The Lobos had 15 NFL teams represented by scouts at their annual Pro Day on March 23, 2026.
After a successful 2025 season for the University of New Mexico Lobos under Head Coach Jason Eck, the Lobos are gaining national recognition, including from the NFL, as we inch closer to the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 15 teams in attendance included the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.
The Lobos had 17 draft hopefuls participating in on field workouts and testing, including another two players from New Mexico Highlands University.
The full list of players in attendance included quarterback James Laubstein, running back Damon Bankston, offensive linemen Mason Jones, Nevell Brown, Israel Mukwiza and Isaiah Sillemon; wide receivers Keagan Johnson and Michael Buckley; defensive backs Caleb Coleman, Jon Johnson, Azariah Levells, Albert Nune and Aaron Smith; defensive ends Keyshawn James-Newby and Brett Karhu;efensive tackle Ky’Won McCray and kicker Luke Drzewiecki. New Mexico Highlands’ attendees included defensive back Trevor Romaldo and offensive lineman Joe Taase.
The last Lobo drafted — not counting one-time Lobo Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who finished his career at Arizona and was drafted by the Washington Commanders last season — was Jerrick Jamal Reed II, 198th overall in the sixth round, by the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. Former Lobo defensive lineman Devin Brandt-Epps, who signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent last spring, was the only Lobo to land on an NFL team after the draft last season.
Here are some notable names worth monitoring when the draft arrives in a few weeks for UNM:
Defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby
James-Newby likely has the best chance to be drafted among the Lobos who are eligible. He didn’t participate in position drills during his pro day after tweaking his hamstring running the 40-yard dash. James-Newby posted 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 52 total tackles in 2025. If he isn’t drafted, he’ll likely be a hot name among undrafted free agents.
Running back Damon Bankston
Bankston could have interest because of his big-play ability on special teams. Bankston recorded 1,466 all-purpose yards and 10 total touchdowns last season, two of which were kickoff returns for touchdowns. At his pro day, he recorded a 4.37 40-yard dash, which would have ranked third among running backs at the NFL combine.
Other players such as defensive end Karhu, who took reps at linebacker and full back during his pro day, wide receiver Johnson and defensive back Coleman, are players to keep an eye on for landing on an NFL roster for rookie mini-camp to make a name for themselves.
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The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-26.
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
