As the calendar nears November, more NFL fans are considering their teams’ futures – specifically in April for the NFL Draft.
The 2025 NFL season hasn’t gone as well as hoped for some teams across the league and they’ll look to find future stars to build around in the next draft class. They’ll be rewarded with an intriguing group of prospects.
The 2026 NFL Draft was initially touted as one rife with quarterback talent. That hasn’t exactly panned out as expected thanks to multiple potential first-round quarterbacks regressing (Texas’ Arch Manning) or suffering season-ending injuries after inconsistent performances (Penn State’s Drew Allar).
Still, some passers have risen in the ranks thanks to breakout seasons. They’re not alone. Wide receiver was initially expected to be a one-player position in the first round – Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson – but players from multiple different programs are playing their way into first-round consideration.
Offensive tackle offers few finished products but plenty of talented, traits-filled prospects for coaching staffs to mold into long-term starters. It’s a good year to need a linebacker, too, as well as versatile edge rushers.
Here’s how our top 50 prospects stand entering Week 9 of the NFL season:
2026 NFL Draft top 50 prospects
1. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Downs won’t go No. 1 overall because of the position he plays. The Buckeyes’ star defensive back is one of the best safeties in recent memory. He offers impressive athleticism, coverage skills, run defense and general football IQ to be a true defensive weapon in multiple ways. He can be a force multiplier for a defense and creative playcaller.
2. Edge Ruben Bain Jr., Miami
Bain’s combination of speed and power at 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds makes him an every-down defender on the edge. The physicality he plays with will fit in immediately at the NFL level. Sack production isn’t there, but the sheer pressure numbers and eye test show he’s an impactful player on every down.
3. DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Woods looks at times like a prospect who is 90% of what Jalen Carter offers, thanks to his mix of size (6-foot-3, 315 pounds) and athleticism. He can beat defenders with a bull rush, chase down ball-carriers in the run game and eat up double teams. Yet he struggles with consistency. We’re willing to be on the tantalizing, Pro Bowl-caliber upside.
4. RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
The 2026 class features yet another clear-cut No. 1 running back. Love is far and away the top player at the position with a skill set tailored to the modern NFL. He’s a three-down running back with size (6-foot, 214 pounds) and breakaway speed to score at any moment. His receiving skills mean he’s a true three-down back. He’s averaging 3.77 yards after contact per attempt this season.
5. LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Reese is one of the biggest risers on draft boards this season as he’s become arguably the top linebacker prospect of the past five years. He combines ideal size (6-foot-4, 243 pounds) with outlier athleticism. But it’s his football IQ that’s set him apart this season. The game’s slowing down for him and he can take on varied roles in a defense as a pass rusher, quarterback spy, run defender or coverage linebacker.
6. OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Fano’s started at both left (2023) and right (2024-25) tackle for the Utes. He’s a bit lean at 6-foot-6 and 308 pounds which may necessitate a move inside at the NFL level. If he can bulk up, there’s a lot to like about him. His relentless motor and movement skills show up in pass protection, as do his strong hands.
7. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Tyson entered the year as the top wide receiver prospect and has done nothing to change that. He’s a sudden mover who can create space at will against defenders. His route-running is impressive at this stage of his development. His lone knock is a lack of elite speed but there’s so much versatility, ball skills and playmaking to love in a 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame.
8. OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
There simply aren’t many humans on this planet who move like Proctor does at this size (6-foot-7, 366 pounds). Proctor’s incredible athleticism, power and physicality give him a higher ceiling than most tackles in the modern era. He just needs to improve his consistency and technique to match his gifts. In the Crimson Tide’s opener, he allowed six pressures and a sack. In the seven games since, he’s allowed eight pressures and no sacks.
9. Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
One of the younger prospects in the class, Faulk could hear his name called early come April because of his tools at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds. That size and tools mean he’s versatile in alignment and can kick inside or stay on the edge for a creative playcaller. His strength shows up in run defense and he’s improving his hand usage in 2025. He could be a building block for a defense long-term.
10. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Mendoza transferred to Indiana for 2025 and is making the most of it. He’s a bigger quarterback prospect at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds but he has a surprisingly quick release. His NFL-caliber arm will fit in but what stands out most on tape is his processing abilities post-snap. He can read defenses quickly and know where to put the ball. He’s not a true dual-threat quarterback but can extend plays and pick up first downs when needed.
11. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Mauigoa’s got an ideal size at 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, which translates into good play strength and anchor power to start immediately at the NFL level. He’s spent his career at right tackle in Coral Gables. His strong hands and anchor work well in pass protection, and overall body control holds up in run blocking as well. His foot speed may be a question mark for NFL evaluators and cause him to kick inside to guard long-term.
12. WR Makai Lemon, USC
Lemon and Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava have built one of the top connections in college football this fall. The USC wideout is quickly turning into the Emeka Egbuka-type of this wide receiver class. He won’t blow you away with his athleticism or size (5-11, 195 pounds). But Lemon knows exactly where to be to maximize his targets every time. He’s primarily lined up in the slot and regularly gets extra yards even when blanketed in coverage.
13. Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
Another talented Tigers defender, Parker offers a physical presence off the edge at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds. His size and strength translates to setting the edge in run defense. His hand usage and fluid movement skills show up as a pass rusher and he uses his long arms to collapse the pocket in the right way. His lack of elite twitch keeps him out of the top 10 prospects.
14. TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Like Love at running back, Sadiq is the clear-cut No. 1 tight end in this class. The Ducks’ offensive weapon is a true mismatch in college football at an explosive 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds. He’s averaging seven yards after catch per reception, per Pro Football Focus (PFF) data, and a 152.5 quarterback rating when targeted. His blocking skills and dedication, in addition to his athleticism, make him a top-15 prospect.
15. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
McCoy is a tough evaluation because he hasn’t seen the field in 2025 due to an ACL tear early in the offseason. But he has ideal size at 6-foot and 195 pounds with elite athleticism on tape. He’s shown solid ability in both zone and man coverage schemes with impressive ball production. His anticipation and good technique for his age should translate to the NFL. The only question is his health.
16. QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Simpson is rising fast in draft circles for the 2026 class as he matures in his first season as a starter. His accuracy, timing and precision are on full display for the Crimson Tide every week. He has an NFL-caliber arm and the mobility to extend plays and quickly reset in the pocket. How much evaluators will weigh his college experience could make the difference between Simpson going top five or outside the top 15.
17. Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
Bailey transferred from Stanford to Texas Tech and has been one of the most productive edge rushers in the country. He leads the FBS in sacks (11) and is top five in pressures. He gets to the quarterback with his quick twitch, overall athleticism, hand usage and bend off the edge. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, there are some concerns about his run defense. He may be a designated pass rusher to start in the NFL.
18. QB Dante Moore, Oregon
Moore ascended into the conversation for the No. 1 pick thanks to a stellar start to the 2025 season. His deep ball was one of the best in the country entering the year and he’s shown growth in the intermediate and short area. His accuracy, release and layering are exactly what evaluators want to see. He’ll need to improve with handling pressure as Indiana exposed that part of his game in their matchup.
19. WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Tate’s taken on a bigger role in Columbus in 2025 and looks to be the Buckeyes’ next first-round wide receiver. He has ideal size for the outside at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds and regularly separates against coverage thanks to his crisp route running and impressive contested catch acumen. He’s not a burner but is averaging more than 17 yards per reception.
20. CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, plays much bigger than his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in athleticism and ball skills. He’s better in zone schemes thanks to his vision in coverage but he has the fluid athleticism to turn his hips and redirect quickly in man coverage.
21. Edge LT Overton, Alabama
Overton brings the size (6-foot-3, 275 pounds), power and athleticism to be a versatile defender at the NFL level. He can work inside or out for a creative defensive coordinator with the strength and physicality to shed blocks against the run or bull rush in pass rush situations. He’ll need to improve his hand usage to maximize his talents.
22. OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Lomu lines up on the left side to bookend the Utes’ offensive line across from Spencer Fano. He’s similarly sized at 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds and boasts impressive athleticism and discipline in his long frame. Like Fano, he needs to bulk up a bit to stay at tackle and handle NFL power off the edge. His hand usage needs some work as well but the foundation of talent is there for development.
23. CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Delane won’t wow you with his athleticism like Terrell or McCoy. What jumps off the tape is how opposing quarterbacks just avoid him entirely. His long frame at 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds, combined with the best technical skills at the position in this class, make him a potential first-round pick. He’s as savvy as it gets at cornerback. His lean frame brings concerns in run defense but he’s allowed just eight receptions for 100 yards in nine games.
24. QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers’ elite athletic tools make him an outlier at the position. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, his movement skills in the open field are reminiscent of Cam Newton. He has the strongest arm in the class. There’s no denying his tools; it’s all about how he evolves and improves as a passer. He still makes surprising errors that lead to costly turnovers. But the raw talent is incredibly tantalizing.
25. WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Boston is another prototypical outside receiver in a class full of that type at the position. At 6-foot-4 and 209 pounds, he has the physical makeup to be a good boundary receiver in the NFL. His hand usage, route running and contested catch acumen shine on tape as well. The lone knock is his lack of explosiveness and burst off the line.
26. DT Caleb Banks, Florida
Banks was in line for a strong season for the Gators before a foot injury ended his season early. He could end up in a situation much like Josh Simmons in 2025: undeniable talent and tools but injury concerns drop him down boards. At 6-foot-6 and 334 pounds, Banks is surprisingly athletic and a difference-maker in pass rush situations. He does need some work in run defense and overall consistency.
27. WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Brazzell stands 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds with elite burst off the line to be a matchup problem for defenders. Despite his long levers, Brazzell works well in underneath concepts. He lacks elite long speed to stretch defenses vertically but can separate at most any level with how he gets in and out of breaks.
28. LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Count Allen as the next fringe first-round linebacker coming out of Athens. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, he has NFL size with great athleticism to be an every-down player at the position. He’s a reliable tackler who shines in run defense. He will need more development in coverage but has made strides in that department in 2025.
29. DT Christen Miller, Georgia
Miller’s elite strength and anchor shows up in both run defense and pass rush situations. His rare combination of size (6-foot-4, 310 pounds), strength and movement skills make him a versatile prospect along the defensive line and can be a contributor on every down. His anticipation and hand usage need some development to last in the NFL, though.
30. IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Ioane boasts an ideal mix of size, mobility and strength at 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds to be the top pure-interior offensive lineman in the class. He could be a Day 1 starter at guard for most teams league-wide. He’s taken a huge step in pass protection in 2025, with just one pressure allowed through his first six games. He needs some refinement in hand usage but the basic skills are there to be a long-term starter.
31. Edge Zion Young, Missouri
Young improved in his second full season with the Tigers to be one of the more productive edge rushers in the country. His 29 pressures through eight games are a career-high, and he’s notched five sacks in that timeframe as well. His ideal size at 6-foot-5 and 262 pounds mixes well with his hand usage and mean streak off the edge to be a force as a pass rusher. He lacks elite explosiveness, though, which limits his ceiling draft-wise.
32. RB Justice Haynes, Michigan
Haynes is gradually taking hold of the No. 2 RB slot in this class thanks to his elite mix of contact balance and vision. He’s an ideal pure runner between the tackles who can break through arm tackles and accelerate to the next level. Like many young backs, he will need work in pass protection but has the frame at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds to improve with coaching.
33. LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Styles is another outstanding athlete at 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds for the Ohio State defense. He patrols the field at a pace more fitting of a 200-pound safety. His elite athleticism and solid fluidity means he can take on a variety of coverage assignments. He’s a reliable tackler in run defense as well. He’ll need to strengthen up to improve his block shedding and also work on his vision in run defense to maximize his traits.
34. QB John Mateer, Oklahoma
Mateer had a strong start to 2025 before a hand injury slowed down his progression. Still, he’s a plus athlete at 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds with the escapability to make highlight-reel throws against good defenses. His performance against Michigan is one of the best on his resume. He can fire out of variable angles, layer the ball well and has the burst as a runner to add value on the ground.
35. DT A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
Washington’s improvement in 2025 has him in the mix for Round 1, particularly for teams seeking a top nose tackle for their system. His mix of size (6-foot-3, 330 pounds) and agility allow him to eat up double teams in the run game. His power gives him a solid baseline to build on as he improves as an interior pass rusher.
36. OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
Tiernan stands 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, making him one of the more imposing presences at tackle in the class. He lacks the elite athleticism of many other prospects at the position in this group but could be a Round 1 pick thanks to his footwork, hand usage and understanding of leverage. His ceiling is lower than others at the position but a high floor makes him a worthwhile pick at the position early on.
37. Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
Uiagalelei makes the most of his 6-foot-5, 272-pound frame off the edge to affect the offense against the run and pass. His great agility and solid bend means he takes an ideal path to the quarterback from wherever he lines up on the defensive line. His strength and play recognition are solid as well. There’s no one elite thing Uiagalelei shines at, but he is very good to great at most of what NFL teams want at the position.
38. RB Jonah Coleman, Washington
Coleman offers surprisingly good agility in a 5-foot-9, 228-pound frame. His low center of gravity and overall strength negate arm tackles and should translate to the NFL. That frame and leverage makes him a solid pass protector as well. He lacks elite speed but offers enough to be a three-down back early on.
39. WR Chris Bell, Louisville
Bell will draw comparisons to Deebo Samuel thanks to his size at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. That mix of near-linebacker size and good speed will have creative offensive play-callers excited about his potential. He’s primarily lined up out wide for Louisville with the physicality and hand usage to handle press coverage well.
40. Edge R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Thomas’ smaller frame at 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds means he’ll likely be a designated pass rusher to start his career. He’s still plenty productive in that role with five sacks and 24 hurries through his first eight games in 2025. His explosive first step and overall burst will be rewarded in a system that asks its edge rushers to attack off the snap. He needs to add strength to last as a three-down edge rusher and could use more development in reading and reacting to offenses.
41. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
Son of New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, the Tigers’ quarterback offers an NFL arm and places the ball accurately with anticipation. His athleticism is a plus in the pocket and he can extend plays. He operates like a point guard from the pocket to distribute to his pass-catchers. His gunslinger mentality has caused some problems in 2025, though, and he needs to improve when pressured.
42. CB AJ Harris, Penn State
Harris looks straight out of central casting for modern cornerbacks thanks to his mix of size (6-foot-1, 191 pounds) and athleticism. That makes him an ideal fit as a boundary cornerback at the NFL level in man coverage-heavy schemes. He lacks ball production which may ultimately hurt his draft standing but the tools are there for a reliable cornerback long-term.
43. Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Dennis-Sutton provides a powerful base in his 6-foot-5, 265-pound frame. He’s one of the better edge-setters in the country and a reliable asset in run defense. His hand usage is solid for his stage of development which bodes well for him improving his pass rush moves. He lacks elite bend for his size and he needs some refinement overall to maximize his tools.
44. LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Hill has ideal NFL size for a linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds and is one of the younger prospects in this class. He reads and reacts quickly to plays and uses his burst to maneuver to the ball-carrier quickly. His strength and size will make him a solid run defender from Day 1. He needs to improve his technique in coverage to become an every-down linebacker.
45. WR Germie Bernard, Alabama
Bernard is one of the more versatile wide receivers in this class. At 6-foot-1 and 204 pounds, he’s operated primarily outside for Alabama in 2025 but spent a lot of time in the slot earlier in his college career. He thrives in the intermediate areas with reliable hands that his future NFL quarterback will love. He’ll immediately carve a role for himself at the next level. His biggest knock is lack of elite burst or deep speed.
46. CB Malik Muhammad, Texas
Muhammad is an absolute pest for opposing wide receivers. His twitchy athleticism in a 6-foot frame and impressive footwork make him extremely effective at mirroring opposing wideouts. His awareness in zone coverage is easily apparent and his smooth movements means he can transition between assignments well. At 188 pounds, there will be concerns in run defense but he’s a willing tackler.
47. S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
It’s hard to find a more reliable tackler than Thieneman among defensive backs in this class. He’s a rangy defender who can move between box and single-high roles at will, with the talent to handle run defense or coverage assignments. His impressive athleticism hasn’t fully translated in Oregon but the tools are there to blossom into a versatile NFL defender.
48. OT Gennings Dunker, Iowa
Dunker boasts the power and mean streak as a run blocker with NFL-level play strength to project well to the next level. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, he has the frame to stick but could end up inside at guard due to his limited lateral agility. With improved pad level and hand usage, he should be a solid long-term starter.
49. WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Concepcion stands 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds but operates well on the outside for the Aggies. He’s exceptional in the intermediate areas of the field with impressive footwork to separate against defenders. His burst off the line is impressive and he works back to the ball on his routes. He offers immediate value as a returner. His lack of size will show up more in the NFL which may necessitate a move to the slot.
50. OT Xavier Chaplin, Auburn
Chaplin stands 6-foot-7 and 348 pounds but offers elite movement skills in that massive frame. His long arms, strong hands and good anchor give him a big edge in pass protection and his innate strength shows up in run blocking as well. Overall, he needs work technique wise to maximize his elite athleticism, namely his footwork.