2026 NFL Draft Stock Up
Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
In the rivalry game against Georgia, Brazzell used his 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame to make monster plays that had his team get an early lead, and then retake the lead entering the fourth quarter. Early in the first quarter, Brazzell got open running a deep post and shook off a pass interference attempt to catch a deep pass, and then coasted another 25 yards into the end zone for a 72-yard touchdown. Shortly later, Brazzell found pay dirt again. Brazzell ran another deep post and took advantage of blown coverage by Georgia safety K.J. Bolden to get open for a 14-yard touchdown. After Tennessee blew a lead, Brazzell came back to make a huge play for his team. On a pass deep down the field, Brazzell outjumped a Georgia defender to make a leaping grab around the five-yard line, and then he scooted into the end zone for a 56-yard touchdown. On the next drive, Brazzell ran an excellent comeback route against Daylen Everette to get open for a gain of about 15. Brazzell finished with six receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns.
For the NFL, Brazzell is a big outside receiver who offers a size mismatch. He uses his height, length, and catch radius to make receptions over defensive backs. While his size is impressive, what really helps him on this tape is showing speed. He ran by defenders and showed acceleration to get deep down the field and get open for his quarterback. This tape will definitely help Brazzell, as he looked like a starting outside receiver for the NFL.
Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M
Howell had three productive seasons at Bowling Green, including 9.5 sacks in the 2023 season. Thus far, Howell has played well for the Aggies in 2025, and Howell had a span of three plays for three sacks against Utah State in Week 2. He was active and disruptive against Notre Dame in Week 3. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder has some size limitations for the NFL, but he is playing well and could be a riser for the 2026 NFL Draft.
David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Bailey is a fast edge rusher. In 2024, he recorded 31 tackles with seven sacks and five forced fumbles with Stanford. Thus far in 2025, he has 2.5 sacks and five tackles. Bailey could be a riser through the 2026 draft process.
Ola Ioane, G, Penn State
The 6-foot-4, 334-pound Ioane is a strong blocker at the point of attack with the ability to generate movement in the ground game. He is also a reliable pass protector. Ioane is explosive, can mirror speed rushers, and plays with physicality with a nasty streak. Ioane looks like a guard for the NFL and probably does not have the length to kick outside to tackle.
Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss
In 2024, Pounds had a good season starting at left tackle for the Rebels and protecting the blind side for Jaxson Dart. Pounds (6-6, 340) is a big edge blocker, and he will enter the NFL with a lot of experience after starting at North Carolina previously.
Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
Bowry was the starting left tackle for Boston College the past couple of seasons. Bowry is athletic, tough, and has upside. Some sources think he could end up getting starter grades with early-round potential.
Connor Lew, C, Auburn
Lew has blocked well to open the 2025 season. He is tough at the point of attack, smart, and well-rounded. Lew (6-3, 305) is effective in pass protection and as a run blocker. Lew looks like a potential long-term starter for the NFL. Some sources have compared Lew to Creed Humphrey, and think he could be a potential second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Max Iheanschor, OT, Arizona State
Some have projected Iheanschor (6-6, 330) as an early-round pick, but Iheanschor has not been overly impressive. He might be more of a swing tackle backup for the NFL.
