Every week, Yardbarker screens 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 very best TE in school soccer.
Via 10 video games, Sadiq leads the crew in receiving yards (479) and TD catches (eight). His pass-catching capability is one purpose many scouts view him as TE1 within the draft.
“[Sadiq] is likely to be the very best 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 power to box-out defensive backs for the ball and high-point capability to win excessive.”
NFL groups love tight ends who can threaten defenses within the passing sport, and Sadiq matches that mould. In Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs take him at No. 15, doubtlessly 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 totally healed heading into the predraft course of.
“I will be a greater model of myself out of this,” the QB instructed ESPN’s Pete Thamel in a narrative revealed Monday. “The medical doctors stated it is going to 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 have to get redone. Numerous guys have accomplished it and are available again.
“I am going to be capable of make a full restoration and never have something to consider once 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 no less than 217 passing yards. Tankathon lists him as QB11 on its up to date large 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 strictly what NFL groups are on the lookout for,” 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, along with his ground 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.
Nevertheless, 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 might safe a berth within the convention championship sport.
On Monday, Washington head coach Jedd Fisch instructed 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 probabilities of upsetting the Geese. As of Tuesday, ESPN Analytics provides them a 24.9 p.c likelihood to win the rivalry sport.
Via 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 legal for an enormous receiver,” wrote Sikkema. “He is fast with various releases versus press protection and reveals good cuts in his routes regardless of his larger measurement.”
His crisp route working might 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 12 months’s cornerback class. He is a extremely aggressive participant who’s taking part in all kinds of coverages,” wrote Reid. “He’s one other participant who might make an enormous rise in an all-star sport setting.”
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