2026 NFL Draft Stock Up
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
NFL general managers, scouts, and coaches don’t care if a player wins a Heisman Trophy, but winning that overrated award does make an impression on a lot of dumb NFL owners. That being said, Mendoza has been superb this season, leading Indiana to the No. 1 ranking in the nation. Mendoza looks like a future high first-round pick, and the Heisman Trophy is going to help his hype train with NFL owners.
Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech
The Red Raiders spread the ball around, but got steady play from their receivers Virgil and Caleb Douglas. In 2025, Virgil entered the college football playoff with 55 catches for 676 yards with six touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Virgil has good size for the NFL. He earned a Senior Bowl invitation, and if he shows he can separate from the all-star cornerbacks, that could help Virgil rise.
Romelo Brinson, WR, SMU
Brinson had a solid senior season for the Mustangs, hauling in 43 catches for 638 yards with three touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder has some functional size and showed enough this season to get a Senior Bowl invitation.
Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
Bell was productive for UConn in 2025, entering the bowl game against Army with 101 catches for 1,278 yards with 13 touchdowns. Bell (6-0, 185) is a gritty receiver who could fit as a slot receiver in the NFL.
Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Hurst played well for the Panthers this season and earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He hauled in 71 passes for 1,004 yards with six touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 183-pound Hurst has good size and length for taking on cornerbacks. If Hurst plays well at the Senior Bowl, he could be a riser.
D.J. Rogers, TE, TCU
Rogers was a solid contributor for the Horned Frogs in 2025. He enters the bowl game with 32 receptions for 300 yards with two touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Rogers has decent size for the NFL. At the Senior Bowl, Rogers needs to show the ability to pass protect and block the c-gap.
Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M
Boerkircher did not produce a big season for the Aggies, but he played well enough to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Boerkircher enters the playoffs with 17 catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Boerkircher has some functional size for the NFL.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Bell was on his way to being a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but a late-season ACL tear dealt a serious blow to his hopes of being selected on the opening night of the draft. With the injury red flag, Bell could easily slide well into the second day of the draft.
