Every year, a handful of teams in the NFL Draft are willing to make risky picks in the first round, banking on the potential of a player while taking on any number of risks they bring to the table.
The 2026 NFL Draft class is sure to be no different, with a list of players who bring sky-high upside thanks to their physical talent, but also feature a "buyer beware" tag due to their injury history, lack of proven production, or need for technical refinement.
Here are four top prospects in this year's class who have elite physical talent, but not without bust potential:
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
During the 2024 season, McCoy was a true shutdown corner for the Vols, with one of the best highlight reels you could hope for from a defensive back. His elite athleticism, instincts and ball skills make him a big-play machine whenever the ball came his way, giving him tons of NFL buzz heading into 2025. Unfortunately, a torn ACL in January of last year would cost him that entire season, and despite an impressive recent pro day workout, there's buzz that he could require another surgery to address a different knee issue:
McCoy's talent and potential is undeniable, which is why he's routinely found in the top 15 picks in just about every big board and mock draft. But the injury risk could make teams reluctant to take a chance on him in that range, which could lead to a draft-day slide. If that happens, and he's able to stay healthy at the next level, McCoy could prove to be a massive steal.
OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
There are only so many human beings on this planet who have the combination of size and athletic ability that Proctor brings to the table. At his best, Proctor has proven he can be a dominant blocker, with all the power you'd expect from someone with his massive frame. The Crimson Tide even found ways to get him the ball on multiple occasions, taking full advantage of his rare skill set.
The physical tools are obvious, but Proctor still needs a ton of improvement from a technique standpoint if he wants to consistently dominate against NFL competition. He proved last season that he can commit to staying in shape and maintaining a strong dedication to his preparation, so it won't be surprising if a team banks on his limitless upside with a high first-round pick.
Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Faulk's impressive combination of size and athleticism is obvious, but he was never able to translate those high-end physical traits into consistent production in college. That's not likely to keep him from being a first-round pick, and his upside could entice a team picking in the top 15 to bank on their ability to unlock that potential.
Faulk is a stout run defender with the versatility to attack from a wide range of different alignments, which should give him a solid floor as an early-down player in the NFL. But any team that spends a first-round pick on him will be hoping he can produce as a pass rusher in a way he was never able to at Auburn. If that doesn't happen, that team could regret spending such a high pick on a solid run-stopper who was never able to push for double-digit sacks.
WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
You could make a strong case for Tyson as the top receiver prospect in this class, thanks to his impressive route-running ability and big-play potential after the catch. He's got ideal size and reliable hands, with ability to create consistent separation at all three levels of the field. But nagging injuries held him back last season, and dragged on throughout the predraft process, limiting his ability to participate in offseason workouts.
His recent pro day workout appears to have put Tyson back into the top-10 conversation as perhaps the first pass-catcher off the board, and on film, it's easy to see why a team could decide he's worthy of that investment. But the durability concerns cast a shadow over his ability to live up to the expectations that come along with that high of a draft slot, and he'll have to prove he can stay healthy at the next level if he wants to deliver on his potential.
