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The 2026 NFL Draft class may be light at the most important position in football — quarterback — but what it lacks there, it makes up for in trench depth and defensive firepower. The offensive and defensive line groups are strong, and the linebacker class might be one of the deepest and most talented we’ve evaluated in years. Offensively, the quarterback story starts and ends with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who is widely projected to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. After him, things get interesting. Alabama’s Ty Simpson sits as QB2, but there’s real buzz that Mendoza could be the only quarterback selected on Day 1. That could push Simpson — along with Garrett Nussmeier and Carson Beck — into the Day 2 conversation. At wide receiver, there may not be a generational prospect, but the depth is real. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon, and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson each have legitimate WR1 cases depending on preference and scheme. The class is rich in WR2 and WR3 types built to complement established NFL No. 1 targets. Up front, the offensive line lacks a clear blue-chip left tackle, but versatility defines this group. Spencer Fano leads the way, followed by Francis Mauigoa, with interior standout Vega Ioane carrying potential top-10 upside at his position. Across Days 1–3, flexibility and multi-position value will drive this board. At running back, the class is top-heavy with Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love carrying legitimate generational buzz. Behind him is solid depth, but the true high-end value sits at the top. Defensively, this is where the class separates itself. Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, and Rueben Bain Jr. headline a group loaded with impact players. The real theme of this draft? Non-premium defensive positions could dominate early selections — and teams focused on front-seven playmakers will find value quickly. 2026 NFL Draft Positional Rankings and Player Grades Below, you’ll find direct links to our full 2026 NFL Draft position rankings. Each position group includes detailed player rankings, Football Scout 365 grades, in-depth scouting analysis, and projected draft ranges to provide a complete evaluation of the class. Quarterback - Sunday, February 22nd Running Back - Friday Jeremiyah Love headlines a top-heavy running back group with true three-down, game-changing ability, while Jadarian Price brings vision and tempo that translate cleanly to today’s lighter defensive fronts. The depth isn’t overwhelming, but the top-end talent is legitimate. Wide Receiver Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon pace a receiver class built on separation craft and alignment flexibility. This group reflects the modern NFL — polished route runners who win with tempo, leverage, and run-after-catch production rather than pure measurables. Tight End Kenyon Sadiq sets the ceiling with explosive mismatch potential, and Eli Stowers adds move-piece versatility in space. Behind them is a balanced mix of in-line stability and flex value that should produce multiple Day 2 contributors. Offensive Line Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa anchor a trench-driven class featuring starting-caliber tackles and powerful interior options. It’s a sturdy, scheme-versatile group with early impact potential. EDGE Rankings Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey headline one of the strongest position groups in the class. Production, pass-rush depth, and alignment flexibility define a wave of defenders capable of impacting quarterbacks early. Interior Defensive Line Peter Woods and Kayden McDonald bring anchor strength and disruptive interior traits to a powerful IDL group. It’s a run-stopping core with enough pocket push to translate on passing downs. Linebacker Arvell Reese’s hybrid upside sets the tone, with Sonny Styles close behind as a range-and-versatility defender built for sub-package football. This is a modern, three-down linebacker group. Cornerback Jermod McCoy and Mansoor Delane lead a competitive coverage class built on instincts, press traits, and schematic flexibility. Multiple starters should emerge from this group. Safety Caleb Downs headlines the safety class as a true defensive chess piece. Around him is a versatile collection of safeties capable of playing deep, rotating late, or matching in space.

The 2026 NFL Draft running back rankings are top-heavy, but they feature one of the most complete backfield prospects we’ve evaluated in recent cycles. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love headlines the group as a potential top-10 caliber talent, a 6-foot, 210-pound three-down back with verified track speed, elite contact balance, and true alignment versatility as a pass catcher. From a grading standpoint, Love is in the same tier as recent premier prospects such as Ashton Jeanty, Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Bijan Robinson. He is on that level as a prospect, and some evaluators have him as the top overall player in the class. Behind Love, there are a few backs with legitimate starter-level traits, beginning with his former Notre Dame teammate Jadarian Price. Price offers smooth vision, spatial awareness, and burst when healthy, flashing clear starter ability in a modern, committee-driven NFL. After Price, Jonah Coleman provides a contrasting profile — compact, physical, and zone-scheme ready — consistently generating hidden yardage through contact balance and toughness. Again, this is not the deepest running back class in recent memory, but there are versatile pieces available on Day 2 and Day 3 who can contribute immediately in rotational roles with developmental starter upside. It’s a class built for today’s shared backfield structures, with elite value at the top and quality contributors behind it. Go to other positional grades: QB | RB | WR | TE  | OL  | IDL  | Edge  | LB  | CB  | SAF 2026 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings 1). Jeremiyah Love, 6’0”, 210 lbs, Notre Dame Grade Tier:  Near Elite NFL Projection:  Top 10 (1st Round) Analysis: Elite acceleration, contact balance, and two-phase versatility anchor Love’s projection. He presses wide-zone concepts with patience before exploding through creases, and his re-acceleration allows routine gains to turn into chunk plays. Love creates in tight quarters, finishes through contact, and offers legitimate receiving value from multiple alignments. Continued growth in pass protection and sustained workload durability will determine his ceiling, but the overall profile is that of an immediate-impact RB1 with Pro Bowl upside. 2). Jadarian Price, 5’11”, 210 lbs, Notre Dame Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis: Vision, tempo, and spatial processing define Price’s projection. He displays advanced patience in zone concepts, allowing blocks to develop before slicing through interior lanes with controlled footwork and balance. While he lacks elite sudden burst, he consistently maximizes available yardage and shows functional top speed in space. Durability will remain a key evaluation point, but when healthy, Price profiles as a high-floor early-down starter in a zone-heavy system. 3). Jonah Coleman, 5’9”, 229 lbs, Washington Grade Tier:  High-End Starter Potential NFL Projection:  2nd–3rd Round Analysis: Contact balance and physical temperament drive Coleman’s projection. He presses the line with disciplined tempo, absorbs first contact, and consistently falls forward to generate hidden yardage. His compact build and leg drive allow him to maintain efficiency through traffic, particularly in zone concepts. While he lacks elite breakaway speed and dynamic receiving upside, his toughness and reliability project as dependable early-down starter value at the next level. 4). Emmett Johnson, 5’11”, 200 lbs, Nebraska Grade Tier:  Mid-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Analysis: Decisiveness and north-south tempo anchor Johnson’s projection. He presses defined tracks with urgency and accelerates downhill once lanes declare, showing solid vision and competitive finish. However, limited lateral fluidity and average contact balance cap his explosive-play ceiling. He projects as a dependable rotational back in gap-heavy schemes with early-down value. 5). Nick Singleton, 6’0”, 224 lbs, Penn State Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–6th Round Analysis: Rare size-speed traits define Singleton’s upside. He carries home-run acceleration and legitimate receiving value, stressing defenses vertically and horizontally. However, inconsistent vision, segmented processing, and an inability to consistently create around contact limit his reliability. If instincts stabilize, he carries RB1 upside — if not, he profiles as a dynamic committee weapon. 6). Le’Veon Moss, 5’11”, 210 lbs, Texas A&M Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–6th Round Analysis: Linear burst and downhill urgency drive Moss’s projection. He presses gaps decisively and finishes runs with strong pad level and contact balance. However, limited lateral elusiveness and durability concerns (back-to-back injury-shortened seasons) cloud his three-down outlook. He projects as a physical early-down rotational back with spot-start upside. 7). Mike Washington Jr., 6’0”, 228 lbs, Arkansas Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–5th Round Analysis: Frame density and straight-line power anchor Washington’s projection. He blends size with functional burst and can glide through interior lanes. However, inconsistent processing speed, limited twitch in tight quarters, and ball-security concerns limit his ceiling. He fits best as a rotational power back in a gap-heavy system. 8). Demond Claiborne, 5’10”, 195 lbs, Wake Forest Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th-5th Round Analysis: Twitch and lateral agility drive Claiborne’s projection. He thrives pressing zone tracks and bursting through creases with sudden acceleration, offering legitimate change-of-pace value. However, ball security issues and limited power finishing cap his reliability. He profiles as a scheme-dependent rotational back with third-down upside. 9). Kaytron Allen, 5’11”, 220 lbs, Penn State Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  4th–6th Round Analysis: Vision, contact balance, and disciplined tempo define Allen’s profile. He runs with a compact base and consistently falls forward, showing reliability in both zone and gap concepts. However, limited burst and lack of explosive speed reduce his big-play upside. He projects as a dependable early-down rotational option. 10). Kaelon Black, 5’9”, 208 lbs, Indiana Grade Tier:  Low-Level Starter Potential NFL Projection:  5th–7th Round Analysis: Competitive temperament and contact balance anchor Black’s projection. He presses patiently, gets skinny through tight lanes, and consistently falls forward through contact. While he lacks top-end speed and explosive-play ability, his pass protection and early-down reliability give him immediate rotational value. How We Grade the Running Back Position Running backs are evaluated primarily on vision, contact balance, and three-down impact. Grades are driven by how consistently a back can create yardage independent of blocking structure, stay on schedule within the run concept, and contribute in both the run and pass game. In today’s NFL, backs must function within rotational systems while still offering the versatility to handle early downs, passing situations, and red-zone touches without tipping personnel tendencies. Key factors include processing speed at the mesh point, tempo through the line of scrimmage, lateral agility, burst through contact, and finishing ability in space. We heavily weigh contact balance, pad level, ball security, pass protection reliability, and receiving value — including route detail and alignment flexibility. While timed speed and size matter, functional strength, spatial awareness, competitive toughness, and the ability to generate explosive plays without sacrificing efficiency carry the most weight in our evaluation. 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 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 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 Lee Hunter Texas Tech HT: 6040 WT: 325 YR: SR POS: IDL OVR RK 34 POS RK CEILING POTENTIAL High-End Starter Potential OVR RK PLAYSTYLE & SCHEME FIT Hunter is a massive, powerful interior presence built to control the A-gaps in both odd and even fronts. With a broad frame and elite wingspan, he wins at the point of attack with leverage, violent hands, and functional explosiveness off the snap. He consistently resets the line of scrimmage versus single blocks and has the strength to survive and recover against double teams. While not a dynamic gap penetrator or high-end pass rusher, he collapses the pocket with power and forces quarterbacks off their spot. Hunter projects as an early-down tone-setter and rotational interior anchor who can develop into a full-time starting nose tackle in a power-based defensive scheme. CEILING GRADE ANALYSIS High-End Starter Potential (65-69) A player expected to become a top-tier starter within their first few years. They possess strong physical tools and good technical skills but may have some limitations in their game. With development, they can reach near-elite levels and provide consistent impact at their position. Primary scout: Brandon Lundberg KEY STRENGTHS Elite size and play strength Strong leverage/Hand Use Effective two-gap anchor KEY WEAKNESSES Limited pass-rush arsenal Pad level vs. double teams Rotational stamina questions PLAYER COMPARISONS DJ Reader 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