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3 Steals in the 2026 NFL Draft Who’ll Outplay Their Pick position
TL;DR
The 2026 NFL Draft features notable sleeper picks, particularly in less glamorous positions. T.J. Parker, an edge rusher from Clemson, and Keylan Rutledge, a guard from Georgia Tech, are highlighted as players likely to exceed their draft positions and make immediate impacts.
The 2026 NFL Draft isn't as sexy as it usually is when it comes to marquee positions, but it is on the backend. Not heavy on Quarterbacks and running backs, per se, but very talented when it comes to the least sexy positions, such as offensive linemen. As you know, these positions can be of high importance to a multitude of teams, but what are the three most influential sleepers in this draft that can have an immediate impact on an NFL squad? Let's take a look.
T.J. Parker, Edge - Clemson Tigers
At 6-feet-4 inches and weighing in at 263 pounds, Clemson's T.J. Parker fits the bill perfectly for an edge rusher looking to make an immediate impact. Sacks were down from his previous two years, but he did have 21 during his three seasons in college. He will prove to be closer to an NFL-ready edge rusher than the numbers show, which could put him on the board a little earlier for a team in need of his tools that he brings as a power rusher.
Keylan Rutledge, Guard - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Keylan Rutledge may be a name that sneaks into a day one pick. At 6-feet-4 inches and weighing just south of 320 pounds, he would run a 5.05 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He was first team All-ACC and started all 13 games at Georgia Tech. He has been very appealing to most NFL scouts due to his experience and first-step contact ability off the ball. His body control will need work, but it can be quickly tweaked in camp.
D'Angelo Ponds, Cornerback - Indiana Hoosiers
A second team All-American and first team All-Big 10 cornerback out of Indiana is likely a day two pick, but has been considered a perimeter nickelback trapped in a smaller frame at 5-feet-9 inches, and 182 pounds. He has a vertical of 43.5 inches and can jump with any receiver in the league. Scouts believe that he will need to work on his tackling in space against bigger wide receivers. He has a very high instinct level when tracking the ball, making him a steal in this draft.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 3 Steals in the 2026 NFL Draft Who’ll Outplay Their Pick position
Q&A
Who are the top sleeper picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The top sleeper picks include T.J. Parker, an edge rusher from Clemson, and Keylan Rutledge, a guard from Georgia Tech.
What are T.J. Parker's college stats and potential in the NFL?
T.J. Parker recorded 21 sacks over three seasons at Clemson and is expected to be an NFL-ready edge rusher despite a dip in his sack numbers in his final year.
Why are offensive linemen considered important in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Offensive linemen are crucial as they can significantly impact a team's performance, especially in a draft that lacks marquee skill positions like quarterbacks and running backs.
