The 2025 NFL Draft delivered a major surprise for the Chicago Bears. While experts and fans were clamoring for a star running back early, the team's front office had a different vision, selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with their first pick. The move left many scratching their heads, especially when the Bears waited until the very last round—pick 233—to finally address the backfield by taking Rutgers' Kyle Monangai.

That seventh-round gamble paid off spectacularly. Monangai exploded onto the scene, finishing as the highest-graded rookie running back of 2025. His performance wasn't just good for a late pick; it was historically significant. He joined an elite group of just 12 seventh-round running backs in the last two decades to post a stellar rookie season, achieving his stats while starting only one game—a feat matched only by Jacory Croskey-Merritt and the legendary Ahmad Bradshaw.

Finding that kind of diamond-in-the-rough value is what makes the draft's final day so thrilling. So, who are the potential late-round talents who could follow in Monangai's footsteps and become impact players by 2026? Here are five prospects that have caught my eye.

First up is a truly unique defensive talent. USC linebacker Eric Gentry possesses a rare and fascinating physical profile. Standing at 6'6" with an enormous wingspan, his height, arm length, and hand size are all in the 96th percentile or better for his position. The twist? His weight sits in the 1st percentile. This lanky, athletic build makes him a one-of-a-kind player who uses his elite length and solid speed (4.59 40-yard dash) to track down ball carriers. His frame and athleticism could make him an immediate special teams weapon while he develops into a disruptive defensive role.