Steelers Depot has released detailed scouting reports on six college football players projected for the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and potential roles. The profiles cover prospects from various positions and teams, providing insights into their athletic profiles and career statistics. These reports aim to guide NFL teams in evaluating talent ahead of the draft.
On February 21, 2026, Steelers Depot published a series of scouting reports evaluating prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. Each profile examines a player's physical attributes, performance data, and projected NFL fit, based on film review and statistical analysis.
Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis, a redshirt junior standing 5-foot-11 and 224 pounds, is noted for his zone coverage awareness and athleticism, with 201 career tackles and six interceptions. However, his lack of play strength against blocks suggests a potential transition to safety. He earned 2025 Second Team All-American honors and participated in the 2026 Senior Bowl.
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch, a third-year junior at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, stands out for his explosive speed and return abilities, recording 81 receptions for 811 yards in 2025. His smaller frame limits contested catches, but his dynamic yards-after-catch potential draws comparisons to Tank Dell. Branch transferred from USC and broke Georgia's single-season receptions record.
Navy running back Eli Heidenreich, a senior at 5-foot-11 and 197 pounds, offers versatility as a rusher and receiver, with 51 receptions for 941 yards in 2025. He set Navy's career receiving touchdowns record at 16 and caught the game-winning touchdown against Army. His Wing-T background raises questions about adapting to NFL schemes, projecting him as a third-down back.
Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal, a redshirt senior at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, brings size and length to coverage, with 99 career tackles and four interceptions. Strong in press man coverage, he struggles with transitions and off-coverage depth. Neal transferred from Fresno State and fits as an outside corner in press-heavy defenses.
Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, a redshirt sophomore at 6-foot-0 and 195 pounds, excels in physical press coverage, tallying 77 career tackles and three interceptions. Limited starting experience due to transfers from Auburn and Colorado, he showed promise at the 2026 Senior Bowl but needs to refine eye discipline. His family ties include NFL uncle Roderick Hood.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, a sixth-year senior at 5-foot-10 and 198 pounds, led the SEC in several passing categories in 2025 with 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns. His height and inconsistent mechanics pose challenges, though his mobility and arm strength shine. Pavia, who started at New Mexico State, finished second in Heisman voting.
These reports, graded on a Steelers Depot scale, range from early Day 2 to mid-late Day 3 projections, emphasizing developmental needs for each prospect.
