A survey of NFL scouts' top players at each position in the 2026 NFL Draft reveals the reality of this year's volatile class

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes in the fourth quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Fernando Mendoza confirmed as the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana: 8

"Everyone who was around Mendoza at Indiana gave a glowing review of him as a teammate and as a quarterback. I don't think he's ever going to be a top-10 quarterback in the NFL, but he doesn't have to be to be a hit for Vegas. He doesn't make many mistakes and will do everything in his power to master Kubiak's offense. If Vegas had made that pick available, they would have gotten a ransom, I'll tell you that right now." – AFC scout

Jeremiyah Love is the clear top running back in the class

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame: 8

"It's Jeremiyah Love, and I'm not sure it's that close. That kid is just different. You just don't see athletes move like he does, especially with the type of versatility." – AFC scout

"Jeremiyah Love. He reminds us of (Jahmyr) Gibbs, but even more upside. Crazy part is he might even be a better person than a player. Unique young man." – NFC scout

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson have NFL scouts split

Carnell Tate, Ohio State: 5
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State: 3

"All of the top WRs in this class have a trait that will excite teams. What gives Carnell (Carnell Tate) an edge, though, is that he is by far the safest of that group. He could become a true WR1, but at worst, I think he is a productive WR2. The floor for the other top wideouts is all lower, and for some it's by a lot." – NFC scout

"If I'm using a top 10 pick on a WR, I need to believe he has the ability to be one of the best in the league at his peak. The only guy that gives you that is Tyson (Jordyn Tyson), if he stays healthy, he's going to be a special player." – NFC scout

Kenyon Sadiq a lock to be the top tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft

Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon: 8

"If Sadiq were in last year's draft, he would have been TE2 for us behind Warren (Tyler Warren) and ahead of Loveland (Colston Loveland). An all-around tight end that can be a special pass catcher while also being a plus in the run game as a blocker is hard to find. Sadiq gives you that, and it's why he will end up hearing his name called in the first round." – NFC scout

4 offensive tackles land votes

Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL): 4
Spencer Fano, Utah: 2
Monroe Freeling, Georgia: 1
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama: 1

"Some may have Mauigoa (Francis Mauigoa) as a guard, which is fine. I think he can be dominant at either spot. He's the only offensive lineman that I'd feel good about using a top 10 pick on, to be honest." – AFC scout

"Monroe Freeling has the highest ceiling of any offensive lineman in this year's class. And his floor is higher than some would lead you to believe. He will be a day one starter, and if he lands with an offensive line coach that can help him improve his technique quickly, the return on investment will be high." – NFC scout

Vega Ioane leads a group of three interior offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft

Vega Ioane, Penn State: 5
Spencer Fano, Utah: 2
Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M: 1

"Olaivavega Ioane is the best offensive lineman in the draft. He's a guard, so I'm sure a few tackles will get selected ahead of him. But there isn't an offensive lineman in this class that plays their position better than Ioane." – NFC scout

"I don't think there's a player in this class that has risen up our board further than Chase Bisontis this cycle. People his size shouldn't be able to move so fluidly. He might be the best pass blocker in the class, and he has a ton of upside to get out into space and lead a runner to a big gain."- AFC scout

Rueben Bain, David Bailey, and Arvell Reese all impress NFL scouts

Rueben Bain, Miami (FL): 3
David Bailey, Texas Tech: 3
Arvell Reese, Ohio State: 2

"His arms are short, but man does Bain (Rueben Bain) make the most of what he has at his disposal. A powerful rusher who flat out makes football not fun for the unlucky offensive linemen that have to try and stop him." – NFC scout

"Bailey is the safest pass rusher in this class. If I had to bet on any player of this group having multiple double-digit sack seasons in his career, it's easily him." – AFC scout

Nov 29, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Gracen Halton (56) reacts during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

A surprising defensive tackle is viewed as the top player at the position by one scout

Kayden McDonald, Ohio State: 4
Peter Woods, Clemson: 2
Caleb Banks, Florida: 1
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma: 1

"Kayden McDonald doesn't get enough love for how good he is. He was unblockable for most of the year in the run game for the Buckeyes. He's the only defensive tackle that got a first-round grade from our team. He gets painted as a high-floor, low-ceiling player, but we think he has a ton of unlocked potential as a pass rusher." – NFC scout

"Halton (Gracen Halton) has next-level explosion off the snap that catches your eye immediately on film. You feel it even more when you're on the field with him, watching him work up close. He can be a scary pass rusher out of the interior. I don't know if someone will do it, but I wouldn't be shocked if someone is willing to use a late first-round pick on him." – AFC scout

A couple of Buckeyes battle it out for the top off-ball linebacker spot

Sonny Styles, Ohio State: 5
Arvell Reese: 3

"Our staff is obsessed with Sonny (Styles). To think that he was a safety just two years ago blows your mind. He's the rare linebacker we've discussed moving up for." – NFC scout

"The only wrong way to use Arvell Reese is to have him on the sideline. So many people are concerned with figuring out if he is a stand-up linebacker or if he should be on the line rushing the passer. I say figure that out on the fly by letting him play. He has the highest ceiling of any player in this class, he's the type of player you bet big on. And I think whoever does it is going to be very happy they did." – AFC scout

A third corner joins the convo with Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy as the top corner in the NFL Draft

Mansoor Delane, LSU: 5
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee: 2
D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana: 1

"McCoy (Jermod McCoy) comes with too much injury baggage for us to ignore. Delane (Mansoor Delane) is a much cleaner prospect who still has the potential to be a legit lockdown number one CB without nearly as much risk that comes with McCoy." – NFC scout

"If Ponds (D'Angelo Ponds) were 6-0, he would be the consensus top corner in this class. His tape throughout his college career is incredible. You don't often see a college corner be the heart and soul of a defense, but that's what Ponds was to Indiana. His instincts are special, and he's an incredible athlete. He will have to overcome his size limitations, but he’s done that his entire football career, so why should we bet against him now?” – AFC scout

Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman carries the ball as the Oregon Ducks practice on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, ahead of the Peach Bowl.Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s not just Caleb Downs fighting to be the top safety in the class

Caleb Downs, Ohio State: 6
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon: 2

"Downs (Caleb Downs) has been one of the best players in college football ever since his Freshman year at Alabama. He can be the leader of your defense and will make sure everyone is doing their jobs on every single snap. Not every team will be willing to take a safety at the top of round one, but he is going to be a legit difference maker, and that's worth a high first if you ask me." – AFC scout

"Both Downs (Caleb Downs) and Dillon Thieneman are high-IQ safeties that are going to have long, successful careers at this level. Thieneman is a better athlete and has a more appealing frame that gives him a slight edge." – NFC scout