2026 NFL Draft superlatives: Best overall, highest ceiling, Day 2 steal

2026 NFL Draft superlatives: Best overall, highest ceiling, Day 2 steal

Every NFL draft class is unique. Certain positions and prospects stand out among their peers in the latest crop of stars to reach the NFL.

Just like in school, we've reached the final weeks until the end of draft season, as it culminates with three days of action from Pittsburgh. A total of 257 players will have their names announced at Acrisure Stadium.

Ahead of that version of prospect graduation, we're ready to hand out some superlatives. Instead of "class clown" or "most likely to succeed," these are more geared toward the NFL draft.

These are skewed more towards the top of the draft but we're including a few for the rest of the class to keep things exciting. Here are 10 superlatives for the 2026 NFL Draft:

2026 NFL Draft superlatives

Best overall prospect: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Reese is a unicorn. Players of his size rarely move as well as he does, especially in a defense as demanding and diverse (for the college level) as Matt Patricia's system. The hope that he will develop into a contributor off the edge is based on his tools and some limited action. If he doesn't reach that ceiling, his floor is a perennial Pro Bowl off-ball linebacker.

Best QB prospect: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

This one is pretty straightforward. Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy as college football's top player after leading the Hoosiers to their first national championship in program history.

He's the top guy at the most important position in football and tiers above the rest of the class. In another year, Mendoza could have had competition for the top spot but not in 2026.

NFL DRAFT RANKINGS: Where do QBs rank behind Fernando Mendoza?

Best offensive player: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

For the second year in a row, the NFL draft has a clear-cut No. 1 running back. This time around, he happens to be the best offensive player in the class.

Love is a dynamic playmaker in the same vein as Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson. He can impact the offense in both the running game and passing game. He has home run speed and balance to force missed tackles. His only knock is that he shared carries with another talented back in South Bend, but that's not nearly enough to move him off the top spot.

NFL MOCK DRAFT: Fernando Mendoza leads final 7-round predictions, then what?

Best defensive player: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Downs isn't an outlier athlete like Reese or his teammate Sonny Styles. Both of them have a higher ceiling thanks to their mix of traits. Downs has a higher floor than both of them.

He was Alabama's best defensive player as a freshman in 2023 and led the team in tackles as a safety. He transferred to Ohio State in 2024 and continued to be an impactful secondary player. There's little he can't do from the position. His lone knock is a lack of ball production (six career interceptions in college), but there's so much more to his game to outweigh that.

Player with the highest ceiling: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

If Reese can hit his ceiling, he's comfortably the best player in the class. He's barely scratching the surface as an edge rusher with the tools to be very effective in that role, in addition to his standout abilities as an off-ball linebacker. His ceiling is an All-Pro level player who consistently impacts everything opposing offenses do.

NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD: Ranking the top 150 best players available

Player who is the biggest risk: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

McCoy looked like a top-15 player in this class in 2024 during his first season with the Volunteers. He was an All-American behind a campaign showcasing his talents in both press-man and zone coverage moments. The risk is that he missed the entire 2025 season with a torn right ACL. He ran well at his Pro Day. The question is how much NFL teams are willing to bank on a single season of tape from him before a major knee injury.

DRAFT RANKINGS: Caleb Downs tops list of best DB prospects

Player most likely to fall: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Banks looked like a potential first-round lock as the top interior defensive lineman in the class. Then he suffered a foot injury at the NFL combine, less than a year after a foot injury had affected his final season with the Gators.

Banks is one of the biggest players in the class at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds and moves exceptionally well. If teams are concerned this foot injury is something chronic, Banks could fall well out of the first round.

Surprise first-round pick: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

This is a very top-heavy offensive tackle class. There's a chance teams jump to make their pick at the position and won't wait until Round 2. Iheanachor could be swept up in that.

He's very raw for the position, with just 31 starts with the Sun Devils, but he possesses rare traits. For a player his size (6-foot-6, 321 pounds), he's an outlier athlete with exceptional balance and foot speed thanks to his basketball and soccer background. He may struggle as a rookie, but with some development, could become one of the best tackles in the class. A team could be willing to take that gamble late in Round 1.

DRAFT RANKINGS: Spencer Fano tops list of best OL prospects

Day 2 steal: WR Chris Bell, Louisville

Bell was firmly in the conversation for Round 1 before a torn left ACL ended his 2025 season in November. That late injury means it'd be tough for him to return to the field before training camp.

If a team is comfortable taking a chance on him on Day 2 and he returns fully healthy, Bell could be a massive steal. He's built like a running back at 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds with explosive athleticism and reliable hands. Those kinds of players usually don't make it outside the first 40 picks.

Day 3 steal: QB Drew Allar, Penn State

There's a chance Allar is gone by the start of Round 4. If he isn't, he could end up being a steal for a team looking for a quarterback to develop.

Allar's all about tools with a big frame (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) and a powerful arm. His mobility at that size drew comparisons to Josh Allen earlier in his career. But he underperformed at Penn State in 2025 before a season-ending ankle injury. He looks fully healed now.

Allar has traits and intangibles, including being a hard worker and a well-liked teammate. He'll need time to develop his mechanics and rhythm to make it in the NFL. If he can do that, a team may have found at least a solid starter on Day 3 of the NFL draft.

DREW ALLAR: Where Penn State QB could land in NFL draft

1. Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

   On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.

2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

   It's a testament to Mendoza's impeccable body of work that the pre-draft vivisection of his game has largely only turned up questions of how he'll fare operating from under center rather than in the shotgun.

   No one will confuse the 6-5, 236-pound Heisman Trophy winner with the likes of Cam Ward or Drake Maye, as he's not particularly creative or dangerous when a play breaks down. But that's about the only phase in which Mendoza comes up short. He's as precise as any passer you'll find from the college ranks, and he comfortably works through progressions and manipulates coverages. His arm strength isn't otherworldly, but he can attack every level with suitable velocity on his throws. Forcing him off his spot can throw him off his rhythm, but Mendoza rarely loses his cool under pressure and still conjures solutions when things aren't going his way. Beyond the improvisational shortcomings, he's the picture of a top-tier quarterback prospect.

   More: Why Fernando Mendoza won't be at NFL draft: Indiana QB staying home

3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

   The hyperbole inherent to NFL draft evaluations doesn't seem so outlandish when it's being attached to Love. For the 6-0, 213-pound Heisman Trophy finalist, everything starts with his game-breaking speed, which allows him to turn the corner with ease or jet through even the narrowest of openings on the interior. And once he has a step on the defense, he's extremely unlikely to be caught. He's far from just a linear threat, however, as his distinct creativity shines through in the open field – particularly when he unleashes his spin move or hurdle. Operating in a different gear than everyone else has created some inconsistencies in his early pacing, but it's rarely something that derails him. His elite skill set also carries over to his work as a pass catcher, where he can further vex defenses that won't likely have an answer when he lines up in the slot or out wide. It's fair to hold onto questions of positional value for running backs, but Love is unquestionably among a select few who deserve to be seen as this class' difference-makers.

4. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

   No defender in college football broke open games last season quite like Bain, who led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 83 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-2, 263-pounder frequently took the shortest path possible to the quarterback, uprooting anyone who stood in his way. Bain's atypical build for an edge rusher – including his short arms – invited plenty of scrutiny about how he might translate to the pro ranks, but he's already demonstrated he can mitigate the concern. If he's neutralized, it seems unlikely that it'll become a common occurrence.

5. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

   After arriving at Ohio State as an elite athlete searching for a true position, Styles departs Columbus having developed an unparalleled proficiency for the intricacies of linebacker play. The 6-5, 244-pound former safety could be counted on to be in the right place to plug the run at all times, and he still has room to grow in coverage and as a blitzer. Clean in everything he does, Styles can help be a standard-bearer for whatever defense he joins.

6. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

   From his first snaps at Alabama as a five-star freshman to his final push at Ohio State, Downs put himself in a class all his own at safety. The two-time unanimous All-American repeatedly snuffed out plays before they could get started, particularly against the run or near the line of scrimmage. While he doesn't measure up as a physical marvel like Kyle Hamilton or Derwin James, he could have the same bottom-line effect for a defense, even if he doesn't match their ball production. His position might prevent him from cracking the top five, but he'll force offenses to account for him on every down.

7. David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

   Right off the snap, Bailey gets offensive linemen on their toes. The 6-4, 251-pound edge rusher's explosion off the ball can get blockers off balance in an instant, at which point Bailey can attack them by changing course or unleashing a spin move. Bailey's lean frame can result in him being eradicated in the run game at times, but players who can derail opposing passers with his level of efficiency can't be ignored. It shouldn't be long into his NFL transition before his pressure rate ticks up and he takes his place as one of the league's most threatening matchups off the edge.

8. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

   He was never the WR1 in the Buckeyes' loaded receiver room, but Tate stands above the rest of the pass-catching options in this class. With subtle shifts in his tempo and sudden breaks in his routes, the 6-2, 192-pound target creates separation without much strain. He settles into open spaces against zone and skies over defensive backs to haul in difficult passes down the sideline. He might not look the part of a go-to target, but he measures up to the title in almost every respect.

9. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

   Not long into his foray into the Southeastern Conference, the Virginia Tech transfer made clear to opponents that he was not to be tested. Delane rapidly earned the title of shutdown corner, with teams almost universally opting to avoid throwing his way. At the next level, he figures to draw comparisons to Trent McDuffie – another cornerback who doesn't let his size or limited ball production prevent him from being recognized as a first-tier cover man.

10. Makai Lemon, WR, USC

    In an earlier era, Lemon might have been dismissed as a slot receiver not capable of being an offensive focal point. Now, however, there shouldn't be much doubt about how much the Biletnikoff Award winner can shoulder. Lemon is a maestro when it comes to getting open underneath, and he can be counted on to vacuum up any throw that approaches his area. And teams that underestimate his downfield credentials could end up paying if they try to sit on short and intermediate throws.

11. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

    A torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last January kept McCoy out of commission for all of last season and clouded his pre-draft process. But in a stellar pro day showing, the 6-1, 188-pound corner served up a reminder that he has all the trappings of a top-tier cover man. With superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes, McCoy can grow into a standout in any defensive scheme.

12. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

    After his impressive performance at the NFL scouting combine, Thieneman rocketed into the discussion of this draft's premier defensive backs. Easy coverage instincts extend his already expansive range, and vigilance is required for any passing attack that throws to his area of the field. He can't measure up to Downs or some of the other safeties in this class when operating closer to the line of scrimmage, but he shouldn't be asked to serve in that capacity too frequently anyway.

13. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

Even with everything crumbling around him in Penn State's calamitous season, Ioane still held firm. The 6-5, 320-pound left guard is a brick wall in pass protection, but where he really shines is in his forceful displacements in the run game. Ioane will have to figure out a way to handle quick-twitch defensive tackles who will test his fluidity, but he's one of the more reliable prospects in this class.

14. Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami

    Solid to the core, the former five-star recruit holds his ground against the pass and forces opposing linemen out of the way with his strong first contact. But while there's not much mystery to the 6-6, 329-pounder's play, there are several unknowns about his projection. A move inside could be in his future to safeguard against concerns that he'll be beaten by rangy edge rushers, but the skill set is there to hang at right tackle.

15. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

    Smooth movements allow Fano to conjure answers for even the speediest edge rushers. He still could have trouble with rangier defenders, however, as well as ones who can convert speed to power and knock him off base. Like many offensive tackles in this class, he'll face questions of whether he belongs at the position, with some question of whether he should head to center.

16. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

    From his massive frame (6-7, 315 pounds) to his quickness, Freeling checks off some of the most notable boxes for a high-end left tackle. As a one-year starter, his technique is still a work in progress, with some bad habits sapping his efficacy. But he's clearly on an upward trajectory, and teams might be eager to buy on an ascendant blocker.

17. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

    Few receivers are true separators at all three levels. Concepcion qualifies as just that, with more than enough quickness and speed to free himself from coverage at any point on the field. Drops have dogged him, but he could shake the issue in short order. Versatile and dynamic, Concepcion is more refined than he gets credit for, and he could become a vital part of an aerial attack with more polish.

18. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

    The ultimate seam threat, Sadiq accelerates in a manner not seen from 6-3, 241-pound pass catchers. Though he's proven himself after the catch, much of his value remains somewhat theoretical, as his experience and workload in the downfield passing game haven't aligned with his capabilities. But as an instant mismatch creator and aggressive run blocker, he can change the complexion of whatever offense he joins.

19. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

    Some will see a 6-4, 210-pound body and assume Boston relies on pulling down jump balls in close quarters. But while tilting those throws in his favor is his best feature, it's far from his only one. Boston has impressive fluidity for a player with his physical make-up, and his tracking and midair adjustments make him an even more confounding coverage assignment.

20. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

    Though he might not be an all-around coverage maven, McNeil-Warren is comfortable exerting his will from several different vantage points. He rallies to the ball in a hurry in run support, working his way through traffic to deliver big hits. And though his 6-4, 201-pound build limits his comfort zone in coverage, he can give both quarterbacks and receivers pause on attempting any throws over the middle.

21. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

    Once seen as the clear-cut favorite to be the first receiver selected, Tyson now might be the most polarizing pass catcher in this class. Quick and crisp when he's dialed in, he has a robust set of maneuvers to beat man coverage from various spots. But medical concerns from various ailments muddle his draft outlook, and he can be inefficient with his footwork.

22. Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami

    Having just turned 25 with an extensive injury history, Mesidor enters the draft with red flags that might tank other prospects' stock. Teams that look past those issues, however, will see an advanced and unrelenting pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks to beat blockers. Mesidor might be one of the most divisive prospects in this class in his projection, but there's not much to object to with the on-field product.

23. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

    With McCoy sidelined, Hood did a commendable job of filling in as the Volunteers' primary asset in coverage. The Colorado transfer kept the competitive juices flowing in shutting down tight-window throws as well as making his presence felt against the run. He can't match McCoy in overall fluidity, but he still sizes up as a meaningful counter in man coverage for bigger receivers.

24. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

    Other receivers are sure to be more vexing coverage matchups than the 6-0, 199-pound target. Cooper, however, has a truly distinct aptitude for slipping tacklers in the open field. His penchant for racking up yards after the catch should carry over to the NFL and endear him to his future quarterback, as should his aggressive approach to fighting through contact and operating in traffic.

25. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

    In a class rife with right tackles and expected guard converts, Lomu stands out as a true blindside protector. Bulking up will be an essential step for the 6-6, 313-pounder to hold his own against more powerful edge rushers, but there's considerable room for growth on top of the enticing glimpses of his potential he's already displayed.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

1. Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

   On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.

1 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

1. Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

   On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.

2 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

2. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

   It's a testament to Mendoza's impeccable body of work that the pre-draft vivisection of his game has largely only turned up questions of how he'll fare operating from under center rather than in the shotgun.

   No one will confuse the 6-5, 236-pound Heisman Trophy winner with the likes of Cam Ward or Drake Maye, as he's not particularly creative or dangerous when a play breaks down. But that's about the only phase in which Mendoza comes up short. He's as precise as any passer you'll find from the college ranks, and he comfortably works through progressions and manipulates coverages. His arm strength isn't otherworldly, but he can attack every level with suitable velocity on his throws. Forcing him off his spot can throw him off his rhythm, but Mendoza rarely loses his cool under pressure and still conjures solutions when things aren't going his way. Beyond the improvisational shortcomings, he's the picture of a top-tier quarterback prospect.

   More: Why Fernando Mendoza won't be at NFL draft: Indiana QB staying home

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

   The hyperbole inherent to NFL draft evaluations doesn't seem so outlandish when it's being attached to Love. For the 6-0, 213-pound Heisman Trophy finalist, everything starts with his game-breaking speed, which allows him to turn the corner with ease or jet through even the narrowest of openings on the interior. And once he has a step on the defense, he's extremely unlikely to be caught. He's far from just a linear threat, however, as his distinct creativity shines through in the open field – particularly when he unleashes his spin move or hurdle. Operating in a different gear than everyone else has created some inconsistencies in his early pacing, but it's rarely something that derails him. His elite skill set also carries over to his work as a pass catcher, where he can further vex defenses that won't likely have an answer when he lines up in the slot or out wide. It's fair to hold onto questions of positional value for running backs, but Love is unquestionably among a select few who deserve to be seen as this class' difference-makers.

4 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

4. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

   No defender in college football broke open games last season quite like Bain, who led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 83 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-2, 263-pounder frequently took the shortest path possible to the quarterback, uprooting anyone who stood in his way. Bain's atypical build for an edge rusher – including his short arms – invited plenty of scrutiny about how he might translate to the pro ranks, but he's already demonstrated he can mitigate the concern. If he's neutralized, it seems unlikely that it'll become a common occurrence.

5 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

5. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

   After arriving at Ohio State as an elite athlete searching for a true position, Styles departs Columbus having developed an unparalleled proficiency for the intricacies of linebacker play. The 6-5, 244-pound former safety could be counted on to be in the right place to plug the run at all times, and he still has room to grow in coverage and as a blitzer. Clean in everything he does, Styles can help be a standard-bearer for whatever defense he joins.

6 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

6. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

   From his first snaps at Alabama as a five-star freshman to his final push at Ohio State, Downs put himself in a class all his own at safety. The two-time unanimous All-American repeatedly snuffed out plays before they could get started, particularly against the run or near the line of scrimmage. While he doesn't measure up as a physical marvel like Kyle Hamilton or Derwin James, he could have the same bottom-line effect for a defense, even if he doesn't match their ball production. His position might prevent him from cracking the top five, but he'll force offenses to account for him on every down.

7 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

7. David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

   Right off the snap, Bailey gets offensive linemen on their toes. The 6-4, 251-pound edge rusher's explosion off the ball can get blockers off balance in an instant, at which point Bailey can attack them by changing course or unleashing a spin move. Bailey's lean frame can result in him being eradicated in the run game at times, but players who can derail opposing passers with his level of efficiency can't be ignored. It shouldn't be long into his NFL transition before his pressure rate ticks up and he takes his place as one of the league's most threatening matchups off the edge.

8 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

8. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

   He was never the WR1 in the Buckeyes' loaded receiver room, but Tate stands above the rest of the pass-catching options in this class. With subtle shifts in his tempo and sudden breaks in his routes, the 6-2, 192-pound target creates separation without much strain. He settles into open spaces against zone and skies over defensive backs to haul in difficult passes down the sideline. He might not look the part of a go-to target, but he measures up to the title in almost every respect.

9 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

9. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

   Not long into his foray into the Southeastern Conference, the Virginia Tech transfer made clear to opponents that he was not to be tested. Delane rapidly earned the title of shutdown corner, with teams almost universally opting to avoid throwing his way. At the next level, he figures to draw comparisons to Trent McDuffie – another cornerback who doesn't let his size or limited ball production prevent him from being recognized as a first-tier cover man.

10 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

10. Makai Lemon, WR, USC

    In an earlier era, Lemon might have been dismissed as a slot receiver not capable of being an offensive focal point. Now, however, there shouldn't be much doubt about how much the Biletnikoff Award winner can shoulder. Lemon is a maestro when it comes to getting open underneath, and he can be counted on to vacuum up any throw that approaches his area. And teams that underestimate his downfield credentials could end up paying if they try to sit on short and intermediate throws.

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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection

11. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

    A torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last January kept McCoy out of commission for all of last season and clouded his pre-draft process. But in a stellar pro day showing, the 6-1, 188-pound corner served up a reminder that he has all the trappings of a top-tier cover man. With superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes, McCoy can grow into a standout in any defensive scheme.

12 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

12. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

    After his impressive performance at the NFL scouting combine, Thieneman rocketed into the discussion of this draft's premier defensive backs. Easy coverage instincts extend his already expansive range, and vigilance is required for any passing attack that throws to his area of the field. He can't measure up to Downs or some of the other safeties in this class when operating closer to the line of scrimmage, but he shouldn't be asked to serve in that capacity too frequently anyway.

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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection

13. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

Even with everything crumbling around him in Penn State's calamitous season, Ioane still held firm. The 6-5, 320-pound left guard is a brick wall in pass protection, but where he really shines is in his forceful displacements in the run game. Ioane will have to figure out a way to handle quick-twitch defensive tackles who will test his fluidity, but he's one of the more reliable prospects in this class.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

14. Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami

    Solid to the core, the former five-star recruit holds his ground against the pass and forces opposing linemen out of the way with his strong first contact. But while there's not much mystery to the 6-6, 329-pounder's play, there are several unknowns about his projection. A move inside could be in his future to safeguard against concerns that he'll be beaten by rangy edge rushers, but the skill set is there to hang at right tackle.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

15. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

    Smooth movements allow Fano to conjure answers for even the speediest edge rushers. He still could have trouble with rangier defenders, however, as well as ones who can convert speed to power and knock him off base. Like many offensive tackles in this class, he'll face questions of whether he belongs at the position, with some question of whether he should head to center.

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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection

16. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

    From his massive frame (6-7, 315 pounds) to his quickness, Freeling checks off some of the most notable boxes for a high-end left tackle. As a one-year starter, his technique is still a work in progress, with some bad habits sapping his efficacy. But he's clearly on an upward trajectory, and teams might be eager to buy on an ascendant blocker.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

17. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

    Few receivers are true separators at all three levels. Concepcion qualifies as just that, with more than enough quickness and speed to free himself from coverage at any point on the field. Drops have dogged him, but he could shake the issue in short order. Versatile and dynamic, Concepcion is more refined than he gets credit for, and he could become a vital part of an aerial attack with more polish.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

18. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

    The ultimate seam threat, Sadiq accelerates in a manner not seen from 6-3, 241-pound pass catchers. Though he's proven himself after the catch, much of his value remains somewhat theoretical, as his experience and workload in the downfield passing game haven't aligned with his capabilities. But as an instant mismatch creator and aggressive run blocker, he can change the complexion of whatever offense he joins.

19 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

19. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

    Some will see a 6-4, 210-pound body and assume Boston relies on pulling down jump balls in close quarters. But while tilting those throws in his favor is his best feature, it's far from his only one. Boston has impressive fluidity for a player with his physical make-up, and his tracking and midair adjustments make him an even more confounding coverage assignment.

20 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

20. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

    Though he might not be an all-around coverage maven, McNeil-Warren is comfortable exerting his will from several different vantage points. He rallies to the ball in a hurry in run support, working his way through traffic to deliver big hits. And though his 6-4, 201-pound build limits his comfort zone in coverage, he can give both quarterbacks and receivers pause on attempting any throws over the middle.

21 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

21. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

    Once seen as the clear-cut favorite to be the first receiver selected, Tyson now might be the most polarizing pass catcher in this class. Quick and crisp when he's dialed in, he has a robust set of maneuvers to beat man coverage from various spots. But medical concerns from various ailments muddle his draft outlook, and he can be inefficient with his footwork.

22 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

22. Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami

    Having just turned 25 with an extensive injury history, Mesidor enters the draft with red flags that might tank other prospects' stock. Teams that look past those issues, however, will see an advanced and unrelenting pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks to beat blockers. Mesidor might be one of the most divisive prospects in this class in his projection, but there's not much to object to with the on-field product.

23 / 25

Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

23. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

    With McCoy sidelined, Hood did a commendable job of filling in as the Volunteers' primary asset in coverage. The Colorado transfer kept the competitive juices flowing in shutting down tight-window throws as well as making his presence felt against the run. He can't match McCoy in overall fluidity, but he still sizes up as a meaningful counter in man coverage for bigger receivers.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

24. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

    Other receivers are sure to be more vexing coverage matchups than the 6-0, 199-pound target. Cooper, however, has a truly distinct aptitude for slipping tacklers in the open field. His penchant for racking up yards after the catch should carry over to the NFL and endear him to his future quarterback, as should his aggressive approach to fighting through contact and operating in traffic.

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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

25. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

    In a class rife with right tackles and expected guard converts, Lomu stands out as a true blindside protector. Bulking up will be an essential step for the 6-6, 313-pounder to hold his own against more powerful edge rushers, but there's considerable room for growth on top of the enticing glimpses of his potential he's already displayed.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL Draft 2026 superlatives: Most likely to fall, best players, steals