NFL prospects begin their draft process this week as the Scouting Combine gets underway. Below are the top 50 prospects on my big board before the players hit the field in Indianapolis. A few notes:
- Measurables were left off until we get official listings from the Combine
- Comps are what I see naturally in their ability, size, and movement. I don’t force them.
- I’m happy to debate – all rankings are discussionary. Follow me on X @JLSports24
1. Arvell Reese LB/EDGE Ohio State
The best prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft is similar to the best prospect in the 2025 draft (Travis Hunter) in that he is capable of dominating at multiple positions.
At 6’4″, 243 pounds, Reese is a large, fast, highly instinctive linebacker who can dominate on all three downs. His elite pursuit range and advanced football IQ consistently place him in a position to make plays. He stands firm in the run game and brings effort-based pass rush ability despite a limited move set. Reese processes quickly, triggering downhill with violence and closing speed. His versatility makes him a true chess piece for defensive coordinators. With continued development, he has the ceiling of one of the NFL’s most complete defenders.
2. Rueben Bain Jr. EDGE Miami
Thick-bodied from head to toe with immense strength that doesn’t always read on paper at 275 pounds, Bain wins with power, but has an elite ability to bend. As a run defender, he is a menace who resets the line of scrimmage with raw strength and relentless effort. Bain wins more with force and motor than with a refined move set at this stage. With technical refinement, he has Pro Bowl potential as a tone-setting edge defender. (Comp: James Harrison)
3. Caleb Downs S Ohio State
Caleb Downs possesses plus traits across every defensive skill category, making him one of the most complete safety prospects in years. He is a natural in zone, man coverage, blitz packages, and run support, showing virtually no weakness in his game. Simply put, he profiles as a generational safety talent capable of anchoring a secondary for a decade.
4. Carnell Tate WR Ohio State
Carnell Tate, a 6’1″, 191-pound Ohio State wide receiver, is a polished prospect who makes every play look effortless. He tracks deep balls cleanly, high-points with confidence, and wins on the sideline or on catch-and-run opportunities. With no major holes and inside/outside flexibility, he projects as a high-volume NFL target.
5. Peter Woods DL Clemson
Woods is a thick, powerful, and violent defender who naturally disrupts offensive rhythm. His combination of strength, balance, and leverage allows him to win across multiple alignments along the defensive front. Woods generates chaos snap after snap, collapsing pockets and creating negative plays in the run game. He projects as a foundational defensive lineman capable of anchoring a front for years. (Comp: Jalen Carter)
6. Jeremiyah Love RB Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is a 6’0”, 210-pound running back who blends explosive burst with powerful contact balance. He displays strong vision between the tackles and patient, decisive one-cut running. Love thrives on screens and powers through arm tackles consistently. His speed, balance, and finishing ability make him dangerous in space. Though he can run recklessly and rely too heavily on spin moves, his upside remains high. He projects as a three-down NFL starter with dynamic playmaking traits.
7. Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson is a tall receiver with a slender frame, long arms, sneaky speed, and effortless athleticism. He excels at the catch point, fearlessly working the middle and winning contested situations. Tyson flashes plus elusiveness for his size and transitions upfield smoothly after the catch. While his route tree remains limited, his ball-tracking ability downfield stands out. He competes through contact and shows natural body control. With refinement, Tyson carries legitimate WR1 upside.
8. Mansoor Delane CB LSU
A highly instinctive corner with elite play recognition, Delane consistently arrives a step ahead of the route concept. He’s comfortable matching in multiple coverages because his processing stays steady under stress. With his instincts and competitiveness, Delane has true CB1 potential in the NFL.
9. Makai Lemon WR USC
Although only 5’11”, Makai Lemon plays with a larger-than-life style that carries true WR1 upside. He consistently finds openings in zone coverage and turns upfield fast with running back-like YAC ability. Lemon’s ball tracking downfield is elite, allowing him to locate and adjust to throws without losing speed. The plus kick returner value raises his early-career impact and secures game-day utility. With his quick NFL adjustment profile, he can handle a high target share early in his career. (Comp: Julian Edelman/Jaxon Smith-Njigba)
10. Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana
National Champion Fernando Mendoza is a natural leader and as squeaky clean a prospect as evaluators will find in this class. On the field, he stands tall and composed in the pocket, displaying sneaky athleticism when he needs to escape pressure or extend plays outside structure. While his arm strength shows average zip on routine throws, he can generate added velocity when he widens his base and incorporates a fuller windup. Mendoza projects as a high-floor NFL starter whose leadership, poise, and accuracy give him long-term franchise quarterback upside.
11. David Bailey EDGE Texas Tech
Bailey is a lean pressure specialist with a lightning-quick first step and enough pass-rush moves to keep tackles uncomfortable. He threatens edges early with burst, then layers in counters to stay productive across a game. Bailey has shown some ability to drop in coverage, giving defenses options in pressure packages. The red flag is run defense, where his slender frame can be a problem at the point of attack. Still, his ability to create disruption immediately upgrades a front’s pass rush. With added strength and refinement, he carries real three-down player upside.
12. Olaivavega Ioane G Penn State
Ioane is an incredibly thick stone wall in pass protection with natural strength at the point of attack. He anchors firmly and absorbs interior power rushers with little movement. In the run game, he is a true people mover who generates push up the middle. His value lies in physicality and interior dominance. In a downhill scheme, he projects as a tone-setting interior starter.
13. Kenyon Sadiq TE Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is a smooth and versatile pass-catcher with alignment flexibility. He lines up all along the formation and shows plus body control on difficult or off-target throws. With the ball in his hands, he flashes an extra gear and a strong burst to generate YAC. Concentration drops have shown up at times, particularly when working through traffic. Improving his feel against zone coverage will determine how high his ceiling ultimately climbs. (Comp: Jonnu Smith)
14. Jermod McCoy CB Tennessee
An instinctive corner who is equally skilled in man and zone coverage, he plays with calm eyes and disciplined leverage. He’s physical in press coverage and competes hard at the catch point, consistently challenging receivers through the hands. Run defense is the swing trait, as his effort and angles can be inconsistent. The punt return experience adds real roster value on Sundays. Overall, he profiles as a starting-caliber cover corner with playmaking upside.
15. Cashius Howell EDGE Texas A&M
Tall and lean with long arms, Howell looks like a pro-ready pass rusher the moment you turn on the film. He brings several moves, good instincts, and a clear understanding of how to set up blockers. Howell has good bend and converts speed to power effectively, giving him real third-down value. The run game is where the concerns live, as he lacks natural power and can get displaced. Even so, he enters the league as a legitimate passing-down menace with upside.
16. Caleb Banks DL Florida
Banks is a massive defensive lineman who leverages his 6’6” frame and long arms to overwhelm blockers. When he maintains proper pad level, he is extremely difficult to move. His quick hands and effective swipe move allow him to win early in reps. At times, he can play too upright, which limits his leverage. However, his combination of size and athletic tools is rare. With consistency, he has the potential to become a disruptive force inside.
17. Max Iheanachor OT Arizona State
Possessing prototypical NFL size, speed, and strength, this tackle prospect remains relatively new to high-level football. He didn’t begin playing seriously until junior college, leaving technical polish behind physical upside. With coaching and time, his ceiling is significant. Raw mechanics and inexperience will require patience. His athletic foundation provides a strong developmental baseline. In the right program, he could grow into a high-end starting offensive tackle.
18. Denzel Boston WR Washington
Denzel Boston, a 6’3″, 209-pound wide receiver, is a versatile inside/outside threat with sneaky straight-line speed, strong hands, and rare route-running ability for a receiver his size. He wins at the high point, secures contested sideline catches, and is comfortable working the middle through contact. The main question is separation versus top NFL corners, especially when windows tighten quickly. Even so, his size, hands, and toughness profile him as an immediate contributor. (Comp: Michael Pittman Jr.)
19. Spencer Fano OT Utah
Fano is a lean tackle with outstanding feet and quickness. He wins with leverage and polished technique, showing rare movement skills for his size. In the run game, he moves bodies efficiently and thrives in space. He may initially struggle against NFL power rushers due to strength concerns. With added mass, he projects as a high-level starting tackle.
20. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S Toledo
McNeil-Warren is a long, zone-savvy defender who excels at reading quarterbacks’ eyes. He breaks sharply on routes, generating interceptions and pass breakups with timing. Warren triggers downhill aggressively to support the run and tackles with force. His instincts in zone coverage are his defining trait. With continued refinement in man coverage, he projects as a scheme-versatile defensive back with turnover potential.
21. C.J. Allen LB Georgia
At 6’1″, 235 pounds, C.J. Allen is built to thrive in the trenches at the NFL level. He brings a downhill mentality and is a true menace against the run. Allen triggers quickly, fills gaps with authority, and finishes with power through contact. While he has some coverage ability, his game is clearly built around physicality and interior disruption. In the right scheme, he profiles as an early-down tone setter with three-down potential.
22. Sonny Styles LB Ohio State
Styles is a tall, long linebacker who converted from safety, and that background shows in coverage. He’s a rangy defender with strong instincts and impressive movement skills in space. In the run game, his pursuit range allows him to chase down plays from the backside. At times, he can get caught out of position due to over-aggressiveness. Even so, his traits project cleanly to the pro level with room to grow into a complete linebacker.
23. Avieon Terrell CB Clemson
Terrell is a feisty corner who looks undersized until the tape shows how big he plays. Terrell is also an aggressive tackler who plays through contact and doesn’t shy from run support. He plays the ball like it’s his, consistently attacking hands and forcing disruption at the catch point. Forcing eight forced fumbles in his CFB career underscores his competitive, turnover-minded play style. Terrell has outside and nickel corner ability at the next level, which NFL coaches covet. (Comp: Courtland Finnegan)
24. Akheem Mesidore EDGE Miami
Lacks ideal athleticism, but he packs a powerful punch that shows up snap after snap. He has a solid repertoire of pass rush moves built around strength, leverage, and effort. Against the run, he consistently sets the edge well and holds his ground at the point of attack. As a pro, he projects as a dependable early-down presence with rotational pass-rush value.
25. Omar Cooper Jr. WR Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. is a tough, versatile receiver who excels in catch-and-run situations. He has a second gear with the ball in his hands and shows great shiftiness, while still running north and south with toughness. While not a traditional vertical threat, his ability to make plays in rhythm concepts boosts his value. Continued refinement of his release package will help him handle press coverage more consistently.
26. T.J. Parker EDGE Clemson
A powerful prospect who wins at the point of attack in the run game and pushes offensive tackles into the QB with a fierce bull rush. Lacks a second move, but disrupts the QB nonetheless. He’s an advanced run defender who holds the edge well and sheds blocks to make violent tackles. Parker projects as an average to above-average NFL starter despite a dip in production during his final college season.
27. Francis Mauigoa OT Miami
Mauigoa carries a whiskey-barrel build that translates to power in pass protection and a surprising burst in the run game. He absorbs rushers effectively, anchoring with balance and core strength. While not a natural people-mover in the run game, he shields defenders well and creates clean lanes with positioning and technique. His size and movement ability allow him to climb to the second level better than expected. Mauigoa’s footwork and body control provide a stable, but not dominant, pass-protection platform. He projects as a long-term NFL starter, whether it’s at tackle or guard.
28. Kayden McDonald DL Ohio State
A true nose tackle, his run-stopping ability will immediately appeal to teams that value interior dominance. He brings raw power that makes him nearly impossible to block one-on-one. Offensive linemen struggle to move him off his spot when he plays with proper leverage. For his position, he is an elite tackler who consistently finishes plays in tight spaces. He also has enough strength to collapse the pocket and generate push as a pass rusher. In a gap-control scheme, he projects as a tone-setting anchor in the middle.
29. Lee Hunter DL Texas Tech
True nose tackle with bigtime pass rush upside. Great with his hands, allowing him to shed blockers in the run and pass game. Natural anchor and run game disruptor. Pass rush upside will make him an intriguing prospect in the NFL.
30. Monroe Freeling OT Georgia
Tall and strong with quick hands and feet, Freeling has the traits to handle NFL pass rushers on an island. He can play high at times, which exposes leverage and creates problems against power defenders. As a run blocker, he isn’t a consistent people-mover, but he’s effective at shielding and sealing lanes. His best work comes when he’s asked to stay controlled, take angles, and sustain with positioning rather than brute force. In pass protection, he shows advanced comfort, using hands and footwork to stay square and patient. With improved pad level and added functional strength, he profiles as a starting-caliber tackle with scheme versatility.
31. K.C. Concepcion WR Texas A&M
K.C. Concepcion, at 5’11”, 187 pounds, is a natural hands catcher who thrives in contested situations. He excels at high-pointing the ball, winning on deep balls and comebacks, and working over the middle in stride. Concepcion brings solid north/south YAC ability as a strong, direct runner who finishes forward. Punt return skills and a strong frame help his early-career roster case and game-day impact. His route tree is still basic and less refined than more explosive comparables, which limits some projection. With refinement, he projects as a reliable chain-mover who can win through contact.
32. Emmanuel Pregnon G Oregon
Pregnon is a thickly built lineman who moves well for his frame and plays with a violent, imposing temperament. He’s an advanced pass protector who anchors effectively and stays composed against interior power. In the run game, he generates movement with strong hands and quick feet that help him sustain blocks. He can play high at times, which can expose his chest and compromise leverage. Even so, his hand usage and foot quickness often allow him to re-fit and regain control mid-rep. With consistent pad level, Pregnon projects as a starting-caliber interior lineman with scheme versatility.
33. Caleb Lomu OT Utah
Caleb Lomu is a lean technician who wins with leverage, hand placement, and clean footwork. He glides in the run game and locks onto defenders well in space. His ability to mirror rushers is built on balance and efficient movement. Lomu consistently maintains pad level advantages that help him control reps. Adding a bit more mass would help him anchor against stronger NFL power rushers. With physical development, he has starter-level upside at tackle.
34. Blake Miller OT Clemson
Built for the NFL, Miller has great feet, which allow him to mirror speed rushers and drive defenders in the run game. He tends to outrun blocks in the run game and miss assignments against the blitz, but those mental errors can be fixed.
35. Germie Bernard WR Alabama
Bernard plays with dynamic energy and legitimate playmaking juice. His YAC burst is a real separator, and he looks like a running back once the ball hits his hands. Bernard thrives on screens, crossers, and backfield touches, showing strong hands on the move and excellent concentration in traffic. A former high school quarterback, he processes coverage well and finds soft spots with natural feel. He plays tougher than his size suggests and competes like a tone-setter in the receiver room. With his skill set and urgency, he profiles as a Day 1 contributor with upside to grow into a featured weapon.
36. Connor Lew C Auburn
A bit undersized by NFL standards, Lew is a master technician who consistently wins with fundamentals. His leverage, hand placement, and timing allow him to survive physical disadvantages against bigger interior defenders. He’s an ideal fit for a zone scheme because he moves efficiently in the run game and understands how to shield defenders. With his IQ and polish, he projects as a dependable interior starter or high-end swing IOL option.
37. Brandon Cisse CB South Carolina
Brandon Cisse possesses prototype size and speed for an outside corner at the next level. At just 20 years old, he will enter the league as a raw but highly intriguing developmental prospect. His rare movement skills, length, and acceleration allow him to mirror receivers vertically and close ground quickly. He flashes elite recovery speed and the athletic tools teams covet in press-man schemes. However, he lacks refined coverage instincts and can be late recognizing route concepts. With patience and strong coaching, Cisse has the upside to grow into a high-level starting boundary corner.
38. Chris Johnson CB San Diego State
Chris Johnson’s rise from three-star recruit to national award winner is built on steady development and real ball production. His 2025 season validated him as a true difference-maker, pairing interceptions with tight coverage metrics and impact plays. Quarterbacks struggled to find clean windows, and his production reflects both positioning and finishing at the catch point. With his blend of experience, competitiveness, and disruptive results, Johnson profiles as an NFL starter candidate with early impact potential.
39. Chris Bell WR Louisville
Chris Bell is a tough possession target who thrives over the middle. He consistently finds soft spots in zone and presents clean throwing windows. Bell absorbs contact and secures off-target throws with strong body control. He changes speeds effectively to maintain timing and leverage within routes. While not overly elusive after the catch, he offers reliable hands and physicality. His game projects as a dependable chain-moving target at the next level. (Comp: Anquan Boldin)
40. Jonah Coleman RB Washington
Coleman is a compact power runner built for contact. He shows excellent patience, letting blocks develop, then hits lanes with a decisive burst and balance. Coleman absorbs hits without losing his feet and consistently falls forward to finish runs with hidden yardage. He brings reliable hands in the screen game and elite ball security, rarely putting the ball in danger. The limitations show in breakaway speed, as he’s more grinder than a home-run threat in space. Still, he projects as a dependable between-the-tackles contributor who fits well in a committee with short-yardage value.
41. Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama
Proctor is a massive people mover who overwhelms defenders once he gets his hands locked in. In the run game, he eliminates defenders at the point of attack and creates vertical movement consistently. He absorbs power rushers with ease in pass protection thanks to his size and anchor strength. For a lineman of his build, his movement skills are surprisingly fluid and controlled. Speed rushers can stress him on the edge, especially when forced to redirect quickly. With refinement against wide alignments, he projects as a long-term NFL starter at tackle.
42. Elijah Sarratt WR Indiana
At 6’2”, Sarratt is a strong-handed catcher who consistently wins at the catch point with confident high-point ability. He profiles as a tough chain-mover over the middle who works through contact to finish receptions. Sarratt shows good route feel, presenting clean throwing windows and staying friendly to the quarterback. He also flashes sneaky athleticism and a second-gear burst after the catch to steal extra yards. His size, hands, and toughness make him a reliable target with starting-caliber traits.
43. Colton Hood CB Tennessee
Colton Hood has good NFL size and projects as a starting outside corner. He plays physically at the line and shows solid recovery speed downfield. Hood is capable in both man and zone coverage alignments. His competitive demeanor helps him battle through routes and contest catches. Smaller, shifty receivers may create matchup challenges due to change-of-direction quickness. Overall, he profiles as a scheme-versatile corner with starting upside.
44. Isaiah World OT Oregon
World possesses all the physical traits teams look for in an NFL tackle. He has the size, length, and natural athleticism to handle edge defenders at the next level. However, inconsistent technique often gets him into trouble, particularly with hand placement and balance. He can overextend and allow rushers to counter inside. With proper coaching and patience, those flaws are correctable. Given time to develop, he has the upside to become a reliable NFL starter.
45. Michael Trigg TE Oregon
Trigg is a natural matchup nightmare with rare length and strong hands at the catch point. He thrives in red-zone situations where his ability to high-point and shield defenders stands out. His size and catch radius make him an immediate scoring threat. However, inconsistent route running and blocking effort limit his every-down value. Refinement in technique will determine his long-term ceiling. Early in his career, he projects as a specialized receiving tight end with high situational impact.
46. Eli Stowers TE Vanderbilt
Stowers is a tall, thickly built receiving tight end with strong, reliable hands. He shows a natural feel for route pacing and excels at finding holes in zone coverage. His underrated YAC ability allows him to generate extra yardage after contact. In a balanced offense, he projects as a productive and versatile tight end option.
47. Gennings Dunker OL Iowa
Dunker is a thickly built offensive lineman with surprising athleticism for his size. He thrives in zone-blocking schemes, where his understanding of angles and shielding stands out. His movement skills allow him to reach defenders effectively at the second level. In pass protection, he remains average but shows the physical tools to improve. His balance and strength give him developmental upside. With refinement, he could become a dependable starter in the right scheme.
48. Domonique Orange DL Clemson
Built like a true NFL nose tackle, Orange combines size with impressive quickness for his frame. He is stout against the run and consistently holds his ground at the point of attack. His strong hands flash potential to develop into more refined pass-rush moves. While still raw from a technical standpoint, his physical traits are undeniable. He shows natural leverage when he stays disciplined with pad level. With development, Orange offers legitimate upside as an interior defensive anchor.
49. Ty Simpson QB Alabama
Ty Simpson stands tall and strong in the pocket with a solid feel for pressure. He delivers good zip on intermediate routes and can stay accurate even when he’s forced off-platform. Simpson thrives in under-center play-action concepts, marrying footwork and timing to create defined reads. He shows a strong understanding of receiver positioning and routinely throws to leverage, not just to targets. A lot of his production is generated through YAC and open looks he creates with placement. The concerns are mechanical, as his release can get wide, and he occasionally drops the ball low.
50. Max Klare TE Ohio State
Max Klare, a 6’4″, 240-pound tight end from Ohio State, brings a tall, lean frame with long arms and natural receiving ability. He catches comfortably on the move and shows surprising shiftiness after the catch for his size. Klare understands spacing in zone coverage and runs routes with awareness and timing. His slender build suggests room to add functional bulk to improve his inline blocking. While not yet a dominant point-of-attack player, his athletic profile and hands make him a reliable receiving option. With added strength, he projects as a move tight end who can expand into a three-down role.
