-
Matt Miller
There might be loads of motion within the rankings between now and the beginning of the 2026 NFL draft subsequent April, however groups are already organising their boards. That is the place this train is available in, as I am dissecting the early buzz and having a look at the most effective gamers by place.
This is not my knee-jerk opinion. Together with doing my early movie examine of the prospects on this class, I talked to scouts and personnel executives across the NFL to type this checklist. In these discussions, I try to reply just a few questions: Who’s on prime of one other deep edge rusher class? Which proficient offensive sort out will get the nod proper now? And we’ll handle the Arch Manning phenomenon and whether or not he’ll be within the class of 2026.
Let’s get began at quarterback, the place just a few signal-callers are within the combine to be the QB1.
Leap to place:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | IOL
DT | Edge | LB | CB | S
Quarterbacks
Earlier than we get into it, let’s discuss Arch Manning. The Texas third-year sophomore is without doubt one of the hottest names in school soccer; he may be the face of the game regardless of having solely two begins below his belt. Manning is an electrical expertise and a promising professional prospect, however he has not proved himself NFL-ready simply but. Scouts agree, with each evaluator polled for this piece believing Manning won’t depart Texas following the 2025 season — regardless of the group’s degree of success.
Now to the opposite quarterbacks. For the second yr in a row, there isn’t any clear-cut QB1 coming into the season. This class would not characteristic a prospect drawing the reward that Caleb Williams or Trevor Lawrence did, however we will not overlook concerning the rise of Jayden Daniels and Cameron Ward in back-to-back seasons as fifth-year starters. Scouts are preserving their eyes peeled for up-and-comers corresponding to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, however the present prime quarterbacks each play within the South.
Klubnik completed his junior season on a tear. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound passer is sensible and may carve up defenses when he will get right into a rhythm — a lot as he did against Texas within the School Soccer Playoff, throwing for 336 yards and three touchdowns in a loss. Klubnik completed the season with 36 landing passes and 6 interceptions, an enormous enchancment from his 19-9 ratio in 2023.
2:04
May LaNorris Sellers and South Carolina make a splash this season?
Kirk Herbstreit joins “The Pat McAfee Present” to interrupt down why South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Florida’s DJ Lagway are two quarterbacks to control in the course of the school soccer season.
Nussmeier, whose father is Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, confirmed in his first season as a starter that he has the arm expertise and moxie to make massive performs down the sphere. With 4 years of expertise, the 6-2 and 200-pound QB is a participant scouts imagine can get away as he will get extra beginning reps.
“Nussmeier is the one which I am most enthusiastic about as a result of he is so correct and fast together with his decision-making,” an AFC East space scout mentioned.
That scout, and the remainder of us, might be watching Aug. 30 when the 2 quarterbacks face each other at Clemson.
“Klubnik must show he can elevate that offense persistently and never simply be a degree guard,” an AFC South space scout mentioned. “Nussmeier has the larger arm, he is extra dynamic as a mover and his upside is larger.”
A scout from the NFC West added: “Klubnik could have the cleaner résumé, however Nussmeier has the NFL starter ability set.”
It’s a wide-open race. For now, I am rolling with Klubnik as the most effective of the bunch, however I am excited to see Mendoza in a brand new offense and Sellers in 12 months 2.
My early decide for the highest QB: Klubnik
Working backs
The operating again class in 2026 is a enjoyable one, headlined by a Notre Dame rusher coming off a 17-touchdown season — however he might face stiff competitors for RB1.
Love returns to South Bend recent off a 1,125-yard season, although a postseason right knee injury restricted him to 68 yards within the group’s remaining three video games. His 98-yard run against Indiana within the School Soccer Playoff quarterfinals confirmed the imaginative and prescient, energy and burst he sometimes employs. Now wholesome, Love has the whole package deal to be an elite NFL prospect at 6 toes, 206 kilos.
“Love is much and away the most effective again within the class,” an NFL normal supervisor mentioned. “In all probability in school, interval. Not less than on offense, he holds the biggest hole between prospect No. 1 and prospect No. 2 at any place.”
The RB2 is debatable, due to a plethora of proficient backs, with a lot of them forming sturdy duos. Texas options Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter, whereas Penn State’s pair of Singleton and Kaytron Allen look to be the 2025 model of Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson.
Singleton seems poised to interrupt by means of due to his all-around recreation. At 6 toes and 227 kilos, the senior has energy for days and the downhill velocity to run away from defenders. He additionally has three-down versatility, with 41 receptions for 5 scores final season.
“Love is the man, however Singleton may be a sneaky RB1 for groups that need some energy and pop however worth the passing recreation,” mentioned a former NFL GM who nonetheless consults for golf equipment. “Chicago or New England, for instance, are preferrred matches for him.”
My early decide for the highest RB: Love
Broad receivers
If you happen to imagine we have been in a golden period of huge receiver prospects, I will not argue. However after seeing one other move catcher drafted within the prime 10 final yr (Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8), we would get a break from elite wideouts in 2026, barring a serious breakout season.
There are a number of candidates to be that participant, and the dialogue begins with Tyson, due to his expertise and the scenario round him. At 6-1 and 195 kilos, Tyson is a downfield burner who caught 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns from quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Tyson’s largest problem? Drops. He had seven final season and should clear that as much as obtain WR1 standing.
“Tyson makes the toughest catches look simple and the best catches look onerous,” a rival Massive 12 coach mentioned. “He has legit NFL expertise, first-round expertise even, however that is my holdup on proclaiming him a first-round man.”
Battling Tyson for prime honors is a handful of proficient receivers, however no definitive competitor. That would change if Lemon lives as much as the hype he has generated this summer season. The 5-11, 190-pound junior confirmed flashes with 52 catches, 764 yards and three scores in 2024, however each he and the USC offense had been inconsistent. That hasn’t stopped scouts from praising what he might turn out to be in 2025.
“Lemon is my decide for a breakout man,” an NFC South space scout mentioned. “He closed out so good final yr [133 yards against Notre Dame, 99 against Texas A&M], and the USC offense must be higher all-around this yr. That’ll assist him get extra one-on-one appears.”
For now, Tyson will get the nod, however he and Lemon will see a push from gamers corresponding to Isaiah Horton (Alabama), Antonio Williams (Clemson), Eric Singleton Jr. (Auburn), Denzel Boston (Washington) and Elijah Sarratt (Indiana).
My early decide for the highest WR: Tyson
Tight ends
The 2025 draft noticed two tight ends picked within the prime 14 and 5 within the prime 50, marking one other sturdy yr for the place. Although we’re unlikely to see two tight ends drafted as early in 2026, the category ought to have loads of top-100 abilities.
Main the category is Stowers. At 6-4 and 225 kilos, he may not have conventional in-line tight finish measurement, however he has elite motion means as a route runner and provides flexibility in his alignments.
A inventive group can play Stowers anyplace from H-back to fit receiver. Scouts are torn on his preferrred utilization, although, and questions stay about his means to win in opposition to top-tier groups.
“He is identical to Harold Fannin Jr. was final yr,” one AFC West space scout mentioned. “Small man with good quicks, however he disappears when pressed, and he isn’t a match for lots of schemes. He is an enormous slot solely. He’ll by no means play on the road of scrimmage.”
Others love Stowers’ versatility, with an NFC South scout calling him the “clear-cut TE1 on this class.”
With Terrance Ferguson‘s success final season, Oregon’s offense is evolving into considerably of a decent finish pipeline to the NFL. Up subsequent is Sadiq, a 6-3, 245-pound junior who confirmed potential final season whereas catching two touchdowns on 24 receptions because the group’s No. 2 tight finish.
Sadiq’s expertise as a highschool receiver is obvious in his route operating, and he is too quick for many linebackers or safeties.
“If you’d like a breakout participant, it is [Sadiq]. Particularly with Evan Stewart harm [he tore a patellar tendon in early June], Sadiq is primed to explode,” an AFC West scout mentioned.
It is a powerful battle between two very totally different gamers, however Stowers’ résumé provides him the early edge.
My early decide for the highest TE: Stowers
Offensive tackles
We noticed three offensive tackles drafted within the prime 10 in April, however the 2026 class may even have higher expertise. And these three are the headliners of an thrilling group.
“I beloved final yr’s class, however every of the highest canines had been guys who may be guards long run,” an NFL normal supervisor mentioned. “This yr? We have got real-deal tackles.”
The primary of these real-deal tackles is Fano. An elite run blocker, Fano has performed left and proper sort out for the Utes. At 6-6 and 302 kilos, he has the steadiness and agility to man the sting of an NFL offensive line even when there are already whispers about arm size issues. Fano, who has began 24 video games, noticed his sacks allowed drop from three in 2023 to just one in 2024, as he switched from the left aspect to the precise.
Proctor is the most important (6-7, 360 kilos) and strongest of the group, and the participant scouts are the best on if he can attain his upside. He has the flexibility to maul defenders in a method that no different sort out within the class can. Proctor’s evolution as a sort out prospect over the second half of the 2024 season has scouts pondering he turned a nook.
“If you happen to watch him in opposition to Georgia or South Carolina, two groups with nice defensive strains, he regarded like a top-five decide,” one AFC South space scout mentioned. An NFC East scout added: “It is so uncommon to see somebody that massive transfer so effectively. There’s not a terrific participant comp for him due to that.”
Proctor allowed three sacks final season, a marked enchancment from the 9 surrendered in 2023.
We won’t sleep on Mauigoa as a possible prime sort out. In some methods, he is similar to Armand Membou by way of agility and motion expertise. A two-year starter at proper sort out, Mauigoa allowed no sacks and was flagged solely thrice final season whereas defending 2025 No. 1 decide Cameron Ward. Maybe most spectacular was Mauigoa’s blown run block fee of 0.06% — simply two blown blocks in 13 video games.
These three signify the highest of the category, however there are others scouts are excited to see. Evaluators additionally talked about Xavier Chaplin (Auburn), Drew Shelton (Penn State) and Isaiah World (Oregon) as potential No. 1 tackles. Proctor may lead the group proper now, however it is a various sort out class with many potential risers.
My early decide for the highest OT: Proctor
Inside offensive linemen
A battle for the category’ prime inside offensive line spot might be a enjoyable one between two very proficient gamers.
Missouri developed Membou right into a top-10 participant within the 2025 draft, and sources throughout the teaching employees are equally excessive on Inexperienced coming into 2025. The 6-5, 320-pound lineman enters the season as a two-year starter at left guard, and there was some inside dialog about making him a left sort out due to his agility and instruments. Inexperienced did not give up a sack final season.
Slaughter has an opportunity to be the most effective run and move blocker amongst inside linemen within the class due to his instincts, poise, energy and agility. At 6-4 and 308 kilos, he would not have elite anchor means however strikes exceptionally effectively and has vary to drag, entice and get to the second degree.
“What I really like about each guys is that they’ll face an absolute wreck of a schedule for many offensive linemen,” an AFC scouting director mentioned. “They’re going to be battle-tested by the tip of November, and we’ll get some clear appears at their professional means.”
Slaughter and Inexperienced are each proficient, however Inexperienced’s versatility and résumé as a move protector provides him the nod.
My early decide for the highest IOL: Inexperienced
Defensive tackles
The 2026 defensive sort out class would not have nice top-end depth or many notable playmakers. It is mainly Woods in opposition to the sphere, and he’s primed to go wire to wire as the highest prospect.
“This can be a fairly weak class,” an NFC South space scout mentioned. “There are just a few guys outdoors of Woods, however they’re nostril sort out or 1-tech varieties. If you happen to wanted a 3-tech, I hope you bought him final yr.”
Woods, a 6-3, 315-pound junior, notched three sacks and 17 pressures final season, proving himself as a top-notch run defender. He did that whereas splitting time between the sting and inside, a job that usually restricted his pass-rush benefits as a result of he was anticipated to play in house. If unleashed on the inside, Woods has top-10 means.
Difficult him might be Banks and a solid of characters ready to interrupt out. The 6-6, 329-pound Banks can play anyplace from a 5-technique to a nostril alignment. He carried out effectively final season, with 4.5 sacks and 20 pressures.
“Banks might be this yr’s Byron Murphy II, the place you see the expertise coming after which increase — he places all of it collectively and is unstoppable,” an NFL defensive position coach mentioned.
Woods looks like a lock as the highest defensive sort out, and that is the place he’ll begin on my board.
My early decide for the highest DT: Woods
Edge rushers
The tightest battle of any place outdoors of quarterback comes at edge rusher, the place the expertise within the 2026 class represents an thrilling combination of top-of-the-round abilities and superb depth.
Parker put collectively a 12-sack season in 2024 whereas rising as a well-rounded run defender. His quickness off the ball stands out, however scouts praised his ball-rush means.
“Parker has the most effective instruments of any of them,” an AFC East space scout mentioned. “He units up blockers effectively and finishes with a imply streak. And also you want energy to play within the execs.”
Like Parker, Faulk brings a mix of velocity and energy at 6-6 and 288 kilos. With seven sacks final season, he proved his ability set of size, energy and quickness can produce within the SEC. Now, an enormous season is anticipated.
“Faulk goes to get the Arik Armstead comparisons, however I feel he is athletic sufficient to remain in house within the execs,” an AFC North space scout mentioned. “However you like that he can kick inside, too.”
Parker, Faulk, Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), David Bailey (Texas Tech) and others are vying for the highest spot in a bunch that might simply produce six first-rounders. Proper now, Parker is the most effective of the bunch.
My early decide for the highest Edge: Parker
Linebackers
The off-ball linebacker place has been devalued, however Hill’s versatility may have scouts buzzing concerning the subsequent Abdul Carter or Micah Parsons-level prospect.
A debate has emerged about Hill’s finest place. At Texas, he performs primarily as an off-ball linebacker, however the 6-3, 235-pound defender produced eight sacks final season with some elite blitzing expertise. On 80 snaps as an edge rusher, he produced 11 pressures, and he has the physique sort so as to add the mandatory weight to play in house on the tip of the road.
“Hill is certainly getting drafted as an edge,” a longtime NFL scout mentioned. “He is a terrific linebacker, however he is too beneficial coming off the nook and getting the quarterback. I simply hope Texas lets him do extra of it this yr.”
Allen will draw essentially the most consideration from groups on the lookout for a conventional three-down linebacker. He emerged as a frontrunner on the Bulldogs’ protection final season whereas racking up 71 tackles, 11 pressures, 1 interception and seven move breakups.
“Allen is a wrecking ball,” an NFC South space scout mentioned. “That dude does all of it, and he is so quick at studying and reacting.”
We’re as soon as once more evaluating two gamers who’re listed on the identical place however play it very otherwise. I will go together with Hill, who has an opportunity to be a top-five decide come April.
My early decide for the highest LB: Hill
Cornerbacks
The highest cornerback within the nation may not see the sphere early within the season, as McCoy tore an ACL throughout offseason exercises in January.
The 6-foot, 193-pound defender had 4 interceptions final season and confirmed the closing velocity and response agility to erase huge receivers whereas with the ability to play the ball within the air. He has shutdown cornerback potential if he returns from harm in the identical type as after we final noticed him.
Terrell, the youthful brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, has a whole recreation at 5-11 and 180 kilos that options quickness, stout means within the run recreation and elite timing. He has a knack for knocking away passes on the catch level.
“McCoy is the most effective within the nation, however he is a query mark for us proper now,” an NFC scouting director mentioned. “If he is out, Terrell is the cleanest by way of method, even when he is undersized.”
We’ll agree. McCoy is the No. 1 nook till one thing modifications.
My early decide for the highest CB: McCoy
Safeties
No disrespect meant to Thieneman or the numerous different proficient safeties in school soccer. However this one is not shut.
Downs enters the season as my prime total prospect and a uncommon expertise at security. One GM informed me Downs might be a first-round decide at operating again if he needed to go the Travis Hunter route and play each side of the ball. At 6-foot, 205 kilos, Downs has measurement, energy, velocity and flexibility to play within the field or as a single-high defender.
“He could be a top-five security within the NFL immediately if he was eligible,” the GM mentioned. “He is Kyle Hamilton however quicker and extra explosive.”
Whereas Thieneman will not problem Downs’ standing, he is a superb participant. A transfer from Purdue, he was handpicked by coach Dan Lanning to steer the again finish of Oregon’s protection. Thieneman is a playmaker with alignment versatility. He’s a possible first-round decide with elite ball expertise and the closing velocity to thrive as a free security in Lanning’s protection.
Thieneman, Michael Taaffe (Texas) and different very proficient safeties could be candidates for the highest spot in most years, however Downs is a uncommon prospect holding it down as the highest security and No. 1 total participant within the class.
My early decide for the highest S: Downs