NFL Draft Sleepers: The Coaches' Picks for 2026

The Thrill of the NFL Draft

The first night of the NFL draft brings an incredible rush of anticipation and excitement, as the biggest names in college football hear their names called. But once the top athletes are selected, the real challenge begins for NFL teams: identifying those hidden gems—players overlooked in the draft process who have the potential to become impactful professional athletes. I polled over 30 college coaches to get the inside scoop on which under-the-radar talents they believe could be the biggest surprises in the upcoming draft.

Identifying Potential Starters

Among the coaches I contacted, the consensus is clear: every NFL talent evaluator is looking for a few sleepers, or under-the-radar players who fill key roles and sometimes transform into regular starters. Each year, the league gets filled with productive players who were overlooked during the draft and had to wait longer for that life-changing phone call.

Let's dive into the insights shared by the coaches about their players and others they've faced this past season. Here's a breakdown by position, starting with quarterbacks.

Quarterbacks to Watch

Luke Altmyer, Illinois Fighting Illini

Key Numbers: 3,007 passing yards, 22 TDs, 67.4% completion percentage.

Altmyer's trajectory has been compelling; after starting three seasons at Illinois, he set a career high for completion percentage and ranked 14th nationally in QBR (78.5). Illinois coach Bret Bielema emphasizes that Altmyer is a winner, with the ability to create plays with his legs—a vital skill for any quarterback hoping to make it in the league.

"Luke prepares so well every week; he'll be a quality backup in the NFL, but his arm talent may surprise some folks," Bielema notes.

Haynes King, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Key Numbers: 2,951 passing yards, 14 TDs, 953 rushing yards.

King has emerged as one of college football's top dual-threat quarterbacks. His blend of rushing and passing ability gives him an advantage, especially in a league where versatility can make all the difference.

Running Backs Making Waves

Jonah Coleman, Washington Huskies

Key Numbers: 756 rushing yards, 15 rushing TDs, 5.5 yards per carry.

Coleman's versatility stood out this past season, showcasing his ability as both a rusher and receiver. He's particularly appealing to NFL teams looking for multi-talented players to add to their roster.

"His performance after transferring shows his ability to adapt and shine in different environments. NFL teams value that resilience," said a Big Ten coach.

Wide Receivers with Upside

Cyrus Allen, Cincinnati Bearcats

Key Numbers: 51 receptions, 675 receiving yards, 13 TDs.

Although he didn't receive a combine invite, Allen's on-field performance and explosive playstyle make him a compelling case for late-round consideration. Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield notes, “He has the versatility to be a game-changer at the next level.”

Defensive Talents Worth Noting

Zane Durant, Penn State Nittany Lions

Key Numbers: 25 tackles, four sacks.

Durant may not be a household name yet, but his performance at Penn State proves he has the athleticism and skill set to compete at the highest level. His ability to create disruptions in the backfield is a quality NFL teams desperately seek.

"He's not big in stature, but his speed and tactical awareness can make him a valuable addition to any defensive unit," said a coach familiar with his play.

Conclusion: Getting Ahead of the Trend

As we gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, the insights from college coaches provide a treasure trove of information about potential sleeper picks. While the top names capture headlines, history shows that the players who fly under the radar often have the most surprising careers. Keep an eye on these athletes; they could very well redefine expectations at the professional level.