2026 NFL Draft rankings: Which prospects earned a spot on latest top-50 board? – The Athletic
Arvell Reese has exploded up draft boards with his performance for Ohio State this season. Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With less than a month remaining in college football’s regular season, the 2026 NFL Draft class is starting to come into focus.
Truth time: Some aspects of the ’26 class are underwhelming. The top of the draft isn’t as strong, relative to most years. Offensive line isn’t the strength we thought it could be coming into the season. And because of how the senior quarterbacks have underperformed, needy NFL teams are stuck hoping multiple underclassmen QBs declare.
However, there are also several reasons to be excited about this year’s class. There are plenty of defensive linemen who will be able to upgrade NFL fronts. Optimism about the wide receivers and cornerbacks continues to grow. And this is a really fun linebacker group, starting with Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, who has emerged as the top draft-eligible prospect.
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Want to play him as a full-time edge rusher? Reese can do that. Prefer to keep him off the ball? He can do that, too.
At 6 feet 4 and 240 pounds with long arms, Reese is just as comfortable setting the edge with violence as he is dropping in space to cover ground or using burst to capture the corner and close on the quarterback.
I don’t know how realistic it is that Reese actually will be the first player (or first non-quarterback) drafted, but he is the best draft-eligible prospect I have studied in 2025.
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John Fisher / Getty Images
With a grand total of nine starts (and counting) in college, Simpson doesn’t have the experience NFL teams desire at the quarterback position. Believe it or not, Simpson already had graduated and secured a degree from Alabama before even throwing his first career touchdown pass.
However, if you’ve watched Simpson play this season, you’ve seen a passer with the processing and operation of a future NFL starter. How will NFL teams reconcile Simpson’s lack of starts with his promising tape? If he declares, that will be the main question surrounding his draft outlook. But there is no denying the high-level quarterback play he’s delivered.
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Like Arvell Reese, I don’t think Downs will be drafted as highly as I have him ranked, because of positional value. Given how the NFL has drafted safeties in recent years, we can’t even call Downs a top-10 lock.
But the Ohio State All-American is one of the best pure football players in this draft class. NFL coaches are going to love how he marries his athletic ability, field vision and toughness.
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Joseph Maiorana / Imagn Images
Because of the way Auburn deploys him, Faulk doesn’t post gaudy backfield numbers (just two sacks in 10 games this season). But, at 6 feet 6 and 270 pounds, he regularly impacts the game with power behind his hands to create movement, detach from blockers and find the football.
Faulk is one of the youngest players eligible for this draft class. When focusing on his high-level traits, it isn’t hard to get excited about what his future can be with continued development.
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NFL teams looking to become more explosive on offense are going to have Love high on their wish lists in April. His explosiveness and ability to stay afloat as a ball carrier are unique qualities, along with the value he adds in the passing game.
Love currently leads all FBS running backs with 16 total touchdowns (13 rushing, three receiving) and ranks third with 37 plays of 10-plus yards (28 carries, nine catches).
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Justin Casterline / Imagn Images
With a dense, short-armed body type, Bain doesn’t have the frame you traditionally see from pass rushers drafted this early. But it is hard to ignore the ways he uses get-off, power and natural leverage to pressure the quarterback and shut down the run.
His play style reminds me of Brandon Graham.
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Leonardo Fernandez / USA Today
Up from No. 20 on our preseason top 50, Mendoza has the football IQ, accuracy and even-keeled demeanor that will make him QB1 for several NFL teams. He is very clean in his execution, because of the way he sees the field and comes up with solutions to different problems.
NFL teams are split on his ceiling as a pro, but they are very encouraged by his floor.
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Soobum Im / Imagn Images
A hamstring injury is about the only thing that has been able to slow down Tyson this season.
The Arizona State receiver has a knack for creating his own separation and winning at the catch point, regardless of where he lines up across the formation. Tyson has 18 touchdown catches over his last 17 games.
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Arianna Grainey / Imagn Images
Based on his 2024 tape, McCoy looked like one of the top defensive prospects in this draft class. But a January ACL injury clouded his projection, and we still haven’t received much of an update on his situation.
Ultimately, if he declares, McCoy’s spot in the rankings could be determined by the medical feedback he receives.
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Robin Alam / ISI Photos/Getty Images
The wide receiver factory in Columbus, Ohio, has another stud ready to upgrade an NFL offense.
For a taller receiver, Tate is incredibly meticulous in his routes and at his best on vertical stems, where he can use pacing and acceleration to win downfield. He has been dominant at the catch point this season — zero drops and a 92.3 percent contested-catch rate (12 catches on 13 contested targets).
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When Utah needs a yard, its offense runs behind No. 55 at right tackle. Fano has looked mortal at times this season, but he is an athletic big man with quick, efficient footwork and latch-and-drive strength.
Though there isn’t a Joe Alt-level tackle prospect in the 2026 class, Fano has a lot to offer as a future NFL starter.
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Like Ty Simpson, Moore also lacks ideal starting experience — but he is younger and more likely to return to school for the 2026 season. (An NFL scout to The Athletic: “The Oregon finance department will make sure he’s back.”)
Moore’s inexperience shows on tape, but so does his ascending talent. It has been fun to watch him develop this year as the Oregon coaches have put more and more on his plate.
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My top-ranked prospect entering the season, Woods hasn’t lived up to that high bar. However, he is a nimble big man with the agility and physicality to be disruptive.
Clemson’s defense has been pretty disappointing in 2025, but scouts are eager to see how Woods — and the rest of the NFL talent on that roster — finishes the season.
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Katie Januck / USA Today
The FBS leader in pressures, Bailey is a bullet off the edge and creates conflict for blockers in space, which is why he was a top-30 prospect on my preseason draft board and continues to rise.
Though his pass-rush value always will be his bread and butter, Bailey’s clear improvement as a run defender should help him avoid the “one-trick pony” label from scouts.
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The struggle with Sellers’ evaluation will be divorcing the quarterback as a player from his surroundings to better understand how responsible Sellers’ supporting cast is for his up-and-down season.
Because of Sellers’ rare physical skill set and promising mental development, NFL teams remain excited for his future. Another year in college (whether he stays at South Carolina or looks for a change of scenery) likely would benefit his long-term outlook, though.
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A former five-star recruit, Mauigoa became an immediate starter at right tackle for the Hurricanes as a freshman and has shown gradual improvements each season.
His tape says he can stay outside at tackle, but his skill set at the next level might be maximized by a move inside to guard. Regardless, Mauigoa is a high-floor prospect.
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Though he’s not on the Brock Bowers level as a prospect (who is?), Sadiq is an impressive athlete with the talent to be a mismatch weapon for an NFL offense.
His youth often shows, which should be expected for a tight end who’s only 20, but his upside as both a blocker and receiver is exciting.
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It is hard to find 360-pound athletes with explosive power like Proctor, but there has been little consistency on his 2025 tape.
Some teams are dead set on keeping him outside at the next level. Others want to move him inside to guard, where he wouldn’t have to worry as much about landmarks and depth points on an island.
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When Delane ultimately gets dinged at the NFL Scouting Combine because of his lack of elite length and speed, just turn on the tape and watch his sticky coverage for a quick reminder why he deserves to be a first-round pick.
The Virginia Tech transfer is allowing just 35.7 percent completions when targeted and leads the Tigers with seven pass breakups.
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Lemon isn’t going to wow with his size/speed testing in the spring, but his feel for maneuvering through coverage and creating after the catch will make him a productive NFL receiver.
Some will get caught up labeling him as a “slot-only” receiver, but most will see just a good football player.
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Undersized by NFL standards, Terrell plays with a “Honey Badger” aura to him. He loves to compete, whether he is disrupting catch-point windows or chasing ball carriers and going for the strip.
Avieon soon will join his older brother, A.J. Terrell, as a starting cornerback in the NFL.
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Whether a team is looking for a traditional X receiver on the outside or a big slot option, Boston can make plays in either role.
Though he lacks ideal suddenness versus press coverage, he runs well for his size and finishes catches with outstanding hand strength and a “my ball” mentality.
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Although you’d like to see more of a pass-rush impact on his tape, McDonald has been a dominant run defender as a first-year starter for the Buckeyes.
At 330 pounds, he plays with the power and hip snap to reset the line of scrimmage and the range to make plays in multiple gaps.
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It helps that he also wears No. 3, but watching Allen fly around gives flashbacks of scouting Roquan Smith when he was at Georgia.
Allen has excellent key-and-diagnose skills and is a strong finisher as a tackler. The Georgia coaches rave about his leadership and will to win.
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One of the biggest “stock-up” prospects this season, Cisse is a springy, fast athlete with the cover skills to stay attached to wide receivers, up and down the field.
The South Carolina coaches say it didn’t take long for the NC State transfer to compete for the title of “fastest player in the program.”
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It is rare to find 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebackers who are freak athletes. Ohio State has two of them: Styles and Arvell Reese.
A senior captain, Styles is still just 20 years old. He uses his range and speed to quickly react to what he sees, and he isn’t close to reaching his ceiling.
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Adam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch
After combining for 32 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks over his first two years, Parker hasn’t filled up the stat sheet the same way this season (two sacks, six TFLs) on a disappointing Clemson defense.
But he uses his size and length to force his way into the pocket, and NFL scouts will be watching closely to see how he finishes the season.
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Katie Januck / Getty Images
The top interior offensive linemen on this board, Ioane has been one of the few bright spots on a beleaguered Penn State offense.
Along with good movement skills for a 335-pounder, the redshirt junior is stout in pass protection and a mauler in the run game.
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Concepcion was a weapon at NC State, and now he’s a key reason behind Texas A&M’s undefeated start.
Mike Evans is the only wide receiver in Aggies history to be a top-40 pick, but thanks to his athletic pass-catching skills, Concepcion can change that in April.
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A first-year starter for the Ducks, Washington has been more flash than consistency. This high ranking, then, is based more on traits and upside than polished production.
At 6 feet 3 and 330 pounds, he has rare lateral quickness and strength, which allow him to be disruptive versus the run.
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Jeffrey Baker / Imagn Images
Although he is still fine-tuning the details of playing wide receiver, Bell is a rocked-up, 227-pound athlete with explosive 4.4 speed.
It will take more time for him to realize his immense potential, but his size and run-after-catch ability are the main selling points on his scouting report.
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At 6 feet 5 and 255 pounds with 33-inch arms, Young has prototypical size for edge work. He’s playing his best ball as a senior, too, already having set career bests in pressures (30), tackles for loss (11) and sacks (five).
A gregarious personality, Young sets a physical edge and uses aggressive rush moves to deconstruct blocks.
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John Reed / Imagn Images
The feedback from scouts on Bernard has been almost universal: not exceptional in any one area — just a good football player.
Bernard is more savvy than speedy, and he does a great job using his frame and smooth athleticism to operate, both inside and outside.
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From Auburn to Colorado and now Tennessee, Hood is on his third program in three years — and playing well for the Volunteers.
A good-sized athlete, Hood has a team-high eight passes defended and shows the coverage awareness to make plays in man or zone.
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At 6 feet 2 and 250 pounds with arms shorter than 31 inches, Howell doesn’t have the size that NFL teams desire on the edges. But he consistently captures the corner using his burst off the ball and bend at the top of his rush.
Based on how he’s played as a senior, Cashius soon will be cashing in.
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Miller doesn’t jump off the tape as a pass rusher (partly because he isn’t asked to attack in Georgia’s scheme). But he is a dominant run defender with the range and play strength to make stops up and down the line of scrimmage.
He’ll be an immediate part of an NFL defensive line rotation.
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Todd Kirkland / Getty Images
Aside from having the best nickname in the class, “Big Citrus” is a legitimate NFL talent.
With his squatty and dense 330-pound frame, the Cyclones’ nose tackle not only absorbs contact and holds his ground, but he also has explosive hands to create knock-back and displace blocks.
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At 6 feet 7 1/2 and 320 pounds with 32 1/2-inch arms, Tiernan is very efficient and disciplined in his pass sets, making it tough for rushers to get around him.
He will leave Northwestern having made more than 40 straight starts, with experience at both left and right tackle.
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The Irish’s “other” running back, Price doesn’t have the same dynamic burst as teammate Jeremiyah Love, but he might have the edge when it comes to run patience and tempo.
Price is averaging 6.0 yards per carry and has a pair of 100-yard kick-return touchdowns this season, so he brings added value on special teams.
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Rhodes lines up both inside and outside for the Razorbacks, and his impressive length helps him create movement and shed blocks.
He ranks second in the SEC in tackles for loss this season, with 14 through nine games.
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Andy Altenburger / Icon Sportswire
With his footwork and movement skills, Lomu flashes exciting potential, especially in pass protection. But he needs to get stronger and improve as a run blocker before he is ready to face NFL defenders.
However, NFL scouts believe the left tackle will return to Utah for another season, which makes sense.
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Ric Tapia / Getty Images
A former defensive end in the FCS (Central Arkansas), Golday transferred to Cincinnati, moved to strongside linebacker and put himself on the NFL radar.
Though he’s still developing his instincts in coverage, he is an impressive athlete and has his best football ahead of him.
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Tanner Pearson / Associated Press
Uiagalelei, who is still piecing together how to be a more efficient pass rusher, has had a quieter season than most expected (16 tackles, four sacks).
He plays physical versus the run, though, with consistent effort that gets him noticed on tape.
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Michael Reaves / Getty Images
Toledo has produced five defensive draft picks over the last four years, and McNeil-Warren will be the next Rockets prospect to hear his name called.
A long, rangy athlete, the Tampa, Fla., native can man-up against pass catchers. However, he is at his best roaming in coverage, so he can read, flow and close on the ball.
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James Snook / Imagn Images
Despite lacking ideal size, Thomas competes with better point-of-attack strength than most players of a similar build.
But he earned a spot in the top 50 because of his get-off burst and motor, which he uses to stress blockers off the edge and chase down ball carriers.
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Brian Bahr / Getty Images
Banks has been sidelined for almost the entire 2025 season by a foot injury, which is clouding his draft projection.
When healthy, though, he is a big (35-inch arms), twitchy athlete. He put disruptive play on his 2024 tape, in both phases.
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Tyler Kaufman / Getty Images
Lightly recruited out of high school, Pregnon started his college career at Wyoming before putting himself on the NFL radar as a two-year starter at USC.
He would have been drafted last year had he joined the ’25 class. Instead, he transferred to Oregon, where he has blossomed into one of the top guards in the country.
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Barry Reeger / Associated Press
It is not easy to find 6-foot-5, 340-pound athletes with 35-inch arms, 11-inch hands and burst to close — which is why Jackson makes the cut for the top 50.
He’s green as a pass rusher but powerful at contact and tough to move from his spot in the run game.
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Thieneman was a really good player on a bad Purdue team the last two seasons. He’s still a really good player now, only on an excellent Oregon team that doesn’t require him to be the hero each game.
Thanks to his abilities in man coverage and as a run defender, Thieneman is a future NFL starter.
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Troy Wayrynen / Imagn Images
No disrespect to Fernando Mendoza, but Indiana is far more than just its star quarterback.
Now in his third season as the Hoosiers’ left tackle, Smith is an angry run blocker and has yet to allow a sack this season. Though his size dimensions are probably better suited for guard in the NFL, his stout anchor will serve him well wherever he lines up.
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Robert Goddin / Imagn Images
Nov 18, 2025
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