2026 NFL Draft Stock Up
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Indiana has blown out so many opponents this season, but they were down by four late in the fourth quarter at Penn State, and Mendoza put together a tremendous drive to throw a game-winning touchdown in the final minute. Mendoza threw a bad interception that helped Penn State take a fourth-quarter lead, but Mendoza showed his resilience and did not melt down after the crucial mistake. NFL evaluators are going to love seeing Mendoza put together a game-winning drive and push his team to a tough road victory.
Teitum Tuioti, OLB, Oregon
Tuioti was all over the field against Iowa, making a ton of tackles, including some touchdown-saving stops. In the first quarter, Iowa had a busted play, and Tuioti chased down Mark Gronowski for a sack. In the third quarter, Uiagalelei got close to a sack with a power rush through the right tackle. Shortly after that play, Tuioti suffered an arm injury and had to leave the game. But Tuioti came back in the game later. Late in the fourth quarter, Tuioti made a superb play chasing down a back from the backside to prevent a potential touchdown run for Iowa. The next play, Tuioti flew over to the sideline in zone coverage and made a touchdown-saving tackle on a tight end a few yards short of the end zone. Tuioti came close to a sack on third-and-goal. Tuioti totaled nine tackles and a sack against Iowa.
Tuioti is an active defender who lines up at edge rusher, outside linebacker, and middle linebacker. He plays very hard, is always around the ball, and has a knack for making plays. Tuioti is not an exceptional athlete and does not have overwhelming speed or strength. Hence, he could be more of a day two or mid-round linebacker that rotates in as a Sam linebacker.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State
Sources say they have been disappointed in Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton this season. He has a great skill set, but he has not been productive and has been part of the Nittany Lion prospects that seem like they are in a funk. Dennis-Sutton has good size, length, strength, and quickness. He can set the edge as a run defender and shows the skill set to beat tackles with speed or power. However, Dennis-Sutton is inconsistent, and his motor is not impressive as he has some quiet stretches. Thus, Dennis-Sutton could end up being a day-two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft even though he has first night of the draft talent.
Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
Team sources say they have been disappointed in Durant this season as well. Durant (6-1, 294) has some size limitations for the NFL, and he has not been disruptive enough to impress evaluators. Entering this season, Durant looked like a potential day-two pick. However, sources say they gave Durant a day-three, backup grade.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
It has been a frustrating season for LSU and Nussmeier. The Tigers’ offense has been unable to score 30 points in any game all season, and Nussmeier has hurt his standing with team evaluators. The frustration continued against Alabama in a rough night for Nussmeier. After taking a terrible sack in the third quarter, Nussmeier was benched. Given the way this season has gone, Nussmeier looks like a mid-round backup for the 2026 NFL Draft. He has a quality arm, can throw accurately, and generally makes good decisions. He has some limitations for the NFL in terms of his skill set, but he has the potential to develop into a solid backup.
Connor Lew, C, Auburn
A number of team sources really like Lew and think he could be a good starting center in the NFL. Lew is tough at the point of attack and is a well-rounded blocker. He is strong in the ground game and athletic as a pass protector. Lew looked like he was headed to the second round, and possibly might sneak in late in the first, but Lew tore an ACL and is out for the season. That will also keep Lew from working out before the draft or taking part in the Senior Bowl. Lew could end up being a steal if he can stay healthy and return to his pre-injury form.
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
Some analysts have projected him to the top of the first round, but in speaking with sources at multiple teams, they are not that high on Bain. Sources at five different teams said they graded Bain much lower, but thought he could go in the mid-to-late first round. Listed at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, Bain does not have the ideal height or length for a pro defensive end, and he is not heavy enough to kick inside to be a full-time defensive tackle. Some sources were bothered by Bain’s lack of production against an easy ACC schedule. Bain has gotten a lot of media hype, but many team sources do not see a high first-round talent.
