2026 NFL Draft: Three underrated prospects who could be Day 2 steals

Every one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft has been poked at, prodded, tested, timed, and had their college tape scrutinised in extreme detail.

A handful of others have flown under the radar, poised to follow in the footsteps of Giants running back Cam Skattebo or Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger as Day 2 picks.

With Rounds 2 and 3 looming large, here are three players not garnering enough attention in the pre-draft process who have the talent to become difference-makers in the NFL.

Stream the 2026 NFL Draft free and live on DAZN

Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft was as dramatic as it gets, and Rounds 2 and 3 promise more of the same, live and free on DAZN (excluding Canada). 

Tune in on Friday, April 24, at midnight BST / 7pm ET / 4pm PT to watch the best remaining college prospects fulfil a lifelong dream of hearing their names called on draft night.

Streaming times for Days 2 and 3 are available here.

Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy

He's not a burner, and he won't break tackles in the open field, but he leaves Navy as the program's most productive receiver ever.

Heidenreich catches everything thrown his way and creates real mismatches out of the slot, not dissimilar to another very successful NFL tailback.

Likely to be a Day 3 selection, he'll need to fight his way into contention. However, if given the chance and if he plays for an OC capable of maximising his skill set, the 22-year-old could surprise.

Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

With his larger frame, knack for beating man and press coverage, and ability to make contested catches, Hurst profiles as a true X receiver.

Count former Panthers great Steve Smith among Hurst's biggest fans.

"He has the ability, and shows flashes of a faster Larry Fitzgerald", said Smith, comparing the 21-year-old to the 2026 Hall of Fame inductee.

Not even a lock to go on Day 2, hopefully Hurst lands with a team that will give him the time and opportunity to develop the technical side of his game.

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

I've been banging the Rodriguez drum for a while now because I firmly believe he's destined to become an asset on whatever NFL team he lands.

The 23-year-old is a little undersized, and his missed tackle rate cannot be overlooked, but he's as athletic as they come, has impressive football IQ, and was one of the most productive linebackers in college.

One former NFL legend named Rodriguez as his favourite linebacker in the class.

Considering what Luke Kuechly achieved during his glittering career, his vote of confidence adds weight to my argument that Rodriguez should be above C.J. Allen on every draft board.