico State. He needs to work on his blocking technique in order to be a complete player at the position, and that's probably why he's in the second or third round of mock drafts.

Nevertheless, there is a growing number of pass-catching tight ends who are changing the dynamics of offenses across the NFL. Stowers can be a difference-maker in that regard and may have a chance to be an immediate contributor with a team in need of a reliable big-bodied receiver.

Player measurements are provided by NFL.com.

College football statistics are provided by cfbstats.com.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.