2026 NFL Draft Huge Board: Fernando Mendoza Leads 4 QBs in Prime 100

[ad_1] The highest-end expertise accessible within the 2026 NFL Draft falls quick compared to prior years, however I just like the depth of this class all through the primary 100 picks — not less than at sure positions.

The offensive line, line of defense, defensive backfield and huge receiver are the 4 strongest place teams, with every that includes sufficient starter-caliber prospects to final till deep into Day 2.

With the Scouting Mix within the rearview and Professional Days now in session, right here is how I presently rank the perfect 100 prospects of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Exhibiting Jedi-like instincts and picture-perfect tackling approach, Rolder jumped from 26 tackles as a reserve in 2024 to main the staff in stops in 2025. Run-stuffers like Rolder aren’t as valued in right now’s pass-happy NFL so it’s doable he slips into Day 3, however I see a future starter who will finally outplay his draft slot.

99. Romello Top, Edge, Texas Tech At 6-foot-3, 239 kilos, Top lacks excellent measurement for the sting, however he’s sudden and slippery, successful with quite a lot of dips and spins to effectively get previous would-be blockers and rapidly shut on the quarterback.

98. Sam Roush, TE, Stanford In a category stuffed with pass-catching specialists at tight finish, Roush is a respectable "Y" with the scale (6-6, 267), energy, smarts and athletic bloodlines to venture as a fast contributor.

Stubby arms (31 7/8"), common velocity (4.89) and meager sack manufacturing in 2025 (two sacks) may trigger some to miss Williams, however he performs with the anticipation, depth and violence that may preserve him within the NFL for a very long time.

In some circles, Beck may be higher identified for his errors than his successes, however he’s battle-tested, a gifted pure passer and presents prototypical measurement. He is among the few quarterbacks on this draft class with reasonable beginning potential, justifying a Day 2 funding.

Carson Beck of the Miami (FL) Hurricanes throws a go in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

95. Jude Bowry, OL, Boston School Bowry struggled with accidents all through a lot of his 4 years at BC, however he was voted a staff captain in 2025 and he presents an NFL-caliber mixture of measurement and athleticism. He's my favourite of the so-called second-tier OTs on this class and will very effectively show higher within the NFL than he was in school.

94. VJ Payne, S, Kansas State Scouts can test loads of bins with Payne, a staff captain and 42-game starter who boasts an distinctive measurement/velocity mixture and confirmed observe report for producing turnovers.

93. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington An injury-plagued 2025 marketing campaign might have stored Davis off the media radar, however he’s well-known by NFL scouts. The uniquely-built 6-foot-4 nook presents the 4.41 velocity and hand-eye coordination to corral receivers off the road and on the catch-point.

Stopwatches on the Mix recommend that Casey is sluggish, however his tape reveals good preliminary quickness and critical pop on contact — traits that I believe will go well with the school left sort out finest inside at guard.

The 6-0, 182-pound Muhammad might need a slight body, however his lengthy arms (32 3/8"), gentle ft and route anticipation make up for it — as does his expertise enjoying towards prime competitors.

90. Mason Reiger, Edge, Wisconsin Lengthy and lean for the place however extremely bodily and a extra nuanced rusher than his 13 profession sacks may recommend, I believe Reiger’s finest soccer remains to be forward of him.

The 6-foot-3, 232-pounder spent his first three years at Clemson as a receiver, however flourished in 2025 at tailback, exhibiting spectacular imaginative and prescient and toughness between the tackles, in addition to energy and stunning slipperiness to create yards after contact.

Adam Randall #RB16 of Clemson participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Photographs)

88. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama Bernard isn’t the most important or quickest receiver on this class, however he shifts gears effectively to create separation and possesses delicate, sturdy arms to pluck outdoors of his body, providing a nuanced ability set that initiatives properly to the NFL.

87. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State Appropriately nicknamed "Huge Citrus," Orange makes use of his spherical body and lengthy (33 3/8") arms to stack and shed opponents on the line of scrimmage. Sadly, he gives little "juice" as a rusher, recording only one sack in 50 school video games.

86. Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State He boasts prototypical measurement (6-2, 200) and glorious ball abilities (six INTs amongst 12 profession PBUs), however Wheatley should enhance his open-field tackling.

85. Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma Topping out at 629 receiving yards (and that was at Purdue in 2023), Burks by no means dominated in school like his timed velocity (4.30 within the 40-yard sprint) and energy (his 26 reps tied for essentially the most amongst receivers) would recommend. However it's arduous to think about some NFL staff not playing a Day 2 choose on his upside.

A moveable chess piece at practically 6-foot-5, 239 kilos, Golday is a former edge rusher whose agility and velocity have allowed him to excel at off-ball linebacker. He’s uncooked but quick and bodily.

83. Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State Fast as a hiccup with the low middle of gravity well-suiting to his place, Hecht isn’t overpowering. However his agility and play-through-the-whistle mentality recommend a protracted NFL profession.

Barham spent a lot of his profession at Michigan (and beforehand at Maryland) as an off-ball linebacker, however he possesses projectable twitch and core flexibility to assault off the sting.

Jaishawn Barham #DL33 of Michigan runs the 40-yard sprint in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Cooper Neill/Getty Photographs)

An athletic technician who overcomes middling measurement and energy, Jones pounces out of his stance to stalemate DTs, projecting as a longtime NFL starter in a zone scheme.

Whereas Cameron is a pair inches taller, it's simple to see some shades of Deebo Samuel within the Baylor product's recreation, as each are primarily working backs in a receiver’s physique, bullying opponents with their lengthy arms, sturdy arms and extremely bodily type.

Josephs is presently a one-trick pony velocity rusher, however he is so sudden off the snap and has a few of the longest arms (34 ¼") on this class, which have helped him generate practically as many go breakups (9) and compelled fumbles (six) as sacks (9.5).

A free and fluid athlete with lengthy arms, Trigg boasts intoxicating upside, however he’s sushi-raw as a route-runner and blocker with loads of focus drops on tape.

With 25 mixed touchdowns (21 as a pass-catcher, two as a runner, two as a passer) in 43 profession video games at Clemson, Williams has a confirmed big-play knack, exhibiting spectacular spatial consciousness, physique management and delicate arms to make troublesome performs look routine.

Groups prioritizing finishers up entrance will love Rutledge, a three-year All-ACC choice and bar-room brawler of a proper guard with good athleticism and cinder blocks for arms.

75. Zxavian Harris, DT, Mississippi The huge 6-foot-8, 330-pound Harris is a polarizing prospect amongst scouts, as he loses leverage on the snap with an excessive amount of of his manufacturing coming downfield. However his potential to play up and down the road of scrimmage and block kicks (six over his profession) may have some staff playing on him with a Day 2 choose.

A propensity for dangerous throws and an injury-marred senior marketing campaign are clear purple flags, however Nussmeier has the grit, smarts and arm expertise required for NFL success. He might by no means show to be a frontline starter within the NFL, however he ought to carve out a protracted profession, justifying a Day 2 choice.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 24: Garrett Nussmeier #QB13 of LSU participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Photographs)

73. Bud Clark, S, TCU Groups must weigh the professionals (elite ball abilities) versus the cons (spindly 6-foot-1, 188-pound body) with Clark. His consciousness, agility and delicate arms he showcased on the Senior Bowl recommend he’ll quickly be beginning within the NFL.

Zuhn began 4 years at left sort out for the Aggies, however his square-ish body will push him inside within the NFL, the place his quick space quickness and the pop he generates on contact venture him as a longtime starter at this stage, as effectively.

71. Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa Together with his lengthy purple hair, Dunker loved extra airtime in the course of the Mix than some quarterbacks, however his recreation is constructed extra on energy and nastiness than athleticism, which is why the profession proper sort out may be pinched inside within the NFL.

70. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State A four-year starter at Ohio State (and Mississippi), the 6-foot-2, 189-pounder has a high-cut body that leaves him susceptible to shifty route-runners. Nonetheless, he closes rapidly and confidently towards each the go and run, projecting finest as a press nook within the NFL.

69. Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina The staff that invests a Day 2 choice on Kilgore is banking on upside — and he presents loads of that given his prototypical measurement and athleticism — however there are extra lapses in protection and missed tackles than his flashy spotlight reels would recommend.

My favourite of this yr’s projected place switchers, Parker is a three-year beginning proper sort out whose burly body, core energy and underrated athleticism venture finest inside on the subsequent stage.

In measurement and magnificence, Brazzell jogs my memory loads of Bengals star Tee Higgins, towering over cornerbacks with an imposing 6-foot-4 body. But it surely his uncommon go off the snap that separates him from most taller vertical threats.

Don’t let the truth that Onyedim generated simply 5.5 sacks in 53 video games at Texas A&M (and Iowa State) idiot you, his first-step quickness, core flexibility and lengthy arms make him one in all this yr’s most disruptive defensive tackles.

65. Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon A traditional mauler whose square-ish 6-foot-4, 314 pound body is seemingly all shoulders and thighs, Pregnon is among the few true guards who initiatives as a Day 1 NFL starter.

Emmanuel Pregnon #OL40 of Oregon participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Photographs)

A late comer to the sport who solely switched from basketball to soccer as a senior in highschool, Crawford must find the ball faster and study to make use of his arms higher to fend off blockers. However few on this class supply his zip and environment friendly change of course off the sting.

If he weren’t such an instinctive, passionate soccer participant, Scott may make it as a journey information, starring at Snow Junior School, Auburn and Miami, the place’s he’s performed security, linebacker, nickel, cornerback and punt returner. I like him finest at massive nickel, the place his instincts and physicality ought to shine brightest.

Feast or famine personified, Haulcy guarantees to be one of many extra polarizing defenders of this class as he’s decisive and a heavy hitter but additionally hyper aggressive and vulnerable to missed tackles.

61. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame Clocking at a sluggish 4.61 seconds within the 40-yard sprint and corralling simply 36 catches for 630 yards and 5 touchdowns final yr for Notre Dame, Fields received’t be for everybody. However the imposing 6-foot-4, 219-pounder presents the physicality, certain arms and surprisingly sharp route-running that venture effectively as a conventional X receiver.

60. Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska Johnson might lack the top-end velocity to constantly beat NFL defenders to the sting, however he earns excessive marks in a few of the traits I believe are much more necessary for achievement on the subsequent stage: lateral agility to make defenders miss in tight areas, in addition to each the imaginative and prescient and burst to assault cutback lanes.

Emmett Johnson #RB10 of Nebraska participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Photographs)

59. R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma Harking back to one other former Sooner — Broncos star Nik Bonitto — Thomas personifies the often-used scouting expression of "changing velocity to energy," routinely forcing would-be blockers onto their heels and off-balance with an explosive burst after which bull-rushing them by way of the chest on a direct path to the ballcarrier.

Disappointing exercise outcomes might need highlighted a few of Hunter’s athletic limitations, however the massive man dominated within the trenches throughout Texas Tech’s playoff run, in addition to on the Senior Bowl, successful with a surprising mixture of explosive first step quickness and overwhelming brute energy.

A baby-faced 20-year-old who opted for the 2026 NFL Draft regardless of tearing his ACL in October, Lew nonetheless appears to be like the a part of a decade-long NFL beginning middle, providing a perfect mix of measurement, steadiness, agility and already grown-man energy.

In a category stuffed with Swiss Military knife rushers, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Moore is the hammer, using a pro-caliber bull rush to bully would-be blockers on his technique to the quarterback, producing 10 sacks in 12 video games for Michigan in 2025.

55. Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt A former quarterback who's constructed extra like a receiver than a conventional tight finish, Stowers’ tape is filled with spotlight reel performs and his Mix exercise was one in all this yr’s finest. He must get stronger, however Stowers initiatives as a matchup monster out of the slot and wing within the NFL, warranting top-50 consideration.

54. Omar Cooper, Jr., WR, Indiana A proficient pass-catcher in a working again’s physique, Cooper is at his finest out of the slot, the place he can bully undersized nickel cornerbacks, producing constant yardage after the catch.

Omar Cooper Jr. #WO17 of Indiana participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Photographs)

53. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State Every little thing in regards to the 5-foot-10, 187-pound Abney appears to be like common besides his tape — he’s among the many most tenacious and aggressive gamers on this class.

A downhill thumper with a singular body, closing velocity and NFL bloodlines, Trotter — who received’t flip 21 till April — has the look and power of a longtime beginning center linebacker.

51. Malachi Lewis, Edge, UCF With five-plus sacks every of the previous three seasons, Lewis pairs manufacturing with thrilling traits, together with an explosive get-off, lengthy arms and uncommon closing burst.

He's among the many handful of prospects to surge on my newest board, proving on the Mix that his stellar manufacturing in school was due not solely to subtle approach however underrated athleticism. Contemplate Dennis-Sutton one in all this yr’s largest winners at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Department is probably going going to generate some Tyreek Hill comparisons in the course of the pre-draft course of, powered by the 4.35 velocity he demonstrated on the Mix. Like Hill, Department is at his finest as a vertical risk or within the fast recreation, providing the sort of prompt spark to a passing assault that solely elite velocity can present.

Zachariah Department of the Georgia Bulldogs participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

Few boosted their inventory on the Mix greater than the burly Washington, whose 4.33-second 40-yard sprint time not solely was the quickest amongst all working backs, it was the quickest amongst any participant weighing over 220 kilos. In a comparatively weak yr for working backs, Washington’s elite size-speed mixture warrants top-50 consideration.

Miller elected to not take part within the timed drills on the Mix, however he’s simply too good of a participant to not embrace on this checklist. I don’t see a flashy athlete, however he has prototypical measurement (6-foot-4, 321 kilos) for blue collar run-stuffing duties. Miller’s size, energy and grit recommend that he’ll stick round within the NFL for a decade or extra.

I’m much less assured that undersized defenders equivalent to Ponds will probably be among the many first 50 gamers drafted than I'm about him finally proving he ought to’ve been. At simply 5-foot-9, 173 kilos, Ponds has apparent limitations, however he’s pound-for-pound essentially the most bodily and instinctive DB on this class with 33 go breakups — together with seven interceptions — in three standout seasons on the collegiate stage.

45. Kyle Louis, OLB, Pittsburgh At simply 5-foot-11, 224 kilos, Louis received’t be a match for everybody. However, frankly, I believe that’s a mistake. Louis is very instinctive with lightning-quick closing velocity. He's a confirmed big-play magnet with 24 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and 6 interceptions over the previous two seasons.

An athletic 6-foot-5, 315-pounder, Bisontis appears to be like and strikes like a sort out — he even earned freshman All-American honors at proper sort out again in 2023. He performed even higher inside at left guard the previous two years, exhibiting the preliminary quickness and agility to suit finest in a zone-blocking scheme.

Extra embellished than a marriage cake after successful the Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik and Butkus Awards, Rodriguez arguably ought to’ve been on this checklist even earlier than a terrific exhibiting on the Mix. However I actually received’t make the error of excluding him after he erased any doubts about his pure athleticism in Indy.

As demonstrated along with his 4.49 time within the 40-yard sprint, Value isn’t the athletic phenom that may earn fellow Notre Dame product Jeremiyah Love a prime 10 choose. However he’s truly the extra essentially sound working again, exhibiting a future NFL bell cow’s mix of imaginative and prescient, burst and call steadiness. He’s additionally one in all this yr’s most dynamic returners, taking again three kickoffs for touchdowns in simply 22 alternatives.

Jadarian Value of the Notre Dame Preventing Irish participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

Miller isn’t as agile or highly effective as a few of the top-rated tackles increased on my board, however as a uncommon four-year starter who confronted elite competitors on daily basis in apply, he’s as protected as a Subaru. Miller has a considerably gangly body and upright stance that isn’t at all times essentially the most aesthetically pleasing, however he’s fast, good and has glorious arms to steer and maintain.

Like a number of of his former Clemson teammates, Parker was the sufferer of his personal success, struggling to reside as much as expectations in 2025 after a dominant 2024 marketing campaign that included 19.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and an FBS-leading six compelled fumbles. He’s a purposeful, rugged edge defender whose recreation is constructed extra on torque than twitch.

Fast and coordinated, it was Lomu — and never his extra celebrated teammate Spencer Fano — who began the previous two seasons on the crucial left sort out place for the Utes. Only a redshirt sophomore nonetheless rising into his body, Lomu is presently a greater go protector than run blocker, however he has a shiny future if he commits to the load room.

As a sixth-year collegiate athlete, Mesidor (24) was actually a person amongst boys for Miami a yr in the past, main the ACC with 10.5 sacks and forcing 4 fumbles. He wins in additional methods than maybe any rusher on this class, pairing spectacular bodily traits equivalent to burst, bend and energy with refined hand play and nuanced counter strikes.

Younger capped a terrific week of Senior Bowl apply by being named the Nationwide staff’s Participant of the Sport. At a rocked-up 6-foot-5 and 262 kilos, Younger isn’t as explosive off the ball as a few of the undersized pass-rush specialists listed earlier, however he's a passionate and bodily tone-setter on the line of scrimmage.

Zion Younger #DL63 of Missouri participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Photographs)

The power to create turnovers is like catnip to soccer scouts, and few on this class supply a extra tantalizing observe report of that than the lanky, hard-hitting McNeil-Warren, who enters the NFL with 9 compelled fumbles and 5 interceptions in his profession.

Cisse has all of the traits to turn out to be a top quality NFL starter — together with a prototypical mix of measurement, velocity and physicality in run help. His occasional errors on tape appeared coachable, and with Cisse not turning 21 till July, the expectation is that he’s simply scratching the floor.

A local Nigerian who grew up enjoying soccer and basketball, Iheanachor is a 6-foot-5, 325-pound funding for the longer term who seemingly simply wants time to grasp the nuances of the place. His simple motion abilities and pure energy turned heads at each the Senior Bowl and the Mix.

At 6-foot-3, 326 kilos, McDonald is each bit the run-plugger his body suggests, complementing his dense, highly effective body with glorious steadiness and spatial consciousness. He isn’t going to ever lead the NFL in sacks, however he’s no slug towards the go, both, exhibiting effort, energy and surprisingly fast ft to play all three downs.

Simpson, a former 5-star recruit, torched the SEC for 28 touchdowns and a conference-leading 3,567 yards in his lone season as a starter in Tuscaloosa, exhibiting the pro-caliber accuracy to venture as a future NFL starter. The traits had been apparent in the course of the throwing session on the Mix, all however cementing his place because the No. 2 quarterback on this class. Simpson has a fast launch, loads of zip and glorious contact to make each NFL throw — however there have been some "deer within the headlights" moments on his tape. Furthermore, the observe report of quarterbacks chosen within the first spherical with 20 or fewer begins (Simpson has 15) is a shiny purple flag.

Ty Simpson of the Alabama Crimson Tide throws a go in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

Johnson was named the Mountain West Convention’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months in 2025, taking two of his 4 interceptions again for scores. A technician with glorious route consciousness, he erased any doubts about his pure athleticism in exactly 4.40 seconds on the Mix.

Utilizing a mix of physicality and instincts that interprets effectively to the professional recreation, Jacas led the Huge Ten with 11 sacks and three compelled fumbles in 2025 earlier than delivering a stellar efficiency on the Senior Bowl. Jacas might lack the twitch of a few of this yr’s prime pass-rushers, however I see shades of a younger DeMarcus Lawrence in Jacas’ recreation.

29. CJ Allen, ILB, Georgia Lots of the prime off-ball linebackers on this class are hybrid-types with restricted expertise taking up and shedding blockers within the gap. Allen isn’t flashy, however he’s as near a Day 1 beginning center linebacker as this class has to supply. He’s good, stout and simply scratching the floor of his potential at simply 20 years previous.

The entire level of enjoying receiver is to catch touchdowns, and with 20 TDs over the previous two seasons, Boston is essentially the most prolific scorer of this yr’s prime wideouts. He ought to be capable to proceed this purple zone mastery within the NFL, utilizing his 6-foot-4, 209-pound body, timing, physique management and robust arms to win above the rim.

Stubby (30 1/4-inch arms) and fewer explosive (32.5-inch vertical bounce) than anticipated, Howell slips down my board a bit after a disappointing Mix. However he stays one in all my favourite prospects on this class due to his slipperiness off the sting and talent to drop into protection. If Howell falls to the latter portion of the primary spherical, some playoff contending membership goes get a steal.

Nickel cornerbacks have by no means been extra in demand, and Terrell is my favourite amongst them on this class. The NFL legacy performs considerably above his weight class (180 kilos), averaging 50 tackles over the previous two seasons and producing eight compelled fumbles throughout that span, together with an ACC-best 5 this previous yr.

Avieon Terrell of the Clemson Tigers participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

Typecast as a extremely instinctive participant who performed quick, Thieneman proved on the Mix that he possesses elite athleticism to go along with his diagnostic abilities and delicate arms, working the 40-yard sprint in 4.35 seconds (with a 1.52 10-yard cut up) and producing an explosive 41-inch vertical bounce. Thieneman has the look of an "simple" first-round choose at this level and a decade-long NFL starter.

Hill was requested to play many roles throughout his three years at Texas, spanning from edge rusher to inside linebacker to even nickel cornerback. That reality speaks to Hill’s soccer IQ. The tape reveals unusual agility for a 6-foot-3, 240-pound linebacker, as effectively dependable open-field tackling abilities.

Hood travels as effectively within the hip pocket of receivers as he does within the switch portal, bouncing from Auburn to Colorado to Tennessee over the previous three years earlier than getting into the draft at simply 20 years previous. He's a simple mover with spectacular consciousness of the ball and in run help, in addition to a respectable playmaker with touchdowns scored through interception and fumble recoveries.

Comparable in some methods to Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, Woods is younger (he’ll flip 21 in March), highly effective and athletic, along with his finest soccer nonetheless forward of him. He pairs his arms and ft effectively for such a younger participant, providing extra to have an effect on the quarterback than his 5 sacks in 35 school video games may recommend.

With 28 mixed speeding and receiving scores in 38 profession video games at Texas A&M and North Carolina State, Concepcion is definitely the highest level producer of this yr’s standout receiver class. Concepcion’s given identify is Kevin, however KC is his most popular nickname and it higher describes the silky-smooth athleticism he makes use of to constantly create area.

KC Concepcion of the Texas A&M Aggies participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

It isn’t typically {that a} man listed at 366 kilos could be described as muscular, however Proctor boasts as power-packed of a body as you’ll see. What you see is what you get with Proctor, a bar-room brawler whose girth and energy may finally push him inside to protect.

Merely put, Tyson has the perfect tape of this yr’s receiver crop. It isn’t typically that receivers of his measurement, twitch and monitoring abilities come round. Tyson is a case of "purchaser beware," nonetheless, as he has missed a number of video games due to accidents in every of the previous three seasons.

As demonstrated with one of many best exercises from a good finish in Mix historical past, Sadiq is lower from a special fabric than most gamers at his place, possessing a squatty 6-foot-3, 240-pound body and a uncommon mixture of explosive athleticism and physicality. There are shiny flashes on his tape as a pass-catcher, however he’s already an NFL-caliber blocker, exhibiting glorious leg drive and grip energy to manage opponents.

Kenyon Sadiq of the Oregon Geese participates within the 40-yard sprint in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

At a dense 6-foot-4, 328 kilos, Ioane is completely constructed for the battles within the trenches, absorbing would-be rushers along with his broad body and heavy arms. Whereas doable sort out converts may finally be drafted earlier, Ioane is the consensus top-rated "pure" inside offensive lineman of this class.

McCoy’s first two school seasons (at Oregon State and Tennessee, respectively) had been so spectacular that he maintained a first-round grade on my board even after lacking your entire 2025 season with an ACL harm. When wholesome, McCoy is a {smooth} cowl nook with terrific ball abilities, breaking apart 16 passes (with six interceptions) over that span.

Lemon jogs my memory loads of Golden Tate, a dynamic run-after-the-catch weapon who performed 11 years within the NFL. Just like the 5-foot-11, 197-pound Tate, Lemon is a troublesome matchup for cornerbacks due to a compact, virtually RB-like body to go along with dynamic velocity and top-notch ball abilities.

Pardon the pun, however Banks has made some huge cash previously two months, dominating on the Senior Bowl after lacking seven video games this yr on account of a fractured foot that required surgical procedure. Standing a large 6-foot-6, 335 kilos, with 35-inch arms and 10 3/4-inch arms, Banks is just larger than most attempting to dam him, and he can merely rag-doll blockers at instances.

With a gentle stream of NFL blockers forward of him on Georgia’s depth chart, Freeling needed to wait his flip earlier than seeing the sector in Athens, beginning simply 16 video games earlier than heading early to the NFL. However there isn’t a blocker on this class who appears to be like the a part of an NFL left sort out greater than the free and lengthy 6-foot-7, 315-pound Freeling.

Monroe Freeling of the Georgia Bulldogs participates within the 40-yard sprint in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

If scouts had been requested to attract up the best defensive lineman for right now’s NFL, it'd look quite a bit just like the long-armed 6-foot-6, 285-pound ball of clay that's Faulk, whose measurement, energy and {smooth} athleticism supply nice positional and schematic flexibility. As one of many youngest gamers on this class (he received’t flip 21 till September), Faulk remains to be rising into his body and might want to get stronger to satisfy his potential, however he possesses the bodily traits and intangibles to turn out to be probably the greatest gamers on this draft.

Receiver is among the higher positional teams of this yr’s draft class, and Tate tops it due to his potential to win in a number of methods. The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder has glorious physique management, hand-eye coordination and grit to tug in contested passes, and he’s surprisingly slippery as a route-runner with glorious monitoring abilities.

Cornerback could be the strongest positional group of this draft, and Delane tops it by a large margin for me. He's a terrific man-to-man cowl nook, exhibiting simple change of course and {smooth} acceleration to shadow receivers all around the subject. He didn’t enable a single landing go in 2025.

A dancing bear at 6-foot-6, 310 kilos, Fano appears to be like and strikes extra like a good finish than a conventional offensive lineman, excelling in go safety due to his preliminary quickness, lateral agility and steadiness. I assumed his positional exercise on the Mix was probably the greatest of any participant, no matter place.

A former safety-turned-linebacker who may evolve into an edge rusher, Kinds is the final word ball of clay from this draft class. He was arguably the most important star of the Mix, posting a exceptional 43.5-inch vertical bounce and 4.46-second time within the 40-yard sprint at 6-foot-5, 246 kilos. His uncommon measurement and agility may enable his future defensive coordinator to maneuver Kinds round equally to how the Seattle Seahawks employed star rookie Nick Emmanwori of their Tremendous Bowl run.

Sonny Kinds of the Ohio State Buckeyes participates within the 40-yard sprint in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

It's applicable that Bain rhymes with ache, as there isn’t a prospect on this class who performs with extra violence than the three-year Miami standout. He enters the NFL with 33.5 tackles for loss generated in 38 collegiate video games. Bain’s comparatively stubby 6-foot-3, 270-pound body will probably be a speaking level in each NFL conflict room, however groups shouldn’t make the error of overthinking his match.

Arguably essentially the most highly effective and pro-ready prospect on this draft class, Mauigoa merely engulfs opponents along with his sheer measurement and iron grip, reminding me of one other Mario Cristobal pupil, Detroit Lions All-Professional Penei Sewell. Dealing with a vaunted Miami go rush on daily basis in apply, Mauigoa has the look of a decade-long anchor at proper sort out.

Merely put, Bailey is the perfect pass-rusher on this class, boasting a terrific mix of burst, lateral agility and core flexibility to pressure whiffs from would-be go protectors. The priority some may have is that at 6-foot-3, 250 kilos, Bailey lacks the scale and energy to be as efficient within the working recreation, however that shouldn’t preserve one of many few true matchup nightmares on this class from incomes a top-10 choice.

Mendoza doesn’t possess the strongest arm of this class, neither is he essentially the most dynamic working risk. He's, nonetheless, the consensus prime quarterback, providing an distinctive mix of anticipation, accuracy and poise to venture as a longtime, high-level NFL starter.

With all due respect to Heisman Trophy winner and certain No. 1 choose Fernando Mendoza, Love is the perfect offensive prospect on this class — and admittedly, I don’t assume it is notably shut. Love isn’t simply the perfect again on this class; he’s amongst a choose handful of the elite runners to enter the NFL since I started scouting a quarter-century in the past, providing a mix of measurement, fast ft and breakaway velocity paying homage to latest blue-chip backs Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson.

Jeremiyah Love of the Notre Dame Preventing Irish participates in a drill in the course of the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photograph by Stacy Revere/Getty Photographs)

A blue-chip expertise who starred principally as an off-ball linebacker at Ohio State however possesses the twitch to assault off the sting, Reese is arguably the perfect prospect on this class. When it comes to sheer athleticism, versatility and profession trajectory, I see an terrible lot of similarities between Reese and one other former Huge Ten star you might need heard of: Micah Parsons.

Typically scouting is straightforward. Whether or not at Alabama or Ohio State, Downs’ instincts, closing velocity and dependable open-field tackling constantly shined, forecasting for years that his pathway to the NFL would come as a first-round choose. Downs received’t be the primary participant chosen this yr — safeties simply aren’t beneficial sufficient. However make no mistake, Downs comes with the best flooring, projecting as a direct starter and foundational piece for one lucky franchise.