As spring practice continues for teams preparing for the 2026 season, several NFL Draft prospects are beginning to make an impression, some positive, like LSU offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, and others less so, like Indiana wide receiver Nick Marsh. In this week’s 2027 NFL Draft Notebook, we highlight these players along with a Georgia linebacker who needs to step up, Ohio State offensive tackle Austin Siereveld’s areas for improvement, and more.
Good first impression in Baton Rouge
Former Colorado offensive tackle Jordan Seaton has made a strong impression since arriving at LSU. The most noticeable change is his transformation from a 330-pound tackle who sometimes looked sloppy to a more athletic 307-pound player. He has also impressed coach Lane Kiffin with his work ethic. If he maintains this and improves as a run blocker, Seaton could be a high pick next April.
"Jordan Seaton has done a phenomenal job since he got here. I’ll come up here, it’ll be Sunday at 9 PM, and he’ll be out there doing his own stuff, working out."LSU Head Coach Lane Kiffin
Not a great first impression
While Jordan Seaton has made a strong first impression, new Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh has not. He drew his first reprimand from head coach Curt Cignetti after showing up to practice in gold cleats. On the positive side, Marsh made an impressive one-handed catch later in practice. Projecting to the NFL, his 6-foot-3, 203-pound frame and notable strength work in his favor. He does need to improve catching the ball in traffic, having converted just 3 of 11 contested catches, according to PFF.
Spectacular one-handed grab for Indiana wide receiver Nick Marsh at spring practice this morning.
— Jhett Garrett (@jhettgarrett) March 26, 2026
Marsh had 59 catches for 662 yards and 6 touchdowns at Michigan State last season. Going to be a HUGE target for #iufb this season. pic.twitter.com/6WIt2qBeUl
Harsh words for Josh Hoover
Another NFL Draft prospect who heard harsh words from his coach is Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover, who was criticized by his former TCU coach Sonny Dykes. Dykes said in an interview for State of the Frog, “Look, numbers are numbers, and stats are stats. And I think you know, you look for us, and I think Josh started 31 games here as a quarterback, and we turned the ball over 40—he turned the ball over 42 times in those 31 starts.” While blaming Hoover entirely for those turnovers is unfair, his tendency to turn the ball over is a major concern for NFL scouts and one reason he has a late Day Three grade on my board entering the season.
Time for Bulldog linebacker to step up
C.J. Allen is widely regarded as one of the top inside linebackers in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his presence should open the door for another Georgia linebacker to emerge. That player is Justin Williams, a former top-ranked linebacker and 10th-best overall player out of Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, Texas, according to 247Sports. Despite limited snaps last season, he made an impact with 36 tackles and four tackles for loss in just 225 snaps. With an expanded role this season, expect a significant jump in both production and visibility.
Notre Dame is shifting Anthonie Knapp inside
Notre Dame offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp moved positions this spring. After two years at left tackle, he has shifted inside to guard, which is also the position he projects best for in the NFL. The move makes sense, as Knapp is a physical mauler whose length likely limited his potential as a tackle at the professional level.
Needs to step up vs. top competition
Ohio State offensive tackle Austin Siereveld needs to perform better against elite opponents. His weakest game came against the Miami Hurricanes, where he allowed five pressures. If he can hold up against top pass rushers, he projects as a top-100 pick next April. Siereveld is an impressive athlete for a 6-foot-5, 325-pound lineman and adds versatility, having played offensive guard in 2024 before moving to tackle last season.
Pass rusher to watch
An edge defender to watch next season is Louisville’s Clev Lubin. Over the past two seasons, he has totaled 17 sacks, while his 24 percent pass-rush win rate last season led the Power Four, according to PFF. He was also named one of NFL Mock’s top 10 draft performers twice, once against James Madison in Week 2 and again in Week 14 against Kentucky. Expect Lubin to enter next season with a mid-round grade for the 2027 NFL Draft, with the upside to rise if his production continues.