Each week, Yardbarker monitors the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
From a Texas quarterback to a Florida defensive tackle, here are five players we're tracking:
Texas QB Arch Manning
Manning, who has thrown just 95 passes in two seasons at Texas, may not enter the draft until after the 2026 season. However, an NFC West power is monitoring the 6-foot-4, 219-pound QB.
"Speaking to a handful of [Los Angeles] Rams personnel sources, Manning is — at this moment — considered by the staff to be the lone tier one quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, regardless of who else could enter into the selection process," wrote Yahoo's Charles Robinson in a story published Thursday. "The Rams covet Manning's prototypical size and throwing acumen ... but also believe it's the level of athleticism that sets him apart from every other college football quarterback."
Manning showcased his wheels last season, rushing for a 67-yard touchdown in a 56-7 Week 3 win over UTSA. Rams head coach Sean McVay may feel the QB's mobility would expand his playbook.
ARCH MANNING TAKES IT 67 YARDS TO THE HOUSE WITH HIS LEGS
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 15, 2024
It's the longest rush by a Texas QB since Vince Young in 2005. pic.twitter.com/AjU9uSli2c
Manning also has a connection to the franchise. Longhorns long snapper Tate Haver is the son of Rams general manager Les Snead, per Texas' website.
Rams QB Matthew Stafford, 37, is entering a two-year, $84M contract. Even if he returns next season, a source told Robinson the team could still target Manning as a successor. L.A. has two first-round picks in 2026. Perhaps the team would consider trading one of those selections to move up and take the Texas passer if he were available.
Of course, the Rams, a playoff team last season, may have no shot at Manning in this year's draft unless they flop and get a top-three pick.
Clemson WR Antonio Williams
The Ringer's Todd McShay ranked Williams as his No. 1 WR in his preseason rankings released Sunday.
"He's an outstanding route runner," McShay wrote of Williams. "He's also crisp off the [line of scrimmage] and tempos and stems his routes beautifully. Love his ability to drop weight and get in and out of breaks in a flash."
Williams' smooth route running helped him break out last season. He had career highs in receptions (75), receiving yards (904) and touchdown catches (11) in 14 games.
Williams (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) lacks ideal size for an NFL wideout but is still a potential first-rounder. The Buffalo Bills take him with pick No. 30 in Tankathon's latest mock draft.
South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers
New South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Shula is already helping Sellers (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) improve his ability to read defenses.
"Coach Shula has really, really helped him," a source told CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz in a story published Wednesday. "Coming out of spring ball, the processing has gotten so much better. That part has really improved so much that that's going to be what people see on tape from an NFL scout perspective."
This is critical for Sellers, who must take another step as a passer to enter the QB1 conversation. He completed 65.6 percent of his passes in 12 games last season, but the South Carolina star eclipsed 300 passing yards in just two of those contests.
Sellers is a potential first-rounder. The Indianapolis Colts grab him with pick No. 8 in Tankathon's latest mock.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate
Tate's speed could be a concern for NFL teams. According to McShay, he ran a 4.6 40-yard dash in high school, which isn't fast for a WR. Could his consistency help him overcome that?
"I see what translates," McShay said of Tate on a Monday episode of his podcast. "I see how important, and I understand how important, reliability is. Awesome versus zone, knows where to be. Understands leverage, understands stems, getting in and out of breaks, understands the importance of catching the ball in traffic and being a tough guy."
Tate (6-foot-3, 191 pounds) logged 70 receptions for 997 yards and five TD catches in his first two seasons with Ohio State. Last season, the Buckeyes had a loaded WR room featuring Emeka Egbuka (now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Jeremiah Smith.
Smith — who led the Buckeyes in TD catches (15 in 16 games) last season — should attract more pass coverage in 2025. That could create more opportunities for Tate.
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks
The Athletic's Dane Brugler rated Banks (6-foot-6, 325 pounds) as his No. 2 D-lineman behind Clemson's Peter Woods (6-foot-3, 315 pounds).
"My No. 1 criterion when scouting defensive linemen: Draft the guys who hate to be blocked," wrote Brugler in a story published Tuesday. "Banks qualifies because of the different ways he can unwind from blocks or power through contact."
Banks finished with a career-high 29 pressures in 12 games last season, per Pro Football Focus.
Brugler noted the Gators star must improve his pad level, which would make him a more effective run defender. If Banks does, he could help Florida rebound from an 8-5 season.
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