The 2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23 in Pittsburgh, with final player rankings released, covering 500 prospects. Scouting reports for the top 50 players are included, along with positional rankings.
The 2026 NFL draft is a little more than a week away, as the first round begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh. These final rankings are based on my own scouting (both in person and on film) and conversations I've had with NFL scouts and evaluators.
I have included scouting reports for the top 50 prospects, but my board goes 500 players deep. The full list is below. Each player gets a round grade here, and I have also included my rankings by position at the bottom.
Let's get to it, starting with arguably the most explosive offensive player in the nation.
Jump to:
Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Round 4
Round 5 | Round 6 | Round 7 | UDFA
Position rankings
More on the 2026 draft:
Consensus rankings | QB Hot Board
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 212 | Grade: Round 1
Love is an explosive-play generator whose versatility and explosiveness provide an immediate boost to any offense. He rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025 and is a slippery runner who can twist and turn his frame to squeeze through tight creases. Love gets up to speed quickly, and his 39 runs of 10-plus yards last season were fourth most among FBS running backs. His smooth, effortless style is reminiscent of James Cook III, and Love can become a similar mismatch option for a creative playcaller.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 206 | Grade: Round 1
Downs was a highly accomplished player for both Alabama and Ohio State. He has found the perfect role for his instincts and awareness in 2025, as first-year Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia used him as a "middle hole" player. Downs is a consistent tackler with great ball skills, and he is capable of mirroring and matching tight ends and receivers in the middle of the field. He reminds me a lot of Budda Baker, with an interchangeable skill set and off the charts smarts similar to the four-time All-Pro.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 244 | Grade: Round 1
Styles started his college career as a safety but converted to linebacker without missing a beat. He missed only two tackles last season when defending the run, as his attacking style helps him effectively get ball carriers on the ground. Styles has excellent range and awareness, and he is timely in his decisions to charge downhill. Despite his DB background, Styles needs to continue to improve his feel in zone coverage. But after a legendary combine performance, he has established himself as one of the top players in the class.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 241 | Grade: Round 1
Reese is one of the biggest risers in this class regardless of position and was the best player on a loaded Buckeyes defense. He's a hybrid defender who is used both as an off-ball linebacker and off the edge. Because of his explosiveness, I like Reese more as an off-ball linebacker that's used interchangeably off of the edge in subpackages and special looks. I believe Reese, who had 6.5 sacks last season, has Pro Bowl potential early in his NFL career.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 329 | Grade: Round 1
Mauigoa is a steady presence at right tackle and was the anchor of the Hurricanes' offensive line. He's a physical run blocker who uses his excellent body strength to plow open run lanes. Mauigoa is also good in pass protection, as his 1.1% pressure rate allowed is third lowest among FBS offensive tackles last season. He is capable of being a plug-and-play starter on the interior or at right tackle. You don't have to squint to see Mauigoa's projection, as he's one of the cleanest evaluations in this class. He reminds me of Darnell Wright -- another prospect who faced guard or tackle questions and has gone on to be a very reliable right tackle.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 236 | Grade: Round 1
Before the season, scouts pegged Mendoza as a quarterback who could significantly rise up the board, and the Cal transfer did not disappoint. He fully blossomed in Curt Cignetti's offense, with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2025 while completing 72% of his passes (fourth best in the FBS). Mendoza is a steady passer and has a good frame with sufficient arm strength. He'll need upper-tier surrounding players in the NFL, but there's a clear pathway for Mendoza to become a productive starter and he has a chance to develop into a top 10-12 starter in the NFL.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 263 | Grade: Round 1
After an injury-riddled 2024 season, Bain recaptured his 2023 form as a disruptive defensive line presence. He can play any position ranging from 0- to 9-technique. Bain has heavy, quick, powerful hands that allow him to overwhelm blockers with strength and help him win with his arsenal of pass-rush moves. The debate about Bain centers on his historically short arm length (30⅞ inches), but his power and effort offset his lack of length. He finished with an FBS-best 70 edge pressures in 2025 and did an excellent job of refuting critics during the Hurricanes' outstanding run to the national title game, with five sacks in four playoff games.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 187 | Grade: Round 1
One could make a strong argument that Delane was the country's most impactful defensive addition from the transfer portal. He was exceptional after coming over from Virginia Tech, intercepting two passes. Delane is a technically sound and savvy press-man corner with excellent quickness and backpedal speed. He has the hips and speed to turn and run with any receiver and is timely in getting his eyes back on the ball when out of phase.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 251 | Grade: Round 1
Bailey, who transferred to Texas Tech from Stanford, has a Rolodex of pass-rush moves to go along with an incredible burst out of the starting blocks. Bailey has consistently shown an ability to bend and trace the rim of the pocket to win, with his 14.5 sacks and 21.3% edge pressure rate both leading the FBS last season. With tenacious effort and a never-ending appetite for sacks, Bailey is a dynamic edge rusher who projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 192 | Grade: Round 1
Tate is next up in Ohio State's seemingly never-ending receiver pipeline, as he seamlessly took over Emeka Egbuka's role as the Buckeyes' No. 2 receiver in 2025. Tate is a polished route runner who's capable of executing any branch on the route tree. He has a gliding run style that mixes overexaggerated moves and head fakes, and he is a natural-hands catcher with fantastic body control. Even though he wasn't nearly as productive, Tate reminds me of DeVonta Smith coming out of Alabama as they both have slender but effective frames and a near identical skill set. With 51 catches on 69 targets last season -- and only one drop -- Tate should be an immediate impact player in the NFL.
play
1:33
Why Matt Miller likes idea of Jets trading up for Carnell Tate
Matt Miller examines a scenario where the Jets trade up in the first round to select Ohio State's Carnell Tate.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320 | Grade: Round 1
Ioane was a model of consistency, giving up only two pressures and zero sacks last season. He's a well-put-together, broad-chested guard prospect with excellent power that helps him absorb and withstand contact from defenders. He jolts pass rushers back with his hands and has great initial power. Ioane needs to work on hand placement and being able to readjust if his initial hand position doesn't win. Ioane is a scheme versatile interior blocker that's capable of utilizing his power profile and strong lower half and projects as an immediate starter at either guard spot.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 188 | Grade: Round 1/2
McCoy didn't play last season after sustaining a torn ACL in January. Before the injury, McCoy wasn't only the CB1 of the class; he was one of its top overall players. He had four interceptions in 2024, showing his ability to create turnovers and his easy change-of-direction skills. McCoy wowed scouts at Tennessee's pro day, clocking a 4.38-second time in the 40-yard dash. McCoy is a smooth athlete who has squeaky clean technique in man coverage. He has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone if he returns to his pre-injury form.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 192 | Grade: Round 1/2
Lemon's physical traits and speed aren't eye-popping, but he knows how to win against all types of coverage. He averaged the third-most receiving yards per game in the FBS last season (96.3) and excels in finding holes in zones. Lemon's lack of size doesn't inhibit him in traffic, as his 11 contested catches tied for 48th in the FBS and featured many highlight-reel grabs. He also returns punts and is adept at running after the catch, with his 21 forced missed tackles ranking 14th among FBS receivers last season. There's debate on whether he's primarily a slot receiver at the next level, but I believe he's capable of playing from the perimeter, too.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315 | Grade: Round 1/2
Freeling's profile has steadily risen. After being forced into action in 2024 because of injuries, he built on that experience during his first season as a starter in 2025. NFL teams have already raved about Freeling's size in addition to being an agile and quick-footed blocker, which he showed when he ran a 4.93-second 40 at the combine. He needs to be more consistent with his range and base as a pass protector as well as his pad level as a run blocker. Because he's a true left tackle prospect with a robust set of tools, Freeling could hear his name called earlier than anticipated. He's not as polished as other tackles in this class, but his upside will vault him past many of them.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 203 | Grade: Round 1/2
Tyson broke out in 2024 after transferring from Colorado and didn't slow down in 2025. He finished with 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns last season after catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 TDs the year before. Even though he doesn't have marquee top-end speed, Tyson is capable of winning despite that. He's a creative route runner who can make catches outside his frame seem routine. Durability is a potential issue, as Tyson missed three games last season because of injury and has had nagging injuries throughout his career.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 241 | Grade: Round 1/2
Sadiq immediately emerged as one of Dante Moore's top options in his only season as a starter, catching 51 passes for 590 yards and eight touchdowns, which led FBS tight ends. Sadiq is a true F-type tight end who can put his hand in the dirt and flex out wide. He is a fluid athlete who can stretch defenses vertically in the seams, as shown by his tight end-record 40 at the combine (4.39 seconds). He is also a willing inline blocker who's capable of straining and sustaining against defensive ends (he's also solid as an open-field blocker). Sadiq does have concentration drops (six last season) and needs to be more consistent with securing the catch.
play
0:30
Ben Solak: Kenyon Sadiq can be a 'George Kittle-style' TE unicorn
Ben Solak breaks down Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq as an NFL draft prospect comparable to George Kittle.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 201 | Grade: Round 1/2
After transferring from Purdue, Thieneman quickly turned into a leader for the Ducks' defense. He's a true three-level threat in the secondary who is capable of playing single-high on the roof of the defense while also possessing the range to roam as a center fielder. Thieneman's instincts are his superpower, as he's able to diagnose and attack as a run defender and in pass coverage. His biggest improvement in 2025 came as a tackler, as he was more consistent wrapping up and finishing. An excellent combine, highlighted by a 4.35-second 40, has boosted Thieneman safely into Round 1.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 311 | Grade: Round 1/2
Fano is extremely light on his feet, as he has the lower-body quickness to mirror pass rushers. His physical hands help him play with urgency and aggression. Fano also excels in space and on the move. His body control and poise are seen in both run and pass blocking. But his lack of lower-body mass shows up when trying to anchor. Fano also had the shortest arm length (32⅛ inches) of all offensive tackles at the combine, which has caused multiple scouts to view him as an interior lineman. I would try Fano at tackle first before kicking him inside, but don't be surprised if he plays all five spots at some point during his career.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Grade: Round 1/2
Johnson is one of my favorite prospects this year regardless of position, and his tape last season was among the best of any corner in this class. He plays with patience and disciplined technique and rarely lets receivers dictate his coverage. His smooth technique guides him through routes, but he is also an excellent tackler and routinely blitzes from the boundary. Johnson had nine pass breakups and gave up only 11 completions last season, so it shouldn't be a surprise if he's the third cornerback off the board after Delane and McCoy.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 276 | Grade: Round 1/2
Faulk is already an NFL-ready run defender and is also a long, strong edge rusher. His stack-and-shed ability on the first level stands out, as he uses his length well in disengaging from the first point of attack. His ability to play any alignment up front makes him a fit in multiple defensive schemes, with his 13.4% pressure rate off the edge ranking 43rd among FBS defenders. He's a replica of Mykel Williams with the frame and length that NFL teams covet but still has major room for pass rush development, finishing with only two sacks last season after notching seven in 2024. Faulk is still only 21 years old, so there's room for growth.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 199 | Grade: Round 1/2
Cooper finished with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, including an epic game winner at Penn State. A smooth route runner, Cooper stays on track and rarely allows defenders to knock him off his patterns. He's most impressive winning in traffic, with an excellent ability to win in contested-catch situations and grab anything in his vicinity. He also can track and haul in passes outside his frame. There are questions about Cooper's true top-end speed and his route tree, as Indiana's offense contained a lot of RPOs and "see it and rip it" concepts.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Grade: Round 1/2
Hood is a true press-man corner who excels when he's able to get his hands inside the frame of receivers, which he uses to guide them through the early stages of route stems. Hood also has smooth hips, which help him transition and keep up in coverage. He was an all-state center fielder in high school, which shows in his ball-tracking skills -- his 10 pass breakups were tied for 26th most in the FBS last season. Hood was my top-ranked player at the Senior Bowl, flashing his poised and smooth transition skills in coverage.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 196 | Grade: Round 1/2
Concepcion became the go-to target for the Aggies after arriving from NC State; his nine receiving touchdowns were tied for 17th in the FBS. He also added two scores as a punt returner. He is a gearshift runner who can accelerate and decelerate instantly. He routinely separates against man coverage and generates explosive plays in bunches. Concepcion must become more consistent with his hands, as he had seven drops last season.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 321 | Grade: Round 2
Iheanachor didn't start playing football until 2021 but has developed rapidly. His success against Texas Tech's edge-rushing duo of David Bailey and Romello Height was a big reason why the Sun Devils upset the Big 12 champions last season. Iheanachor has a canvas full of tools, which he showed during Senior Bowl practices. He has a quiet lower half and has improved his strike timing. Similar to a lot of his counterparts in this year's tackle class, Iheanachor has significant upside, but it will take a patient developmental plan to cultivate the traits he has to become an eventual starter.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 201 | Grade: Round 2
This is one of my favorite overall prospects of the entire class, as McNeil-Warren is set to join recent draftees Quinyon Mitchell and Darius Alexander in the Toledo pipeline. McNeil-Warren is a rangy safety who emerged as a first-round candidate after an injury-shortened 2024. His 20% defensive completion percentage allowed was the best among all FBS defensive backs last season. He primarily played free safety for Toledo and gave up only three catches in his coverage last season. His tackling needs improvement, as he comes in too hot and must be more consistent in finishing, but he makes most of his impactful plays when utilized in an interchangeable role.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 317 | Grade: Round 2
Miller started 54 games for Clemson and broke the program record for career snaps (3,778). He's steady, experienced at both tackle spots and has strong hands to latch and control defenders at the point of attack. Miller is rarely out of position against twists and stunts from defensive fronts and able to sort and execute against those looks. He's a dependable blocker with a ready-made skill set and should contribute early in his career at right tackle.
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 182 | Grade: Round 2
A pillar of Indiana's national championship winning defense, Ponds embodied the heart and soul of the program's historic turnaround. He seamlessly transitioned from James Madison to Indiana, intercepting five passes the past two seasons with the Hoosiers. Despite his slight frame, Ponds is a playmaker who punches well above his weight class. Similar to Amik Robertson, I believe Ponds can play on the outside and provide versatility as a nickel inside. Ponds continued to silence questions by running a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at Indiana's pro day. I'm willing to bet on him as an extreme outlier despite his size.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 263 | Grade: Round 2
Thought of as one of the premier edge rushers in the class entering last season, Parker didn't live up to expectations. He had only five sacks -- three coming in the season finale against South Carolina -- after racking up 11 as a sophomore in 2024. He flashes power and pop in his hands, but Parker has average bend at the top of his pass-rush attempts and is inconsistent in his ability to get clean wins around the edge. He's capable of setting a violent edge in run defense and has the strength to extend and shed in-line blockers. I was low on Parker exiting the 2025 season, but he grew on me as the predraft process progressed. He has moved back toward fringe Round 1 status as a complementary second rusher.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 186 | Grade: Round 2
The younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon is a feisty playmaker. His nine pass breakups last season were tied for 45th most among FBS defensive backs, and his eight career forced fumbles are the most in Clemson history for a DB. Despite his size, Terrell has inside and outside flexibility. He is also an intense tackler in run support, but his size and traits have raised questions about whether he's a nickel or outside corner at the next level. Terrell is a somewhat divisive prospect, as he battled a nagging hamstring injury that he reaggravated during his private workout for teams on March 30.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 313 | Grade: Round 2
Lomu experienced a major leap in his second season as a starter. He has good initial quickness and flashes poise before striking and latching onto defenders in pass sets. His strength has improved, but he must continue to sustain and finish his blocks more consistently. His deficiencies show up as a run blocker. Lomu has proper hand placement but lacks knock-back strength and finishing ability. But his frame, youth (he just finished his redshirt sophomore season) and overall potential at left tackle are the most exciting parts of his prospect profile.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 260 | Grade: Round 2
An NFL-ready defender, Jacas is an edge prospect with jarring power who pursues endlessly. With 11 sacks last season, he is capable of rushing from a two-point stance but is equally as comfortable with his hand in the ground. His knockback strength is seen when defending the run, as he has the length and power to remain firm. Jacas' bend is average, but his ability to consistently threaten the rim of the pocket helps him as a power rusher.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 212 | Grade: Round 2
Boston is a big, physical outside receiver who is outstanding at aggressively attacking and snagging passes, catching 62 for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He possesses excellent body control that belies his size, allowing him to come down with tough catches. Boston's 13 contested catches were tied for 26th in the FBS, which highlights his strong hands and ability to play with control in chaos. Boston's true vertical speed remains a question as he didn't run at Washington's pro day, but he projects best as a boundary X receiver who can consistently win outside.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259 | Grade: Round 2
Mesidor broke out in his second season with the Hurricanes, as the sixth-year senior thrived opposite Bain. Mesidor wins with maximum effort, as evidenced by his 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss last season. He's an aggressive and heavy-handed edge prospect that was a tough ask for any offensive lineman to block. He's on the older side (turned 25 on April 5), but all the sources I talked to said Mesidor's age isn't a major factor in his evaluation.
play
0:27
Akheem Mesidor's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Miami's Akheem Mesidor.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 352 | Grade: Round 2
Arguably the most polarizing prospect of the 2026 class, Proctor is a supersized offensive tackle with overwhelming strength that helps him pave run lanes. Pass protection is a different story, as he has stretches of promising play mixed with moments of sluggish footwork and passive technique. He had a rough opener against Florida State (seven allowed pressures and a sack), but didn't allow any in the following nine games while yielding only eight pressures.
Those inconsistencies crept back up during the final weeks of the season, which has created varying opinions on his outlook on the next level. Weight fluctuation has been a constant issue, but he weighed in at 352 pounds at the combine. He's frequently compared to Mekhi Becton by scouts, and some will give him a chance at tackle before deciding to transition Proctor to guard, which is where some teams actually have him on their draft boards.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 298 | Grade: Round 2
Woods entered 2025 as my top-ranked player, and even though Clemson didn't have the season it envisioned, he still showed flashes. Woods is an explosive penetrator who causes frequent disruption at the first level in defending the run and rushing the passer. The flashes are enticing, but long stretches of inconsistency were a big reason why he finished with only two sacks last season after notching three as a sophomore in 2024. Some scouts blame it on the fluctuation of his playing weight and moving him around too frequently. That inconsistency, along with an underwhelming pro day, has caused Woods' stock to drop, with his range anywhere from the late teens into early Day 2.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 253 | Grade: Round 2
After waiting his turn behind Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, Howell flourished in his first season starting at Texas A&M, with his 11.5 sacks ranking seventh among FBS defensive linemen. He's an energetically charged menace off the edge who has a good combination of bend and power. His arms were measured at 30¼ inches at the combine, and there will be teams who aren't comfortable drafting him high because of that. Scouts also brought up his struggles against NFL-caliber tackles when playing Texas and Miami. But Howell's production and play intensity can't be ignored as he simply knows how to rush the passer.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 326 | Grade: Round 2
The Buckeyes' defense was loaded, and McDonald didn't get enough credit for its success. He's a heavy presence up the middle, with high levels of lower-body strength. That allows him to easily anchor in interior gaps and eat up blockers. McDonald's 7.8% run stop rate topped all FBS defensive linemen, but he doesn't just clog gaps. He's capable of creating negative plays in the backfield with quick wins, as evidenced by his 9.5 tackles for loss last season.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 231 | Grade: Round 2
A former quarterback at Virginia, Rodriguez transferred, transitioned to linebacker and never looked back. He was the heartbeat of the Red Raiders' defense over the past two seasons. Rodriguez finished with 128 tackles last season and plays the game with a GPS-like mind to find ball locations, as evidenced by his seven forced fumbles and four interceptions last season.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 189 | Grade: Round 2
Cisse was the most consistent South Carolina defender last season as a versatile cover man who can operate in the slot or on the perimeter. He's a good-sized and long-limbed corner with the movement skills and hips to remain and recover in coverage. Cisse's 39.4% completion percentage allowed on throws into his coverage ranked inside the top 50 in the FBS. He is also an enthusiastic tackler that isn't shy with coming up and making plays on ball carriers. A true man-to-man corner, Cisse excels when he can challenge wideouts at the line of scrimmage.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 315 | Grade: Round 2
A polished and poised interior blocker, Bisontis has been the anchor of the Aggies' offensive line the past three seasons, only allowing one sack over the last two. He's a good athlete who is comfortable playing in space when asked to pull and get outside of his normal gaps. His hands and feet are well-synchronized, which makes him a fit in multiple offensive schemes. Bisontis needs to be more consistent against counter moves to prevent aggressive pass rushers from getting inside his frame, but he can be physical on gap-scheme runs and serve as a multiple-level blocker in zone schemes.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 262 | Grade: Round 2
Young is a long-limbed edge rusher who has developed into a dependable defender. He's effective with a strong bull rush and quick double-hand swipes, but he needs to add more moves to his repertoire. He needs to get better at run defense, as he tends to get pinned inside by in-line tight ends. But Young's length and potential are qualities that NFL coaches want to work with. Young is a prospect with strong Day 2 grades because of his promising set of tools and above-average explosiveness.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 206 | Grade: Round 2
The ultimate utility receiver, Bernard was a do-it-all player last season, finishing with 64 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns. Bernard has a bunch of B-level traits, but he has one of the more well-rounded toolboxes of any skill position player in this year's class. Bernard has reliable hands while also being a nuanced route runner, giving him the potential to be an early contributor.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 230 | Grade: Round 2
Allen continued to ascend in his second season as a starter in the middle of Kirby Smart's defense. He's a quick-reacting second-level defender with excellent range and closing speed. He can decipher run plays, fight through blocks and attack downhill. Allen runs through ball carriers on contact and is a wrap-up-and-finish tackler. He has improved his feel in zone coverage, especially when scanning routes, but needs to be more consistent there.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 253 | Grade: Round 2
Lawrence is an explosive and loose mover off the edge who finished with seven sacks last season. He showcases above-average acceleration from the snap and high-end closing speed on tape. He has excellent length and already understands how to mix and match his full arsenal of moves. Lawrence must be more consistent in implementing secondary pass-rush plans when his initial moves are matched and has had trouble using his length and anchoring when setting the edge in run defense. There are many league scouts who have early second-round grades on Lawrence. Though he could sneak into Day 1, I see him as more of an early Day 2 prospect.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 314 | Grade: Round 2
Pregnon blossomed after transferring to Oregon from USC before last season. He's a rock-solid, physical interior blocker who can win in a phone booth by creating victories in tight quarters with his strength. Along with that power, Pregnon shows comfort playing with high levels of play violence. His limitations are seen when asked to move outside his normal domains, which exposes his body stiffness. He's an ideal fit for teams that specialize in gap-scheme principles.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 327 | Grade: Round 2
After a breakout 2024, Banks entered last season regarded as one of the country's top interior defenders, but foot surgery in September limited him to only two games. Despite the injury, Banks is a potential-laden defensive tackle who shows quick hands and disruptive ability. He reminded many evaluators why he was once viewed as one of the top interior prospects in this year's class at the Senior Bowl, consistently showing his ability to win quickly against interior blockers. Banks underwent foot surgery for an injury that he suffered the day before the combine. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to full football participation in June.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 237 | Grade: Round 2
The son of 11-year NFL veteran Jeremiah Trotter, Josiah Trotter was one of the best second-level defenders in the SEC last season. He is an excellent run defender who can close spaces in a hurry while showing a knowledge of when to be patient and the ability to time his run fits downhill. He arrives at the ball with violent intentions and knows how to properly diagnose run schemes. Trotter turns 21 on Wednesday, and that youth comes out with lapses in pass coverage, as he must improve his spatial awareness and reading of passing concepts in his zones.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 316 | Grade: Round 2
Rutledge doesn't take long to catch your attention. He's a true tone-setter who plays every play as if it's the last of his football career. Attempting to humiliate the opposition whenever he gets the opportunity, Rutledge is an old-school, no-nonsense interior blocker. He's a scheme-versatile road grader who has experimented at center, including at the Senior Bowl. Rutledge sometimes has lapses of playing out of control, which leads to sloppy technique. He'll need to work on maintaining his balance and body control while running his feet on contact.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 239 | Grade: Round 2
Golday spent only two seasons at the FBS level, as he started his career at FCS Central Arkansas, but that didn't stop him from emerging as the key to Cincinnati's defense. He rotates through all three linebacker spots and is a fast-paced mover with excellent lateral pursuit. He uses his length to take on and shed blockers in run defense while adding value as a pass rusher off the edge. Though Golday's pass coverage continues to improve, he must be better at keeping his head on a swivel in zone coverage. I like Golday best as a Sam linebacker who can be moved around and even used off the edge in subpackages or late-down situations.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 211 | Grade: Round 2
It feels like Simpson had multiple seasons in one in 2025. After a poor Week 1 against Florida State, Simpson was scorching hot in September and October before cooling off down the stretch, culminating in a 38-3 Rose Bowl loss to Indiana in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. The stats (3,567 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, five interceptions, 64.5% completion percentage) looked good, as Simpson has good arm strength and accuracy. But he doesn't have great size and needs to improve his ball security in the pocket (six lost fumbles last season). His limited starting experience (15 starts, all in 2025) isn't ideal, either.
I see Simpson as a Day 2 prospect. He doesn't have the traits or ceiling to uplift a team and shouldn't be placed in a situation where he's expected to be a Day 1 savior.
play
1:18
Jordan Reid to McAfee: Ty Simpson a 'huge risk' for the Jets
NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid joins Pat McAfee to break down Ty Simpson's chances of being selected by the Jets.
play
0:36
Garrett Nussmeier's NFL draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from LSU's Garrett Nussmeier.
play
0:42
Texas comes away with a huge INT late in the 4th quarter
Michael Taaffe picks off Marcel Reed late in the fourth quarter for the Longhorns.
Note: I listed my top 15 for the major positions except edge rusher, wide receiver and cornerback, where I went 25 players deep.
The 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh.
The final draft rankings include 500 players.
The scouting reports are based on personal scouting and conversations with NFL scouts and evaluators.
The rankings include positional evaluations for the top 50 prospects and extend to all 500 players.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.
Indiana Fever bolster roster by signing veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Joe Cole advises Arsenal to adjust their attack for the Man City match.
Former Indiana basketball players appeal dismissal of their lawsuit against the school.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.