The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the buzz is building as several prospects make waves. The NFL Combine, Senior Bowl, and Pro Days have been prime stages for these athletes to showcase their skills, but they've also brought some concerns to light. Teams are digging deep, uncovering medical and character issues that could impact draft decisions.
While some players still have time to address these concerns, others might find their draft stock slipping. Let's dive into three prospects who are currently facing some challenges.
Jordyn Tyson
Jordyn Tyson is a name that's been on everyone's radar, thanks to his undeniable talent. However, recent medical evaluations have slightly dimmed his shine. Tyson has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, which is becoming a growing concern as the draft looms.
He skipped drills at the NFL Combine and is unlikely to participate in Pro Day workouts. This raises the big question: will teams still see him as a top-10 pick, or could he slide to the back half of the first round?
Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs is another top prospect with medical concerns casting a shadow over his draft prospects. Once seen as a unanimous top-five pick, Downs' stock has been affected by reports of an ACL issue flagged during the combine.
While evaluators debate the injury's severity, the reality is that knee injuries can be career-altering. Downs still boasts elite talent and is a surefire first-round pick, but will this new information make teams hesitate to grab him early?
His participation in Pro Day drills remains uncertain after skipping combine workouts.
Caleb Banks
Caleb Banks is perhaps the biggest enigma in this draft class. His talent could easily make him the top defensive lineman, but a lingering foot injury complicates his status.
Banks injured his foot at the end of the 2024 season, re-injured it during 2025 camp, and broke it again before the combine. These are significant red flags for any team considering him.
For context, remember Larry Ogunjobi's foot injury in 2022? It took two years to fully heal.
Despite these challenges, Banks showed grit by participating in combine activities. The question now is whether teams will let these injury concerns affect his draft position.
As the draft approaches, these players have a lot to prove. Their talent is unquestionable, but the concerns are real. It will be fascinating to see how teams weigh these factors when the clock starts ticking on draft day.