The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2026 Cotton Bowl.
Dante Moore, QB
Moore was a highly rated recruit who started his career at UCLA. He passed for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 53.5 percent completion. Following the season, he transferred to Oregon. In 2024, he backed up Dillon Gabriel and only passed for 49 yards. This season, he has lived up to a lot of his potential, passing for 3,046 yards, 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 72.5 percent completion.
He stands at 6-foot-3, but will need to fill out his frame a bit more for the next level. Moore is a solid athlete who can avoid pressure in the pocket and make plays out of structure. He has a smooth, quick release, which helps him with short and intermediate throws. His arm strength won’t wow anyone, but he plays very efficient football. Moore has eligibility remaining, but his stock rising at the end of the season move him to put his name in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Kenyon Sadiq, TE
Sadiq joined with the Ducks in 2023. As a freshman, he played a little bit, delivering five catches for 24 yards and a touchdown. His playing time increased in 2024 and so too his production. In 2024, he hauled in 24 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns. He helped the Ducks get back to the CFP this year with 42 catches for 509 yards and eight touchdowns.
At 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, Sadiq isn’t the biggest tight end and will need some improvements to make it as an in-line player at the next level. He is a great athlete for the position, with the ability to run good routes and pick up yards after the catch. Sadiq is poised to go in the first or second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick-Second Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei (1st-2nd), DL A’Mauri Washington (2nd-4th), OT Isaiah World (2nd-4th), IOL Emmanuel Pregnon (2nd-4th), S Dillon Thieneman (2nd-4th), IOL Iapani Laloulu (3rd-5th), DL Bear Alexander (4th-6th), OT Alex Harkey (6th-UFA), WR Evan Stewart (OUT 6th-UFA), LB Bryce Boettcher (6th-UFA), EDGE Teitum Tuioti (UFA), P Ross James (UFA), RB Noah Whittington (UFA), WR Malik Benson (UFA)
David Bailey, EDGE
Bailey played the first three seasons of his college career at Stanford. He tallied 111 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks during his time as a Cardinal. Bailey transferred to Texas Tech for the 2025 season. With the Red Raiders, he has 43 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks.
At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Bailey isn’t the biggest edge rusher in the class, but his frame is well-built. He has a quick first step and solid flexibility to bend around the edge. His pass-rushing production has been great, especially with the increase this season. He will likely be a first-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Romello Height, EDGE
Height spent the first two seasons of his college career at Auburn, where he registered 19 total tackles and three tackles for loss. He transferred to USC for the next two seasons, tallying 20 total tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks. In 2024, he suited up for Georgia Tech. He had 34 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks for the Yellow Jackets. This season for the Red Raiders, Height has 33 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
He stands at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, which makes him a lighter edge rusher. Height has the ability to get after the passer well, but stopping the run is an area where he has struggled. His play has warranted him being a day two draft pick.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects: TE Terrance Carter (3rd-5th), LB Jacob Rodriguez (3rd-5th), DL Lee Hunter (4th-6th), IOL Sheridan Wilson (6th-UFA), WR Caleb Douglas (6th-UFA), QB Behren Morton (6th-UFA), S Cole Wisniewski (6th-UFA), IOL Davion Carter (UFA)
Injuries: RB Quinton Joyner (6th-UFA)
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