Ryan McCrystal’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top Prospects Ranked

Subscribe to the Sharp Football Email Newsletter to receive all our 2026 NFL content:

Subscribe to our newsletter:

Leave this field empty if you're human:

 

Building a 2026 NFL draft board is a work in progress throughout the offseason.

The NFL Combine was a significant step towards completing the process, and the final touches will be put on the board as players work through their Pro Days.

Here are my current top 50 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, along with a scouting report for each prospect.

Top 50 Prospects: 2026 NFL Draft

Explore more NFL Draft content:

Top Overall Prospects: Scouting Reports

1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Downs is the prototype for a modern safety. He’s at his best in the box, and his ability to quickly diagnose plays and get into position makes him an asset against the run. But he can also read the quarterback from the deep secondary and has plenty of range to make plays in coverage.

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Although he’s a clear fit at strong safety, he’s on the smaller side for the position, and it shows when he’s matched up with tight ends in coverage.  

Good team fits: Everyone

2. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Styles is a former safety who still runs like one, but he’s built like an edge defender. He’s a three-down linebacker who can drop in coverage, blitz, and has elite range against the run. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

He was recruited as a 215-pound safety and only has two years of experience at linebacker, so he’s still developing his take-on skills. He can get washed out of plays when linemen get their hands on him. 

Good team fits: Commanders, Bengals, Cardinals, Titans, Dolphins, Cowboys

3. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Bailey is explosive off the snap and quickly converts that speed to power. His ability to win with speed, leverage, and an array of pass-rush moves sets a high floor and should allow for immediate production. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Most top-tier edge defenders have elite length, and Bailey is lacking in terms of size compared to the players who usually come off the board at his position inside the top 10. If he lacks the length and strength combination to be an asset against the run, his value drops. 

Good team fits: Titans, Jets, Commanders, Browns, Bengals

4. Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Reese is a unique athlete who played linebacker at Ohio State but is likely to shift to an edge-defender role in the NFL. He’ll fit best in a scheme where he can continue lining up in a two-point stance. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Drafting a one-year starter and asking him to change positions is the perfect recipe for a bust. Though Reese’s talent is undeniable, it would be foolish to assume he makes the transition look as easy as Micah Parsons. Reese is one of the biggest high-risk, high-reward prospects in recent memory. 

Good team fits: Jets, Cardinals, Giants, Browns, Commanders, Saints, Bengals

5. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Like most Ohio State receivers to enter the league in recent years, Tate wins with precise route technique and reliable hands. He’s an outside receiver who can stretch the field or contribute as a possession weapon to move the sticks. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Tate has limited experience in the slot and lacks the agility to be an elite weapon after the catch, which might limit him to a role on the outside. Despite his production as a downfield weapon, he doesn’t have rare physical traits, potentially making him vulnerable against top-tier cover corners. 

Good team fits: Browns, Giants, Saints, Commanders, Dolphins, Cowboys, Ravens

Pre-Order The Best Analytical 2026 Football Preview

Don't miss out on Warren Sharp's 500+ page preview of the 2026 NFL season.

The preview is unlike anything you have ever seen, featuring stunning visualizations built with the reader in mind.

This preview shares insights into players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal in mind: to get you prepared for the 2026 NFL season by delivering the smartest information in the fastest, most direct way possible.

Pre-order the 2026 Football Preview now!

6. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Thieneman is at his best in the deep secondary, where his ability to read the quarterback and disrupt the passing game stands out. However, he also has extensive experience lining up in the box and has the tackling skills for the strong safety role. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Can he handle coverage assignments in the slot? He might lack the agility to stick with quicker slot receivers, and he lacks the size and strength to match up well with tight ends. This is mostly a non-issue if he’s playing free safety, but it limits his versatility. 

Good team fits: Vikings, Bears, Browns, Eagles, Steelers, Jets, Chargers, Raiders, Bengals 

7. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Delane thrives as a ball-hawk in zone coverage, but he’s also aggressive in press and has the strength to handle that role against most receivers. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Speed is a bit of a concern, especially if he’s going to play press coverage at a high rate. Many NFL receivers will have the ability to pull away from him downfield if they’re able to beat him at the line of scrimmage.  

Good team fits: Dolphins, Cowboys, Seahawks, Saints, Eagles, Panthers, Falcons, Ravens

8. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Terrell plays with an aggressive style and excels at locating and playing the ball. He’s shown production on the outside, in the slot, and can handle any coverage scheme. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Although he’s pesky in press coverage, he might not have the size and strength to handle that style in certain matchups. He also needs to clean up some tackling issues. 

Good team fits: Ravens, Dolphins, Cowboys, Saints, Buccaneers, Panthers, Falcons, Seahawks

9. Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Bain will make his money as a pass rusher, where he uses his lack of size to his advantage to create a small target for linemen as he bends around the edge. He also converts speed to power well, which keeps linemen on their toes as he can vary his plan of attack. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

You’ve probably heard about Bain’s short arms. It doesn’t have to be a fatal flaw, especially as a pass rusher. However, it does limit his ability to shed blocks and might prevent him from contributing at a high level against the run. 

Good team fits: Commanders, Bengals, Cowboys, Buccaneers, Titans, Lions, Cardinals, Jets

10. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Love is a well-rounded ball carrier who has the speed to produce big plays, the power to fight through contact, and the skills to contribute in the passing game. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Does he have the vision to run between the tackles? Love has a tendency to hesitate on inside runs and creates too many negative plays. According to Sports Info Solutions, 20% of his carries between the tackles generated zero or negative yards, ranked 118th out of 131 qualified ball carriers. 

Good team fits: Eagles, Browns, Lions, Rams, Dolphins, Jets, Steelers, Patriots

11. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Mauigoa was a three-year starter at right tackle and deserves a shot at that spot in the pros. He wins with strength. Few edge rushers will be able to beat him with power. There’s a chance he’ll need to move inside in the pros, but his ceiling will be elite at guard, where his average quickness at tackle suddenly becomes a strength on the interior. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

He might not be quick enough to stick at right tackle. He’s also surprisingly inconsistent in the run game. He has the power to dominate, but he also has a bad habit of leaning out and losing the leverage to finish.  

Good team fits: Browns, Cardinals, Giants, Dolphins, Chiefs, Rams

12. Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Lemon fits best in the slot where his smooth route technique allows him to create quick separation. When he’s on the outside, his smooth acceleration allows him to get behind the defense. He’s also among the most reliable pass catchers to enter the draft in recent years, snagging nearly everything within reach. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

If he’s lined up on the outside, Lemon is undersized and lacks the strength to consistently fight through press coverage. He lacks elite speed, so while he can pull away from cornerbacks with his acceleration, some corners can close the gap. 

Good team fits: Jets, Commanders, Dolphins, Browns, Steelers, 49ers, Bills

13. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Faulk played a versatile role for Auburn, lining up on the edge in multiple fronts, and has starter potential in any defensive scheme as a result. As a pass rusher, he primarily wins with strength, displaying the ability to swat away linemen from his chest and also win with a strong bull rush. He might turn into a lineman who plays on the edge on early downs and shifts inside on passing downs. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

The 20-year-old Faulk is underdeveloped as an edge rusher, likely due to his role in Auburn’s defense. According to Sports Info Solutions, he lined up from the seven-tech spot or wider just 60% of the time, by far the lowest rate of the highly-rated edge rushers in this class. 

Good team fits: Panthers, Vikings, Ravens, Cowboys, Seahawks, Chargers, Eagles, Bears, 49ers, Broncos, Jets

14. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Mendoza is a pocket passer who makes quick decisions and delivers an accurate ball. He thrived in Indiana’s RPO-heavy offense and should do well in an NFL scheme that similarly relies on him to make quick decisions and deliver the ball efficiently. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Modest arm strength and mobility will limit Mendoza’s ceiling. Although he’s not a complete statue, Mendoza doesn’t have the agility to make many defenders miss, and he doesn’t have the arm to make difficult throws on the move. So he’ll need to be supported by a strong offensive line and effective weapons on the outside to reach his ceiling. 

Good team fits: Raiders

15. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Fano is a tall, athletic tackle who can play on the right or left side, though he has stated he’s most comfortable at right tackle. He wins with his quick footwork, which gives him the ability to stay in front of most speed rushers on the edge. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

A lack of power limited Fano’s ability to dominate in college and might hold him back early in his career. He won’t turn 22 until November, so there’s good reason to believe he’ll continue to improve his functional strength, but it’s a minor concern until he proves it.  

Good team fits: Cardinals, Dolphins, Rams, Browns

16. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Boston is an outside receiver with the size and hands to win in contested situations, but he also has the route technique to create separation. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Given his size and lack of experience in the slot, Boston might be limited to playing on the outside. Although he created plenty of separation at the college level, his modest speed likely means he’ll need to compete for the ball more frequently in the pros. 

Good team fits: Browns, Patriots, Seahawks, Dolphins, Ravens, Jets, Steelers, Cowboys 

17. Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Ioane has the physical strength to excel at guard in an offense leaning on the power run game, and he should be an immediate asset in that area.

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Athletic interior pass rushers can cause problems for Ioane as he lacks the footwork to stay in front of them when they get a quick jump off the snap. His movement skills are average at best, so he won’t have as much value to teams that like to pull their guards at a high rate. He’ll also need to keep his weight in check. He was around 20 pounds lighter in 2025, which likely contributed to his improved play. 

Good team fits: Rams, Jets, Texans, Packers, Steelers, Lions

18. Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Hill is a rangy middle linebacker who wore the green dot for Texas’ defense. He’s at his best playing downhill and is one of the best wrap-up tacklers in this class. He should be an immediate asset against the run. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Mediocre change-of-direction skills limit his upside in coverage. He’ll likely struggle to stick to the most athletic tight ends and running backs in man coverage.  

Good team fits: Colts, Cowboys, Packers, Bengals, Saints, Vikings, Commanders, Eagles, Bills

19. Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Young is a productive pass rusher who typically wins with power. He probably fits best on the edge in four-man fronts, but he has some versatility to play defensive end or standing up on the edge in three-man fronts. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Although he was consistently productive against high-end competition, he relies heavily on his power, which might limit his upside. To remain a serious pass-rush threat, he’ll need to develop a more well-rounded arsenal of moves so he’s less predictable and better prepared with counter moves when his power stalls. 

Good team fits: Cowboys, Jets, Panthers, Chargers, 49ers, Seahawks, Raiders, Titans

20. Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Banks is built like a nose tackle but moves well enough to line up as a three-tech and make an impact as an interior pass rusher. Ideally, he develops into a pass-rush threat, but his versatility elevates his floor. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

After five years in college (three at Louisville, two at Florida), Banks still hasn’t played to the level you would expect given his traits. Injuries are a factor in that, but it’s difficult to fully explain away his lack of development.

Good team fits: 49ers, Steelers, Saints, Bears, Texans, Lions, Chargers, Vikings, Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

21. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Sadiq’s athletic traits set a high ceiling for his potential. He can be moved around to create difficult matchups for the defense.  

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Expectations for Sadiq are mostly based on potential, as he was stuck behind Terrance Ferguson until the 2025 season. He also played a simplistic role in the passing game, with 36% of his targets coming on screens. He still needs to prove he can develop his routes and get open against NFL defenders. 

Good team fits: Eagles, Ravens, Buccaneers, Chiefs, 49ers, Panthers, Dolphins, Patriots 

22. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Proctor is a massive left tackle prospect who might be viewed as a right tackle by some teams. He will fit best in an offense leaning on the power run game, as his physical strength as a run blocker should immediately transition to the league. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

A passive approach to pass protection limited his effectiveness in college. As a three-year starter, his lack of development in that area is concerning, and it might necessitate an eventual shift to guard. 

Good team fits: Eagles, Browns, Lions, Rams, Dolphins, Jets, Steelers, Patriots

23. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Tyson probably fits best as a big slot receiver, but he has experience on the outside as well. He’s a tough runner after the catch, giving him potential for big plays from the slot. He also has the size to compete for contested targets downfield. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Can he stay healthy? Can he catch the ball? Tyson missed significant time due to an ACL tear, collarbone injury, and hamstring issue. He never played a full season during his four years in college. He also struggled with consistency, dropping too many easy passes and also displaying awkward body control when tracking the ball downfield. 

Good team fits: Seahawks, Patriots, Steelers, Jets, Saints, Broncos, 49ers

24. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Freeling has the athletic traits and length to develop into a strong pass protector at left tackle. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

The one-year starter is understandably underdeveloped at this stage of his career. He’ll need to prove he can play with better leverage and balance as a run blocker. 

Good team fits: Browns, Lions, Eagles, Rams, Cardinals, Panthers, 49ers, Patriots 

25. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Miller’s combination of athleticism and length gives him the tools to handle speed rushers on the edge. He played right tackle in college, but has the traits to play on either side. He’ll fit best in a pass-heavy offense. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Even after starting for four years at a major program, Miller still lacks the power to perform at a high level. He struggles to sustain blocks and is inconsistent at moving defenders off their spot in the run game. If it doesn’t improve, he might max out as a steady swing tackle. 

Good team fits: Cardinals, Browns, Raiders, Chiefs, Dolphins, Packers

26. Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Hunter is a strong, physical interior lineman who will likely play a versatile role on the defensive line. He’s strong enough to take on double teams as a nose tackle, but also has the power to be an effective pass rusher. He should be able to stay on the field on passing downs. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

He’s not going to win with athleticism, so his pass-rush impact is limited to power, which can be neutralized by double teams. 

Good team fits: 49ers, Panthers, Cardinals, Buccaneers, Browns, Saints, Eagles, Vikings

27. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Parker typically wins as a pass rusher with power, though he has impressive athletic traits, indicating a potential higher ceiling for production. Due to his physical strength, he also holds up well against the run and should be a three-down defender.

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Despite his athletic testing numbers, Parker rarely bends around the edge and wins with speed. He prefers to go through offensive linemen rather than around them, which won’t work at the same rate in the NFL. His production also dropped off considerably in 2025. Did he get complacent after a breakout sophomore year?  

Good team fits: Jets, Cowboys, Eagles, Patriots, Bears, Browns, Raiders, Titans, Bengals

28. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Cisse is a physical corner who played a high rate of press in college and has the traits to maintain that role in the NFL. Despite just 2 interceptions, he consistently finds the ball and disrupts the catch point. Expect more interceptions to come in time. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

His route-recognition is still a work in progress. He was able to get away with mistakes in college due to his athleticism. He plays with an aggressive mentality against the run, but frequently fails to wrap up. 

Good team fits: Eagles, Panthers, Saints, Seahawks, Dolphins, Cowboys, Ravens, Browns

29. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Howell is likely to begin his career as a pass-rush specialist who wins with pure speed off the edge. He has an impressive closing burst to finish plays in the backfield. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

A lack of length and strength severely limits Howell’s ability to hold up at the point of attack against the run and likely limits his ability to be a three-down defender. 

Good team fits: Jets, Titans, Packers, Cowboys, Cardinals, Bears, Panthers, Bengals, Eagles 

30. Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Moore is a polished pass rusher who wins with a variety of moves. His raw traits aren’t as dangerous as some others in this draft class, but he keeps linemen guessing with his ability to win with speed or power. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

The run game is still a work in progress for Moore, who appears late to diagnose plays and struggles to easily disengage and pursue the ball carrier. He will likely struggle to get on the field against the run early in his career. 

Good team fits: Bills, Texans, Lions, Patriots, Browns, Bears, Panthers, Falcons, Commanders, Vikings, Cowboys, Eagles

31. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Lomu has prototypical athletic traits to stay at left tackle in the pros. He demonstrated an ability to block on the move last year during his first year in Jason Beck’s unique offensive scheme. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Due to Utah’s shift in offensive scheme last season, Lomu has limited experience in traditional pass protection reps. He hasn’t been asked to consistently sustain blocks, and he struggled in a more traditional offense during his first year as a starter in 2024. The traits are there, but expect some growing pains.

Good team fits: Browns, Eagles, Rams, Patriots, Cardinals, Giants, Texans

32. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Dennis-Sutton has the ideal combination of length, strength, and athleticism to be a three-down edge defender in any scheme. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Impressive Combine numbers don’t always show up on the field. He needs to improve his burst off the snap and his ability to bend around the edge to be more of an explosive force as a pass rusher. 

Good team fits: Packers, Cowboys, Bears, Panthers, Bengals, Titans, Jets, Eagles

33. Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

McDonald is a prototypical nose tackle who has the size and strength to take on double teams. He’s quick enough off the snap to create some disruption in the backfield against the run. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Like almost all nose tackles, McDonald doesn’t offer much as a pass rusher. He is strong enough to collapse the pocket with his bull rush occasionally, but he lacks a plan of attack with his hands and doesn’t easily disengage to pursue the quarterback. 

Good team fits: 49ers, Browns, Cardinals, Saints, Buccaneers, Panthers, Eagles, Vikings

34. Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Woods is a developmental prospect with flashes of an impressive blend of strength and athleticism. He’s played both nose tackle and three-tech, and he could thrive in either role with more development once his ideal weight is sorted out. He likely fits best playing in a four-man front. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

After a breakout 2024 campaign, Woods disappeared during his junior year. Before the season, he chose to lose “about 20 pounds,” which appeared to impact his power without adding any meaningful speed to his game. 

Good team fits: 49ers, Texans, Lions, Bears, Panthers, Chargers, Saints, Broncos 

35. Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Brazzell is a long strider who builds up speed in a hurry. His height and speed combination makes him an ideal second option in a passing attack as a field stretcher who can take attention away from a high-volume weapon who operates more regularly underneath and across the middle. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

As a tall, skinny receiver, Brazzell is not a versatile weapon and mostly operates within the vertical stem of the route tree (go routes, curls, comebacks). To add value to his game, he’ll need to add strength so that he can compete for the ball in contested situations and become a more physical runner after the catch. 

Good team fits: Seahawks, Patriots, Steelers, Jets, Saints, Broncos, 49ers

36. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Ponds lined up on the outside at James Madison and Indiana, but he probably needs to shift to a nickel role due to his size. He plays an aggressive style and is a surprisingly efficient tackler for size. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Any 5-foot-9 cornerback is going to lose certain matchups based on size alone. There were a few reps against Jeremiah Smith where Ponds looked like the little brother just trying to keep up, and he’ll find himself in that situation occasionally in the NFL. His defensive coordinator will need to be especially mindful of matchups to get the most out of his skill set. 

Good team fits: Jets, Falcons, Steelers, Bears, Browns, Cowboys, Bills, Saints, Dolphins 

37. Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Iheanachor grew up playing soccer and basketball, and his footwork and movement skills reflect that background. His athletic traits are impressive for his size and set a high ceiling. He’ll most likely stick at right tackle, where he played in college. Ideally, he will join an offense that gets the ball out quickly.  

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

How quickly can he refine his technique and get on the field? Iheanachor is severely underdeveloped for a redshirt-senior. It’s understandable, given his inexperience 一 he didn’t start playing football until 2021 in JUCO 一 but it’s still a concern considering how early in the draft teams might want to gamble on his upside. He struggles to sustain blocks, and his power doesn’t quite match expectations for his size. 

Good team fits: Browns, Cardinals, Dolphins, Lions, Eagles, Packers, Texans, Raiders, Steelers

38. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Allen is a rangy linebacker who wore the green dot in the middle of Georgia’s defense. He has the traits to play the Mike or Will role. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

He needs to improve his ability to quickly diagnose plays. Given his athletic traits and the talent playing in front of him, you would expect him to make more plays in the backfield. He lacks take-on skills, which has limited his production on blitzes. 

Good team fits: Buccaneers, Bills, Commanders, Colts, Saints, Bengals, Vikings, Eagles

39. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Johnson played outside, but he is slightly undersized and probably has the right athletic traits to shift to a nickel role, if needed. He has the speed to stick with receivers downfield and put up impressive ball-hawk numbers in 2025. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

One-year wonders are always risky, but especially at volatile positions like cornerback. Johnson was dominant in 2025, but a massive spike in ball-hawk production is a red flag. Based on route-adjusted data from Sports Info Solutions, his ball-hawk rate jumped from 33% below expected in 2024 to 89% above expected in 2025. For a cornerback who isn’t overly physical in coverage, that leap probably isn’t sustainable. 

Good team fits: Seahawks, Falcons, Dolphins, Saints, Cowboys, Bills, Raiders

40. Bud Clark, S, TCU

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Clark is a three-time team captain and a versatile defensive back who primarily played the strong safety role at TCU, but has impressive range in the deep secondary as well. He excels at reading the quarterback and getting into position to make a play on the ball. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Though he has plenty of experience in coverage in the slot, he might not have the agility to stick with some of the NFL’s quicker slot receivers. As he aggressively hunts big plays, he’s susceptible to misdirection and can give up some big plays. 

Good team fits: Colts, Vikings, Seahawks, Chargers, Bills, Bears, Bengals

41. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

McCoy is a tall,  long outside corner who has the traits to develop into a well-rounded corner who can hold up on an island. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to an ACL injury. He entered the year with high expectations, but mostly due to his traits rather than proven production. He had 4 interceptions in 2024, but based on route-adjusted data, his ball-hawk rate was just 2.5% above expected. He is one of the riskiest boom-or-bust prospects in this class. 

Good team fits: Seahawks, Dolphins, Raiders, Falcons, Saints, Ravens, Eagles, Cowboys, Commanders 

42. Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Tiernan is a fundamentally sound tackle with experience on both sides of the line. Given his refined hand placement and footwork, it’s hard to imagine him failing. He should be a valuable swing tackle at the absolute worst. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

As a 6-foot-8 inch tackle with short arms, he has unique challenges to overcome. He’s susceptible to long defenders who can keep him out of their pads, and also smaller pass rushers who can get low and bend around the edge. 

Good team fits: Falcons, Ravens, Browns, Lions, Panthers, Texans, Rams, Patriots

43. Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Lawrence has the traits to develop into a three-down lineman. He typically wins with speed off the edge, but he has enough power to his game to threaten linemen in a variety of ways. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Can he hold up at the point of attack against the run? He shows flashes of power in his game, but it is inconsistent. He’ll benefit from adding some strength to be able to stay on the field against the run. 

Good team fits: Jets, Ravens, Vikings, Eagles, Bears, Titans, Packers, Chargers

44. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Thomas is an undersized speed rusher who is likely to begin his career as a pass-rush specialist. His ability to fly into the backfield forces opponents to account for him and can attract extra attention if opponents are concerned about the matchup with their offensive tackles. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

It’s hard to imagine Thomas, who entered the Oklahoma program as just 212 pounds, ever developing the strength to stay on the field as a three-down defender. He struggles to shed blocks against the run and misses too many tackles when he does get to the ball carrier. Given his size, his history of missing time with a variety of injuries is concerning. 

Good team fits: Cowboys, Titans, Chargers, Eagles, Buccaneers, Panthers, Bears, Patriots, Jaguars, Vikings

45. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

McNeil-Warren has a versatile skill set and can be a ball hawk in the deep secondary, or he can step up into the box to play the run. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Does he have the change-of-direction skill for coverage assignments? Most strong safeties take on a good amount of coverage responsibilities in the slot, and Toledo tried to avoid putting McNeil-Warren in that position. If he couldn’t handle slot receivers in the MAC, he’s probably not taking on that role in the NFL.

Good team fits: Vikings, Bears, Texans, Bills, Chiefs, Steelers 

46. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Hood has the speed, size, and length of a traditional outside corner. He has all the tools necessary to be developed into a corner who can handle playing on an island. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Hood played for three programs in three years and spent just one season as a starter. That alone will earn someone a boom-or-bust label. Given his traits, his lack of ball-hawk production is concerning. He just doesn’t have the awareness to find the ball yet. He also seems disinterested in fully participating as a tackler. 

Good team fits: Seahawks, Dolphins, Raiders, Falcons, Saints, Ravens, Eagles, Cowboys, Commanders 

47. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Rodriguez is a high-energy, aggressive off-ball linebacker who should fit in any scheme. He probably fits best on the weak side and will make his greatest impact dropping into zone coverage. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

The former quarterback is built more like a strong safety and has struggled to develop his take-on skills. Though he’s a hard-hitter and playmaker in pursuit, he gets lost in the box sometimes and is easily taken out when linemen get their hands on him. 

Good team fits: Cardinals, Buccaneers, Bengals, Saints, Raiders, Commanders, Cowboys, Falcons, Colts, Lions, Vikings, Packers

48. Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Height wins with pure speed and will likely be a pass-rush specialist in sub-packages. He’ll fit best in a scheme where he can line up in a two-point stance. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

There’s very little power to Height’s game, and he’ll need to add some weight and strength if he’s ever going to get on the field consistently on early downs. He’ll be 25 years old on draft day, however, so there’s reason to doubt his ability to add enough strength at this stage. 

Good team fits: Falcons, Eagles, Buccaneers, Bengals, Raiders, Dolphins, Jets, Cowboys, Colts, Seahawks

49. Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Bisontis is an athletic guard who blocks exceptionally well on the move. He has also played some right tackle and has traits that should play well at center if he’s willing to move. 

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

He’s not a great fit for the power run game and struggles to move bigger interior defensive linemen. His success will likely depend on landing in the right scheme for his skill set. 

Good team fits: Chargers, Ravens, Titans, Seahawks, Cardinals, Browns, Jaguars, Raiders

50. Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

Where he’ll make an impact in the NFL

Mesidor wins as a pass rusher with sound technique and active hands. He excels at keeping tackles from getting into his pads, which allows him to get around the edge and finish with a strong closing burst.  

What are his weaknesses? What concerns do teams have?

Average traits across the board limit Mesidor’s upside, especially against the run, where he lacks the length and strength to consistently disengage once a lineman gets hands on him. He might struggle to stay on the field on early downs, but he lacks the elite athletic traits of a typical pass-rush specialist, potentially leaving him without a defined role.  

Good team fits: Bills, Cowboys, Lions, Eagles, Commanders, Buccaneers, Titans

2026 NFL Draft: Top 10 Offensive Prospects

1. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
2. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
3. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
4. Makai Lemon, WR, USC
5. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
6. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
7. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
8. Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
9. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
10. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

2026 NFL Draft: Top 10 Defensive Prospects

1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
2. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
3. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
4. Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
5. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
6. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
7. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
8. Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
9. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
10. Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas