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2026 NFL Draft: Summer Scouting Top 50 Big Board Rankings – Caleb Downs and Peter Woods Lead the Way
- Brandon Lundberg
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
The early outlook for the 2026 NFL Draft class features elite defensive line talent, rising skill position stars, and one very familiar name—Arch Manning—leading the quarterback conversation.
Our 2026 NFL Draft Top 50 Big Board Rankings spotlight standout defenders like Caleb Downs and Peter Woods, with film grades, scheme fits, and draft projections for every top prospect heading into the 2025 season.
Arch Manning Headlines a Deep but Unsettled Quarterback Class
Arch Manning enters the 2025 season as the most recognizable name in college football—and the presumed QB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft if he chooses to declare. The Texas star has all the tools NFL teams covet: size, mobility, arm talent, and football pedigree. But with two years of eligibility remaining and ongoing speculation about a potential return for 2026, his draft outlook remains uncertain.
If Manning stays in school, Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) could emerge as the top quarterback in this class. Nussmeier is currently the highest-ranked QB on our board after Manning and has the polish to lead a wide-open group. Beyond him, several other early Top 50 prospects—Cade Klubnik (Clemson), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Drew Allar (Penn State), and Sam Leavitt (Arizona State)—are in position to rise with breakout seasons. While this class may not have a clear QB1 locked in yet, it’s loaded with tools, traits, and developmental upside.
A Defense-Heavy Draft Class Headlines Early 2026 NFL Draft Outlook
Defensively, this class in many ways mirrors the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, particularly with its exceptional depth along the defensive line. Clemson teammates T.J. Parker (EDGE) and Peter Woods (IDL) both land inside our top five and headline a loaded group of trench defenders expected to dominate the early day one top 10 conversations. Combine that with the elite versatility of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and the top of this board reflects just how top-heavy the defensive side of the football could be in the 2026 class.
After spotlighting the top 10 players to watch at every position—including breakout stars, elite returners, and top transfer additions—we’re unveiling the Summer Scouting Top 50: our first full look at the 2026 NFL Draft class. These rankings are ordered based on early player film grades and weighted by positional value to reflect both on-field impact and draft-day projection. Built on proven production, physical traits, and long-term NFL potential, this board sets the foundation for a class loaded with future starters—and a handful of future stars.
2026 NFL Draft (Summer) Top 50 Big Board Rankings
Downs enters the 2025 season as the most complete and battle-tested prospect in college football. After two dominant years at Alabama and Ohio State, the former 5-star recruit has emerged as a true positionless weapon on defense. His 91.7 PFF grade across two seasons ranks second among all FBS safeties, and his 88.5 run-defense grade is best among all defenders on this list.
Downs thrives in any alignment—deep, slot, or box—and consistently impacts the game with elite instincts, open-field tackling, and elite spatial processing. He’s also contributed on special teams and brings a high-floor, high-ceiling projection with Pro Bowl and All-Pro potential. If the modern NFL is about versatility, then Downs is the model—and he may be the rare safety to push for a top-five draft slot.
2. Peter Woods, IDL – Clemson
Woods enters the 2025 season as one of the most dominant and versatile defensive linemen in the country. Despite being miscast at times on the edge in Clemson’s system, the 6-foot-3, 315-pound sophomore still earned an 83.3 PFF grade last year while playing multiple roles across the front.
Among returning Power Four defensive tackles, Woods ranks first in run-defense grade (89.7) and second in pass-rush win rate (14.9%) since 2023. His first-step quickness, hand violence, and natural leverage make him nearly unblockable when aligned inside. Woods fits any NFL front and could push for the No. 1 overall pick with a full season of dominant interior tape.
3. T.J. Parker, EDGE – Clemson
Parker is the top returning edge defender in college football heading into 2025. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound sophomore led all returning Power Four edge rushers with 12 sacks last season while also forcing six fumbles and earning 80.0+ PFF grades as both a pass rusher and run defender.
He wins with elite play strength, violent hands, and a relentless motor—overpowering tackles with a devastating bull rush and anchoring well against the run. While his get-off and bend are average, Parker’s physicality, finishing ability, and advanced technique give him a high floor. He profiles best as a 4-3 end with inside-outside versatility and clear top-10 potential.
4. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE – Miami
Bain returns as one of the most polished and scheme-diverse pass rushers in the country. Despite missing time in 2024 with a calf injury, he’s tallied 73 pressures and 11 sacks across his first two seasons, along with an ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honor in 2023.
At 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, Bain uses leverage, hand counters, and elite motor to win from a variety of alignments. His tape shows advanced pass-rush technique and an ability to collapse pockets consistently, even against double teams. If fully healthy in 2025, Bain could reassert himself as a top-20 lock and one of the safest edge prospects in the class.
5. Spencer Fano, OT – Utah
Fano enters 2025 as the most accomplished offensive lineman in college football. He’s started 24 games across both tackle spots and earned a 93.6 PFF run-blocking grade in 2024—the highest of any FBS tackle. He also allowed just two sacks all season, finishing with a 79.5 pass-blocking grade.
Fano’s athleticism, hand placement, and competitive edge make him a clean projection in multiple schemes. At 6-foot-5, 304 pounds, he has the footwork and agility to stay at tackle long term, though his arm length may prompt some teams to consider him at guard. Regardless of position, Fano is a plug-and-play starter with first-round floor and Pro Bowl ceiling.
6. Avieon Terrell, CB – Clemson
Terrell enters 2025 as one of the most complete cornerbacks in college football. The younger brother of A.J. Terrell, he’s built a standout résumé of his own—posting 58 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and one of the top run-defense grades among Power Five corners last season.
At 5’11”, 180 pounds, Terrell plays bigger than his frame suggests thanks to his twitch, instincts, and physical edge. He thrives in press and match coverage with fluid hips, excellent mirror ability, and elite route recognition. Terrell profiles as a boundary CB1 in zone-match or man-heavy schemes with Pro Bowl upside—and will be a top-15 name to watch if his ball production takes another step forward.
7. Caleb Banks, IDL – Florida
One of the most physically rare prospects in the 2026 class, Banks brings 6’6”, 325-pound size with legitimate lateral agility and movement skills. A Louisville transfer, he became Florida’s most disruptive lineman in 2024—leading all returning Power Four DTs with 53 total pressures.
Banks’ get-off and length flash on tape, and he’s shown the ability to align from nose tackle to 5-tech. His pad level and hand usage are still developing, but his athletic profile is reminiscent of a young Chris Jones. With improved technique in 2025, Banks could cement himself as a top-20 pick and one of the most scheme-versatile defensive linemen in the class.
8. Malik Muhammad, CB – Texas
Muhammad is one of the most experienced and dependable corners in the country, with 30 games and 18 starts under his belt. He allowed just a 62.0 NFL passer rating when targeted in 2024 and posted a 77.1 PFF coverage grade while helping Texas reach the College Football Playoff.
At 6’0”, 190 pounds, Muhammad blends short-area quickness, physicality, and strong instincts—making him effective in both zone and man looks. Though his ball production has been modest and he can give up cushion in off coverage, he offers high-end mental processing and positional versatility. He projects best in Cover 1 or quarters-heavy schemes as a dependable early NFL starter.
Love enters 2025 as one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football. With elite top-end speed, acceleration, and open-field vision, he’s a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. His 6.9 yards per carry in 2024 ranked top-five among Power Four backs, and his 38% missed tackle rate shows his explosive contact balance.
At 6’0”, 210 pounds, Love fits modern spread or wide-zone NFL systems that maximize space and tempo. He’s still refining his pass protection and route tree, but his natural receiving ability and game-breaking speed make him a three-down threat at the next level. First-round upside in a backfield-ready draft class.
10. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE – Penn State
Dennis-Sutton returns as one of the most productive and well-rounded edge defenders in college football. The 6’5”, 272-pound former 5-star recruit has already compiled 15 sacks, 85 tackles, and 4 forced fumbles in his career—and was tied for the highest WAA (Wins Above Average) among returning Power Four edge defenders.
He excels at the point of attack with play strength, length, and edge-setting discipline. While he lacks elite twitch and bend around the arc, he’s a high-floor run defender with enough power and pass-rush flashes to make an impact on all three downs. Best fit is as a strong-side DE in a 4-3 or as a 5-tech in even fronts. With improved counters, Dennis-Sutton has top-20 potential.
One of the best separators in college football, Tyson is a fluid route runner with WR1 upside if he stays healthy in 2025.
12. Eric Singleton Jr., WR – Auburn
A verified 4.34 burner and vertical Z-receiver with elite deep-ball tracking and instant acceleration.
Toolsy, athletic, and poised—Manning is the presumptive QB1 if he declares, but he may return for 2027.
14. Dillon Thieneman, SAF – Oregon
A high-IQ ballhawk with elite range and 210 career tackles, now taking on a versatile role in Oregon’s secondary.
15. Derrick Moore, EDGE – Michigan
Powerful, compact pass rusher with a top-5 pass-rush win rate and elite speed-to-power traits off the edge.
16. David Bailey, EDGE – Texas Tech
An explosive, high-motor edge rusher who led the FBS in PFF pass-rush grade after transferring from Stanford.
17. Francis Mauigoa, OT – Miami
A five-star tackle with rare athleticism and Day 1 starter tools, Mauigoa allowed just two total pressures in 2024.
18. Jake Slaughter, IOL – Florida
The most pro-ready center in college football with elite SEC tape in both zone and gap-blocking schemes.
19. Carnell Tate, WR – Ohio State
A polished route runner and natural hands catcher with WR1 breakout potential in a revamped Buckeyes offense.
20. A.J. Harris, CB – Penn State
Long, instinctive corner with man-match versatility and downhill physicality that fits modern NFL boundary roles.
21. Evan Stewart, WR – Oregon
An elite movement-Z with vertical burst and separation quickness—WR2-plus upside if healthy after a late-season injury.
22. Tyreak Sapp, EDGE – Florida
A polished, power-based edge with inside-out versatility and one of the SEC’s most disruptive 2024 tapes.
23. C.J. Allen, LB – Georgia
Explosive sideline-to-sideline linebacker with top-tier tackling efficiency and three-down starter traits.
A high-floor pocket passer with NFL arm talent, quick feet, and a strong fit for West Coast and timing-based systems.
25. Anthony Hill Jr., LB – Texas
A hybrid defender with elite burst and playmaking range—still raw but dangerous as a pressure and coverage weapon.
26. LT Overton, EDGE – Alabama
A former 5-star with rare size-athleticism traits who broke out at multiple alignments in Nick Saban’s final season.
27. Jermod McCoy, CB – Tennessee
Ball-hawking All-American with elite zone instincts and length—ACL recovery is the only question.
28. Jyaire Hill, CB – Michigan
Physical press-man corner with boundary CB1 upside and strong tackling traits in both run and pass defense.
29. Lawson Luckie, TE – Georgia
The next great Georgia TE—explosive, fluid, and built for vertical seams and YAC-heavy schemes.
30. Nick Singleton, RB – Penn State
Home-run threat with elite speed and power combo, best suited for downhill gap or pin-pull schemes at the next level.
31. Nyck Harbor, WR – South Carolina
A 6’5”, 235-pound Olympic-level sprinter with raw tools and vertical mismatch upside—DK Metcalf traits, but developmental.
32. Zachariah Branch, WR – Georgia
Elite return specialist and explosive slot weapon with game-breaking speed and short-area burst in motion-heavy schemes.
33. Harold Perkins Jr., LB – LSU
One of the most versatile defenders in the class—hybrid edge/off-ball playmaker with elite twitch and chess-piece value.
34. Denzel Boston, WR – Washington
Big-bodied red-zone target with strong hands, vertical timing, and a growing role as Washington’s primary outside weapon.
35. Eli Stowers, TE – Vanderbilt
Converted quarterback with rare athletic traits, separation skills, and mismatch potential as a hybrid slot-tight end.
36. Antonio Williams, WR – Clemson
Technically advanced slot WR with elite separation quickness and third-down reliability—built for West Coast systems.
37. Kadyn Proctor, OT – Alabama
Massive, physically dominant left tackle with franchise potential—flashes elite power and movement at 6’7”, 369 pounds.
38. Ar’maj Reed-Adams, IOL – Texas A&M
Downhill mauler with positional flexibility and top-graded SEC tape as a run-blocking guard in multiple schemes.
39. Daylen Everette, CB – Georgia
Long, physical perimeter corner with strong Cover 3 and zone-match traits—SEC Championship MVP and rising CB2 profile.
40. Max Klare, TE – Ohio State
Smooth, athletic seam-stretcher with high-end ball skills—poised for a breakout in Ryan Day’s vertical-heavy system.
41. Taurean York, LB – Texas A&M
Instinctive, technically sound MIKE with elite processing and tackle consistency—an ideal fit for zone-heavy fronts.
A mobile, live-armed passer with RPO and rollout upside—needs improved decision-making but has mid-tier starter traits.
43. Elijah Sarratt, WR – Indiana
Physical X-receiver with strong hands, route pacing, and contested catch skills—one of the class’s highest floors.
44. Malachi Fields, WR – Notre Dame
Towering red-zone threat with 23 contested catches since 2023—transfers to Notre Dame as their new boundary alpha.
45. Logan Jones, IOL – Iowa
Experienced, athletic center with zone-blocking value—led all Power Four centers in run-blocking grade in 2024.
46. Jaishawn Barham, LB/EDGE – Michigan
Explosive hybrid defender making the full-time switch to EDGE—built to thrive in pressure-heavy and odd fronts.
47. Sam Leavitt, QB – Arizona State
Quick-trigger dual-threat with elite ball security, athleticism, and timing—dark horse riser with late Day 1 potential.
Big-bodied pocket passer with elite arm strength and vertical upside—needs consistency in footwork and accuracy to rise.
49. D.J. McKinney, CB – Colorado
Lengthy, physical corner who emerged opposite Travis Hunter—strong Cover 1/3 fit with rising stock after 3-INT season.
50. Kevin Concepcion, WR – Texas A&M
Savvy route technician with slot/Z versatility and YAC instincts—lacks elite size but thrives in space-based schemes.