Ten Rising NFL Draft 2026 Prospects, Including R Mason Thomas, Jacob Rodriguez

Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

Despite Penn State’s offensive line struggles, Vega Ioane has consistently performed at a high level. He excels in pass protection and demonstrates versatility in the run game. His ability to create lanes for running backs, like Nicholas Singleton, showcases his range and effectiveness. Ioane’s consistent clean play and skill set position him as a potential first-round interior offensive lineman in the upcoming draft.

Ioane displayed his capabilities on Penn State’s first touchdown, executing an overload pin-pull sweep, which effectively walled off the lane enabling RB Nicholas Singleton to easily enter the end zone. As a fourth-year junior, he is stacking strong performances and has the skills required to be the first interior offensive lineman drafted in April.

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Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Kayden McDonald, weighing 330 pounds, stood out as Ohio State’s second-leading tackler in a recent game, finishing with eight tackles. His power to reset the line of scrimmage and disrupt opposing game plans makes him a dominant force in the trenches. While his pass-rushing limitations might affect his draft projection, NFL teams seeking a strong run defender will closely monitor whether this third-year junior enters the 2026 NFL Draft.

McDonald’s prowess lies in his ability to consistently disrupt opposing game plans. His power allows him to reset the line of scrimmage, locate the football, and make impactful tackles. He was Ohio State’s second-leading tackler with eight tackles showcasing his dominance in the trenches. Despite potential limitations as a pass rusher, NFL teams seeking a dominant run defender are watching him.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

While David Bailey is Texas Tech’s top NFL prospect, Jacob Rodriguez has significantly improved his draft stock. His knack for forcing fumbles, leading the FBS with seven, was evident in a recent win over Kansas State. Although his size, speed, and strength are average, his toughness and ability to attack the ball make him a rising prospect. Initially considered a priority free agent, Rodriguez is now firmly in draftable territory.

Rodriguez’s size, speed and strength are all average by NFL standards, but his toughness at the point of attack and around the football is fun to watch. Considered a priority free agent-level prospect entering the season, Rodriguez is now firmly in draftable territory — and rising.

Jacob Rodriguez for the

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Quintrevion Wisner, RB, Texas

Quintrevion Wisner played a crucial role in Texas’s win over Vanderbilt, consistently gaining yards and keeping the offense on schedule. His ability to find blocks, make timely cuts, and contribute in the passing game demonstrates his potential as a productive NFL backfield contributor. Although not projected as an early-round pick, Wisner showcased his capabilities as a versatile player.

He did a nice job finding his blocks and making timely cuts to pick away at a Vanderbilt run defense that had been ranked in the top 20 entering the weekend. Wisner also caught the ball well in the screen game and made several plays in pass protection.

Keionte Scott, DB, Miami

Keionte Scott stood out as the best player on Miami’s defense, displaying impressive speed and athleticism. His ability to blitz and make tackles for loss highlights his potential as a versatile nickel option and special teams player. After transferring from Auburn, Scott has elevated his game and is now considered a draftable prospect, showcasing his value as an underrated addition.

An underrated addition in the transfer portal (Auburn) this offseason, Scott had free-agent grades from NFL scouts this summer but is putting draftable-level play on tape in his final college season. Scott looks like a versatile nickel option who could also play special teams.

R Mason Thomas, edge, Oklahoma

R Mason Thomas, already considered a top-50 prospect, solidified his status with a standout play against Tennessee. His ability to scoop up a fumble and score demonstrates his big-play potential. While concerns exist regarding his length and size, his playmaking ability makes him a special prospect. Thomas’s “whoa” moment against Tennessee, scooping up a fumble, stiff-arming a tight end, and running for a score, exemplifies his impact.

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— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football)

Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

Eli Stowers had a career-high performance with seven catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns. His consistent receiving ability, with at least three catches in every game this season, makes him a reliable target. As a former quarterback, Stowers demonstrates smoothness in space and after the catch. Since 2023, Stowers has recorded 115 catches demonstrating a consistent reliability.

Stowers could be bigger, but he has a combined 115 catches since 2023 — his first year playing tight end. A former quarterback, Stowers is consistently smooth in space and after the catch.

Carter Smith, OT, Indiana

Carter Smith has been a dominant force on Indiana’s offensive line, contributing to one of the best units in the country. His great frame, balance, and upper-body strength make him a standout prospect. With another year of eligibility remaining, Smith has the potential to further improve his draft stock. He plays with balance and upper-body strength in the run game and still has another year of eligibility if he wants it.

Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

Trevor Goosby, a young and athletic prospect, demonstrates elite explosion and movement skills for his size. His improvement as a run blocker and limited sacks allowed showcase his potential. Goosby has allowed just two sacks all season, none in his last four games and has been miles better as a run blocker this season than he was in the past.

Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

Germie Bernard has been a consistent playmaker for Alabama, contributing to their playoff contention. His hyper-competitive nature and playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset. Bernard can play, don’t get lost in testing results.