2026 NFL Draft Preview: The class has multiple fascinating players our staff hedges against consensus
The 2026 NFL Draft isn’t the strongest at the top with high-end players, but there are a lot of talented ones. Our staff at A to Z Sports highlighted multiple prospects they are higher on than consensus.
The NFL Draft is now single-digit days away and the class has been a major discussion point.
There aren’t a lot of high-end talents at the top of the draft, but there are a lot of starting-caliber players. That aspect has analysts all over the place with different prospects.
Our NFL Draft staff at A to Z Sports has highlighted a player they are higher on than consensus, using the A to Z Sports staff consensus board, which is reflected in our fantastic mock draft simulator.
Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
Who: Tyler Forness
Rank: 28th
A to Z Sports Consensus: 62nd
Stukes is one of my favorite players in the class. He is a versatile player who has played all over the formation for the Wildcats. He is a sixth-year player who was playing well in 2024 before tearing his ACL after just four games. Stukes came back with a vengeance in 2025, thriving in the slot. He was a wide cornerback for the majority of his snaps in 2022 before kicking inside to the slot.
When watching Stukes, his movement skills are top-notch. He flips his hips with ease and can run with anyone. Stukes also has some of the best ball skills in the class, attacking it at its highest point with aggressiveness and consistency. He might be 24 entering the NFL, but his versatile skill set and that level of football IQ will be a huge plus to whoever drafts him.
Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan
Who: Destin Adams
Rank: 52nd
A to Z Sports Consensus: 95th
Barham is one of the most interesting players in the 2026 NFL Draft. He made the move to EDGE last season at Michigan and flashed real game-wrecking ability. He needs to become more consistent, but his ceiling as a pass rusher is among the highest in the class. Unlike your typical raw edge rusher, though, I think he can play fairly early into his career. He is a very sound run defender, which gives him the chance to be a three-down player in a class full of players that lack that ability. Barham gives you both a high-floor and high-ceiling prospect, all wrapped up in one player. He’s expected to go in round three or four, but I wouldn’t bat an eye at a team using a second-round pick on him.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Who: Kyle Crabbs
Rank: 13th
A to Z Sports Consensus: 44th
Cisse checks a whole lot of boxes, to me. He’s young — he’ll be 20 years old on draft weekend. He’s aggressive. He’s explosive. He offers good size and appeal in man-to-man assignments. With only 21 career starts under his belt, he’s a little rough around the edges. But I’m buying big on the blend of athletic ability, youth, and aggressiveness as a player to help him develop into an impact starter in the NFL. I see someone who can play in any scheme and be an asset in run support, assuming that he puts polish on his game.
Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech
Who: AJ Schulte
Rank: 42nd
A to Z Sports Consensus: 88th
Rutledge has his flaws, but I’m such a sucker for what he brings as a prospect. He’s a tone-setting presence up front and such an easy evaluation. He finishes to the turf consistently and he generates easy movement in the ground game. Rutledge needs some further seasoning in pass protection adjusting from Georgia Tech’s offense, but he has quick hands and is a quick processor. His pure power and play strength are at the top of this class, in my opinion, and he has the ability to play guard or center. With his well-rounded skillset, I think he’s a Day 1 caliber starter who can be a building block inside in any offense. I wouldn’t hesitate to take him in the second round.
