Tulane Green Wave 2026 NFL Draft Prospects

Patrick Harkness • April 25, 2026
Tulane Green Wave 🏈 
NFL Draft: Who Will Be Selected
Tulane had a strong 2025 season (AAC title and playoff appearance), continuing its recent NFL pipeline (e.g., past draftees like Tyjae Spears, Michael Pratt, Caleb Ransaw). 

Projections generally point to late-round or UDFA territory, based on production, physical traits, transfers bringing experience, and Pro Day workouts (held March 24, 2026, at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center with 25 NFL teams present). 

Here are the top prospects and why they stand out (drawn from scouting notes, stats, and honors):

OT Derrick Graham (6’4”, 314 lbs): Multi-year starter with experience at Troy (early freshman contributor with elite pass-block efficiency) before transferring to Tulane. Earned First/Second/Preseason All-AAC honors and helped anchor a top conference offense. Prototypical size, strength, and technique for the NFL; met with teams at Pro Day. Strongest late-round candidate among the group.

DE Kameron Hamilton (6’4”, ~292 lbs, Zachary, LA native): 
Four-year Tulane contributor (switched from high school OL to edge). Career totals include 12 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and consistent production (career-high 3 sacks + 29 tackles in 2025). Excellent frame and leverage for an edge rusher/DL; long-tenured starter under multiple coaches. Fits as a rotational pass-rush specialist. 

LB Maurice “Mo” Westmoreland (6’2”, 250 lbs): 
Transfer from UTEP (two-time All-Conference USA). Explosive prior stats: 7.5 sacks + 9.5 TFLs + FF in 2024; similar sack production in 2023. Limited to 5 games in 2025 due to injury (still had 3 sacks + INT), but size, athleticism, and proven pass-rush ability outweigh that. Could project as an EDGE/LB hybrid. 

QB Jake Retzlaff: 
BYU transfer who became Tulane’s dual-threat QB1 in 2025. Strong stats: 3,168 pass yards + 15 TD / 7 INT, plus 634 rush yards + 16 rushing TDs (school record; first Tulane QB to lead team in rushing). Athletic playmaker who thrives under pressure. Size (6’1”, 205 lbs) is a concern, but production and mobility give him a shot as a developmental QB or gadget player (late/UDFA range; participated in Hula Bowl + Pro Day throwing session). 

OL Jack Hollifield (6’4”, ~300 lbs): Versatile interior lineman/center (transfers from Virginia Tech/Appalachian State). Started 11 games at App State in 2024 (0 sacks allowed, All-Sun Belt Second Team); Preseason All-AAC Third Team at Tulane. Meets NFL physical thresholds and has proven run/pass blocking reliability. 

Other notable Pro Day participants with UDFA upside (could earn camp invites based on testing/drills):
  • OL Jordan Hall (6’4”, 310 lbs) – experienced interior depth.
  • SS Bailey Despanie – longest-tenured Green Wave player; box strong safety with great run support.
  • CB Isaiah “Zay” Wadsworth (transfer from Wofford) – athletic background (ex-QB/WR).
  • LB Sam Howard, WR Tre Shackelford, TE Johnny Pascuzzi, DB KC Eziomume, and former players like LB Mandel Eugene/DL Angelo Anderson. 
Overall:
Tulane’s OL and front-seven talent (Graham, Hamilton, Westmoreland, Hollifield) align well with NFL needs for size and production at the G5 level. Retzlaff’s unique skill set adds intrigue. Exact outcomes depend on how Pro Day measurables, medicals, and interviews landed, scout turnout was lighter than prior years, so many are fighting for UDFA spots. Keep an eye on draft updates for any late selections or signings.
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