The 2026 NFL Draft class was shaping up to be something special—until six of its brightest stars decided to hit the snooze button and return to college for another season. These players were all featured in CBS Sports Lead NFL Draft Scout Mike Renner's preseason 2026 mock draft, but instead of declaring, they chose to refine their craft. Smart move? Absolutely. But if they want to climb even higher in the 2027 NFL Draft, there's still work to be done.

Let's break down what the NFL is really looking for. It's not just about flashy plays or highlight-reel athleticism. Teams want to see how quickly a quarterback processes a defense, anticipates a throw, and delivers with accuracy and arm strength. For offensive linemen, it's about size, length, strength, and quickness off the snap. And for every prospect, growth matters—improvement from season to season, leadership in the locker room, and a clean bill of health. The NFL wants competitors who check all the boxes, and being bigger, longer, and more athletic never hurts.

Enter LaNorris Sellers, arguably one of the most electric athletes under center in college football. When he tucks the ball and runs, defenses tremble. But here's the catch: the NFL isn't just looking for a running quarterback. They want a passer who can win from the pocket, and that's where Sellers needs to level up.

In 2025, Sellers actually took a step back as a passer. He's been locking onto his primary receiver too often, rarely using his eyes to manipulate safeties or create throwing windows. Elite quarterbacks work through multiple progressions, and they know how to move defenders with a subtle glance. Sellers? He's still learning that art. His accuracy and timing have been inconsistent, and his ability to diagnose defenses is a work in progress. Too many passes are arriving late, giving deep safeties time to recover and intercept what should be completions.

Processing speed and anticipation aren't just nice-to-haves—they're essential at the next level. And with two seasons of starting experience under his belt, the NFL will want to see real growth in these areas. Throwing windows close fast against top competition, and Sellers has to prove he can thread the needle before the window slams shut.

The good news? He has another year to develop. And for these six prospects, that extra time could be the difference between being a mid-round pick and a first-round star. Stay tuned—their 2027 draft stock is about to get a major boost.