Three NFL Draft Prospects Who Will Be Selected Higher Than You Think | Deadspin.com

Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Every year, football fans are stunned when prospects come off of the NFL Draft board sooner than anticipated.

NFL mock drafts will get closer to accuracy as April 23rd’s first round grows nearer.

Yet still, every year, there are still players who will surprise everybody.

Let’s take a look at three NFL Draft prospects who will be selected a lot sooner than you might think.

Drew Allar, Penn State QB

At one point, it felt like Allar was poised to be a first-round pick. But his college career at Penn State never materialized that way, James Franklin was fired, and Allar missed half of his final year with the Nittany Lions after a season-ending broken left ankle.

Allar is healthy. He showcased his arm strength at the NFL Combine.

But it’s Allar’s 6-foot-5, 228 pound frame that NFL decision makers could fall in love with.

Allar’s big size, paired with his big arm and above average athleticism drew Josh Allen player comparisons early in his college football career. Even though he never progressed that way as a prospect with the Nittany Lions, an NFL general manager will gamble on his intangibles.

The size and arm strength projects more as a starting quarterback than a project, developmental backup. These are all reasons why Allar should be a Day 2 – not a Day 3 – draft selection.

Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State WR

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Similar to Allar, Tyson dealt with some injury troubles during his career at ASU. As a result, there’s been some speculation that the 6-foot-2 wide receiver could slide to the end of the first round.

But NFL executives understand that premium wide receivers don’t grow on trees. Players like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson don’t come around too often. While Tyson can’t be compared to those two prospects, he could develop, add weight and stay healthier with an NFL training regimen.

Don’t buy that Tyson will be available at the end of the first round. It simply isn’t happening.

Sonny Styles, Ohio State LB

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (LB25) runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It’s rare to see an off-ball linebacker like Styles drafted in the top 10. But could Styles sneak his way into the top five?

At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, there was some chatter that the New York Giants would have no qualms about selecting Styles at No. 5 overall. The Giants picked up free agent linebacker Tremaine Edmunds on a three-year, $36 million deal in free agency.

But they still have a need at linebacker, and Styles could be a talented player for many years to come.

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