The Minnesota Vikings have to be feeling pretty grateful for those five picks in the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. Word is, things are going to get rough after that.
According to an NFL insider, the draft’s expected to thin out big time from round four on. Andrew Brandt, chatting on The Ross Tucker Podcast, passed along what scouts are saying—there’s a steep drop in talent, and it’s mostly because of those Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
These NIL deals are keeping a lot of players in college longer than they would’ve stayed otherwise. Guys who’d usually be mid to late-round picks are sticking around, and that’s bound to shake things up for NFL teams like the Vikings when they get to those later rounds.
Understanding the Impact of NIL on the NFL Draft
It’s wild how much NIL has changed college sports lately. Players can actually make real money while still in school, and that’s causing all sorts of ripple effects—especially in the NFL Draft’s later rounds.
Scouts have noticed that plenty of players who’d have been taken between rounds four and seven are just staying put, thanks to those sweet NIL offers. This isn’t looking like a one-year fluke either; it’s probably going to keep happening, which means NFL teams will have fewer options in those rounds.
Why Players Are Staying in College
Let’s be honest: it’s mostly about the cash. If you’re a low-round NFL pick, your signing bonus might look good on paper, but it’s not exactly life-changing, and there’s no guarantee you’ll even make the team.
Meanwhile, some of these NIL deals are just as lucrative—sometimes more—without all the stress of fighting for a roster spot. So, a lot of players are running the numbers and deciding college is the better bet, at least for now.
Case Study: Carson Beck and the Miami Hurricanes
Take Carson Beck, for example. Before the Miami Hurricanes’ playoff run, he got a major NIL offer to stick around for 2025.
Even with his talent, he didn’t go until pick No. 65 in the NFL Draft. That kind of thing really shows how different the valuation is between college and the pros.
For a lot of these guys, staying in school just makes more sense. The money’s good, and there’s less risk than rolling the dice as a mid to late-round NFL pick.
Implications for NFL Teams
All this means the draft is looking pretty thin in rounds four through seven. Those rounds used to be goldmines for hidden gems and roster depth.
Now, teams might have a tougher time finding those diamonds in the rough. The Vikings, for one, probably shouldn’t bank on snagging a late-round steal.
But hey, maybe this is a chance to get creative with scouting and player development. If you can make the most out of the picks you do have, you’re ahead of the curve.
Strategies for Navigating a Weaker Draft
So, what’s a team supposed to do when the draft pool dries up? There are a few ways to approach it:
- Focus on Early Rounds: With more talent up top, teams might just need to go all-in early and make those picks count.
- Enhanced Scouting: Maybe it’s time to double down on scouting, really dig for those overlooked prospects.
- Player Development: If you can coach up the guys you do land, you might squeeze more value out of later picks.
- Leveraging Trades: Swapping late-round picks for proven players or future draft assets could be the move.
Conclusion: The Future of the NFL Draft
The influence of NIL deals on the NFL Draft is still unfolding. It’s already having a big impact on both college football and the NFL itself.
More players are sticking around in college, so the draft’s later rounds might not have as much talent as they used to. Teams like the Vikings will have to rethink their approach and maybe even their expectations.
Sure, the draft could be weaker in rounds four through seven, but you can still find hidden gems if you look hard enough. Maybe it’s about doubling down on early picks, sharpening your scouting, or just getting more creative with player development.
Want to dig deeper into how NIL deals are shaking things up? Take a look at the full article on Roundtable Sports.
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