The 2026 NFL Draft is over, and now it’s time to analyze the classes ahead of OTAs and training camps around the league. Some rookies usually generate a lot of impact early on, but it’s not always that easy to make a transition from college to the league.

So, let’s discuss some intriguing classes and what these players can execute.

Buffalo Bills and run defense style

• TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
• Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
• Jude Bowry, T, Boston College
• Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
• Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU
• Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
• Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
• Toriano Pride Jr., CB, Missouri
• Tommy Doman, P, Florida
• Ar’maj Reed-Adams, G, Texas A&M

Bold prediction: TJ Parker will lead the team in stops

The Bills love these large, edge-setter defensive ends, and TJ Parker is no different. He had 77 stops in his past three years at Clemson, with high-level effort and results as a run defender. He was also a viable pass-rusher, and that’s ultimately how the selection will be judged. However, Parker can be an impactful run defender from the get go. Last year, defensive tackle Deone Walker and edge defender Greg Rousseau led the team with 19 stops each, so there’s clear room for volume improvement there.

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Philadelphia Eagles and time to develop

• Makai Lemon, WR, USC
• Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
• Markel Bell, T, Miami
• Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
• Micah Morris, G, Georgia
• Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
• Uar Bernard, DT, Nigeria (IPP)
• Keyshawn James-Newby, EDGE, New Mexico

Bold prediction: Eli Stowers will look like a bad pick after Year 1

Outside of quarterback, tight end is certainly the most difficult position to transition from college football to the NFL level. He has to learn all phases of the offense — routes, pass protection and run block concepts. That’s too much for a young player, and that’s why it’s so hard for rookie tight ends to be impactful.

Stowers was an excellent receiver at Vanderbilt, generating a 101.5 passer rating (NFL standards) when targeted and 2.55 yards per route run in 2025. But he played in-line on only 25% of his offensive snaps, playing primarily in the slot.

It’s natural that Stowers will eventually develop and take over, but that might take a year or two, which is normal for tight ends. But especially because Dallas Goedert also plays primarily in the slot, it will be harder for Stowers to be an immediate contributor.

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Indianapolis Colts and Day 3 edges

• CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
• AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
• Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky
• Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
• George Gumbs Jr., EDGE, Florida
• Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
• Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
• Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

Bold prediction: The edge drafted later will be better

The Colts drafted George Gumbs Jr. in the fifth and Caden Curry in the sixth, but don’t be surprised if Curry ends up being the better and more impactful player — especially early on.

Gumbs had a right knee meniscus injury late in his final college season, which impacted his productivity, but Curry was slightly more productive throughout his college career. Over the past three years, Curry had 59 pressures and 15 sacks (including 11 in 2025). Gumbs had 11 sacks in his entire college career — three years at Northern Illinois, two at Florida, with 54 pressures over the past three years. It’s not that rare to see a team draft two players at the same position in the same class, and the second one turning out to be the better piece. This might very well be the case in Indy.

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Denver Broncos and lack of draft capital

• Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
• Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
• Kage Casey, T, Boise State
• Justin Joly, TE, NC State
• Miles Scott, S, Illinois
• Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
• Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo

Bold prediction: This class won’t generate full-time starters for Denver

The Broncos traded a lot of draft capital to acquire receiver Jaylen Waddle. The decision has its merits, but the cost is also inevitable. The Broncos didn’t make a selection before the third round, and it’s feasible that neither of these players will become a starter — especially based on the positions Denver approached.

The highest pick is Tyler Onyedim, who projects as a rotational interior defensive lineman with a decent floor but probably lower ceiling.

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New England Patriots and left tackle battle

• Caleb Lomu, T, Utah
• Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
• Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
• Karon Prunty, CB, Wake Forest
• Dametrious Crownover, T, Texas A&M
• Namdi Obiazor, LB, TCU
• Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech
• Jam Miller, RB, Alabama
• Quintayvious Hutchins, EDGE, Boston College

Bold prediction: Caleb Lomu will eventually unseat Will Campbell at LT

The Patriots spent a first-round pick on a tackle for the second consecutive season, but Caleb Lomu actually projects as a future NFL tackle. He may not be as polished as a blocker, but his physical upside is undeniable. Campbell should still be the starting left tackle this year while Lomu learns and makes the transition to the league, but don’t be surprised if the Patriots eventually move Campbell to guard (or right tackle after Morgan Moses retires/leaves) to play Lomu at left tackle.

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New Orleans Saints and offensive weaponry

• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
• Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
• Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
• Jeremiah Wright, G, Auburn
• Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
• Lorenzo Styles Jr., S, Ohio State
• Barion Brown, WR, LSU
• TJ Hall, CB, Iowa

Bold prediction: Tyson goes nuclear from the jump

One of the most impactful points of analysis for wide receivers is breakout age, and Tyson had a high-level age 20 season at Arizona State, even after barely playing in 2022 at Colorado and in 2023 after his transfer. The injury history is a concern, but the star prospect has the tools to make an immediate impact. Additionally, the Saints will offer him a big enough role for the rookie to thrive — and the comparisons to Stefon Diggs won’t go anywhere any time soon.