Veteran draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his annual list of 15 prospects he believes will exceed their draft position in the 2026 NFL draft. Kiper stresses these players are not necessarily the top talents at their spots, but rather gritty, high‑football‑IQ athletes who have impressed coaches. The roster spans quarterbacks to edge rushers, highlighting under‑the‑radar talent. His insights shape draft day strategies.

At wide receiver, Kiper zeroes in on Georgia’s Zachariah Branch, whose 4.35‑second 40‑yard dash and 811 receiving yards with 636 yards after catch signal big‑play upside. He projects Branch as a second‑round pick, likening his skill set to a modern Zay Flowers. The list also features Nebraska back Emmett Johnson, a 1,451‑yard rusher with 93 forced missed tackles. His consistency makes him a reliable target.

Offensive tackle prospect Max Iheanachor of Arizona State showcases a rare blend of size and speed, posting a 4.91‑second 40 and 33⅞‑inch arms after only four years of football. Kiper believes Iheanachor could slip into the second round despite first‑round hype. Collectively, these selections underscore how teams may hunt for value beyond consensus rankings this April. Those players could become key contributors for their new clubs.