Wilson's final 2026 NFL mock draft: What I'm hearing with Round 1 one day away
Final predictions for the 2026 NFL draft are here!
The 2026 NFL Draft rankings have been released, highlighting the top 300 prospects. Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame leads the list, followed by Sonny Styles from Ohio State and Caleb Downs, also from Ohio State.
Jeremiyah Love regains the top spot in my overall rankings. Caleb Downs did not go through the testing process, and while that doesn’t mean much overall, it does give me enough hesitation to go back to the player I originally had in the top spot with Jeremiyah Love. Love doesn’t turn 21 years old until May and has produced almost 2,500 yards rushing with 35 rushing touchdowns over just the last two seasons combined. He has good hands, basically never fumbles, is elusive, and has great speed and agility. While running back isn’t a premier draft position, this is a player that I have no concerns about translating to the next level.
Jeremiyah Love (6’0 210) Notre Dame
- Contact balance
- Highly productive rusher with over 1,100 rushing yards in 2024 and over 1,500 rushing yards in 2025
- Doesn’t turn 21 until the end of May
- Ball security with 1 career fumble
- 6.9 yards per carry each of the last two… pic.twitter.com/NlzMy6VEcL
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 4, 2026
Styles is a converted safety from the Buckeyes. Still just 21 years old, Styles has already played over 2,100 career snaps for Ohio State. He has looked comfortable in coverage, had just a 2.2% missed tackle rate this season, and has elite athleticism for the position.
Sonny Styles vs. Indiana
\*\*Styles won’t get out of the top 15 and maybe not the top 10. All-Pro talent at linebacker. The leap he made from year 1 to year 2 at the position was highly impressive
The top five prospects are Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame), Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State), Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State), Rueben Bain Jr. (DE, Miami), and Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana).
Jeremiyah Love has nearly 2,500 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns over the last two seasons, showcasing great speed, agility, and ball security with only one career fumble.
Caleb Downs dropped in the rankings because he did not participate in the testing process, raising some concerns despite his strong performance as a team leader and instinctive player.
Fernando Mendoza led Indiana to a National Championship and won the Heisman Trophy, finishing the season with a 41 to 6 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Final predictions for the 2026 NFL draft are here!

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— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 14, 2026
Downs drops down two spots after not doing any testing during the process. I still feel great about him as a prospect. This is a team leader, instinctive player against the run, and a guy who can match up effectively with tight ends in coverage. Whether he is playing in the box, at deep safety, or in the slot for your team, Caleb Downs is going to make you better on defense.
Caleb Downs vs. Miami pic.twitter.com/5VgAKeuDvY
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 9, 2026
Bain put pressure on opposing quarterbacks at a high rate all season long in 2025. He had a 30.3% win-rate on true pass sets this season. He is a sawed-off powerhouse at 6’3”, 275 pounds. He possesses knock-back power in his hands, is stout against the run, and had over 80 pressures during the 2025 season. His play during the playoffs should have helped solidify him as a top 10 draft selection, regardless of the fact he has shorter arm length.
Rueben Bain Jr. vs. Ohio State
\*\*Dominant performance by Bain. Would be shocked if he gets out of the top five this year. pic.twitter.com/GPvX1N5Jjj
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 12, 2026
Mendoza led Indiana to the National Championship this year. The California transfer won the Heisman Trophy for his play during the regular season. Some of his best attributes include his accuracy, mobility, and ball placement. Mendoza had a ridiculous 41 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions ratio on the season. It would be a surprise if anyone besides Mendoza is the first overall draft pick this year. Get ready to learn Las Vegas buddy.
Fernando Mendoza (6'5 236) Indiana
- Ideal size and frame for the position
- 79.0% adjusted completion percentage during the 2025 season
- 41 to 6 touchdowns to interception ratio in 2025
- National Champion
- Three years of starting experience
- Back shoulder throws
- Sneaky… pic.twitter.com/72MCNDSEpw
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 31, 2026
Bailey transferred to Texas Tech from Stanford ahead of the 2025 season. He was one of the premier pass rushers in all of college football. He had 81 pressures and 14.5 sacks on the season. He has shown some improvement as a run defender, but that will never be his biggest strength. His explosiveness off the snap, pass rush arsenal, and ability to get after the quarterback are his calling card. That ability to be a havoc creator off the edge is what should make him a top 10 draft pick in April.
David Bailey (6’3 250) Texas Tech
- Advanced pass rush arsenal including a lethal spin move
- 39.5% win rate on true pass sets
- Explosiveness off the snap
- Pursuit speed
- Elite change of direction ability
- 81 pressures in 2025
- Has played almost 1,800 snaps
- Lower body… pic.twitter.com/qt6WL4VRSw
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 22, 2026
Reese can play off-ball linebacker or up on the line of scrimmage. He amassed 6.5 sacks on the season for the Buckeyes. Reese is heavy-handed, physical, and an athletic marvel. Regardless of where teams view him playing at the next level, he played his way into top-five consideration this year.
Arvell Reese vs. Illinois
\*\*Huge upside at either linebacker or on the edge. Likely doesn’t make it out of the top 5. pic.twitter.com/Ws4RUvGjoC
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 13, 2026
Delane transferred to LSU from Virginia Tech this past year. He was the best cornerback in college football this past season. He allowed only a 40.0% completion rate against him on the season. He will bring experience, physicality as a tackler, and a player with good ball skills, to whatever team drafts him. That team could very well end up being the Cincinnati Bengals this year.
Mansoor Delane (5’11 191) LSU
- Has played over 2,400 career snaps
- Physical in run support
- Just a 38.2% completion rate allowed against in 2025
- 91.0 coverage grade
- Competitive at the catch point
- 8 career interceptions
- Coverage instincts
- 74.4 run defense grade
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 15, 2026
Freeling has a basketball background, which shows up immediately when watching his film. He is quick to get up to the second level, has great lateral agility, and knows how to use his body to wall off pass rushers. Freeling has the ideal size for a left tackle at 6’7” and 315 pounds. He doesn’t have as much experience as some of the other top linemen in this class, but he might have the most upside.
Monroe Freeling 📈
Expecting him to test really well at the combine also pic.twitter.com/r3lf81Bghq
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 31, 2026
Tate runs sharp routes, has an elite contested catch rate, and averaged a fantastic 3.03 yards per route run on the season. Even after missing a couple of games, Tate had 875 receiving yards with 9 touchdown receptions on the season. Ohio State continues producing first round wide receivers; Tate is the next in line.
Carnell Tate (6’3 195) Ohio State
- Strong and reliable hands with just a 4.0% career drop rate
- Body control
- Deep ball tracking
- 3.03 yards per route ran is among the highest in the draft class
- 68.8% contested catch rate for his career
- Willing and capable blocker
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 14, 2026
The former five-star recruit played his third season with Miami in 2025. He was the starting right tackle for all three of those seasons. He allowed just 15 pressures during 16 games played in 2025. He blocks well on the move, is a mauler in the run game, and has improved his consistency in pass protection this year. Mauigoa should be able to stick at right tackle at the next level, but if not, he could slide inside and likely be a Pro-Bowl caliber guard.
Francis Mauigoa (6’6 335) Miami
- Finishing mentality
- Stout anchor strength in pass pro
- Blocking on the move
- Mauler in the run game
- Almost 2,800 snaps played in just three years at Miami
- 86.4 pass block grade in 2025
- 78.4 run defense grade in 2025 +Knockback power… pic.twitter.com/BKiqRrwRBy
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 12, 2026
McCoy did not play a game in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL in January of 2025. His tape in 2024 was fantastic. He was a shutdown corner for the majority of the year for the Volunteers. His ability to mirror opposing top receivers, ball skills, and ability to be physical at the line in press-man coverage scream future Pro-Bowl player at the next level. Getting back on the field and impressing at his pro day with a 4.38 40-yard dash should help get him back in the conversation to go within the first ten picks of the draft this year. How comfortable teams feel about his medicals will go a long way in how high he does or does not end up going on draft day.
Jermod McCoy (6’0 193) Tennessee
- Man coverage ability
- Ball skills
- 89.6 coverage grade in 2024
- 4 interceptions in 2024
- Reliable tackler with just a 7.0% missed tackle rate in 2024
- Physicality in coverage
- Capable in run support
– Missed all of 2025 with an ACL… pic.twitter.com/EdYjvQKkFz
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 16, 2026
Tyson is a player I have zero questions about for his on-field ability. He is a dominant receiver when healthy. The problem has been staying healthy. He has an extensive injury history that includes a torn ACL in 2022, a broken collarbone in 2024, and hamstring issues this past year. He can line up in the slot or on the outside, makes contested catches at a high rate, possesses high-level ball tracking ability down the field, and has excellent body control. How teams feel about his medicals will be key to how high he is ultimately drafted this year.
Jordyn Tyson (6’1 195) Arizona State
- Body control/flexibility
- Ball tracking down the field
- Productive when healthy
- Alignment versatility
- 3.04 yards per route ran in 2024 with 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns
- Athletic family with his brother Jaylon playing for the Cavs… pic.twitter.com/JDxvyqn4k1
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 15, 2026
Fano played left tackle at Utah as a true freshman. The past two seasons, he has kicked over and played at a high level on the right side. This guy moves like a tight end. He was arguably the best run blocker in all of college football. He has a finishing mindset and plays through the whistle. He needs to be more consistent in pass protection, but he has the athleticism to continue improving in that area. His shorter arm length has some people expecting him to kick inside at the next level. He took snaps at center during the NFL Scouting Combine.
Spencer Fano (6’6 306) Utah
- Moves more like a tight end
- Blocking on the move and up at the second level
- Just one sack allowed during the last two seasons
- Quick feet and kick slide
- Nasty demeanor/finishing mentality
- Elite run blocker with a 93.6 grade in 2024 and… pic.twitter.com/1jJ98MuGYo
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 25, 2026
Sadiq is an athletic pass catcher for the Ducks. He had some injuries this past year, but when healthy, he looksed like the only tight end worthy of a first round selection. Even though he is considered a bit smaller for the position, that doesn’t typically bother him as a blocker. He is a tenacious player in that aspect, who has multiple blocks where he latches on and takes a guy 15-20 yards down the field in the run game. That type of two-way ability will entice somebody to take Sadiq in the first round.
Kenyon Sadiq (6’3 245) Oregon
✅ High-level athlete that should test really well at the combine ✅ Effective run blocker ✅ Hitting his target when blocking on the move ✅ Elusiveness after the catch with several highlight reel hurdles ✅ Strong hands ✅ Turns 21 in March ✅… pic.twitter.com/AQV0CIHSX9
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 16, 2026
Ioane was one of the more consistent bright spots for a disappointing Penn State team in 2025. Thickly built at 6’4”, 320 pounds, he is a mauler in the run game. He allowed just four pressures in pass protection the entire season. Ioane has all the makings of an All-Pro for years to come in the NFL at the guard position.
Vega Ioane vs. Ohio State
\*\*Likely the first guard selected in the 2026 draft. A top 15 selection for him isn’t out of the question pic.twitter.com/cRdry2vcaE
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 17, 2026
Lemon may be primarily a slot receiver in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t worthy of a top twenty draft selection. Lemon is elusive with the ball in his hands, a quality route runner, and brings added value as a returner.
Makai Lemon (5’11 190) USC
- Sharp route runner
- Toughness
- Run after the catch ability
- Return ability
- 3.13 yards per route ran in 2025
- Just a 2.5% drop rate in 2025
- Willing blocker
- Finding soft spots in zone coverage
- Over 1,100 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns… pic.twitter.com/Bza7BMU98A
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 15, 2026
The younger brother of Falcons corner AJ Terrell, Avieon, is an absolute dog on the football field. He is undersized at just 5’11 and 180 pounds. He plays much bigger than that on the field. He reminds me of Trent McDuffie. He is competitive at the catch point, ferocious in run support, and knows how to create big plays with turnovers. If the Bengals could find a trade partner to move down 5-6 spots in the draft, I think Terrell would be a great player to add to the cornerback room.
Avieon Terrell (5’11 180) Clemson
- Tenacious in run support
- Competitive at the catch point
- 8 forced fumbles over the past two seasons
- Just turned 21 years old
- Over 1,800 snaps played
- Change of direction ability
- Closing speed
- 76.9 coverage grade in 2025
- 85.2 run… pic.twitter.com/PfSoET0FbF
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 16, 2026
The sack numbers are not overly impressive, with only two this past season. The advanced numbers tell a better story of the type of talent he can be. He had a 16% win-rate on true pass sets in 2025. Combine that with a stop rate over 10% as a run defender. Those numbers have directly correlated with guys that end up being the best defensive tackles in football over the years. Woods has tremendous upside, but the lack of production could move him down boards for some teams. His testing numbers at his Pro Day were also mediocre. I can’t imagine Woods is still in the conversation within the top 10-15 picks.
Peter Woods (6’3 315) Clemson
- 10.1% stop rate as a run defender
- 16.0% pass rush win rate on true pass sets in 2025 (22% in 2024)
- Quick feet
- Active and competent hand usage
- Violent pop in his hands
- Explosiveness off the snap
– Sack production – Needs to expand his… pic.twitter.com/3VY2cYj4a0
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 9, 2026
McNeil-Warren is going to be the next Toledo Rocket defensive player to be drafted to play in the NFL. He has excellent length, quick reactionary time, and nine career forced fumbles. Having almost identical coverage and run defense grades around 90.0 on the season per PFF.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren vs. Western Michigan
\*\*A lot of first round buzz for EMW lately, and I can see it. He has been my #2 safety behind only Caleb Downs. pic.twitter.com/643Ousxzsm
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 19, 2026
Faulk is a big-bodied edge setter at 6’6”, 276 pounds. He provides a high-floor player as a run defender with powerful hands and alignment versatility. His ability as a pass rusher is still a work in progress, which is why he doesn’t make my top 10. He had only 29 pressures and two sacks on the season. Those numbers are quite a bit lower than many of the other top players at the edge position. He is still a young prospect at just 20 years of age until September of 2026. That upside, paired with his ability as a run defender, is why he is still likely to be drafted during the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Keldric Faulk (6’6 280) Auburn
- Ability to set an edge
- 85.5 run defense grade in 2025
- Just an 8.5% missed tackle rate for his career
- Utilization of his length
- Alignment versatility
- 45 pressures and 7 sacks in 2024
- Doesn’t turn 21 until September
- Power in his… pic.twitter.com/0sieEKZduU
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 19, 2026
Thieneman was a highly sought-after transfer from Purdue this season. He ultimately chose the Oregon Ducks. He is a willing and capable tackler on the back end of a defense. I wish he had better eye discipline. He also takes some funky pursuit angles at times. Beyond that, he is an athletic player with legitimate range and recovery speed. His testing numbers were great this year, as expected, and he should be selected during the first round of the draft.
Dillon Thieneman (6’0 207) Oregon
- Straight-line speed
- Known as a film-junkie
- Violent finisher on tackles
- Excellent range and pursuit
- 91.1 coverage grade in 2025
- Just an 8.3% missed tackle rate
- Over 2,400 snaps played
- Active at the catch point
- Instinctive in… pic.twitter.com/UTg3hILJ4u
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 19, 2026
McDonald was one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in college football. He can absorb double teams and hold the point of attack. While he doesn’t provide much as a pass rusher, he can push the pocket with power on the interior. Teams will know exactly what they are getting with McDonald as a run defender, and he is still a young prospect who just now turned 21 years old.
Kayden McDonald (#98) Ohio State
- Great size for nose tackle (6’3 326)
- Tough to move out of his gap
- Plays with natural leverage
- Elite 13.8% stop rate in 2025
- Career-high 3 sacks in 2025
- Strength at the point of attack
- Thick frame and strong hands
- 91.2 run… pic.twitter.com/4bliAH0CEO
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 18, 2026
Allen is everything teams are looking for in a modern linebacker. He can rush the passer, he has excellent pursuit speed, and he has shown tremendous improvement in coverage this year. He has sideline-to-sideline range, a high football IQ, and tons of experience as a three-year starter.
CJ Allen vs. Auburn
\*\*Allen is a top 25 player in this class. Most years he would be the top linebacker prospect in the class. Should be an instant starter. pic.twitter.com/mL7hbxcry7
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 17, 2026
Parker came into this season being considered as one of the best players in the entire draft class. He did not have nearly the same splash play production that he did during the 2024 season. In 2024, he had 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. This year, those numbers went down to 5 sacks and 0 forced fumbles on the season. He was still able to generate pressure at a high rate. He ended the season with a 28.6% win rate on true pass sets.
TJ Parker (6’3 265) Clemson
- Violent finisher
- Pop in his hands and power rusher
- 28.6% win rate on true pass sets in 2025
- Production in 2024 with 51 pressures, 11 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles
- Comfortable dropping in coverage
– Would like to see more inside counter… pic.twitter.com/x295G265LC
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 11, 2026
Cooper has a knack for making big plays, including his game-winning reception against Penn State this past season. While Cooper will likely be primarily a slot wide receiver, he has the ability to be one of the top two targets for a team. He knows how to get open, is shifty running after the catch, and consistently finds his way to the end zone.
Omar Cooper Jr. (6’0 201) Indiana
- Shifty with the ball in his hands with excellent contact balance
- 2.55 yards per route ran in 2025
- 4.2% drop rate in 2025
- 54.3% career contested catch rate
- Ball security with 0 career fumbles
- 20 receiving touchdowns combined in the… pic.twitter.com/zHjyIgLMVP
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 24, 2026
Lomu was only a redshirt sophomore this year. He is an advanced technician for his age. He has a natural kick slide and blocks well on the second level. He isn’t nearly as good of a run blocker as his teammate Fano, but he is further along in pass protection.
Caleb Lomu (6’6 308) Utah
- Natural kick slide
- Movement skills to block at the second level
- Excellent recovery skills
- Lateral agility
- 82.1 pass blocking grade in 2025
- Just finished his redshirt sophomore season (high ceiling)
- Allowed 8 pressures and 0 sacks during… pic.twitter.com/JGbmGZcynE
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 31, 2026
Mesidor will be turning 25 during draft month this year. That, combined with injuries, is the reason he isn’t higher on this list. Mesidor is a dominant pass rusher. He had a 36.3% win rate on true pass sets during the season. That led to him recording 12.5 sacks on the year. He is a physical finisher in the backfield, has the versatility to play up and down the line, and possesses a dynamic first step off the snap.
Akheem Mesidor vs. Texas A&M
\*\*Trending toward not making it out of the first round. Medicals at the combine next week still need checked off, but he should be an immediate pass rush contributor wherever he ends up. pic.twitter.com/PKGGlLVOMs
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 18, 2026
Boston has great size at 6’4” and 209 pounds. He is much more than just a contested catch guy, though. He displays toughness over the middle of the field, possesses strong hands, and is more athletic than expected for his size. He even returned punts for the Huskies.
Denzel Boston (6’4 209) Washington
- Length/catch radius
- Elite contested catch ability that was 10 for 13 or 76.9% on these opportunities in 2025
- Just a 3.1% drop rate in 2025
- Running through arm tackles after the catch
- Punt return experience
- Strong hands
- Weapon in… pic.twitter.com/L4z1HzZlrk
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 19, 2026
Hood spent a season at Auburn, a season at Colorado, and a third and final season playing for Tennessee. Hood is sticky in coverage, has good awareness playing zone, and impressive closing speed. He could sneak his way into the bottom of the first round.
Colton Hood (6’0 188) Tennessee
- Sticky in coverage
- Allowed just a 52.8% completion rat against during the 2025 season
- Vision and awareness when in zone coverage
- 6.6% missed tackle rate in 2025
- 80.3 coverage grade
- Press-man physicality
– Doesn’t have an abundance… pic.twitter.com/dScGSIsOKU
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 19, 2026
Proctor is one of the most polarizing prospects in this draft class. He is a good athlete overall for his size, but his foot speed off the snap against speed rushers gives me concerns. He could stand to lose some weight for durability purposes. He did finish strong for Alabama in the second half of the season. I can see someone taking the swing on his rare traits before the end of the first round. I am just not sure if he can ultimately stick at tackle, or if he will need to kick inside to guard at the next level.
Banks was out injured for the majority of the 2025 season. He has shown what type of disruptive presence he can be from the interior when healthy. In 2024 against LSU, Banks recorded nine pressures. The following week against Ole Miss, he added another six. Those are incredible numbers for any pass rusher, let alone a defensive tackle. He gives tremendous effort for a guy who is 6’6” and 334 pounds. He moves well at that size, as well. This is a high-risk, high-reward type of prospect. Teams will have to feel comfortable with his medical evaluations on his foot, and with him having surgery on a broken bone he sustained at the combine, it is likely he drops out of the first round.
Caleb Banks (6’6” 334) Florida
- Massive frame with 35” arm length
- Burst off the snap
- Active hands
- Athleticism and size allows him to line up all along the line
- 20% win rate on true pass sets in 2024
- Can power through double teams
- Rare movement skills for his size… pic.twitter.com/DeuFTWZKG9
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 13, 2026
Thomas is an undersized pass rusher from Oklahoma. He may ultimately be limited to just a defensive pass-rush specialist role in the NFL. Those players are still valuable. He has tremendous explosiveness off the snap, bend around the edge, and closing speed to chase down the quarterback or running back. He had a 35.1% win-rate on true pass sets during the 2025 season, which was among the highest in the country.
R. Mason Thomas vs. Auburn and South Carolina
\*\*Do you think Thomas makes it out of the first round? pic.twitter.com/wMUXd1EZUU
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 20, 2026
Iheanachor had an impressive Senior Bowl week. He has an athletic background, as a former basketball and soccer player growing up. He has a finishing mentality, blocks well out in space, and maintains proper pad level for an offensive tackle. His 9.91 relative athletic score could also help him climb into late first-round consideration this year.
Howell had a solid year in 2024 for the Aggies after transferring from Bowling Green. With the departures of Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton to the NFL, he took on a starring role on the defense in 2025. He had 11.5 sacks on the season. He has an array of pass rush moves, a lightning-quick first step, and is relentless in pursuit of the quarterback. There will be some concern about his sub-31” arm length. I think he can be an outlier in that aspect; he is just too talented as a pass rusher not to be impactful at the next level.
Cashius Howell (6’2 248) Texas A&M
- Bend around the edge
- Pursuit speed
- 28.6% win rate on true pass sets
- Variety of pass rush moves
- High energy player
- Ability to drop in coverage
- 11.5 sacks in 2025
– Fifth-year senior – What is his actual playing weight? – 3.1%… pic.twitter.com/nIkD1b2ZAt
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 20, 2026
Concepcion is a dynamic weapon as a returner, receiver down the field, and on screens and reverses. Basically, get the ball in his hands and let him go to work. The transfer from North Carolina State was tremendous for the Aggies in 2025. He had over 900 yards with 9 touchdowns on the season. The biggest concern is drops. He has 14 total drops over the last two seasons. That could ultimately be what drops (no pun intended) him down to the second round.
Miller has played over 3,600 snaps at offensive tackle for Clemson. He has over 34” arm length, a finishing mentality, and posted a 9.94 relative athletic score at the NFL Scouting Combine this year. Miller should be a plug-and-play starter at right tackle, and in this draft class, he could end up going before the end of the first round because of that.
Johnson has great hip fluidity to quickly change direction and break on the football. He had an unreal 92.4 coverage grade in 2025. He allowed just a 41.9% completion rate against him, recorded 4 interceptions, and had only a 5.6% missed tackle rate in 2025.
Chris Johnson (6’0 190) San Diego State
- Special teams impact
- 92.4 coverage grade in 2025
- Just a 41.9% completion rate allowed against in 2025
- Reliable tackler with just a 5.6% missed tackle rate
- Instinctive against the run
- 4 interceptions in 2025
- Doesn’t turn 22… pic.twitter.com/vRAE91jeGc
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 22, 2026
A big-bodied nose tackle prospect, Hunter comes in at 6’4” and around 330 pounds. The durability is incredible for a player with his size. He has played over 500 snaps in each of the last three seasons. Even though he isn’t overly explosive as a pass rusher, he still had a 17.5% win rate on true pass sets as a defensive tackle. He is a high-level run defender. His 11.9% stop rate on the season was behind only Kayden McDonald for defensive tackle prospects in this draft class.
Lee Hunter (6’4 330) Texas Tech
- Ironman that has played over 500 snaps in three straight seasons
- Bull rush power
- Plays with a violent nature
- Good effort for a big man
- 17.5% win rate on true pass sets
- 11.9% stop rate is among the highest in the draft class +… pic.twitter.com/9wExbmLaXZ
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 12, 2026
Ponds is listed at just 5’9” and 170 pounds. You wouldn’t know it based on how he plays the game. He is a physical hitter in run support who consistently puts his body on the line and delivers punishment. He has matched up with some of the top receivers and came out on top in most of those matchups in his two years at Indiana. Ponds had an 89.5 coverage grade with just a 3.0% missed tackle rate during the 2025 season.
D’Angelo Ponds (5’9 170) Indiana
- Recovery speed and athleticism
- Ball skills with 7 career INT’s
- Tenacious in run support
- Reliable tackler with just a 3.0% missed tackle rate in 2025
- 89.5 coverage grade in 2025
- 49.2% completion rate allowed against him in 2025 +… pic.twitter.com/ghCJZcGBKy
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 21, 2026
Pregnon transferred to Oregon from USC ahead of his final season of college football. It was a wise decision, as he played the best football of his young career. Pregnon is a high-level pass protector with awareness against stunts and blitzes, active hands, and quick feet. He allowed just five pressures the entire season, including the playoffs.
Hill is a versatile player in the front seven. He can line up at off-ball linebacker or play on the edge. In three seasons at Texas, he accumulated 17 sacks. He is relentless in pursuit and a physical finisher. While coverage has not been his best attribute, he did show some improvement in that area in 2025.
Anthony Hill Jr. vs. Vanderbilt pic.twitter.com/HTH49sTuU5
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 20, 2026
Abney has impressive footwork and change-of-direction ability. He has displayed good ball skills and the ability to smother opposing receivers down the field. He is willing and capable as a run defender. He had an impressive 4.3% missed tackle rate during the 2025 season.
Bell amassed over 900 receiving yards prior to tearing his ACL in December. His size at 6’2”, 227 pounds, combined with game-breaking top-end speed, shows a player with tremendous upside. He still needs to fine-tune the intricacies of playing receiver, but the tools are there. The injury does cloud his draft projection a bit.
Lawrence was highly impressive for UCF in 2025. He had 7 sacks, but even more than that, he generated pressure at an extremely high rate. He had a 34.7% win rate on true pass sets. Lawrence was spectacular at the NFL Scouting Combine. He had a 40” vertical jump, a 10-foot-10-inch broad jump, and ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at 253 pounds. Lawrence could end up going even higher than where I currently have him ranked when all is said and done.
Cisse transferred to South Carolina from North Carolina State ahead of the 2025 season. He is one of the fastest corners in the nation. He allowed just a 47.4% completion rate against him on the season. That ability to cover one-on-one is the biggest reason he sneaks into my top 50. I would like to see more physicality and consistency when it comes to his effort in run support.
Brandon Cisse (6’0 190) South Carolina
- 47.4% completion rate allowed against during the 2025 season
- 89.2 run defense grade in 2025
- Appears to have good length
- Straight-line speed and is expected to perform well at the combine
- Jamming ability at the line +Alignment… pic.twitter.com/4tdkNGYmQu
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 21, 2026
Brazzell has great length at 6’5”. He is a big-play weapon down the field with his ball tracking, body control, straight-line speed, and size. Unlike some previous wide receivers from Tennessee who were strictly downfield weapons, Brazzell can actually run crisp routes and be a weapon in the intermediate game.
The more tape I watched of Halton, the more I have wanted him to be the pick in the second round for the Cincinnati Bengals. Halton has been productive with 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons, has had a 10.2% stop rate as a run defender this year, and shows impressive quickness off the snap for an interior defensive lineman.
Gracen Halton is one of my personal favorite defensive tackles in this class. Top 50 is possible. Curious to see how he tests next week. pic.twitter.com/TlbyxAG3pU
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 20, 2026
Scott can play a variety of roles in the secondary. He can play in the slot at corner, on the outside, or at either safety spot. He is best attacking downhill, but is no slouch in cover. He had a 91.2 run defense grade, along with an 87.1 coverage grade for the Hurricanes in 2025.
Keionte Scott (6’0 195) Miami
- Effective on the blitz
- Punishing physicality
- Alignment versatility
- Over 2,000 career snaps
- 87.1 coverage grade in 2025
- 91.2 run defense grade
- Special teams experience
- Awareness in zone coverage
- Quick to read and react +… pic.twitter.com/d81rNnT8Y6
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 24, 2026
Jacas is a highly productive pass rusher with great upper-body strength. He gives relentless effort in pursuit, is alignment and scheme versatile, and has the coveted wrestling background that a lot of top offensive and defensive line prospects have. Jacas has put up 26.5 tackles for loss with 19 sacks over the last two seasons combined.
Jacob Rodriguez vs. BYU
\*\*Flat out playmaker. Might go on day two, but should be an immediate impact starter at linebacker. pic.twitter.com/jNEf80yMSi
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 24, 2026
Jake Golday vs. Utah pic.twitter.com/EiMtVtvQr1
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 1, 2026
Derrick Moore vs. Maryland
Moore is likely to be drafted on day two this year. He should contribute as a pass rusher immediately for whoever drafts him. pic.twitter.com/YyxSKUSTAK
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 26, 2026
Josiah Trotter (6’2 237) Missouri
- Triggers downhill with physicality
- Reliable tackler with just an 8.5% missed tackle for his career
- 89.8 run defense grade in 2025
- Instinctive linebacker
- Comes from a football family with his dad Jeremiah and his brother Jeremiah Jr.… pic.twitter.com/u15Ysclg4H
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 24, 2026
Jalon Kilgore (6’1 211) South Carolina
- Versatility to play corner or safety
- Ball skills (8 career interceptions)
- Physical in run support
- 80.6 run defense grade
- Allowed just a 52.3% completion rate against during the 2025 season
- Top end speed (has reached 23 mph on… pic.twitter.com/coIDyJjf5g
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 1, 2026
Davison Igbinosun (6’2 189) Ohio State
- Length (33” arms)
- Sticky in man coverage
- Experienced player with over 2,800 snaps played
- Physical in run support
- 81.0 coverage grade per PFF in 2025
- Intensity and confidence
- 81.7 run defense grade in 2025
– Penalty magnet… pic.twitter.com/hVYHiJGyix
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 27, 2026
Zion Young (6’5” 260) Missouri
- Ideal size for an edge
- 9.3% stop rate in 2025
- Alignment versatility
- Appears to have good arm length
- Relentless pursuit
- 25.6% win rate on true pass sets
- Firm anchor to set the edge
- Bull rush power
– Limited career sack production… pic.twitter.com/BX8eAyS1rc
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 25, 2026
Kamari Ramsey (6’0 199) USC
- Versatility to play corner or safety
- Great timing at the catch point
- Rarely missed tackles this year with just a 3.2% missed tackle rate
- Recovery speed
- 77.1 coverage grade in 2025 and an 88.1 grade in 2024
- Doesn’t turn 22 years old until… pic.twitter.com/0p8I7kipQc
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 27, 2026
Romello Height (6’3 240) Texas Tech
- Explosive first step
- Relentless pursuit
- Closing speed
- Comfortable dropping in coverage
- 92.6 pass rush grade with 62 pressures, 10 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles during the 2025 season
- Pass rush arsenal
- Bend/hip flexibility
- 28.0… pic.twitter.com/eB8aKncMZ0
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 26, 2026
Joshua Josephs vs. Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/peeZxuq0NV
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 4, 2026
Bud Clark (6’1 185) TCU
- Ball tracking
- Ball skills with 15 career INT’s
- Awareness in zone coverage
- 83.1 run defense grade during the 2025 season and quick to read and react
- 90.1 coverage grade in 2024
- Over 2,700 career snaps played
- 3x team captain
- Special Teams’… pic.twitter.com/ReFmsVJ2gu
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 31, 2026
Kaleb Elarms-Orr (6’2 233) TCU
- Quick to fill the rushing lane
- Dependable finisher on tackles with a just a 7.1% missed tackle rate
- Highly productive with 130 tackles and 4 sacks during the 2025 season
- High football IQ
- Blitz timing and pursuit speed with 25 pressures in… pic.twitter.com/mpOAoGQJYl
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 27, 2026
Jimmy Rolder (6’2 238) Michigan
- Instinctive
- 80.0 run defense grade in 2025
- Reliable tackler with just a 4.6% missed tackle rate in 2025
- 0 career penalties
- 36” vertical jump
- Special teams experience
- Pursuit angles
- Effective on the blitz
- Diagnoses quickly… pic.twitter.com/FI861pjrzM
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 4, 2026
Keyron Crawford (6’4 251) Auburn
- 27.0% win rate on true pass sets during the 2025 season
- Pursuit speed
- High effort pass rusher
- 43 pressures in 2025
- Versatility to play linebacker and on the edge
- First step quickness
– 24.4% missed tackle rate in 2025 – Arm length… pic.twitter.com/WnIqlAtw7x
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 10, 2026
Landon Robinson vs. Tulane pic.twitter.com/UrFn0yqgxP
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 18, 2026
Mason Reiger (6’5 251) Wisconsin
- 23.0% win rate on true pass sets during the 2025 season
- Determined effort in pursuit
- Active hand usage
- Good arsenal of pass rush moves
- Quickness off the snap
- Impressed at the Shrine Bowl
- 9.53 relative athletic score including a 40”… pic.twitter.com/FG21k3rMXP
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 23, 2026
Keyshaun Elliot (6’2 233) Arizona State
- Quick to diagnose and react
- Good run defender that had a 79.3 run defense grade in 2025
- Highly productive with 98 tackles and 7 sacks during the 2025 season
- Pursuit speed
- Disengaging from blocks
- Physical finisher
- Over 2,300… pic.twitter.com/ii20NhXNaJ
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) February 15, 2026
Will Lee III (6’2 189) Texas A&M
- 32 3/4” arm length
- Explosiveness with a 42” vertical and an 11’0” broad jump
- Ball skills with 24 passes defensed over the past 3 seasons
- Confident and competitive
- Physicality in man coverage
- Active hands at the line
- Competitive at… pic.twitter.com/cO5xzNaDgf
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 17, 2026
Robert Spears-Jennings (6’2 205) Oklahoma
- Straight-line speed and ran a 4.32 40-yard dash
- High-level run defender with a 93.1 rdef grade in 2024 and 78.0 in 2025
- Disciplined player with limited career penalties
- Violent finisher as a tackler
- 9.78 relative athletic score… pic.twitter.com/bFz5bCswi5
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 23, 2026
Xavier Nwankpa (6’2 208) Iowa
- 9.95 relative athletic score included a 4.48 40-yard dash and a 37.5” vertical jump
- 82.9 run defense grade
- Quick to read and react
- Physical tackler
- Excellent range
- Scheme versatility
- Special teams’ upside
- Over 2,100 career snaps +… pic.twitter.com/riQWtIthNQ
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 21, 2026
Taurean York (5’10 232) Texas A&M
- Productive player with 229 tackles and 6.5 sacks in three seasons
- Reliable tackler with a 10.4% career missed tackle rate
- Team leader and captain
- Awareness and reaction speed
- Work ethic to go from a 3-star prospect that didn’t get an… pic.twitter.com/CoP4RtGgTm
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 24, 2026
Albert Regis (6’1 317) Texas A&M
- Reliable tackler with just a 9.1% career missed tackle rate
- 83.1 run defense grade in 2025
- Over 1,500 career snaps played
- High character leader
- Thick lower body with great anchor strength against the run
- Relentless effort
- Bats… pic.twitter.com/kVEoRH0kwX
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 19, 2026
Deontae Lawson (6’2 228) Alabama
- Experience (over 2,400 snaps)
- 83.6 run defense grade in 2025
- Multi-year green dot player
- Good awareness in zone coverage
- Quick to diagnose and react
- Effective with blitz timing
– Older prospect as a fifth-year senior – Fairly… pic.twitter.com/5BnK1mIm3N
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 12, 2026
Kendal Daniels (6’5” 242) Oklahoma
- Versatile chess piece that has experience playing safety and linebacker
- 76.4 run defense grade
- 79.2 coverage grade
- Over 2,800 snaps played
- Physical tackler
- 5.5 sacks in 2024
– Will turn 24 during his rookie year – Lacked ideal… pic.twitter.com/nYkZPy3zgu
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 15, 2026
Cole Wisniewski (6’3 214) Texas Tech
- Punishing tackler
- Quick to diagnose and react
- Versatility to play in the box or at either safety spot
- 87.2 run defense grade in 2025
- Ideal size and length
- Special teams’ experience
- Almost 2,300 career snaps played
- 80.6… pic.twitter.com/MMkQkQaZ6C
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 26, 2026
Zxavian Harris (6’7 330) Ole Miss
- Monstrous size
- Upper body strength
- Arm length (reported 35”)
- 84” wingspan
- Has blocked several kicks
- 77.5 run defense grade in 2025
- Power in his hands
– Motor runs hot and cold – 5.5 career sacks (3 in 2025) – Poor pad level too… pic.twitter.com/tARQ40zH9K
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 22, 2026
Avery Smith (5’11 196) Toledo
- Ball skills with 25 passes defensed over the past two seasons
- Effective on the blitz
- Willing and capable in run support
- 90.2 run defense grade in 2025
- Explosiveness as evidenced by his 38.5” vertical jump and 10’5” broad jump
- 77.0… pic.twitter.com/t5YtOeC6oY
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 1, 2026
Louis Moore (5’11 191) Indiana
- Ball production with 6 interceptions in 2025
- Good route awareness in coverage
- Diagnoses and reacts quickly
- 83.5 coverage grade in 2025
- Special teams’ experience
- Ball tracking
- Physical run defender
- Alignment versatility
– Already… pic.twitter.com/RDl8RqNTrR
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 24, 2026
Aiden Fisher (6’1 233) Indiana
- Quick to diagnose and react
- 69.3 run defense grade in 2025
- Team captain and leader
- 57 career pressures
- Special teams’ experience
- Coach on the field
– Inconsistent pursuit angles – Allowed a 75.0% completion rate against him in 2025 -… pic.twitter.com/KqaTUMNeEF
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 27, 2026
Jack Kelly (6’2 240) BYU
- Tenacious as a blitzing linebacker and recorded 10 sacks in 2025
- 9.83 relative athletic score
- Sideline-to-sideline range
- Ideal size and frame for linebacker
- 128 career pressures with the versatility to line up on the edge and juice to thrive… pic.twitter.com/4OpqEATXNk
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 29, 2026
Eric Gentry (6’6 221) USC
- Arm length and wingspan
- Solid career sack production
- Versatility to play off-ball linebacker and line up on the edge
- Disrupting passing lanes
- Good agility for his height
- Pursuit speed
- High effort player
– Slight frame at 221 pounds – Took… pic.twitter.com/bLCaAJHaBw
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 27, 2026
Skyler Gill-Howard (6’1 290) Texas Tech
- Natural leverage with quick feet
- 90.0 pass rush grade in 2025
- 5 sacks in 2024
- Wrestling background and started his college football career walking on to play linebacker in Division II
- Impressive effort
- Explosive off the snap… pic.twitter.com/1JzEAg0O0U
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 20, 2026
Damonic Williams (6’2” 305) Oklahoma
- Still 21 years old
- Disengaging from blocks
- Over 1,800 snaps played
- Only a 4.3% missed tackle rate during the 2025 season
- Effective usage of his hands
– Limited career sack production – 13 pressures in 2025 – Can be late off of the… pic.twitter.com/wrLIm5cIev
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 17, 2026
Lorenzo Styles (6’0 194) Ohio State
- Versatile player that can play cornerback or safety and was originally a wide receiver at Notre Dame
- Elite straight-line speed and ran a 4.27 40-yard dash at the combine
- Football family with his father Lorenzo and his brother Sonny +… pic.twitter.com/eKrhJdWlQi
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 1, 2026
Aaron Graves (6’4” 300 lbs.) Iowa
- Relentless effort
- Wrestling background
- 20.9% win rate on true pass sets
- Good foundation of rush moves +Active hands
– 16.7% missed tackle rate in 2024 – Needs to add weight to his frame to hold up better as a run defender – 4.3% stop… pic.twitter.com/34iJkcJ5mH
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) December 28, 2025
Ethan Burke (6’6 269) Texas
- 20.9% win rate on true pass sets during the 2025 season
- Uses his length to keep lineman out of his chest
- Ability to set the edge
- Versatility to kick inside
- 15.3% stop rate in 2025
- 83” wingspan
- Special teams value and had blocked three… pic.twitter.com/TsIzO0Jwg8
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 26, 2026
Stephen Daley (6’1 260) Indiana
- Quickness off the snap
- 86.8 run defense grade in 2025
- 41 pressures in 2025
- Natural leverage
- Best statistical season of his career came in 2025 with 19 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles
- 9.8% stop rate in 2025
– Suffered… pic.twitter.com/M4eEDDrJD8
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 3, 2026
Dontay Corleone (6’0 331) Cincinnati
- Ability to absorb double teams
- Bull rush power
- Over 1,500 career snaps played
- 80.9 run defense grade in 2025
- Gap discipline
- Anchor strength
- Natural leverage
- On the Feldman Freak List where it was reported he bench presses… pic.twitter.com/vdSi0D3sWX
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 17, 2026
Xavian Sorey Jr. (6’2 228) Arkansas
- 36.4% win rate on true pass sets during the 2024 season
- Versatility to play off-ball linebacker or line up on the edge
- 8.85 relative athletic score
- Productive player with 99 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception in 2024 with 81… pic.twitter.com/kaDSB5mrir
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) April 2, 2026