With the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated from playoff contention, anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft is beginning to build. On Saturday, three games make up most of the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff (kickoffs are in Arrowhead time)
- Miami at Texas A&M on ABC/ESPN at 11:00 a.m.
- Tulane at Ole Miss on TNT/Max at 3:30 p.m.
- James Madison at Oregon on TNT/Max at 6:30 p.m.
Here are five prospects to watch during Saturday’s action:
1. DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Howell has been a riser in this class and will be a fascinating prospect to track. Howell is undersized, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 249 lbs, with arms shorter than 32 inches. There
hasn’t been a defensive end drafted with sub-32-inch arms in the first round in at least fifteen years.
However, Howell’s stock has gone through the roof because of his performance this season. He combines elite twitch and bend with a deep bag of pass rush moves. Howell needs a dominant playoff run to silence some of his doubters. He won’t be a scheme fit for everyone due to his size, but teams desperately need pass rush, and Howell has all the skill and athleticism to make an impact on Sundays. He could go top 15, or somewhere later on Day 2, and it wouldn’t shock me.
— Nate Christensen
2. DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Mesidor is wrapping up his sixth season as a college football player. During that time, he played in 61 games and would have played in more if an injury hadn’t cut his junior campaign short. Mesidor amassed 30 sacks while in college, including seven sacks in 2025.
At 6 feet 3 inches tall and 280 lbs, he offers inside-outside versatility along the line and can play in both odd and even fronts. However, he is at his best when he can line up on the edge and attack the quarterback. Maybe it’s because of his experience, or maybe it’s his unrelenting tenacity, but there are moments on film where he looks like a man among boys. He has a quick first step and packs a strong punch.
While he is not the twitchiest athlete, he is nimble on his feet and can change direction without having to gear down in pursuit, which is also why he is an excellent run defender. His agility mixed with his natural strength allows him to shed blocks and collapse running lanes consistently.
While playing across from a blue-chip prospect like Rueben Bain Jr., one might be wary that Mesidor’s production is the product of teams overcompensating for Bain, but this is not the case. There were multiple instances where opponents shifted protection away from Bain to double-team Mesidor.
— Rocky Magana
3. DE Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
Uiagalelei is going to be on the Chiefs board. He is 6 feet 5 inches tall and over 270 lbs. He plays with burst and consistently crushes the pocket with force. He is a length player who can overwhelm offensive linemen with it.
The question about Uiagalelei is how high his ceiling can be with some of his stiffness concerns, but it’s not a major issue. He has good body control and a great first step. Uiagalelei will definitely have an NFL career – the question is whether he has a high enough ceiling to go top 20. He needs a worthwhile playoff run to get there.
— Nate Christensen
4. TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Sadiq is not only the top tight end in this draft, he is also one of the best red-zone targets with eight touchdowns in 2025. A true junior, he is just 20 years old, and at 6 feet 3 inches tall and 245 lbs, he is a bit of a tweener between tight end and a power slot.
For his size, he anchors well and is a pretty good blocker in space. There will be instances at the next level where Sadiq may struggle with in-line blocking and the NFL strength, but from a technique perspective, the tools are all there if he can gain strength.
For the right team, he is a movable piece and the type of offensive weapon you can build a scheme around. He is an opposing defensive coordinator’s worst nightmare, because while he has the size of a tight end, he is an elite athlete for his size and moves like a wide receiver and is one of the best route runners in this draft.
Sadiq is a menace in the red zone, and while he has the athleticism to win quickly, he has that dog in him too and will fight for and win contested catches at a high rate.
— Rocky Magana
5. DT A’mauri Washington, Oregon
Washington will be a quick riser on many boards once draft season gets underway. An excellent athlete in a compact frame of 6 feet 3 inches tall and 330 lbs., he is a disruptor capable of causing problems for any opposing offense. He has an explosive first step off the line and has the base to generate power with bull rushes. He is also nimble enough to change angles and be effective in twists and stunts on the defensive line.
An area he can improve on is pad level in the run game, and staying disciplined in his responsibility, but his motor and versatility will make him a fit for any defense. He should have an impressive performance at the NFL Combine in March.
— Caleb James
