There’s plenty of talent in this year’s NFL Draft. But what if that talent comes with limitations? Once again this year, there are some very high-risk players that teams need to watch out for.

They exist in every draft. The players whose talent is undisputed, were it not for that one small limitation.

Be it injury-proneness, a recent, serious injury, character weakness or simply a lack of experience.

NFL Draft 2026: Only good boys?

First things first: There are presumably no “bad boys” responsible for scandals or the like this year.

No Jalen Carter, no Randy Moss – as NFL expert Bucky Brooks writes, the 2026 draft class is one of the nicest and most disciplined in recent years. No charges, allegations or major suspensions among the top talent.

Jordyn Tyson, wide receiver, Arizona State

One of the best wide receivers in this year’s class is Jordyn Tyson. Due to injury, the 2025 pass receiver was only able to play in nine games, in which he shined with 715 total yards and nine touchdowns. Tyson is a clear first-round talent.

However, he has been injured virtually his entire college career. He missed 17 of 51 possible games, or a third. Each season he was plagued by a variety of injuries.

He did not attend the Scouting Combine and did not complete a Pro Day workout. Without his constant injuries, he would probably be an undisputed top-10 pick. So it’s quite possible he won’t be taken until day two.

Caleb Banks, defensive tackle, Florida

Caleb Banks played in three measly games last season. And yet he’s being touted as a potential first round pick. Anyone who watched Banks play for the Florida Gators knows why.

The defensive tackle is a wall in run defense, despite his limited playing time and the Gators’ overall poor season, he stood out with his incredible athleticism.

A foot injury slowed him down and prevented him from being picked early in the upcoming selection process – if at all.

Ty Simpson, quarterback, Alabama

Yes, even the presumed second-best quarterback in the draft behind Fernando Mendoza is a potential red flag. Ty Simpson has only played one season as a starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

And, by Alabama standards, it wasn’t even a particularly good season with a clear exit in the quarterfinals of the playoffs against the Indiana Hoosiers. Still, in terms of talent alone, Simpson is rightfully in the position he’s currently in as a potential first round pick.

He’s what Americans like to call “low floor, high ceiling”. He could be the next Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow. But he could just as easily end up being the next Josh Rosen or JaMarcus Russell.

Caleb Downs, safety, Ohio State

Safeties aren’t usually selected very high. Caleb Downs should be a clear exception. The Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back is an absolute blue-chip player who has everything an athletic pass defender needs to bring to the table.

Why is he still a potential red flag? While Downs didn’t miss a game and advanced to the playoffs with the Buckeyes, he was diagnosed with meniscus damage and a potentially degenerative ACL at the Combine, both in the same knee. Both in the same knee.

This means the longevity of Downs’ career is certainly not in jeopardy – and teams should consider selecting him this early.

Jermod McCoy, cornerback, Tennessee

A potential first-round pick even though his last snap was before the 2024 draft? Possibly, if you’re Jermod McCoy.

The cornerback missed the entire 2025 season, and a torn ACL has kept him out of action ever since. Before that, however, McCoy proved just how good he is. The man from the Tennessee Volunteers is fast, big and boasts a high football IQ.

However, anyone investing their first-round pick in him has to be sure of his qualities.
And love the risk.