Hidden nfl draft gems: payton, bell, banks – the untapped talent poised to disrupt
The NFL draft is often dominated by the hype surrounding the projected top picks, but beneath the surface lie a wealth of talent waiting for an opportunity. This year’s class presents a particularly intriguing mix of high-upside prospects, and three names – Cole Payton, Chris Bell, and Caleb Banks – are generating significant buzz among scouts and teams seeking a late-round steal.
A left-handed qb with a running back’s build: cole payton
Forget the quarterback carousel of mediocrity. While Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson dominate the headlines, a quiet revolution is brewing in North Dakota State. Cole Payton, a 6’2", 235-pound lefty, is rapidly ascending the draft boards, and for good reason. He’s not your typical polished pocket passer; instead, he’s a bruising runner with surprising arm talent – a throwback to the days of Trey Lance, not Carson Wentz. Payton’s numbers at NDSU are staggering. He boasts an incredible big-time throw rate (over 8%), consistently leads the nation in big-time throws versus the blitz, and maintains a turnover-worthy play rate below 2% when operating from a clean pocket. This is a rare combination of athleticism and efficiency, masked by a somewhat unorthodox throwing motion. NFL teams will undoubtedly scrutinize his ability to translate this success to the professional level, but the upside is undeniable.
Bell’s explosive potential: a wide receiver with a bite
The wide receiver class is looking thin this year, but amidst the lack of established stars, Chris Bell stands out as a potential game-changer. Comparing him to AJ Brown is a bold move, but Bell possesses a similar profile: a big, physical target who thrives on physical battles and creating separation after the catch. Unlike Brown, Bell's receiving upside is limited, but his ability to punish cornerbacks and generate chunk plays after the catch is a significant asset. However, the ACL tear in his final college season raises concerns, and teams will carefully evaluate his medical history and off-field maturity. Bell’s aggressive style – and some persistent penalties – could push him down draft boards, but the raw talent is too enticing to ignore. He's a player who could fall through the cracks, offering a dynamic playmaking ability for the right team.
Banks: the disruptive interior force
The defensive tackle market is saturated with run-stuffing behemoths, but Caleb Banks is a different breed. He’s a 6’6", 335-pound force of nature, capable of generating consistent pressure and dominating the line of scrimmage. Banks’ natural athleticism and surprising agility for his size make him a genuinely disruptive presence. His NFL career has been plagued by injuries, most notably a foot fracture that sidelined him for almost the entire 2025 season, but his talent is undeniable. He’s a player who consistently disrupts opposing offenses, generating a high pressure rate on third down – a rare feat for a player of his size. While the medical concerns are legitimate, Banks represents a high-risk, high-reward prospect who could become a cornerstone defensive lineman for the right organization. He’s a prospect that will be closely watched in the second round, with the potential to significantly elevate any team’s defensive interior.
Ultimately, this draft class offers a chance for teams to identify undervalued talent. Payton, Bell, and Banks represent three intriguing options, each with unique skillsets and potential pitfalls. It’s a reminder that the most impactful players aren’t always the most heavily hyped.