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The 2026 NFL Draft safety rankings are defined by versatility at the top, aligning with the NFL’s growing demand for defenders who function as true chess pieces, process quickly, and stay on the field in all situations. The top tier features three-level defenders capable of playing high, rotating late, handling slot responsibilities, and triggering downhill without compromising coverage integrity. That flexibility allows defensive coordinators to disguise coverages and lean into post-snap movement without substituting personnel. Beyond the top-end talent, the class also includes physical, downhill profiles who thrive near the line of scrimmage and fit cleanly into zone-heavy structures. The strength of this group isn’t just playmaking—it’s how seamlessly these players translate to modern NFL defensive frameworks. Go to other positional grades: QB | RB | WR | TE  | OL  | IDL  | Edge  | LB  | CB  | SAF 2026 NFL Draft Safety Rankings 1). Caleb Downs , 6’0”, 205 lbs, Ohio State Grade Tier:  Elite NFL Projection:  Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round) The clear standard-bearer of the 2026 safety class. A prototype modern safety with elite processing, positional versatility, and three-level impact. Capable of anchoring the backend while also functioning as a matchup eraser, run defender, and on-field communicator in disguise-heavy structures. 2). Dillon Thieneman, 6’0”, 207 lbs, Oregon Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Instinctive, high-IQ, multi-alignment safety who consistently impacts games with range, effort, and coverage awareness. Best suited for modern, multiple defenses that emphasize zone coverage and post-snap rotation. 3). Zakee Wheatley, 6’2”, 200 lbs, Penn State Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Rangy, instinctive post safety with strong ball skills and disciplined zone awareness. Best deployed as a single-high or split-field defender tasked with erasing vertical threats. 4). Jalon Kilgore, 6’1”, 211 lbs, South Carolina Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Explosive, physical safety with sub-package value and starter upside. Thrives in zone and match-zone systems where his short-area burst and click-and-close can be maximized. 5). Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, 6’2”, 202 lbs, Toledo Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Downhill, tone-setting safety with defined role value near the line of scrimmage. Most effective as a box or robber defender in zone-heavy structures that allow him to trigger aggressively. 6). Genesis Smith, 6’2”, 202 lbs, Arizona Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd Round Long, athletic coverage safety with centerfield range and movement skills. Offers upside as a coverage-first defender, with run support consistency still developing. 7). A.J. Haulcy, 6’0”, 222 lbs, LSU Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd–4th Round Linebacker-bodied safety with physicality and anticipation. Brings value as a box defender or robber in run-support-driven, zone-heavy defenses. 8). Kamari Ramsey, 6’0”, 204 lbs, USC Grade Tier:  Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round High-IQ defensive chess piece with strong zone instincts and positional flexibility. Best utilized in split-field, nickel, or robber roles rather than as a full-time post safety. 9). Jakobe Thomas, 6’2”, 200 lbs, Miami Grade Tier:  Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Aggressive, downhill safety who thrives as a pressure piece and box defender. Playmaking ability stands out, though control and structure discipline remain key areas. 10). Bud Clark, 6’2”, 185 lbs, TCU Grade Tier:  Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  5th Round Instinctive ball-hawk with strong route recognition and feel for zone coverage. Lacks ideal mass and true eraser range but offers value in disguise-based schemes. How We Grade the Safety Position Safeties are evaluated primarily on versatility, processing speed, and coverage impact. Grades are driven by how consistently a player functions across multiple alignments—post, split-field, slot, robber, and box—while maintaining assignment discipline. Key factors include range and pursuit angles, route recognition and trigger speed, tackling efficiency in space, and the ability to rotate late and disguise coverage. While physicality and run support matter, coverage reliability and football intelligence carry the most weight in today’s pass-heavy NFL. Football Scout 365 Grade Scale Elite NFL Projection:  Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round) Franchise-altering talent with elite physical tools, advanced processing, and minimal weaknesses. Immediate high-impact starter with difference-making ability. Near Elite NFL Projection:  Mid-to-Late 1st Round High-level prospect with strong traits and football intelligence. Expected to become a major contributor early in their career with Pro Bowl upside. High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Projects as a quality NFL starter with strong tools and functional traits. May require refinement but offers consistent impact with development. Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Dependable starter or high-end rotational player. Solid athletic profile with some limitations that cap ceiling or require scheme fit. Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  6th–7th Round Developmental prospect with starter upside in defined roles. Inconsistencies in technique, processing, or durability limit long-term ceiling. Backup Level NFL Projection:  Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) Depth player or rotational piece. Functional traits but limited upside for a long-term starting role. Not NFL Level NFL Projection:  Unlikely to Make NFL Roster Significant developmental needs across athleticism, technique, or processing. Long-shot to stick at the NFL level.

The 2026 NFL Draft cornerback rankings are loaded with perimeter talent, aligning with what today’s multiple NFL defenses demand from boundary defenders. This class is led by Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy and LSU’s Mansoor Delane, with Tennessee’s Colton Hood rounding out a strong top tier. McCoy entered the 2025 season as the presumptive CB1 in the class, but an ACL injury that sidelined his entire year opened the door for movement at the top. Delane has since emerged as a legitimate top-10 candidate and a real threat to be the first corner off the board, followed closely by Hood. Once you move beyond the top four or five names, this cornerback class transitions into a strong Day 2 run of defensive backs with starter-level upside. Go to other positional grades: QB | RB | WR | TE  | OL  | IDL  | Edge  | LB  | CB  | SAF 2026 NFL Draft Cornerback Rankings 1). Jermod McCoy, 6’0”, 195 lbs, Tennessee Grade Tier:  Near Elite NFL Projection:  Mid-to-Late 1st Round Analysis: A rare press-man corner who combines physical control at the line with advanced technical discipline. McCoy uses mirror-match footwork and loose hips to erase releases, and his recovery burst shows up immediately when stressed vertically. His route recognition and quarterback manipulation separate him, turning tight coverage into takeaways. If medicals check out, he projects as a Day 1 starter with Pro Bowl-level ceiling. 2). Mansoor Delane, 6’0”, 190 lbs, LSU Grade Tier:  Near Elite NFL Projection:  Mid-to-Late 1st Round Analysis: A well-rounded perimeter starter with the movement skills and processing speed teams prioritize at the position. Delane thrives in press-man and match quarters, where his patient hands and fluid hips disrupt timing early. His awareness in off coverage allows him to read route distribution quickly and close windows with urgency. With continued refinement locating the ball downfield, he carries legitimate long-term CB1 upside. 3). Colton Hood, 6’0”, 195 lbs, Tennessee Grade Tier:  Near Elite NFL Projection:  Late 1st – Early 2nd Round Analysis: An ascending coverage defender with SEC-tested consistency. Hood blends length, speed, and competitive toughness, showing comfort both outside and inside. His ball skills and anticipation stand out in press and zone-match structures, and he plays with controlled aggression through the route stem. Continued refinement in tackling and grab discipline will determine how quickly he reaches his ceiling as a long-term perimeter starter. 4). Avieon Terrell, 5’11”, 180 lbs, Clemson Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis: A twitchy, competitive corner who plays bigger than his frame. Terrell excels in press-man and match coverage with quick feet, fluid hips, and strong route-mirroring ability. His open-field tackling and physicality elevate his value on early downs. While not an elite size-speed outlier, his instincts and finishing ability at the catch point project him as an early contributor with upside in aggressive coverage systems. 5). Chris Johnson, 6’0”, 185 lbs, San Diego State Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis: A refined, instinctive outside corner whose ball skills consistently show up in off and zone coverage. Johnson plays with disciplined eyes and strong leverage awareness, timing his click-and-close to disrupt throws and generate takeaways. Average top-end speed and occasional vertical stress limitations show up against explosive receivers, but his processing and technical control project cleanly to zone-heavy and match-based systems. 6). D'Angelo Ponds, 5’9”, 170 lbs, Indiana Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis: An ultra-competitive, instinct-driven corner with advanced route recognition and quick feet. Ponds consistently plays with timing at the catch point and shows very good mirroring ability despite size limitations. His processing speed and eye discipline fit cleanly into match-zone concepts, where he can anticipate and disrupt. Limited length and mass create matchup concerns, projecting him best as a high-impact nickel or versatile CB2. 7). Brandon Cisse, 6’0”, 190 lbs, South Carolina Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis: An explosive boundary corner with rare movement tools and developmental upside. Cisse’s burst, length, and recovery speed show up in press-man, allowing him to stay attached vertically and contest at the catch point. Downhill trigger ability in run support adds edge to his profile. Route recognition and eye discipline remain inconsistent, but the athletic ceiling is near-elite with refinement. 8). Keith Abney II, 6’0”, 190 lbs, Arizona State Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd Round Analysis: A competitive, instinctive defender with strong processing and click-and-close urgency. Abney communicates well in match-zone structures and consistently contests at the catch point. While not a top-tier athlete, his awareness and leverage discipline allow him to function across boundary and nickel roles. Grab tendencies and run-game block deconstruction are areas to clean up. 9). Daylen Everette, 6’1”, 190 lbs, Georgia Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd-3rd Round Analysis: A prototypical boundary corner with very good length and straight-line speed. Everette thrives in tight press alignments, where his patient jam and hip fluidity keep him in phase vertically. His closing speed flashes at the catch point, but zone processing and tackling consistency fluctuate. Best fit in press-heavy, man-match systems. 10). Malik Muhammad, 6’0”, 190 lbs, Texas Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis: A twitch-driven, competitive man defender with outstanding short-area agility and mirror ability. Muhammad’s smooth hips and foot quickness allow him to stay connected at all three levels. Positional flexibility adds value inside or outside, though occasional over-aggression and play-strength development remain refinement areas. Projects as an early-impact starter in press-man or match coverage. 11). Chandler Rivers, 5’11”, 180 lbs, Duke Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd–4th Round Analysis: A zone-savvy corner with strong spatial awareness and anticipation. Rivers plays with vision on the quarterback, undercutting throws and generating turnovers. Smooth hip and ankle flexibility aid transitions, though length and vertical recovery speed cap his ceiling in pure isolation. Projects best in Cover 3 and match-zone structures. 12). Keionte Scott, 6’0”, 194 lbs, Miami Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd–4th Round Analysis: An explosive nickel defender whose value comes from blitz timing, downhill trigger, and sub-package disruption. Scott processes quickly in zone and brings physicality in pressure-heavy structures. Man coverage fluidity and ball location downfield limit full-time outside projection. Best deployed as a STAR/nickel defender. How We Grade the Cornerback Position Cornerbacks are evaluated primarily on coverage ability, technique, and processing speed. Grades are driven by how consistently a player can execute assignments on the outside or in the slot while maintaining leverage, spacing, and route discipline across different coverage calls. Key factors include press-man control, footwork and hip transitions, recovery speed, route recognition, and finish at the catch point. While size and tackling ability factor into the evaluation, coverage consistency, mental discipline, and the ability to stay in phase against NFL route concepts carry the most weight in today’s pass-heavy league. Football Scout 365 Grade Scale Elite NFL Projection:  Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round) Franchise-altering talent with elite physical tools, advanced processing, and minimal weaknesses. Immediate high-impact starter with difference-making ability. Near Elite NFL Projection:  Mid-to-Late 1st Round High-level prospect with strong traits and football intelligence. Expected to become a major contributor early in their career with Pro Bowl upside. High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Projects as a quality NFL starter with strong tools and functional traits. May require refinement but offers consistent impact with development. Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Dependable starter or high-end rotational player. Solid athletic profile with some limitations that cap ceiling or require scheme fit. Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  6th–7th Round Developmental prospect with starter upside in defined roles. Inconsistencies in technique, processing, or durability limit long-term ceiling. Backup Level NFL Projection:  Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) Depth player or rotational piece. Functional traits but limited upside for a long-term starting role. Not NFL Level NFL Projection:  Unlikely to Make NFL Roster Significant developmental needs across athleticism, technique, or processing. Long-shot to stick at the NFL level.

The 2026 NFL Draft linebacker rankings are one of the deepest second-level groups in recent cycles, built on versatility and modern defensive value. This group will provide NFL teams with high-level run defenders, coverage-capable second-level athletes, and legitimate pass-rush threats from the linebacker position. It’s a true chess-piece class, headlined by Arvell Reese — a hybrid defender capable of playing off-ball or rushing off the edge — and his Ohio State teammate Sonny Styles, a former safety with elite sideline-to-sideline range, physical run presence, and blitz upside. There should be at least two linebackers drafted on Day 1, with as many as four pushing into that range depending on how the board falls. Expect a strong run on Day 2, where multiple Round 2–4 prospects project as starter-level defenders in match-heavy, sub-package-driven systems. For teams seeking speed, processing, and coverage competency at the second level, this class offers quality options throughout the top 60 picks. Go to other positional grades: QB | RB | WR | TE  | OL  | IDL  | Edge  | LB  | CB  | SAF 2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings 1). Arvell Reese, 6’4”, 243 lbs, Ohio State Grade Tier:  Near Elite NFL Projection:  Mid-to-Late 1st Round Analysis:  A true modern front-seven chess piece with inside-out versatility. Reese brings stack-and-shed power, edge-rush utility, and legitimate three-down value in pressure-heavy fronts. At 6’4”, 243 pounds, he overwhelms with length and closing burst, finishing 2025 with 69 tackles, 10 TFL, and 6.5 sacks. Best deployed as a hybrid MIKE/SAM/EDGE in multiple structures, where his ability to stress protection rules and create disruption elevates his impact. 2). Sonny Styles, 6’4”, 243 lbs, Ohio State Grade Tier:  Near Elite NFL Projection:  Mid-to-Late 1st Round Analysis:  A rare size-speed hybrid who transitioned from safety into a true second-level weapon. Styles offers sideline-to-sideline range, blitz upside, and alignment flexibility in multiple fronts. His ability to cover, trigger downhill, and rush off the edge fits today’s interchangeable linebacker mold. Continued refinement shedding blocks and tightening coverage technique will determine how quickly he reaches his ceiling, but the physical profile is first-round caliber. 3). C.J. Allen, 6’1”, 235 lbs, Georgia Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis:  A high-floor, instinct-driven off-ball linebacker built on processing speed and tackling reliability. Allen consistently sorts run fits, plays with leverage discipline, and finishes efficiently. While not an elite splash-play generator, his football IQ and communication project cleanly to a MIKE role in 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 structures. Three-down viability comes from steadiness and zone competence rather than raw explosiveness. 4). Jake Golday, 6’4”, 240 lbs, Cincinnati Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis:  A big-bodied, explosive linebacker with edge background and physical presence near the line of scrimmage. Golday wins with heavy hands, length, and downhill pop, constricting run lanes and flashing value as a blitzer. Processing speed and zone awareness remain developmental areas, but his size and athletic ceiling project him as a starting SAM or inside linebacker with upside in aggressive fronts. 5). Josiah Trotter, 6’2”, 237 lbs, Missouri Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis:  A downhill tone-setter with outstanding trigger speed and physical pop. Trotter diagnoses quickly and beats blockers to landmarks, finishing with authority in the box. Coverage limitations and hip stiffness restrict full three-down projection at this stage, but in an attack-style front where he can play forward and downhill, he offers immediate run-game value. 6). Anthony Hill Jr., 6’3”, 235 lbs, Texas Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis:  A prototype modern linebacker with length, range, and disruptive upside. Hill excels attacking interior gaps, scraping laterally, and closing violently at contact. His improved tackling efficiency in 2025 reflects growth in consistency, though coverage refinement will determine whether he reaches full three-down centerpiece status. In pressure-heavy structures, his burst and length create consistent second-level disruption. 7). Kyle Louis, 6’1”, 220 lbs, Pittsburgh Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis:  A modern space defender with outstanding short-area burst and real coverage value. Louis matches tight ends and slot receivers comfortably, giving him true sub-package utility. His decisiveness downhill and range show up in nickel-heavy structures. Undersized frame and average block deconstruction limit full-time MIKE projection, but as a WILL, rover, or big nickel, he brings three-down versatility in the right front. 8). Jacob Rodriguez, 6’1”, 230 lbs, Texas Tech Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd Round Analysis:  An instinct-driven linebacker with strong downhill trigger and physical temperament. Rodriguez wins with processing speed, tackling consistency, and turnover production rather than elite traits. While undersized by some standards, his sideline-to-sideline range and blitz timing fit cleanly into zone-match systems. Projects as a MIKE/WILL in read-and-react structures that prioritize IQ and toughness. 9). Keyshaun Elliott, 6’2”, 235 lbs, Arizona State Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd–4th Round Analysis:  A physical, box-oriented linebacker with excellent play strength and run instincts. Elliott stacks and sheds effectively, plays with patience in tight quarters, and delivers pop at contact. Limited range and coverage ceiling cap full three-down projection, but as an early-down MIKE or SAM in physical fronts, he offers tone-setting value. 10). Bryce Boettcher, 6’2”, 230 lbs, Oregon Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  3rd–4th Round Analysis:  A high-motor, coverage-capable defender with natural movement skills in space. Boettcher transitions smoothly, mirrors backs and tight ends, and tracks the football with ease. Anchor strength and block deconstruction remain developmental areas, projecting him best as a WILL with sub-package upside and early special teams impact. 11). Deontae Lawson, 6’2”, 230 lbs, Alabama Grade Tier:  Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Analysis:  A productive, downhill linebacker with strong run-stopping presence and closing burst. Lawson brings physicality inside and flashes value as a blitzer, though coverage refinement and lateral consistency limit his ceiling. Best suited for a 3-4 structure where he can attack interior gaps and play forward rather than carry extended space responsibilities. 12). Taurean York, 6’0”, 235 lbs, Texas A&M Grade Tier:  Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Analysis:  An instinctive, technically sound linebacker whose game is built on processing speed and tackling reliability. York consistently diagnoses quickly and plays with functional strength despite length limitations. Ideal fit in zone-heavy or read-and-react systems where his football IQ and communication can elevate the structure. 13). Harold Perkins Jr., 6’1”, 225 lbs, LSU Grade Tier:  Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Analysis:  An explosive hybrid defender with edge-rush burst and alignment flexibility. Perkins wins with speed, bend, and mismatch ability, though undersized dimensions and coverage consistency create projection questions at the next level. Best deployed in movement-based, hybrid fronts that maximize his sub-package disruption rather than traditional stack linebacker duties. How We Grade the Linebacker Position Linebackers are evaluated primarily on processing speed, range, and coverage viability within modern NFL defensive structures. Grades are driven by how consistently a defender reads run-pass keys, fits gaps with discipline, and functions in space against today’s spread offenses. Key factors include play diagnosis, downhill trigger, pursuit angles, block deconstruction, man and zone coverage ability, and tackling efficiency in space. While physicality and run-stopping production matter, three-down value, coverage reliability, and communication within sub-package structures carry the most weight in today’s pass-first league. Football Scout 365 Grade Scale Elite NFL Projection:  Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round) Franchise-altering talent with elite physical tools, advanced processing, and minimal weaknesses. Immediate high-impact starter with difference-making ability. Near Elite NFL Projection:  Mid-to-Late 1st Round High-level prospect with strong traits and football intelligence. Expected to become a major contributor early in their career with Pro Bowl upside. High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Projects as a quality NFL starter with strong tools and functional traits. May require refinement but offers consistent impact with development. Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Dependable starter or high-end rotational player. Solid athletic profile with some limitations that cap ceiling or require scheme fit. Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  6th–7th Round Developmental prospect with starter upside in defined roles. Inconsistencies in technique, processing, or durability limit long-term ceiling. Backup Level NFL Projection:  Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) Depth player or rotational piece. Functional traits but limited upside for a long-term starting role. Not NFL Level NFL Projection:  Unlikely to Make NFL Roster Significant developmental needs across athleticism, technique, or processing. Long-shot to stick at the NFL level.

The Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board elevates player rankings with an innovative approach. We offer individual film-based player grades, tailored assessments of scheme fit, comprehensive player comparisons, and more to provide you with a thorough understanding of each prospect's potential. Top of Page NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD YEAR OFF/DEF POS 2026 1 S Caleb Downs Ohio State PROFILE 2 QB Fernando Mendoza Indiana PROFILE 3 ED Rueben Bain Miami PROFILE 4 ED David Bailey Texas Tech PROFILE 5 LB Arvell Reese Ohio State PROFILE 6 RB Jeremiyah Love Notre Dame PROFILE 7 WR Carnell Tate Ohio State PROFILE 8 WR Jordyn Tyson Arizona State PROFILE 9 LB Sonny Styles Ohio State PROFILE 10 OT Spencer Fano Utah PROFILE 11 CB Mansoor Delane LSU PROFILE 12 WR Makai Lemon USC PROFILE 13 OT Francis Mauigoa Miami PROFILE 14 IDL Peter Woods Clemson PROFILE 15 IDL Kayden McDonald Ohio State PROFILE 16 CB Jermod McCoy Tennessee PROFILE 17 ED Akheem Mesidor Miami PROFILE 18 CB Colton Hood Tennessee PROFILE 19 IDL Caleb Banks Florida PROFILE 20 TE Kenyon Sadiq Oregon PROFILE 21 ED Derrick Moore Michigan PROFILE 22 QB Ty Simpson Alabama PROFILE 23 ED Keldric Faulk Auburn PROFILE 24 CB Avieon Terrell Clemson PROFILE 25 IOL Olaivavega Ioane Penn State PROFILE First Prev Page 1 Next Last

Football Scout 365 provides NFL Draft analysis, player rankings, player grades, advanced stats, fantasy football analysis, and more. 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 50 Prospects and Positional Rankings (Pre–Senior Bowl) With the all-star circuit underway and the Senior Bowl approaching, the 2026 NFL Draft landscape is beginning to sharpen. This updated Top 50 Big Board reflects a full season of film study, early postseason evaluations, and a reshuffling at the very top — highlighted by Fernando Mendoza’s rise into the No. 2 overall slot and a loaded defensive class led by Caleb Downs, Rueben Bain Jr., and Arvell Reese. 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Senior Bowl Edition An updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft during Senior Bowl week, breaking down top prospects, team fits, and rising talent. Featuring Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, and more as the pre-draft process accelerates toward April. 1 S Caleb Downs Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 3 ED Rueben Bain Miami VIEW PROFILE 5 LB Arvell Reese Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 7 WR Carnell Tate Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 9 LB Sonny Styles Ohio State VIEW PROFILE 2 QB Fernando Mendoza Indiana VIEW PROFILE 4 ED David Bailey Texas Tech VIEW PROFILE 6 RB Jeremiyah Love Notre Dame VIEW PROFILE 8 WR Jordyn Tyson Arizona State VIEW PROFILE 10 OT Spencer Fano Utah VIEW PROFILE TOP 10 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS VIEW ALL RANKINGS Rueben Bain Jr. & David Bailey Lead 2026 NFL Draft EDGE Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Peter Woods & Kayden McDonald Lead 2026 NFL Draft IDL Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Arvell Reese & Sonny Styles Headline 2026 NFL Draft LB Class #shorts #foryou Play Video Jermod McCoy & Mansoor Delane Lead 2026 NFL Draft CB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Play Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Close FEATURED CONTENT 2026 NFL Draft Offensive Line Rankings: Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa Headline Deep Class Brandon Lundberg 21 hours ago 2026 NFL Draft Edge Rusher Rankings: Rueben Bain Jr. & David Bailey Headline a Loaded Pass-Rush Class Brandon Lundberg 22 hours ago 2026 NFL Draft Interior Defensive Line Rankings: Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald Lead a Strong Class Brandon Lundberg 1 day ago 2026 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings: Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles Lead A Scheme Versatile Group Brandon Lundberg 2 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Cornerback Rankings: Jermod McCoy, Mansoor Delane Lead a Scheme-Versatile Class Brandon Lundberg 3 days ago 2026 NFL Draft Safety Rankings: Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman Lead a Versatile Class Brandon Lundberg 4 days ago 2026 Senior Bowl Practice Report: Standouts & NFL Draft Risers Brandon Lundberg Jan 29 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Senior Bowl Edition Brandon Lundberg Jan 27 VIEW ALL ANALYSIS

< Back Sonny Styles Ohio State HT: 6040 WT: 243 YR: SR POS: LB OVR RK 9 POS RK CEILING POTENTIAL Near Elite OVR RK PLAYSTYLE & SCHEME FIT Sonny Styles combines size, speed, and versatility, making him a perfect fit for the modern NFL defense in hybrid or multiple-front schemes. Originally starting his career at safety, he transitioned into a hybrid linebacker role and looks the part of a “joker” or off‑ball defender capable of covering, blitzing, and supporting the run. His physical tools enable him to play near the line or in open space, providing defensive coordinators with multiple alignment options. Although he still needs to refine some techniques—particularly in tight coverage and shedding blocks—his ceiling is very high when complemented by his instincts and versatility. In a scheme that values interchangeable front‑seven defenders and a variety of looks, Styles projects as an early-impact starter with high upside potential. CEILING GRADE ANALYSIS Near Elite (70-74) A high-caliber prospect who is expected to become a significant contributor by Year 2. These players have outstanding physical tools and strong football IQ, with only minor flaws in their game. They demonstrate consistency at a high level and project as future Pro Bowl-caliber players if properly developed. Primary scout: Brandon Lundberg KEY STRENGTHS Hybrid versatility (“joker”) Size/speed profile Run‑fit physicality KEY WEAKNESSES Coverage technique Shedding blocks Gap/assignment discipline PLAYER COMPARISONS Isaiah Simmons Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah Rueben Bain Jr. & David Bailey Lead 2026 NFL Draft EDGE Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Peter Woods & Kayden McDonald Lead 2026 NFL Draft IDL Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Arvell Reese & Sonny Styles Headline 2026 NFL Draft LB Class #shorts #foryou Play Video Jermod McCoy & Mansoor Delane Lead 2026 NFL Draft CB Rankings #shorts #foryou Play Video Play Video Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Close