2026 NFL Draft Offensive Intel: A QB no one is talking about, the ultimate boom or bust WR, a sleeper at TE, and more
Here are some offensive notes on what we have gathered after 10 Weeks of college football.
It’s hard to believe, but we have completed 10 weeks in college football, the calendar has flipped to November, and a handful of NFL teams are already on to April’s draft.
So what better time than now to start gathering intel from league sources on draft prospects?
Today, we will discuss a group of names on the offensive side of the ball. Some of which are known, others that are rising, and names you need to hear about now. Lets dive in to some 2026 NFL Draft intel.
Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
What sources are saying: “Big, physical, athletic, silent assassin that can bully people in the run game and stone guys in protection. There’s definitely a lot to like.”
Analysis: “Vega” got me juiced up the first time I really dove into his film. You talk about checking physical traits boxes. He’s dense but nimble. Powerful and fluid. You love his anchor and the lower body recruitment when he’s charged with displacing at the line of scrimmage. There hasn’t been much that’s gone right for Penn State this season but Ioane has been a delight to watch, especially in pass protection where he shows off his grip strength and his active feet.
– Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports NFL Draft
Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
What sources are saying: “Lefty with unorthodox release but plus arm strength and velocity. Best running QB in the country.”
Analysis: No one should confuse Cole Payton with the top of the QB class in 2026. A raw, traits-driven passer with very little starting experience at NDSU, stop me if you have heard that one before. But Payton is more than just a fun player. There are some throws on his tape that few can make. He’s a gunslinger that just so happens to be a plus athlete. He’s rough around the edges, but there is a lot to work with. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports NFL Draft
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
What sources are saying: “Great size, speed, after the catch, but is there too much Treylon Burks? Or is he the next A.J. Brown?”
Analysis: The line between being a bulky receiver who doesn’t separate and never becomes anything and the next A.J. Brown is slimmer than what’s ideal. What we can say about Chris Bell is that he’s improved where it matters most as his role has expanded into a power slot. His catch rate in 2025 is elite, and he’s always been very good at contested catches. He has more fluidity through routes than Burks and Keon Coleman, so he’s someone I think deserves Day 2 looks as a risky but justified roll of the dice. – Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports NFL Draft
Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
What sources are saying: “Could be second-best back in class but is a backup to [Jeremiyah] Love.”
Analysis: Jeremiyah Love is going to be the top back on a lot of teams’ boards when it’s all set and done come April. To be his backup is no slight on Price, who has easy gas as an open field accelerator and big play threat. The situation is reminiscent of Quinshon Judkins and Treveyon Henderson with the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2024, and both of those players were top 40 picks. – Gregson
Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
What sources are saying: “Athletic international player that was in Colston Loveland’s shadow. All the making of a high draft pick given the traits.”
Analysis: What’s intrguing with Klein is his total array of skills. Still developing as a pass catcher and a route runner, he’s been dominant as a run blocker, yet it’s the mix of size and fluidity that makes you excited for what he can become. Certainly a player worth rolling the dice on. – Gregson
For more intel, rankings, profiles, mock drafts and everything 2026 NFL Draft, make sure to follow A to Z Sports on all social media platforms.
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