Every pre-season NFL teams, the scouting combines and draft analysts put together lists of draft eligible college players in rank order based on work outs and prior seasons. Every year those lists change as the season progresses based primarily on performance but at times injury and off field issues factor in. This time of year is busy as the season has concluded and we now know who has declared and who is going back to school or in the portal. Something that occurs each season is players down the line or not even on the radar show remarkable improvement and perform beyond expectation. Sometimes it’s a change of scenery, scheme or a young player developing and taking their skill set to another level. Players develop differently and one size doesn’t fit all which is why we continue to evaluate. This year a number of players moved up the boards and we’re taking a look at some that saw noticeable improvement.
Monroe Freeling - OT / Georgia
A true junior, Freeling only became a full time starter this past season. He improved throughout the season playing his best football the last four games. He has the traits of an NFL left tackle with size, length and athleticism. His pass protection skill and upside give him a chance to go higher than projected. He still has to develop as a run blocker but the tools are there.
Jordan Hudson - WR / SMU
Hudson became a full-time starter in 2025 and had a breakout season putting him on the radar as draftable prospect. He’s an improving route runner who could find a home in an NFL receiver room. Hudson had 61 receptions for 766 yards and 6 touchdowns. Most impressive was 11 receptions for 136 yards against Miami.
Skyler Bell - WR / UCONN
Bell was a productive part time player at Wisconsin with limited reps. He transferred to UCONN in 2024 and in 2025 blossomed into a dynamic weapon. His best traits are short area quickness, agility in traffic and a burst after the catch. He is tough to tackle in space and piles up yards after the catch. His hands have improved and he has a chance to be an immediate contributor in the NFL.
Mike Washington Jr. - RB / Arkansas
Started out at Buffalo, transferred to New Mexico and finally found a home as a starter at Arkansas in 2025. Came on strong showing a powerful downhill style of running with ability to run through tackles. He slides and picks holes with a decisive burst. He flashes stop/start quickness to make defenders miss along with speed to finish long runs once in the open. He has big play potential and with some refinement as a receiver can be a solid option in the draft.
Jadarian Price - RB / Notre Dame
After an Achilles injury his freshman year he played in the shadow of Audric Estime and later Jerimiyah Love. At another school he may have received more love but he is a top-tier back in his own right. Sharing the load with Love he put up his best season gaining 674 yards on 113 carries including 11 rushing touchdowns. He has incredible speed and combines that with agility in traffic. He’s a solid kick returner as well. Not a great receiver but he’s a threat to hit a home run on every touch.
Trinidad Chambliss QB / Ole Miss
A transfer from division ll Ferris State where he led the Bulldogs to National Championships in 2022 and 2024. In 2025 he hit the ground running at Ole Miss showing speed and agility as a runner along with a strong arm with surprising accuracy particularly on deep balls. He shows a quick release and can make plays on the move when things break down. He’s not the biggest and had some difficulty learning the nuances of a new offense. Had some problems reading coverage and can focus on one receiver. That said the upside is there to make it in the NFL.
Cole Payton QB / North Dakota State
Payton is a late bloomer after playing behind Cam Miller most of his time at North Dakota State. He has muscular frame and has been used as a wildcat quarterback along with playing running back at times. This year along with excellent running skill he displayed a strong arm and a quick compact release. He throws an excellent deep ball with accuracy to drop balls in against man coverage. He can throw a receiver open with ball placement and touch when needed. He makes a lot of his plays off-platform and will force the ball at times. Reading coverage is a work in progress as he tends focus one receiver.
Pat Coogan - C / Indiana
Transferred from Notre Dame for his last year of eligibility. High effort player who burst on the scene during Indiana’s playoff run to the National Championship. He was named the MVP of the Rose Bowl, the first time since 1944 a lineman has won the award. What he lacks in ideal athleticism he makes up for with extreme effort and hustle. He can be seen looking for work on plays well beyond the line of scrimmage. Solid run blocker with good enough power to drive defenders off the ball. He can get to the second level. Has some trouble sustaining blocks and can have trouble with athletic interior defenders.
Josiah Trotter - LB / Missouri
In a solid class of linebackers Josiah Trotter has been flying under the radar. He’s the son of former Eagle Jeremiah Trotter and brother of current Eagle Jeremiah Trotter Jr. As a red-shirt sophomore it’s not surprising. When scouts turned on the tape however they saw one of the best linebackers playing the run in this class. His lateral agility and instinctive inside run fits get him to a lot of plays. He’s improving his cover skills but still has some development in that area. He has the size and athleticism to excel in the NFL.
Jake Golday LB / Cincinnati
Golday was lightly recruited out of high school and he spent three seasons at Central Arkansas as a rotational edge rusher. He transferred to Cincinnati in 2024 and became an immediate starter as an off-the ball linebacker. In 2025 he developed into a top-tier prospect with incredible range and tackling skill. His versatility was an asset as he aligned inside, on the edge and as an overhang player. Edge experience showed up successfully as a blitzer coming off the edge or inside. He still has some development but his size, speed and athleticism make him a legitimate prospect. He’s moved up draft boards with his breakout season.
Chris Johnson CB / San Diego State
Johnson was considered a prospect before the season started but his 2025 tape has been turning heads. He’s been a dominant player showing skill in both man and zone concepts. In man coverage he’s extremely sticky with the ability to mirror and stay in phase against deep vertical routes. As a zone defender he shows ability to balance routes in overlapping zones. The level of completion in the Mountain West isn’t the best so scouts eyes will be on him at the Senior Bowl as he competes against some of the best receivers in the country.
Genesis Smith - S / Arizona
Smith was overlooked early in the season but his outstanding play put him on the map as a prospect. At 6’2 200 he’s hard to miss and his cover skills and range in the deep zones are impressive. He can play single and two high and he discourages quarterbacks from throwing in his area. He’s a fluid mover and easily flips his hips to cover ground getting over the top. He’s solid processing multiple routes and the quarterback’s intentions. He’s quick reacting with the ball in the air. Needs to improve in run support as he’s inconsistent taking on blocks and tackling. Has the tools of and NFL starter at Safety.
Colton Hood - CB / Tennessee
Hood was a backup at Colorado in 2024 but practiced against some elite receivers. This served him well when he transferred to Tennessee in 2025. With Jermod McCoy sidelined with an injury Hood immediately stepped into the starting lineup and made an impact. Displaying outstanding cover skill in both man to man and zone concepts he shot up the draft boards during the season. As a red-shirt sophomore he still has some fundamentals to improve on but his talent was on display throughout the season. His performance in 2025 plus his upside will likely make him at least a second day pick.
Romello Height - ED / Texas Tech
Height took a long and winding path before he got to Texas Tech for just the 2025 season. He started his career at Auburn in 2020, transferred to USC after two seasons, spent another two seasons there before one season at Georgia Tech. At all his stops he was basically a rotational player in passing situations. This past season was a breakout year as a full time player. Quick at the snap with a variety of pass rush moves he showed an incredible pressure rate. He’s improved his run defense and has experience dropping in coverage but getting to the quarterback is what makes him a prospect.