2026 NFL Draft: Seven Prospects Climbing the Rankings
With the 2026 NFL Draft now days away, Filmogaz.com tracked several college players who have made noticeable jumps on draft boards. Scouts and personnel directors credit long seasons, big workouts and late breakout moments for each rise. These seven prospects have improved their standing since the 2025 season began.
Context on how boards change
Front offices build draft boards year-round. Scouts weigh spring tape, the season, the combine and pro days. Movement often happens over months, not weeks.
Big risers to know
Freeling — OT (Scouts Inc. No. 14)
Freeling entered 2025 listed as a potential Day 2 tackle. He finished the season as a likely first-round choice. He made 13 starts and performed well against top SEC pass rushers.
He measures 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds. He ran a 4.93 40 and has 34-inch arms. Evaluators noted his improved hand placement and footwork. Games versus Auburn and Texas stood out.
Freeling credits yoga with helping his flexibility and durability. Scouts said his lower-body fluidity and ability to recover on inside counters are NFL traits.
Thieneman — S (Scouts Inc. No. 20)
Thieneman climbed from a projected mid-to-late Day 2 pick toward the first round. He built a lengthy resume as a three-year starter. He played two seasons at Purdue and one at Oregon.
His college totals include 302 tackles and eight interceptions. At the combine he ran a 4.37 40 and posted a 41-inch vertical. He stands about 6-foot and weighs 201 pounds.
An interception in double overtime against Penn State highlighted his game awareness. An AFC area scout praised his route recognition and play speed.
Iheanachor — OT (Scouts Inc. No. 41)
Iheanachor transformed from a developmental profile into an early Day 2 option. He arrived in the U.S. from Nigeria as a teen and did not play organized football until junior college.
He is 6-foot-6 and 321 pounds with an 83-inch wingspan. He has 26 college starts and ran a 4.95 40. Senior Bowl work and one-on-one matchups vs. Texas Tech drew attention.
Coaches like his mobility and length. He still needs to smooth technique, but evaluators view him as an ascending tackle with upside.
Ted Hurst — WR, Georgia State (Scouts Inc. No. 71)
Ted Hurst rose from a late Day 3 projection into possible Day 2 consideration. He was a zero-star high school recruit who became a three-year starter across Valdosta State and Georgia State.
Hurst stands 6-foot-4 and weighed in at 206 pounds. He recorded 1,004 receiving yards in a season where Georgia State passed for 3,049 yards. He ran a 4.42 40 at the combine.
Scouts like his size-speed traits. Questions remain about how he will handle elite NFL cornerbacks and contested catches in tight coverage.
Caldwell — WR (Scouts Inc. No. 146)
Caldwell’s stock moved after a breakout FCS season and a follow-up campaign at Cincinnati. He averaged 19.5 yards per catch at Lindenwood in 2024 and had 11 touchdowns that year.
He measured 6-foot-5 and ran a 4.31 40, the second-fastest among receivers who tested. He posted six touchdown catches in five games for Cincinnati.
Scouts noted his rare length and speed. He still needs refinement in route running and ball skills, but his red-zone upside is obvious.
Gentry — Edge/DE (Scouts Inc. No. 222)
Gentry’s profile intrigued teams despite medical history. He played five games in 2024 due to concussions but returned to start 12 games in 2025.
He is 6-foot-7 and 228 pounds with an 86-inch wingspan. He posted 75 tackles in 2025 and forced five fumbles last season. He ran a 4.6 40 at his pro day.
Teams like his unique length and production over 52 collegiate games. Coaches envision him adding mass and converting to an NFL pass rusher.
Kpeenu — RB (Unranked)
Kpeenu exploded as a senior and emerged as a priority undrafted option. He rushed for 1,005 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in his final college season.
He averaged 5.3 yards per carry for his career. He turned 17 percent of carries into 10-plus yard gains. He had two 100-yard games with fewer than 15 carries.
He ran a 4.68 40 at North Dakota State’s pro day. Coaches praised his toughness, finishing ability and willingness to pass protect. Some evaluators see him as a late Day 3 candidate.
What this means for teams
Front offices will balance traits, production and medicals in late April. These seven prospects offer varying degrees of readiness and upside. Their upward movement shows how scouting work over months reshapes draft boards.
As teams finalize plans, the 2026 NFL Draft will test which risers translate into NFL contributors. Filmogaz.com will follow the selections closely.
