A random British bloke's guide to the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL draft is going to take place in Pittsburgh on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of April, which means three straight nights of staying up far too late, sleeping far too little and watching the Jets and Giants inevitably mess up the draft despite having two picks in the top 16. I’m not a professional scout, and I have no intention of being one. I’m just a bloke who loves the NFL and will do my best to explain which teams and prospects are the ones to watch and the big storylines heading into the draft.
How the draft works:
The 2026 draft class
The 2026 draft class as a whole is a very weird one, with only 4 or 5 elite prospects who, for the most part, play non-premium positions like running back, safety and linebacker rather than the positions the teams at the top of the draft would prefer the elite level prospects to play like Quarterback and Left tackle this has happened in opinion largely due to a lag of the introduction of NIL (allows student athletes to make money of their name and likeness) meaning some high level prospects like Oregon QB Dante Moore and Texas QB Arch Manning are staying in school for an extra year than they have to so they can gain as much from NIL before turning pro despite especially in Dante Moore's case he seemed nailed on to go in the top 5 of this draft if he had declared for the draft.
Teams that will shape the draft (top 100 picks):
Las Vegas Raiders (1, 36, 67): The Raiders own the number one overall pick and hope that the assumed pick of Heisman winner and reigning national champions QB Fernando Mendoza from Indiana will be their QB of the future and lead them to consistent success, which they haven't had since the early 2000s. The roster is set up pretty well with Elite players like TE Brock Bowers, DE Maxx Crosby and C Tyler Linderbaum but the lack of receivers on the roster is the other major hole that the Raiders will need to fill to allow Mendoza to thrive in his rookie season, but with picks 36 and 67 in a loaded receiver class they may well be able to find a servicable one down the board.
Biggest Needs: QB, WR, OT, DT
New York Jets (2, 16, 33, 44): The Jets have been terrible for years, and now, thanks to the Buffalo Sabres making the NHL playoffs, have the longest active streak of consecutive seasons without making the playoffs in all the big four North American sports, as they haven't been to the NFL playoffs since 2011, when the iPhone 4 had just been released, and Grenade by Bruno Mars was on top of the charts and they appear no closer to ending that dismal playoff streak as their roster is full of holes. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, as over the next two years, they currently have five first-round picks, with two this year and three next year, due to them accepting the need to rebuild and trading arguably their two best players mid-season in CB Sauce Gardner and DT Quinnen Williams to the Colts and Cowboys, respectively to accumulate one first round picks and one second round pick. This gives the Jets the Draft Capital they need to rebuild the roster over the next two years with a view to competing in 2027.
Biggest Needs: Whole roster
Arizona Cardinals (3, 34, 65): Along with the Jets and Browns, this is probably the worst roster in the entire league, with only TE Trey McBride being elite on either side of the ball, and currently, the quarterback is Jacoby Brissett, a career backup/bridge QB never consistently playing to an elite level the Cardinals shouldnt focus on filling needs they should in this draft just take the best player available with every pick as they look to build for the future.
Biggest Needs: QB, OT, DE, LB
Tennessee Titans (4, 35, 66): Led by Rookie QB Cam Ward, breakout rookie WR Chimere Dike and perennial Pro Bowler DT Jeffery Simmons, the Titans are starting to get back on the right track after their rebuild following their successful 2020-2022 seasons, where they were a consistent threat, including making a conference championship game.
Biggest Needs: RB, DE, WR, LB
New York Giants (5, 10, 37): Like their City rivals, the Giants have also been terrible for a long time, with just two playoff appearances since they last won the Super Bowl in February 2012, but the outlook for the Giants is much better than the Jets. They have their Quarterback in place in a standout rookie, Jaxson Dart, and have other great young pieces in LT Andrew Thomas, DE Abdul Carter, WR Malick Nabers and RB Cam Skattebo, although the latter two are coming off major injuries. This groundwork, along with an established star in DE Brian Burns, means there is a world if the Giants can draft well, they could compete for a playoff spot next season and with picks 5, 10 and 37 towards the top of the draft, they are in a position to fill their needs, particularly as well as DT now being a need as they traded away Pro Bowler Dexter Lawrence to obtain the 10th pick in this draft from the Cincinatti Bengals.
Biggest Needs: WR, DT, CB, LB
Cleveland Browns (6, 24, 39, 70) : My beloved Browns are absolutely terrible and, apart from Baker Mayfield and one freak season from Joe Flacco, have been terrible at QB since the late 80s and early 90s. This has meant that, despite having one of the best defences in the league over the last five years, led by back to back defencive player of the year DE Myles Garrett and defensive rookie of the year LB Carson Schwesinger, the Browns have still only won 8 games over the last two years. This, along with the fact that the Browns haven't won the division since 1989 and have made the playoffs just four times in that time, should give any browns fan no hope, but they had a very good draft last year, hitting on selections down the board in 3rd round pick TE Harrold Fannin Jr, and the aforementioned Schwesinger and RB Quinshon Judkins in the second the browns young core is starting to build they need to hit on all three of their top 40 picks to have any chance of competing this year with the QB room as terrible as it is.
Biggest Needs: QB, WR, LT, S
Kansas City Chiefs (9, 29, 40, 74): Is the dynasty over? The Chiefs came crashing back down to earth after an unprecedented period of success for them between 2018 and 2025, as they won three Super Bowls and lost a further two. But last year was a disaster, culminating in star QB Patrick Mahomes tearing both his ACL and LCL in his left knee, meaning they are picking much higher in the draft than they usually would be, giving them access to much better prospects than in recent years plus they added pick 29 by trading CB Trent Mcduffie to the Rams meaning they have ammunition to move up or down dependant on how the board falls.
Biggest Needs: CB, DE, WR, RT
Dallas Cowboys (12, 20, 92): The final team with multiple first-round picks in the Cowboys, who gained pick 20 from the Packers by trading Star DE Micah Parsons prior to last season, and if the rumours are to be believed, Owner/GM Jerry Jones is desperate to give QB Dak Prescott a roster that can contend for a championship as soon as possible and is aiming to trade up in the draft with the Cardinals, Titans and Browns all said to be actively looking to trade down the only problem for Dallas is they dont have a second round pick to help them trade up making it likely very difficult.
Biggest Needs: D-line, LB, CB
Prospects
Quarterbacks:
This draft is one of the worst QB classes in history, with only two projected to go in the first two rounds, which would be the lowest ever showing just how bad this QB class is, and with many teams desperate for a franchise QB, most will have to wait till 2027 to take a swing at a QB towards the top of the draft.
Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): The undisputed jewel of this QB class, Fernando Mendoza, looks nailed on to go first overall to the Raiders. He’s got that quintessential frame of a franchise QB at 6'5" and 238 lbs. While he won't be winning any 100-metre sprints, he’s mobile enough to scramble and make a play when the structure breaks down. More importantly, he’s a proven winner; he took an Indiana programme that had been the league's perennial doormat and, alongside Coach Cignetti, turned them into national champions for the first time ever.
When he’s protected, he operates like a surgeon in the pocket. However, he isn't considered a generational prospect in the vein of Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence, and here’s why: when the pressure is dialled up, his production takes a noticeable hit. He lacks the rocket-launcher arm of a Josh Allen or a Patrick Mahomes, too. That said, if you’re asking me, there’s every reason to believe he’ll be a genuine success in the NFL; he just needs the right system to keep him upright.
Floor: Jared Goff
Ceiling: 2008 Matt Ryan
Ty Simpson (Alabama): The second QB on most people's list, and he is likely to go between 25 and 35, with the Cardinals having rumoured interest to trade back into the first round to take him, but for me, I don't see it. He is the ultimate safe option for a team too terrified to take a proper swing at a franchise-altering talent. At 6'2" and just over 200 lbs, he doesn't have that imposing, quintessential frame of the other two, but he makes up for it by being an incredibly tidy operator. He’s a product of the Alabama machine, which means he’s a proven winner at the collegiate level and knows exactly how to lead a high-pressure huddle despite only starting 15 games at the college level.
He’s the sort of player who understands the playbook inside out and will execute a scheme with military precision. But here’s the rub: he lacks that X-factor that separates the good from the great. His arm strength is merely serviceable compared to the elite arms in the league, and he doesn't have the creative spark to pull a miracle out of a hat when the play breaks down, as shown by his performances later in the year as his season got worse week by week, not better. If you’re asking me, I think he is more likely a career backup rather than a consistent NFL starter, as in a shootout vs another elite QB, I don't see him putting the team on his back and making the necessary plays to help them close it out.
Floor: Taylor Heinicke
Ceiling: Alex Smith
Drew Allar (Penn St): The high-upside gamble of this group, Drew Allar, is the lad most likely to make scouts look like geniuses or absolute muppets. He boasts a massive 6'5" frame and weighs in at roughly 243 lbs, looking every bit the part of a prototypical NFL pocket passer. While he isn't exactly a gazelle on the pitch, he has more than enough functional mobility to shift his weight and unleash a throw with genuine pop and has a stronger arm than Mendoza. The problem is you don't know what Allar you are going to get. His 2024 tape is great for the most part, with a few silly throws and needless turnovers, but nothing that other QBs don't have, and had he declared last year, I believe he likely would have been a first-round pick but his decision to stay at Penn St for the 2025 season was a disaster as his 2025 tape was very patchy with some amazing throws but lots more errors, the raw tools are undeniably there but coming off a season ending injury its clear to see why some people have him going as late as round 5 or 6. When the rhythm is right, he has the arm talent to make throws that most people in this class wouldn't even dream of attempting. However, the reason he is such a polarising figure and why I reckon his floor is much lower than Simpson's is that his accuracy tends to vanish when the game gets chaotic. If he doesn't learn to handle the heat of a pro pass rush, he risks becoming another measurables bust who never actually masters the mental side of the game.
Floor: E.J Manuel
Ceiling: Justin Herbert
My top 5 Quarterbacks in the class
1. Mendoza
2. Allar
3. Simpson
4. Taylen Green (Arkansas)
5. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
Running backs
The running back class is, in some ways, very similar to the QB class. It has one outstanding option at the top, and then a few others projected to go between rounds 2 and 3, with a couple of high upside guys down the board, but as running back is a non-premium position in most drafts, there is a player drafted after round 3 who ends up as an NFL starter or better. It's just trying to figure out who that is in this class
Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame): Love enters the draft as the most refined and complete offensive weapon in the class and potentially the best player in it entirely, having evolved from a mere change-of-pace back into a genuine Heisman-calibre cornerstone. His game is built on a rare combination of easy speed and advanced route-running, making him a nightmare for linebackers to track in space. While some scouts nitpick his tendency to bounce runs outside in search of the highlight reel, his production at the highest level of collegiate football is impossible to ignore. He isn't just a runner; he is a chess piece that forces defensive coordinators to rethink their entire sub-package strategy, offering the kind of three-down reliability that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern game. He looks like a lock to go somewhere in the top 10.
Floor: Jahmyr Gibbs
Ceiling: Marshall Faulk
Nicholas Singleton (Penn State): Singleton remains the ultimate enigma prospect, a physical specimen who looks like he was built in a lab but whose on-field consistency has fluctuated wildly throughout his career. At his best, he is a violent, explosive runner capable of turning a routine power-O into a 70-yard touchdown through sheer force of will. However, the 2025 season was a sobering one, as he struggled with vision issues and a significant foot injury that hampered his draft stock. If an NFL coaching staff can refine his eyes and teach him to trust his blocking rather than relying purely on his 4.35 speed, he has the physical tools to be the best pure runner of this entire generation. The foot injury suffered at the Senior Bowl has seen his stock plummet from a fringe first-round guy to somewhere between the end of round 3 start of round 4, but if he fully recovers, there is no doubt he could be a steal down the board.
Floor: Miles Sanders
Ceiling: Nick Chubb
Eli Heidenreich (Navy): The most unique player and evaluation in the 2026 class, Heidenreich has successfully shed the option-only label to become one of the most intriguing hybrid prospects in years. His transition from the Naval Academy’s Snipe position to a legitimate NFL dual-threat back is supported by elite metrics, including a blistering 4.44-second 40-yard dash that silenced any doubts about his top-end gear. He brings a level of discipline and special teams versatility that is practically baked into his DNA as a Midshipman, making him a safe bet to stick on a roster for a decade. Whether he’s utilised as a slot receiver, a third-down back, or a gadget weapon, his ability to produce explosive plays out of thin air makes him a value pick that savvy general managers will be eyeing in the middle rounds.
Floor: Tavon Austin
Ceiling: Christian McCaffrey
Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas): If you are looking for the home run threat of this draft, Washington Jr. is the lad who keeps defensive back coaches up at night. Clocking in with a terrifying 4.33-second 40-yard dash, he possesses the sort of world-class acceleration that makes even elite NFL chasing angles look slow. While he lacks the sheer bulk of a traditional between-the-tackles grinder, his efficiency in space is unparalleled in this class. He is the ultimate one-cut runner; once he sees a crease, he is gone, and he has shown a remarkable knack for maintaining his balance through contact despite his leaner frame. He is a specialised weapon who can instantly transform a stagnant offence into a high-octane unit. could even sneak into the first round if the Seahawks love him.
Floor: Deuce Vaughn
Ceiling: Devon Achane
Emmett Johnson (Nebraska): Johnson is the quintessential coach’s favourite, a high-floor, high-effort runner who thrives on the dirty work that others might shy away from. While he lacks the eye-popping track speed of Washington or Love, he compensates with the best vision and short-area twitch in the 2026 class. He is a master of the hidden yards, consistently falling forward and manipulating defenders in tight spaces to turn a two-yard loss into a four-yard gain. His collegiate tape is a masterclass in patience and gap-scheme execution, suggesting that he will be an immediate contributor for a team that prioritises a physical, North-South rushing attack over flashy highlights. Likely, a round 3 guy could due to lack of speed.
Floor: Alexander Mattison
Ceiling: David Montgomery
My top 5 Running backs in the class
1. Love
2. Heidenreich
3. Washington Jr
4. Johnson
5. Singleton
Day 3 sleeper: Jonah Coleman (Washington)
Wide Receivers
Carnell Tate (Ohio State): establishes himself as the premier route technician in this class, a contested-catch maestro who attacks all three levels of the field with a level of poise rarely seen in a prospect his age. While he may lack the elite, breakaway YAC profile of some of his peers, his ability to manipulate leverage and win in high-leverage situations makes him a safe, high-floor bet for any team seeking a reliable X receiver. He projects as a player who maximises his opportunities, functioning as a polished, intelligent cornerstone who can instantly upgrade the consistency of a pro-level receiving corps. Feels almost certain he goes somewhere between pick 5 and 10.
Floor: Alexander Mattison
Ceiling: Stefon Diggs
Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State): presents the highest ceiling of the group, and the tape shows why Tyson is a fluid, dynamic playmaker whose ability to attack leverage and maintain body control allows him to function as a nightmare matchup against both man and zone coverage. Standing at 6'2", he is a sophisticated route-runner who thrives at the catch point, though his evaluation is heavily clouded by a history of major injuries, including Knee and Calf problems that will force teams to balance his elite on-field upside against the risk of recurring soft-tissue injuries. When healthy, he is an explosive, high-volume target who can dictate terms to a secondary, making him a tantalising gamble for teams willing to look past the medical reports.
Floor: Tyler Boyd
Ceiling: Chris Godwin
Makai Lemon (USC): projects as the class’s premier inside-the-numbers specialist, possessing a level of competitive toughness and elite body control that allows him to punch well above his weight class. Lacking the prototypical X receiver frame or elite straight-line track speed, he compensates with the finest football IQ in the group, showing an unbelievable ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and provide a reliable outlet for his quarterback. He is a high-floor, top-50 calibre prospect who figures to dominate as a slot weapon, providing immediate value for any team in need of a chain-mover who can also contribute on special teams.
Floor: Hunter Renfrow
Ceiling: Julian Edelman
Denzel Boston (Washington): brings a physical, big-bodied profile that scouts are increasingly comparing to Puka Nacua, offering a 6'4" frame that he uses to maximise his catch radius and dominate at the contact point. He moves with surprising fluidity for his size, demonstrating a yards-after-catch mentality and the strength to punish defensive backs who try to press him, though his success is most pronounced against man coverage, where his superior length can overwhelm defenders. While he continues to refine his comfort against zone schemes, his vertical threat capability and reliable hands make him an ideal big slot or boundary weapon for a creative offensive coordinator.
Floor: Allen Lazard
Ceiling: Mike Evans
Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana): serves as one of the draft's most intriguing upside wildcards, a versatile boundary-and-slot threat who consistently led the Big Ten in yards per catch. His game is defined by an explosive, big-play ability that allows him to turn quick hitters into massive gains, and while he faces questions regarding consistent effort and refinement, his raw athletic profile and ability to break tackles make him a high-reward investment. He represents a classic project player for a coaching staff looking to cultivate a dynamic, secondary playmaker who can breathe life into a stagnant offensive rotation.
Floor: KJ Osborn
Ceiling: Terry Mclaurin
KC Concepcion (Texas A&M): is the quintessential ball-in-hand weapon, an electric, shifty playmaker whose greatest attribute is his explosive YAC capability, which is matched only by the frustration of his occasional concentration drops. He is a master of the short-to-intermediate game, capable of turning jet sweeps and quick slants into highlight-reel plays, drawing frequent comparisons to a Deebo Samuel style of hybrid receiver. While he may lack the vertical upside to dominate on deep 50/50 balls, his innate feel for motion and his dynamism as a punt returner make him an irresistible value pick for teams that prioritise versatility and scheme-fitting flexibility over pure height-weight-speed metrics.
Floor: Isaiah McKenzie
Ceiling: Deebo Samuel
1. Tyson
2. Cooper
3. Tate
4. Boston
5. Lemon
There are plenty of other good options outside of these six, headlined by Chris Brazzell (Tennessee), Chris Bell (Louisville), Zachariah Branch (Georgia), and Elijah Sarratt (Indiana), who all have an outside chance of going at the end of round 1 if a team falls in love with them
Day 3 sleeper: Malachi Fields (Notre Dame)
Tight-ends
Floor: Evan Engram
Ceiling: Shannon Sharpe
Floor: Gerald Everett
Ceiling: Jimmy Graham
Floor: Foster Moreau
Ceiling: Dallas Goedert
1. Sadiq
2. Stowers
3. Klare
4. Oscar Delp (Georgia)
5. Sam Roush (Stanford)
Day 3 sleeper: Jake Endries (Texas)
Offensive Tackle
Francis Mauigoa (Miami): Standing 6'5 ½" and weighing 329 lbs with 33 ¼" arms, he establishes himself as the premier anchor of the group. He is a massive, technically refined tackle who plays with the poise of a veteran, possessing heavy hands and the power to stonewall elite edge rushers. While his arm length is occasionally debated by scouts, his functional movement skills allow him to block in space effectively. He is arguably the safest pick in this draft, functioning as a plug-and-play right tackle who could easily slide to left tackle if needed.
Floor: D.J. Fluker.
Ceiling: Penei Sewell.
Spencer Fano (Utah): Measuring 6'5 ½" and 311 lbs with 32 ⅛" arms, he is the prototypical athletic mover that modern offensive coordinators crave. He is a nightmare for speed rushers who attempt to win around the edge, though his arm length often puts him on the shorter end of the threshold, making him a prominent candidate to move inside to guard, where his lateral quickness could make him an elite interior protector. While he struggles occasionally with high-level power at the point of attack, his recovery ability is excellent.
Floor: Alaric Jackson.
Ceiling: Rashawn Slater.
Monroe Freeling (Georgia): Standing 6'7" and weighing 315 lbs with 34 ¾" arms, he offers the highest traits-based upside in the draft. With an elite athletic profile and a frame that can continue to carry quality muscle mass, he is a physical specimen who makes blocking look effortless in space. He possesses the elite arm length that teams covet for the blindside, ensuring he remains a tackle throughout his career. While he is still refining his independent hand usage, he has the foundation to evolve into an All-Pro-calibre protector within two years.
Floor: George Fant
Ceiling: Lane Johnson.
Kadyn Proctor (Alabama): Standing 6'7" and weighing 352 lbs, he is a massive force. He is an aggressive blocker who dominates when he plays with proper timing, and when his technique is synchronised with his physical gifts, he is essentially immovable. He has shown some inconsistency with his pad level and redirection against interior counters, but his size-speed profile is unparalleled in this class. As a massive people-mover, he is a lock to stay at tackle in a power-blocking scheme.
Floor: Andre Dillard.
Ceiling: Trent Brown.
Caleb Lomu (Utah): Standing 6'6" and weighing 313 lbs with 33 ¼" arms, he serves as the technician of this group. He relies on a preternatural feel for leverage and a nasty streak that keeps defenders engaged until the whistle blows. Given his arm length, he is frequently identified as a candidate to move to the interior, where his explosive first step and run-blocking traits would be highly valuable, although his balance and ability to sustain blocks mean he could stick at tackle, and he possesses the rare projection at all 5 o-line positions
Floor: Roger Rosengarten.
Ceiling: Braden Smith.
Max Iheanachor (Arizona State): He is a traits-heavy project measuring 6'5 ⅞" and weighing 321 lbs with 33 ⅞" arms. As a latecomer to the sport, he displays surprising fluidity, meaning he can mirror edge rushers without overextending. While his hand usage and instinctual recognition are still developing, his ceiling is limitless for a team willing to invest the time to refine his technique into that of a cornerstone tackle.
Floor: Germain Ifedi.
Ceiling: Lane Johnson.
My Top 5 Tackles in the draft
1. Freeling
2. Proctor
3. Mauigoa
4. Iheanachor
5. Fano
Day 3 sleeper: Brian Parker II (Duke)
Interior O-line man (OG and C)
Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State): Standing 6'4" and weighing 320 lbs, he is widely considered the top interior prospect in the class. He is a physically dominant blocker who thrives in both gap and zone schemes, possessing the strength to reset the line of scrimmage instantly. While he plays with high leverage, his pass-blocking technique is polished, allowing him to neutralise interior pass rushers effectively.
Floor: Isaac Seumalo.
Ceiling: Chris Lindstrom.
Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon): Measuring 6'4" and 314 lbs, he is a powerful, aggressive guard who bullies opponents. He brings extensive experience and high-level productivity, particularly in zone schemes where his movement skills shine. He is a plug-and-play starter who relies on massive, strong hands to control his man throughout the rep.
Floor: Ben Bredeson
Ceiling: Robert Hunt
Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M): Standing 6'5" and weighing 315 lbs, he is an ascending prospect with a high ceiling in the run game. He excels at getting out in space to hit smaller targets and has the physical makeup to be a long-term starter at guard. While he is still refining his pass-protection hand usage, his ability to generate push and his natural size make him a reliable asset.
Floor: Cade Mays
Ceiling: Alijah Vera-Tucker
Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech): Measuring 6'4" and 316 lbs, he is a tough, versatile blocker who excels in space and demonstrates great agility. His performance in athletic testing, particularly his short shuttle, highlights the movement skills he brings to the interior. He fits almost any scheme and makes his presence felt with consistent effort and a physical demeanour.
Floor: Calvin Throckmorton
Ceiling: Quinn Meinerz
Connor Lew (Auburn): Standing 6'3" and 310 lbs, he is a technically sound center who relies on excellent leverage and high football IQ. He excels at diagnosing defensive fronts and identifying blitzes, making him an ideal field general for a line. While he lacks elite size, his balance and ability to maintain position make him a perfect fit for a team prioritising technical proficiency.
Floor: Jake Brendel
Ceiling: Ryan Kelly
Sam Hecht (Kansas State): Measuring 6'4" and 303 lbs, he is one of the most reliable technicians in the center class. He processes defensive movement quickly and demonstrates outstanding lateral agility, allowing him to reach and seal defenders in zone concepts. He may be outmatched by power-based nose tackles at times, but his consistency and lack of mental errors make him a high-floor prospect.
Floor: Matt Skura
Ceiling: Frank Ragnow
My Top 5 Interior O-line man in the draft
1. Ioane
2. Bisontis
3. Lew
4. Pregnon
5. Rutledge
Day 3 sleeper: Jager Burton (Kentucky)
Edge Rusher
Arvell Reese (Ohio St): Arguably the premier talent in this year’s draft class, standing alongside prospects like Love and Downs. While primarily utilised as an off-the-ball linebacker in college, Reese was brilliant when rushing the passer, tallying 23 pressures and 8 sacks last season. His development draws clear comparisons to Micah Parsons, who similarly transitioned from a college linebacker to a dominant NFL edge rusher. At 6'4" and 241 lbs, Reese possesses the ideal frame to be a disruptive force off the edge, whilst providing a high floor as an above-average linebacker for whichever team selects him. A sure-fire lock in the top 5.
Floor: Quay Walker
Ceiling: Micah Parsons
David Bailey (Texas Tech): David Bailey arguably possesses the highest ceiling in this draft class, though he represents a high-risk, high-reward proposition. His first-step explosiveness is truly elite—he often bypasses the offensive tackle before they can even register his presence. At 6'3" and 251 lbs, paired with a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, his physical profile is terrifying.
However, his game remains raw. He is an inconsistent rusher who is prone to being physically overwhelmed if his initial speed move fails to land. Coupled with his currently substandard run defence, he is a developmental project. If coached properly, he has the potential to become a top-five edge rusher in the NFL; conversely, failing to refine his technique and improve his run-stopping ability may limit him to being a one-dimensional, situational third-down specialist. But saying this, someone in the top 8 will take a chance on Bailey, and he could even go as high as 2 come draft night.
Floor: K'Lavon Chaisson
Ceiling: TJ Watt
Rueben Bain Jr (Miami): Rueben Bain Jr. stands as the premier technician in this class, with his hand placements and elite pad level. While he may not possess the prototype length of a prototypical 4-3 defensive end, measuring in at 6'2" and 263 lbs with 30 7/8-inch arms, his production is difficult to argue with. Bain is a polished, pro-ready defender who excels in the run game, showing none of the bust risk associated with more athletic but raw projects like David Bailey. Coming off a dominant 2025 campaign, he logged 15.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, proving his ability to overpower blockers despite his physical stature. His performance in the National Championship, where he consistently bullied Indiana’s offensive line, demonstrated that his hand-fighting and leverage-based approach translates to elite competition. Although his lack of arm length may cause him to slide into the mid-first round, he offers a high-floor profile: a reliable starter who is technical enough to contribute immediately, with the motor and football intelligence to develop into a perennial Pro Bowler.
Floor: Carl Granderson
Ceiling: Brandon Graham
Akheem Mesidor (Miami): The most experienced and technically refined edge rusher in this class. At 6'3" and 259 lbs, Mesidor offers an NFL-ready frame and a seasoned skillset that sets him apart from younger, raw prospects. He is coming off a dominant 2025 campaign where he tallied 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles, serving as the relentless motor behind Miami’s run to the National Championship opposite Bain. Mesidor plays with an incredibly deep toolbox of pass-rush moves and possesses the rare versatility to slide inside and disrupt guards, something he did all season consistently.
The main knock against Mesidor is his age; he will turn 25 as a rookie, and the fact that his anchor against the run is only average compared to the elite edge-setters in the league. While some teams may view his age as a ceiling on his long-term growth, his pro-ready floor is undeniable. He is a plug-and-play defender who understands leverage, hand-fighting, and professional defensive schemes, making him a high-floor starter who should provide immediate production from day one.
Floor: Dawuane Smoot
Ceiling: Demarcus Lawrence
Keldric Faulk (Auburn): If you are looking for the prototypical defensive end for a team that values size, physicality, and alignment versatility, Faulk is your prospect. Standing at an imposing 6'6" and 276 lbs with excellent 34 3/8" arm length, he is built to set the edge in a 4-3 front or slide inside to defensive tackle on obvious passing downs. Unlike the Undersized prospects earlier in this list, Faulk is a power-based defender who wins with a violent temperament and a high-impact collision style rather than elite bend or speed. He plays with an unrelenting motor, though he is currently more of a run-stopper first, pass-rusher second type, as shown by only accumulating 2.0 sacks in 2025, but he has shown pass-rush upside in 2024 when he recorded 7.0 sacks. He needs to refine his pass-rush move set, but his physical frame and length provide the perfect foundation for an NFL team to mould him into a multi-phase weapon.
Floor: Tanoh Kpassagnon
Ceiling: Zedarious Smith
Malachi Lawrence (UCF): I love Lawrence in my mind; he is Edge 3 in this class behind Reese and Bailey. While Keldric Faulk is the power-based enforcer, Lawrence is a high-octane speed demon. At 6'4" and 253 lbs, he possesses elite testing numbers (4.52 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical) that translate directly to the field. He is a polished rusher who understands how to use NFL-ready pass rush moves to beat tackles and create pressure. However, unlike Faulk, Lawrence is not a plug-and-play run defender yet; he is at his best when he can pin his ears back and attack the quarterback. He is a modern 3-4 Outside Linebacker who thrives in space and speed-based systems.
Floor: Arden Key
Ceiling: Brian Burns
Expect all six of these to get their name called on day 1 with potential for Cashius Howell (Texas A&M), TJ Parker (Clemson) and Zion Young (Missouri) to also go in the first round
My Top 5 Edge Rushers in the draft
1. Reese
2. Bailey
3. Lawrence
4. Bain
5. Faulk
Day 3 sleeper: Keyshawn James-Newby (New Mexico)
Interior D-lineman
Kayden McDonald (Ohio St): If you are searching for a dominant, space-eating nose tackle who serves as the anchor for a defensive front, McDonald is your primary target. Standing at a compact 6'3" and 326 lbs, he functions primarily as a two-down force who excels in 0-tech to 2-tech alignments. He is a bowling ball in shoulder pads, using elite leverage, immense upper-body power, and a violent first step to reset the line of scrimmage and collapse pockets from the inside. While his pass-rush repertoire remains a work in progress, relying more on bull-rushes and swim moves than complex hand-fighting, his ability to dominate in the run game is nearly unrivalled in this class. He is the definition of a high-floor prospect who will immediately improve any team’s run defence.
Floor: Grover Stewart
Ceiling: Vince Wilfork
Peter Woods (Clemson): Woods is the quintessential disruptive interior lineman for the modern NFL. His 2024 campaign was nothing short of exceptional, establishing him as one of the most exciting interior threats in the country; however, he followed this with a less productive 2025 season where his statistical output regressed. Despite that dip in production, his athletic profile, 6'2" and 298 lbs with rare agility and explosive burst, remains elite. He possesses the versatility to win as a 3-tech but retains the technical refinement to play across the defensive front. While his shorter arms are a common talking point, he compensates with a motor that rarely stops and a natural ability to split double teams. He remains a high-upside prospect who, if a team can recapture the form he displayed in 2024, could be a true three-down weapon.
Floor: B.J. Hill
Ceiling: Quinnen Williams
Caleb Banks (Florida): If you are looking for a boom-or-bust prospect at this position with truly unique physical gifts, Banks is the player to watch. At an imposing 6'6" and 330 lbs, he is a massive defensive tackle with the kind of size and movement capacity that teams covet in an odd-front scheme. He has shown the ability to occupy space and be a genuine force against the run, though his development has been hampered by injury. Because he is still learning to use his immense frame as a pass-rusher rather than relying solely on raw strength, he requires a patient coaching staff to unlock his full potential. If he stays healthy and refines his technique, he has the physical profile to be a game-changer.
Floor: Taven Bryan
Ceiling: Jordan Davis
My Top 5 Interior D-line men in the draft:
1. McDonald
2. Woods
3. Banks
4. Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)
5. Christen Miller (Georgia)
Day 3 sleeper: Uar Bernard (International player pathway): the most intriguing international player maybe ever, his combine performance was just insane with a 39 inch vert and 4.63 40 yard dash, all while being 6'4 306lbs, he is very raw as he only started training for the draft this year and has never played a snap of organised football in his life but the measurements are their for someone to take a chance on him in the late rounds and develop him into an absolute monster like the Eagles did with Jordan Mailata
Linebackers
Sonny Styles (Ohio State): Styles is the most complete linebacker in this class. Built with the frame of a safety but the play-strength of a traditional box linebacker, he represents the modern NFL archetype. He thrives in coverage, showing the fluid hips to run with tight ends and the range to erase shallow crossers. He is not a pure 'thumper,' but his ability to diagnose plays pre-snap, and his elite closing speed make him a constant disruptive presence in both the run and pass game. His testing at the 2026 Combine was historic for a man of his size (6'5", 244 lbs), clocking a 4.46s 40-yard dash and recording a 43.5-inch vertical, the highest ever for a linebacker over 240 lbs, alongside an 11'2" broad jump.
Floor: Isaiah Simmons
Ceiling: Fred Warner
CJ Allen (Georgia):
If you are looking for a true see-ball, get-ball linebacker, Allen is your prospect. He plays with an aggression that is infectious. His style often forces the ball carrier to hesitate. He is exceptionally disciplined in his run fits and is a high-volume tackler who rarely misses once he squares up. He is less of a pure coverage specialist than Styles, but his reliability in the middle of the defence makes him a safe, high-value selection for any team looking to shore up their run defence immediately.
Floor: Kyzir White
Ceiling: Dre Greenlaw
Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas): Hill is the premier blitzing linebacker in this class. He has a unique feel for timing his gap-shoots and possesses the explosive first step to finish plays in the backfield. While he is sometimes over-aggressive, chasing plays rather than maintaining his gap, his ability to force turnovers and create negative plays is rare. He is a high-reward prospect for a defensive coordinator who wants an aggressive, attacking 3-4 or 4-3 scheme that prioritises pressure.
Floor: Jamin Davis
Ceiling: Demario Davis
Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech):
Rodriguez is a Technician prospect who wins with intelligence and preparation rather than raw, elite testing numbers. He is remarkably smart, often diagnosing plays faster than the offensive linemen can reach the second level. He is incredibly reliable in coverage, demonstrating excellent route-recognition skills, and he rarely puts himself in a bad position. While he lacks the wow factor of a Styles or an Anthony Hill, he is the kind of professional who should play for a decade. Plus, out of these linebackers, he had by far the best season in 2025 at the collegiate level, which made him a Heisman finalist, the first linebacker to achieve that since 2012
Floor: Tae Crowder
Ceiling: T.J. Edwards
My Top 5 Linebackers in the draft:
1. Styles
2. Hill
3. Rodriguez
4. Allen
5. Jake Golday (Cincinnati)
Day 3 sleeper: Red Murdock (Buffalo)
Cornerbacks
Mansoor Delane (LSU):
Delane is the most disciplined and versatile cornerback in this class, operating with a level of football IQ that makes him appear as if he is running the routes for the receivers. Standing at 6'0" and 187 lbs, he possesses the ideal frame to thrive in both press-man and zone schemes, rarely appearing flustered regardless of the leverage or situation. He is a willing tackler who uses his elite change-of-direction skills to erase space and attack the ball carrier immediately. His testing was elite across the board, highlighted by a 4.38s 40-yard dash, proving he has the physical tools to mirror the shiftiest wideouts in the league on an island.
Floor: Ronald Darby
Ceiling: Marlon Humphrey
Jermod McCoy (Tennessee):
McCoy is the best Cornerback in this class if he can stay healthy. He is a ball-hawk prospect who pairs elite ball skills with the explosive traits of a former triple-jump champion. At 6'1" and 188 lbs, he uses his plus-length, supported by a 31¼ inch arm measurement, to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage, effectively neutralising vertical threats before they can get into their routes. While he is recovering from a 2025 ACL injury, his 2024 tape remains the standard for the position, showing an uncanny ability to high-point the ball in traffic. His athletic profile is elite, clocking a 4.40s 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical.
Floor: Jason Verrett
Ceiling: Denzel Ward
Colton Hood (Tennessee):
Hood is arguably the most complete player in this group, possessing the versatility to be a true plug-and-play starter. Measuring 5'11⅝" and 193 lbs, he plays with a scrappy, physical demeanour that makes him just as effective in run support as he is in coverage, frequently acting as a force on the perimeter. Whether he is dropping into zone or sticking with a receiver in man, he displays consistent technique and an aggressive mindset that rarely allows for free yardage. His athletic profile is solid, verified by a 4.44s 40-yard dash, solidifying his status as a first-round-worthy talent capable of lining up inside or out.
Floor: Dane Jackson
Ceiling: Kenny Moore II
Avieon Terrell (Clemson):
Terrell is a battle-tested, physical playmaker whose production, including a Clemson-record eight forced fumbles over his final two seasons, speaks louder than his athletic testing numbers. At 5'11" and 186 lbs, he is the quintessential nickel or sub-package weapon who excels at playing downhill, chasing down ball carriers, and making big hits after the catch. While he possesses a 31-inch arm length that helps him punch above his weight, he compensates for average straight-line speed with elite instincts and the savvy of a player with significant experience in a pro-style defence. He relies on route recognition and relentless effort, making him a high-floor defensive back.
Floor: Arthur Maulet
Ceiling: Taron Johnson
Brandon Cisse (South Carolina):
Cisse is the high-upside project of this group, offering the kind of raw athleticism that coaches love to mould. Standing 6'0" and 189 lbs, he pairs his frame with decent length (30¾" arms) to challenge vertical threats. While he is more of a projection than a sure thing compared to the others, his tape shows flashes of elite movement ability, particularly in how he transitions his hips to stay in the pocket of receivers. His combine performance, a 41-inch vertical and a broad jump of 10'11", demonstrated the raw power and spring he uses to recover when he is out of position, giving him significant untapped potential.
Floor: Isaac Yiadom
Ceiling: Tariq Woolen
D'Angelo Ponds (Indiana): Ponds is the definitive slot cornerback in this draft class, offering the kind of elite agility and mentality that defensive coordinators covet for inside coverage. Standing 5'9" and 182 lbs, he plays with a level of urgency and aggression that is infectious, serving as the heart of his secondary by constantly challenging receivers at the catch point and delivering big hits in the run game. He operates with an elite 3.95s shuttle time that puts him in the top tier of agility for this class, allowing him to mirror twitchy slot receivers through their breaks across the formation. He is a high-IQ, high-motor defender who overcomes his lack of prototypical outside height with near-perfect route recognition and the willingness to do the dirty work that most perimeter corners avoid.
Floor: K'Wuan Williams
Ceiling: Tyrann Mathieu
My Top 5 Cornerbacks in the draft:
1. McCoy
2. Delane
3. Cisse
4. Terrell
5. Hood
Day 3 sleeper: Julian Neal (Arkansas)
Safeties
Its and amazing Safety class with at least 3 first round talents backed up by a group of great players down the board, it looks to be one of the best safety classes ever.
Caleb Downs (Ohio State)
Downs is a generational talent at the safety position, possessing the football IQ of a veteran coordinator trapped in the body of a 6'0", 206 lbs defensive playmaker. He is a defensive weapon that transcends traditional labels, comfortable aligning from deep safety to the slot or even into the box as a linebacker depth piece. His ability to read route combinations like a quarterback allows him to trigger downhill with zero hesitation, and his closing speed is elite. He is the standard-bearer for this class, a culture-changing presence whose versatility and physicality make him an immediate impact starter.
Floor: Grant Delpit
Ceiling: Derwin James
Dillon Thieneman (Oregon)
Thieneman is the ultimate range-finder of this group, an explosive athlete who pairs 4.35s speed with the instincts of a seasoned ball-hawk. At 6'0" and 201 lbs, he excels in deep-half coverage, demonstrating the fluidity to guard the sidelines and the closing burst to shatter passing windows. He is equally comfortable playing the 'alley' in the run game, showing the willingness to strike and the discipline to maintain leverage. His production over his career at Purdue and Oregon proves he is a big-play machine who creates turnovers through pure anticipation.
Floor: Jessie Bates III
Ceiling: Justin Simmons
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo):
EMW is the high-ceiling, physical marvel of this class, offering rare length and range for the safety position. Standing a towering 6'4" and 201 lbs, he uses his massive frame to shrink throwing lanes and challenge wideouts for the ball at the highest point. He is a reliable tackler who excels in both box and field alignments, showing comfort in navigating traffic and staying patient in zone coverage. His discipline in reading the quarterback's eyes makes him a nightmare for deep-threat passers, as he rarely bites on double moves and trusts his recovery speed to fix minor errors.
Floor: George Iluka
Ceiling: Kyle Hamilton
A.J. Haulcy (LSU):
Haulcy is the quintessential deep-middle safety who brings an aggressive, tone-setting mentality to the secondary. At 5'11" and 205 lbs, he plays with a massive motor, constantly flying around the field to deliver big hits and force fumbles. He excels at playing the centerfield role, using his excellent range and recognition skills to break on the ball as soon as it leaves the quarterback's hand. He is a reliable, high-effort defender who fills the run gaps with authority and rarely lets the ball get behind him, functioning as a steadying presence for the back end.
Floor: Chris Conte
Ceiling: Antoine Winfield Jr
Zakee Wheatley (Penn State):
Wheatley is a long, springy athlete at 6'2" and 195 lbs who offers the kind of ball-tracking ability and range that defensive coordinators covet for single-high schemes. He is a 'natural' in the secondary, showing the fluid hips to transition in space and the length to disrupt passes even when he isn't in the perfect position. While he continues to add functional play strength to be a true force in the box against NFL-sized tight ends, his coverage instincts are arguably some of the best in this group. He is a prospect with the physical profile to become a high-level starter once he fills out his frame.
Floor: Jayron Kearse
Ceiling: Trevon Moehrig
Kamari Ramsey (USC): Ramsey is the Swiss Army Knife of this safety class, a highly intelligent defender who thrives in split-safety schemes. Standing 6'0" and 202 lbs, he possesses the processing speed to diagnose route combinations before they develop, allowing him to play effectively in both the box and the deep half. He is not a high-volume, flashy hitter, but rather a see-it, kill-it processor who maximises his athleticism through near-perfect alignment and assignment discipline. He is the ideal candidate for a defence that prioritises communication and spacing over pure, physical intimidation.
Floor: Tavon Wilson
Ceiling: Micah Hyde
Genesis Smith (Arizona):
Smith is the long, single-high range defender who fits the modern eraser prototype. At 6'2" and 202 lbs, he uses his length to shrink throwing windows, making him particularly valuable in Cover 3 or Cover 1 looks where teams need a safety who can cover sideline-to-sideline. He is still refining his play strength, but his fluidity in transition and his ability to high-point the ball make him a distinct commodity for teams that want to be aggressive in their deep coverage. He has the frame that coaches can easily mould into a cornerstone perimeter defensive back.
Floor: DeShon Elliott
Ceiling: Marcus Williams
My Top 5 Safeties in the draft:
1. Downs
2. McNeil-Warren
3. Thieneman
4. Haulcy
5. Smith
Day 3 sleeper: Cole Wisniewski (Texas Tech)
My Mock draft round 1:
- Daniel Mott
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