NFL Draft 2026: Top 50 Key Prospects for the Draft, Analysis and Rankings

Preliminary Analysis of the 2026 NFL Draft: The Top 50 Prospects

With the end of the college football regular season, attention turns to the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23 in Pittsburgh. This initial analysis presents the top 50 prospects, based on in-person and video observation, as well as conversations with NFL scouts and evaluators. It is important to note that these rankings are preliminary and subject to significant changes.

This list includes exploration reports for each prospect, and at the end are the rankings by position. Lower-class players are marked with an asterisk. Below are the most promising prospects, starting with those who have experienced a notable rise.

Featured Promotions

• Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State*: This player has experienced a notable rise, standing out in the Buckeyes’ defense. His versatility as a linebacker and pass rusher suggests great potential in the NFL.

• Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*: Downs has proven to be a very complete player for both Alabama and Ohio State. His ability to read the game and his consistency make him a valuable player.

Image description: Ohio State’s Caleb Downs talking about how he developed his football IQ at a young age.

• Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*: Love is an explosive player whose versatility drives any offense. His running style and ability to generate plays make him a player to watch.

• Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*: After a season marked by injuries, Bain has regained his form, proving to be a disruptive presence on the defensive line.

• Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*: Moore shows maturity and composure on the field, with notable precision in his passes. His ability to complete difficult passes makes him an interesting prospect.

• Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU: Delane has been an impactful addition since his arrival at LSU. His technique and speed distinguish him as a high-level cornerback.

• Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*: Mendoza has shown notable growth, completing a high percentage of passes and demonstrating good arm strength.

• Francis Mauigoa, G, Miami*: Mauigoa is a consistent presence on the offensive line, with great potential as a guard in the NFL. His strength and quickness are notable.

• Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*: Tate is a polished route runner with great receiving ability. His ability to execute any route makes him an immediate impact player.

• Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*: Woods continues to showcase his talent. His ability to penetrate and cause disruption makes him a key player.

• Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*: Tyson has had an outstanding season. His ability to win despite not having exceptional top-end speed makes him a valuable receiver.

• Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*: McCoy, before his injury, was considered one of the best players in his class. His ability to create turnovers is notable.

• Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*: Faulk is a ready-made NFL pass rusher. His ability to shed blocks and his strength stand out.

• Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*: Simpson has gone from being an unknown player to being in conversations for the first round of the draft. His ability to analyze and attack defenses is impressive.

• Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*: Lomu has noticeably improved in his second year as a starter. His quickness and potential place him as one of the best offensive tackles.

• Makai Lemon, WR, USC*: Lemon excels at winning against all types of coverage. His ability to find gaps in zones and his receiving ability make him valuable.

• Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*: Fano has great agility and strong hands. His body control and composure are notable.

• Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State: Styles, who started as a safety, has become a great linebacker. His ability to stop runners and his range stand out.

• David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech: Bailey, with a variety of pass-rushing moves and a great get-off, is a dynamic edge rusher.

• CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*: Allen has continued to rise in his second year as a starter. His quick reaction ability and speed make him a valuable player.

• Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*: Sadiq has established himself as one of Dante Moore’s top options. He is a fluid athlete who can stretch defenses vertically.

• Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*: Brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon is a gritty player.

• A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*: Washington quickly became a reliable presence. His strength and ability to quickly disrupt on the field set him apart.

• KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M*: Concepcion has become the Aggies’ primary target. His ability to separate and generate explosive plays makes him valuable.

• Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M: Howell has thrived in his first season as a starter. His combination of power and flexibility is notable.

Image description: Cashius Howell from Texas A&M records 3 consecutive catches against Utah State.

• Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State*: Ioane has been a model of consistency. His strength and power help him absorb and withstand contact from defenders.

• Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon*: Uiagalelei is an edge rusher with experience in multiple positions. His effort and ability to run stand out.

• Denzel Boston, WR, Washington*: Boston is a physical receiver who is exceptional at attacking and catching passes in the air.

• LT Overton, Edge, Alabama: Overton is a robust defender with a lot of power. His strength in his hands helps him stay firm at the first level.

• Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State*: McDonald is a strong presence in the middle. His strength allows him to easily anchor in the interior gaps.

• Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*: Proctor is a massive offensive tackle with overwhelming strength. Pass protection is varied, with promising play moments mixed with moments of passive technique.

• T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson*: Parker has not met expectations. He has an average bend at the top of his pass rush attempts.

• Zion Young, Edge, Missouri: Young is a long-levered edge rusher who has developed into a reliable defender. He needs to improve his run defense.

• Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee*: Hood is a true man-to-man cornerback who excels when he can get his hands inside the receivers’ frame.

• Chris Bell, WR, Louisville: Bell has become one of the most reliable receivers in the country. He is able to beat defenders to the end zone with his frame and his ability to run after the catch.

• Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati: Golday has become the key to Cincinnati’s defense. He uses his length to engage and shed blockers in run defense.

• Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas*: Goosby is a blocker with a long reach and a frame that has room to add mass and strength.

• Quincy Rhodes Jr., Edge, Arkansas*: Rhodes is a big-bodied edge rusher who projects best as a 4 or 4i technique in the NFL.

• Caleb Banks, DT, Florida: After a great 2024, Banks entered this season as one of the best interior defenders in the country.