The 2026 NFL draft gave a good example of the transition the Mountain West is going through.
The league had six players drafted, starting with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty going sixth overall to the Los Angeles Raiders, but the first four of those MW players taken were from schools leaving for the Pac-12. On the other hand, there were two players taken from North Dakota State, actually a pretty normal number for that school in its prolific recent history in the FCS.
The top NFL prospect still in the league is New Mexico linebacker Jaxton Eck, who at this moment is saying he intends to come back to UNM next year for the 2027 season. What seems unlikely is that six players from this year’s league will be taken in the 2027 draft, but that could change for a few elite players if they have a big 2026 season.
Here are players who could change it.
1. Jaxton Eck, New Mexico LB, 6-1, 228
The top NFL prospect in the Mountain West said he intends to use the newly granted fifth year of eligibility from the NCAA to play in the 2027 season, meaning if he honors that, Eck will be in the 2028 draft. Obviously, his stated intent to play another year in college is non-binding.
He transferred from Idaho when his father Jason was hired to be the Lobos head coach and was the Mountain West co-defensive player of the year in 2025. He shared that award with San Diego State’s Chris Johnson, who was a first-round pick in the 2026 draft by Miami. Eck had 129 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks last season.
2. Jai’Den Thomas, UNLV, running back, 5-9, 190
Thomas was second nationally with 7.0 yards per carry, as he finished the season with 1,036 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. His frame is marginal in the NFL, he would be one of the smaller backs in the league, but his production with the ball could make him a change-of-pace middle- to late-round pick.
3. Pofele Ashlock, Hawaii, wide receiver, 6-2, 180
Ashlock has mostly been a high-volume possession receiver and increasing his per catch average of 10.9 yards from last season will be key to getting better looks from the NFL. He has prototype size.
4. Griffin Empey, North Dakota State, guard, 6-3, 310
Still a junior, Empey will be a candidate to leave early, where he could be a mid-round NFL draft pick. This will be the Bison’s first year in the FBS, but they’ve had nine players drafted in the last five years. He’s been an every-game starter in his first two seasons.
5. Jackson Arnold, UNLV, quarterback, 6-1, 220
His numbers across 27 starts at Auburn and Oklahoma before that have been up and down, which is why he’s at UNLV now, but he’s a former five-star prospect and a quarterback, and there will be no end of chances for anyone checking those resume boxes.
In his 27 games as a starter, he has completed 63% of his passes with 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and also has 871 rushing yards. He will need to put up big numbers this season.
Other NFL prospects
Here are some other talented Mountain West players considered NFL prospects.
Kam Thomas, UTEP, wide receiver, 5-9, 184
An explosive player in the open field, he doesn’t have prototype size but he can play a lot of positions, including special teams.
Xavier Smith, UTEP, safety, 6-0, 195
Smith has produced whenever he gets on the field. He has a high football IQ and is a sure tackler.
Austin Brawley, New Mexico, safety, 5-10, 180
He missed most of last year but returned late and had a big bowl game. He needs to stay healthy this year.
Jack Foster, Nevada, offensive tackle, 6-6, 298
He has the size NFL scouts are looking for.
Dylan LaBarbera, Nevada, defensive end, 6-1, 248
Undersized, but a very productive player last year with 87 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Who are the top NFL prospects in the Mountain West? Ranking the top 5
Reporting by Bret Bloomquist, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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By Bret Bloomquist, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
