The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Which outliers in the 2026 class are worth drafting?
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Mar 27, 2026 They debate whether the 2026 class is simply unusual or actually weak. Conversation centers on positional oddities like off-ball linebackers, safeties, and a running back rising up boards. They unpack short-armed edge rushers and compact offensive tackles. Several prospects with atypical size or missing tape draw scrutiny and comparisons to past outliers.
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Draft Full Of Outliers Alters Decision Tradeoffs
- The 2026 draft feels full of outliers forcing teams to compromise on physical traits, positions, or production more than usual.
- Robert Mays argues this will shape every draft decision as teams weigh positional value against atypical profiles like short-armed edges and top-10 linebackers.
Ruben Bain Tape Versus Measurement Conflict
- Ruben Bain is an extreme physical outlier (very short arms) whose tape shows dominant run and pass production, forcing teams to choose between measurable risk and on-field results.
- Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman note Bain led the nation in pressures and dominated top opponents, making teams consider him as a top-10 pick despite archetype concerns.
Always Ask If The Player Is Worth Compromising For
- Ask explicitly whether a prospect is worth compromising for: does their upside or unique production justify atypical traits?
- Robert Mays recommends evaluating outsized positives (production, instincts) to offset measurable doubts.