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USA Today
04-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
2026 NFL draft: 10 prospects who could be poised to rise this season
2026 NFL draft: 10 prospects who could be poised to rise this season Show Caption Hide Caption Ashton Jeanty talks all things Las Vegas Raiders and his hopes in the NFL Ashton Jeanty spoke with USA TODAY Sports about his upcoming rookie season with the Raiders and his partnership with Sharpie. Sports Seriously Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. The top of every NFL draft typically features at least a handful of players who have been well-known figures for some time. But plenty can change over the course of a year – and several prospects typically ensure there's somewhat of a shake-up. With teams often placing a premium on upside in their picks, a breakout season can go a long way toward shifting consensus about a player's draft stock. And with the proliferation of transfers and several late bloomers finding their stride deep in their collegiate careers – including the likes of 2025 first-rounders Tyler Warren and Matthew Golden, among others – several players could be poised this fall to enjoy an exponential surge to a higher position on draft day. With less than three months until the college football season begins, these 10 players – none of whom are quarterbacks, with the potential risers at that position already covered last month – could be prime candidates to rise on draft boards in the coming months: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia A top-five overall recruit in 2023, Branch showed off his explosiveness right away as a freshman for USC, scoring four touchdowns in his first three games. The former track champion – he ran a 10.33-second 100-meter dash as a sophomore – earned USA TODAY Sports' first-team All-American slot as a returner after taking back 24 kicks for 442 yards and a touchdown along with 16 punts for 332 yards and one touchdown. As a sophomore, however, he hit an apparent wall playing for a Trojans squad in transition. Although he tied for second on the team with 47 receptions last season, he scored just one touchdown and averaged 10.4 yards per reception while also seeing his special teams contributions be severely limited. After transferring to Georgia along with older brother Zion, the 5-10, 180-pounder will be called on to provide some easy wins in the passing game for expected new starting quarterback Gunner Stockton as part of a remade receiving corps. If he can re-establish his credentials as an electric playmaker by turning quick hits into long gains against the Southeastern Conference's top competition, he'll be firmly on NFL teams' radar as a potential early pick. Barion Brown, WR, LSU Since he took a kickoff back 100 yards in his first collegiate game, Brown has held a special place as one college football's most lethal speed merchants. While he delivered on his potential as a returner with an SEC-record five career kickoffs taken back for touchdowns, Kentucky's dysfunctional offense limited him to career lows of 29 catches and 361 receiving yards last season. Now slotted to complement fellow transfer Nic Anderson at LSU, Brown could thrive in the Garrett Nussmeier-helmed aerial passing attack that should be in a good spot to unlock the 5-11, 180-pounder's field-stretching ability. Drops have plagued him at times, however, and he'll need to be a more reliable presence – particularly in his route-running – to avoid being pigeonholed as a gadget player and specialist. Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina When it comes to unrealized potential, Harbor might be the most compelling figure in college football not named Arch Manning. With an unprecedented blend of size (6-5, 235 pounds) and speed (10.11 seconds in the 100-meter dash as a sophomore), the former five-star recruit is a singular challenge for defensive backs. But after splitting time between football and track, Harbor now has placed his full focus on the former since the spring. The more detailed approach that has been lauded by Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer could yield a massive payoff in the fall, with rocket-armed star quarterback LaNorris Sellers poised to take advantage of all that Harbor can offer as a downfield target. If his production takes a significant leap from last year's totals of 26 catches and 376 yards, expect a proportionate surge in his draft stock. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State While Jeremiah Smith won't be eligible for the draft until 2027, Tate could give Ohio State its fifth consecutive year with at least one receiver landing in the first round. While the 6-3, 191-pounder isn't a pure burner like others on this list, he follows other recent Buckeyes standouts in creating consistent separation with advanced precision and tempo in his route-running. After notching 52 catches for 733 yards last season as the No. 3 receiver, Tate could flourish in becoming the secondary weapon who benefits from the attention devoted to Smith, with a sizable jump from last year's totals of 52 catches and 733 yards likely in store. Building a game on craft rather than flash helped former teammate Emeka Egbuka secure a slot on Day 1 this year, and the track could lead Tate to a similar destination. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame At 6-4 and 220 pounds, Fields sizes up as the kind of possession receiver who can make life a good deal easier for his signal-caller. But it might be the savvy that stems from his days as a high school quarterback that puts him over the top as a safety valve. His knack for coming down with contested catches and finding soft spots in zones helped him record more than 800 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons, which was no easy feat given the extremely poor quarterback play he was saddled with at Virginia. After transferring to Notre Dame, he'll be afforded not only a greater stage but also much better overall support from a team that should once again be in the hunt for one of the College Football Playoff's top seeds. Luke Hasz, TE, Mississippi A change of scenery can go a long way in determining any player's NFL draft trajectory. In two years at Arkansas, Hasz often saw his impact limited by quarterback Taylen Green's erratic ball placement and decision-making. Now set to be a crucial part of the Rebels' high-octane passing attack under Kiffin, the 6-3, 245-pounder should be better positioned to showcase his surehandedness and penchant for boxing out defensive backs, which should make him a fast favorite of new starting quarterback Austin Simmons. Though Hasz looks set to share the workload with Dae'Quan Wright, Mississippi could utilize plenty of two tight-end looks to take advantage of the duo. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon With second-round tight end Terrence Ferguson and top receivers Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden off to the NFL, the Ducks are set for a reconfiguration in their receiving corps. Big things are expected of Evan Stewart as the former five-star recruit enters his second season in Eugene after transferring from Texas A&M, but Sadiq might be the true wild card for the offense. At 6-3 and 245 pounds, he's a more formidable run blocker than his size might suggest. His true value, however, lies in his ability to create mismatches as a supersized receiver with impressive long speed. Sadiq will have to show he can handle being a featured part of the Ducks' offense and develop into something more than a seam threat, but he's one of the most intriguing draft-eligible tight ends to keep an eye on. Damon Wilson II, DE/OLB, Missouri When he committed to Georgia in December 2022, Wilson looked in line to be the next standout pass rusher for a program that produced Travon Walker, Jalen Carter and a bevy of other hyperathletic defensive linemen. But the Bulldogs' rigid rotation up front can box in even the most talented players and leave them with limited opportunities to shine as individuals. While Wilson looked due for a larger role in 2025 for a defense that lost Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker from the front seven, the former five-star recruit instead opted to find a fresh opportunity. The 6-4, 245-pounder could be a cornerstone of a Missouri defense that lost its top edge threat in second team All-SEC pick Johnny Walker Jr., and more opportunities to flash his explosiveness could vault him up draft boards. Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State Having sat out all of 2023 following his transfer from Miami (Fla.), Jackson eased his way back into action last season, recording 3 ½ sacks en route to honorable mention All-ACC honors. With that experience in hand, big things could be ahead for the 6-5, 337-pounder. Few defensive linemen at the collegiate level can measure up to Jackson when it comes to commanding the line of scrimmage, as his sheer size and strength make him a dominant force against the run when he maintains his leverage and intensity. Though he might never post prolific sack numbers, he can create havoc by pushing the pocket and slipping past blockers who underestimate his quickness. Jackson's conditioning and consistency will be heavily scrutinized, but after the similarly built Kenneth Grant went No. 13 overall to the Miami Dolphins this year, it's apparent that massive defensive tackles with abundant athleticism don't tend to hang around long in the draft. Keon Sabb, S, Alabama After helping Michigan win a national championship in 2023, Sabb took on a new challenge last year by going to Tuscaloosa to help the Crimson Tide navigate the post-Nick Saban era. He made a strong early impression, recording two interceptions in his first game for Alabama and notching 39 total tackles before being lost for the season to a lower-extremity injury. The 6-1, 205-pounder blends puts together impressive size and coverage skills to allow him to clamp down on tight ends and patrol underneath in zone coverage. With his strong tackling allowing him to also be a force in the box, he should be coveted for his ability to handle a few key tasks, even if he doesn't fit the mold of a typical single-high safety. If he's able to stay healthy, expect his buzz to build. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. Check out the latest edition: Best fits for remaining free agents.
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Indianapolis Colts' Tyler Warren appears on PFF's top tight end rankings
Indianapolis Colts' Tyler Warren appears on PFF's top tight end rankings Indianapolis Colts' rookie Tyler Warren is already on PFF's list of the top 32 tight ends entering the 2025 regular season. Indianapolis Colts' rookie tight end Tyler Warren is yet to take an NFL regular-season snap, but he made Pro Football Focus' list as one of the top tight ends in the game. PFF's John Kosko put together his list of the top 32 tight ends entering the 2025 NFL season, and tied for 23rd, with fellow rookie Colston Loveland, was Warren. "Loveland and Warren were highly touted prospects and should be expected to produce immediately," wrote Kosko. "Loveland was selected 10th overall after earning a 90.6 PFF receiving grade in 2024, while Warren went at No. 14 overall after posting a 93.4 PFF receiving grade. Time will tell how they adjust to the NFL." In just one OTA practice, Warren was reportedly "very active" in the Colts' passing game already, whether that was with Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones under center. Warren will give the Colts that much-needed pass-catching boost at the tight end position, specifically over the middle of the field, where he can be a real matchup problem with his size and athleticism. However, Warren's impact will go well beyond that phase of the game. He's also a capable blocker and versatile, able to line up across the formation, and as we saw at Penn State, handle a variety of roles. That do-it-all skill set at the tight end position creates some unpredictability for an offense with defenses unable to get a beat on what's coming based on who is on the field or where the tight end is lined up. This then creates opportunities for the tight end and his teammates to exploit. 'He's highly intelligent," Colts area scout Chad Henry said via the Indy Star. "To use him the way that they used him, in all the different spots, you could see the former quarterback in him. When he came into our room at the Combine, he sounded like a coach." At the top of PFF's tight end rankings were George Kittle, followed by Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, Mark Andrews, and Sam LaPorta.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Indianapolis Colts' OTAs: The big question at tight end
The Indianapolis Colts will begin Phase III of the offseason programs on May 28th, which means the start of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Rather than only doing individual drills as the Colts have been doing, they will now be permitted to do 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 team drills, although no live contact is allowed. Advertisement So with this important part of the offseason schedule about to begin, I wanted to highlight one big question facing each position group. Up next are the tight ends. Below you can find our previous position previews. All eyes will be on Indianapolis Colts' rookie tight end Tyler Warren Okay, so that's not much of a question. I suppose one could be, how big and quick of an impact can Warren make as a rookie? The Colts haven't had a tight end eclipse 500 receiving yards in a season since 2018. In fact, when combined, the entire Colts' tight end room didn't even hit that mark last season. Warren can certainly provide a big boost in the passing game. He's coming off a 2024 season where he had over 100 receptions and totaled more than 1,200 receiving yards. As GM Chris Ballard discussed after the draft, Warren can be particularly impactful over the middle of the field, where his combination of size and athleticism makes him a difficult matchup. Advertisement However, with that said, Warren's impact is going to go beyond just the passing game. He comes to the NFL as a capable run blocker, and his versatility allowed him to fill a variety of roles at Penn State, which included lining up in the backfield at times. 'This is a big man now," said area scout Chad Henry via the Indy Star. "We have a hard time, anymore, finding guys that size (at tight end), because you're looking at a bunch of 230-pound guys that are basically an extra receiver. This guy happens to be an extra receiver who can knock the crap out of people, both on the line of scrimmage and in space." When an offense has a do-it-all presence at the tight end position, it adds some unpredictability to that unit because that player can shoulder a number of responsibilities, so defenses can't easily get a beat on what's coming based on who is on the field or where players are lined up. This then not only creates opportunities for Warren to exploit, but for his teammates as well. Advertisement Like any incoming rookie, there will be a learning curve for Warren, but he's in a position to make some noise right away, and that impact can go beyond just his column on the stat sheet. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Indianapolis Colts OTAs preview: All eyes on TE Tyler Warren
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Contract details for Indianapolis Colts' first-round pick TE Tyler Warren
Contract details for Indianapolis Colts' first-round pick TE Tyler Warren Here is a look at the contract details for Indianapolis Colts' first-round draft pick TE Tyler Warren. Prior to rookie minicamp, the Indianapolis Colts agreed to contract terms with first-round draft pick Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. Over the Cap now has those contract details. When it comes to rookie deals, the rookie wage scale sets the parameters, based on where the player was drafted, that puts in place a ceiling and a floor for how much each draft pick can earn over their standard four-year contract. For a more detailed look at the rookie wage scale, click here. For Warren, who was the 14th overall pick, his total contract value over the four-year deal is $20.96 million, all of which is guaranteed, and it includes a $11.884 million signing bonus. From a cap perspective, that signing bonus amount will be prorated over the four years of the contract, in the form of a $2.971 million cap hit each year. In Year 1, Warren will earn a base salary of $840,000. In Year 2, it increases to $1.005 million, followed by $1.120 million in Year 3, and $1.235 million in Year 4. Tyler Warren's salary cap hits each year with Indianapolis Colts 2025: $3.811 million $3.811 million 2026: $4.763 million $4.763 million 2027: $5.716 million $5.716 million 2028: $6.669 million After totaling over 100 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards last season, Warren will give the Colts that needed pass-catching presence from the tight end position, particularly over the middle of the field. However, Warren's well-rounded skill set, which allows him to be moved around the formation and hold up in the run game as a blocker, brings a do-it-all presence to the tight end position as well. When an offense has that element, it can add a layer of unpredictability to that unit, which not only creates opportunities for Warren but for others as well.
Indianapolis Star
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Colts issue warning to season-ticket holders who put too many tickets on resale market
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts issued a warning to some season-ticket holders last week, two days before the release of the 2025 schedule. Indianapolis sent a letter to season-ticket holders who listed or resold tickets for most of the team's games in 2024 with a warning that putting too many tickets on the market again in 2025 could cost the fan their ability to renew their season tickets in 2026. No action will be taken toward a fan's 2025 tickets. 'The policy is designed to ensure that tickets are used by genuine fans who will be present at our games, and to prevent the exploitation of our ticketing system,' the letter read. The Colts provided a copy of the letter to IndyStar. The policy is not new. Indianapolis has issued the letters for the past several seasons, and the team noted that there are many NFL teams that have the same policy. ESPN, the outlet that first reported the Colts' policy, also reported that the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have similar policies, and the Green Bay Packers declined to renew the accounts of season-ticket holders who have sold all of their tickets multiple seasons in a row. For the Colts, the goal is to make sure the team's fans have access to reasonably priced tickets by preventing outside parties from buying up season tickets solely for the purpose of turning them on the secondary market at a much higher price. The NFL does have partnerships with secondary-market ticket vendors, but this falls outside of that category. The Colts haven't had trouble selling season tickets. Indianapolis established the Forever Blue waitlist in June of 2024 for those fans who wanted season tickets but couldn't get any before they had all been sold. 'While the ability to re-sell tickets is a benefit to all members, those that are purchasing tickets for the sole purpose of re-sale and choose to re-sell most of their tickets are in violation of this policy,' the letter read. Colts news: 10 thoughts on Tyler Warren, JT Tuimoloau's contract and more after Colts rookie minicamp The effects of the resale market could be felt palpably in Indianapolis in 2024, the product of a schedule full of Colts home games against teams with massive fan bases within relatively easy driving distance of Indianapolis. Fans of the Bears, Steelers, Lions and Bills bought up large chunks of tickets on the resale market, making their presence felt in Lucas Oil Stadium in a big way. But those games did not prompt the letter. Indianapolis, like a lot of NFL teams, has been trying to find ways to ensure that most of their tickets end up in the hands of Colts fans for a while now.
