Spotlight on Each Team’s Hidden Draft Gem at the NFL Combine

The NFL Combine is scheduled to take place in Indianapolis from February 23 to March 2, 2026. This event plays a crucial role in shaping the upcoming NFL Draft. Teams will reassess their draft boards based on the prospects’ testing results, character assessments, and medical evaluations.

Spotlight on Each Team’s Hidden Draft Gem at the NFL Combine

Each of the 32 NFL teams aims to identify hidden talents that could make a significant impact. This is especially true for mid-round prospects looking to elevate their status. Below are some of the lesser-known gems to watch during this year’s Combine.

Team-by-Team Draft Gems

• Arizona Cardinals: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

  With potential changes at quarterback, Payton is a dual-threat option with 16 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns in 2025.
• Atlanta Falcons: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

  Igbinosun was the fastest corner at the Senior Bowl. The Falcons should be focused on strengthening their secondary.

• Baltimore Ravens: Logan Jones, IOL, Iowa

  If center Tyler Linderbaum leaves, Jones could be a replacement with impressive athleticism, showcased by his 36.5-inch vertical jump.

• Buffalo Bills: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

  Lance, with a potential leap of 40 inches, could fill the Bills’ need for a boundary receiver after impressive 1,000-yard seasons.

• Carolina Panthers: Keyron Crawford, EDGE, Auburn

  Crawford recorded five sacks and is noted for his explosion and competitiveness, making him a strong pass-rushing option.

• Chicago Bears: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

  Durant’s experience and athleticism could enhance the Bears’ defensive line, with potential 40-yard dash times under 4.70 seconds.
• Cincinnati Bengals: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh

  Louis showcased remarkable speed at the Senior Bowl and could be a valuable linebacker option in later rounds.

• Cleveland Browns: Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

  An athletic receiver with deep speed, Caldwell could add much-needed explosiveness to the Browns’ offense.
• Dallas Cowboys: Bud Clark, S, TCU

  Clark is an intelligent player, with a remarkable 15 career interceptions. His Combine performance could solidify his stock.

• Denver Broncos: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

  Trigg’s route-running skills could create mismatches in the NFL, making him a compelling addition for the Broncos.

• Detroit Lions: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

  Jacas is likely to impress with high bench-press reps, fitting the Lions’ need for strength in their pass-rush.

• Green Bay Packers: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

  Johnson’s fit in the Packers’ scheme could make him a mid-round target, addressing their cornerback need.
• Houston Texans: Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

  Claiborne’s elusive running style and speed makes him a valuable prospect for a Texans team aiming to strengthen their backfield.

• Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

  Hill Jr. possesses the size and instincts that could significantly boost the Colts’ linebacker corps during the draft.

• Jacksonville Jaguars: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

  With five interceptions over three seasons, Smith’s skills will be on full display at the Combine, making him an intriguing safety prospect.

• Kansas City Chiefs: John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming

  As a potential backup to Travis Kelce, Gyllenborg’s route-running ability and local fan base could see him thrive in Kansas City.

• Las Vegas Raiders: Avery Smith, CB, Toledo

  With a career-high 10 pass breakups, Smith could bolster a Raiders secondary in need of depth and performance.

• Los Angeles Chargers: Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa

  Dunker offers the toughness the Chargers need in their offensive line, which struggled significantly in 2025.

• Los Angeles Rams: Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo

  Fuller showed impressive speed and size, qualities that would benefit the Rams’ cornerback lineup.
• Miami Dolphins: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

  Thompson’s reported 40-yard dash times could help replace the speed lost when Tyreek Hill was released.

• Minnesota Vikings: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri

  McClellan’s physical attributes make him an appealing prospect for the Vikings’ defense looking to improve its line.

• New England Patriots: Nadame Tucker, EDGE, Western Michigan

  After an impressive season with 14.5 sacks, Tucker will be a prospect to watch for the Patriots looking to bolster their defense.

• New Orleans Saints: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

  Price’s athletic and technical traits could make him a valuable addition to the Saints’ backfield as they look to rebuild.

• New York Giants: Eric Gentry, LB, USC

  Known for his athleticism and production, Gentry suits the Giants’ needs for long and agile linebackers.
• New York Jets: Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona

  Stukes’ turnover-generating abilities with seven interceptions make him a solid mid-round option for the Jets.

• Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

  Iheanachor’s impressive Senior Bowl performance makes him a target for the Eagles, seeking to strengthen their offensive line.

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas

  Taaffe’s experience and smooth movements could make him a reliable pick for the Steelers as they seek defensive help.

• San Francisco 49ers: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

  Hurst’s standout performance at the Senior Bowl positions him as a potential replacement for departing wide receivers.

• Seattle Seahawks: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

  With a competitive nature and standout performances, Demmings fits the Seahawks’ profile for cornerbacks.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

  Rodriguez’s intelligence and tackling ability will make him an attractive option for the Buccaneers’ linebacker unit.

• Tennessee Titans: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

  Washington Jr. offers versatility and speed, and could fit well into the Titans’ plans for the running game.

• Washington Commanders: Barion Brown, WR, LSU

  Brown’s impressive speed could enhance the Commanders’ wide receiver corps, providing the speed element they lacked last season.

The NFL Combine will showcase these hidden draft gems, potentially reshaping the future of each team as they finalize their selections for the 2026 NFL Draft.