2026 NFL Draft Stock Up
Will Pauling, WR, Notre Dame
Notre Dame had a dynamic offense led by their dual-headed monster at running back and a group of talented receivers and tight ends. Thus, it was difficult for a lot of their receivers to stand out this season, but a number of them played well in limited opportunities to show next-level ability. Pauling was one of those under-the-radar players, but team sources say he was impressive on tape with his route-running, instincts, and feel. Pauling had 26 catches for 381 yards and scored touchdowns on six of those catches. Pauling (5-10, 190) is also known to be a high-character individual and a great leader. Despite only being at Notre Dame for a few months after transferring from Wisconsin, Pauling was elected a captain by his teammates. Some sources think the potential is there for Pauling to be a mid-round steal in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jalen Stroman, S, Notre Dame
Stroman was a tough defender for the Fighting Irish in 2025. He was a nice zone coverage safety who also showed the ability to get physical. In 2025, he has 37 tackles with one sack, one interception, and two passes defended. In 2023, he had 55 tackles with 43 stops in 2022. The 6-foot-1, 199-pounder has quality size and could start out his pro career as a backup that contributes on special teams and perhaps develops into a bigger role.
Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
Robertson played well for the Bears in 2025, completing 60.4 percent of his passes for 3,681 yards with 31 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Robertson has quality size as a pocket passer for the NFL. The Mississippi State transfer played well enough to land an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
Trigg was a nice receiving tight end for the Bears in 2025. He hauled in 50 passes for 694 yards with six touchdowns. Previously, Trigg played at USC and Ole Miss. At 6-foot-4, 240-pounder, Trigg does not have great size to be a blocking tight end, but he does have the quickness and athleticism to be a contributor as an F tight end at the pro level.
Daylen Everrette, DE, Georgia
Everette has not gotten early-round grades from some teams this season, but he helped himself with a good tape in the SEC Championship Game. Everette was in good position to catch an interception in the first half. He had steady and tight coverage over the next two quarters. In the fourth quarter, Everette had close coverage on a receiver in the end zone and was able to obstruct the throw to force an incompletion. Everette got in on tackles and was a physical defender. This tape will help his draft grade and could improve his chances of sneaking into the second day of the draft.
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Rodriguez was all over the field for the Red Raiders in the Big 12 Championship Game, just like he has been all season. He had 13 tackles and led the way to shut down the BYU rushing attack. This season, Rodriguez has 114 tackles with one sack, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, and six passes broken up. He had 127 tackles with five sacks, three forced fumbles, and four passes defended. Rodriguez (6-1, 230) is very instinctive, and he has to be as he is not overly fast or strong for the NFL. Still, Rodriguez has helped himself this season as a consistent source of splash plays for Texas Tech.
Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
After playing three seasons at Central Arkansas, Golday had a strong season with the Bearcats in 2025. He totaled 104 tackles with 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and three passes defended. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Golday has good size for the NFL to be a starting inside linebacker. If he works out well leading up to the draft, Golday could solidify himself as a potential day-two pick and potential starter as a pro.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
In the rematch against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, Simpson had some struggles and had his worst game of the season. Late in the first quarter, Simpson tried to make a tight window throw to a crossing receiver, but the pass was behind his receiver. Georgia safety K.J. Bolden tipped the pass, and teammate Daylen Everette caught the deflection for an interception. After that turnover, Simpson looked rattled. He had some passes off the mark as the pass pressure was getting to him, and he was falling off some throws while trying to avoid the rush. He aimed a short third-down throw, and the ball bounced in front of his check-down back to force Alabama to punt. In the third quarter, it was more of the same as Simpson was rattled, uncomfortable, and inaccurate. Midway through the second half, Simpson made some nice throws and had his receivers drop some big plays. Simpson finished completing only 19-of-39 pass attempts for 212 yards with one touchdown and one interception. This game will definitely hurt his draft stock compared to other quarterback prospects like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
