On the eve of the 2025 NFL season kicking off, I’ve updated my top 50 big board for the 2026 NFL draft. This comes on the heels of a summer spent watching almost 150 players in preparation. 

These rankings are sure to change as the season plays out, and I’m sure there will be plenty of chatter about what needs to change already, even after just one week. The vast majority of the scouting work here was done prior to Week 1 of the college football season this weekend, and already there will be adjustments addressed in future articles to capture college football’s standouts.

This board includes some basic information on each prospect, including measurables, recruiting pedigree, transfer history and 2024 stats, followed by a brief scouting report for each prospect. This one’s a long one, so without further ado, let’s jump right in:

1: Rueben Bain Jr. — ED, Miami

A five-star high school recruit and the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Bain exploded onto the scene as a freshman. He had 44 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and a pass defensed that year, announcing himself on the national stage. Unfortunately, Bain suffered a serious calf injury in the 2024 season opener, causing him to miss a chunk of the season and impacting his performance when he returned. He only had four sacks as a sophomore, but now that he’s healthy, he’s poised for another big year.

Checking in at 6-3, 275 pounds, Bain has great NFL positional size. His first step off the snap is lethal, and he pairs it with incredible strength at the point of attack. Bain’s combination of size and speed is elite, as is his change of direction. With an advanced bag of pass rush moves at his disposal, he is a nightmare for opposing tackles to handle. He’s a good run defender too, holding the edge well and making plays in the backfield. The only question with Bain is his length, which appears to be more average than great.

2: Caleb Downs — S, Ohio State

A consensus five-star recruit and freshman All-American at Alabama, Downs transferred to Ohio State last offseason and continued his ascension. After putting up 107 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed and a forced fumble as a true freshman, he had 81 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed and a sack as a sophomore last season. That performance earned him unanimous first-team All-America honors and he enters the 2025 season as one of the top draft prospects at any position.

At 6-0, 205 pounds, Downs is a well-built safety. He has the most developed instincts in run defense I’ve ever scouted in a safety, with true sideline-to-sideline range and a reliable tackling form. His processing speed — combined with his physical speed — lets him make plays few others can. With insane twitchiness and fluidity in coverage, he can mirror receivers or tight ends in man coverage and is a disciplined zone defender. Downs is as close to a flawless prospect as you can get.

3: Arch Manning — QB, Texas

Nephew of Peyton and Eli, grandson of Archie and a consensus No. 1 recruit out of high school, Manning is one of the most anticipated draft prospects in years. He redshirted a year before backing up Quinn Ewers at Texas last year, getting two starts and some occasional mop-up duties. He totaled 939 passing yards and nine touchdowns as well as 108 rushing yards and four scores.

Measuring at 6-4, 222 pounds, Manning is built like a pro quarterback. He has a powerful arm with a lightning-quick release, playing with anticipation and timing beyond his years. Despite being just a redshirt freshman last season, he reads defenses well and executed high-level concepts in the passing game. He’s athletic and a good runner, able to run read options and take designed carries. Manning just needs more experience, and we need to see him perform at a high level for a full season. But what he’s put on tape so far is what you’d see in a No. 1 overall pick at quarterback.

4: Spencer Fano — OT, Utah

A 6-5, 304-pound four-star high school recruit who stayed in his home state, Fano started at left tackle as a true freshman at Utah. He earned freshman All-America status after that year and transitioned to right tackle as a sophomore in 2024, elevating his game even further. Last season, Fano was named first-team All-Big 12 and had multiple first- and second-team All-American nods, establishing himself as one of the premier tackles in the game.

The athleticism Fano plays with is nothing short of elite. His movement skills, agility, quickness and power put him in rare company. As a pass blocker, he’s unrefined, but plays with a wicked kick-slide and has impressive range and recovery ability. But Fano’s calling card is his run blocking, where he destroys defenders off the line of scrimmage. He’s terrifying in space, engulfing defenders on the move and wiping them out of the play. The power he generates at the point of attack is literally stunning to defenders, and his powerful hands keep him in control of the rep. Fano needs to improve his hand usage in pass protection, but all the tools are there, and he looks like a blue-chip NFL lineman on tape.

5: Peter Woods — DT, Clemson

A consensus five-star recruit and top-10 player in his high school class, Woods was a force as a true freshman, earning freshman All-America honors from several outlets. As a sophomore, he became one of the most dominant players in the country, racking up 26 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble. Last season, he played both defensive tackle and edge rusher for Clemson, highlighting his versatility and physical dominance.

For a defensive tackle of 6-3, 315 pounds, Woods possesses incredible quickness and fluidity. He moves like an edge rusher in the middle of the defensive line, getting out his stance before the offensive line, staying low to play the leverage game, and squeezing through gaps. The power in his hands is immense, and he drives guards and centers back with regularity. He’s best as a disruptive pass rusher, but Woods is an excellent run defender as well, holding up against double teams and playing with instincts. He needs to develop more counters and learn to finish plays in the backfield more consistently, but he’s a force to be reckoned with already.

6: Drew Allar — QB, Penn State

A two-year starter who almost declared a year ago, Allar enters his senior season with some hefty expectations. He had a breakout year in 2024, totaling 3,327 passing yards and 24 touchdowns and adding 302 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. A former five-star recruit, Allar checks in at 6-5 and 236 pounds, giving him great NFL size.

There isn’t a quarterback in this class with more NFL-caliber throws on his tape than Allar. The arm talent is impressive and he can make every throw on the field. Whether he’s driving the ball up the seam, feathering a pass between zone defenders, tossing an end zone fade or hitting a quick out route, Allar delivers with precision, timing and touch. He’s accurate to all levels of the field and can create with his legs as well. Allar can throw off-platform, outside of structure and at different arm angles as needed. Really, all he needs to do this season is elevate his game in the biggest moments of the season, something he hasn’t done to this point in his college career.

7: Malik Muhammad — CB, Texas

A four-star recruit and high school track star, Muhammad was a heralded arrival to Texas. He played in every game as a true freshman, notching 32 tackles with an interception and four passes defensed. He stepped into a starting role in 2024, upping those numbers to 36 tackles and eight passes defensed. A preseason All-American, he now anchors a Texas defense with high expectations.

At 6-0, 190 pounds, Muhammad isn’t the biggest corner. But his natural athleticism is impressive and it lets him blanket receivers in man coverage. He has a combination of quick-twitch speed and short-area maneuverability that’s unmatched in this class. Fluid in space and with exceptional acceleration/deceleration ability, Muhammad was built to play man coverage in the NFL. In zone, he plays with strong fundamentals, managing multiple routes and rarely getting fooled by the quarterback. He’s strong in run defense too, mixing it up in traffic and sticking to his assignment. His ball production need to catch up to his natural gifts, which should happen as he develops his instincts with more experience.

8: T.J. Parker — ED, Clemson

The most productive returning pass rusher in college football, Parker was a four-star recruit who burst onto the scene immediately as a freshman. His true breakout came last year, however, when he had 57 tackles, 11 sacks, six forced fumbles and a pass defensed in a second-team All-ACC campaign. At 6-3, 265 pounds, Parker is built for the NFL.

Parker’s arsenal of pass rush moves looks more like an NFL veteran’s than that of a true college sophomore. His hand usage and discipline in his rushes is beyond his years, and he brings a savvy and technical expertise to every pass rush snap. There’s a controlled violence to his game that’s tough for opponents to deal with. Against the run, he sets a hard edge, and is a reliable tackler. Parker’s one concern is his athleticism, which is more average than standout.

9: Jermod McCoy — CB, Tennessee

A three-star recruit in the class of 2023, McCoy played at Oregon State as a true freshman, making the freshman All-Pac 12 team and impressing with 31 tackles, two interceptions and seven passes defensed. He transferred to Tennessee in 2024 and exploded, registering 44 tackles, four interceptions and seven passes defensed. He was a second-team All-American and appeared set for a meteoric junior campaign. Unfortunately, McCoy tore his ACL during offseason training in January and will miss the start of the college football season. He’s supposed to return for Tennessee at some point this season, but it remains to be seen how quickly he’ll return to form. The typical ACL recovery can be anywhere from nine to 12 months, and players will often say it takes over a year to truly feel back to normal.

Checking in at 6-0, 193 pounds, McCoy is equally effective in both man and zone systems. As a man defender, he effortlessly mirrors receivers, with fluid hips and top-tier short-area burst. He’s an excellent press-man corner, timing his initial punch well and disrupting routes early without losing them down the field. In zone, he plays with keen awareness, clocking multiple routes at once and playing off them effectively. At the catch point, he’s physical, challenging receivers and creating plenty of ball production. His run defense and tackling can be suspect, and his injury concerns this year are real, but he’s an NFL-caliber lockdown guy.

10: Joshua Josephs — ED, Tennessee

A 6-3, 245-pound four-star recruit, Josephs was one of the breakout defenders in the SEC last year. After playing limited roles as a true freshman and a sophomore, he had 39 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles and three passes defensed as a junior. He played rotationally last year, but with some of Tennessee’s departures, he’ll be relied upon as one of their best defenders this year.

Josephs might be slightly undersized, but his reported 82-inch wingspan is ludicrous. That length shows up on tape, where he’s able to control blockers who engage him by establishing initial contact and shedding as desired. Combined with elite burst, his length and quickness make him a nightmare for most tackles to block. Smooth change-of-direction skills and excellent functional strength make him a well-rounded pass rusher, and he’s stout against the run as well. While he’s still developing his pass rushing arsenal, he has a few go-to moves already, and Josephs is poised for a breakout season for the Volunteers.

11: Jeremiyah Love — RB, Notre Dame

A four-star prospect from St. Louis, Love arrived at Notre Dame with substantial hype. He played rotationally behind Audric Estime as a freshman, flashing his upside but never getting a featured role. That changed in 2023, when he dominated on the ground for the Fighting Irish. Love had 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground last year, adding 28 catches for 237 yards and two scores as a receiver. Heading into his junior season, he’s a projected first-round pick and is considered one of the best players in college football.

Checking in at 6-0, 206 pounds, Love is a game-breaker out of the backfield. He has track-level speed to house any carry if he gets a little daylight, and he has the lateral quickness and stop/start ability to make anyone miss in a phone booth. When carrying the ball through traffic, Love has good ball security and contact balance, ripping through arm tackles and falling forward through contact. As a receiver, he can split out wide and run a limited route tree, offering scheme versatility and mismatch opportunity as a passing down weapon. His anchor strength in pass protection needs to improve, but he shows the willingness you’d like to see.

12: Jordyn Tyson — WR, Arizona State

Tyson made some noise at Colorado as a true freshman in 2022 before transferring to Arizona State. He sat out the 2023 season rehabbing from a knee injury, but took the Big 12 conference by storm in 2024. With 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, he was named third-team All-America and looked poised to continue his run of dominance in the College Football Playoff. Unfortunately, he suffered a collarbone injury late in the season, and had to miss the final few games.

Checking in at 6-1, 195 pounds, Tyson has great NFL size. Separation is the name of the game with Tyson, as he’s fluid in space at that size and runs crisp, precise routes to get himself open. He’s nothing short of devastating over the middle of the field, carving up defenses on in-breaking routes by maximizing his leverage. With reliable hands, dynamic after the catch and tough in contested catch situations, there isn’t much Tyson can’t do on the football field. He needs to stay healthy, but he can be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

13: LaNorris Sellers — QB, South Carolina

A former three-star recruit who won the starting job as a redshirt freshman last year, Sellers is one of the most fun players in this class to watch. A 6-3, 240-pound tank of a quarterback, he threw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns, rushing for 674 yards and seven touchdowns as well. Opinions on Sellers as a prospect vary dramatically, but he’s arguably the most exciting player in college football.

Sellers might have the strongest arm in the class, and he throws a great deep ball. He’s not a one-speed passer though, as he can layer throws over defenders and plays with touch as needed. He’s accurate over the middle of the field and thrives outside of structure, but he’s not a one-read-and-run player, either. More often than not, he’s looking to pass, not run, and he makes great secondary reads. As a rusher, Sellers is fast and strong, tough to bring down in the open field, and he can make guys miss in a phone booth. Really, he just needs more experience. More reps will improve his ability to read defenses and improve his anticipatory throwing as well.

14: Francis Mauigoa — OT, Miami

A 6-6, 315-pound tackle from American Samoa, Mauigoa was a consensus five-star prospect and one of the most highly-recruited players in the 2023 class. He started immediately at right tackle for the Hurricanes, earning honorable mention All-ACC and freshman All-America awards from his work. As a sophomore, Mauigoa continued his ascendance, with second-team All-ACC recognition as he anchored one of the top offenses in the country. Now, he’s the best player on a preseason top 10 team, and will look to get them to even greater heights.

Mauigoa is crazy athletic — he erases people on the move, whether he’s pulling around or climbing to the second level. The functional power he has in his blocks is staggering to defenders, and he anchors against bull rushes like a brick wall. When drive blocking, he clears lanes and Miami frequently runs behind him for this reason. As a pass protector, he mirrors rushers with ease, using his quick feet to stay in front without overcommitting to either shoulder. He has plus recovery ability and agility to handle a variety of pass rush moves without compromising his base. The only thing I’d like to see Mauigoa improve on this year is his hand usage, as it can be exploited by savvy veterans at times.

15: A.J. Harris — CB, Penn State

A five-star recruit who joined a loaded Georgia defense in 2023, Harris didn’t play much as a freshman before transferring to the Nittany Lions in 2024. He immediately entered the starting lineup and dominated, racking up 48 tackles, an interception and five passes defensed. That performance earned him third-team All-Big Ten honors and vaulted him up draft boards, and he’s poised for an even bigger season this year.

At 6-1, 191 pounds, Harris has long arms and is built for press coverage schemes. He times his initial punch well and hounds receivers through their routes, never letting them get comfortable. It’s obvious how much tape he studies, because he’s constantly timing his jumps correctly and even running routes for receivers at times. Harris’ short-area quickness and burst are top-tier, and he can keep up with even the most athletic receivers. He’s violent in run support and loves delivering big hits, firing up the defense. He can be over aggressive at times and draw penalties, and he’s still developing his zone awareness.

16: Kadyn Proctor — OT, Alabama

A consensus five-star recruit from Iowa, the 6-7, 369-pound Proctor brought his talents to the Crimson Tide and became an immediate starter under former HC Nick Saban, a rare feat. He was named to the freshman All-SEC team after his impressive campaign, and took a step forward as a sophomore. Last year, he was second-team All-SEC despite missing two games with a shoulder injury. He’s started every game at left tackle he’s been available, and he’ll look to get even better as a junior this year.

Proctor is a massive, massive human being. His length is a deterrent to pass rushers on its own, as he can ward off many rushes just through sheer size. Naturally, his anchor strength jumps off the screen, as does the balance he plays with — Proctor is always under control. He generates incredible vertical displacement in the run game, carving out defenders when he needs to. Despite his size, he has good lateral quickness and flexibility on the move, helping him in various run schemes and as a pass protector. As is common for bigger tackles, he needs to improve his leverage, as it’s too easy for defenders to get into his pads at times. And I’d like to see him work on his hand placement to take full advantage of his length.

17: Keldric Faulk — ED, Auburn

A 6-6, 288-pound athletic freak, Faulk was a four-star recruit who engineered a breakout sophomore campaign. After a solid true freshman season, he had 45 tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble and a pass defensed last season, putting his name on the NFL draft radar. Faulk plays both inside and outside and is one of the best returning defenders in the SEC.

I have Faulk listed as an edge rusher because that’s what he plays at Auburn, but his natural home in the NFL is as a 3-4 defensive end. He’s an exceptional run defender who shuts down his side of the line, penetrating into the backfield to make plays. For a man his size, his change-of-direction ability is unreal, and it lets him make plays few others could. Faulk’s natural length gives him an advantage against most offensive tackles, and he’s learning to add pass rush moves to take full advantage of that. He needs to improve his hand usage though and add some counters, and if he’s playing as a true edge rusher, he’ll be a touch slow off the line.

18: Dillon Thieneman — S, Oregon

An unheralded three-star recruit, Thieneman followed in his older brothers’ footsteps and committed to Purdue. He exploded onto the scene as a true freshman, showcasing elite athleticism en route to 106 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed. Thieneman was a consensus freshman All-American and followed it up with a sophomore campaign that tallied 104 tackles, six passes defensed and a sack. Despite still putting up good numbers, Thieneman struggled in a less-than-ideal role in 2024, and now he takes his elite upside to Oregon for his true junior season.

At 6-0, 207 pounds, Thieneman has great size paired with real track-level speed. As a single-high safety, his range is unreal, erasing plays sideline-to-sideline as they develop. He can deliver the boom and plays with a controlled aggression, wreaking havoc in the secondary and blowing up routes into his area. Thieneman is sticky in man coverage when asked to be and his athletic traits translate to on-field production. Last season, he played closer to the line of scrimmage and struggled in his run fits, but that shouldn’t be an issue at his natural position.

19: Avieon Terrell — CB, Clemson

Younger brother of Falcons CB AJ Terrell, Avieon followed in his brother’s footsteps and went to Clemson. A three-star recruit, he started five games as a true freshman in 2023 before becoming a weekly starter in 2024. Last year, he had a massive breakout season, totaling 58 tackles, two interceptions, 12 passes defensed, a sack and three forced fumbles. That high-level production all over the stat sheet caught everyone’s attention, and he earned second-team All-ACC honors.

Terrell is undersized at just 5-11, 180 pounds. But he doesn’t play like a small corner — he takes pride in his physicality, delivering bone-crunching hits in run support and making his presence felt. His change-of-direction skills and short-area burst are incredible, and he can effortlessly mirror any receiver he faces. He’s capable in both man and zone schemes, and he has great route awareness and ball-tracking ability to create turnovers. Terrell’s long speed is a plus for the position, and he won’t get beat deep. His frame limitations do show up on tape though, as he can get boxed out at the catch point and overwhelmed by bigger receivers.

20: Caleb Lomu — OT, Utah

A 6-5, 295-pound redshirt sophomore, Lomu gets less attention than his teammate at right tackle but is a very good draft prospect in his own right. The former four-star recruit took a redshirt season in 2023 and started every game at left tackle in 2024, garnering some freshman All-America recognition. Now he returns to reprise his role in 2025, forming the best tackle duo in the country with Fano.

Lomu is an all-world pass protector, both athletically and technically — especially for his age. His mirroring ability is off the charts, with the easy range and movement skills to handle the best speed rushers he faced. Despite his leaner frame, he has a great anchor and jolts defenders on contact with his hands, utilizing fast positioning and replacement to ward off pass rushers and keep his chest clean. Lomu’s athleticism shows up in the run game too, especially on the move. Now, he does need to add weight to hold up in the NFL, and his run-blocking technique in a work-in-progress. But there’s so much to love on his tape.

21: Connor Lew — C, Auburn

A true junior and former four-star recruit, Lew stepped into the starting lineup midway through his freshman season and hasn’t looked back yet. After earning freshman All-America status, he cemented himself as an every-week starter in 2024, blossoming into one of the best centers in the SEC. A preseason first-team All-SEC member in 2025, Lew has high expectations entering the season.

Measuring in at 6-3, 302 pounds, Lew is roughly average size for an NFL center. He is a maestro in space, communicating with other blockers, clearing lanes for the running back and connecting on blocks in the open field. The poise and IQ Lew plays with is sensational, and he was responsible for setting protections at Auburn last season. As a pass protector, he plays with quick, active hands and feet, resetting his base with a good anchor and keeping his chest clean. Lew knows how to win the leverage battle and uses it to his advantage. He’s a pretty clean center prospect.

22: Makai Lemon — WR, USC

A five-star recruit who played high school ball in Los Angeles, Lemon arrived at USC in 2023 with a lot of fanfare. He played both wide receiver and cornerback that year, but never established himself as a go-to option at either position. That changed in 2024, when he played receiver full-time and racked up 52 receptions for 764 yards and three touchdowns. Lemon also made an impact as a return specialist, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors for his work there. The USC passing offense had its struggles last year, but Lemon is a dynamic weapon.

At 5-11, 190 pounds, Lemon fits the body type for modern NFL receivers. He is a route-running savant, effortlessly incorporating fakes and dips to throw off defenders, making sharp cuts on a dime. When paired with his elite acceleration off the line and deceleration out of his breaks, he gains easy separation whenever he wants it. His fluidity and change-of-direction skills in space are eye-popping, and he has soft hands to reel in passes. At the catch point, he plays with toughness and impressive body control to win in tough situations. He struggles as a blocker and is still learning how to beat press coverage, but he’s already such a refined and physically gifted receiver.

23: Max Klare — TE, Ohio State

The 6-4, 240-pound redshirt junior was a three star prospect who committed to Purdue out of high school. After an injury cut his 2023 campaign short, he emerged as one of top playmakers in the Big Ten in 2024, posting 51 catches for 685 yards and four touchdowns. Klare earned third-team All-Big Ten honors for his performance last year and became the most coveted tight end in the transfer portal. Now, he figures to be a major factor in the Buckeyes’ passing attack.

As a route runner, Klare is unmatched. He runs a diverse route tree, whether he’s lined up in-line or in the slot. With smooth hips and natural acceleration, he’s fluid in space and in his routes, gaining separation against safeties and linebackers alike. Versatile in his deployment, he can even line up out wide and win against corners. Klare is dangerous after the catch with good speed for the position, and he decimates defenses over the middle and against zone coverage. Even as a blocker, he shows a willingness to mix it up, and the size to hold his own.

24: David Bailey — ED, Texas Tech

A California kid and Stanford transfer, Bailey caught some attention as a true freshman, making a freshman All-America team. After injuries limited him in 2023, he had a monster 2024 season, racking up 31 tackles, seven sacks and five forced fumbles. Now in his senior season, Bailey transferred to Texas Tech, where he’ll look to make a statement on a bigger stage.

A 6-3, 240-pound player, Bailey is on the field to do one thing: rush the passer. When given an opportunity to pin his ears back and go, he’s nearly unstoppable. His first step off the line of scrimmage is lightning quick, and he pairs it with violent hand usage. He sheds blocks well for his size and can turn the corner with ease, leaving tackles flat-footed trying to keep up. While he’s still developing his pass rush bag, he’s already got some nasty moves. Bailey is a negative against the run, and his rushes tend to stall out if he’s initially stymied. He’ll need to improve on that this year to be a first-round pick.

25: Mansoor Delane — CB, LSU

A three-star prospect in the class of 2022, Delane committed to Virginia Tech and played three seasons in Blacksburg. He was thrust into the starting lineup midway through his true freshman season, notching 38 tackles, an interception, eight passes defensed and two forced fumbles that year, earning honorable mention All-ACC status. His sophomore campaign wasn’t as decorated, but he started every game and totaled 54 tackles, with an interception and a pass defensed. Delane started every game again in 2024, this time earning third-team All-ACC recognition with 54 tackles, four interceptions, seven passes defensed and two forced fumbles. He now takes his skills to LSU, hoping the bigger stage can vault his name up draft boards.

Checking in at 6-1, 187 pounds, Delane is an elite short-area athlete. His fluidity and quickness in small spaces is almost otherworldly, and he can blanket any receiver with ease. Quick feet and good long speed add to his versatility, as he can keep up with shifty receivers underneath or vertical burners down the field. In zone coverage, he has an uncanny ability to find the ball, tracking multiple receivers and playing off them effectively. At the catch point, he’s aggressive and feisty, causing havoc and disrupting timing. His only real issue is his undersized frame, as Delane is giving up size too often and getting punished for it.

26: Domonique Orange — DT, Iowa State

A redshirt junior, Orange — or “Big Citrus” as he’s affectionately known — is a massive 6-4, 325-pound nose tackle who was a three-star recruit out of high school. He redshirted initially before blossoming into one of the best defenders in the Big 12, putting up 24 tackles, a sack, and a pass defensed in an honorable mention All-Big 12 season in 2024.

Orange is power personified in the middle of the defense. He rocks offensive linemen on contact, controlling them from the jump and driving them back off the line. He’s got some burst off the snap and some quickness in his movements, putting his diverse arsenal of pass rush moves to full effect. Orange is an effective two-gap run-stuffer, but his spark as a pass rusher makes him much more valuable. The next step for him is learning to shed blockers more effectively, though his limited arm length may make this a challenge.

27: Antonio Williams — WR, Clemson

A 5-11, 190-pound four-star prospect entering his senior season, Williams has produced for the Tigers since he was a true freshman. He had 604 receiving yards as a freshman, but only played in four regular-season games as a sophomore. Williams bounced back in a big way in 2024, earning first-team All-ACC honors behind a 75-catch, 904-yard, 11-touchdown campaign.

Williams’ ball skills are exceptional. He catches everything, and he gains easy separation at all levels of the field. He’s a precise route runner who is quick in space with smooth hips, shaking corners of all kinds on his routes. After the catch, he has blazing speed and a running back’s mentality to find lanes and explode up the field for extra yardage. Williams knows how to beat man and zone coverages, and produces consistently against both. His blocking could use some work, and there are times where he’s outmuscled at the catch point, but he’s a great prospect overall.

28: Anthony Hill Jr. — LB, Texas

A consensus five-star recruit, Hill made an immediate impact at Texas as a true freshman. He started that year and won Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, but he upped his game even more as a sophomore in 2024. With 113 tackles, eight sacks, four forced fumbles, an interception and a pass defensed, Hill was named first-team All-SEC and second-team All-America, establishing himself as one of the best linebackers in the country.

Hill is a big, physical, throwback linebacker. At 6-3, 235 pounds, he plays even bigger than he’s listed, with a thunderous, downhill mentality as a run defender. He plays his run fits well, making smart reads and cleaning up behind the defensive line. For a backer of his size, his athleticism is exceptional, with true sideline-to-sideline range and the lateral agility of a much smaller man. That speed shows up when he blitzes and in coverage, and he has some real pass rushing moves at his disposal. While Hill is a good zone defender, he struggles more in man coverage, where he’s still learning to anticipate routes and play more instinctively.

29: Caleb Banks — DT, Florida

A transfer from Louisville, Banks was a three-star recruit who’s spent the last two seasons at Florida. As a redshirt junior, he took a big jump, with 21 tackles, five sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass defensed. While Banks’ career has been a slow burn, he flashed immense upside as a pass rusher down the stretch of 2024, giving his 2025 season a lot of hype.

At 6-6, 325 pounds, Banks is both tall and long, which has its pros and cons at his position. His movement skills at that size are unreal, making him a challenge for any offensive lineman to handle. When attacking downhill, Banks explodes through gaps, getting skinny and disrupting the backfield. Plus lateral agility for the position make him a particularly tough assignment, and he has good functional power in his hands and lower half. Banks is still learning to develop real pass rush moves, and his pad level can be a problem.

30: John Mateer — QB, Oklahoma

A transfer from Washington State who’s become a draft darling this summer, Mateer was a three-star recruit who spent his freshman season backing up Titans QB Cam Ward. When Ward transferred to Miami last year, Mateer exploded onto the scene, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns and rushing for 826 yards and 15 touchdowns. Arguably the most productive dual-threat quarterback in college football, Mateer followed his offensive coordinator to Oklahoma this offseason, and will get a chance to shine on a bigger stage.

At 6-1, 219 pounds, Mateer is a little undersized for an NFL quarterback, but not overly so. He’s a menace over the middle of the field, throwing with timing and anticipation into tight windows and out of breaks. With a powerful arm, he can make every NFL throw, and he navigates the pocket well to make plays under duress. Whether he’s scrambling or on a designed run, he’s like a running back in the open field, playing with vision and forcing tons of missed tackles. I’d like to see him take fewer risks with the football this year, as he tends to hold onto it forever trying to make plays. He can also get himself into trouble by making risky throws that really shouldn’t be attempted.

31: Jake Slaughter — C, Florida

A three-star recruit in the class of 2021, Slaughter played a lot on special teams as a redshirt freshman before stepping into the starting center role midway through 2023. His trajectory skyrocketed in 2024, however, putting together a sensational campaign that landed him first-team All-America recognition from multiple outlets, and he enters the 2025 season as one of the top centers in the game.

At 6-5, 308 pounds, Slaughter has the build to hold up in the NFL. He’s an elite, elite pass protector — battle-tested against the SEC’s best interior rushers, he held up in every challenge, stonewalling bigger, longer defenders. With strong drive-blocking ability and excellent movement skills in space, Slaughter is a fit in multiple rushing schemes, and he has a good anchor in pass protection. He’s not perfect, but he profiles as a surefire NFL starter.

32: Garrett Nussmeier — QB, LSU

A four-star high school recruit who got his chance to start in his fourth year in the program, Nussmeier was instant offense last year. At 6-2, 200 pounds, he’s a bit undersized, but he’s not shy. With 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024, Nussmeier was one of the most productive passers in the SEC, and he enters the 2025 season with high expectations.

Nussmeier is an advanced pocket passer with a cannon for an arm. He can vary his throws and launch deep bombs or layer touch passes between zone defenders with expertise, carving up defenses. His accuracy is a plus and he thrives under pressure, utilizing smart pocket manipulation and quick reads to make plays. However, he tends to lock onto his primary read and takes a lot of risks with the football, something he’ll need to improve upon this year to become a first-round pick.

33: Kenyon Sadiq — TE, Oregon

Sadiq was a four-star recruit who played minimally as a true freshman, though he appeared in every game. As a sophomore in 2024, he played a consistent role, despite being behind new Rams TE Terrance Ferguson on the depth chart. Last year, he had 24 receptions for 308 yards and two touchdowns, and he’s expected to be one of the Ducks’ primary passing weapons in 2025.

Everything Sadiq does, he does well. He just needs to do more of it. At 6-3, 245 pounds, he’s a dynamic, explosive athlete — great speed, fluidity, and change-of-direction abilities. I wouldn’t call him raw, either, as he runs routes like a veteran and gets open consistently against a variety of coverages. Sadiq possesses incredible body control and long arms to contort for passes outside his area and fight in contested situations. After the catch, he’s a deadly runner, using all his athletic gifts to make guys miss and create after the catch. Even as a blocker, he plays with good technique and isn’t afraid to get dirty in the pile, though he needs to add some strength to be effective in the NFL.

34: Daylen Everette — CB, Georgia

A five-star high school recruit from Virginia, Everette was mostly a contributor on special teams as a true freshman before earning a regular defensive role in 2023. He had 29 tackles with an interception and five passes defensed that year, but took an even bigger step forward as a junior in 2024. Last season, he had 58 tackles, three interceptions, two passes defensed, a sack and two forced fumbles, finally becoming a weekly starter and was the SEC Championship Game MVP.

Measuring at 6-1, 190 pounds, Everette is an elite speedster at the cornerback position. He pairs that speed with long arms, effortlessly carrying receivers on vertical routes down the field and locking them out at the catch point. In press coverage, he puts that length to use, disrupting receivers at the line and continuing to bother them along their routes. In zone, he plays with natural awareness, using his instincts to break on routes with impeccable timing. As a run defender, he’s not afraid to stick his nose into traffic to make a tackle. Now, his hips can be a little stiff, yielding separation in man coverage at times.

35: Xavier Chaplin — OT, Auburn

A 6-7, 348-pound transfer from Virginia Tech, Chaplin was a three-star recruit who initially took a redshirt year in Blacksburg. He announced himself in 2023 in his redshirt freshman season, starting every game at left tackle for the Hokies and was named a third-team All-American for his efforts. His 2024 season was a bit more up and down, but Chaplin still earned honorable mention All-ACC recognition and was one of the top tackles in the transfer portal. Now at Auburn, he’ll look to take his game to the next level as a redshirt junior.

Chaplin is a massive human being. He plays with power and technical refinement in pass protection, keeping his feet moving and forming a wall against pass rushers. His hand usage is advanced, with a variety of ways he keeps himself in control of the rep and defenders off-balance. In the run game, drive blocking is his specialty, and he can move people off the line. When asked to play in a phone booth, he’s an unstoppable force. The downside is, when Chaplin is on the move in the run game, he struggles to hit his marks with consistency, leading to a lot of variance in his ability to connect on blocks in space.

36: Denzel Boston — WR, Washington

A 6-4, 209-pound four-star recruit who stayed local, Boston is a Washington kid who dominated high school football in the state. He redshirted in 2022 and played a minimal role in 2023, as he was buried on the depth chart behind three NFL receivers in Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja’Lynn Polk. But he broke out in a big way last year, totaling 63 catches for 834 yards and nine touchdowns. That performance earned him honorable mention All-Big Ten honors, and he looks to take another step forward in 2025.

Boston is a big, physical X-receiver. He’s fast at his size and is a monster at the catch point, boxing out defenders basketball-style with his big frame. Unlike many other receivers with his measurables, he creates separation on his routes — not by blowing past defenders, but by running masterful routes and not telegraphing his intentions. Boston’s hands are like vise grips, hauling in anything thrown vaguely in his direction. He struggles to quickly decelerate and change direction, which can be a problem against corners who can match his physicality.

37: Nick Singleton — RB, Penn State

A former five-star recruit, Singleton exploded onto the scene as a true freshman at Penn State, rushing for 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns with 11 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown through the air. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors that year, and though he took a step back as a sophomore, he still produced and was again selected to the third-team All-Big Ten. As a junior in 2024, he upped his game considerably, with 1,099 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, plus 41 receptions for 375 yards and five touchdowns. He was a surprise withdrawal from the NFL draft process, choosing instead to chase a championship with the Nittany Lions.

The 6-0, 227-pound back is built like a tank and has multiple appearances on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list. When he hits the hole, he breezes past defenders, running with a violence and explosiveness few can match. Singleton is a burner, outrunning defenders to the edge and through the hole with ease, playing with strong contact balance as well. In the receiving game, he’s developed into a real weapon, able to split out wide or in the slot, run a real route tree, and reliably catch passes. He’s a great pass protector too, with the size and technique to become trusted in the NFL. His only real weakness is average lateral agility, limiting his ability to break tackles.

38: Carnell Tate — WR, Ohio State

A true junior and former five-star prospect, Tate had a minimal role at Ohio State in 2023 before becoming a go-to guy last season. Despite operating as the Buckeyes’ third receiver for most of the year, he had 52 catches for 733 yards and four touchdowns, becoming a reliable target on a national title team. With Emeka Egbuka’s departure to the NFL, Tate figures to have an even larger role this season.

Tate’s best skill is his route running prowess. He’s a technician on the field, routinely fooling corners on his routes and creating separation at all three levels of the field. At the catch point, he consistently wins with his size and length, effectively boxing out defenders and making strong catches in traffic. He’s as reliable as they come when called upon, catching passes away from his body and contorting to make plays outside his area. Now, he’s not an exceptional athlete, and his utility after the catch is limited. But he’s easily projectable as a No. 3 receiver in the NFL today, and could potentially be more given time.

39: Cade Klubnik — QB, Clemson

A five-star recruit who stepped into Clemson’s starting spot as a sophomore, Klubnik has improved year after year and is now one of the best college football players in the country. In 2024, he put up 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns to go with 463 rushing yards and another seven scores. He was the ACC Championship Game MVP and enters 2025 as one of the favorites to win the Heisman trophy.

Klubnik is another undersized quarterback at 6-2, 210 pounds, but he’s not lacking in arm strength. Downfield accuracy is his calling card, and he’s great attacking the seams and hitting post routes for big plays. With a quick release and some real wheels, Klubnik is a weapon in both phases of the offense, and he can make defenses pay when he gets open space in front of him. He holds onto the ball too long and takes too many risks with the football, especially when the play breaks down. He has to clean that up, and he needs to improve his ball placement in the quick game, as well.

40: Isaiah World — OT, Oregon

A former three-star recruit who played four seasons at Nevada, World transferred to Oregon this offseason to anchor the left tackle position. Initially taking a redshirt year, he started at right tackle in 2022 before taking over at left tackle in 2023. That year, and again in 2024, World earned honorable mention All-Mountain West recognition, and he was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal.

At 6-8, 312 pounds, World has the length advantage against every defender he faces. Despite being so tall, he plays with great leverage, getting low in his stance and not letting rushers get into his chest. At his size, he has impressive lateral quickness and fluidity, mirroring well out of his stance and being able to connect on blocks in space. World’s power is noteworthy, as well, since he can stymie pass rushers with the strength in his arms at times. As a run blocker, he struggles to translate his natural gifts to consistent wins, and he commits too many penalties.

41: Cashius Howell — ED, Texas A&M

A three-year standout in the MAC at Bowling Green, Howell was one of the best mid-major pass rushers in the country as a redshirt sophomore in 2023, with 27 tackles, 10 sacks, a forced fumble and a pass defensed. He transferred to the Aggies last season, totaling 40 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, an interception and seven passes defensed. More heralded NFL talents played on Texas A&M’s defensive line last year, but Howell was arguably the most productive of the bunch.

At 6-4, 245 pounds, Howell has plus length for the position. He’s an expert hand-fighter with a lightning-quick first step who has a variety of moves and counters to win off the edge. He knows how to win with leverage and can flatten back to the quarterback well after winning the outside shoulder, converting pressures to sacks. Howell sets a hard edge in run support and can even drop into coverage effectively, with good ball production last season. A lack of functional strength at the point of attack can be an issue for him, and I question how good an athlete he is against NFL-caliber players.

42: Kamari Ramsey — S, USC

A 6-0, 204-pound redshirt junior, Ramsey spent the first two seasons of his college career at UCLA before heading across town to USC prior to the 2024 season. A four-star recruit, Ramsey broke out in 2023, with 40 tackles, an interception and four passes defensed. He upped those numbers in 2024 to 60 tackles, an interception, five passes defensed, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Ramsey had significant draft buzz after last season, but elected to return to USC to improve his stock.

As a run-stuffer from the second level, it doesn’t get much better than Ramsey. He diagnoses plays quickly and fires downhill, making sure tackles. He thrives when playing downhill in zone coverage, triggering on underneath routes and blowing them up. As a man defender, he’s smooth and fluid in his mirroring ability, with the speed and size to cover both receivers and tight ends. He needs to clean up his missed tackles, however, and turn more pass breakups into interceptions.

43: Dani Dennis-Sutton — ED, Penn State

A 6-5, 272-pound edge defender from Delaware, Dennis-Sutton was a five-star recruit in 2022 who chose Penn State over a litany of other top programs. He earned freshman All-America status as a true freshman behind 17 tackles, three sacks, an interception and a pass defensed. As a sophomore, he earned third-team All-Big Ten with 26 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass defensed. As a junior in 2024, he was finally an every-game starter, with 42 tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and three passes defensed.

A violent run defender, Dennis-Sutton is strong at the point of attack and uses his length to his advantage. He sheds blocks well and always keeps his hands moving, never letting the tackle get a purchase on his frame. When rushing the passer, his bull rush moves people, and he knows how to work tackles over the course of the game. While his lateral agility and burst aren’t as strong as they are for smaller edge rushers, Dennis-Sutton makes up for it with the versatility to rush the passer from the interior.

44: LT Overton — DT, Alabama

A consensus five-star recruit who played his first two years of college football at Texas A&M, Overton transferred to Alabama in 2024 and enjoyed a breakout season, finally capitalizing on his 6-5, 283-pound frame. He had 42 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a pass defensed last season, and can play 3-4 defensive end or 3-tech defensive tackle.

Overton’s bread-and-butter is run defense. He has tremendous power and length at the point of attack, controlling blockers and holding up against double teams. He anchors well and causes disruption, making plays in the backfield. As a pass rusher, Overton possesses rare fluidity and burst at his size, with some absolutely ridiculous reps on his tape. He offers a high floor as a run defender, but much of his pass rushing upside is still theoretical as he learns to improve his hand usage and develop counters.

45: Eric Singleton Jr. — WR, Auburn

An under-the-radar three star recruit, Singleton jumped onto the scene at Georgia Tech immediately, grabbing 48 catches for 714 yards and six touchdowns as a true freshman. That performance earned him freshman All-America honors and he turned in an equally great sophomore campaign. After posting 56 receptions for 754 yards and three touchdowns last season, he entered his name into the transfer portal and became one of the top targets on the market. Now, he takes his talents to Auburn, where he can showcase his skills in the SEC.

At 5-11, 190 pounds, Singleton is a track burner. Vertical acceleration and blazing top speed are his calling cards, as he can take the top off any defense. Despite his leaner frame, he plays with strength, able to consistently defeat press coverage and win at the catch point in contested situations. He times his jumps well and has strong hands, reeling in passes outside his frame and area. As a route runner, he knows how to tempo his pace to gain separation, adjusting on the move and dusting the coverage consistently. At the moment, Singleton’s route tree is somewhat limited, which is the main thing holding him back.

46: Harold Perkins Jr. — LB, LSU

It’s been a whiplash college career and draft road for Perkins. A consensus five-star recruit out of high school, he played edge rusher his first year with the Tigers, storming onto the college scene with 72 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles, an interception and a pass defensed. That scintillating performance earned him first-team All-SEC honors, and he moved to off-ball linebacker as a sophomore in 2023. It wasn’t a flawless transition, but he still had 74 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles, an interception and four passes defensed. Perkins was supposed to be one of the top linebackers in the 2025 draft, but he tore his ACL early in the 2024 season, and now returns for his senior year. LSU has him playing the “star” role in their defense this year, a safety/linebacker hybrid position, that they hope will take advantage of his skillset.

Measuring at 6-1, 225 pounds, Perkins is undersized for an edge rusher, but rushing the passer is what he does best. He’s elite off the edge, with dynamic moves and the length to bother tackles. From the off-ball linebacker position, his top-tier speed translates to incredible range, and he plays the run like a bullet in pursuit of the ball carrier. Perkins is smooth in coverage, with explosive short-area quickness and flexibility, giving him strong mirroring ability in man coverage and playmaking skills in zone. Really the only concerns with Perkins are his injury history and his long-term home on defense.

47: Ar’maj Reed-Adams — G, Texas A&M

A 6-5, 330-pound sixth-year senior, Reed-Adams was a three-star recruit who played for Kansas initially. By 2023, he had worked his way into the starting lineup, becoming a stalwart on the Jayhawks’ offensive line. After the season, he transferred to Texas A&M, and immediately became one of their best offensive lineman. Now entering his second year with the Aggies, he has a chance to be one of the best players in the Big 12.

Reed-Adams is a power player. He’s built like a tank and controls the line of scrimmage, driving people back and paving highways for the running back behind him. Despite being a bigger guard, he moves well laterally, climbing to the second level consistently and recovering in pass protection. Reed-Adams can play both guard spots and even has experience at tackle, and he plays with good technique in pass pro. The main thing he needs to work on is his hand usage, as it’s inconsistent currently and he sometimes allows pass rushers to get into his chest.

48: Darian Mensah — QB, Duke

A surprise college football standout last season at Tulane, Mensah was a three-star recruit who won the starting job in the spring after his redshirt season. While he started as the fourth-string quarterback, his impressive tools and grasp of the intricacies of the position forced the staff to start him. He threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns, and now gets to prove his mettle in the ACC.

At 6-3, 205 pounds, Mensah is mostly a pocket passer, but he excels under pressure. On the move, he delivers accurate, whip-strong passes, even if he can’t reset his feet. He navigates the pocket well and isn’t afraid to stand tall and take a hit to make a throw. His arm talent lets him attack all areas of the field, and he’s accurate to all three levels. For someone as young as he is, Mensah is great at hitting tight windows and making advanced reads. Still, he needs to tone down his gunslinger habits, as he can be a bit of a wild card. Additionally, he needs to add some weight to his frame to hold up in the NFL.

49: Caleb Tiernan — OT, Northwestern

Another massive tackle at 6-7, 329 pounds, Tiernan was a four-star recruit who redshirted in 2021. After starting five games at right tackle in 2022, he switched to left tackle in 2023, where he’s started every game over the past two seasons. He’s known as a pass blocker and has some impressive games on his film, including a stalwart performance against Ohio State as a redshirt freshman.

Despite his size, Tiernan is quick. His pass sets belie his size, as he moves so smoothly and can rapidly recover back inside. As you might expect, he plays with tremendous strength, with a rock-solid anchor that holds up against the best bull rushes he faced. In space, he finds defenders to punish, and buries them out of the play with regularity. Tiernan’s length is a major plus, and lets him control his blocks even if they gain an initial advantage. However, his functional strength in the run game is lacking for someone of his size, and he gets out-leveraged consistently.

50: Nyck Harbor — WR, South Carolina

The 6-5, 235-pound track-star-turned-receiver is as traitsy a bet as you can make. No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” list, Harbor was a highly-coveted five-star recruit who surprised many by going to South Carolina. Harbor played rotationally as a true freshman before earning a more established role last season, with 26 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns. In his first two seasons, he played both track and football, but now has chosen to focus exclusively on football for the 2025 season, and we could see his development jump as a result.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Harbor might be the most athletic receiver to come through the draft in a long, long time. He runs a sub-4.3 40-yard dash while having the size and frame of a tight end — truly ludicrous stuff. He knows how to gain separation vertically and is a demon after the catch, looking more like a running back in space. Harbor’s agility and change-of-direction skills are stupidly good for a player of his size, and he can run sophisticated routes and get separation at all three levels of the field. While Harbor still has a fair bit of development to do, I’m betting on the otherworldly traits, and he’s flashed more refinement to his game than he gets credit for.