Every year, there are several first round picks that take folks off guard. The 2026 NFL Draft class will be no different. After about pick No. 14 or so, things could get a bit chaotic, and the board can fall in several different ways down the stretch.

For this exercise, I didn’t include some of the players we have seen randomly in mock drafts from some of the experts in the industry. At this point, I expect wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) to go inside of round one. I also won’t include defensive end Malachi Lawrence (UCF), running back Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), and EDGE Zion Young (Missouri), all of which have seen their names in first round mocks at one point or another.

Here are some more wildcards who could be in the conversation to go inside of the top-32 selections. Some will be considered to be very controversial.

S Treydan Stukes (Arizona) 

Stukes is an older prospect, which has caused him to become a bit underrated as a prospect. With experience at nickel and safety, he is a dynamic defensive back who brings a ton of versatility to the table. With Stukes’ outstanding movement skills, coverage instincts, and ability as a tackler in the open field, there aren’t many holes in his game. There are even some teams that have toyed with the idea of Stukes playing outside cornerback. After Stukes testing on an elite level, there just aren’t many boxes that Stukes hasn’t checked off for his process.

EDGE R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma)

If you look on most draft boards in the media space, Thomas is typically in the 50s, 60s, or 70s. There is, however, some first round feedback around the league. Despite the outlier size, there is no question that Thomas can get after the quarterback with his combination of explosiveness, bend, closing speed, and nuance. If Thomas’s medicals do pass, there is a good chance to potentially come off the board in the top-32 overall selections. There is more love for Thomas around the league than the media space, it seems.

EDGE Gabe Jacas (Illinois) 

It feels like Jacas has been an outstanding role player and run stopper for Illinois for some time now, but he took his pass rush game to a whole other level this past season. Jacas ended his Illini career with 183 total tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, 27 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. With requisite size, length, and movement skills, it feels like Jacas has been somewhat underrated in this class. There is a group of late 1st/early 2nd round EDGE defenders that are grouped closely together, and there are several teams that could prefer Jacas and his rugged play style.

WR Germie Bernard (Alabama) 

Bernard is also well thought of around the league. Not only is he a dependable target, but the former Washington transfer is putting together a strong draft process so far. He tested a lot better than some people expected and brings tremendous character to the table. Bernard is a high-effort blocker and does all the little things that can go unnoticed at times. NFL offensive coordinators will notice it, however.

LB Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) 

After Arvell Reese (depending on how you view him positionally) and Sonny Styles from Ohio State, the third linebacker off the board is an interesting debate. While most in the media space would defer to Georgia star CJ Allen (including me), I think that there is a real chance that Rodriguez ends up being that guy. It isn’t a guarantee that the former Red Raider ends up going inside the top-32 selections, but I just wouldn’t be shocked. The NFL is very high on him due to the production and intangibles.

NFL Draft

The controversial 2026 NFL Draft prospects who are going to go much earlier than what most people are expecting 

Leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, there are several divisive prospects who are expected to go much higher than most people believe.

Ryan Roberts March 31, 2026