NFL · 10 hours ago

2026 NFL Draft Buzz! ESPN on Sleeper QBs, Hoosiers on Rise, Potential Trades

John Canady

Host · Writer

Defensive Tackles to Watch
The DT class lacks a guaranteed top-20 pick but offers impact potential. Gracen Halton (Oklahoma), Zane Durant (Penn State), and Kaleb Proctor (SE Louisiana) provide quickness and disruption. At the same time, Nick Barrett (South Carolina) stands out as a run-stuffing anchor with 28 solo tackles, 14 run stuffs, and two sacks in 2025.

"Barrett is a brick wall against the run and should go off the board on Day 3." - Mike Miller

This group blends archetypes that can fit multiple defensive schemes, giving teams options later in the draft.

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ESPN Reveals Latest Buzz Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft buzz is heating up, and scouts are already buzzing after pro days, workouts, and insider updates. From Jermod McCoy’s return to form to rising quarterbacks and top-tier wide receivers, here’s the latest intel on who’s climbing boards, trending up—or slipping—as teams prepare for draft day.
Jermod McCoy Draft Stock On the Rise
The league buzz around Jermod McCoy peaked Tuesday at his pro day, and for good reason. After missing all of the 2025 season with a torn ACL and skipping the combine, the top cornerback prospect needed a statement. McCoy delivered. Scouts watched him post a 4.38 40-yard dash, a 38-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-7 broad jump, showcasing explosiveness and elite recovery from injury. Standing 6-foot, 193 pounds with a 31¼-inch arm length, he still holds a measurable advantage over fellow top corner Mansoor Delane, giving him a real edge in CB1 conversations.

"McCoy is back in the running for CB1. He did everything, including positional drills, and the size and athleticism are there." - Mike Miller

McCoy’s health was always the lingering question, but now it’s a matter of fit and scheme. Teams from the Giants to the Cowboys are circling, and after seeing him in action, it’s clear he’s ready to be counted among the top-15 picks in this class.
Garrett Nussmeier Proving He's Healthy
The QB class is loaded, but Garrett Nussmeier is quietly climbing boards after returning from an abdominal injury that cut short his 2025 season. In 2024, he threw for 4,052 yards with 29 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, ranking fifth in the FBS in yardage. While he doesn’t boast elite size at 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, his accuracy, field awareness, and quick release make him an intriguing Day 2 prospect.

"Nussmeier’s instincts and ball velocity are traits teams can build around. He’s healthier now and showing it in pre-draft evaluations." - Mike Miller

Teams view him as a quarterback who can manage a game, make smart decisions under pressure, and provide an upside floor for a team looking for a reliable starter in later rounds.
Carson Beck Opening Eyes Ahead of Draft
Consistency and polish define Carson Beck’s pre-draft profile. With a 69.5% career completion rate and 43 starts under his belt at Miami, he combines size (6-foot-5, 233 pounds) with experience in high-pressure environments. Scouts are impressed with his natural throwing ability and overall acumen as a field general, giving him a solid chance to hear his name called in the third round.

"Beck has a natural throwing ability and plenty of experience. Scouts are extremely impressed with his overall acumen as a player." - Field Yates

Beck’s combination of size, efficiency, and leadership makes him a compelling option for teams seeking a quarterback with minimal risk and a ready-made skill set.
Indiana's Elijah Sarratt On the Rise
While Fernando Mendoza dominated headlines, Elijah Sarratt used the pro day spotlight to make his case as a top-100 pick. The wideout’s contested catch ability and chemistry with Mendoza were on full display, and a 4.50-second 40-yard dash only reinforced his explosiveness.

"Sarratt’s contested catch ability and route precision stood out. Scouts clocked him around 4.50, and that speed matters." - Field Yates

With his combination of hands, route-running, and agility, Sarratt looks ready to contribute immediately at the next level.
Indiana D’Angelo Ponds Used Pro Day to his Advantage
D’Angelo Ponds capped a stellar college career with a pro day performance that confirmed his speed and explosiveness. The nickelback ran a 4.31 40-yard dash and jumped 43½ inches in the vertical, proving that despite being 5-foot-9, 182 pounds, he can compete athletically with the best receivers.

"Ponds is explosive and agile. The vertical jump more than makes up for his height." - Mike Miller

Ponds’ tape and measurable testing position him as one of the top nickelbacks in the class, and scouts are projecting him to go in the back half of the first round or early Day 2.
Draft Trade Buzz: Teams Likely to Move
In terms of draft day maneuvering, insiders see two teams that might look to move: the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks. With only three picks in the first four rounds, Buffalo could add draft capital. At the same time, the Seahawks’ league-low four selections give them flexibility to trade the 32nd pick for strategic advantages.

"Buffalo GM Brandon Beane has long been a fan of moving down. It could be beneficial for them to add draft capital." - Mike Miller

While no moves are confirmed, both teams are logical candidates to play in the first-round trade market.
First-Round Edge Rushers
The 2026 class is loaded with pass-rushing talent. Experts project five to six locks in the first round, including Arvell Reese (Ohio State), David Bailey (Texas Tech), Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), and Keldric Faulk (Auburn). Additional candidates like Akheem Mesidor (Miami) and Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) could push the total higher, with a sneaky group of rotational options rounding out the late first round.

"There’s a lack of top prospects at other premium positions, which could lead to as many as nine first-round edge rushers." - Mike Miller

This depth ensures that playoff teams with late first-round picks can address pass-rush needs without sacrificing other positions.
First-Round Offensive Tackles
The OT class projects six to seven first-rounders, anchored by Francis Mauigoa (Miami), Spencer Fano (Utah), Monroe Freeling (Georgia), Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), Caleb Lomu (Utah), and Blake Miller (Clemson). Max Iheanachor (Arizona State) is close behind. Selection will hinge on the team's scheme and trait preferences.

"Stacking tackles is dependent on scheme and which traits teams value most." - Field Yates

Teams looking for foundational offensive line talent have multiple high-upside options, making tackle one of the deepest positions in the first round.
First-Round Wide Receivers
Wideout talent is projected for five first-round picks. Locks include Makai Lemon (USC), Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), with KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) as a potential fifth. Scouts highlight Concepcion’s speed and run-after-catch ability as differentiators.

"Concepcion’s pure speed and RAC ability make him a viable first-round option for multiple teams." - Mike Miller

This group blends experience, athleticism, and upside, providing teams flexibility in both early and late first-round selections.
WR Trending Note: Jordyn Tyson
Jordyn Tyson has seen a slight slide heading into the draft. Hamstring issues and limited pre-draft workouts have raised red flags for some evaluators, who still rank him as the No. 4 receiver internally.

"Tyson’s hamstring and lack of pre-draft workouts could cause him to slide to the back half of the first round." - Mike Miller

Tyson’s talent remains evident, but durability and readiness could impact his draft position.
Intriguing Center Prospect: Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
While centers aren’t expected to be first-round picks, Trey Zuhn III intrigues scouts. He’s played over 3,000 snaps at left tackle and 124 at center, boasting nearly 6-foot-7 stature with excellent foot quickness, earning an early Day 3 grade.

"Zuhn has strong foot quickness and would be one of the tallest centers in the NFL." - Field Yates

His versatility makes him a name to monitor for teams seeking long-term line depth.
Defensive Tackles to Watch
The DT class lacks a guaranteed top-20 pick but offers impact potential. Gracen Halton (Oklahoma), Zane Durant (Penn State), and Kaleb Proctor (SE Louisiana) provide quickness and disruption. At the same time, Nick Barrett (South Carolina) stands out as a run-stuffing anchor with 28 solo tackles, 14 run stuffs, and two sacks in 2025.

"Barrett is a brick wall against the run and should go off the board on Day 3." - Mike Miller

This group blends archetypes that can fit multiple defensive schemes, giving teams options later in the draft.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
ESPN Reveals Latest Buzz Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft buzz is heating up, and scouts are already buzzing after pro days, workouts, and insider updates. From Jermod McCoy’s return to form to rising quarterbacks and top-tier wide receivers, here’s the latest intel on who’s climbing boards, trending up—or slipping—as teams prepare for draft day.

2026 NFL Draft Buzz! ESPN on Sleeper QBs, Hoosiers on Rise, Potential Trades

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