Prisco’s 20 Prospects He’s Higher On for 2026 NFL Draft NFL analyst Pete Prisco has highlighted a group of 20 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft that he believes are being undervalued by the broader scouting community. At the center of his “Better-Than Team” is Oklahoma edge rusher R. Mason Thomas, a player Prisco believes could easily climb into the first round despite current projections placing him later.
This breakdown revisits each prospect on the list, rewriting the evaluations while preserving the core scouting insights, statistics, and projections.
R. Mason Thomas (Oklahoma EDGE) – The Flagship Prospect
R. Mason Thomas is the standout name on Prisco’s list and serves as the captain of the Better-Than Team. While many evaluators project him as a second-round selection, Prisco argues he has top-15 talent and could even rise higher.
Thomas wins with elite burst and suddenness off the edge, traits that are highly valued in today’s NFL pass-rush schemes. His primary limitation is physical size—measured at 6-foot-2, 242 pounds, he lacks the prototypical frame of a full-time defensive end. However, he projects well as a stand-up edge rusher, similar in usage to Denver’s Nik Bonitto.
Prisco’s 20 Prospects He’s Higher On for 2026 NFL Draft
Against top competition, Thomas consistently showed he can win matchups. He delivered strong performances versus LSU tackle Will Campbell, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, and Texas lineman Trevor Goosby. His ability to produce against future NFL tackles strengthens his evaluation significantly.
Statistically, he has posted 22 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks over the last two seasons. Despite missing time due to injuries—including a hamstring issue—his competitiveness stands out, particularly on a memorable 71-yard fumble return touchdown against Tennessee where he fought through injury to finish the play.
Prisco believes Thomas has the potential to become one of the top pass rushers in his class within a few years.
Travis Burke (Memphis OT)
Burke, a massive offensive tackle standing nearly 6-foot-9 and 330 pounds, transferred from FIU and quickly established himself as a reliable protector. His combination of length, power, and finishing ability in the run game makes him a potential long-term starter at right tackle.
He shows toughness at the point of attack and moves better than expected for his size. With refinement in pass protection technique, he projects as a dependable NFL starter.
Emmett Johnson (Nebraska RB)
Johnson brings one of the most refined vision skills among running backs in this class. He consistently identifies running lanes, makes sharp cuts, and maximizes yardage.
At 5-foot-10, 204 pounds, he has enough strength to break tackles and enough balance to stay productive after contact. While some scouts question his speed, he improved his perception by running a 4.49 at his pro day. He also contributes as a receiver, making him a strong Day 2 candidate.
Garrett DiGiorgio (UCLA IOL)
A highly experienced lineman with 49 career starts, DiGiorgio offers versatility and reliability. He has played multiple positions across the offensive line but settled primarily at guard.
At 6-foot-6½, 320 pounds, he combines size with functional strength and a solid anchor in pass protection. His ability to shift between positions increases his draft appeal, especially for teams needing depth and flexibility.
Treydan Stukes (Arizona CB)
Stukes is valued for his adaptability in the secondary, having played corner, nickel, and safety roles. At nearly 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, he has good size and solid athletic traits.
He plays aggressively and is not shy about tackling, though his over-aggressiveness can sometimes be a liability. His highlight-reel plays, including a standout one-handed interception, demonstrate his athletic upside and ball skills.
Caden Curry (Ohio State EDGE)
Curry may not have elite physical traits, but his production and motor stand out. At 6-foot-2½, 260 pounds, he led Ohio State in sacks with 11 despite playing alongside more highly touted prospects.
He is a high-effort defender who can play both outside and inside on passing downs. While not expected to be a primary pass-rush star, he projects as a valuable rotational defender.
Nate Boerkircher (Texas A&M TE)
A former walk-on at Nebraska, Boerkircher established himself as a reliable blocking tight end while providing modest contributions in the passing game at Texas A&M.
With 19 receptions and 3 touchdowns, he showed reliability as a short-area target and solid understanding of zone coverage soft spots. At 24 years old, he is a mature, system-ready contributor.
Jadarian Price (Notre Dame RB)
Playing behind a star teammate limited his touches, but Price still showcased a strong blend of power and agility. At 6-foot, 210 pounds, he is a physical runner who can also make defenders miss in tight spaces.
He also contributes on special teams, averaging 37.5 yards per kickoff return, adding to his overall value as a versatile offensive weapon.
Zachariah Branch (Georgia WR)
Branch is one of the fastest players in the class, standing at 5-foot-8½, 177 pounds. His speed is undeniable, though his production has leaned more toward short gains rather than explosive plays.
After transferring from USC, he led the SEC with 81 receptions but averaged just 10 yards per catch, indicating a limited vertical role. Unlocking his deep-threat ability will be key at the next level…Read more
Eli Heidenreich( Navy RB/ WR Hybrid)
Firstly a running back at Navy, Heidenreich proved more effective as a receiver, finishing with 941 yards and 6 touchdowns on 51 catches.
His speed( reported 4.4) and versatility suggest he could transition into a niche receiver part in the NFL. At minimum, he’s anticipated to be a strong special brigades contributor.
Zakee Wheatley( Penn State S)
Wheatley brings size, durability, and range to the safety position at 6- bottom- 3, 203 pounds. He’s active in run support and constantly plays with physicality.
With six career interceptions and multiple forced successions, he biographies as a experimental safety who could outperform prospects in the alternate or third round.
Antonio Williams( Clemson WR)
Williams is a quick, shifty receiver who excels against man content. Over his Clemson career, he totaled 208 receptions and 15 touchdowns.
While his 2025 season was inconsistent compared to earlier product, his capability to find soft spots in zone content and produce separation keeps him applicable as amid-round prospect.
Jalen McMurray( Tennessee CB)
McMurray is a physical nickel corner who thrives in competitive situations. At 5- bottom- 11, 184 pounds, he lacks elite size but makes up for it with durability and trouble.
He contributes in multiple ways — content, run support, and battering — making him a eventuality late- round steal for brigades demanding depth in the secondary.
Tanner Koziol( Houston TE)
Koziol is a pure entering tight end with emotional product, leading all FBS tight ends with 74 catches in 2025.
At 6- bottom- 6, 247 pounds, he creates tourney problems but is limited as a blocker. His NFL future depends on being used as a move tight end or detached entering trouble.
Ponds( Indiana CB)
Despite his small frame at 5- bottom- 8 ½, 185 pounds, Ponds plays with physicality and confidence beyond his size. He has proven able both outside and in content situations.
He’s competitive in man content and excels at making poignant plays, including interceptions and special brigades benefactions. numerous scouts believe he’d be a advanced pick if he were high…Read more
Jaishawn Barham( Michigan EDGE/ LB)
Barham transitioned from linebacker to edge crawler and impressed with his physical style of play. He’s strong against the run and shows promising pass- rush traits.
While still developing fashion, his versatility and durability make him an charming rotational protector at the coming position.
Kaleb Proctor( SELOU DL)
Proctor is a quick, disruptive protective lineman who relies on trap rather than size. At under 6- bottom- 2 and 291 pounds, he can be overpowered but frequently wins with speed.
He’d a name performance against LSU, recording multiple sacks by beating blockers off the snap.
Athan Kaliakmanis( Rutgers QB)
Kaliakmanis biographies as a experimental quarterback with solid arm strength and decent size at 6- bottom- 2.
Over two seasons at Rutgers, he threw 38 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He shows a amenability to push the ball downfield and systems as a implicit long- term backup quarterback.
Cashius Howell( Texas A&M EDGE)
Howell is viewed by Prisco as a first-round gift despite agreement rankings placing him in the alternate round.
At 6- bottom- 2 ½, 245 pounds, he combines power and trap with grim trouble. Though arm length is a concern for some scouts, his product and physical style suggest long- term NFL success.
Red Murdock( Buffalo LB)
Murdock is a physical linebacker known for diving and forcing successions. He has recorded a remarkable 17 forced fumbles during his career.
While his content chops are limited, his instincts and aggressiveness make him a precious special brigades and rotational linebacker option.
Final Overview
Prisco’s 2026 Better- Than Team highlights a wide range of overlooked gift across every position group. From elite pass dawdlers like R. Mason Thomas to experimental quarterbacks like Athan Kaliakmanis, the list emphasizes product, durability, and upside over agreement rankings.
numerous of these players may not be first-round cinches moment, but their tape recording suggests implicit value far beyond where they’re presently projected...Read more
