While all eyes are on projected top pick Fernando Mendoza, the real intrigue of the 2026 NFL Draft often lies deeper in the rounds. For every surefire star, there are hidden gems waiting to be polished—players whose unique skill sets could become the next great value pick. Think of the impact a later-round find like AJ Brown can have; that's the potential teams are hunting for after the big names are off the board. Let's spotlight some of the most fascinating under-the-radar prospects who could make a team look very smart in a few years.
In a surprisingly thin quarterback class, North Dakota State's Cole Payton stands out as a tantalizing mid-round project. With top prospects like Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson expected to go early, the drop-off is steep. Payton, a one-year lefty starter, represents a high-upside swing for a team willing to develop raw talent.
NDSU has quietly become a quarterback pipeline, and Payton follows in the athletic mold of Trey Lance rather than the traditional Carson Wentz. At 6'2" and 235 lbs, he looks more like a running back—a role he played earlier in his career as a devastating short-yardage weapon. When handed the reins in 2025, he dominated the FCS level with a rare blend of efficiency and explosive playmaking.
The statistics are eye-opening. According to PFF, Payton joined an elite group including Joe Burrow and Drake Maye by posting a big-time throw rate over 8% while limiting turnovers. This is even more impressive considering his unorthodox, almost hurling throwing motion, which draws comparisons to Philip Rivers and Tim Tebow. Despite the mechanical quirks, he demonstrates the ability to make every NFL throw.
The question for scouts is his projection. Can he evolve from a dynamic runner who throws into a full-field passing quarterback? Overhauling his mechanics while learning a pro offense is a significant challenge. Many see his immediate future in a versatile, Taysom Hill-type role, offering a unique weapon for creative offensive coordinators. For a team with patience, he could be a draft-day steal.