2026 Draft Prospect Watch | Page 26 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

2026 Draft Prospect Watch

Ric Serritella with the offensive standouts from the College Gridiron Showcase last month:



WARNER, EJ | Fresno State | QB | Sr | #13 | Phoenix, AZ | HPFA

CGS MEASUREMENTS. HT: 5116 | WT: 208 | HAND: 0968 | ARM: 3100 | WING: 7318

Evaluation: A short-statured quarterback, Warner has shown the leadership to command the huddle. Much like his father, the younger signal-caller has shown top-notch poise under pressure and makes sound decisions by taking what the defense gives him. In addition, he has shown incredible toughness, especially when taking brutal hits, as seen in the game against Kansas this past year. Warner gets nice zip on the ball and thrives on quick passing concepts, although he tends to struggle with accuracy on intermediate passing concepts. Currently projected as an undrafted free agent, Warner could very well work his way onto a roster spot as a reliable backup with upside.

Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. Full name is Elijah Warner, majoring in Communications & Journalism/Broadcasting. He missed two games in 2023 due to a concussion at Temple and missed his junior year of high school with a broken right fibula. A double transfer from Rice via Temple, he played in 32 games, completed 60% of his passes, threw for 8,814 passing yards, recorded 58 touchdown passes, threw 37 interceptions, had 69 rushing attempts for -31 rushing yards, and scored one touchdown. In addition, he earned a spot on the AAC Honor Roll and was named AAC Rookie of the Year in 2022 at Temple. A three-star prospect from Brophy Prep, he is the son of Kurt, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, NFL MVP, and Super Bowl Champion, and Brenna Warner. He has six siblings, including Zachary and Kade, who played football at Nebraska and Kansas State, and four sisters, Jesse, Jo, Jada, and twins Sienna and Sierra.



OLSON, BRADY | Central Connecticut State | QB | Sr | #12 | Bellingham, MA | HPFA

CGS MEASUREMENTS. HT: 6033 | WT: 210 | HAND: 0958 | ARM: 3148 | WING: 7700

Evaluation: An experienced starter of tall stature, Olson is razor-sharp when scanning the field and taking what the defense gives him in his progressions. However, he does need to firm up his command of the huddle, as he struggles to lead his receivers at times. Olson gets the ball out quickly with zip and accuracy. He excels in the pocket, buying enough time to keep his eyes downfield. However, his footwork is choppy on short passes. Olson can be a solid practice squad player until he hones in some of his shortcomings, with the potential to develop into a long-term backup.

Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. Transferred from UMass, where he played in 19 games, completed 48.7% of passes, threw 10 passing touchdowns, threw 16 interceptions, and recorded 1,936 passing yards, 69 rushing attempts, and 74 rushing yards. A three-star prospect from Milford High School.



PEMBERTON, VAUGHN | Boston College | FB/RB | Sr | #23 | Chicago, IL | HPFA

CGS MEASUREMENTS. HT: 5113 | WT: 230 | HAND: 0928 | ARM: 3218 | WING: 7578

Evaluation: A converted linebacker who shows physicality as a downhill runner,Pemberton keeps his legs churning. As a ball carrier, he shows great patience, letting blocks develop and uses keen vision to spot open holes, allowing him to burst with authority. As a pass catcher, Pemberton is a smooth route runner who gains yards after the catch and adjusts to off-target throws. Pemberton is not known for his foot quickness, but he can maximize his physicality at fullback and in special teams roles at the next level.

Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. Transferred from Ball State, where he appeared in 29 games, with 119 rushing attempts, 548 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 31 receptions, 239 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns. A two-star recruit from Loyola Academy, he was a second-team all-conference selection and offensive team MVP. He is the son of Tonya and Steve Pemberton. His father, Steve, graduated from Boston College in 1989, is a best-selling author, and serves on the Boston College Board of Trustees. His brother, Quinn, graduated from Boston College in 2023 and played basketball for the team.



ULM, NOLAN | Eastern Washington | WR | Sr | #17 | Kelowna, British Columbia | HPFA

CGS MEASUREMENTS. HT: 6017 | WT: 199 | HAND: 0968 | ARM: 3378 | WING: 7748

Evaluation: A tall, stocky receiver who plays faster than his measured speed. Ulm is versatile enough to play in the slot and as a Z receiver. He gains average separation against man coverage with his foot quickness. Ulm is an adequate route runner who can run every route on the tree, though he needs to be more aware of seeking out soft spots in zone coverage and adjusting his catch radius. On intermediate concepts, he has shown flashes of contested catches; hence, he needs to be more consistent in cleanly catching the ball. Ulm is viewed as a developmental prospect who could turn heads in training camp in the right system, similar to other Eastern Washington receivers such as Cooper Kupp (Seahawks), Kendrick Bourne (49ers), and Efton Chism III (Patriots).

Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. Limited to four games in 2024 due to a fractured ankle. At Eastern Washington, he was a CoSIDA Academic All-American, made the Big Sky All-Academic Team four times, and was named to the Phil Steele All-Big Sky Fourth Team in 2024. A three-star recruit from Kelowna Secondary High School, he played for Team Canada in the 2020 International Bowl and earned all-star honors in the Triple-A Eastern Conference. In addition to football, he competed in track and field in high school. He is the son of Kelsey and Thomas Ulm and the first-generation college student in his family.



PEZZA, TY | Brown | WR | Sr | #19 | North Kingstown, RI | HPFA

CGS MEASUREMENTS. HT: 6030 | WT: 230 | HAND: 0978 | ARM: 3348 | WING: 7900

Evaluation: A tall, bulky receiver, Pezza showcases his versatility by playing in the slot, on the boundary, and in the field. At the snap, he gets off the line quickly, though he needs to use his hands to gain separation, especially against man coverage. Pezza is a crisp, intermediate route runner with a knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage. However, he tends to drift on short passing concepts. The Rhode Island native catches the ball with soft hands and uses his speed and quickness to gain yards after the catch. Overall, Pezza is a fringe training camp invitee who can latch on due to his size, smarts and fundamentals.

Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. Nominated for Third Team Phil Steele Preseason All-Ivy Selection. A zero-star recruit from North Kingstown High School, he was nominated for Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021, earned All-NEPSAC First Team honors, was a two-time All-State receiver, and a three-time Academic All-Division honoree. He led North Kingstown to three Division I Super Bowl championships in 2018, 2019, and 2021. He is the son of Jennifer, who played lacrosse at Boston College, and Joseph Pezza, a thrower on Boston College’s track team. Ty has two brothers, Zachary and Jake.



BRADLEY, JARAND | Kansas State | WR/TE | rSr | #5 | DeSoto, TX | HPFA

CGS MEASUREMENTS. HT: 6051 | WT: 235 | HAND: 0958 | ARM: 3448 | WING: 8138

Evaluation: A tall, massive-framed receiver, Bradley can be a mismatch in the passing game, lining up out wide, or eventually transitioning to tight end and serving as a jump-ball weapon. Although he doesn’t have flashy quicks, Bradley plays faster than his timed-speed indicates, blending smooth route-running with an understanding of coverages. He catches the ball with strong hands but often struggles to gain extra yardage after the catch. As a blocker, Bradley isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty and seek out contact downfield. As an inline tight end, he gets superb leverage, bending at the knees. However, the key areas for development are his footwork, which can falter when firing out of his stance, along with his hand placement, which is often off-target. Bradley is an under-the-radar prospect who could be a hidden gem as a late-round pick, or a high-priority free agent.

Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. A double transfer from Boston College to Texas Tech, where he played 37 games, recorded 98 receptions, 1,368 receiving yards, and 12 touchdown receptions. At Texas Tech, he earned First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors in 2022-2023, All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, and Freshman All-American honors in 2022. A three-star prospect from DeSoto High School via John Paul II High School, he was selected to play in the 2021 Under Armour All-America Game. He is the son of Randa Bradley and Brandon Tucker, who played football at Southwestern Oklahoma State. Jerand has five siblings: Robert, Jeland, Courtney, Britney, and Brandon. He is also the cousin of two-time Super Bowl Champion Bethel Johnson of the Patriots and Rodney Bradley of the Ravens.



SEITHER, BRETT | Georgia Tech | TE | rSr | #80 | Clearwater, FL | HPFA

CGS MEASUREMENTS. HT: 6037 | WT: 236 | HAND: 08778 | ARM: 3200 | WING: 7568

Evaluation: Now a year removed from a season-ending injury in 2024, Seither hasn’t missed a beat. In the passing game, he displays a quick release off the line and runs the entire route tree. When going after the ball, Seither shows superb leaping ability, allowing him to adjust to the catch point. In addition, the Florida native has a knack for fighting for yards after the catch and an exceptional ability to break tackles but he must secure the ball high and tight. In the run game, Seither shows great pulling ability on counter plays but needs to be more physical at the point of contact. Just a tad under 6-foot-4, Seither can fill a role similar to Mike Gesicki (Bengals) in the right offense.

Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. A transfer from Georgia, where he appeared in 27 games with four receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown. He missed the entire 2024 season due to a preseason knee injury. A former three-star prospect from Clearwater Central Catholic High School, he was a two-way player and was named to the Tampa Bay Times 2018 all-Pinellas County second-team offense and all-Tampa Bay third-team offense. In 2023, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Georgia and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in International Securities.



MOORE, TYLER | Iowa State | TE | rSr | #82 | Des Moines, IA | HPFA

CGS MEASUREMENTS. HT: 6050 | WT: 256 | HAND: 1018 | ARM: 3268 | WING: 7838

Evaluation: Despite limited playing time at Iowa State, Moore is a dominant force in the run game and a reliable asset as a receiver. In the passing game, he is a crisp intermediate route runner who uses an adequate release to gain separation. However, he needs to be more consistent with his hands, especially on deep passing concepts, where he occasionally drops balls; otherwise, he has firm grip strength when catching. As a blocker, he fires off the ball, gaining ground on his first two steps. Moore is extremely physical when delivering a blow as a lead blocker, especially when lined up as a fullback, enabling him to keep his feet moving on contact. However, he needs to stay square on reach blocks to turn the defender away from the playside. In pass protection, he tends to open up the gate against outside moves from speed rushers. Moore could follow a path similar to Jack Westover (Patriots), transitioning from tight end to fullback.

Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. A kinesiology and health major, he was a two-time Academic All-Big 12 (2024-2025) and a two-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team (2022-2023), and a nine-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll member. A three-star recruit from Johnston High School, he was a two-time all-district pick, a Des Moines Register first-team all-state selection, and an IPSWA second-team all-state selection in Class 4A. In addition to football, he played baseball in high school and participated in the 2016 Little League World Series, representing the Midwest from Johnston, IA.



BROCK, TREVOR | Buffalo | OT/OG/OC | Sr | #79 | St. Louis, MO | Day 3

CGS MEASUREMENTS. HT: 6050 | WT: 302 | HAND: 0968 | ARM: 3458 | WING: 8338

Evaluation: A versatile player willing to play every position on the line, Brock brings a nasty demeanor at the point of attack. In the run game, he has tremendous foot speed to climb to the second level. However, he tends to false-step when firing out on base blocks, which narrows his base. In pass protection, he can mirror any defender with his lateral quickness on jump sets. Brock is exceptional in hand combat, bringing violence with a jolting pass-pro punch right to the breastplate, while maintaining the discipline to rewrap his hands in the run game. Brock is the ultimate under-the-radar prospect who could turn heads in preseason camp and potentially work his way into a starting spot at the next level.

Background: College Gridiron Showcase participant. Communications major and transfer from Iowa Western, where he played eight games, earned first-team All-American honors, and helped lead the Reivers to the 2022 National Championship. A zero-star recruit from Affton High School, where he was an All-District Selection.
 
Also from Serritella, Shrine bowl standouts on offense:

The 101st edition of the game returned to Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on January 27, 2026, once again bringing together many of the nation’s top draft-eligible prospects. Coached by NFL staffs and evaluated by scouts from across the league, the Shrine Bowl provides a pro-style environment where players are asked to adapt quickly, absorb coaching, and compete against peers all fighting for the same limited draft capital.

While the Shrine Bowl doesn’t carry the same national spotlight as the Senior Bowl, it remains a critical evaluation tool for NFL teams—particularly for Day 2 and Day 3 prospects looking to separate themselves. The West emerged with a 21–17 victory in a tightly contested matchup, highlighted by Offensive MVP Mark Gronowski and Defensive MVP Mason Reiger, while Oklahoma offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for leadership, character, and service.

As with the Senior Bowl, this list isn’t about who will be drafted first—it’s about who made the most of their opportunity. Several prospects used Shrine Bowl week to put themselves firmly on the radar, and the following standouts did enough in Frisco to get scouts talking as the draft process moves forward.

Wide Receiver:​

Bell was one of the most consistently impressive receivers at the Shrine Bowl, and his week in Frisco matched the production profile he put on tape all season. After becoming one of just four receivers nationally to clear 100 catches in 2025, Bell showed he’s more than just a volume compiler, he’s a technician.

What stood out most during practices was his route running. Bell uses his entire body to create separation, snapping in and out of breaks with real suddenness and understanding of leverage. He was particularly effective attacking soft spots in zone and shaking defenders in one-on-ones, where his footwork and tempo consistently won reps. He also showed strong awareness after the catch, slipping tackles and maximizing space rather than going down on first contact.

Athletically, Bell checked more boxes than some expected. He was one of the fastest receivers on the field, hitting 20.1 mph on GPS tracking, and that speed shows up both vertically and after the catch. While he isn’t a prototypical size outlier, his frame and play strength held up well against physical coverage throughout the week.

Bell entered the Shrine Bowl viewed as a Day 3 projection, but his performance put him firmly on the radar as a player who could sneak into the Day 2 conversation. At minimum, he looks like a receiver who will outplay his draft slot and his profile is one that should translate well to dynasty rookie drafts if the draft capital follows.



Tight End:​

Raridon quietly put together one of the better weeks among tight ends in Frisco and did exactly what evaluators want to see from the position: get open, catch the football, and handle a pro-style install without missing a beat.

At 6-foot-5, 244 pounds with strong hands, Raridon consistently worked himself open over the middle during team drills and showed reliable strength at the catch point. He also flashed more athleticism than expected, topping out at 19.2 mph on GPS tracking, notable movement skills for a tight end of his size. That athletic profile, paired with his polish, earned him a spot on the East All-Practice Team and ultimately led him to opt out of the game itself.

Production-wise, Raridon saved his best football for his senior season. He finished 2025 with 32 receptions for 482 yards, averaging a career-high 15.1 yards per catch, and ranked third on Notre Dame in both receptions and receiving yards. While the zero-touchdown total jumps off the page, the tape tells a different story; Raridon was consistently used as a vertical and intermediate weapon, stretching the field and creating chunk plays rather than being a red-zone focal point.

Raridon’s appeal goes beyond the passing game. He’s a capable in-line blocker, plays with effort and physicality, and offers enough versatility to stay on the field in multiple personnel groupings. Injuries earlier in his career capped his overall production, but he stayed healthy the last two seasons and showed steady growth when given a larger role.

He’s not a Day 2 lock, but Raridon looks like one of those late-round tight ends who sticks. For teams willing to bet on traits, reliability, and upward trajectory, he could end up being one of the better values to come out of this Shrine Bowl group.



Quarterback:​

While Clemson’s Cade Klubnik may ultimately be the first Shrine Bowl quarterback off the board, this week belonged to Gronowski. After an uneven season that included playing through injury, Gronowski arrived in Frisco healthy and it showed immediately.

At 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, Gronowski brings an intriguing physical profile paired with legitimate athleticism. He moved well in the pocket, showed functional elusiveness when pressure closed in, and consistently hurt defenses as a scrambler when plays broke down. More importantly, his arm stood out throughout the week. Gronowski was comfortable pushing the ball downfield during team periods and delivered with consistency, confidence, and timing.

That momentum carried into the game, where he capped his week by earning Offensive MVP honors. He played with poise, avoided negative plays, and even made his presence felt without the ball; including a goal-line block that helped spring a touchdown run. That detail matters. Scouts notice quarterbacks who compete beyond the stat sheet.

Gronowski’s résumé speaks for itself. The winningest quarterback in NCAA history (58–10), he exits college with over 12,000 passing yards, 103 passing touchdowns, more than 2,300 rushing yards, and 53 scores on the ground. Wherever he’s played, he’s won and he’s commanded the room doing it.

He’s not a lock to go early, but Gronowski helped himself significantly this week. The team that takes him will be getting a tough, smart, competitive quarterback who can step into an offense and elevate the players around him.




Tight End:​

McRee was one of those Shrine Bowl players who quietly stacked wins all week. He was consistently involved as a pass catcher, caught nearly everything thrown his way, and showed real value as a blocker; particularly on the perimeter.

Coming off his most productive collegiate season, McRee finished 2025 with 30 receptions for 450 yards and four touchdowns, serving as a reliable piece of USC’s passing game. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, he looks the part, but what separates him is how well his athleticism translates to the field. He shows burst through his route stems, accelerates cleanly after the catch, and has a massive catch radius paired with excellent body control.

McRee fits the mold of a player who is likely to be a better pro than he was a college player. The raw numbers won’t jump off the page, but the traits do. He consistently catches with intent, stays aware of defenders after securing the ball, and has shown strong contested-catch ability over the past two seasons.

As a blocker, McRee plays with an edge. He strikes with force, stays balanced at the second level, and shows the technique needed to hold up in pass protection. Add a bit more NFL strength, and his versatility becomes a real asset.

McRee may not be a headline name, but teams looking for upside, toughness, and a tight end who can stay on the field in multiple situations will have him on their boards.



Running Back:​

Connors used the Shrine Bowl to showcase a well-rounded skill set that should appeal to teams looking for backfield versatility. He flashed both agility and power during the game, highlighted by a sharp jump cut near the goal line that turned into the game’s first touchdown. Later, he showed he could grind out tough yards, powering through an interior run on third down to move the chains.

At 5-foot-11, 208 pounds, Connors has a compact build and runs with purpose. His college career included productive stops at Rice before transferring to Houston for his final season, where he led the Cougars’ backfield in 2025 with 1,231 total yards and 11 touchdowns.

What makes Connors especially intriguing, though, is his receiving profile. Over his collegiate career, he caught 147 passes for 1,166 yards and nine touchdowns, real production, not window dressing. He’s comfortable running routes, catching the ball cleanly, and transitioning upfield quickly, which showed up again in Frisco.

Connors likely projects as a Day 3 selection, but his pass-catching ability gives him a clear path to a role at the next level. Teams looking for a third-down back or a rotational piece with receiving upside could find real value here.



Final Thoughts​

The Shrine Bowl may not carry the same spotlight as the Senior Bowl, but it continues to matter, especially for prospects fighting for Day 3 positioning or looking to sneak into the Day 2 conversation. For these players, the week in Frisco was about stacking positive reps, showing adaptability in a pro-style environment, and giving scouts reasons to dig deeper. The draft process is far from finished, but Shrine Bowl week once again proved that opportunity, timing, and performance still go a long way in shaping how these prospects will be viewed when April arrives.
 
I’ve seen enough reps and research on Trinidad Chambliss

I mean we’re gonna ignore him cause he’s a 6 footer?

When you have a lack of height you just make it up in other ways, sometimes subtle ways sometimes explosive ways.

The subtle intricate stuff is how he moves within the pocket to set and release, a shoulder deek, a quick step up to clear and release, exceptional pocket navigation.

the explosive ways is the playmaking outside the pocket, no one ever catches him when he breaks the pocket and he’s an exceptional instinctive runner when it’s go time.

his passing looks nice to me, watch how he plays from the pocket on his bouncy feet and toes, it’s like he’s elevating his whole body and using his quick twitch to gain some height in the pocket.

He’s a Qb who happens to be an explosive smart qb who can make all the throws and there isnt anyone better that I’ve seen in a while who is this level of a playmaker.

I mean that ole miss team lost so much talent in the 2025 draft, yet they come back this year without Dart and company and are a better team ?? That’s The Chambliss effect.

I’m in man..he’s a great football player, seemingly good human being, let’s go for it.
 
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Finsup81 said:
Kevin Coleman’s latest mock:

11. Miami Dolphins — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Miami finally hit the reset button, and honestly, it was overdue. The teardown started during the season with the organization moving on from Chris Grier after a decade in charge, and it continued with Stephen Ross’s decision to fire Mike McDaniel. With Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley coming over from Green Bay to lead the front office and coaching staff, this is a full reset, not a soft retool. The goal is clear: build something sustainable and finally get this franchise out of its decades-long playoff drought.

That rebuild starts on defense. The Dolphins have pieces at every level, Zach Sieler up front, Jordyn Brooks in the middle, and Minkah Fitzpatrick on the back end. They also have enough pass rush to function. What they don’t have is a true No. 1 corner who can travel, eliminate matchups, and give the rest of the defense room to breathe.

Jermod McCoy gives them a real shot at finding that guy. McCoy is a toolsy outside corner with legitimate CB1 flashes on tape. His movement skills stand out immediately. His hips and feet are smooth, allowing him to transition laterally and stay attached on breaking routes. He shows good instincts at the catch point and consistently puts himself in position to make plays on the football.

The ACL injury he suffered robbed him of a critical development year, and that’s the biggest variable in his evaluation. Straight-line burst isn’t elite, and there are reps where vertical speed forces him into recovery mode. But those are areas that can be mitigated with better press technique, improved timing at the line, and reps, things he simply hasn’t had enough of yet. What you’re betting on here is traits and feel. McCoy understands spacing, shows strong zone awareness, and has the ball skills you want in a boundary corner. If the medical checks clear and he looks right during the pre-draft process, he has the highest upside of any corner in this class.

For a Dolphins team starting from scratch, this is the type of swing you take. A potential shutdown corner gives Hafley flexibility to shape the rest of the defense, and gives Miami a foundational piece as the rebuild officially begins.
Click to expand...
11 Is too early for McCoy after missing all of 2025 with an ACL tear. He may not workout nor run if he thinks it won't benefit him and if he does, I don't think it will. I like McCoy but I don't want to reach for him.
 
Finsup81 said:
CBSsports new post draft mock…I’m not a fan of this at all since we spent 3 picks on DL including a 1st on Kenneth Grant, and even worse they have passing on Caleb Downs, who they have going at 12. If it plays out like this I’ll be be very upset:


team logo
Peter Woods DL
CLEMSON • JR • 6'3" / 310 LBS

PROJECTED TEAM​

Miami

PROSPECT RNK​

8th

POSITION RNK​

1st
Woods is a powerful, explosive interior defensive lineman who consistently wins at the point of attack with violent hands, low pad level and exceptional strength. He's immovable against the run -- stacking, shedding and disrupting plays in the backfield while maintaining gap integrity -- and can overwhelm interior blockers. Though not reliant on a deep move set, Woods' athleticism, effort and persistence allow him to collapse pockets and create chaos from multiple alignments.



team logo
Caleb Downs S
OHIO STATE • JR • 6'0" / 205 LBS

PROJECTED TEAM​

Dallas

PROSPECT RNK​

7th

POSITION RNK​

1st
Downs could be a Troy Polamalu-level talent in the NFL. He's only 5-foot-11, and he may not end up running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, but I don't care. Not even a little bit. Both Kyle Hamilton and Brian Branch Jr. slipped on draft day because of mediocre 40 times. They're two of the best young defensive backs in football. Downs is a run-game enforcer and has the sideline-to-sideline juice, coupled with the short-area burst, to excel in pass coverage.
From Atlanta Falcons
Round 1 - Pick 13
team logo
Mansoor Delane CB
LSU • SR • 6'0" / 190 LBS

PROJECTED TEAM​

L.A. Rams

PROSPECT RNK​

24th

POSITION RNK​

3rd
A savvy, instinctive CB who excels in both off coverage and press man schemes, Delane is consistently in the WRs' back pocket on intermediate and vertical routes. He has a good understanding of route combinations, will drive on balls in front of him and is a reliable tackler in space.
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I would hate that too.
 
Cory Kinnan/Kevin Fielder scouting report on Kyle Louis:


We have made it through the first part of the 2026 NFL Draft pre-draft process, and the all-star circuits always leave us with standouts to circle back to. One of those standouts is Pitt linebacker Kyle Louis, who has earned today’s scouting report.

Louis opted not to return for his Redshirt Senior season at Pitt after he racked up 81 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble for the Panthers in 2025. While he is a bit undersized, coming in at 5-foot-11 and 224 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Louis put on a show in Mobile.

Throughout the week, Louis was one of the more consistent performers day in and day out. Over the last two days of the event, Louis was a hound in coverage, getting his hands on numerous footballs to create turnovers.

So, we have to get to the tape and write up his skillset. Does the tape match the effort that he put on the field in Mobile?

Here is the 2026 NFL Draft profile on the tantalizing Pitt linebacker Louis.

Measurables, Testing Numbers, and Injury History of Kyle Louis​

Measurables​

Height: 5116 (verified at the Senior Bowl)

Weight: 224 pounds (verified at the Senior Bowl)

Arm Length: 3200 (verified at the Senior Bowl)

Hand Size: 938 (verified at the Senior Bowl)

This section will be updated once we have verified numbers on Pitt LB Kyle Louis from the NFL Scouting Combine.

Testing Numbers​

This section will be updated once we have verified numbers on Pitt LB Kyle Louis.

Injury History​

Kyle Louis had MCL surgery before his freshman season and an arm surgery in high school. During his college career, however, Louis presented a clean bill of health. He left one game in 2025 and missed an additional game with an undisclosed injury. This was the only time he missed due to injuries in his college career.

Strengths​

  • Explosive trigger and initial burst when action in front of him is diagnosed; instant linear ability to close the gap between himself and ball carriers.
  • Handled a full plate of responsibilities from overhang/nickel to stacked and displayed quick wits and a high IQ.
  • Disciplined in his run fits when playing stacked; does not chase the football like a cat chasing a laser pointer.
  • Animated and vocal pre-snap directing traffic, calling out coverages, and getting his teammates aligned; directs traffic post-snap as well.
  • Strong instincts when sitting hook/curl responsibilities to peel off and eat backside crossers and digs.
  • No difficulties shown turning and running up the seam to cover tight ends or carry in Tampa 2 looks; triggers from the hash to the boundary in coverage at a rapid pace as well.
  • Strong technique and athletic ability in man coverage against tight ends and running backs.
  • Slippery pass rusher when asked to fire downhill as a blitzer (10 sacks over the last two seasons at Pitt).

Weaknesses​

  • Average top-end speed working sideline-to-sideline; tends to get cornered by running backs along the boundary.
  • Small lag when changing direction; he needs an extra step to shift his weight and decelerate.
  • Shortens pursuit angles and underpursues ball carriers when working downhill.
  • Overwhelmed by the physicality of tight ends at the catchpoint in man coverage.
  • Lacks pop in his hands when forced to deconstruct blocks against the run; struggles to disengage when hands get into his frame.
  • Gets more grabby in space than looking to form tackle, resulting in lapses trying to get ball carriers to the ground (11% missed tackle rate).
  • Absorbs contact as a tackler working downhill rather than generating the brunt of the hit.

Wrapping up Louis’s 2026 NFL Draft profile​

There is quite a bit to work with when looking into Kyle Louis. And coming into the Senior Bowl at 224 pounds made me feel much better about his 2026 NFL Draft profile.

His transition to the NFL still may take some time, however. His role at Pitt was to predominantly overhang from the slot. Getting used to a full-time stacked role (and the physicality of a full-time WILL) at the NFL level will not happen overnight. His tape indicates struggles playing through contact, deconstructing blocks, and an ability to initiate contact when stepping down into gaps.

However, the upside of Louis is that of a starting WILL and DIME backer.

There is a ton to love athletically from Louis, however, so getting on the field from Day 1 as a core special teamer is firmly on the table. He has over 400 career special teams reps at the college level and will be an asset in that phase of the game early on.

While he is not in the first two tiers of linebackers in this class (Styles and Reese tier 1, Trotter and Allen tier 2), Louis could be the fifth linebacker off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Grade: Fourth round grade with NFL starter upside | LB6 in 2026 NFL Draft class
 
I don't understand why we keep getting DTs and 5 tech edges mocked to us when we are likely running less 5 man fronts.

Seiler and the 3 sophomores we picked last year should be enough. We may also bring Butler, who is an RFA, back.

The back seven is in much worse shape and we're losing most everybody decent to FA.

Douglas, Jones, Kohou, Davis, Melinfonwu, Gay and Britt are all FAs and Dodson is likely getting cut since cutting him saves $3M.

That's 8 back 7 players who we are likely losing.

On the iDL we are only losing Benito Jones and Butler is an RFA.
 
Even at Edge, cutting Chubb barely saves $7M, with $23M in cap penalty, Goode is an RFA and the only guy we are losing to FA is tweener LB/Edge Quinton Bell.

I also do hope we switch to an over front like GB. We have had an under front since Ireland when we started lining Wake on the left.

This idea that putting your speed rushers on the left to scare QBs and get pressures is better than getting actual sacks by putting the speed on the blindside is ridiculous.
 
Trade Idea from Substack...how are we feeling about this?

Trade No. 2: Miami Chases A Defensive Star, Cleveland Plays the Long Game

Miami sends:

1.11, 2.75, 2027 3rd

Cleveland sends:

1.06

This is the swing trade of the draft.

Miami needs a franchise difference maker on defense, and jumping from No. 11 to No. 6 allows the Dolphins to take their pick of the defensive elite, something they won’t have access to if they sit still.

Possible outcomes:

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State: A tone-setting safety with rare instincts and versatility.

He’d immediately elevate Miami’s back end and allow the defense to play more aggressively up front.

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, or Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee: Both corners bring size, length, and man/zone-coverage upside; traits Miami likely will want in a Jeff Hadley defensive structure.

Cleveland, meanwhile, does something smart and disciplined for once: they slide back five spots and add real ammunition.

A second-round pick this year and a future third gives them flexibility in a class where talent flattens out quickly.

The Browns can still land an offensive starter at No. 11 while improving their long-term draft ecosystem, something that matters given looming contract realities across the roster.
 
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