2026 NFL Draft Seventh Round Pick by Pick Analysis

217. Arizona

Jayden Williams

OT

Ole Miss

Perhaps the biggest need on the Cardinals, beside QB, is adding a starting caliber ORT on Arizona's OL. But Arizona waited until the first pick of the seventh-round to address this need by selecting Williams the Ole Miss ORT, who I not ready to start in the NFL. Williams has the desired size and length (6043 / 310 lbs / 33 & 1/4" Arms) to line up outside on the EDGE. Williams is very strong but his footwork and hand use both need significant development before he is ready to start in the NFL.

218. Dallas

Anthony Smith

WR

ECU

Despite all the drama surrounding WR George Pickens, the Cowboys do not draft a WR until pick 218 but select an explosive and quick WR in Smith, the ECU veteran. Smith, a state champion sprinter in high school, has a nice combination of size (6015 / 191 lbs / 31 & 7/8" Arms) and speed and should earn a spot on Dallas' 53-man roster in September.

219. New Orleans (via Las Vegas)

TJ Hall

CB

Iowa

Hall has the size  (6006 / 189 lbs / 30" Arms) and technique to flourish in press coverage and is a physical CB who matches up well with size downfield in coverage but struggles against quickness in space. Hall has only average foot speed and that may limit his ability to play defense in the NFL. Hall will need to flourish on special teams to earn a living in the NFL.

220. Buffalo

Toriano Pride

CB

Missouri

Pride possesses explosive speed (4.32 40) and displays excellent ball skills with 4 career INTs, including 2 returned for TDs, and 8 passes defensed over the last two seasons. Pride's size (5100 / 183 lbs / 30 & 3/4" Arms) will likely limit him to slot duties but his quickness and speed make him a great match-up piece with quick WRs in space.

221. Cincinnati

Jack Endries

TE

Texas

Endries grades out as a mid-round pick but falls to the top of the seventh-round and  a great opportunity to contribute as a rookie in Cincy. Cincinnati's offense is loaded but the weakest skill position spot is TE and Endries has the size (6050 / 245 lbs / 31 & 1/8" Arms) and athletic ability (4.62 40 / 36" Vertical / 9'11" Broad) to become the team's number one Y-TE before the end of his rookie season.

222. Detroit

Tyre West

IDL

Tennessee

The Lions wrap-up the 2026 NFL Draft with a pair of undersized and twitchy IDL with the quickness and burst to generate pressure on the QB and shoot through gaps to plug running lanes. West will likely weigh in as one of the smallest IDL in the NFL (6016 / 278 lbs) but his massive length (33 & 3/4" Arms) and explosiveness make him an intriguing developmental prospect. West will likely begin his career on the practice squad.

223. Washington

Athan Kaliakmanis

QB

Rutgers

On the surface, Kaliakmanis seems like an odd fit as a potential backup to Jayden Daniels but Kaliakmanis has the profile of a long-term NFL back-up QB with the size (6025 / 212 lbs), arm strength, and experience desired. Kaliakmanis has had a long and rocky career in the Big Ten at Minnesota and Rutgers and will be given an opportunity to earn a job as the third QB in DC this fall.

224. Pittsburgh

Robert Spears-Jennings

S

Oklahoma

RSJ has a rare combination of size (6020 / 205 lbs / 32 & 1/2" Arms), speed (4.32 40), and explosiveness (blazing 1.51 10-yard split / 35" Vertical) and has a fantastic profile as a core special teamer in Pittsburgh. RSJ's speed is more straight-line than quick and tightness in his hips limit his C.O.D ability so his man coverage ability is limited. But his speed and suddenness are rare and make him a great seventh-round selection.

225. Tennessee

Jaren Kanak

TE-FB

Oklahoma

The second-consecutive Sooner draft pick who should excel on special teams in the NFL, Kanak is a former LB with over 100 career tackles at OU (2022-2024) who is very agile and athletic with outstanding foot speed – is a dangerous runner after the catch. Kanak possesses rare speed for the position. and is used as a FB in some sets – gets a good fit but does not generate much movement. Will need to improve power and blocking form to generate more movement at the POA. FB may be his long-term NFL position but he needs to prove his worth on special teams first. 

226. Cincinnati

Landon Robinson

IDL

Navy

If Robinson were three inches taller and 20 pounds heavier, he'd be a first-round pick - his film is that good. Robinson (5112 / 291 lbs / 31 & 5/8" Arms) handles both run and pass rushing duties well and uncorks an impressive burst to win at the snap. Robinson plays with outstanding leverage, which negates some of his strength deficiencies, but his motor and effort are outstanding. Excellent seventh-round selection by the Bengals.

227. Carolina (via Miami)

Jackson Kuwatch

LB

Miami, Oh

A late-rising MAC prospect, Kuwatch was a walk-on, high effort player at Ohio State who transferred to Miami for an opportunity to start. And by the end of the season, but especially through the all-star game circuit, Kuwatch played himself into the NFL. Kuwatch (6040 / 232 lbs) shows developing instincts and is a reliable tackler. Kuwatch should have a great opportunity to make Carolina's 53-man roster in September.

228. NY Jets

VJ Payne

S

Kansas State

The Jets wrap-up their productive 2026 draft with the selection of the big (6031 / 206 lbs / 33 & 3/4" Arms), fast (4.40 40), and athletic (35" Vertical / 10'7" Broad) Wildcats safety. Payne has sideline-to-sideline range and can also drop into the slot and pick up TEs in man coverage but he needs to improve his tackling in space to earn playing time in the NFL.

229. Las Vegas (via Tampa Bay)

Brandon Cleveland 

IDL

North Carolina State

Cleveland has limited pass rushing upside but he is very strong with outstanding core strength. Anchors effectively – requires double teams to neutralize in the run game. Limited range and agility. Not overly quick or sudden. Best in the box where his natural strength and size make him effective against the run. Cleveland is subbed for on obvious passing downs and that limited three-down capabilility may make him a fringe candidate to keep an NFL job.

230. Pittsburgh

Eli Heidenreich

WR

Navy

Heidenreich was listed as a RB when the Steelers selected him but he is unlikely to carry the ball much in the Steelers' offense. Heidenreich profiles as a third down receiving RB or a slot receiver in the NFL. The Midshipmen has good agility and cutting ability and he displays promise as a route runner – sinks hips and creates separation at the break point. Understands how to leverage the field and create space in his pass routes. Reliable hands. Runs few NFL routes and will need time to adjust to an NFL route tree. Heidenreich should be a demon on special teams at the next level.

231. Atlanta

Ethan Onianwa

OT

Ohio State

Onianwa was a career backup OT at Ohio State who earned a draft pick based on his measurements - 6062 / 332 lbs / 34 & 1/8" Arms - and his raw skill and upside. Atlanta has the luxury of developing Onianwa behind their experienced OTs and will likely develop on the practice squad until he is needed. Great value pick at this point in the draft.

232. LA Rams

Tim Keenan

IDL

Alabama

Keenan (6011 / 327 lbs / 30 & 1/2" Arm) is one of the best interior run defenders in the 2026 NFL Draft with very good girth and mass – functional size and strength. Natural leverage and bend allow him to get low, unroot the IOL, and reset the LOS. Requires double teams in short yardage and profiles as an ideal NT in an odd man front. Very good hand use for shedding blocks – strong, violent hands. When he sinks his hips and anchors, nearly impossible for any single OL to move in the running game. Keenan is a limited athlete without great range or burst – may be limited to running downs in the NFL. Very little pass rush production and is overly reliant on his bull rush to generate pressure. Subbed for on obvious passing downs last season at Alabama. Excellent value in the seventh-round.

233. Jacksonville

Zach Durfee

EDGE

Washington

Durfee started his career at Sioux Falls and developed into an NFL quality EDGE at Washington. Durfee has a tweener build and skill set but flashes dynamic speed-to-power conversion and displays the ability to bend, flatten, and close with an impressive burst on the QB. Durfee will need to show out on special teams to get a chance to play EDGE in the NFL.

234. New England (via Minnesota)

Behren Morton

QB

Texas Tech

Morton has a lot of fans amongst the scouting commuity and is an excellent leader who elevates his and his teammates' performance in the clutch. Morton (6013 / 221 lbs) has adequate size, an NFL-quality arm, and a quick, consistent release point. Morton is generally accurate but needs to throw with better touch and anticipation. Footwork needs development – needs to step into his throws when under duress. Morton is an average athlete who is not a true running threat outside the pocket but can gain what the defense gives him. Good field vision – looks off receivers to allow them to get open. Morton's decision-making needs improvement – will predetermine his read and force the ball into coverage. Suffers from poor decision-making when under duress – too easily rattled. Morton will be given every opportunity to win the third QB job over the summer.

235. Minnesota

Gavin Gerhardt

OC

Cincinnati

Gerhardt (6036 / 307 lbs / 32 & 1/2" Arms) is one of the biggest centers available in the 2026 NFL Draft and is an experienced and durable pivot. Gerhardt is a natural knee bender who plays with good leverage. Plays with good balance and a wide base. Gerhardt is not overly powerful or strong but works to position himself to push the defender backwards in the run game. Smart technician who works to finish his blocks. Gerhardt should push for a roster or practice squad spot this summer.

236. Seattle (via Green Bay)

Andre Fuller

CB

Toledo

Fuller (6010 / 200 / 30 & 3/8" Arms) transferred to Toledo from Arkansas-Pine Bluff as a safety, missed the 2024 season with an injury, and then returned last fall and converted to CB. Fuller excels in press coverage where his strength and power allows him to bully WRs - very good press technique. Tight in the hips and loses a step at the break point, Fuller fits what the Seahawks want out of their outside CBs and should push for a roster spot this fall.

237. Indianapolis (via Pittsburgh)

Seth McGowan

RB

Kentucky

McGowan ended up drafted despite being dismissed from the Oklahoma football team as a freshman after being arrested -has taken accountability for his arrest and has not had any legal issues since early in his college career. McGowan (5115 / 223 lbs)is a powerfully built RB with plenty of body armor possessing the height, frame, and mass desired for running between the tackles. Physical runner with great forward lean – falls forward consistently. Excellent contact balance and drives legs through contact. McGowan runs angry and physical. Although McGowan still needs reps to improve his route running, his skill set is ideally-suited to serve as a backup and short yardage specialist to All-Pro Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis.

238. Miami

Max Llewellyn

EDGE

Iowa

Sometimes a future starter just falls to you in the NFL Draft. And such is the case is Max Llewellyn, a sturdy, productive, and durable even front EDGE who looks like a ten-year starter in the NFL. Llewellyn (6060 / 258 lbs / 32 & 1/4" Arms) inexplicably fell to the seventh-round and into the lap of the Dolphins. Llewellyn has very good twitch and first step quickness – burst allows him to initiate contact and reset the LOS in the run game. Athletic with light feet and very good agility – can get skinny and slice through gaps at the LOS. Llewellyn displays the ability to bend, flatten, and finish on QB pressures. He displays an impressive closing burst but lacks some desired strength. Uses wingspan well to knock down passes at the LOS. Displays the ability to set a strong edge in the run game and force the RB back inside. Flashes quality hand fighting ability but gets glued on blocks too much. Needs to add some pass rushing moves to improve efficiency in completing the sack. All in all, a steal of a pick this late in the draft.

239. Buffalo (via Chicago)

Tommy Doman

P

Florida

The third specialist, second punter (and second Gator specialist drafted) off the board is Doman, a strong-legged, if inconsistent, punter who started his career at Michigan and then transferred to Gainesville prior to last season. Doman will compete with veteran Mitch Wishowsky for the Bills' punting job over training camp this summer.

240. Jacksonville

Parker Hughes

LB

MTSU

Hughes (6010 / 225 lbs) is a surprising selection since most scouting services did not give Hughes a draftable grade. Hughes is coming of his most productive season of his career when he finished with 100 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 INTs, and 2 passses defensed last year in the Sun Belt. Hughes will need to excel on special teams to earn a roster spot and will likely start his career on the Jags' practice squad next season.

241. Buffalo (via Chicago)

Ar'maj Reed-Adams

OG

Texas A&M

Reed-Adams shockingly falls to the final round of the 2026 NFL Draft even though he is coming off the best season of his career and profiles as a potential starter a year or two down the road. Reed-Adams (6060 / 314 lbs / 34 & 3/4" Arms) has ideal size and very good twitch and first step quickness displayed at the snap. Reed-Adams is naturally powerful and can torque a DL around due to grip strength. He anchors well against the bull rush. Punches lack much pop but placement is excellent. Very good grip strength and can extend, lock out, and control the DL. Sometimes overextends and falls off some blocks. Reed-Adams should earn a backup job and push for a starting spot over the next couple of seasons in Orchard Park.

242. Seattle (via NY Jets)

Deven Eastern

IDL

Minnesota

The Seahawks add the big and powerful IDL Eastern (6050 / 315 lbs / 34" Arms) with pick 242. Eastern is a powerful and plays with very good bend and leverage for his size. Difficult to unroot in short yardage situations when he keeps his pads low. Physical and powerful. When he keeps his pads down, can push the pocket with pure power and leg drive. Eastern offers little in the way of pass rush and will likely never be a full-time starter but he gives the defensive front a force against the run. Eastern will push for a roster spot over the summer.

243. Houston

Aiden Fisher

LB

Indiana

Another prospect who surprisingly dropped in the draft was the talented MLB for the National Champions. Fisher has very good instincts and rarely is fooled or taking missteps. Very high football IQ. Good range but does not have great foot speed, which limits his ability to play on third down. Fisher is a little tight in the hips and struggles covering quick receivers in space. Quality read and react skills in the run game. Fills the alley and plays the run well. Good strength and fights through blocks with effort and tenacity. Needs to improve shedding ability to get off blocks quicker. Brings pads on contact and finishes the tackle – comes in balanced and brings pads on contact. Fisher has a great profile for special teams, which will be his ticket to earning a living in the NFL as a rookie.

244. Philadelphia (via Minnesota)

Cole Wisniewki

S

Texas Tech

After losing safety Reed Blankenship in free agency to the Texans, the Eagles wait until the seventh-round to draft a potential replacement. Wisniewski (6033 / 214 lbs / 31 & 1/8" Arms) is huge, rangy, and active. Wisniewski crashes down and supports against the run effectively – keys quickly and has outstanding read and react skills. Very effective in the box in run support. He is a powerful hitter and solid open field tackler –breaks down well and seldom misses tackles in space. Great size and length for matching up with TEs in man coverage. Tightness in his hips limits effectiveness in man coverage against quick WRs in space. Only one year of FBS experience and can still be manipulated by a savvy QB. Limited ball production and ball skills are still in development – did not record an INT last year but was credited with 6 passes defensed last season. Profiles as a core special teamer early in his NFL career.

245. New England (via Jacksonville)

Jam Miller

RB

Alabama

Miller (5100 / 209 lbs) has always teased with his fantastic upside and explosive speed - recorded a 4.42 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine - but injuries and time-share in a RB-by-committee system in Tuscaloosa have limited his impact in college football. Miller possesses good vision and run instincts – seeks out cutback lanes. Miller flashes very good burst through the hole or to the corner. He flashes very good lateral agility and cutting ability including a nice jump cut. Very good contact balance and can drive through arm tackles and is a tough and physical inside  runner. Miller enters a deep and talented RB room and will likely begin his NFL career on the practice squad.

246. Denver

Miles Scott

CB

Illinois

Scott (5113 / 208 lbs / 30 & 1/2" Arms) has battled injuries throughout his career but has flashed as a slot CB and as a free safety over the last two seasons. The Broncos have one of the best and deepest secondaries in the NFL which means that Scott will likely begin his career on the practice squad.

247. New England

Quintayvious Hutchins

EDGE

Boston College

Hutchins (6024 / 233 lbs / 32 & 5/8" Arms) lacks desired size and strength for setting an EDGE as a 4-3 DE and is tighter in the hips and inexperienced in pass coverage to project to OLB. But Hutchins has the agility, bend, and burst desired in an EDGE rusher and he has a proven track record of production in college. Great value by the Patriots at pick 247.

248. Cleveland

Carsen Ryan

TE

BYU

The Browns select their second TE of the day and select the BYU TE at number 248. Ryan (6030 / 259 lbs / 31 & 1/8" Arms) has NFL size possessing the height, frame, mass, and long arms and large wingspan desired. . Smooth, athletic, and uncovers well. Good speed and eats up chunks of yards after the catch – creates mismatches in space against LBs and safeties. Very good hands and concentration. Can adjust and make the difficult, off-target catch. Good speed and surprising power in the open field – quality YAC ability. Lacks some desired strength for in-line blocking ability but his effort and athleticism help compensates for his lack of power. Ryan should either make the 53-man roster or practice squad in September.

249. Kansas City (via Indianapolis)

Garrett Nussmeier

QB

LSU

Nussmeier's free fall finally ends with this selection by the Chiefs at pick number 249. Nussmeier has a clean release, very good arm strength, and experience operating a pro-style offense. But has not elevated his play when his team has needed it most – 6 TDs and 6 INTs in losses (nearly a 4 TD to INT ratio in wins) in 2024. Team failed to score 25+ points against all FBS opponents through the first nine games of the 2025 season and he was benched for the last three games of the season, partially due to injuries and partially due to performance issues. Nussmeier should make the Chiefs' roster as QB3 this fall.

250. Baltimore

Rayshaun Benny

IDL

Michigan

SNS graded Benny as an early day three pick but he surprisingly fell to the last ten picks of the draft and the Ravens swoop in and pick up a potential contributor. Benny (6030 / 298 lbs / 33 & 3/8" Arms) is very strong and can collapse inside run lanes effectively. Possesses a powerful bull rush but lacks a great closing burst on the QB in the pocket – one speed pass rusher. Benny should contribute immediately as a two-gapping IDL who eats up blocks that allow his teammates to flourish. Excellent pick by the Ravens.

251. Philadelphia (via LA Rams)

Uar Bernard

IDL

Nigeria

Bernard may be the freakiest of freak athletes to ever enter the NFL. Weighing in at 306 lbs with 35+ inch arms at the HBCU Combine back in February, Bernard, an International Pathway Program (IPP) participant, recorded a 4.63 40, bench pressed 225 lbs 31 times, and recorded a 39" Vertical and a 10'10" Broad jump. Just amazing numbers. Bernard has an extensive soccer and basketball history but has NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL and learning the game at the NFL level is akin to trying to have a conversation with the Pope in Latin, when you do not even know the language! Bernard should start his career on the practice squad. His development will be fascinating to watch.

252. Philadelphia (via LA Rams)

Keyshawn James-Newby

EDGE

New Mexico

The Eagles finish up their draft with a surprising selection of James-Newby, a quick and agile EDGE with the bend and burst desired. James-Newby (6017 / 240 lbs / 32 & 3/4" Arms) has excellent length and an impressive closing burst to be developed into a situational EDGE rusher in the NFL. James-Newby is likely to start his career on the practice squad but if you can rush the passer, you will play a long time in the NFL.

253. Baltimore

Evan Beerntsen

OG

Northwestern

The Ravens use their final selection on the big, strong, and sturdy Wildcats IOL. Beerntsen (6034 / 301 lbs / 32 & 1/8" Arms) is a fundamentally solid technician who plays with the bend and balance desired in an IOL. Beerntsen plays with a nasty disposition. Lacks some desired ability to anchor and is susceptible to a strong bull rush. Lacks upper body strength which results in him falling off some blocks. Beerntsen provides much needed depth on the Ravens OL and will likely start his career on the practice squad.

254. Indianapolis

Deion Burks

WR

Oklahoma

After trading Michael Pittman to the Steelers earlier this off-season, the perception entering the 2026 NFL Draft was that the Colts needed to add another WR. And after passing on the position through the first six rounds, the Colts finally select a WR in the undersized Burks. Burks lines up out wide for the Sooners but will most likely be a slot receiver in the NFL. Very physical despite lack of size. Quick with good lateral agility – difficult and risky to jam at the LOS. Dangerous runner on end arounds and has dangerous YAC ability with the ball in space. Burks has big, soft hands and he is a reliable and clutch receiver who shows up when the lights are brightest. Burks is an outstanding seventh-round pick with starting potential down the line. Burks should secure a spot on the 53-man roster this fall.

255. Seattle (via Green Bay)

Michael Dansby

CB

Arizona

The fourth Arizona DB drafted this weekend, Dansby was less hyped than his teammates but proved his worth on a weekly basis in Tucson last season. Dansby is smooth and fluid and has the loose hips desired on the outside. Dansby enters a crowded secondary in Seattle but he fits the mold of what the Seahawks want out of their CBs and should push for a roster spot next fall.

256. Denver

Dallen Bentley

TE

Utah

Bentley (6033 / 253 lbs / 33 & 1/8" Arms) is drafted late but is chosen by a team that could use his skills. Bentley lines up as a Y-TE, as an H-back, and in the slot and is a physical route runner who uses his body well to wall off defenders from the pass. He is a powerful runner after the catch – lowers pads and relishes contact. Very good contact balance after the catch. Good hands – can adjust and catch the ball outside the frame of his body. High points the ball effectively and wins the majority of contested catches. Gains very little separation in his routes and almost all of his catches are contested. Not overly quick or fast, he plays like a power forward fighting for position in the low post – uses size, length, and strength to win at the catch point. Bentley's size, strength, and length will make him a useful target on third down and near the end zone. Bentley should earn a roster spot over the summer.

257. Denver

Red Murdock

LB

Buffalo

Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, is Red Murdock, the physical LB out of Buffalo who was selected number 257 overall on Saturday evening. Murdock holds the NCAA record with 17 forced fumbles in his career and is a physical and impactful tackler. Murdock lacks some desired size and speed that may keep him from playing regularly on defense but he has a fantastic profile for special teams. The Broncos defense is loaded and earning a roster spot when training camp breaks may prove difficult. Murdock likely starts his career on the practice squad next fall.