2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 100 Prospects Update Featuring Caleb Downs, Jeremiyah Love, Fernando Mendoza

As we enter the month of April, the 2026 NFL Draft is approaching quickly, marking the final update to the Football Scout 365 Big Board. This version reflects our full-scope evaluation process, built on a tiered grading system that remains consistent across all film study and projection work. While the overall rankings may appear stable, movement within the board is driven by refined film regrades, along with verified testing data from the NFL Combine and the pro day circuit. The process is detailed and time-intensive, but consistency in methodology remains the foundation of our evaluations. At the top sit two Elite prospects - Jeremiyah Love and Caleb Downs - rare, immediate-impact players with true difference-making ceilings. Just behind them, a strong Near Elite tier defines the class. Fernando Mendoza headlines a thin quarterback group, while defenders like Rueben Bain Jr., David Bailey, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles anchor a deep, scheme-versatile group of front-seven defenders. Offensively, Spencer Fano and Vega Ioane provide plug-and-play trench stability, while Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson lead a deep, versatile wide receiver group. Overall, the 2026 NFL Draft class profiles as a roster-building cycle defined by depth-building pieces on offense and high-end defensive versatility across all three levels. 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. Click and go to the tier Elite  – Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round) Near Elite  – Mid-to-Late (1st Rou nd ) 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) Elite processor with rare positional flexibility, capable of rotating post-snap, erasing matchups in split-safety or big nickel structures, and functioning as the defensive quarterback with true All-Pro ceiling. 2) Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6’0”, 214) Explosive three-down playmaker whose acceleration, receiving value, and zone-run instincts project as an immediate RB1 and potential franchise-altering offensive weapon. 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) Precision-based pocket passer who wins with anticipation and processing, projecting as a high-floor timing-system starter with limited off-script creation. 4) Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6’3”, 275) Compact, powerful EDGE with advanced hand usage and rush sequencing, projecting as a scheme-diverse, every-down impact defender with top-tier upside. 5) Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State (6’4”, 243) Hybrid front-seven weapon with inside-out versatility and pass-rush value, projecting as a disruptive three-down linebacker in pressure-heavy schemes. 6) Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6’4”, 243) Size-speed hybrid defender with coverage and blitz versatility, projecting as a modern “joker” linebacker in multiple-front defenses. 7) David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6’3”, 250) Explosive edge rusher with bend and a deep pass-rush arsenal, projecting as an immediate third-down difference-maker with Round 1 ceiling. 8) Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6’3”, 191) Refined perimeter receiver with advanced route detail and body control, projecting as a high-volume, quarterback-friendly target at all three levels. 9) Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6’3”, 250) Alignment-versatile tight end with burst and two-phase value, projecting as a matchup weapon in play-action and spacing-based offenses. 10) Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane, IOL, Penn State (6’4”, 330) Power-based interior presence with elite anchor and displacement ability, projecting as a plug-and-play starting guard in gap-heavy schemes. 11) Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6’5”, 304) Technically polished tackle with run-game dominance and positional flexibility, projecting as a Day 1 starter with long-term upside on either side. 12) Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6’3”, 280) Polished pass rusher with burst and interior reduction versatility, projecting as an immediate-impact defender in multiple-front systems. 13) Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6’6”, 315) High-end athlete with rare movement skills and developing power, projecting as a Day 1 starter with long-term All-Pro upside. 14) Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6’0”, 190) Scheme-versatile corner with fluid movement and strong processing, projecting as a perimeter starter in press-man and match coverage systems. 15) Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5’11”, 195) Tempo-driven slot receiver with elite separation and ball skills, projecting as a high-volume interior target with Pro Bowl upside. 16) Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6’1”, 195) Advanced route technician with three-level separation ability, projecting as a high-floor starter with WR1 upside if medicals clear. 17) Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6’0”, 195) Press-man specialist with elite mirror ability and recovery speed, projecting as a true CB1 with high-end ball production potential. 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. 18) Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6’7”, 315) Prototype left tackle frame with high-end athletic traits, projecting as a developmental blindside starter with long-term upside in pass-heavy systems. 19) Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (6’0”, 207) Instinctive, multi-alignment safety with strong range and coverage awareness, projecting as a three-down starter in disguise-heavy, zone-based defenses. 20) Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (6’0”, 200) Explosive, RAC-oriented playmaker with vertical burst and versatility, projecting as a dynamic WR2 in motion-based offensive systems. 21) Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6’7”, 369) Massive, power-driven tackle with rare size and physical tools, projecting as a high-upside starter with franchise left tackle potential. 22) Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (6’0”, 195) Competitive, scheme-versatile corner with strong ball skills and recovery speed, projecting as an early-impact perimeter starter. 23) Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (6’6”, 330) Traits-heavy tackle with rare movement ability for his size, projecting as a high-upside starter in outside-zone or multiple-run schemes. 24) Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina (6’1”, 211) Explosive defensive back with strong zone instincts and downhill trigger, projecting as a versatile sub-package defender with starter upside. 25) Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6’4”, 210) Physical boundary receiver with elite catch-point strength, projecting as a reliable possession target with red-zone value. 26) Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson (6’3”, 315) Twitchy interior disruptor with elite first-step quickness, projecting as a penetrating 3-technique in attacking defensive fronts. 27) Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6’5”, 295) mooth, technically refined tackle with strong pass-protection balance, projecting as a long-term blindside starter in zone-based systems. 28) Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5’11”, 180) Twitchy, competitive corner with strong mirror ability and tackling production, projecting as an aggressive boundary starter in man-match schemes. 29) Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State (6’3”, 326) Power-based interior anchor with elite strength and leverage, projecting as a tone-setting nose tackle in odd or hybrid fronts. 30) Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6’2”, 208) Rhythm-based passer with solid processing and mechanics, projecting as a developmental starter in timing-based offensive systems. 31) Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6’2”, 202) Downhill, physical safety with robber and box value, projecting as a defined-role starter in zone-heavy defensive structures. 32) T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6’3”, 265) Power-based edge defender with strong hands and edge-setting ability, projecting as a dependable three-down starter in multiple fronts. 33) Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida (6’6”, 325) Rare size-athleticism combination with elite get-off and alignment versatility, projecting as a penetrating interior disruptor with high-end pass-rush upside. 34) Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (6’0”, 185) Disciplined, zone-savvy corner with strong ball skills and route recognition, projecting as a reliable perimeter starter in off-man and match-heavy systems. 35) KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (5’11”, 187) Quick-twitch slot playmaker with burst and run-after-catch ability, projecting as a high-volume target in spacing-based offenses. 36) Lee Hunter, IDL, Texas Tech (6’4”, 325) Massive interior presence with elite strength and leverage, projecting as a tone-setting nose tackle in power-based defensive fronts. 37) Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan (6’3”, 258) Power-based edge defender with strong speed-to-power conversion, projecting as a rotational rusher with starting upside in multiple fronts. 38) D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana (5’9”, 170) Instinct-driven nickel defender with quick feet and strong zone awareness, projecting as a high-impact slot corner in match-zone schemes. 39) Christen Miller, IDL, Georgia (6’3”, 305) Leverage-based interior defender with disruptive traits and scheme flexibility, projecting as a steady 3-tech/4i starter with ascending value. 40) Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6’6”, 290) Long, physical edge with inside-out versatility and power profile, projecting as a high-floor strong-side starter in multiple fronts. 41) Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (6’0”, 190) Explosive press-man corner with high-end athletic traits, projecting as a developmental perimeter starter with near-elite upside. 42) A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU (6’0”, 222) Downhill, physical safety with strong instincts and box value, projecting as a robber or split-field defender in zone-heavy schemes. 43) Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6’2”, 250) Ascending edge rusher with burst and refined hand usage, projecting as a multiple-front starter with double-digit sack upside. 44) Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (6’1”, 230) High-IQ, downhill linebacker with strong instincts and tackling consistency, projecting as a MIKE/WILL in zone-match defensive structures. 45) Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (6’0”, 194) Versatile, high-energy nickel defender with blitz and run-support value, projecting as a sub-package playmaker in pressure-heavy defenses. 46) Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (6’6”, 315) Experienced right tackle with movement skills and durability, projecting as a starting-caliber option in zone or spread-based offenses. 47) Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (6’3”, 235) Explosive, downhill linebacker with range and blitzing ability, projecting as a high-upside three-down defender with continued coverage development. 48) Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (6’0”, 190) Instinctive, competitive corner with strong route recognition and click-and-close ability, projecting as a reliable CB2 in zone and match-heavy systems. 49) Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State (6’2”, 200) Rangy single-high safety with elite range and ball tracking, projecting as a true post defender in Cover 1 and Cover 3 structures. 50) Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF (6’4”, 253) Explosive edge rusher with burst and bend, projecting as a high-upside pass-rush specialist with starter potential in attacking fronts. 51) Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona (6’2”, 195) Versatile nickel/safety hybrid with strong zone instincts and downhill trigger, projecting as a sub-package starter in multiple defensive systems. 52) Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri (6’2”, 237) Downhill MIKE with strong run instincts and physical pop, projecting as an interior tone-setter in early-down defensive roles. 53) C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6’1”, 235) High-IQ linebacker with elite processing and tackling efficiency, projecting as a Day 1 MIKE starter in structured defensive systems. 54) Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (6’4”, 240) Explosive, size-driven linebacker with range and blitz value, projecting as a SAM or inside starter in aggressive fronts. 55) Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh (6’1”, 220) Coverage-capable hybrid defender with space athleticism, projecting as a WILL or big nickel in sub-package-heavy defenses. 56) Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (5’11”, 210) Instinctive zone runner with elite vision and tempo control, projecting as a high-floor early-down starter in outside-zone systems. 57) Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee (6’5”, 200) Length-driven vertical threat with catch-radius advantage, projecting as an outside playmaker with red-zone value and developmental upside. 58) Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon (6’2”, 230) High-motor, coverage-oriented linebacker with fluid movement skills, projecting as a WILL and core special teams contributor early. 59) Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri (6’5”, 262) Power-based edge defender with strong edge-setting ability, projecting as a dependable strong-side starter in even or hybrid fronts. 60) Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas (6’0”, 190) Twitchy, competitive man-coverage defender with elite mirror ability, projecting as an early-impact starter in press-heavy schemes. 61) R. Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma (6’2”, 250) Speed-based edge rusher with burst and bend, projecting as a designated pass rusher with starter upside in odd fronts. 62) Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State (6’3”, 185) Fluid vertical receiver with developmental upside, projecting as a boundary target with growth potential tied to physical refinement. 63) Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (6’2”, 220) Power-built receiver with YAC ability and catch-point strength, projecting as a scheme-fit WR2 in play-action-heavy offenses. 64) Logan Jones, IOL, Iowa (6’3”, 293) Highly athletic center with elite movement skills and processing, projecting as a Day 1 starter in zone-based offensive systems. 65) Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State (6’2”, 235) Physical, downhill linebacker with strong play strength and run instincts, projecting as an early-down MIKE or SAM in power-based defensive fronts. 66) Chase Bisontis, IOL, Texas A&M (6’5”, 315) Technically sound, movement-capable interior lineman with strong balance and leverage, projecting as a long-term starter in zone or multiple schemes. 67) Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut (5’11”, 185) Route-polished inside/outside receiver with tempo control and short-area burst, projecting as a reliable slot/Z target in timing-based offenses. 68) Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington (5’9”, 229) Compact, power-driven runner with elite contact balance and vision, projecting as a high-floor early-down starter in zone-based run schemes. 69) Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana (6’2”, 210) Physical possession receiver with strong body control and catch-point reliability, projecting as a boundary chain-mover with red-zone value. 70) Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State (6’5”, 272) Long, power-based defensive end with strong edge-setting ability, projecting as a rotational-to-starting presence in multiple fronts. 71) Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn (6’3”, 300) Athletic, high-IQ center with strong movement skills and processing, projecting as a zone-scheme starter pending full medical clearance. 72) LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6’5”, 283) Power-based, multi-front defensive lineman with strong edge-setting traits, projecting as a base starter with interior versatility. 73) Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia (5’11”, 175) Explosive slot weapon with elite acceleration and open-field ability, projecting as a dynamic motion-based playmaker with return value. 74) Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (5’11”, 190) Tempo-driven slot receiver with advanced route manipulation and spatial awareness, projecting as a high-volume target in spacing-based systems. 75) Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois (6’3”, 275) Power-oriented edge defender with speed-to-power traits and inside counters, projecting as a rotational rusher with starter upside. 76) Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon (6’5”, 318) Powerful, tone-setting interior lineman with strong anchor and grip strength, projecting as a plug-and-play starting guard in gap or multiple schemes. 77) Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (6’1”, 204) Versatile, route-polished receiver with strong intermediate production, projecting as a reliable WR2/3 with alignment flexibility. 78) Genesis Smith, S, Arizona (6’2”, 202) Long, rangy safety with true centerfield range, projecting as a split-field or single-high defender in zone-heavy systems. 79) Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia (6’1”, 190) Press-man boundary corner with length and vertical speed, projecting as a scheme-dependent starter in man-heavy defenses. 80) Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke (5’11”, 180) Instinctive, zone-savvy defensive back with strong route anticipation, projecting as a nickel or boundary starter in match-zone schemes. 81) Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame (6’4”, 220) Physical boundary receiver with catch-point strength and frame control, projecting as a possession-based X with red-zone value. Mid-Level Starter Potential Tier Defined-role starters with developmental traits and long-term rotational value who project as reliable contributors within structured systems. 82) Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa (6’5”, 316) Power-based interior lineman with strong play strength and physicality, projecting as a guard starter in gap-heavy run schemes. 83) Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern (6’7”, 325) Technically polished lineman with strong hand usage and leverage, projecting as a swing tackle with guard flexibility and starting upside. 84) Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan (6’4”, 248) Twitchy hybrid defender with pass-rush upside and versatility, projecting as a SAM or pressure-package contributor in multiple fronts. 85) Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6’2”, 200) Aggressive, rhythm-based passer with anticipation and touch, projecting as a high-floor backup with spot-start value in timing-based offenses. 86) Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech (6’3”, 240) Bend-driven edge rusher with burst and flexibility, projecting as a rotational pass-rush specialist in wide-alignment fronts. 87) Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State (6’3”, 209) Size-speed receiver with vertical ability and developmental upside, projecting as a boundary target with growth potential in pro-style offenses. 88) Jalen Farmer, IOL, Kentucky (6’5”, 320) Power-based guard with strong anchor and displacement ability, projecting as a rotational starter in downhill, gap-oriented schemes. 89) Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M (6’0”, 235) Instinct-driven linebacker with elite tackling consistency, projecting as a MIKE/WILL in zone-heavy defensive structures. 90) Domonique Orange, IDL, Iowa State (6’4”, 325) Massive nose tackle with gap-control strength, projecting as an early-down interior anchor in odd or hybrid fronts. 91) Kamari Ramsey, S, USC (6’0”, 204) High-IQ defensive back with strong zone awareness and versatility, projecting as a sub-package safety in disguise-heavy systems. 92) Jake Slaughter, IOL, Florida (6’5”, 308) Technically refined center with strong pass-protection traits, projecting as a plug-and-play starter in zone-based offenses. 93) Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt (6’4”, 225) Movement-based receiving tight end with seam and YAC ability, projecting as a mismatch TE2 in spread or 12 personnel packages. 94) Austin Barber, OT, Florida (6’8”, 320) Physical, experienced lineman with strong anchor traits, projecting best as a guard in run-first, gap-based systems. 95) Chris McClellan, IDL, Missouri (6’4”, 323) Disruptive interior defender with power and quickness, projecting as a rotational contributor with three-down upside in multiple fronts. 96) Rayshaun Benny, IDL, Michigan (6’4”, 305) Leverage-driven interior lineman with steady play strength, projecting as a rotational 3-tech or shade nose in even fronts. 97) Bud Clark, S, TCU (6’2”, 185) Ball-hawking safety with range and instincts, projecting as a rotational coverage defender with turnover production upside. 98) Darrell Jackson Jr., IDL, Florida State (6’5”, 337) Massive two-gap anchor with length and power, projecting as a run-plugging nose tackle in odd or heavy defensive fronts. 99) Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (6’2”, 200) Physical, downhill safety with strong tackling presence, projecting as a box or sub-package defender in aggressive schemes. 100) Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma (5’9”, 188) Quick-twitch slot weapon with separation and YAC ability, projecting as a rotational playmaker in spacing-based offenses.