The 2026 NFL Draft is already shaping up to be a wild ride, and Week 7 of the college football season just added more fuel to the fire.
College Football's Unpredictable Nature:
The chaos of this season is unprecedented, with upsets and standout performances becoming the norm. In Week 7, Indiana shocked the nation by ending their 46-game winless streak against AP top-five teams, defeating Oregon on the road. Unranked Texas dominated No. 6 Oklahoma, and ranked teams Michigan and Arizona State fell to unranked opponents.
Rising Stars and Falling Fortunes:
Sports Illustrated's weekly risers and fallers list reflects the unpredictability. While the top quarterbacks didn't dominate, several players made significant strides towards boosting their draft stock.
Defensive Dominance:
Georgia's defense, led by the formidable Allen, showcased their prowess in a comeback win against Auburn. Allen, a 6'1", 235-lb force, racked up 10 tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss. His performance solidified his status as a potential first-round pick.
Dynamic Duos:
Wilson, part of a fearsome pass-rushing duo at Auburn, continued his impressive season with two sacks and five pressures against Alabama. His teammate, Zion Young, also made waves in Week 5. Both players are now firmly on the radar of NFL scouts.
Receivers and Corners:
Indiana's Sarratt was instrumental in their historic win, making crucial catches and scoring a go-ahead touchdown. His route-running skills and contested catch ability make him a Day 2 prospect. Meanwhile, Igbinosun, a standout cornerback, showcased his coverage skills against Illinois, allowing just one catch. He's on track to be a valuable Day 2 selection.
Offensive Line Battles:
Auburn's Chaplin, a physical left tackle, had a strong performance against Georgia's defensive line. However, his inconsistent play this season may impact his draft position. On the flip side, Barber, a highly-rated offensive lineman, struggled against Texas A&M's pass rush, raising questions about his consistency.
Injury Woes and Redemption:
Allar's season-ending injury is a significant setback, potentially affecting his draft stock. Mateer, a tough competitor, played through injury in the Red River Rivalry but had an underwhelming performance. He'll need to bounce back to regain his early-season momentum.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is the NFL Draft process too reliant on a few standout performances? Are there players who consistently perform well but get overlooked? And how much should injuries and bad games impact a player's draft stock?
The 2026 NFL Draft is a complex puzzle, and Week 7 has only added more intriguing pieces. What do you think about the risers and fallers this week? Are there any players you believe deserve more attention? Share your thoughts and let's spark a conversation about the future stars of the NFL!
