Another NFL season is officially in our rearview.
Teams have two weeks to designate franchise and transition players beginning Tuesday. There have already been a few cap casualties. The offseason is underway.
I’ve had the opportunity to watch more 2025 game tape since I released my first 2026 NFL Draft Big Board in December. There’s also been multiple college all-star games. I’d say my evaluation work with these prospects is about 90% complete.
The measurements and medical evaluations that take place in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine will bring me closer to 100%, but my rankings will remain somewhat fluid as I continue to gather information from teams and we witness how these prospects navigate the overall draft process.
My prospect rankings will expand to 100 after the combine in Indy, and I’ll begin work on my positional rankings.
A reminder: My big board is an attempt to discern who the best players in this draft class actually are. I’ve submitted my top 100 the past four years to The Huddle Report, and I’m ranked in the top 20 for most accurate over that timeframe. I tied for 14th (out of 81) last season.
**Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Pittsburgh (April 23-25):**
Feb. 17-March 3: Franchise/transition player designation period
Feb. 23-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Early March: Colleges can begin hosting pro days
March 11: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)
Here’s my updated 2026 NFL Draft Big Board, featuring 50 draft-eligible prospects before the NFL Scouting Combine gets started in Indianapolis next week:
**1\. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.**
Love features elite size (6-foot, 214 pounds), patience and balance. He’s explosive, elusive and powerful with home-run ability and three-down versatility. Love was an unanimous All-American, won the Doak Walker Award and finished third in the Heisman voting last season.
**2\. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio St., Jr.**
Downs won the Thorpe Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy and earned consensus All-American honors last season. He was the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that led the nation in points (9.3) and yards allowed (219.1) per game, and he finished ninth in the Heisman voting. Downs is a fluid, explosive athlete who’s seemingly always a step ahead of everybody else on the football field.
**3\. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami, Jr.**
The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Bain doesn’t have prototypical length, but the ACC Defensive Player of the Year was a dominant force in four playoff games against Texas A&M, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Indiana. He had five sacks in those four games and 6½ sacks in his last five. Bain possesses raw power, first-step explosion and can anchor against the run when he’s not terrorizing quarterbacks. Comparisons to Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney are apt. I also see shades of Brandon Graham, a former All-Pro with the Eagles.
**4\. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, Jr.**
[Mendoza is a lock to go No. 1 overall at this point.](https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/02/13/2026-nfl-mock-draft-post-super-bowl-projections-for-first-two-rounds/) He has the prototypical size (6-5, 225) scouts favor, good arm talent and functional athleticism. He’s not a finished product by any means — pressure can affect his footwork and his deep ball accuracy needs refinement — but the Heisman Trophy-winner clearly has the clutch gene.
**5\. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio St., Jr.**
The 6-foot-4, 243-pound uber-athletic Reese primarily played off-ball linebacker for the Buckeyes, but I could easily see him as a full-time edge rusher in the pros. He has sideline-to-sideline range and the natural instincts to make plays all over the field, but I have him in my top 5 because of his explosive closing burst and “chess piece” capability.
**6\. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.**
Bailey tied for first in the FBS with 14½ sacks, and was second with 19½ tackles for loss. The Stanford transfer features excellent bend and an explosive first step. He has rare speed for someone who is 6-3, 250, having hit 22.16 mph — [he was No. 43 on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List.”](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6522767/2025/08/04/college-football-freaks-list-ohio-state-jeremiah-smith/) There’s still work to do, but he’s also improved as a run defender during his time with the Red Raiders.
**7\. Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Jr.**
The Biletnikoff Award winner had a tremendous junior year with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Trojans. Lemon (5-11, 195) is a quick, efficient route runner who excels at creating separation, and is a demon in the slot. He regularly frustrates tacklers with his abilities after the catch. He’s a versatile offensive weapon who also rushed for two TDs and threw for another last season.
**8\. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio St., Jr.**
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound playmaker showed immense growth in his technical skills last season, especially his route running, which transformed him from vertical threat with elite ball-tracking skills to a more complete receiver who can threaten a defense at all three levels.
**9\. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio St., Sr.**
Styles is the second freakishly athletic linebacker from the Buckeyes to appear in this mock — he was No. 10 on Bruce Feldman’s list. He’s rangy with rare speed and explosiveness for his frame (6-5, 243), and showcases his safety background in coverage with the ability to lock down tight ends and running backs in space.
**10\. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Sr.**
Delane doesn’t have elite size (5-11, 191) or deep speed, but he’s sticky, instinctual and can play multiple positions in the secondary. The Virginia Tech transfer produced 45 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions last season, and was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. Delane thrived in both the Hokies’ zone-heavy schemes and the Tigers’ aggressive man coverage.
**11\. Peter Woods, DL, Clemson, Jr.**
Woods needs a more diversified pass-rush plan to unlock his full potential, but he already possesses an elite combination of strength and athleticism for his size (6-3, 315) — he’s No. 5 on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List” — and has flashed disruptive capabilities. Violent hands and elite diagnostic instincts are his weapons of choice.
**12\. Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami, Jr.**
There isn’t a Joe Alt or Penei Sewell in this draft class, but Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, is big (6-6, 315), powerful, athletic and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. He was the only tackle in the FBS with two or fewer knockdowns allowed on 500-plus snaps as a pass-blocker for Cam Ward as a sophomore. There are scouts who believe he’d be even better on the interior, but he’s talented enough to stay at tackle. It’s currently a coin flip between Mauigoa and Utah’s Spencer Fano for who will be the first offensive lineman selected.
**13\. Spencer Fano, T, Utah, Jr.**
Fano matches prototypical height (6-6) and length with a relatively lean build (302 pounds). However, he’s a powerful, athletic anchor in the run game, and his footwork improved in pass protection last season. The unanimous All-American won the Outland Trophy after not allowing a sack, and only five QB pressures for the Utes.
**14\. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona St., Jr.**
Tyson was hampered by a hamstring injury last season, but he pretty much picked up where he left off as a sophomore when he was on the field. Tyson is a route-technician with inside-out versatility and has the ability to make plays at all three levels. He will need to overcome an injury-prone label during the draft process in order to be drafted in the top half of the first round.
**15\. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.**
McCoy earned first-team All-SEC recognition as a sophomore with four interceptions for the Vols after transferring from Oregon State before tearing his ACL during an offseason training session in January. His 2024 tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed. The type of talent who usually goes in the top half of the first round. NFL teams will scrutinize his medicals in Indianapolis.
**16\. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn St., Jr.**
Ioane was one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions last season, earning second-team AP All-American recognition. He’s an elite pass-blocker and a strong anchor in the run game, while featuring impressive movement skills for a man his size (6-4, 330). Ioane is surprisingly agile, and can get to the second level with ease. He played every position on offense except quarterback, running back and wide receiver as a sophomore, including all five spots on the offensive line, fullback and 14 snaps at tight end.
**17\. Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M, Sr.**
Howell’s (6-2, 248) length is a question mark, but you can’t argue with his production or explosive traits. He produced 9½ sacks and 10½ tackles for loss in his final season at Bowling Green before joining the Aggies in 2024. After making the leap from the MAC to the SEC, he earned the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year with 11½ sacks last season (tied for seventh in the FBS) and 14 tackles for loss.
**18\. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington, Jr.**
Boston’s size (6-4, 210) and physicality enable him to win more than his fair share of jump balls, but he’s also a polished route-runner, especially on slants and comebacks. Boston projects as a true asset in the red-zone, and features the versatility to lineup outside or become a mismatch in the slot. He’s not a “make-you-miss” guy after the catch, but he will gain extra yards through contact.
**19\. TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson, Jr.**
Parker’s bull rush is devastating and he’s already a solid run defender. While last season didn’t live up to an eye-popping sophomore year where he had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, his size (6-3, 265), advanced pass-rush repertoire, and ability to convert speed to power places him firmly in the first-round discussion. All of Parker’s tools were on display in the Tigers’ 28-14 rivalry win over South Carolina, where he had three sacks and a fumble recovery.
**20\. Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Jr.**
Faulk is a 6-foot-6, 285-pound versatile chess piece on the D-line in odd or even fronts, and has even shown the ability to standup and play outside linebacker. He was the No. 9 player on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List,” reportedly squatting 700 pounds and benching 415. He’s an NFL-ready run defender, but I’m anticipating his lack of production will be scrutinized throughout the draft process, similarly to Mykel Williams last year. Faulk doesn’t turn 21 until September.
**21\. Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.**
Lomu earned Freshman All-American honors in 2024, and possesses this draft classes’ highest ceiling at offensive tackle. He’s already a technically proficient pass blocker with prototypical size (6-6, 305), elite athleticism and solid footwork. He’ll need to add strength and mass to a lean frame to improve as a run blocker, and hold his own against powerful pass rushers in the pros.
**22\. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.**
Terrell is a much better run defender than his All-Pro brother A.J. — former first-round pick of the Falcons — despite being a bit undersized (5-11, 180). His route-recognition and ball skills helped him earn second-team All-ACC honors as a sophomore, and he’s mastered the “Peanut Punch” with eight forced fumbles the last two seasons. He also had three sacks last year.
**23\. CJ Allen, LB, Clemson, Jr.**
It’s hard not to see former Bulldog and current Ravens’ All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith when watching Allen. Both are 6-1, 235 pounds and are elite processors. Both are strong finishers against the run, and both are capable pass-rushers when called upon. Allen was also named a finalist for the Butkus Award, an honor Smith earned in 2017.
**24\. Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio St., Jr.**
Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson continues to churn out NFL-ready prospects. McDonald was a game-wrecker for one of the best defenses in the country, earning consensus All-American honors. Anchored by the 6-3, 330-pound devourer of double-teams, Ohio State’s run defense was seventh in rushing yards allowed per game (89.36) and tied for seventh in yards allowed per carry (2.94).
**25\. Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama, Jr.**
Proctor took his lumps starting for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2023, but he showed legit improvement down the stretch and that carried over to his sophomore year. His junior season was a grab bag of inconsistency, but it’s nearly impossible to find 6-foot-7, 360-pound athletes who are as powerful, explosive and surprisingly agile as he is (he was No. 2 on Bruce Feldman’s list).
**26\. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M, Jr.**
Concepcion was named the winner of the 2025 Paul Hornung Award. The award honors the most versatile player in the country. The NC State transfer finished the season with 12 total TDs, and became the first A&M player in the modern era to score via reception, rush and punt return in the same year. Concepcion’s 1,409 total yards ranked 14th nationally, and he was third in the FBS with five punt returns of 30 yards or longer. He was the ACC Rookie of the Year for the Wolfpack in 2023 before joining the Aggies last season.
**27\. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, Jr.**
Sadiq isn’t in the same class as Brock Bowers or Tyler Warren as a prospect, but he’s an impressive athlete who has showcased downfield playmaking ability and has legit upside as a run-blocker in the pros. The 6-foot-3 Sadiq arrived at Eugene two years ago weighing 220 pounds, but bulked up to 245. According to Bruce Feldman’s list (No. 11): “He vertical jumped 41.5 inches this summer, power cleaned 365 pounds and bench pressed 435.” He was also the Ducks’ first-ever finalist for the John Mackey Award.
**28\. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo, Sr.**
McNeil-Warren is an explosive, rangy defender with sound tackling technique, and a violent finisher. He features exceptional length and size (6-2, 202) for the safety position, and has an undeniable nose for the football. He produced five interceptions and nine forced fumbles in four years with the Rockets. He may have to throttle down his aggressiveness a bit in the pros, especially against dynamic running backs.
**29\. Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami, Sr.**
Mesidor had 9½ sacks in two years at West Virginia before joining the Hurricanes in 2022. He’s an older prospect (he turns 25 in April), but he’s been highly productive for two different programs, including 12½ sacks and 17½ tackles for loss last season with the national runner-up Hurricanes. Mesidor’s size (6-3, 280), explosiveness and violent hands will make him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinators in the pros.
**30\. Caleb Banks, DL, Florida, Sr.**
Banks surprised everyone by returning to Gainesville for his senior season. The Louisville transfer features the size (6-6, 325), length and explosive traits NFL defensive coordinators covet and offensive linemen usually lose sleep over. He tends to rely on athleticism over technique, so coaching will be required to unlock his full potential in the pros. Banks missed nine games with a foot injury that required surgery last September, but was able to return and play against Tennessee and Florida State despite the Gators not having anything substantial to play for. He also flashed his immense potential during practices in Mobile, Ala. during Senior Bowl week.
**31\. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee, So.**
After transferring from Colorado, Hood helped the Volunteers fill the void created by the absence of Jermod McCoy, earning second-team All-SEC recognition. He’s a fiery, aggressive press corner who features the size (6-0, 195), speed and physicality to make plays in a man-heavy scheme.
**32\. Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia, Jr.**
Freeling features rare lateral movement skills for a tackle his size (6-7, 315). He needs polish, but the former four-star recruit developed into one of the better pass protectors in the conference last season, earning second-team All-SEC honors. Freeling is an inconsistent run blocker, but building up his anchor strength will help.
**33\. Zion Young, Edge, Missouri, Sr.**
The 6-foot-5, 262-pound Young set career highs in pressures (48), tackles for loss (15), sacks (6½) and forced fumbles (two) last season. The Michigan St. transfer lacks elite get-off, but he’s relentless in pursuit of the ball, features a powerful bull rush and can play multiple positions on the defensive line. Young was a standout performer at the Senior Bowl, earning Defensive MVP honor in the actual game.
**34\. Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech, Sr.**
Hunter also had a good showing in Mobile. The former four-star recruit originally redshirted at Auburn (2021) before becoming a multi-year starter at UCF (2022-2024) and transferring to Lubbock last year. The 6-foot-4, 330-pound “space-eater” is one of the premier run-stuffers in this draft class, anchoring a Red Raiders’ run defense that ranked first nationally. Despite his size, Hunter features a potent first step.
**35\. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina, Jr.**
Cisse’s stock has risen after transferring from N.C. State and holding his own in the SEC. The former track athlete doesn’t have a hard time keeping pace with wide receivers downfield. While his speed is impressive — Cisse earned the nickname “Glitch” from his new teammates — it’s the 6-foot, 190-pound corner’s physicality and versatility that should set him apart during the draft process and cause teams to overlook his rougher edges.
**36\. Max Iheanachor, T, Arizona St., Sr.**
Iheanachor caught my eye by holding his own against Texas Tech’s dynamic pass rush. His technique will require refinement (and patience), but his impressive blend of size (6-6, 330) and athleticism is worth a shot for a team in the beginning stages of a rebuild.
**37\. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon, Jr.**
After two great years at Purdue, Thieneman earned first-team All-American honors for the Ducks last season. He’s a dynamic run defender who also features the athleticism, range and instincts to lineup in two-high, single-high or at nickelback. Thieneman’s quick trigger in the run game, however, occasionally makes him susceptible to play-action fakes.
**38\. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego St., Sr.**
The Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year epitomized what a shutdown corner should be last season. According to Pro Football Focus, when quarterbacks targeted Johnson, they only completed 18-of-45 passes (44.2%) for 185 yards, four interceptions and no TDs. He was fourth in the nation with 146 interception return yards, which almost negated the yards he allowed, plus he returned two picks for scores. The 6-foot, 195-pound versatile corner rarely overcommits. He has the ability to mirror receivers in man, but I believe he’d excel in a primarily zone-based scheme in the pros. Johnson is instinctive, capable of quickly diagnosing layered route concepts, and can bait quarterbacks into making a mistake. He has a shot at being considered towards the back-end of the first round if he can run in the 4.4s at the combine.
**39\. Christen Miller, DL, Georgia, Jr.**
The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Miller sheds blocks with ease. He unloads brute force upon an offensive line, and at very least will free up other defenders to make plays. Miller will be an impactful run defender on day one, but you don’t have to book a “darkness retreat” with Aaron Rodgers to envision him eventually becoming a disruptive pass-rusher in the pros despite only producing four sacks in three seasons with the Bulldogs.
**40\. R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma, Sr.**
Thomas was named to the All-SEC first team after making the second team as a junior. He produced 6½ sacks, 9½ tackles for loss and two forced fumbles, despite missing the Sooners’ final three games of the season with a quad injury. Thomas had nine sacks, 12½ tackles for loss and two forced fumbles as a junior. The former four-star recruit dealt with ankle injuries early in his collegiate career, but he’s proven resilient. Thomas is undersized (6-2, 249), but he features an explosive get-off, and a variety of moves (chops, rips and swipes). He’s relentless in pursuit, but shorter arms might hinder him against the run in the NFL.
**41\. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas, Jr.**
Hill plays off-ball linebacker at a high level, and can generate a pass-rush off the edge or as a blitzer. He earned first-team All-American recognition after producing 113 total tackles (17 tackles for loss), eight sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception as a true sophomore. The former five-star recruit is big (6-3, 238), instinctual, and features impressive lateral quickness and movement skills. He also rarely misses a tackle, but there’s work to do in coverage. He missed the last two games of the season with a broken hand.
**42\. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame, Sr.**
After four seasons at Virginia, where he was a team captain, Fields transferred to South Bend for the 2025 season. He led the Irish with 17.5 yards per reception. Fields features elite size (6-4, 218), reliable hands and creates mismatches on jump balls and fades. His massive catch radius and exceptional play strength makes him a problem for most defensive backs, especially in contested-catch situations. Fields is also an effective run blocker who is capable of removing defensive backs from the play.
**43\. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana, Jr.**
Ponds is small (5-9, 170), but he plays bigger with the tenacity of an old-school middle linebacker. He was a standout during the playoffs, helping lead the Hoosiers to a 16-0 season and the program’s first National Championship. He earned Defensive MVP honors in both the Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl. Ponds is rarely out of position in zone or man coverage, and features elite instincts and awareness.
**44\. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.**
Price gets overshadowed by Jeremiyah Love, but he would’ve been the top running back on almost any other team in the nation. The 5-foot-11, 209-pound dynamo features breakaway speed, vision and good hands. He’s still developing as a receiver, and in pass protection, but there’s three-down potential here. Price will contribute immediately on special teams as an impact kick returner. He was the first player in the storied history of the Irish with multiple 100-yard kickoff return TDs in one season.
**45\. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana, Jr.**
The natural playmaker led the Hoosiers in receptions (69) and yards (937) and was third nationally in TD receptions (13). Cooper’s combination of compact build (6-0, 201), vision and shiftiness make him difficult to bring down in the open field. He’s not a burner, but he is a polished route runner with elite YAC ability.
**46\. LT Overton, Edge, Alabama, Sr.**
Overton is a former five-star recruit who spent two years with Texas A&M before transferring to Tuscaloosa in 2024. He’s one of the more versatile defensive lineman in this class, with enough size (6-5, 278) and strength to handle his own on the interior for a team who utilizes hybrid fronts at the next level. Overton already excels as a run-stopper, and can be disruptive as a pass-rusher, but his approach needs polish.
**47\. Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon, Sr.**
Pregnon is a previously unranked recruit who played for the Wyoming Cowboys (2020-2022) and USC Trojans (2023-2024) before joining the Ducks. The two-time All-Big Ten honoree hasn’t allowed a sack in three seasons, and only allowed two hurries last year. He’s also a “people mover” in the run game, using his size (6-5, 318) and heavy hands to uproot defenders.
**48\. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama, Sr.**
Bernard’s a former four-star recruit who started at Michigan State, transferred to Washington, and then ended up with the Crimson Tide with head coach Kalen DeBoer. He’s well-built (6-1, 204), a precise route runner, and a proven playmaker. Bernard’s not a burner, but he has strong, reliable hands, and can play through contact. His versatility makes him an offensive chess piece.
**49\. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati, Sr.**
The former unranked recruit who began as an edge defender at FCS program Central Arkansas has three-down potential at linebacker in the NFL because of his size (6-4, 240), physicality and elite athleticism. The No. 48 player on Bruce Feldman’s list, Golday ran a 4.24 shuttle time last summer, which would’ve been faster than any linebacker at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. He earned All-Big 12 first team recognition after leading the Bearcats with 105 tackles.
**50\. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville, Sr.**
Bell is an explosive playmaker with size (6-2, 220), elite ball skills and the ability to morph into a pinball after the catch. He reminds me of Eagles’ All-Pro receiver A.J. Brown. Bell suffered a torn ACL in the Cardinals’ 38-6 loss at SMU on Nov. 22. He earned All-ACC first team honors after finishing the season with 72 receptions for 917 yards and six TDs. Reports are that the tear is believed to be clean, which could help in his recovery. Despite the injury, I’d be mildly surprised if he makes it out of the second round.