Two Prominent NFL Draft Prospects Shock by Missing First Round Calls
The 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh saw an unexpected twist as two highly touted prospects in the NFL draft green room waited nervously and ultimately slipped past the entire first round Thursday night, shaking up expectations and draft dynamics.
Among 16 players physically present in the green room, two stood out for an unwelcome reason: they didn’t hear their names called during the first 32 picks. This rare moment underlines the high-stakes drama for prospects who hope to capitalize on early selections for career leaps and lucrative contracts.
High-Profile Prospects Forced to Sweat Out Their Draft Fate
Kris Hood, a cornerback who played at Auburn, Colorado, and Tennessee, was initially projected as a late first-round pick and mocked to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 29. Known for his combination of speed and run-stopping ability, Hood ran a sharp 4.44 40-yard dash and posted impressive 2025 stats including 50 tackles and eight passes defensed. Yet Hood was passed over throughout the entire first round and had to wait until early in the second round when the Cincinnati Bengals picked him at No. 41, the ninth pick of Round 2.
Meanwhile, Zach McDonald, the reigning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year from Ohio State, remains undrafted as of Thursday night’s first round. Despite multiple Buckeyes going early in the draft, including three among the top seven picks, McDonald’s name was not called amid strong run-stopping numbers: 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks in his final college season. McDonald will have to wait until Day 2 of the draft, Friday, to learn his fate.
Green Room Drama Echoes NFL Draft Lore
The NFL draft green room, where the top prospects gather awaiting their selection, is often filled with tense energy as the minutes tick down. Historically, the “last man standing” can become known as draft night’s disappointment, but sometimes late picks suddenly blossom into stars, illustrated most famously by Aaron Rodgers in 2005, whose shocking fall from potential No. 1 selection to 24th pick delivered unforgettable live drama on ESPN. Rodgers’ experience is a reminder that draft-day waiting does not preclude NFL glory.
Unlike previous years, this draft’s TV production focused less on green room reactions and more on the prospects’ celebratory moments walking onstage to meet NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. This shift means viewers witnessed only the triumphant calls, with no camera lingering on those left hanging behind closed doors—yet Hood and McDonald’s storylines still emerged as defining suspense points.
What’s Next for Those Drafted Late or Waiting?
With Hood joining the Bengals early Friday and McDonald still waiting in the wings for Day 2, these players now face the next critical phase of their professional journey. The Bengals’ acquisition of Hood signals belief in his potential to contribute quickly, while McDonald will attract eager attention as teams consider adding a forceful defender with proven collegiate success.
Fans in Delaware and nationwide should stay tuned to follow these late bloomers’ careers as they transition into the NFL spotlight—a reminder that draft success isn’t guaranteed by first-round status, but opportunity awaits at every pick.
About the Author
Tom Dierberger, Deputy News Director at Sports Illustrated, provided expert scouting insights after joining SI in November 2023 with prior roles at FOX Sports, Bally Sports, and NBC Sports. A St. John’s University communications graduate, Dierberger is known for delivering real-time sports news with depth and precision.
