2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Pre-Combine Top 100 Rankings

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine represents the next inflection point in the draft cycle. Film evaluations are finalized, production profiles are complete, and verified testing, medicals, and interviews will now influence the final draft capital.

This 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Pre-Combine Top 100 reflects full-scope All-22 evaluation and long-term projection entering Indianapolis. Using the Football Scout 365 grading scale, the board currently includes 18 First-Round grades, 62 Day Two grades, and 20 Day Three grades, defining a class built more on starter-level depth than high-level blue-chip talent.

At the very top sit two Elite prospects — Caleb Downs and Jeremiyah Love — rare, immediate-impact players capable of altering franchise direction early in their careers.

Behind that Elite tier is a strong cluster of Near Elite prospects who define the strength of the class. Fernando Mendoza headlines a thin but intriguing quarterback group, while defenders like Rueben Bain Jr., David Bailey, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles anchor a versatile and athletic front seven.

Offensively, Spencer Fano and Vega Ioane provide plug-and-play trench stability, and Carnell Tate leads a deep, 18-player wide receiver group that offers alignment flexibility and Day Two value throughout the board.

Overall, the 2026 class profiles as a roster-building draft defined by plug-and-play offensive depth and high-end defensive flexibility from the front seven through the secondary.

Football Scout 365 Big Board Grade Scale

Each prospect on the Top 100 is evaluated through our proprietary film-based grading model and placed into one of the following tiers. Grades reflect long-term NFL projection, positional value, athletic profile, and developmental trajectory. Draft projections are aligned to historical valuation trends entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

Top 100 Players Positional Count

QB-2, RB-4, WR-18, TE-2, IOL-7, OT-10, IDL-9, Edge-15, LB-11, CB-12, SAF-9

Click and go to the tier

• Elite – Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round)

• Near Elite – Mid-to-Late (1st Round)

• High-End Starter Potential – 2nd–3rd Round

• Mid-Level Starter Potential – 4th–5th Round

2026 NFL Draft Big Board

Elite Tier

Rare, franchise-altering talent with top-of-draft value and immediate impact projection.

1) Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6’0”, 205)

A high-IQ, position-flexible safety who can rotate post-snap, erase matchups in split-safety and big nickel structures, and serve as the defensive communicator with Elite, All-Pro ceiling.

2) Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6’0”, 214)

An explosive, modern three-down back with elite acceleration and receiving upside who thrives in wide-zone systems and projects as an immediate impact RB1 with Pro Bowl ceiling.

Near Elite Tier

High-end impact prospects with early Round 1 value and Pro Bowl-caliber upside who project as foundational starters within their first two seasons.

3) Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6’5”, 225)

A rhythm-based, precision pocket passer who wins with anticipation and processing, projecting as a high-floor timing-system starter with limited off-script ceiling.

4) Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6’3”, 275)

A thick, twitchy, high-motor pass rusher with advanced hand usage and alignment versatility who projects as an early-impact, scheme-diverse EDGE with top-tier upside.

5) Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (6’4”, 243)

A powerful hybrid front-seven weapon who can stack, blitz, and rush off the edge, projecting as a disruptive three-down linebacker in pressure-heavy defenses.

6) Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6’4”, 230)

A former safety turned modern hybrid linebacker with rare size-speed versatility, best suited for multiple fronts that value coverage flexibility and matchup tools.

7) David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6’3”, 250)

An explosive, bendy edge rusher with a deep pass-rush arsenal and high-level production, projecting as an immediate third-down difference-maker with Round 1 ceiling.

8) Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6’5”, 300)

A technically polished, high-floor tackle with dominant run-game leverage and early starter projection at right tackle with long-term left-side upside.

9) Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6’3”, 195)

A refined perimeter receiver who separates with route detail and body control, projecting as a high-volume WR2 with reliable three-level production.

10) Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane, IOL, Penn State (6’4”, 330)

A power-based interior mauler built to anchor gap schemes from Day 1, projecting as a stable starting guard with high-floor impact.

11) Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6’3”, 250)

An explosive, alignment-versatile tight end with true two-phase value, projecting as a matchup weapon in play-action and spacing-based offenses.

12) Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6’6”, 315)

A naturally gifted, movement-skilled tackle with scheme versatility and long-term All-Pro upside, projecting as a Day 1 starter on the right side.

13) Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6’3”, 280)

A polished, high-motor rusher with advanced hand usage and interior reduction versatility, projecting as an immediate third-down impact defender with high-end starter upside.

14) Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6’0”, 190)

A scheme-versatile perimeter corner with fluid movement skills and advanced processing, projecting as a Day 1 starter with long-term CB1 upside in press-man and match coverage systems.

15) Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5’11”, 195)

A polished, high-volume slot receiver who wins with precision, tempo, and ball skills, projecting as a plug-and-play impact target with Pro Bowl upside inside.

16) Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6’1”, 195)

A refined route technician with three-level separation ability and WR1 ceiling, projecting as a high-floor starter if durability concerns are cleared.

17) Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6’0”, 195)

A press-man technician with elite mirror ability and recovery speed, projecting as a true perimeter CB1 with Pro Bowl upside pending full medical clearance.

18) Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson (6’3”, 315)

An explosive, penetration-based interior defender with rare first-step quickness, projecting as a disruptive 3-technique centerpiece in attacking one-gap schemes.

High-End Starter Potential Tier

Clear NFL starters with strong physical tools and long-term impact value, projecting as multi-year foundational pieces within their first few seasons.

19) Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (6’0”, 207)

An instinctive, multi-alignment safety with strong range and coverage awareness, projecting as a three-down starter in disguise-heavy, zone-based defenses.

20) Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State (6’3”, 326)

A dense, power-based interior run defender with elite anchor ability, projecting as a tone-setting early-down nose in odd or hybrid fronts.

21) Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6’4”, 210)

A physical boundary receiver who wins at the catch point and in contested situations, projecting as a reliable possession-based perimeter starter.

22) C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6’1”, 235)

A high-IQ, three-down MIKE linebacker built on processing speed and tackling efficiency, projecting as a Day 1 defensive stabilizer.

23) Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (6’0”, 200)

An explosive, RAC-driven playmaker with vertical acceleration and versatility, projecting as a dynamic WR2 in motion-heavy spread offenses.

24) Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6’7”, 369)

A massive, power-oriented tackle with rare physical tools and franchise-left-tackle upside if conditioning and leverage continue to improve.

25) Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (6’0”, 195)

A competitive, scheme-versatile corner with strong ball skills and perimeter athleticism, projecting as an early-impact outside starter.

26) Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6’5”, 295)

A smooth, technically refined left tackle with high-end pass-protection balance, projecting as a long-term blindside anchor in zone-based systems.

27) Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5’11”, 180)

A twitchy, instinctive press-capable corner who competes above his size, projecting as an aggressive boundary starter in man- and match-heavy schemes.

28) Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan (6’3”, 258)

A power-based edge defender with strong speed-to-power conversion, projecting as a rotational rusher early with starting upside in multiple fronts.

29) Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina (6’1”, 211)

A versatile, explosive defensive back with strong zone awareness and click-and-close ability, projecting as an early sub-package contributor with starter upside in match-heavy systems.

30) Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh (6’1”, 220)

A space-athletic hybrid linebacker with true coverage value, projecting best as a WILL or big nickel defender in sub-package heavy defenses.

31) Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida (6’6”, 325)

A rare size-movement interior disruptor with penetrating 3-tech upside, projecting as a scheme-diverse defensive chess piece with top-20 ceiling.

32. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6’2”, 208)

A rhythm-based, structure-dependent passer with developmental starter traits, projecting as a Day Two quarterback whose ceiling hinges on anticipation growth.

33) Lee Hunter, IDL, Texas Tech (6’4”, 325)

A powerful, gap-controlling interior anchor built to occupy space and collapse pockets, projecting as a starting nose tackle in power-based fronts.

34) Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (6’0”, 190)

An instinctive, zone-savvy corner with strong processing and ball disruption skills, projecting as a reliable CB2 in off-man and match-heavy schemes.

35) Kevin Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (5’11”, 187)

A sudden, quick-twitch slot playmaker with strong YAC ability, projecting as a high-volume underneath weapon in spacing-based offenses.

36) Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6’6”, 290)

A long, power-based edge defender with inside-out versatility, projecting as a high-floor strong-side starter in multiple-front defenses.

37) Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6’2”, 202)

A downhill, tone-setting safety with robber and box value, projecting as a defined-role starter in split-safety and zone-heavy schemes.

38) T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6’3”, 265)

A physical, leverage-driven power rusher with strong edge-setting ability, projecting as a dependable three-down starter in even or odd fronts.

39) Christen Miller, IDL, Georgia (6’3”, 305)

A disruptive, leverage-based interior defender with scheme flexibility, projecting as a steady 3-tech/4i starter with rising Day Two value.

40) Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (6’1”, 230)

A high-IQ, downhill linebacker with strong instincts and tackling reliability, projecting as a zone-match MIKE/WILL with early special teams and blitz value.

41) Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State (6’2”, 235)

A physical, run-first linebacker with excellent play strength and diagnostic ability, projecting as an early-down MIKE/SAM in power-based defensive fronts.

42) Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6’7”, 315)

A long, athletic left tackle with high-upside pass-protection traits, projecting as a developmental blindside starter in pro-style systems.

43) Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6’2”, 250)

An ascending, length-powered edge rusher with strong speed-to-power conversion, projecting as a multiple-front starter with double-digit sack upside.

44) Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (6’4”, 240)

A big, explosive second-level defender with stack-and-shed power, projecting as a SAM or inside linebacker in aggressive fronts.

45) Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (6’0”, 185)

A disciplined, zone-savvy corner with strong ball skills and tackling reliability, projecting as a starter in Cover 3 and match-heavy systems.

46) Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (6’6”, 330)

A traits-heavy, movement-skilled tackle with developmental polish needed, projecting as a high-upside starter in outside-zone schemes.

47) D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana (5’9”, 170)

An instinct-driven nickel corner with quick feet and strong zone awareness, projecting as a high-impact slot defender in match-zone systems.

48) Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (6’0”, 190)

An explosive press-man boundary corner with high developmental upside, projecting as a scheme-dependent starter with near-elite traits.

49) Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri (6’2”, 237)

An explosive downhill MIKE with strong run instincts and physical pop, projecting as an interior tone-setter in odd-front defenses.

50) Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (6’1”, 204)

A versatile, route-polished receiver with strong intermediate production and alignment flexibility, projecting as a reliable WR2/3 in timing-based offenses.

51) R. Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma (6’2”, 250)

A twitch-driven, speed-based edge rusher with bend and vertical burst, projecting as an early third-down specialist with starter upside in odd fronts.

52) Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (6’3”, 235)

A rangy, downhill linebacker with disruptive blitz ability, projecting as a three-down impact defender if coverage refinement continues.

53) Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (6’6”, 315)

An experienced, movement-skilled right tackle with zone-scheme value, projecting as a starting-caliber RT with developmental refinement needed.

54) Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State (6’2”, 200)

A rangy, instinctive post safety with strong ball skills, projecting as a single-high anchor in Cover 1 and Cover 3 structures.

55) Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas (6’0”, 190)

A twitchy, competitive man-coverage defender with strong mirror ability, projecting as an early-impact starter in press-heavy systems.

56) Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (6’0”, 194)

An explosive nickel defender with blitz and sub-package value, projecting as a high-energy STAR in pressure-heavy defenses.

57) Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (6’4”, 220)

A physical boundary receiver who wins at the catch point, projecting as a possession-based X with red-zone value.

58) Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (5’11”, 210)

A patient, vision-driven zone runner, projecting as an early-down starter in outside-zone systems if durability holds.

59) Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee, WR (6’5”, 200)

A lengthy perimeter receiver who wins vertically with stride acceleration and catch-radius ball skills, projecting as an explosive outside target with red-zone value and developmental upside tied to strength and route refinement.

60) Zachariah Branch, Georgia, WR (5’11”, 175)

An explosive slot weapon with rare acceleration and open-field creativity, projecting as a dynamic motion-based playmaker with immediate return value and WR3 upside in space-oriented offenses.

61) Logan Jones, Iowa, IOL (6’3”, 293)

A highly athletic, zone-scheme center with strong processing and pass-protection consistency, projecting as a Day 1 starter in movement-based offensive systems.

62) C.J. Daniels, Miami, WR (6’2”, 205)

A polished possession receiver who wins with route nuance and ball skills, projecting as a high-floor WR3 with WR2 upside in timing-based offenses.

63) Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M, IOL (6’5”, 315)

A technically sound, movement-skilled interior blocker with balanced pass protection traits, projecting as an early starter in multiple or zone-heavy schemes.

64) Jonah Coleman, Washington, RB (5’9”, 229)

A compact, power-driven runner with strong contact balance and zone vision, projecting as a dependable early-down starter with high-floor value.

65) Elijah Sarratt, Indiana, WR (6’2”, 210)

A physical boundary chain-mover who wins at the catch point, projecting as a possession-based outside starter with red-zone reliability.

66) Treydan Stukes, Arizona, S (6’2”, 195)

A versatile nickel/safety hybrid with strong zone instincts and downhill trigger ability, projecting as a sub-package starter in aggressive, multiple defenses.

67) Zion Young, Missouri, EDGE (6’5”, 262)

A power-based edge defender with strong edge-setting ability and pocket-compression traits, projecting as a dependable strong-side starter in even fronts.

68) Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State, EDGE (6’5”, 272)

A long, physical defensive end with pro-ready strength and early-down reliability, projecting as a rotational-to-starting power rusher in multiple fronts.

69) Connor Lew, Auburn, IOL (6’3”, 300)

An athletic, high-IQ center with strong movement skills and zone-scheme value, projecting as a long-term starter pending full ACL recovery.

70) LT Overton, Alabama, EDGE (6’5”, 283)

A power-based, multi-front defensive end with strong edge-setting traits, projecting as a base starter with inside reduction versatility.

71) Chris Bell, Louisville, WR (6’2”, 220)

A physical, YAC-driven wideout with vertical acceleration and catch-point strength, projecting as a scheme-fit WR2 with upside in play-action offenses.

72) Bryce Boettcher, Oregon, LB (6’2”, 230)

A coverage-capable, high-motor WILL linebacker with space athleticism, projecting as a sub-package defender with core special teams value.

73) Antonio Williams, Clemson, WR (5’11”, 190)

A tempo-driven slot technician with strong spatial awareness and separation skills, projecting as a high-floor volume target in spacing-based systems.

74) Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon, IOL (6’5”, 318)

A powerful, tone-setting interior blocker with plug-and-play strength and anchor, projecting as a long-term starting guard in gap or multiple schemes.

75) A.J. Haulcy, LSU, S (6’0”, 222)

A downhill, physical safety with strong zone instincts, projecting as a robber/box defender in run-support-driven schemes.

76) Genesis Smith, Arizona, S (6’2”, 202)

A long, rangy centerfield safety with coverage range and tight-end matchup ability, projecting as a split-field or single-high starter in zone systems.

77) Daylen Everette, Georgia, CB (6’1”, 190)

A press-man boundary corner with strong vertical speed and length, projecting as a scheme-dependent starter in man-heavy defenses.

78) Chandler Rivers, Duke, CB (5’11”, 180)

An instinctive, zone-savvy defensive back with strong route anticipation, projecting as a nickel or boundary starter in match-heavy systems.

79) Gabe Jacas, Illinois, EDGE (6’3”, 275)

A power-based edge rusher with speed-to-power traits and interior counter ability, projecting as a rotational early-down defender with starter upside.

80) Skyler Bell, Connecticut, WR (5’11”, 185)

A polished inside/outside receiver with route detail and short-area burst, projecting as a reliable slot/Z target in timing-based offenses.

Mid-Level Starter Potential Tier

Defined-role starters with developmental traits and long-term rotational value who project as reliable contributors within structured systems.

81) Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, QB (6’2”, 200)

An aggressive, rhythm-based pocket passer with functional arm strength, projecting as a high-floor backup with spot-start value in timing-based offenses.

82) Malik Benson, Oregon, WR (5’11”, 185)

A track-speed vertical field-stretcher with explosive-play ability, projecting as a rotational X/Z weapon with upside tied to route refinement.

83) Romello Height, Texas Tech, EDGE (6’3”, 240)

A bend-driven speed rusher with third-down juice, projecting as a rotational rush linebacker in wide-alignment fronts.

84) Jaishawn Barham, Michigan, EDGE (6’4”, 248)

A twitchy hybrid front-seven defender with pass-rush upside, projecting as a SAM/pressure package contributor in odd fronts.

85) Ted Hurst, Georgia State, WR (6’3”, 185)

A fluid, vertical perimeter target with developmental upside, projecting as a rotational boundary receiver with growth potential.

86) Jalen Farmer, Kentucky, IOL (6’5”, 320)

A power-based right guard with strong anchor ability, projecting as a gap-scheme rotational starter with defined-role upside.

87) Taurean York, Texas A&M, LB (6’0”, 235)

An instinct-driven, high-processing linebacker with tackling reliability, projecting as a zone-heavy MIKE/WILL in 4-2-5 structures.

88) Domonique Orange, Iowa State, IDL (6’4”, 325)

A power-oriented nose tackle built for gap-control systems, projecting as a plug-and-play early-down interior anchor.

89) Kamari Ramsey, USC, S (6’0”, 204)

A high-IQ split-field safety with strong zone instincts, projecting as a versatile sub-package defender in disguise-heavy schemes.

90) Jake Slaughter, Florida, IOL (6’5”, 308)

A technically refined center with pass-protection reliability, projecting as a plug-and-play starter in zone-based offenses.

91) Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt, TE (6’4”, 225)

A movement-based “F” tight end with seam-stretch and YAC ability, projecting as a receiving-focused TE2 with mismatch upside in spread offenses.

92) Austin Barber, Florida, OT (6’8”, 320)

A physical, experienced lineman with strong anchor traits, projecting best as a gap-scheme guard with early rotational starter value.

93) Chris McClellan, Missouri, IDL (6’4”, 323)

A powerful interior defender with penetration and bull-rush traits, projecting as a rotational Year 1 contributor with starter upside in multiple fronts.

94) Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern, OT (6’7”, 325)

A technically polished lineman with strong leverage and hand timing, projecting as a swing tackle/guard with reliable starting potential.

95) Rayshaun Benny, Michigan, IDL (6’4”, 305)

A leverage-driven interior defender with steady rotational value, projecting as a 3-tech or shade nose in even fronts.

96) Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State, IDL (6’5”, 337)

A massive, two-gap anchor with length and power, projecting as a run-plugging nose tackle in odd or heavy fronts.

97) Caden Curry, Ohio State, EDGE (6’3”, 260)

A high-motor power rusher with strong edge-setting traits, projecting as a rotational defensive end with low-end starter upside.

98) Gennings Dunker, Iowa, OT (6’5”, 316)

A rugged, power-based blocker who projects inside, offering guard starter traits in run-heavy, gap schemes.

99) Deion Burks, Oklahoma, WR (5’9”, 188)

A quick-twitch slot playmaker with strong underneath separation and YAC value, projecting as a rotational weapon in spacing offenses.

100) Emmett Johnson, Nebraska, RB (5’11”, 200)

A decisive, downhill runner built for gap schemes, projecting as a dependable rotational back with defined-role value.