Every week, Yardbarker displays the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
From an Oregon tight finish to a San Diego State cornerback, listed here are 5 gamers we’re monitoring:
Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq
Sadiq logged six receptions for 72 yards and two landing catches in a 42-27 Week 13 win over Southern California. Following the impressive performance, the Oregon star was named a finalist for the John Mackey Award, which acknowledges the most effective TE in school soccer.
By 10 video games, Sadiq leads the staff in receiving yards (479) and TD catches (eight). His pass-catching potential is one cause many scouts view him as TE1 within the draft.
“[Sadiq] is likely to be the most effective pass-catcher, WRs included, within the 2026 group,” wrote ESPN’s Matt Miller in a narrative revealed Sunday. “The 6-foot-3, 245-pound tight finish strikes like a slot receiver with quickness out and in of his breaks, however he additionally has the energy to box-out defensive backs for the ball and high-point potential to win excessive.”
NFL groups love tight ends who can threaten defenses within the passing recreation, and Sadiq matches that mildew. In Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs take him at No. 15, probably giving the AFC powerhouse a long-term successor to 36-year-old Travis Kelce.
Allar (6-foot-5, 235 kilos) suffered a damaged left ankle in a Week 6 loss to Northwestern however expects to be absolutely healed heading into the predraft course of.
“I will be a greater model of myself out of this,” the QB advised ESPN’s Pete Thamel in a narrative revealed Monday. “The medical doctors stated it may be stronger than earlier than due to the kind of surgical procedure they did. It will not prohibit me from something sooner or later or must get redone. Numerous guys have finished it and are available again.
“I will be capable to make a full restoration and never have something to consider after I come again.”
Allar hopes to throw on the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix — scheduled Feb. 23-March 2 in Indianapolis — or at a professional day. Every time he does, the QB will want a robust efficiency to enhance his draft inventory. In six video games this season, he did not throw for at the least 217 passing yards. Tankathon lists him as QB11 on its up to date huge board.
BYU RB LJ Martin
Martin — who ranks seventh within the FBS in speeding yards (1,134) — could also be a quick riser within the 2026 draft. In BYU’s 26-14 Week 13 win over Cincinnati, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound RB had 32 carries for a season-high 222 yards and two TDs.
“Martin is precisely what NFL groups are in search of,” wrote The Ringer’s Todd McShay in a narrative revealed Sunday. “I consider he is one of many high RBs within the class and has an opportunity to get chosen on Day 2, together with his flooring being the fourth spherical.”
Different draft gurus aren’t as bullish on Martin. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, he is a projected seventh-rounder.
Nonetheless, serving to BYU (10-1) attain the Large 12 Championship Sport would assist the RB generate extra buzz. If the Cougars beat the Central Florida Knights on Saturday, they’d safe a berth within the convention championship recreation.
On Monday, Washington head coach Jedd Fisch advised the media he expects Boston (ankle) to play a “substantial quantity” in Saturday’s matchup in opposition to Oregon. That will increase the Huskies’ slim possibilities of upsetting the Geese. As of Tuesday, ESPN Analytics offers them a 24.9 p.c probability to win the rivalry recreation.
By 10 video games, the Washington star is tied for fifteenth within the FBS in TD catches (eight). In a narrative revealed Tuesday, Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema tabbed him as WR4 in a category deep on the place.
“Boston [6-foot-4, 209 pounds] is a clean felony for a giant receiver,” wrote Sikkema. “He is fast with various releases versus press protection and exhibits good cuts in his routes regardless of his greater measurement.”
His crisp route working may make Boston a first-round decide. Tankathon’s newest mock draft has the New York Jets grabbing him with decide No. 28.
San Diego State CB Chris Johnson
In San Diego State’s 25-3 win over San Jose State, Johnson (6-foot, 185 kilos) completed with one interception, one sack and three tackles. For his efforts, the East-West Shrine Bowl named him Defensive Player of the Week.
Johnson doesn’t face elite competition in the Mountain West Conference, but scouts may not hold that against him. On his updated big board, ESPN’s Jordan Reid ranks him No. 46 amongst 50 prospects.
“Do not overlook Johnson on this yr’s cornerback class. He is a extremely aggressive participant who’s enjoying all forms of coverages,” wrote Reid. “He’s one other participant who may make a giant rise in an all-star recreation setting.”
