Scout's Notebook - 2026 NFL Draft Position Rankings - FREE PREVIEW!!

Caleb Downs / S / Ohio State

Top 32 Prospects

The November Prospect Top 32 Rankings Breakdown - QB (2), RB (2), WR (4), TE (2), OT (5), IOL (1), EDGE (5), IDL (2), LB (3), CB (3), Safeties (3).

1. Caleb Downs / S / Ohio State

2. Carter Smith / OT / Indiana

3. David Bailey / EDGE / Texas Tech

4. Fernando Mendoza / QB / Indiana

5. Kadyn Proctor / OT / Alabama

6. Matayo Uiagalelei / EDGE / Oregon

7. Jermaine Mathews / CB / Ohio State

8. Rueben Bain / EDGE / Miami, Fl

9. Anthony Hill / LB / Texas

10. Chris Bell / WR / Louisville

11. Isaiah World / OT / Oregon

12. Jeremiyah Love / RB / Notre Dame

13. Jacob Rodriguez / LB / Texas Tech

14. Carnell Tate / WR / Ohio State

15. Cashius Howell / EDGE / Texas A&M

16. Kyle Louis / LB / Pittsburgh

17. Francis Mauigoa / OT / Miami, Fl

18. Mansoor Delane / CB / LSU

19. Dontay Corleone / IDL / Cincinnati

20. Emmanuel Pregnon / IOL / Oregon

21. Jordyn Tyson / WR / Arizona State

22. Jonah Coleman / RB / Washington

23. Ty Simpson / QB / Alabama

24. A'Mauri Washington / IDL / Oregon

25. Kenyon Sadiq / TE / Oregon

26. AJ Haulcy / S / LSU

27. Spencer Fano / OT / Utah

28. Kelley Jones / CB / Mississippi State

29. Chris Brazzell / WR / Tennessee

30. Dani Dennis-Sutton / EDGE / Penn State

31. Tanner Koziol / TE / Houston

32. Dillon Thieneman / S / Oregon

Offensive Overview

Let's take a look at how position depth looks like it is shaking out as the college football nears the conclusion of the regular season.

Entering the 2025 season, the QB class was supposed to be loaded but for a variety of reasons it has fallen well short of expectations - injury (Drew Allar), inexperience (Arch Manning), poor protection (Garrett Nussmeier), and inconsistent performances (Carson Beck & Cade Klubnik). As we stand now, only two QBs look like first-round draft picks at this point of the season - Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) and Ty Simpson (Alabama) - with Beck having a good chance of moving back into first-round consideration with a strong finish to the season.

The RB class looks to be another solid class peppered with future starters - Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame), Jonah Coleman (Washington), and Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss) - and many reliable NFL contributors. Expect the run on RBs to start late on day two and continue for the rest of the draft.

At the beginning of the season the WR class looked like it had few NFL starters and contributors but as the season has progressed, the WR class looks like it has a number of first-round prospects including Chris Bell (Louisville), Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), and Chris Brazzell (Tennessee).

The 2026 NFL Draft looks like it may have one of the best and deepest group of TEs and may be nearly as good as the 2024 class, one of the best group of TEs to enter the league in decades. This next draft could offer potential first-round draft picks in Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) and Tanner Koziol (Houston) with another potential half dozen TEs grading out as second or third round draft picks next April.

Perhaps the deepest position in next spring's draft, at least offensively, is OT where at least six prospects could be selected in the first round including Carter Smith (Indiana), Kadyn Proctor (Alabama), Isaiah World (Oregon), Spencer Fano (Utah) and Francis Mauigoa (Miami, Fl). There is potentially another half dozen prospects that could be drafted on day two of the draft (rounds two and three).

Only one IOL grades out as a first-round pick at this point in the scouting process - Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon) - with the quality of the class coming off the board between picks 40 and 100. The centers, in particular, are very deep with several prospects who could be All-Pros early in their career like Logan Jones (Iowa), Connor Lew (Auburn), Jake Slaughter (Florida), and Parker Brailsford (Alabama).

QB

1. Fernando Mendoza / Indiana

2. Ty Simpson / Alabama

3. Dante Moore / Oregon

4. Haynes King / Georgia Tech

5. Carson Beck / Miami, Fl

6. Sawyer Robertson / Baylor

7. Jayden Maiava / USC

8. Garrett Nussmeier / LSU

9. Drew Allar / Penn State

10. Cade Klubnik / Clemson

Next Tier

Josh Hoover / TCU

Connor Weigman / Houston

Diego Pavia / Vanderbilt

Trinidad Chambliss / Ole Miss

LaNorris Sellers / South Carolina

Jake Retzlaff / Tulane

John Mateer / Oklahoma

Luke Altmyer / Illinois

Taylen Green / Arkansas

Blake Shapen / Mississippi State

Miller Moss / Louisville

RB

1. Jeremiyah Love / Notre Dame

2. Jonah Coleman / Washington

3. Kewan Lacy / Ole Miss

4. Justice Haynes / Michigan

5. Nicholas Singleton / Penn State

6. LJ Martin / BYU

7. Anthony Hankerson / Oregon State

8. Kaytron Allen / Penn State

9. Emmett Johnson / Nebraska

10. Sieh Bangura / Ohio

Next Tier

Mark Fletcher / Miami, Fl

Roman Hemby / Indiana

Gavin Sawchuk / Florida State

Jamal Haynes / Georgia Tech

Desmond Reid / Pittsburgh

Jadarian Price / Notre Dame

Demond Claiborne / Wake Forest

Le'Veon Moss / Texas A&M

Kejon Owens / FIU

Carson Hansen / Iowa State

Noah Whittington / Oregon

WR

1. Chris Bell / Louisville

2. Carnell Tate / Ohio State

3. Jordyn Tyson / Arizona State

4. Chris Brazzell / Tennessee

5. Germie Bernard / Alabama

6. Nyck Harbor / South Carolina

7. Makai Lemon / USC

8. Caleb Douglas / Texas Tech

9. Zachariah Branch / Georgia

10. KC Concepcion / Texas A&M

Next Tier

CJ Daniels / Miami, Fl

Ja'Kobi Lane / USC

Duce Robinson / Florida State

Denzel Boston / Washington

Elijah Sarratt / Indiana

Mario Craver / Texas A&M

Romello Brinson / SMU

Ian Strong / Rutgers

Josh Cameron / Baylor

Matthew Henry / Western Kentucky

Barion Brown / LSU

Zavion Thomas / LSU

Colbie Young / Georgia

Dillon Bell / Georgia

Isaiah Horton / Alabama

Deion Burks / Oklahoma

Isaiah Sategna / Oklahoma

Harrison Wallace / Ole Miss

TE

1. Kenyon Sadiq / Oregon

2. Tanner Koziol / Houston

3. Eli Stowers / Vanderbilt

4. Sam Roush / Stanford

5. Max Klare / Ohio State

6. Dae'Quan Wright / Ole Miss

7. Oscar Delp / Georgia

8. Brett Norfleet / Missouri

9. Carsen Ryan / BYU

10. Seydou Traore / Mississippi State

Next Tier

Justin Joly / North Carolina State

RJ Maryland / SMU

Matthew Hibner / SMU

Chamon Metayer / Arizona State

Michael Trigg / Baylor

Matt Lauter / Boise State

Lawson Luckie / Georgia

Randy Pittman / Florida State

Jeremiah Franklin / Boston College

Benjamin Brahmer / Iowa State

Gabe Burkle / Iowa State

Joe Royer / Cincinnati

Eli Raridon / Notre Dame

Lake McCree / USC

Kenny Fletcher / Rutgers

Jack Endries / Texas

OT

1. Carter Smith / Indiana

2. Kadyn Proctor / Alabama

3. Isaiah World / Oregon

4. Francis Mauigoa / Miami, Fl

5. Spencer Fano / Utah

6. Caleb Tiernan / Northwestern

7. McKale Boley / Virginia

8. Austin Barber / Florida

9. Max Iheanachor / Arizona State

10. Trey Zuhn / Texas A&M

Next Tier

Gunnar Hansen / Florida State

Gennings Dunker / Iowa

Alan Herron / Maryland

Tyler Needham / Rutgers

James Neal / Iowa State

Lance Heard / Tennessee

Khalil Benson / Indiana

JC Davis / Illinois

Blake Miller / Clemson

Tristan Leigh / Clemson

Monroe Freeling / Georgia

Corey Robinson / Arkansas

Alex Harkey / Oregon

Aamil Wagner / Notre Dame

Chris Adams / Memphis

Connor McLaughlin / South Florida

IOL

1. Emmanuel Pregnon / OG / Oregon

2. Logan Jones / OC / Iowa

3. Ar'maj Reed-Adams / OG / Texas A&M

4. Connor Lew / OC / Auburn

5. Olaivavega Ioane / OG / Penn State

6. Keylan Rutledge / OG / Georgia Tech

7. Jake Slaughter / OC / Florida

8. Walker Parks / OG / Clemson

9. Bryce Foster / OC /  Kansas

10. Beau Stephens / OG / Iowa

Next Tier

Parker Brailsford / OC / Alabama

Geno VanDeMark / OG / Alabama

Kam Dewberry / OG / Alabama

Fernando Carmona / OG / Arkansas

Chase Bisontis / OG / Texas A&M

Tegra Tshabola / OG / Ohio State

Carson Hinzman / OC / Ohio State

Pat Coogan / OC / Indiana

Rocco Spindler / OG / Nebraska

Anthony Carter / OG / North Carolina State

Iapani Laloulu / OC / Oregon

Defensive Overview - 

Let's take a look at how position depth looks like it is shaking out as the college football nears the conclusion of the regular season.

If a QB does not get drafted first overall next April, there are several EDGE prospects that could interest teams at the top of the draft including, David Bailey (Texas Tech), Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon), Rueben Bain (Miami, Fl). There is potentially great depth at EDGE with as many as a dozen EDGEs going off the board by the end of the third round.

The potential IDL class for the 2026 NFL Draft has many intriguing prospects but no sure-fire, can't miss IDL that warrant top 10 draft consideration. However, teams needing impactful run-stuffers will have a number of quality candidates to choose from including Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati), A'Mauri Washington (Oregon), Zxavian Harris (Ole Miss), Darrell Jackson (Florida State), and Peter Woods (Clemson).

In a typical NFL Draft, non-pass rushing LBs - off-the-ball LBs - do not warrant consideration until days two and three of the draft. But this next April, there are potentially three off-the-ball LBs who warrant first round consideration - Anthony Hill (Texas), Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech), and Kyle Louis (Pittsburgh) - because all three LBs are playmakers who create turnovers in bunches. This LB class looks like it has both top end talent and quality depth where future starters will be found in all seven rounds next year.

The potential CB class is chalked full of tall and long CBs that match-up well with the big WRs that are in vogue throughout the NFL. At least a half dozen CBs could be selected in the first round next April including Jermaine Mathews (Ohio State), Mansoor Delane (LSU), Kelley Jones (Mississippi State), Avieon Terrell (Clemson), Keionte Scott (Miami, Fl), and Hezekiah Masses (California).

Arguably the best and safest selection an NFL team can make next April would be Caleb Downs (Ohio State), an All-American safety without any holes in his game and possessing All-Pro potential as a rookie. The potential safety depth is excellent with as many as a dozen prospects who look like eventual NFL starters.

The potential specialists that are likely to be available are unlikely to generate a lot of draft buzz and most of the prospects probably will go undrafted. The top specialist, and a likely fifth or sixth round draft pick, is punter Ryan Eckley (Michigan State). Several kickers could earn draftable grades before the next draft including Dominic Zvada (Michigan), Lucas Carneiro (Ole Miss), and Aidan Birr (Georgia Tech).

EDGE

1. David Bailey / Texas Tech

2. Matayo Uiagalelei / Oregon

3. Rueben Bain / Miami, Fl

4. Cashius Howell / Texas A&M

5. Dani Dennis-Sutton / Penn State

6. Caden Curry / Ohio State

7. R. Mason Thomas / Oklahoma

8. TJ Parker / Clemson

9. Vincent Anthony / Duke

10. Nadame Tucker / Western Michigan

Next Tier

Patrick Payton / LSU

Jack Pyburn / LSU

Marvin Jones / Oklahoma

Derrick Moore / Michigan

Kenyatta Jackson / Ohio State

Will Heldt / Clemson

Wesley Williams / Duke

Romello Height / Texas Tech

Tyreak Sapp / Florida

Mikail Kamara / Indiana

Jayden Virgin-Morgan / Boise State

Gabe Jacas / Illinois

Max Llewellyn / Iowa

Akheem Mesidor / Miami, Fl

Dasan McCullough / Nebraska

Bryan Thomas / South Carolina

Keldric Faulk / Auburn

Keyron Crawford / Auburn

IDL

1. Dontay Corleone / Cincinati

2. A'Mauri Washington / Oregon

3. Zxavian Harris / Ole Miss

4. Darrell Jackson / Florida State

5. Peter Woods / Clemson 

6. Caleb Banks / Florida

7. Aaron Graves / Iowa

8. Domonique Orange / Iowa State

9. Landon Robinson / Navy

10. Albert Regis / Texas A&M

Next Tier

Tim Keenan / Alabama

James Smith / Alabama

Rayshaun Benny / Michigan

Tre Williams / Michigan

Bear Alexander / Oregon

Deven Eastern / Minnesota

DeMonte Capehart / Clemson

Christen Miller / Georgia

Hosea Wheeler / Indiana

Kenean Caldwell / Kansas

Nick Barrett / South Carolina

LB

1. Anthony Hill / Texas

2. Jacob Rodriguez / Texas Tech

3. Kyle Louis / Pittsburgh

4. Arvell Reese / Ohio State

5. Suntarine Perkins / Ole Miss

6. Aiden Fisher / Indiana

7. Harold Perkins / LSU

8. Red Murdock / Buffalo

9. Wesley Bissainthe / Miami, Fl

10. Eric Gentry / USC

Next Tier

Whit Weeks / LSU

Javin Wright / Nebraska

Wade Woodaz / Clemson

Jaishawn Barham / Michigan

Ernest Hausmann / Michigan

Tony Rojas / Penn State

Amare Campbell / Penn State

Deontae Lawson / Alabama

Justin Jefferson / Alabama

Taurean York / Texas A&M

CJ Allen / Georgia

Raylen Wilson / Georgia

Xavian Sorey / Arkansas

Bengally Kamara / Kansas

Sean Brown / North Carolina State

Maverick Baranowski / Minnesota

CB

1. Jermaine Mathews / Ohio State

2. Mansoor Delane / LSU

3. Kelley Jones / Mississippi State

4. Avieon Terrell / Clemson

5. Keionte Scott / Miami, Fl

6. Hezekiah Masses / California

7. Jermod McCoy / Tennessee

8. D'Angelo Ponds / Indiana

9. Brice Pollock / Texas Tech

10. Christian Gray / Notre Dame

Next Tier

AJ Harris / Penn State

Elliott Washington / Penn State

Zakee Wheatley / Penn State

Davison Igbinosun / Ohio State

Tacario Davis / Washington

Ephesians Prysock / Washington

Daylen Everette / Georgia

Joenel Aguero / Georgia

Daniel Harris / Georgia

Malik Muhammad / Texas

Jaylon Guilbeau / Texas

Domani Jackson / Alabama

DaShawn Jones / Alabama

Brandon Cisse / South Carolina

Kapena Gushiken / Ole Miss

Antonio Kite / Ole Miss

Jerry Wilson / Florida State

Chandler Rivers / Duke

Omarion Cooper / Memphis

Ahmari Harvey / Georgia Tech

Zeke Berry / Michigan

S

1. Caleb Downs / Ohio State

2. AJ Haulcy / LSU

3. Dillon Thieneman / Oregon

4. Bud Clark / TCU

5. Bray Hubbard / Alabama

6. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren / Toledo

7. Michael Taaffe / Texas

8. Ahmaad Moses / SMU

9. Xavier Nwankpa / Iowa

10. DQ Smith / South Carolina

Next Tier

Isaiah Nwokobia / SMU

Javon McIntyre / Pittsburgh

Keon Sabb / Alabama

Earl Little / Florida State

Jakobe Thomas / Miami, Fl

DeShon Singleton / Nebraska

VJ Payne / Kansas State

Tanner Wall / BYU

Tate Hallock / Western Michigan

Malik Spencer / Michigan State

Sage Ryan / Ole Miss

Specialists

1. Ryan Eckley / P / Michigan State

2. Lucas Carneiro / K / Ole Miss

3. Cole Maynard / P / Western Kentucky

4. Dominic Zvada / K / Michigan

5. Brett Thorson / P / Georgia

6. Aidan Birr / K / Georgia Tech

7. Jack Bouwmeester / P / Texas

8. Daniel Sparks / P / Virginia

9. Drew Stevens / K / Iowa

10. Kansei Matuszawa / K / Hawaii

SNS

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Dillon Thieneman / S / Oregon