Sports

6 Biggest Offensive Sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft

By Luke Easterling Athlon Sports

Every year in the NFL Draft, a handful of prospects emerge from under the radar to have a big impact on their teams after going through the majority of the predraft process without much fanfare.

The 2026 class is sure to be no exception, with plenty of underrated players who have the talent to make a splash right away at the next level, but could fall through the cracks of the early rounds for any number of reasons.

Here are my picks for the biggest offensive sleepers in this year's draft:

WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State

He's getting more attention as we get close to the draft, but Hurst is a name that might not be familiar to many fans just yet. That's likely to change no matter where he lands on draft weekend, thanks to some dominant film and athletic traits that put him among the best pass-catchers in this year's loaded class.

Hurst checks every box from a physical standpoint that NFL teams look for in a No. 1 receiver, but his level of competition might give them pause. That said, his impressive showing during Senior Bowl week proved he belongs on the same level with the other receivers from big-name programs, and his combine numbers prove he's an elite athlete. He should be a Day 2 lock, and could go higher than many expect.

RB Noah Whittington, Oregon

A couple of years ago, an undersized running back came out of Eugene and made an instant splash, as Bucky Irving quickly became a big-play machine for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Whittington could make it happen again, thanks to similar explosiveness and big-play ability that Irving brought to the table:

Whittington may be short, but he's not exactly small, with a stout frame he puts to good use between the tackles. He's a tough runner who plays through contact, and he contributes in the passing game as a reliable check-down target who can pick up yards after the catch. In a running back class that lacks quality depth after the first few big names, Whittington could emerge as a value target on Day 3 who makes a big impact.

OT Travis Burke, Memphis

A towering blocker (6-9, 325 pounds), Burke is being hidden by a top-heavy tackle class that will be well-represented in the first round. He's got all the power you'd expect from someone with those measurements, but Burke also brings surprising athleticism and movement skills to the table.

Burke has a nasty, physical style of play that offensive line coaches will love at the next level, and he's got physical traits you just can't teach. If he lands in the right spot, a patient and competent coaching staff could eventually develop him into a dominant starter, which could make him a bargain as a projected mid-round pick.

TE Joe Royer, Cincinnati

I thought Georgia's Oscar Delp would end up in this spot, but it seems like most folks are coming to realize he's one of the best tight end prospects in this class, so I'll highlight another one who needs more attention. I'm still trying to figure out why Royer didn't get the ball more often in the Bearcats' passing attack, given his combination of size, athleticism, and reliable hands.

A transfer from Ohio State, Royer has untapped talent as a pass-catching weapon, and he's a willing blocker who plays with a mean streak at the point of attack. He should be much more productive in the pros that he was in college, and any team that lands him on Day 3 could end up with a bargain on their hands.

WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech

When you bring size and speed to the table at wide receiver, NFL teams are gonna notice every time. Even so, a deep receiver class could push a pass-catcher like Douglas down the board, despite the fact that he checks both of those boxes. After measuring in over 6-3 and 206 pounds at the NFL Combine, Douglas lit up the track with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash.

Douglas had an impressive week of practice at the Senior Bowl, showing the ability to use that size/speed combination to challenge defenders of all shapes and sizes. He's competitive at the catch point, making him a valuable weapon in the red zone. He should come off the board at some point on Day 3, making him a potential steal with tons of upside.

QB Cole Payton, North Dakota State

It's not a great year to need an instant-impact quarterback in the early rounds, but if teams are targeting a Day 3 prospect with intriguing upside, they could look Payton's way. He's not the most technically sound passer in the class, but he's big and athletic, with a strong arm and dangerous running ability.

Even if Payton never earns a full-time starting role at quarterback in the NFL, his skill set lends itself to Taysom Hill comparisons, and that's not a bad thing. His unique combination of size, athleticism and throwing ability could make him a valuable gadget weapon in the right offense.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 7:01 AM.

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