One of the more surprising matchups in college football this week is Vanderbilt against Alabama. Not long ago, the idea of this being meaningful would have been laughable, but quarterback Diego Pavia has given Vanderbilt new life. His toughness and leadership have turned the program around, and he’s now on the radar as a legitimate NFL Draft prospect.
In this week’s NFL Draft Notebook, we break down how Pavia’s game translates to the next level, spotlight a Day 3 quarterback who could fit perfectly in Detroit, call out the most overrated player in the 2026 class, and check in on prospects making headlines across the country.
Scouting Diego Pavia
One of the most intriguing late-round or undrafted free agent prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft is Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. What immediately stands out is his moxie. He has been a driving force in Vanderbilt’s rise from SEC doormat to a top-20 program that is pushing to beat Alabama for the second straight season.
The trait that will draw NFL scouts is his leadership and character. Pavia carries himself with unshakable confidence, truly believing he is one of the best players in college football and that he can lead his team against anyone. He is also one of the toughest players in the country, willing to tuck the ball and fight for extra yards or take a massive hit in the pocket and bounce back on the very next snap to make a big play.
Still, there are major questions about how his game translates to the NFL. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, he carries a consensus grade as the 884th overall player in the class. Concerns include below-average arm strength, often worsened by inconsistent mechanics when he fails to step into throws. Size will also be an issue, as he measures just 6 feet tall, making him one of the shortest quarterbacks in the class.
I see Pavia as a late Day 3 selection, most likely in the seventh round, chosen for his leadership, toughness, and ability to elevate teammates. He should begin his career as a third-string quarterback, but with improved mechanics and continued development, he has the potential to grow into a dependable backup at the next level.
Josh Hoover could be a great fit in Detorit
The Detroit Lions currently lead the NFL in scoring, averaging 34.3 points per game, and it is hard to imagine Jared Goff not being their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. Still, with Goff now 30 years old and backup Kyle Allen set to become a free agent after the season, the Lions could look to add a developmental quarterback on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
One prospect who makes sense in that role is TCU’s Josh Hoover. He fits well in Detroit’s system because of his ability to push the ball downfield with underrated arm strength, a trait that has helped him deliver several explosive plays this season. Hoover is also a quick decision-maker who does a solid job getting rid of the ball on time. Athletically, he is similar to Goff. Both are primarily pocket passers, but mobile enough to escape pressure and extend plays when needed.
The rollout ➡️ The score https://t.co/TBHAcwPCI1 pic.twitter.com/pv6149cazr
— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) September 20, 2025
Drafting Hoover on Day 3 would give Detroit a cost-effective developmental option behind Goff while allowing the team to use its earlier picks on more pressing needs like pass rusher and cornerback.
Most overrated player in the 2026 NFL Draft
While quarterbacks like Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson and Alabama’s Ty Simpson are not getting enough credit, one passer might be the most overrated prospect in the entire 2026 NFL Draft: Penn State’s Drew Allar. Despite major concerns with accuracy, footwork, and mobility, he continues to be projected as a high first-round pick. For example, NFL Spin Zone has him slotted ninth overall to the Cleveland Browns.
In reality, Allar looks more like a mid-round talent. I would grade him as a fourth-rounder, which is consistent with the evaluation of NFL scouts. ESPN recently polled six scouts, and all had him pegged as a third-round prospect. The biggest red flag is his footwork. His base is consistently too wide, and he struggles to align his body toward his target. These mechanical flaws contribute to his modest 63 percent completion rate, with most of those completions coming on throws under 10 yards.
Mobility is another issue. Allar is not a threat in the run game, and his accuracy drops significantly when he is forced to throw on the move. Despite these flaws, some team will likely overdraft him based on his size (6-foot-5, 235 pounds), arm strength, and raw traits. The warning signs are clear. Do not be surprised if his career mirrors another highly touted Penn State quarterback, Christian Hackenberg, a second-round pick who flamed out after just three seasons.
Big losses for Cyclones
Iowa State suffered a brutal week on the injury front, losing two of their four players with draftable grades for the 2026 NFL Draft. Both players were starting cornerbacks, Jontez Williams and Jeremiah Cooper, and both went down with torn ACLs.
The higher-regarded prospect is Jeremiah Cooper, who has shown the versatility to play both safety and cornerback. He was named first-team All-Big 12 in 2023 as a safety and has transitioned seamlessly to corner this season, holding opponents to a 36 percent completion rate when targeted. At the next level, he likely projects best as a free safety thanks to his smooth coverage ability, fluid hips, and ball skills, with 22 pass breakups during his Cyclone career.
Williams is another tough loss. Before the injury, I had him graded just slightly below Cooper, with both sitting as fifth-round prospects. Like Cooper, one of Williams’ best traits is his ability to play the ball in the air. He finished third in the Big 12 last season with four interceptions, and his playmaking ability made him an intriguing fit for NFL teams such as the Cleveland Browns, who are in need of depth in their secondary.
These injuries will certainly impact Iowa State’s season, though the Cyclones’ defensive backs are consistently well-coached and should help limit the damage on the field. The bigger hit could come during the pre-draft process, as both players now face significant setbacks in proving themselves to NFL scouts. There is also a strong chance that Williams, who is only a junior, opts to return to school next fall rather than declare for the draft.
Big test for Group of Five prospect
One Group of Five player facing a major test in Week 6 is Boise State offensive tackle Kage Casey, who will square off against Notre Dame. This matchup will be the toughest of his season, as the Irish are the only top-25 opponent the Broncos will face in 2025.
Casey is one of the top Group of Five prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and currently carries a Day 2 grade on my board. His best trait is his balance, which makes it difficult for defenders to knock him off his spot and has played a big role in his allowing only three career sacks. He also moves well for his size, showing fluid footwork in pass protection and the ability to reach the second level in the run game.
This game will go a long way in determining his draft stock and could solidify his standing if he chooses to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Miami’s other defensive end
While most of the spotlight is on Reuben Bain Jr., he is not the only Miami defensive end likely to hear his name called in the 2026 NFL Draft. His teammate Akheem Mesidor should also be selected, though more in the mid-round range rather than the first round like Bain.
Mesidor is quietly having the best season of his career and has emerged as one of the most productive pass rushers in college football. He has already generated 19 pressures this season, including an eye-popping nine against Florida in Week 4. He is also making his presence felt against the run, earning an impressive 86.4 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus.
At the next level, Mesidor projects as a strong fit in a 3-4 defense thanks to his 280-pound frame and ability to outmuscle offensive linemen at the point of attack. His blend of size and power could even earn him snaps as a 3-technique defensive tackle in certain schemes, especially in pass-rushing situations.