With the 2025 NFL Draft now officially in the rearview, NFL scouts are shifting their focus to the 2026 class. In this week’s edition of NFL Draft Buzz, we spotlight several prospects already generating mid-round buzz, including tight ends on the move, a dynamic playmaker flying under the radar, and a few high-upside players with areas to refine.
Latest 2026 NFL Draft news and notes
Texas addresses the tight end position
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian recently identified tight end as the team’s weakest position, but the Longhorns have taken a step to fix that by landing former California tight end Jack Endries. Endries, who carries a Day 3 grade on my board, brings reliable hands and toughness to the position. He thrives in contested catch situations, a strength that helped him post 56 receptions for 623 yards during the 2024 season.
Another tight end on the move
Tanner Koziol, who began his career at Ball State and transferred to Wisconsin in December, is now on the move again—this time heading to Houston. While his brief stint with the Badgers may raise some questions, there should be no doubt about his on-field production. Koziol set a Ball State single-season record for a tight end with 94 receptions for 839 yards in 2024. His 94 catches ranked third among tight ends in the NCAA, trailing only 2025 NFL Draft top 75 picks Harold Fannin Jr. and Tyler Warren.
Playmaker
One of the most dynamic playmakers in the 2026 NFL Draft running back class is NC State’s Hollywood Smothers. The ultra-quick back ranked fifth in the nation last season in breakaway percentage (59.5%) among running backs with at least 75 carries. He also finished second in the ACC in yards per carry, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per attempt. Despite weighing just 182 pounds, Smothers runs with surprising power, averaging 4.49 yards after contact. He’s also a dependable receiving threat, hauling in 86% of the passes thrown his way. Heading into the season, I have a fifth-round grade on Smothers. His game reminds me of former NFL back Travis Minor.
High character
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has earned praise from coaches and teammates for his leadership, and his recent actions further highlight the strength of his character. Becht recently donated entertainment systems for all pediatric rooms at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames—a generous gesture that reflects the kind of person he is. This is exactly the type of high-character individual NFL decision-makers want leading their franchise. On the field, if Becht can refine his accuracy and improve his overall footwork this season, he has a strong chance to draw mid-round interest in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Where Eli Holstein needs to improve
Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein enters the 2026 season as one of the more intriguing prospects after a strong redshirt freshman campaign. However, there are still areas of concern in his game that need refinement. Holstein must do a better job of staying poised in the pocket and throwing on rhythm, as he often drifts or scrambles unnecessarily—even when not under pressure. Ball security is another major issue; he fumbled nine times last season, a number that raises red flags for scouts. If Holstein can clean up his pocket discipline and protect the football more effectively, his NFL Draft stock could rise considerably.
Buckeyes add highly touted prospect
Ohio State bolstered its defensive line by landing one of the top defenders in the transfer portal—former North Carolina defensive end Beau Atkinson. A four-star prospect according to On3, Atkinson also drew strong interest from Georgia before committing to the Buckeyes. Last season, he totaled 12 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, though 5.5 of those came in just a two-week span. Heading into the season, I have him graded as a sixth-round prospect. Atkinson has ideal NFL size at 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, and uses that frame to generate impressive power at the point of attack. However, his lack of agility is a concern, particularly when it comes to bending the edge as a pass rusher.
Mark Gronowski recovery
The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to have one of their most talented quarterbacks in recent memory with former South Dakota State standout Mark Gronowski set to take over under center. However, Gronowski missed all of spring practice due to a shoulder injury. The good news for Iowa fans is that he’s expected to be fully cleared by June 1st. When healthy, Gronowski is a high-IQ quarterback and proven leader who makes excellent decisions with the football. Over four seasons with the Jackrabbits, he threw 93 touchdowns to just 20 interceptions.
SMU’s overlooked safety
While most of the attention in SMU’s secondary heading into the season will be on first-team All-ACC selection Isaiah Nwokobia, don’t overlook fellow safety Ahmaad Moses as a rising NFL prospect. Though he started just four games last season, Moses made a strong impression when given the opportunity. His top trait is his coverage ability—he lined up as a nickel corner on over half his snaps and thrived in that role. He recorded three interceptions and consistently stayed tight in coverage, earning an impressive 89.6 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. While coverage is his strength, Moses is also a physical run defender who plays with solid aggression. However, he’ll need to clean up his tackling after registering 13 missed tackles last season.