2026 NFL draft rankings: Top 50 prospects on Eddie Brown's big board

Conference championships are in the rearview. The College Football Playoff and a myriad of mostly meaningless bowls are upon us.

Over the next month, we’ll be hyper focused on which underclassmen declare their intentions of entering the NFL draft or decide to stay in school.

A talented draft class is starting to solidify, but we won’t know its true nature until a handful of quarterbacks and very talented sophomores make their decisions.

My rankings will remain fluid through the NFL scouting combine in early March.

A lot can happen between now and late April, but my initial top 50 last season had 29 of the 32 first-round picks, including 20 of the first 25. Indeed, 42 of the 50 prospects were drafted in the first two rounds.

Part of my mock draft preamble explains it is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the draft order. The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.

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):

Saturday: Bowl season begins

— Jan. 5: FCS Showcase in Nashville, Tenn.

— Jan. 10: Hula Bowl in DeLand, Fla.

— Jan. 10-12: Wild-card weekend

— Jan. 14: Tentative deadline for players with remaining eligibility to make their draft intentions official.

— Jan. 17-18: Divisional playoffs

— Jan. 18: Tropical Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

— Jan. 23: Tentative deadline for players with remaining eligibility who participated in the CFP title game to make their draft intentions official.

— Jan. 25: AFC and NFC championship games

— Jan. 27: East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas

— Jan. 31: Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

— Feb. 8: Super Bowl LX in San Francisco

— 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)

My first 2026 NFL draft big board, featuring 50 draft-eligible prospects after college football’s regular season:

— 1. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.

Love features elite size (6-foot, 214 pounds), patience and balance on top of home run capabilities with TD runs of 98 and 94 yards the last two seasons. He’s explosive, elusive, powerful and versatile. Love is fourth in the country with 1,372 rushing yards, and second in total touchdowns with 21. I’d give him the Heisman if I had a vote. He’s also been named a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards.

— 2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, Jr.

Downs is a finalist for the Thorpe and Bednarik Awards and was named the winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy last Sunday. The prestigious award recognizes the nation’s top defensive player who also demonstrates outstanding character, leadership and integrity both on and off the field. Downs is the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that leads the nation in points (8.2) and yards allowed (213.5) per game this season. He finished ninth in the Heisman voting. He’s a fluid, explosive athlete who’s seemingly always a step ahead of everybody else on the football field. Like, somehow, he just traveled back from five seconds into the future.

— 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 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 longtime Eagles star Brandon Graham.

— 4. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State, Jr.

Reese has the talent to go first overall. He’s played off-ball linebacker, but I could easily see him as a full-time edge rusher in the pros, very similar to Micah Parsons or Abdul Carter. Reese features a rare blend of size (6-4, 240) and elite athleticism, has sideline-to-sideline range and the natural instincts to make plays all over the field. He has produced 6 1/2 sacks and 10 tackles for loss as a primary edge rusher for the Buckeyes this season.

— 5. 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.

— 6. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon, So.

Moore’s ceiling is the highest in a QB group that likely won’t include LaNorris Sellers or Arch Manning. He’s accurate, throws a catchable deep ball, and has shown the ability to make plays outside of the pocket. Moore would likely end up as a top-5 pick if he declares. He could very well end up going first overall, depending on what team ends up making the selection. His offensive coordinator Will Stein leaving the Ducks to become Kentucky’s head coach has created uncertainty. I was originally confident he’d stay in school.

— 7. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, Jr.

Mendoza 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 he just showcased his ability to step up in big moments in the Hoosiers’ gritty 13-10 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. Mendoza was named the Associated Press Player of the Year on Thursday, and along with Notre Dame’s Love, the Buckeyes’ Julian Sayin and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, selected as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. The Indiana QB is the overwhelming favorite (-2000) to win it, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

— 8. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, Jr.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound playmaker has 838 yards and nine TDs on 48 receptions in 10 games so far, and is half of the best receiver duo in the country, opposite Jeremiah Smith. Tate has shown immense growth in his technical skills, especially his route running, which has transformed him from an explosive deep threat to a more complete receiver who can threaten a defense at all three levels.

— 9. TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson, Jr.

Parker’s bull rush is devastating and he’s already a solid run defender. While this season hasn’t lived 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 a couple of weeks ago, where he had three sacks and a fumble recovery.

— 10. Spencer Fano, T, Utah, Jr.

There isn’t a Joe Alt or Penei Sewell in this draft class, but Fano is a big (6-6, 302), powerful, athletic anchor in the run game, and his footwork has improved in pass protection this season. He’s a finalist for the Outland Trophy after not allowing a sack, and only five QB pressures.

— 11. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.

Bailey is second in the FBS with 13 1/2 sacks and is tied for third with 17 1/2 tackles for loss. The Stanford transfer features excellent bend and an explosive first step. Bailey has rare speed for someone who is 6-3, 250, having hit 22.16 mph — he’s No. 43 on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List.” There’s still work to do, but he’s also improved as a run defender during his time with the Red Raiders. Bailey, along with teammate Jacob Rodriguez, was named a finalist for the Lombardi Award.

— 12. Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Jr.

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. Lemon’s had a tremendous junior year with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs for the Trojans, and was named a Biletnikoff Award finalist. He’s a versatile offensive weapon who has also rushed for two TDs and thrown for another this season.

— 13. Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Jr.

Faulk is a 6-foot-6, 285-pound edge who was the No. 9 player on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List”, reportedly squatting 700 pounds and benching 415. He’s a versatile chess piece on the D-line in odd or even fronts, and has even shown the ability to stand up and play outside linebacker. Faulk doesn’t turn 21 until next September.

— 14. Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami, Jr.

Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, was the only tackle in the FBS with two or fewer knockdowns allowed on 500-plus snaps as a pass-blocker for Cam Ward his sophomore season. He’s big (6-6, 325), powerful, athletic and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. Many scouts believe he’d be even better on the interior, but he’s talented enough to stay at tackle.

— 15. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.

Terrell could follow in his brother A.J.’s footsteps as a first-round cornerback from the Tigers. He’s a much better run defender than his brother, 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 this season.

— 16. Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.

Lomu earned Freshman All-American honors in 2024, and possesses this class’ highest ceiling if he decides to declare. 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 to improve as a run blocker, and hold his own against powerful pass rushers in the pros.

— 17. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, Jr.

Tyson has been hampered by a hamstring injury this season, but he pretty much picked up where he left off last year when he’s been on the field. He had 732 yards in the Sun Devils’ final six games in 2024. He has 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight TDs in nine games this season. Tyson is a route-technician with inside-out versatility and the ability to make plays at all three levels. He’s expected to skip the Sun Bowl to focus on draft prep.

— 18. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.

McCoy earned first-team All-SEC recognition last season 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 at the combine.

— 19. 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 QBs 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 in September, but was able to return and play against Tennessee and Florida State. This is impressive considering the Gators’ season was over long ago.

— 20. 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 has 45 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions this season, and is a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.

— 21. 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.

— 22. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, Sr.

Styles is the second freakishly athletic linebacker from the Buckeyes to appear in these rankings — he’s No. 10 on Bruce Feldman’s list. The senior captain is rangy with rare speed and explosiveness for his frame (6-4, 240), and showcases his safety background in coverage by locking down tight ends and running backs in space.

— 23. Trevor Goosby, T, Texas, So.

The 6-foot-7, 312-pound Goosby started two games as a redshirt freshman, one at left tackle in the SEC championship and one at right tackle in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. He earned first-team All-SEC recognition in his first season as a full-time starter for the Longhorns. He was the No. 17 player on Bruce Feldman’s list, reportedly clocking in with a max speed of 20 mph in the offseason.

— 24. 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 6-3 Sadiq came to Eugene two years ago at 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’s also the Ducks’ first-ever finalist for the John Mackey Award.

— 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 has been a grab bag of inconsistency, but it’s nearly impossible to find 360-pound athletes who are as powerful, explosive and surprisingly agile as he is (he’s No. 2 on Bruce Feldman’s list). Proctor is a finalist for the Lombardi Award.

— 26. Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon, Jr.

Uiagalelei had 10 1/2 sacks his sophomore season, and he started strong this year with four sacks in the first five games. He hadn’t taken down a QB since September until his standout performance against the USC Trojans last month. Uiagalelei had seven tackles, two tackles for loss, his fifth sack of the season, and a forced fumble in the 42-27 victory. His blend of size (6-5, 270), strength and athleticism is what gets a defensive coordinator out of bed in the morning.

— 27. Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State, Jr.

Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson continues to churn out NFL-ready prospects. McDonald has been a game-wrecker for one of the most dominant defenses in the country. Anchored by the 6-3, 330-pound devourer of double teams, Ohio State’s run defense is sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (84.46) and fifth in yards allowed per carry (2.83). McDonald is a finalist for the Outland Trophy.

— 28. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State, Jr.

Ioane was one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions this season. He features impressive movement skills for a man his size (6-4, 335). Ioane is an elite pass-blocker and a strong anchor in the run game. He’s surprisingly agile, and can get to the second level with ease. Ioane 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.

— 29. 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.

— 30. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee, So.

After transferring from Colorado, Hood helped the Volunteers fill the void created by the absence of Jermod McCoy. 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. Hood has returned both an interception and fumble for a TD this season.

— 31. Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M, Sr.

Howell’s (6-2, 248) length is a question mark headed into the draft process, but you can’t argue with his production or explosive traits. He produced 9 1/2 sacks and 10 1/2 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 11 1/2 sacks this season (tied for fourth in the FBS) and 14 tackles for loss for the No. 7 seed in the College Football Playoff.

— 32. 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 the Huskies wideout is also a polished route-runner, especially on slants and comebacks. Boston also features the versatility to lineup outside or become a mismatch in the slot.

— 33. 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.

— 34. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M, Jr.

Concepcion was named the winner of the 2025 Paul Hornung Award on Wednesday. The award honors the most versatile player in the country. He finished the regular 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 ranks 14th nationally, and he’s third in the FBS with five punt returns of 30 yards or longer. He was the ACC Rookie of the Year for NC State in 2023 before joining the Aggies this season.

— 35. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.

Price gets overshadowed by Love, but he’d be 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’s returned three for TDs for the Irish.

— 36. R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma, Sr.

Thomas was recently named to the All-SEC first team after making the second team last year. He produced 6 1/2 sacks, 9 1/2 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, 12 1/2 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 features size (6-2, 249), 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.

— 37. A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon, Jr.

Washington was listed as the fourth-best athlete on Bruce Feldman’s list. He’s big (6-3, 330), powerful and quick. Last year, Washington was stuck behind Derrick Harmon, Jordan Burch and Jamaree Caldwell on the depth chart before becoming a full-time starter this season. All three were selected in the first three rounds last April. The former four-star recruit’s natural ability flashes every time you watch him. He’s a work-in-progress as a pass-rusher, but he has shown the ability to collapse the pocket with his bull rush.

— 38. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State, Sr.

The Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year epitomized what a shutdown corner should be this season. According to Pro Football Focus, when quarterbacks targeted Johnson this year, they only completed 18 of 45 passes (44.2%) for 185 yards, four interceptions and no TDs. He’s fourth in the nation with 146 interception return yards, which almost negates 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 will bait quarterbacks into making a mistake.

— 39. 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 has five interceptions and nine forced fumbles in four years with the Rockets. His aggressiveness could be used against him in the pros, especially against dynamic running backs. McNeil-Warren has accepted invitations to play in both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Bowl.

— 40. Joshua Josephs, Edge, Tennessee, Sr.

Josephs is a former four-star recruit who spent two seasons playing behind James Pearce, the Falcons’ 2025 first-round pick. His solid frame (6-3, 240) is enhanced by an incredible 82-inch wingspan which bolsters an impressive array of pass rush moves (spins, swims, cross-chops and two-handed swipes). His length and quickness makes him a nightmare for blockers.

— 41. 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.

— 42. 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. Hill had another solid season for the Longhorns with 69 total tackles (seven tackles for loss), four sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions in 10 games. 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, and will forego the upcoming Citrus Bowl after declaring for the NFL draft.

— 43. Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon, Sr.

Pregnon is a previously unranked recruit who previously 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 has only allowed two hurries this year. He’s also a “people-mover” in the run game, using his size (6-5, 318) and heavy hands to uproot defenders.

— 44. Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State, Sr.

The “Big Citrus” requires two or even three offensive lineman to contain him in the run game. The 6-foot-4, 325-pound Orange is a reliable run-stuffer with elite strength, and would be an intimidating presence in the middle of any defense. If he can develop as a pass-rusher, that’s just icing on an impossibly large cake.

— 45. Zion Young, Edge, Missouri, Sr.

The 6-foot-5, 262-pound edge rusher set career highs in pressures (48), tackles for loss (15), sacks (6 1/2) and forced fumbles (two) this season. Young 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. He recently accepted a Senior Bowl invite.

— 46. 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. It was reported this week 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 surprised if he makes it out of the second round.

— 47. 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 over the summer, which would’ve been faster than any linebacker at the 2025 NFL combine. He earned All-Big 12 first team recognition after leading the Bearcats with 105 tackles.

— 48. Caleb Tiernan, T, Northwestern, Sr.

You’re not going to go through Tiernan. The only way to attack him consistently is by beating him to the edge. The former four-star recruit doesn’t “wow” you athletically, but he’s large (6-7, 325), strong, experienced, technically proficient, and a reliable pass-protector. That’s a good starting point for a potential franchise left tackle.

— 49. 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.

— 50. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon, Jr.

Thieneman has picked up in his first season with the Ducks where he left off after two great years with the Purdue Boilermakers. 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 a smart player, but he’s still developing as processor of route combos.