NFL draft expert predicts 3 early surprise possibilities in deep 2026 class

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 24: KC Concepcion #WO16 of Texas A&M participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Throughout the NFL draft process, a common phrase is “(insert prospect) won’t be there at that spot.” As is often the case, whether it is using a mock draft simulator to create a full Cleveland Browns mock draft or having an expert create their version of mock drafts, there are a lot of prospects who fall for a variety of biased reasons.

On the flip side, there are often players who are drafted much higher than expected when the actual draft comes around. These are often labeled as “reaches” because fans and media did not expect them.

In 2025, OT Armand Membou was a late riser (at least publicly) and ended up being selected seventh overall by the New York Jets. While hosting a Q&A at SB Nation, NFL draft expert Doug Farrar provided three names that he could see having a Membou-like rise:

I could see Emmanuel McNeil-Warren going before Caleb Downs if some team falls head over heels with McNeil-Warren’s preposterous athleticism. Jermod McCoy could not only be a top 10 pick, but could go ahead of Mansoor Delane, who is my CB1 in this class. And I wouldn’t be surprised if a motion-heavy team makes KC Concepcion the second receiver taken in this class.

McNeil-Warren has been a fast-rising player throughout the early draft process, with many looking at how the Seattle Seahawks were successful with Nick Emmanwori, the super athletic safety. With Downs not participating in any testing before the NFL draft, and having very few snaps as a true free safety, the Ohio State Buckeyes star has not been able to raise his profile since the season ended.

While the Browns are unlikely to be in the market for a cornerback near the top of the draft, teams are high on the class, overall, but have the top prospects in different orders.

Concepcion is a receiver who has a lot of positive traits, but his size (6’, under 200 pounds) and college drops (7 last season) give many pause. With Carnell Tate assumed to be the top wide receiver off the board, Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Omar Cooper, Jr., Denzel Boston, and Chris Bell are all fighting with Concepcion to be the next receiver off the board.

In the full Feed Q&A, Farrar noted that this year’s draft class is very deep with talent, even if it doesn’t have the top-end players.

You can read all of the chat here:

Which of the 3 players Farrar noted (EMW, McCoy, orConcepcion) would surprise you the most if they move up to the Top 10 in this year’s draft?

Share your thoughts in the comment section below