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Coaches Reveal 2026 NFL Draft Sleepers Ahead of Pittsburgh

ESPN NFL •
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College coaches have turned their focus to the 2026 NFL Draft, spotlighting players who could slip past the top 50‑60 picks. After the first‑night frenzy, evaluators hunt for value in later rounds, hoping to uncover hidden talent that can become starters or key depth pieces.

Luke Altmyer of Illinois leads the list with 3,007 passing yards, 22 touchdowns and a 67.4 percent completion rate, while keeping a 144.31 passer rating record. Coach Bret Bielema calls him a reliable backup, noting his 4.72‑second 40‑yard dash makes him a solid arm with mobility.

Vanderbilt’s Heisman runner‑up Diego Pavia amassed 3,539 passing yards and 29 touchdowns last season, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year. His 70.6 percent completion shows a sharp rise, and coach Clark Lea believes Pavia’s big‑game throws could translate into a productive NFL career.

Washington’s Jonah Coleman, a 5‑foot‑8 220‑pound back, recorded 756 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, while catching 31 passes for 354 yards. His consistent 5.5 yards per carry and third‑highest bench press among running backs suggest he could fill a versatile role in a pro offense.