By Chris Marler
We continue our look at the 2026 way-too-early mock drafts with a look at some players who are currently flying under the radar but could very well be first round prospects after the 2025 season. Buy stock now for these guys.
WR Nic Anderson, LSU
Anderson is a monster at wideout. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, he is physically pro ready right now. The main reason Anderson isn’t being talked about as a first round talent more is simply because he hasn’t seen the field in over a year. He missed all of 2024 with an injury, but as a freshman he finished the 2023 season with the second most receiving yards by an OU freshman receiver in program history (798) and set the record for most receiving touchdowns (10) by a freshman as well.
He’s an explosive playmaker that will fit in perfectly in LSU’s offense. He averaged 21 yards per catch in 2023. However, the Sooners only got him the ball 38 times all year. He will now be featured in an offense that had 77 more pass attempts than any other team in the SEC last season.
TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Stowers may be the most underrated prospect in the league heading into the 2025 season. He’s 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, so not a physical freak or matchup nightmare for defenses like Kyle Pitts or Brock Bowers. However, Stowers is incredibly consistent and was one of the most productive tight ends in the entire country last year.
Stowers finished 2024 with a reception in every game except one for the Commodores. He also racked up 49 receptions for 638 yards and five touchdowns. That included a six catch 113 yard performance against Alabama.
LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Georgia has had eight linebackers drafted in the last five seasons. Three of those were first round picks and seven of the eight went in the first three rounds. CJ Allen could be the next dude for Kirby Smart’s defense. He’s 6-foot-2, 235 pounds and ran the 100 meter dash in 11.16 out of high school.
Last season, he finished second on the team in tackles with 76. This season, with the departure of Smael Mondon and Jalon Walker, Allen should take the next step to being the next elite linebacker from Athens.
Honorable Mention
