The NFL Draft season is upon us and it is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times of the year for football fans. While watching games every weekend is always a thrill, there is something special about the draft that brings a sense of hope and anticipation for all 32 NFL teams. It is a time when every team believes that if they make the right moves, they could completely change the future of their franchise.
As we look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, there are already some players who have caught the eye of experts and fans alike. One such expert is EssentiallySports’ very own Luke Hubbard, who has identified the top players he is most excited about in each round of the draft. Let’s take a closer look at these players and why they have caught Luke’s attention.
First Round: Spencer Rattler, Quarterback, Oklahoma
It’s no secret that the quarterback position is the most important in the NFL and finding a franchise quarterback can be a game-changer for any team. That’s why Luke is most excited about Spencer Rattler, the quarterback from Oklahoma, in the first round of the 2026 draft. Rattler has shown immense potential and talent in his college career, and if he continues to develop and improve, he could be a top pick in the draft. With his strong arm and impressive accuracy, Rattler has all the makings of a future star in the NFL.
Second Round: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Defensive End, Oregon
Defense wins championships, and that’s why Luke has his eye on Kayvon Thibodeaux, the defensive end from Oregon, in the second round of the draft. Thibodeaux is a dominant force on the field, with his speed, agility, and strength making him a nightmare for opposing offenses. He has the potential to be a game-changer for any team in the NFL, and if he falls to the second round, it would be a steal for any team lucky enough to draft him.
Third Round: George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Georgia
In the third round, Luke is most excited about George Pickens, the wide receiver from Georgia. Pickens has shown flashes of brilliance in his college career, with his speed, agility, and catching ability making him a dangerous weapon on the field. He has the potential to be a top receiver in the NFL, and if he continues to develop and improve, he could be a steal in the third round of the draft.
Fourth Round: Breece Hall, Running Back, Iowa State
The fourth round is where teams can find hidden gems, and Luke believes that Breece Hall, the running back from Iowa State, could be one of those gems. Hall has been a standout performer in college, with his speed, agility, and vision making him a threat on the ground. He has the potential to be a starting running back in the NFL, and if he falls to the fourth round, he could be a steal for any team.
Fifth Round: Ahmad Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati
In the fifth round, Luke is most excited about Ahmad Gardner, the cornerback from Cincinnati. Gardner has been a lockdown corner in college, with his speed, agility, and coverage skills making him a tough matchup for any receiver. He has the potential to be a starting cornerback in the NFL, and if he continues to develop and improve, he could be a steal in the fifth round of the draft.
Sixth Round: Jalen Wydermyer, Tight End, Texas A&M
In the sixth round, Luke has his eye on Jalen Wydermyer, the tight end from Texas A&M. Wydermyer has been a reliable target for his quarterback in college, with his size, speed, and catching ability making him a threat in the passing game. He has the potential to be a starting tight end in the NFL, and if he falls to the sixth round, he could be a steal for any team.
Seventh Round: Daxton Hill, Safety, Michigan
In the final round of the draft, Luke is most excited about Daxton Hill, the safety from Michigan. Hill has been a standout performer in college, with his speed, agility, and tackling ability making him a force to be reckoned with on defense. He has the potential to be a starting safety in the NFL, and if he falls to the seventh round, he could be a steal for any
