NFL Draft intel: 10 players to know for 2026

"[Downs] was the most talented player on the Buckeyes defense last season, blending exceptional movement traits in space, deep-range cover ability and serious power to be disruptive against the run," wrote ESPN's Field Yates in a story published Thursday. 

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) 

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Jordan Reid has the Cleveland Browns selecting Klubnik with pick No. 1.

"Klubnik maintains a strong platform while going through his reads and is consistent no matter the defensive structure," wrote Reid. "He also has the mobility to escape pressure, but he has B-level arm strength, so it will be important for him to show he can throw into tight windows this season." 

The junior could be a Heisman contender in 2025 after a productive 2024 season. In 14 starts, he tossed 36 touchdown passes and had 3,639 passing yards.

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier (6-foot-2, 200 pounds)

Nussmeier may have been a first-rounder had he entered the 2025 draft. In November 2024, an NFL scout told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman the LSU star was the "most talented" QB in the 2025 class.

Nussmeier returning to LSU could help it make the College Football Playoff for the first time since the 2019 season. In his first season as a starter in 2024, the QB tied for 10th in the FBS in TD passes (29 in 13 games). 

"Nussmeier is a receiver's best friend," wrote The Ringer's Diante Lee in a story published Tuesday. "When he's able to throw from a stable base, he almost always throws passes at eye level for his receivers to track."

Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (6-foot-7, 369 pounds)

In two of the past three drafts, an Alabama O-lineman has been chosen in the first round. The Titans took OT JC Latham with pick No. 7 in 2024, and the Dallas Cowboys grabbed guard Tyler Booker with pick No. 12 in 2025. 

Proctor battled a shoulder injury throughout the 2024 season but still showed why he could be the next Alabama O-lineman selected in the first round. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed just three sacks and posted an above-average 71.3 grade in 11 games last season.

In his mock draft, Brugler has the Indianapolis Colts taking the 19-year-old with pick No. 8.

Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. (6-foot-3, 235 pounds) 

Hill — a former five-star recruit — was named a starter for the Longhorns during his freshman season in 2023. Since then, he has cemented himself as a staple for Texas' defense. 

In two seasons with the Longhorns, he has 25 TFLs. He has also forced five fumbles, recovering one. PFF's Max Chadwick ranked Hill as his No. 1 returning LB in 2025 in a story published March 31. 

"Hill is a versatile athlete who wears many hats for the Longhorns defense and could find his way into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft," wrote Chadwick. 

Clemson edge-rusher T.J. Parker (6-foot-3, 265 pounds)

Parker had a career-high 11 sacks in 14 games in 2024. He should produce even better numbers under new Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen. 

In 2024, Allen was DC at Penn State, where he helped Abdul Carter successfully transition from off-ball linebacker to edge-rusher. The New York Giants took Carter with pick No. 3 in 2025 after he earned a 2024 first-team All-American nod.

If Allen raises Parker's game, his stock should keep skyrocketing. Tankathon rates him as its No. 1 EDGE in the 2026 class. 

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers (6-foot-3, 242 pounds) 

Sellers threw only 18 touchdown passes in 12 games in 2024. However, he's mobile. The 19-year-old rushed for 674 yards and seven touchdowns on 166 carries last season. 

"It's kind of amazing to me that a guy who's 240 pounds can move laterally as easily as he does," ESPN's Greg McElroy, a former Alabama QB, said Tuesday on his podcast. "I would expect him to be a power runner, QB power, running guys over. That's not really how he plays. He's light on his feet." 

Sellers' draft stock hinges on him improving as a passer. If he does, he should climb draft boards. Tankathon ranks him as its No. 4 QB.

Penn State QB Drew Allar (6-foot-5, 238 pounds)

Allar's decision-making has been a question throughout his college career. In 16 starts last season, he tossed a career-high eight interceptions.

Still, he has prototypical size for an NFL QB and has shown he can push the ball downfield. In 2024, he threw for a career-high 3,327 passing yards.

In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski has the Colts nabbing Allar with pick No. 8.

"By the end of the 2024 campaign, Penn State's Drew Allar looked like a future first-round QB," wrote Sobleski. "But he chose to return to school for another year, which will only help his draft status if he continues his upward trajectory." 

Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love (6-foot, 206 pounds)

Love helped Notre Dame make the national championship game last season. In 16 games, he scored a team-leading 19 touchdowns (17 rushing and two receiving).

"He's an explosive strider, and his body control allows him to fit his 6-foot, 206-pound frame through coin-sized slot running lanes," wrote Reid, who has the Chicago Bears taking Love with pick No. 17 in his mock.

Scouts may like Love's ability to generate explosive plays. He scored a 98-yard rushing touchdown in a 27-17 win in the first round of the 2024 CFP against Indiana.