2026 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Defense

In recent weeks, there have been a lot of questions about which players to avoid in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Every draft has some players who are selected highly, only to become massive disappointments in the NFL. Here, we break down some potential busts in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

This was a tough selection. I like Howell as a player, as he plays with relentless effort and has a fantastic motor. However, at 6-foot-2, 248 pounds, Howell is undersized and lacks length. I can envision where he will struggle to shed blocks in the NFL and is too undersized to be a run defender in the base. Howell was excellent with the Aggies in 2025, but I am not sure he will translate to the NFL level.

Christian Miller, DT, Georgia

This was a difficult selection, but Miller stood out as a player who gets drafted too early. There was a lot of hype for him to be the next dynamic interior tackle for Georgia, but Miller never played or produced up to his skill set. Perhaps he is a late-bloomer, but drafting Miller early could be questionable, as you are betting on what he could be rather than what he produced for the Bulldogs.

Deonte Lawson, LB, Alabama

Lawson was a solid player over the years at Alabama, but he has medical concerns, and his final season was not as impressive. Lawson could get drafted earlier, and he has some bust potential.

Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

There have been some projections of Muhammad being an early-round pick, but some teams have mid-round grades on him. He has a slight build, and I could see him getting pushed around by pro receivers. Muhmmad also could have limitations as a man-cover corner. If he is an early-round pick, I think he could be a potential disappointment.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

This was a tough decision because no player was really jumping out at me. However, there has been media hype of McNeil-Warren being a first-round pick, and I feel he could get overdrafted. McNeil-Warren fits as a strong safety, but I think he could have issues with the speed of pro receivers, and that could be exploited by offenses. He is making a big jump in play, and if he is drafted early, he could get forced on the field before he is ready. I think he needs development and needs to land in the right scheme with good coaching. I could see there being some bust potential with McNeil-Warren.

2026 NFL Draft Day 2 Values: Offense | 2026 NFL Draft Day 2 Values: Defense
2026 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Offense | 2026 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Defense
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