Notable Draft Risers

Here are five notable recent risers in the 2026 NFL Draft:

1. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Interior linemen who collect as many tackles for loss as McDonald did in 2025 are in demand.

2. Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
He's 25-years-old but an elite pass rusher opposite Rueben Bain, Jr. for the Hurricanes.

3. Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia
Looks to be in the mix to be one of the first interior offensive linemen drafted.

4. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Especially fast and he will test well. One of several corners vying to go in round one.

5. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech

Much like Bain at times overshadows Mesidor in Miami, the same was true for Height with David Bailey in Lubbock.