Mel Kiper has released his final 2026 NFL draft Big Board, ranking the top 150 prospects ahead of the draft. The rankings include detailed scouting reports for the top 25 players and position breakdowns for various roles.
It's time to head to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL draft. Round 1 begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC and the ESPN App. Before we get to all the exciting picks, wild trades and overall chaos, I'm updating my Big Board one last time.
These final rankings stack the top 150 players in this year's class. I have scouting reports for the top-25 players, then list out Nos. 26-150. But then I also go deep at every position, from the 27 best quarterbacks to 62 promising edge rushers to eight long-snappers to know. I reserve the right to make minor tweaks right up until the draft begins based on late-breaking reports, but after nearly a full year of watching tape, sizing up predraft workouts and making calls to NFL scouts, coaches and execs, this is how I see the class.
My usual disclaimer still stands: This is not a mock draft or a prediction of where players will be drafted Thursday. These are my personal rankings focusing on talent -- the best players based on what I'm seeing and my own evaluations. OK, let's get to it.
See more rankings:
Miller | Reid | Yates
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Nos. 26-150 | Positional rankings
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 236
2025 stats over 16 games: 72.0% completion rate, 3,535 passing yards, 41 TD passes, 6 INTs, 7 rushing TDs
Mendoza transferred to Indiana after playing two seasons at Cal, and his game took off. Part of the reason for the jump? He cut down on sacks, with 25 last season after 41 in 2024. Mendoza got the ball out quicker. And though he doesn't have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is fantastic, and he's poised in the pocket. I wouldn't consider him a dual threat, but Mendoza also has enough mobility to pick up first downs as a scrambler. He's a franchise quarterback at the next level.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 212
2025 stats over 12 games: 199 carries, 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs, 27 catches, 280 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside, and he can break tackles with ease (60 forced missed tackles in the 2025 season). Once he gets into space, he can take it to the house with his 4.36 breakaway speed too. But Love isn't only an outstanding runner. He also is a high-impact pass catcher. An NFL team will be able to flank him out wide and create a whole other dimension of the offense.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 241
2025 stats over 14 games: 69 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 9 run stops, 2 pass breakups
This is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can't make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class and brings a ton of potential to the table.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 244
2025 stats over 14 games: 77 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 9 run stops, 3 pass breakups, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack
You can tell Styles is a former safety; he has outstanding 4.46 speed, and his burst allows him to spy the QB. His explosion popped at the combine, with a 43½-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-2 broad jump. Styles is also a dependable tackler and closes in a flash. He really took the next step last season, even as he adapted to a new system under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 251
2025 stats over 14 games: 76 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 71 pressures, 8 run stops, 3 forced fumbles, 4 pass breakups
A transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he matched that total in 2025 after notably becoming more of a finisher. His 20.2% pressure rate was the best in the nation in 2025 -- despite being lower than it was in 2024 (22.2%) and 2023 (22.1%). He impressed at the combine with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, and you can see that speed on tape. Bailey displays a variety of ways to get to the QB, including an effective spin move and a good bull rush.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 206
2025 stats over 14 games: 67 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 1 sack, 6 run stops
Downs -- the brother of NFL wide receiver Josh Downs and the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs -- is basically an extension of the defensive coordinator. His football knowledge shows in his play; it's obvious when you watched him in the Ohio State defense. But what really impressed me is how well he picked up Nick Saban's system as a 2023 freshman at Alabama before transferring.
He diagnoses quickly thanks to excellent pre-snap instincts, and that allows him to play faster than his straight-line speed might suggest. Plus, Downs is solid in coverage, and he is a very reliable open-field tackler.
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Caleb Downs' NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Ohio State's Caleb Downs.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 203
2025 stats over nine games: 61 catches, 711 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
The Colorado transfer lit up defenses for two seasons with the Sun Devils. Tyson's superpower is being open even when it looks like he's completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. A hamstring injury cost him time last season, but he still posted solid numbers.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 192
2025 stats over 11 games: 51 catches, 875 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Ohio State has turned into Wide Receiver U, with Emeka Egbuka being the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. And while most of the college football world focused on Jeremiah Smith (who isn't eligible for the 2026 draft), Tate put up some serious numbers and showed why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 17.2 yards per catch last season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he'll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 329
2025 stats over 16 games: 16 starts, 2 sacks allowed
Here's a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He had more than 2,700 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa allowed two sacks and blew only 13 run blocks since the start of the 2024 season.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 311
2025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Fano started 12 games at left tackle in 2023 before moving to the right side in 2024, and he started 24 games there over two seasons. Working opposite another highly regarded bookend in Caleb Lomu, Fano did a great job of keeping his big frame between the pass rusher and his QB. He is technically sound, ran 4.91 in the 40-yard dash and shows good punch to compensate for his lack of ideal arm length. But with 32⅛-inch arms, I think he could kick inside in the pros.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 192
2025 stats over 12 games: 79 catches, 1,156 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDs
This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I'd want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he ranked third in the nation in receiving yards per game in 2025.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320
2025 stats over 11 games: 11 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Ioane drives defensive tackles off the ball and sustains his blocks well. He can get to the second level and torque defenders out of the way. And he's incredibly agile at left guard for his size. Ioane had 32 career starts and gave up only two sacks over that time -- both in 2023.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315
2025 stats over 14 games: 13 starts, 2 sacks allowed
Freeling is still developing -- he started 18 games in college, and only five of those came before last season. But his year-over-year improvement stood out, especially in pass protection. He's quick out of his stance (4.93 in the 40-yard dash), shows good hand placement and is alert when dealing with stunts. With long 34¾-inch arms, Freeling does a nice job taking away the inside move of edge rushers, too. He needs to work on his run blocking, though.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 187
2025 stats over 11 games: 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 INTs
I am very impressed with the instincts and savviness Delane shows in coverage. He is a true technician and demonstrated excellent ball skills, with 27 pass breakups and eight interceptions over his four-year career. He excels in both man and zone coverage, and his 3.3 yards allowed per attempt on throws in his direction was fourth in the nation in 2025.
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Mansoor Delane's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from LSU's Mansoor Delane.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 241
2025 stats over 14 games: 51 catches, 560 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field, and he posted 43½ inches in the vertical and 11-foot-1 in the broad jump. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball was in his hands (260 yards). He flew in the 40-yard dash at the combine; his 4.39 easily led the tight ends. And he's nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq was consistent last season, and he should be the first tight end off the board.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 263
2025 stats over 16 games: 70 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 71 pressures, 9 run stops, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT
Bain is powerful and has really strong hands. He routinely gets the best of some very good offensive tackles, often with his dominant rip move, and he knows every trick in the book in getting home to the QB. Bain also shows speed and bend off the edge, and he takes good angles. Plus, he can hold the edge against the run and get off blocks to chase down ball carriers. His tape is just filled with disruption. But even with all those A-level traits, it's actually Bain's hustle that really stands out to me. He never takes a play off and fires at the ball on every play.
His arms are much shorter than most scouts prefer at 30⅞ inches, and teams will have to be comfortable with that. But opponents have to account for him in their game plans, and he can keep them guessing even then with his inside-outside flexibility.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 352
2025 stats over 15 games: 15 starts, 3 sacks allowed
If you only watched Proctor against Florida State, you'd have questions about this ranking. He allowed seven pressures and a sack in that season opener, and he took a false start penalty on an important fourth-and-1 late in the game. Not a good start to the campaign. But after that, Proctor looked very good. He consistently handled inside and outside moves from edge rushers as he settled in. Proctor had 40 starts of experience, with every career snap over three years coming at left tackle. And he showed off good agility for his size at the combine with a 5.21-second run in the 40.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 201
2025 stats over 15 games: 86 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 1 sack, 3 run stops
After two seasons at Purdue, including a six-INT campaign in 2023, Thieneman transferred to Oregon and made an immediate impact. He moves all over the defense, lining up as a deep safety, in the box, split wide and over the slot. Thieneman reads the QB well and can close in a hurry, though he needs to clean up his tackling. He's a savvy player, and he can be a force against the run, too.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 321
2025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 4 sacks allowed
Iheanachor has a limited football background; he picked up the sport later than most prospects and spent time in the JUCO ranks before heading to Arizona State in 2023. So he is just scratching the surface of what he can be in the NFL. Iheanachor allowed eight sacks in 2024, but he took a big step forward last season, displaying good quickness and agility. As a right tackle with 33⅞-inch arms, 4.91 straight-line speed and 31 starts of experience, he can make an impact as a run blocker and pass protector.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 317
2025 stats over 13 games: 13 starts, 2 sacks allowed
Miller has a ton of experience as a four-year starter (54 starts), and he was more consistent in 2025 than in past seasons. His game really grows on you. As a right tackle, he does a good job keeping his frame between the pass rusher and his QB, and he can handle spins and secondary pass-rush moves. Miller can also get downfield to make blocks in the run game.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 212
2025 stats over 12 games: 62 catches, 881 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDs
Boston has developed into a nuanced route runner who uses his size and physicality to shield defenders from the football. His length and catch radius make life miserable for opposing cornerbacks. And the way Boston quickly finds openings in coverage jumps out on tape, helping him to 14.2 yards per catch on the 2025 season. He has Velcro-esque hands, allowing him to go high or low to haul in difficult receptions.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 262
2025 stats over 13 games: 58 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 46 pressures, 16 run stops, 2 forced fumbles
The Michigan State transfer had two great seasons at Missouri, making an impact as a pass rusher and run defender. Young consistently seals off the edge. He's powerful and plays with sustained intensity, with one of the best motors among the edge rushers in the class. I see strong hands, good eye discipline, burst and impressive lateral quickness on the tape, too. Young crashes down the line.
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Zion Young's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Missouri's Zion Young.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259
2025 stats over 15 games: 74 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 58 pressures, 11 run stops, 4 forced fumbles
Mesidor started at West Virginia in 2020 and 2021, racking up 9.5 sacks. He transferred to Miami before the 2022 season and had seven sacks in that first season. An injury limited him to three games in 2023, but he came back with 5.5 more sacks in 2024 and looked fantastic in 2025. The Canadian makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass, and he shows good bend, closing burst and power. When his initial move is thwarted, Mesidor never stops battling. He also brings some versatility, with the ability to shade inside to DT and get pressure on the interior.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 211
2025 stats over 15 games: 64.5% completion rate, 3,567 passing yards, 28 TD passes, 5 INTs, 2 rushing TDs
His lack of experience might be a concern, as Simpson didn't start a game until last season, but the production is hard to ignore. Simpson knows the game and competes on every down. He's a battler who is always trying to make a play -- sometimes to his detriment. And Simpson maneuvers well in the pocket, has a solid arm and can beat defenses with his legs when the passing play isn't there.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 313
2025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Lomu has tremendous upside; he is consistent in pass protection and really excellent as a run blocker. It's his agility and quickness that stand out most. Lomu does a good job keeping his feet, and he adjusts well to secondary moves from pass rushers. He deals with speed rushers well thanks to his athletic traits; he allowed just three sacks over 1,500-plus snaps at left tackle over his career. As a run blocker, Lomu gets to the second level and helps pave the way for RBs. My biggest question about his game: How strong is he? Lomu needs to add weight to his frame, but he's very talented and has a promising NFL future.
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Caleb Lomu's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Utah's Caleb Lomu
Jump to a position:
QB | RB | WR | TE | HB/FB | OT | G | C
Edge | DT | LB | CB | S | K | P | LS
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Jadarian Price's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Notre Dame's Jadarian Price.
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KC Concepcion's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Texas A&M's KC Concepcion.
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Eli Stowers' NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers.
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0:27
Blake Miller's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Clemson's Blake Miller.
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Logan Jones' NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Iowa's Logan Jones.
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Gabe Jacas' NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Illinois' Gabe Jacas.
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Lee Hunter's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Texas Tech's Lee Hunter.
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Anthony Hill Jr.'s NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Texas' Anthony Hill Jr..
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Brandon Cisse's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from South Carolina's Brandon Cisse.
Mel Kiper's final rankings include detailed scouting reports for the top 25 players in the 2026 NFL draft.
Kiper's final 2026 Big Board ranks a total of 150 players.
The 2026 NFL draft begins on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
Kiper's rankings cover every position, including 27 quarterbacks and 62 edge rushers.
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