2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 50 Overall Prospects
Last Updated: November 1, 2025The 2026 NFL Draft class is starting to take shape after nine weeks of college football, and several elite prospects have separated themselves from the pack. This big board aggregates rankings from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Steve Muench, along with CBS Sports, PFF, The Draft Network, and NFL Mock Draft Database to create a comprehensive consensus ranking of the top 50 prospects heading into November.
The class features exceptional defensive talent at the top, particularly at safety and defensive line, while the quarterback position remains uncertain with three viable first-round options but no clear-cut franchise signal-caller. The offensive tackle class is deep, and the EDGE rusher group is headlined by a potential #1 overall pick.
---
How These Rankings Were Compiled
This big board represents a consensus of 8+ major draft analysts and databases, including:
Players are evaluated based on: college production, physical measurements, athletic testing, scheme versatility, injury history, and NFL projection. Rankings will continue to evolve through the College Football Playoff, bowl season, NFL Combine, and pro days.
---
The Elite Five: Consensus Top 5 Prospects
1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State – The Generational Safety
Tier: Elite Prospect Draft Projection: Top 3 Pick Physical: 6'0" | 204 lbs | 4.45 40-yard dash (projected) The #1 Prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.Downs isn't just the top safety—he's the consensus #1 player on multiple big boards, including DraftTek (#1) and Bleacher Report (#1). He could become the first safety drafted in the top 10 since Jamal Adams went 6th overall in 2017, and some analysts believe he could challenge for the #1 overall pick.
Background:After earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors at Alabama in 2023, Downs transferred to Ohio State and became a unanimous All-American in 2024. Over the past two seasons, he's posted a 91.7 PFF grade—second among all FBS safeties—and leads all players with an 88.5 run-defense grade.
What Makes Him #1:Downs is incredibly versatile, capable of thriving at free safety, in the slot, or in the box. His football IQ is off the charts—he diagnoses plays before they develop and positions himself to make impact plays. Against the run, he's the best tackling safety in college football, combining elite instincts with violent finishing ability.
In coverage, Downs has rare range and ball skills for a safety. He can match up with slot receivers, erase tight ends down the seam, and play center field in single-high looks. His transition quickness and acceleration allow him to close on passes with terrifying speed.
He's also a dynamic punt returner, adding special teams value that elite safeties rarely provide. His ability to impact all three phases makes him one of the safest picks in this entire draft class.
Pro Comparison: Derwin James—elite versatility, can play 5+ positions, game-changing impact The Concerns:At 6'0", 204 lbs, Downs doesn't have prototypical size for a box safety at the NFL level. While his tackling technique is excellent, he can get overpowered by 230+ lb tight ends when matched up in the hole.
Some scouts worry about his deep-ball tracking—he's better in the intermediate and short zones than playing single-high. His man-coverage skills against elite slot receivers need refinement for the NFL level.
Why He's #1: Exceptional versatility, elite production over two years, safest pick in the class---
2. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL) – The #1 Overall Candidate
Tier: Elite Prospect Draft Projection: Top 3 Pick Physical: 6'3" | 275 lbs | 4.52 40-yard dash The Betting Favorite for #1 Overall.Bain is the consensus #1 EDGE rusher and a serious contender to be the first player selected in April. At 6'3", 275 lbs, he combines elite size with explosive athleticism and a devastating first-step burst.
Background:After winning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 (44 tackles, 13 TFLs, 7.5 sacks), Bain battled a calf injury in 2024 that limited him to 12 games. He silenced doubts in 2025, looking as quick off the snap as his freshman year while dominating ACC competition.
What Makes Him #2:Bain's calling card is his outstanding first-step burst that allows him to penetrate gaps before blockers are fully set. He's a devastating speed-to-power rusher who can overwhelm offensive linemen by running straight through them with violent hands and elite power.
His pass rush arsenal is advanced for his age, featuring two-hand swipes, club combinations, rips, and swims executed with precision timing. Against the run, he's strong and physical at the point of attack, solid against combo blocks from tackles and tight ends.
Pro Comparison: Kayvon Thibodeaux—elite physical traits with power and explosiveness The Concerns:At 275 lbs, there's debate whether he's athletic enough to win with speed at the NFL level or if he should kick inside to defensive tackle. His hand timing needs refinement—he's often late after initial contact and doesn't play the hands well.
Run defense discipline is concerning. Bain leaves his gap assignment early and can lose outside contain when setting the edge. He gambles to make plays and can get burned by patient running backs on zone runs.
Why He's #2: Potential #1 overall pick, elite physical traits, impact pass rusher---
3. Peter Woods, DL, Clemson – The Interior Force
Tier: Elite Prospect Draft Projection: Top 5 Pick Physical: 6'3" | 315 lbs | Elite power/agility The Best Interior Defensive Lineman in the Class.Woods ranks #3 on DraftTek's big board and #7 on Bleacher Report's top 100. At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, his power and agility make him a nightmare for any offensive lineman, and he's unanimously ranked as the #1 interior DL in this class.
Background:Woods leads returning Power Four defensive tackles with an 89.7 run-defense grade and 14.9% pass-rush win rate since 2023. He spent the majority of his sophomore year playing out of position at edge defender and still earned an 83.3 PFF grade, showcasing remarkable versatility.
What Makes Him #3:Woods is the most dominant run defender in college football. His combination of strength, leverage, and violent hands allows him to control the line of scrimmage on every snap. He consistently blows up double teams and creates negative plays in the backfield.
As a pass rusher, his interior pressure is relentless. His 14.9% pass-rush win rate leads all returning Power Four DTs, and he can win with both power (bull rush) and quickness (swim moves, arm-overs). He collapses the pocket and forces quarterbacks to step up into pressure.
His versatility is a major selling point. Woods can align anywhere from 0-tech to 5-tech and even kicked outside to edge defender with success. This flexibility makes him scheme-agnostic and valuable to any defensive coordinator.
Pro Comparison: Quinnen Williams—disruptive interior force with pass-rush upside The Concerns:Woods can play too high and lose leverage against powerful guards who get under his pads. His motor runs hot and cold—he can dominate for three quarters and then disappear in the fourth.
His pass-rush moves remain somewhat limited beyond power. When his bull rush gets stonewalled, he doesn't have consistent counters to continue working toward the quarterback. Better hand usage and counter moves would elevate him to elite status.
Why He's #3: Dominant run defender, versatile, scheme-agnostic value---
4. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon – The Top Quarterback
Tier: Elite Prospect Draft Projection: Top 5 Pick Physical: 6'2" | 215 lbs | 4.65 40-yard dash (projected) Mel Kiper's #1 Overall Prospect.Moore holds the top spot on Mel Kiper Jr.'s 2026 big board thanks to his elite arm talent, accuracy, and leadership. After transferring to Oregon and sitting behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, he's re-emerged as a completely different quarterback.
Background:2025 Stats (7 games): 72.3% completion rate, 1,686 passing yards, 19 TDs, 4 INTs
Moore originally committed to UCLA, transferred to Oregon, spent a year learning behind Gabriel, and has now blossomed into the Ducks' starting quarterback. His development under Dan Lanning's staff has been remarkable.
What Makes Him #4:Moore possesses elite arm talent with the ability to make every throw in the NFL playbook. His deep ball accuracy is exceptional—he drops dimes into tight windows 40+ yards downfield with consistent touch and trajectory. He can drive the ball on intermediate crossers and fit passes into tight coverage.
His pocket presence has improved dramatically. Moore keeps his eyes downfield under pressure, steps up in the pocket to avoid edge rushers, and delivers accurate passes while taking hits. His decision-making is advanced for his age—he rarely forces passes into coverage and takes what the defense gives him.
Moore is an underrated athlete with enough mobility to extend plays with his legs. He's not a designed runner, but he can escape the pocket and pick up key first downs when plays break down.
Pro Comparison: Jared Goff—elite arm talent, accurate passer who thrives in structured offense The Concerns:Moore's arm strength, while good, isn't elite. He can make all the throws but doesn't have the cannon arm to consistently beat zone coverage by fitting passes into tight windows before defenses close. NFL defensive backs will challenge his velocity on out routes.
His processing speed against complex defenses needs improvement. When faced with disguised coverages and simulated pressures, Moore can hold the ball too long and take unnecessary sacks. He needs to speed up his internal clock.
Mobility is a concern. He's not a statue, but he lacks the elite escapability or designed run ability that modern NFL offenses value in quarterbacks.
Why He's #4: Elite arm talent, high accuracy, best QB in the class---
5. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame – The Heisman Front-Runner
Tier: Elite Prospect Draft Projection: Top 10 Pick Physical: 6'0" | 214 lbs | Sub-4.4 40-yard dash (projected) The First Running Back Off the Board.Love is the consensus top RB prospect and one of the "safer" prospects in the entire 2026 draft. At 6'0", 214 lbs, he combines elite athleticism, receiving ability, and NFL-ready skills. He's a legitimate Heisman Trophy front-runner and could become the first RB drafted in the top 10 since Bijan Robinson in 2023.
Background:Love was a key piece of Notre Dame's 2024 national championship run, posting a stellar 91.8 rushing grade. In 2025, he ranks 10th nationally with 758 rushing yards through eight games while adding significant value as a receiver (30+ receptions).
What Makes Him #5:Love has track speed that allows him to pull away from defenders in the open field. Once he hits the second level, he's gone—defenders simply can't catch him. His acceleration through the hole is explosive, and he consistently turns 5-yard gains into 15+ yard gains.
His receiving ability makes him a true three-down back. Love runs crisp routes out of the backfield, has soft hands, and can align in the slot. He's dangerous on screens and checkdowns, making him incredibly valuable in modern NFL offenses that prioritize pass-catching backs.
Power and contact balance are underrated aspects of his game. Despite his lean 214 lb frame, Love runs through arm tackles and falls forward after contact. His competitive toughness and willingness to finish runs impressed scouts throughout Notre Dame's championship run.
Pro Comparison: Alvin Kamara—speed, receiving ability, explosiveness, versatile weapon The Concerns:At 214 lbs, Love's frame is lean, and he'll need to add 5-10 pounds of functional strength to handle a 250+ carry workload in the NFL. Durability is a valid concern given his running style and relatively light frame.
Pass protection remains a work in progress. He has the willingness and technique foundation, but he struggles to anchor against 250+ lb blitzing linebackers. He'll need to improve as a pass protector to stay on the field for all three downs.
Vision between the tackles can be inconsistent. Love has a tendency to bounce runs outside rather than pressing the hole and trusting his blockers. NFL defenses with disciplined edge-setters will force him to run inside more often.
Why He's #5: Elite speed, three-down ability, safest RB prospect, Heisman candidate---
First Round Locks: Prospects 6-20
6. TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson – Overall Rank: #10 (EDGE2)
Tier: First Round Lock Draft Projection: Top 10-15 Pick Key Strength: Elite power profile, versatile defender who can line up anywhere from 4i to 7-tech Key Concern: Average bend/flexibility, lacks elite first-step explosivenessParker is the heavy favorite to be the first EDGE selected if teams pass on Bain for a QB. In 2024, he recorded 57 tackles, 20 TFLs, 11 sacks, and a school-record 6 forced fumbles with a 2nd-team All-ACC selection. His thick build (6'3", 265 lbs) and good arm length make him a force as a relentless power rusher.
---
7. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana – Overall Rank: #7 (QB2)
Tier: First Round Lock Draft Projection: Top 10 Pick Key Strength: Elite decision-making, accurate intermediate passer, leadership Key Concern: Limited arm strength, struggles against elite pass rushesAfter transferring to Indiana, Mendoza has emerged as a first-round QB prospect and perhaps the first QB to come off the board in 2026. His steady play and leadership have Indiana in College Football Playoff contention.
---
8. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah – Overall Rank: #10 (OT1)
Tier: First Round Lock Draft Projection: Top 15 Pick Key Strength: Great movement skills, mirrors rushers well, violent hands Key Concern: Needs to add functional strength, occasional false steps in pass proListed at 6-5, 304 pounds, Fano has "legitimate franchise tackle potential" with instant-starter capabilities. His technical prowess and movement skills allow him to mirror elite pass rushers consistently.
---
9. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama – Overall Rank: #11 (QB3)
Tier: First Round Lock Draft Projection: Top 15 Pick Key Strength: Elite arm strength, mobility, can make off-platform throws Key Concern: Inconsistent accuracy, decision-making under pressureSimpson has surged up draft boards as a first-round QB option. His physical tools are exceptional, and he's shown flashes of brilliance running Alabama's offense.
---
10. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama – Overall Rank: #25 (OT2)
Tier: First Round Lock Draft Projection: Top 20 Pick Key Strength: Massive frame (6'7", 369 lbs), powerful run blocker Key Concern: Stock falling due to technical inconsistencies, needs to refine footworkThe former 5-star recruit is an imposing figure with good movement skills for his size. At 6-foot-7, 369 pounds, he has prototypical NFL tackle size and power.
---
11. Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon – Overall Rank: #21 (EDGE3)
Tier: First Round Lock Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round (15-25) Key Strength: Athletic freak with size/length/burst, flexible hips, 10.5 sacks in 2024 Key Concern: One-dimensional pass rush, inconsistent holding point of attackJust 20 years old, Uiagalelei led the entire Big Ten with 10.5 sacks during the 2024 regular season. His combination of size (6'5", 272 lbs), length, and explosiveness makes him incredibly intriguing.
---
12. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami – Overall Rank: #18 (OT3)
Tier: First Round Lock Draft Projection: Top 20 Pick Key Strength: Violent finisher, allowed only 1 sack on 534 pass-blocking snaps in 2024 Key Concern: Guard vs. tackle debate, needs to improve lateral agilityRanked #1 by NFL Draft Buzz with a 93.4 grade, Mauigoa has "legitimate franchise tackle potential." Some scouts project him as an elite guard rather than a tackle.
---
13. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State – Overall Rank: #15 (LB1)
Tier: First Round Lock Draft Projection: Mid-1st Round (15-25) Key Strength: Complete football player, natural instincts, can make plays others can't Key Concern: Needs to improve shedding blocks against NFL-caliber offensive linemenMel Kiper Jr. has Reese ranked 4th overall on his big board. He's a complete football player with natural instincts that allow him to make plays most linebackers can't make.
---
14. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State – Overall Rank: #17 (WR1)
Tier: First Round Lock Draft Projection: Mid-1st Round (15-25) Key Strength: Dynamic playmaker, elite route running, big-play ability Key Concern: Needs to add strength to fight through press coverageTyson is the top wide receiver in the 2026 class with exceptional route running and play-making ability. He's a constant threat to take any touch to the house.
---
15. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State – Overall Rank: #22 (RB2)
Tier: First Round Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (25-40) Key Strength: Elite size-speed combo (6'0", 227 lbs, sub-4.4 speed) Key Concern: Limited receiving production, needs to improve pass-catching consistencyAt 6'0", 227 lbs, Singleton is one of the most impressive power-speed athletes in the 2026 RB class. He's been clocked at a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at over 220 pounds.
---
16. Caleb Lomu, OT, USC – Overall Rank: #24 (OT4)
Tier: First Round Draft Projection: Late 1st Round (20-32) Key Strength: Prototypical NFL LT size (6'5", 295 lbs), flexible athlete Key Concern: First year of eligibility, needs to prove consistency over full seasonLomu looks like the prototypical NFL left tackle at 6-foot-5, 295 pounds. 2026 is his first year of eligibility, making him a developmental prospect with elite upside.
---
17. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State – Overall Rank: #26 (WR2)
Tier: First Round Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (25-35) Key Strength: Reliable hands, runs crisp routes, excellent body control Key Concern: Lacks elite speed, needs to create more separation vs. man coverageTate is a polished route runner with excellent hands and body control. While he doesn't have elite speed, his technical refinement makes him a safe pick.
---
18. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech – Overall Rank: #19 (EDGE4)
Tier: First Round Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (25-40) Key Strength: Elite speed (20.5+ mph), 93.2 PFF pass-rush grade, 27.2% pass rush win rate Key Concern: Undersized (6'3", 250 lbs), run defense grades are lowBailey is one of the most explosive pass rushers in the class. According to Bruce Feldman, he reaches a top speed greater than 20.5 mph—elite track speed for a 250 lb edge rusher.
---
19. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M – Overall Rank: #26 (EDGE5)
Tier: First Round Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (25-40) Key Strength: Refined pass rusher, 9.5 sacks (3rd nationally), incredible spin move Key Concern: Undersized with sub-31" arms, needs to add strength2025 Stats: 9.5 sacks (3rd in the nation), 21.5% pressure rate. Howell is one of the most refined pass rushers in college football despite arm length concerns (sub-30 inches).
---
20. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee – Overall Rank: #28 (CB1)
Tier: First Round Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd Round (25-35) Key Strength: Ball-hawking traits, 4 INTs and 9 PBUs in 2024 Key Concern: Hasn't played in 2025 after tearing ACL in January, injury concernsMcCoy is the top cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft. After transferring to Tennessee, his ball-hawking traits emerged with four interceptions and nine pass breakups in 2024. He's currently recovering from a torn ACL suffered in January.
---
Late First/Early Second Round: Prospects 21-35
21. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington – (RB3)
Draft Projection: 2nd Round 2025 Stats: 5.1 YPC, 643 yards, 13 TDs, 27 receptions for 316 yards Key Strength: Steady workhorse with 95.4 PFF career grade Key Concern: Lacks elite speed to be a home-run threat---
22. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington – (WR3)
Draft Projection: 2nd Round Key Strength: Physical receiver with strong hands, wins contested catches Key Concern: Route running needs refinement, limited route tree---
23. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State – (EDGE6)
Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd (25-35) 2024 Stats: 42 tackles, 13 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, dominated in CFP Key Strength: NFL-ready size (6'5", 272 lbs), elite power rusher Key Concern: Lacks explosive first-step quickness, below-average bend---
24. Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn – (OT5)
Draft Projection: 2nd Round Key Strength: Powerful run blocker, transferred from Virginia Tech with success Key Concern: Pass protection technique needs polish---
25. Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee – (EDGE7)
Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early 2nd (25-35) 2024 Stats: 90.6 PFF grade (3rd-highest defensive player nationally), 91.4 run-defense grade Key Strength: Elite length (82-inch wingspan), quick first step, advanced counter moves Key Concern: Lean frame (6'3", 245 lbs), needs to add 10-15 lbs---
26. Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest – (RB4)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round 2025 Stats: 6.7 YPC, 612 yards, 8 TDs Key Strength: Lightning-in-a-bottle speed, De'Von Achane comparisons Key Concern: Undersized, limited receiving production---
27. Sonny Styles, LB/S, Ohio State – (LB2)
Draft Projection: 2nd Round Key Strength: Versatile defender, can play LB or safety Key Concern: Position uncertainty, tweener concerns---
28. AJ Harris, CB, Clemson – (CB2)
Draft Projection: 2nd Round Key Strength: Physical corner with good size, plays with aggression Key Concern: Penalties, overly aggressive in coverage---
29. Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State – (OT6)
Draft Projection: 2nd Round Key Strength: Christian Darrisaw comparison, elite mobility for position Key Concern: Needs to add functional strength---
30. Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon – (RB5)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round 2025 Stats: 5.8 YPC, elite ball security (zero fumbles in 400+ touches) Key Strength: Transfer success story, protects the football Key Concern: Limited breakaway speed---
31. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina – (QB4)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round Key Strength: Dual-threat ability, strong arm, tough runner Key Concern: Inconsistent accuracy, needs to improve decision-making---
32. Caleb Banks, DL, Florida – (DL2)
Draft Projection: 2nd Round Key Strength: Sleek, athletic force on interior, Jalen Carter comparisons Key Concern: Consistency, needs to dominate more frequently---
33. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson – (CB3)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round Key Strength: Length and athleticism, sticky in man coverage Key Concern: Lacks elite speed to stay with burners downfield---
34. Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan – (RB6)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round Key Strength: Son of former NFL player, rising rapidly up boards Key Concern: Limited production, small sample size---
35. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon – (OT7)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round Key Strength: Explosive transfer with elite athleticism Key Concern: Boom-or-bust potential, technical refinement needed---
Day 2 Risers: Prospects 36-50
36. DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado – (CB4)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round Key Strength: Could be first CB off the board, aggressive ball skills37. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech – (EDGE8)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round Key Strength: 21.82 mph top speed, pure standup rusher38. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas – (LB3)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round Key Strength: Hybrid skill set, might've been 1st LB in 2025 class39. Jaydn Ott, RB, Oklahoma – (RB7)
Draft Projection: 3rd Round Key Strength: Elite talent when healthy40. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma – (EDGE9)
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round Key Strength: Blinding speed off edge, 92.6 PFF Game Athleticism Score41. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson – (QB5)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round Key Strength: Todd McShay's #1 QB, size/mobility/arm strength42. A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU – (S2)
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round Key Strength: Best tackling safety in the class43. Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College – (OT8)
Draft Projection: 3rd Round Key Strength: Twitchy technician with flashes of brilliance44. Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa – (OT9)
Draft Projection: 3rd Round Key Strength: Iowa mauler with 90.0 PFF grade45. Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State – (RB8)
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round Key Strength: Downhill hammer from historic RB duo46. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson – (OT10)
Draft Projection: 3rd Round Key Strength: Ironman with 41 consecutive starts47. Jevon Faulk, DL, Auburn – (DL3)
Draft Projection: 3rd Round Key Strength: Just 19 years old, 14.4% pressure rate48. Damon Wilson Jr., EDGE, Missouri – (EDGE10)
Draft Projection: 4th-5th Round Key Strength: Georgia transfer, 5.5 sacks in 7 games, elite athleticism49. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas – (CB5)
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round Key Strength: Assumed CB1 role at Texas50. John Mateer, QB, Washington State – (QB6)
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round Key Strength: Dual-threat gunslinger with big arm---
Position Breakdown: Top 50 Composition
Quarterbacks (6): Moore, Mendoza, Simpson, Sellers, Klubnik, Mateer Running Backs (8): Love, Singleton, Coleman, Claiborne, Hughes, Haynes, Ott, Allen Wide Receivers (3): Tyson, Tate, Boston Offensive Tackles (10): Fano, Proctor, Mauigoa, Lomu, Chaplin, Shelton, World, Bowry, Dunker, Miller EDGE Rushers (10): Bain, Parker, Uiagalelei, Bailey, Howell, Dennis-Sutton, Josephs, Height, Thomas, Wilson Interior DL (3): Woods, Banks, Faulk Linebackers (3): Reese, Styles, Hill Cornerbacks (5): McCoy, Harris, Terrell, McKinney, Muhammad Safeties (2): Downs, Haulcy Key Takeaway: The 2026 class is loaded at EDGE (10), OT (10), and RB (8), while WR (3) and S (2) are thin at the top.---
Biggest Movers: Stock Watch
Rising 🚀
Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) - Jumped from fringe top-10 to #1 overall on multiple boards Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) - Surged into top-10 conversation as potential QB1 Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M) - 9.5 sacks have him climbing into late 1st round Justice Haynes (RB, Michigan) - Rising rapidly after strong start to season Joshua Josephs (EDGE, Tennessee) - PFF's #5 EDGE suggests undervalued on consensus boardsFalling 📉
Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama) - Stock falling due to technical inconsistencies Arch Manning (QB, Texas) - Dropped from preseason top-5 to outside top-50 Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU) - Cooled off after preseason hype Nicholas Singleton (RB, Penn State) - Slipping from top-15 to late 1st/early 2nd Matayo Uiagalelei (EDGE, Oregon) - One-dimensional rush concerns dropping him---
Consensus vs. Outliers: Biggest Ranking Variance
Most Agreement:---
Final Thoughts: What This Big Board Tells Us
Class Strengths:
Class Weaknesses:
Players to Continue Watching:
---
Test Your Draft Strategy: Mock the 2026 NFL Draft
Want to see how these top 50 prospects fit with your favorite team? Head over to StickToTheModel.com's 2026 NFL Mock Draft Simulator and build your dream draft board.
Our simulator features:
âś… Real-time prospect rankings (updated weekly)
âś… Team needs analysis for all 32 franchises
âś… Trade calculator to move up for your elite prospect
âś… Personalized draft grades based on team fit
Will you take Downs #1 overall? Can you snag Bain's elite pass rush in the top 3? Will you grab a QB or build the trenches?
Start Your Mock Draft Now →---
Rankings updated weekly throughout the college football season. Follow us on Twitter @StickToTheModel for real-time updates.