5 under the radar NFL Draft risers
Welcome to NFL Draft night. Where the prognostication fades, and the team boards start talking. Every year, a handful of names jump a round – maybe multiple rounds.
Sometimes it’s because clips go viral (hello, Tristan Wirfs). Sometimes it’s because the pro-day reps jump off the tape. Whatever the reason, the hype machine gets rolling.
If you’re treating these guys like later value, you’re already behind. Here are a few under-the-radar risers who could hear their names called earlier than people expect once the first wave of picks starts draining position tiers. M ORE: Stop overlooking 2026 NFL Draft’s most proven first-round prospects Makai Lemon – WR, USC Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates after catching a 32-yard touchdown pass against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Lemon is showing up everywhere, and that’s the clue. Teams aren’t treating him like a gadget – they’re treating him like a Day 2 receiver who can contribute quickly, especially in a class where the WR tiers blur fast. NFL Network’s draft tracker has Lemon among the higher-graded receivers, and he keeps popping in the visit chatter.
Chris Brazzell II – WR, Tennessee Brazzell has been on a full tour – Panthers, Colts, Cardinals, then Packers, Commanders, and 49ers in a tight stretch. That volume doesn’t happen unless teams think he’s going earlier than expected. It signals a real appetite for bigger outside receivers with vertical ability and enough polish to play early.