No position is more captivating in the NFL Draft than quarterback, and, as always, there are plenty of prospects far from the top of draft boards that take the pre-draft world by storm. The 2026 NFL Draft is creeping up with just over a month left, and it's time to start digging deeper into the prospect pool.
In a weaker QB class, here are some signal callers who may not be getting top prospect hype, but could be big-time steals.
Cole Payton, North Dakota State QB generating NFL Draft buzz
Payton might be elevating himself above "sleeper" status, but there's always merit to highlighting the top small-school quarterback prospect in the class. An inexperienced FCS QB, the NDSU product is the definition of a developmental project. He's an impressive dual-threat athlete with the blend of arm talent and rushing ability to succeed at the next level, and if he's able to refine his technique and processing, the road to becoming a starting QB could be in his future. It's unclear when he'll actually be selected, but some view him landing as high as a potential Day 2 selection.
The lefty @NDSUfootball QB Cole Payton showing off the deep ball.
— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2026
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Taylen Green’s raw talent makes him one to watch
The Arkansas offensive captain is the next in a long line of athletically-inclined quarterback prospects surrounded by positional change rumors. Green can make every throw, ran a record-breaking 4.37-second 40-yard dash, and his frame is everything that NFL scouts could dream of. Like most players with his archetype, the rawness mainly comes through his accuracy and ball placement, as well as managing the game when facing pressure. He could eventually move to either tight end or receiver, but his upside is more than enough to warrant a chance at evolving his game at QB wherever he gets drafted.
Sawyer Robertson’s athletic tools make him intriguing at QB
Continuing with the theme of athletic quarterbacks, the former Baylor Bear has the size and speed to be a high-level improviser. He flashes precision in the passing game with the ability to work to all levels of the field, and can work both within the pocket and as a scrambling option. Robertson's biggest issue is the inconsistency in all aspects of his game. He'll likely be taken as a Day 3 flier, beginning his career as a depth option. If it all clicks for him, though, he could work his way into earning a starting shot.
Jack Strand emerging as a small-school NFL Draft sleeper
What's a good sleeper list without an absolute dart throw? Strand, hailing from Minnesota State-Moorhead, might be the best quarterback to come from the Division II ranks since former Shepherd superstar Tyson Bagent. He's already gotten his fair share of attention from the CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats, being placed on their negotiation list in January.
The arm, football IQ, frame, and ability to work the pocket are far more advanced than the level he played at, and the NFL Draft media has begun to take notice. If a team is confident enough in their developmental program, he could hear his name called on Day 3 and be given a chance to compete for a roster spot.