At the very top, the 2026 NFL Draft class is shaped by defensive talent, particularly a good group of edge defenders and a nice crop of wide receivers and cornerbacks that occupy a significant share of the top 50.
Overall, this class blends blue-chip defensive playmakers, a deep perimeter talent pool and a more meaningful cluster of quarterbacks worthy of early consideration than last cycle.
For the full ranking of draft prospects — including three-year player grades and position rankings — click here. And if you want to go hands-on with the class, check out the PFF Big Board Builder to create your own rankings or fire up the PFF Mock Draft Simulator to run full mock drafts in seconds.
Editor’s note: The analysis included here comes from Trevor Sikkema’s preseason scouting series, while the rankings themselves have been fully updated. This analysis is provided to give readers context on how these players were viewed entering the season.
PFF Editorial Banner
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL 2026 NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD
1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State Sun Devils
Big board rank: 5
Tyson was the Sun Devils' top playmaker in the passing game in 2024 and looks to be that again in 2025. He is a bit on the smaller side, but plays stronger than his listed weight. He makes impressive contested catches, though he also recorded some bad drops in 2024. He boasts inside-out versatility thanks to his strong blocking ability and good breaks on intermediate routes. The biggest area of growth for him in 2025 should be in his release package versus press off the line of scrimmage. That could be the difference between being drafted on Day 2 or Day 1.
2. Makai Lemon, USC Trojans
Big board rank: 8
Lemon wins with devastating quickness in every aspect of how he moves: his footwork out of his release, the speed in his acceleration and the pumping of his hands to break press, clear a defender or go up and catch the ball. He'll give up some situational versatility due to a lack of overall size, but he has the potential to be incredibly productive in the NFL.
3. Carnell Tate, Ohio State Buckeyes
Big board rank: 11
Tate is a talented wideout with a long frame and what appears to be an equally long catch radius. He is typically lined up as the X or Z receiver in Ohio State's formations due to his ability as a blocker. He has some separation savviness but needs to turn up his twitch and play speed as an upperclassman. He would also benefit from putting on some good weight for strength.
4. Denzel Boston, Washington Huskies
Big board rank: 24
Boston is a smooth criminal for a big receiver. He's quick with varying releases versus press and shows good cuts in his routes despite his bigger size. With that frame comes the plus things you want to see: He has a big catch radius that he can maximize at any time with strong hands and great hand-eye coordination. He also aims to produce after the catch and create explosive plays. Boston's production dipped when defenses keyed in on him at the end of 2024, but they did so for a reason.
5. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M Aggies
Big board rank: 35
Concepcion is a smaller, primarily slot receiver who brings versatility to the field, functioning in the slot, as a motion player and occasionally as a running back. He shows good athleticism and change-of-direction skills, with the ability to generate yards after contact. However, he must improve at the catch point and develop a cleaner plan for navigating defenders after the catch. Reducing drops and avoiding unnecessary contact will be key to taking the next step in his development.
6. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee Volunteers
Big board rank: 41
Analysis Coming soon!
7. Ian Strong, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Big board rank: 42
Analysis Coming soon!
8. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana Hoosiers
Big board rank: 44
Sarratt is an alpha X receiver. His competitive toughness jumps off the screen when watching his film. He's a high-energy player who does all the big receiver things you want to see — dominates at the catch points, stays tough through contact and does his part as a blocker. His separation rate is low, and it won't change in the NFL, but it's hard to watch this guy and not want him on your football team.
9. Ja'Kobi Lane, USC Trojans
Big board rank: 53
Lane is a long, lean X receiver who lives for contested catches. He loves the chance to turn 50-50 passes into 70-30 balls, thanks to great hand-eye coordination and a long catch radius that he maximizes consistently. He's an ideal goal-line fade receiver (if you're into that sort of thing) with long strides to still cover a decent amount of ground vertically while not being overly explosive. On the flip side, he has a lot of contested catches because his separation rates are low. When Lane does get separation from his break, it often involves a strategic push-off.
10. Chris Bell, Louisville Cardinals
Big board rank: 55
Bell got his first chance to be a full-time starter in 2024 and made the most of it. He put up career-high production, most notably in yards after the catch and explosive plays. His size, strength and explosiveness make him an alluring vertical X receiver for the NFL. While he has the strength to be a dominant blocker on the line of scrimmage, he goes for the kill shot on some reps instead of sealing his defender. He could also stand to improve his consistency and nuance in route running.
11. Germie Bernard, Alabama Crimson Tide
Big board rank: 69
Bernard has been on a bit of a college football journey, now with his third program, but he has developed into a solid draft prospect. He has a good build for the NFL and the strength and speed to play all three receiver positions, though I wouldn't say he is overly dominant in any one area. He's a versatile depth receiver who does his best work when kept in a straight line (vertical routes or deep crossers).
12. Skyler Bell, Connecticut Huskies
Big board rank: 72
Analysis Coming soon!
13. CJ Daniels, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Big board rank: 78
Analysis Coming soon!
14. Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana Hoosiers
Big board rank: 84
Analysis Coming soon!
15. Eugene Wilson III, Florida Gators
Big board rank: 86
Wilson is the ideal chess-piece Z-type move receiver who can be a mismatch player with pre-snap motion. His springy, natural athleticism allows him to line up in the slot or on the outside with consistent success despite his smaller measureables. His hands are fantastic, helping him reel in 95% of catchable passes in each of his first two seasons. He also already shows a good baseline for nuanced route running and releases against press. If he can come back fully healthy, Wilson can be one of the most coveted receivers in the 2026 class.
16. Antonio Williams, Clemson Tigers
Big board rank: 87
Williams is a fun watch. His play speed is precisely what you want from a smaller, slot-only receiver — quick and full throttle from the snap. His hips are explosive and fluid, allowing for sharp breaks and consistent separation on short routes. Vertically, he runs with a playmaker's mentality, using footwork to shake defenders both before and after the catch. He recorded an uncharacteristic number of drops in 2024 but had shown steadier hands in prior years. He also needs to clean up his technique as a blocker near the line of scrimmage to round out his game.
17. Nic Anderson, LSU Tigers
Big board rank: 98
With two brothers already making it to the NFL, Rodney (running back) and Ryder (edge defender), Nic has NFL bloodlines. He possesses good size and length for the position. His nuance in his releases is beyond his years, with no false steps, quick footwork and active hands to stay clean off press and create separation. He has good top speed for the college level, but it may be closer to average in the league. Anderson must limit the drops and make more contested catches with his size to be a strong outside receiver in the upcoming draft.
18. Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn Tigers
Big board rank: 101
Singleton brings track speed to the football field. While at Georgia Tech, he looked like he belonged athletically, even against Georgia. He's primarily used on straight-line routes: go balls, deep posts, deep crossers, and drags in mesh concepts, and he shows good vision after the catch to maximize yardage. He'll need to improve his catch percentage and cut down on the drops we saw as an underclassman. Additionally, he must develop a better feel for finding soft spots in zone coverage and timing his routes, particularly when working horizontally across the field.
19. Deion Burks, Oklahoma Sooners
Big board rank: 107
Burks brings NFL-level acceleration and long speed to the slot receiver position. Though small in stature, which limits his catch radius, he leans into his strengths, especially his quickness and ability to separate consistently. He's a highly competitive player whose energy shows on tape, even as a blocker. Pound-for-pound, he's very strong and was featured in Bruce Feldman's College Football Freaks List. He can make full-extension catches, but his catch percentage in 2023 was too low. If he becomes more elusive after the catch and polishes his release game, Burks has the traits to push for a starting slot role in the NFL.
20. Malachi Fields, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Big board rank: 110
Fields brings an ideal frame to the position for the NFL. He has a massive catch radius and has posted generally reliable catch rates. He boasts good long speed from his track days, but it takes him some time to work up to it. His change of direction is typically lacking, but he is a good enough route runner to create some space with his route breaks. On top of that, Fields possesses good blocking potential. If he can attack the ball in the air with more relentlessness, he has a chance to stick as a big-bodied receiver.
21. Zachariah Branch, Georgia Bulldogs
Big board rank: 126
Branch brings elite athletic ability, as his top speed is world-class. But at this stage, he looks more like a track athlete or return specialist playing wide receiver, rather than a fully integrated offensive weapon. He needs to lean into his agility and ability to make defenders miss, rather than relying solely on acceleration. He must also expand his route tree and improve his release technique against press coverage. Right now, his approach is too predictable, even with his speed advantage.
22. Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Big board rank: 138
Rivers has the stereotypical scouting profile of a smaller but productive receiver: a handful of drops, limited physicality through contact, limited value as a blocker, but very explosive with top-tier body control. The good news is that the good in his game is actually great. His explosiveness is difference-making, and his potential as a route runner (especially in terms of creating separation) is very high. He won't be for everyone due to his size and the track record of similar builds in the NFL, but there's a world where he can look uncoverable, even at the next level.
23. Jayce Brown, Kansas State Wildcats
Big board rank: 149
Analysis Coming soon!
24. Bryce Lance, North Dakota State Bison
Big board rank: 153
Lance has just one year of starting experience, but he flashed encouraging play in that lone season. His hands were reliable in all situations in 2024. He also showed up big in some of the most significant games of the year. His top speed and overall athleticism appear limited for the NFL, but he still wins as a receiver by setting up defenders with head and shoulder fakes and tempoing his routes to his advantage. He brings a solid blocking technique due to years of special teams experience.
25. Jaden Greathouse, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Big board rank: 162
Greathouse is a stocky slot receiver who appears capable of doing a bit of everything. He has a high football IQ and naturally finds soft spots in zone coverage. His hands are excellent, with elite catch rates on both routine and contested passes. The primary concern in his evaluation is his athleticism, which looks average, if not slightly below average, by NFL standards. He'll win with savvy and strength, but history makes it difficult to bet on slot receivers who lack speed and generate little separation.
26. Chase Roberts, BYU Cougars
Big board rank: 180
Roberts will be one of the oldest prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft he was in the 2019 recruiting class, but from 2019-2021 was in Alberta, Canada, as a full-time missionary. Since stepping onto the football field at BYU, he has been a steady presence for the Cougars, showcasing NFL ability. He moves very well for his size. As a route runner, he is well beyond his years, showcasing tempoed speed and an understanding of the details. Roberts' hands are generally reliable in regular and contested situations. He won't be a big yards-after-the-catch guy outside of straight-line sprints, and he needs to move his feet better when blocking. But he brings NFL-caliber abilities.
27. Zavion Thomas, LSU Tigers
Big board rank: 192
Analysis Coming soon!
28. Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Big board rank: 200
Analysis Coming soon!
29. Dane Key, Nebraska Cornhuskers
Big board rank: 207
Key brings a multi-sport background, which gives him natural movement skills to play all three wide receiver spots, with good overall size. He has posted solid catch percentages with and without contact, and shows nice nuance and wiggle on in-breaking routes. Overall, his athleticism feels average at best for the NFL. Despite his size, his lack of suddenness impacts his ability to get off press cleanly when lined up outside.
30. Duce Robinson, Florida State Seminoles
Big board rank: 215
Robinson is a former top-20 overall recruit in the country, rooted in his massive size and multi-sport background (also a college-level outfielder). His frame gives him long strides for vertical routes, providing a challenge for any cornerback trying to disengage from his blocks. As a receiver, his route tree is basically just vertical routes. Changing direction and sinking his hips can be difficult. Robinson's biggest area of improvement is the catch point, where he needs to become a dominant presence. That will be his sticking point in the league.
31. Nyck Harbor, South Carolina Gamecocks
Big board rank: 216
Harbor will be one of the most athletically gifted prospects to ever come through the NFL, whenever he declares. His combination of size and explosiveness is rare. He didn't play wide receiver in high school (defensive end and tight end), so his game tape reflects someone still learning the position. His route tree is basic and vertical in its current form, and that must diversify for him to be a true threat to defenses. He must also play stronger at the catch point and when blocking. He has all the potential you could want, but is still a ways away from achieving it at the pro level.
32. Noah Thomas, Georgia Bulldogs
Big board rank: 227
Analysis Coming soon!
33. Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri Tigers
Big board rank: 232
Analysis Coming soon!
34. J. Michael Sturdivant, Florida Gators
Big board rank: 243
Sturdivant is a good blend of size and speed for an NFL receiver. His top speed and acceleration are his calling cards as a vertical threat who has the skill set to play all three receiver spots, but he's best on the outside. His routes and footwork are crisp and explosive, but his hip turn for change of direction is slower and can look like a chore. Sturdivant must improve his catch rate and limit his drops.
35. Eric McAlister, TCU Horned Frogs
Big board rank: 247
Analysis Coming soon!
36. De'Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi Rebels
Big board rank: 267
Analysis Coming soon!
37. Trebor Pena, Penn State Nittany Lions
Big board rank: 271
It took a while for Pena to break into a starting role, but in his fifth college season, he produced over 1,000 yards and earned a PFF receiving grade above 80.0. Although listed at 6 feet, he plays lighter, at around 185 pounds. Pena's fluidity and quickness in all directions make him dangerous when defenders aren't disciplined in space. He lacks experience against press coverage and is likely projected as a slot-only option in the NFL. His value is boosted by his proven special-teams production and his effort as a blocker, giving him multiple paths to stick on a roster.
38. Johntay Cook, Syracuse Orange
Big board rank: 282
Cook brings track speed to the football field. As a straight-line runner, both with and without the ball, he can be a difference-maker. He is a high-potential yards-after-the-catch player in the short game because of that. Otherwise, his game needs refinement. All of his routes are either vertical or involve heavy speed rounding at the breaks, which limits separation. His footwork is quick but often lacks a purpose when getting off press. Cook must be more grounded in the fundamentals of the position and not rely solely on winning foot races.
39. Hank Beatty, Illinois Fighting Illini
Big board rank: 308
Analysis Coming soon!