2026 NFL Draft: All-underrated defense includes targets for Packers, Texans and Bills

As I finish my preseason scouting for the 2026 NFL Draft, the final step before kickoff is naming my annual All-Underrated Team. Previously, I released the offense. Now, it’s the defense.

This group highlights prospects I believe can outperform their current draft projections. That includes two Big Ten cornerbacks who could thrive with the Dolphins and Raiders, a speedy linebacker who would immediately upgrade the Panthers’ defense, and a massive nose tackle who fits perfectly in the Chargers’ system.

To qualify, each player must carry a consensus draft grade of Day 3 or undrafted free agent, according to NFL Mock Draft Database.

All-Underrated defense 

Defensive End: Derrick Moore, Michigan

Ideal NFL Fit: Tennessee Titans

Although Derrick Moore saw limited playing time at Michigan last season, he was highly productive when on the field. He posted a 23.1 percent pass-rush win rate, ranking fourth among all FBS edge defenders, and earned an 86.5 pass-rush grade, the sixth-best mark in the Big Ten, per Pro Football Focus. While Moore doesn’t have the prototypical size of a traditional 4-3 defensive end, his explosiveness and fluid hips make him an intriguing fit in Tennessee’s 3-4 scheme as an outside linebacker.

Defensive Tackle: Darrell Jackson, Florida State

Ideal NFL Fit: Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers enter the offseason with one of the league’s weakest defensive lines, and current starting nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia has struggled to consistently hold up against the run. Florida State’s Darrell Jackson, at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, brings the size, strength, and surprising explosiveness needed to anchor the interior. His ability to stay firm at the point of attack makes him difficult to move off the ball and an ideal candidate to shore up Los Angeles’ run defense from day one.

Defensive Tackle: Jackie Marshall, Baylor

Ideal NFL Fit: Houston Texans

Baylor’s Jackie Marshall is a prospect I’m higher on than most evaluators. While the consensus projects him as an undrafted free agent, I see him as a solid fourth-round talent. At 290 pounds, he has proven he can hold his ground against the run, earning an 88.4 run-defense grade. Though still a raw pass rusher, Marshall flashes the tools to develop into a productive 3-technique at the next level. With both of Houston’s starting defensive tackles set to hit free agency after the season, Marshall could be a smart developmental fit for the Texans.

Defensive End: R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma

Ideal NFL Fit: Green Bay Packers

Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas emerged as one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the SEC last season, finishing the year with nine sacks and an 88.0 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus. His dominance stems from elite first-step explosiveness and the ability to bend the edge with speed. While Thomas may begin his NFL career as a situational pass rusher, his tools and production suggest he can quickly grow into a larger role. Currently projected as a Day 3 draft pick, he has the upside to become an impact defender at the next level, making him an intriguing fit for the Packers’ defensive front.

Outside Linebacker: Tony Rojas, Penn State

Ideal NFL Fit: Carolina Panthers

Penn State’s Tony Rojas is a player I value much higher than his consensus draft grade. While most view him as an undrafted free agent, I have him graded in the fifth round thanks to his exceptional athletic profile. According to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, Rojas recorded a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, a 37.5-inch vertical jump, and a 350-pound power clean, numbers that showcase rare explosiveness for a linebacker. On the field, he proved effective in coverage, picking off three passes last season and earning a 90.9 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. With ESPN ranking the Panthers’ linebacker unit as the second-worst in the NFL, Carolina would be wise to target a versatile and athletic defender like Rojas.

Middle Linebacker: Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Ideal NFL Fit: Buffalo Bills

This season will mark Arvell Reese’s first year as a starter for Ohio State, and expectations are high for the talented linebacker. Reese plays with physicality and flashes impressive closing speed, traits that could make him one of the top defenders in the Big Ten by year’s end. His versatility allows him to line up at either inside or outside linebacker, which would make him a valuable addition to a Buffalo Bills defense in need of athleticism and depth at the second level.

Outside Linebacker: Elo Modozie, Georgia

Ideal NFL Fit: Arizona Cardinals

One of Georgia’s top transfer portal additions was former Army linebacker Elo Modozie, who brings proven production and intriguing upside to the Bulldogs’ defense. With the Black Knights last season, he tallied eight tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. While his role at Georgia may be limited in year one given the team’s depth, Modozie’s skill set projects well to the NFL. Currently viewed as a Day 3 prospect, he could be a strong developmental fit for the Cardinals, who are in need of young talent on the edge.

Cornerback: Jyaire Hill, Michigan

Ideal NFL Fit: Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll has long favored big, athletic cornerbacks, and Michigan’s Jyaire Hill fits that mold perfectly. At 6-foot-2, Hill combines length with speed and fluid hips, giving him the traits to match up against bigger receivers on the outside. If he can put together a more consistent season in coverage, he has the upside to rise up draft boards and potentially earnday two consideration. That skill set makes him a natural fit for the Raiders’ secondary.

Safety: VJ Payne, Kansas State

Ideal NFL Fit: Cincinnati Bengals

Kansas State’s VJ Payne stands out for his rare combination of size and speed. At 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds, he has been clocked at 23.37 miles per hour in practice, showcasing explosive athleticism that projects well to the NFL. Payne has the potential to provide depth in the secondary while also contributing on special teams, making him a strong candidate for a day three selection. The Bengals, who could use more playmakers in their secondary, would be a natural fit for his skill set.

Safety: Xavion Alford, Arizona State

Ideal NFL Fit: Dallas Cowboys

Arizona State’s Xavion Alford is another player I value far more highly than the consensus. While most draft boards slot him around the 863rd overall prospect, I grade him as a fifth-round talent thanks to his impressive coverage skills. Last season, Alford allowed just seven receptions and was targeted on only 4.2% of coverage snaps, forcing opponents to look elsewhere. His ability to limit passing lanes makes him a natural fit as a backup free safety, and the Cowboys could benefit from adding depth in their secondary with a player of his skill set.

Cornerback: Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State

Ideal NFL Fit: Miami Dolphins

Like Michigan’s Jyaire Hill, Davison Igbinosun is a big, athletic corner who landed on my Preseason All-Big Ten NFL Draft team. At Ohio State, he has shown the length and physicality to match up against top receivers, but he must clean up the 16 penalties he committed last season, the most of any FBS defender. If he can cut down on those mistakes, Igbinosun has the talent to develop into a day two draft pick. With the Dolphins’ secondary ranking among the league’s weakest, Miami would be smart to target a high-upside corner like Igbinosun in the 2026 NFL Draft.