{"id":716931,"date":"2026-06-05T14:15:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T14:15:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/716931\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T14:15:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T14:15:12","slug":"seventh-round-nfl-draft-steals-that-deserve-far-more-attention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/716931\/","title":{"rendered":"Seventh-Round NFL Draft Steals That Deserve Far More Attention"},"content":{"rendered":"

Following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, we identified our five favorite seventh-round selections<\/a>. Finding sleeper prospects in the final round could place a bow on a very stellar draft class. In total, there were 41 selections made throughout the seventh round, offering plenty of opportunities to find hidden gems.<\/p>\n

Our initial list included VJ Payne (Jets), Seth McGowan (Colts), Landon Robinson<\/a> (Bengals), Andre Fuller<\/a> (Seahawks), and Max Llewellyn (Dolphins). There were alternative seventh-round picks that could develop into late-round steals. We’re building on our initial analysis to converse about additional seventh rounders.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve identified five additional seventh-round picks that deserve more recognition.<\/p>\n

2026 NFL Draft: Potential 7th-Round StealsJack Endries, TE, Cincinnati Bengals\"Jack<\/p>\n

Sep 13, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) walks off the field after a game against the Texas El Paso Miners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Jack Endries had a big season at Cal in 2024<\/a>, establishing himself as Fernando Mendoza’s go-to target while recording a team-high 56 catches for 623 yards. Endries then decided to transfer to Texas and expand his horizons. He was still effective with the Longhorns in 2025 while becoming a more well-rounded player.<\/p>\n

The Cincinnati Bengals have a crowded tight end room, but there aren’t many long-term solutions present. Endries could eventually climb the depth chart as the TE2 during his rookie contract. Endries is still developing as a blocker, but has an intriguing skill set as a pure route runner.<\/p>\n

Deven Eastern, DL, Seattle Seahawks\"Deven<\/p>\n

Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Deven Eastern (91) celebrates against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Deven Eastern is a traits-based prospect<\/a>. The Shakopee, Minnesota native measured in at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds at the NFL Combine with 34-inch arms and 10-inch hands. Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is the ideal teacher to develop a prospect with those natural advantages.<\/p>\n

That’s partially why the Seahawks drafted Eastern with a seventh-round pick. He’ll likely spend his rookie campaign attempting to get onto a competitive 53-man roster that is loaded with talented defensive lineman. Eastern requires some extra seasoning, but he could develop into a useful player.<\/p>\n

Tyre West, DL, Detroit Lions\"Tyre<\/p>\n

Tennessee defensive lineman Tyre West (42) during a college football game between Tennessee and Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., on Sept. 27, 2025. | Brianna Paciorka\/News Sentinel \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Tennessee Volunteers arguably under-utilized Tyre West in their defense. He was stuck in a deep rotational role and often asked to play selfless positions like five-tech. Even still, West managed to produce a career-high four sacks this past campaign.<\/p>\n

West’s inside-outside flexibility will be appreciated<\/a> by the Detroit Lions. He could manage to develop into a rotational asset, which is a victory for a seventh-round selection. West uses first-step explosiveness to impact the opposing backfield.<\/p>\n

Rayshaun Benny, DT, Baltimore Ravens\"Rayshaun<\/p>\n

Michigan defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny (26) watches warmup during the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 20, 2024. | Junfu Han \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Rayshaun Benny was another late-round draft prospect<\/a> whose production was stifled by the role he was asked to play. Michigan primarily played Benny in a run-stopping role. He had 64 tackles over the previous two seasons as a result, but just 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.<\/p>\n

Benny can play a versatile role due to desirable length and a pro-ready frame that’s ready to engage with NFL offensive lineman. The Baltimore Ravens should find a 53-man roster spot for him. Benny is a nicely developed two-gapper with accurate, consistent hands.<\/p>\n

Tim Keenan III, NT, Los Angeles Rams\"Tim<\/p>\n

Alabama’s Tim Keenan III (96) celebrates a play in the second half of the College Football Playoff game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Friday Dec. 19, 2025. | SARAH PHIPPS\/THE OKLAHOMAN \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Rams prioritized improving their run defense with their final draft pick, selecting Tim Keenan III in the seventh round. Keenan is a gritty and physical nose tackle who lacks athleticism to play on passing downs. He’ll have a defined role in Chris Shula’s defense.<\/p>\n

Keenan registered 40 tackles, and 7.5 TFLs with 2.5 sacks in 2024. His 2025 campaign was limited by a high-ankle sprain, but he was still named a team captain. Keenan could be an early-down asset for the Rams.<\/p>\n

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