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Mel Kiper Jr.
Multiple Authors
The 2026 NFL draft is coming. And after seeing top prospects work out at the NFL combine, I’m updating my top-25 Big Board ranking.
Of course, the class will still change between now and April 23 when Round 1 begins in Pittsburgh. Players will rise and fall as we learn more and more about them. But this is how I see the top of the class right now. I have scouting reports for the top 25 overall, and I stacked the best of the best at every position at the bottom.
A key note to please remember: This is not a mock draft or a prediction of where players will be drafted. These are my personal rankings focusing on talent — the best players based on what I’m seeing and my own evaluations. Let’s get started.
Jump to Kiper’s positional rankings
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 236 | Prev. rank: 1
2025 stats over 16 games: 72.0% completion rate, 3,535 passing yards, 41 TD passes, 6 INTs, 7 rushing TDs
Mendoza transferred to Indiana after playing two seasons at Cal, and his game took off. The key? He cut down on sacks, with 25 last season after taking 41 in 2024. Mendoza got the ball out quicker. And while he doesn’t have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is fantastic. I wouldn’t consider him a dual threat, but Mendoza also has enough mobility to pick up first downs as a scrambler.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 212 | Prev. rank: 2
2025 stats over 12 games: 199 carries, 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs, 27 catches, 280 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside, and he can break tackles with ease (60 forced missed tackles on the 2025 season). Once he gets into space, he can take it to the house with his 4.36 breakaway speed too. But Love isn’t only an outstanding runner. He also is a high-impact pass catcher. An NFL team will be able to flank him out wide and create a whole other dimension of the offense.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 241 | Prev. rank: 3
2025 stats over 14 games: 69 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 9 run stops, 2 pass breakups
This is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can’t make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 251 | Prev. rank: 4
2025 stats over 14 games: 76 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 71 pressures, 8 run stops, 3 forced fumbles, 4 pass breakups
A transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he matched that total in 2025 alone after notably becoming more of a finisher. His 20.2% pressure rate was the best in the nation in 2025 — despite actually being lower than it was in 2024 (22.2%) and 2023 (22.1%). He impressed at the combine with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 206 | Prev. rank: 6
2025 stats over 14 games: 67 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 1 sack, 6 run stops
Downs — the brother of NFL wide receiver Josh Downs and the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs — is basically an extension of the defensive coordinator. His football knowledge shows in his play; it’s obvious when you watched him in the Ohio State defense. But what really impressed me is how well he picked up Nick Saban’s system as a 2023 freshman at Alabama before transferring.
He diagnoses quickly thanks to excellent pre-snap instincts, and that allows him to play faster than his straight-line speed might suggest. Plus, Downs is solid in coverage, and he is a very reliable open-field tackler.
2:14
Caleb Downs: Plenty of ways I can affect the game
Star safety Caleb Downs joins “The Rich Eisen Show” to discuss his talent and how it’ll feel to hear his name called at the NFL draft.
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 244 | Prev. rank: 7
2025 stats over 14 games: 77 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 9 run stops, 3 pass breakups, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack
You can tell Styles is a former safety; he has outstanding 4.46 speed, and his burst allows him to spy the QB. His explosion popped at the combine, with a 43½-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-2 broad jump. Styles is also a dependable tackler and closes in a flash. He really took the next step last season, even as he adapted to a new system under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 192 | Prev. rank: 5
2025 stats over 11 games: 51 catches, 875 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Ohio State has turned into Wide Receiver U, with Emeka Egbuka being the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. And while most of the college football world focused on Jeremiah Smith (who isn’t eligible for the 2026 draft), Tate put up some serious numbers and showed why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 17.2 yards per catch last season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he’ll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 329 | Prev. rank: 10
2025 stats over 16 games: 16 starts, 2 sacks allowed
Here’s a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He had more than 2,700 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa allowed two sacks and blew only 13 run blocks since the start of the 2024 season.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 203 | Prev. rank: 8
2025 stats over nine games: 61 catches, 711 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
The Colorado transfer lit up defenses for two seasons with the Sun Devils. Tyson’s superpower is being open even when it looks like he’s completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. A hamstring injury cost him time last season, but he still posted solid numbers.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 311 | Prev. rank: 12
2025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Fano started 12 games at left tackle in 2023 before moving to the right side in 2024, and he started 24 games there over two seasons. Working opposite another highly regarded bookend in Caleb Lomu, Fano did a great job of keeping his big frame between the pass rusher and his QB. He is technically sound, ran 4.91 in the 40-yard dash and shows good punch to compensate for his lack of ideal arm length. But with 32⅛-inch arms, I think he could kick inside in the pros.
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 192 | Prev. rank: 11
2025 stats over 12 games: 79 catches, 1,156 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDs
This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I’d want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he ranked third in the nation in receiving yards per game in 2025.
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 15
2025 stats over 11 games: 11 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Ioane drives defensive tackles off the ball and sustains his blocks well. He can get to the second level and torque defenders out of the way. And he’s incredibly agile at left guard for his size. Ioane had 32 career starts and gave up only two sacks over that time — both in 2023.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 241 | Prev. rank: 14
2025 stats over 14 games: 51 catches, 560 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field, and he posted 43½ inches in the vertical and 11-foot-1 in the broad jump. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball was in his hands (260 yards). He flew in the 40-yard dash at the combine; his 4.39 easily led the tight ends. And he’s nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq was consistent last season, and he should be the first tight end off the board.
0:25
Kenyon Sadiq sets record for TE with a 4.39s 40-yard dash at NFL Combine
Kenyon Sadiq ran the fastest time of all Tight Ends in the history of the NFL Combine with a 4.39s on the 40-yard dash.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 188 | Prev. rank: 13
McCoy didn’t play in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL in January, but he still has the chance to be the first cornerback off the board in April. He began his college career at Oregon State, picking off two passes there in 2023. McCoy’s ball-hawking traits really emerged once transferring to Tennessee, as he picked off four passes and broke up nine in 2024. His on-the-ball production will get Day 1 interest. He didn’t work out at the combine, but he said he will be ready to roll at his pro day.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 187 | Prev. rank: 16
2025 stats over 11 games: 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 INTs
I am very impressed with the instincts and savviness Delane shows in coverage. He is a true technician and demonstrated excellent ball skills, with 27 pass breakups and eight interceptions over his four-year career. He excels in both man and zone coverage, and his 3.3 yards allowed per attempt on throws in his direction was fourth in the nation in 2025.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 263 | Prev. rank: 9
2025 stats over 16 games: 70 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 71 pressures, 9 run stops, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT
Bain is powerful and has really strong hands. He routinely gets the best of some very good offensive tackles, often with his dominant rip move, and he knows every trick in the book in getting home to the QB. Bain also shows speed and bend off the edge, and he takes good angles. Plus, he can hold the edge against the run and get off blocks to chase down ball carriers. His tape is just filled with disruption. But even with all those A-level traits, it’s actually Bain’s hustle that really stands out to me. He never takes a play off and fires at the ball on every play.
His arms are much shorter than most scouts prefer at 30⅞ inches, and teams will have to be comfortable with that. But opponents have to account for him in their game plans, and he can keep them guessing even then with his inside-outside flexibility.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 19
2025 stats over 14 games: 13 starts, 2 sacks allowed
Freeling is still developing — he has started 18 games, and only five of those came before last season. But his year-over-year improvement stood out, especially in pass protection. He’s quick out of his stance (4.93 in the 40-yard dash), shows good hand placement and is alert when dealing with stunts. With long 34¾-inch arms, Freeling does a nice job taking away the inside move of edge rushers, too. He needs to work on his run blocking, though.
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 352 | Prev. rank: NR
2025 stats over 15 games: 15 starts, 3 sacks allowed
If you only watched Proctor against Florida State, you’d have questions about this ranking. He allowed seven pressures and a sack in that season opener, and he took a false start penalty on an important fourth-and-1 late in the game. Not a good start to the campaign. But after that, Proctor looked very good. He consistently handled inside and outside moves from edge rushers as he settled in. Proctor had 40 starts of experience, with every career snap over three years coming at left tackle. And he showed off good agility for his size at the combine with a 5.21-second run in the 40.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 262 | Prev. rank: 22
2025 stats over 13 games: 58 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 46 pressures, 16 run stops, 2 forced fumbles
The Michigan State transfer had two great seasons at Missouri, making an impact both as a pass rusher and run defender. Young consistently seals off the edge. He’s powerful and plays with sustained intensity, with one of the best motors among the edge rushers in the class. I see strong hands and impressive lateral quickness on the tape, too. Young crashes down the line.
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 201 | Prev. rank: NR
2025 stats over 15 games: 86 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 1 sack, 3 run stops
After two seasons at Purdue — including a six-INT campaign in 2023 — Thieneman transferred to Oregon and made an immediate impact. He moves all over the defense, lining up as a deep safety, in the box, split wide and over the slot. Thieneman reads the QB well and can close in a hurry. He’s a savvy player, and he can be a force against the run, too.
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 326 | Prev. rank: 17
2025 stats over 14 games: 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 17 run stops, 2 forced fumbles
The Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year had a huge breakout season. Consider that he had zero starts, zero sacks and just 24 tackles over the previous two seasons. McDonald crushed all those numbers over 14 starts in 2025. He’s a force on the interior, with incredible strength and quickness for a player at his size. And McDonald is active and sniffs out the football to make plays.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 276 | Prev. rank: 20
2025 stats over 12 games: 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 29 pressures, 11 run stops
If you could draw up the perfect NFL 4-3 defensive end, it would be Faulk. He’s what I call an “LTPer” — someone who looks the part. He can win with outside and inside moves, and he moves blockers with his super powerful hands. I see good overall instincts on tape too. Faulk makes his presence felt against the run and the pass, and he is scheme versatile.
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 321 | Prev. rank: NR
2025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 4 sacks allowed
Iheanachor has a limited football background; he picked up the sport later than most prospects and spent time in the JUCO ranks before heading to Arizona State in 2023. So he is just scratching the surface of what he can be in the NFL. Iheanachor allowed eight sacks in 2024, but he took a big step forward last season, displaying good quickness and agility. As a right tackle with 33⅞-inch arms, 4.91 straight-line speed and 31 starts of experience, he can make an impact as a run blocker and pass protector.
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259 | Prev. rank: 24
2025 stats over 15 games: 74 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 58 pressures, 11 run stops, 4 forced fumbles
Mesidor started at West Virginia in 2020 and 2021, racking up 9.5 sacks. He transferred to Miami before the 2022 season and had seven sacks in that first season. An injury limited him to three games in 2023, but he came back with 5.5 more sacks in 2024 and looked fantastic in 2025. The Canadian makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass, and he shows good bend, closing burst and power. When his initial move is thwarted, Mesidor never stops battling. He also brings some versatility, with the ability to shade inside to DT and get pressure on the interior.
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 211 | Prev. rank: 25
2025 stats over 15 games: 64.5% completion rate, 3,567 passing yards, 28 TD passes, 5 INTs, 2 rushing TDs
His lack of experience might be a concern, as Simpson didn’t start a game until last season, but the production is hard to ignore. Simpson knows the game and competes on every down. He’s a battler who is always trying to make a play — sometimes to his detriment. And Simpson maneuvers well in the pocket and can beat defenses with his legs when the passing play isn’t there.
Kiper’s position rankings
Quarterbacks
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
2. Ty Simpson, Alabama
3. Carson Beck, Miami (Fla.)
4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
5. Drew Allar, Penn State
6. Taylen Green, Arkansas
7. Cole Payton, North Dakota State
8. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
9. Luke Altmyer, Illinois
10. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
Just missed: Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Running backs
1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
3. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
4. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
5. Jonah Coleman, Washington
6. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
7. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
8. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
9. Seth McGowan, Kentucky
10. Kaelon Black, Indiana
Just missed: Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M
Wide receivers
1. Carnell Tate, Ohio State
2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
3. Makai Lemon, USC
4. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
5. Denzel Boston, Washington
6. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
7. Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
8. Chris Bell, Louisville
9. Zachariah Branch, Georgia
10. Antonio Williams, Clemson
Just missed: Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Tight ends
1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
2. Joe Royer, Cincinnati
3. Dallen Bentley, Utah
4. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame
5. Marlin Klein, Michigan
6. Max Klare, Ohio State
7. Jack Endries, Texas
8. Lake McRee, USC
9. Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M
10. Will Kacmarek, Ohio State
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
2. Justin Joly, NC State
3. Tanner Koziol, Houston
4. Michael Trigg, Baylor
5. Josh Cuevas, Alabama
6. Oscar Delp, Georgia
7. John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming
8. Dae’Quan Wright, Ole Miss
9. Dan Villari, Syracuse
10. Riley Nowakowski, Indiana
Just missed: Bauer Sharp, LSU
Offensive tackles
1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
2. Monroe Freeling, Georgia
3. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
4. Max Iheanachor, Texas A&M
5. Caleb Lomu, Utah
6. Blake Miller, Clemson
7. Gennings Dunker, Iowa
8. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
9. Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M
10. Isaiah World, Oregon
Guards
1. Spencer Fano, Utah
2. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
3. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
4. Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
5. Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
6. Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
7. DJ Campbell, Texas
8. Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
9. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
10. Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
Centers
1. Connor Lew, Auburn
2. Jake Slaughter, Florida
3. Sam Hecht, Kansas State
4. Logan Jones, Iowa
5. Brian Parker II, Duke
6. Matt Gulbin, Michigan State
7. Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M
8. Parker Brailsford, Alabama
9. Jager Burton, Kentucky
10. Delby Lemieux, Dartmouth
Just missed: Pat Coogan, Indiana
Defensive ends
1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
2. Zion Young, Missouri
3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
4. Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
5. T.J. Parker, Clemson
6. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
7. Gabe Jacas, Illinois
8. Caden Curry, Ohio State
9. LT Overton, Alabama
10. Max Llewellyn, Iowa
Defensive tackles
1. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
2. Peter Woods, Clemson
3. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
4. Caleb Banks, Florida
5. Christen Miller, Georgia
6. Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
7. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
8. Domonique Orange, Iowa State
9. Zane Durant, Penn State
10. Kaleb Proctor, SE Louisiana
Just missed: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Off-ball linebackers
1. Sonny Styles, Ohio State
2. CJ Allen, Georgia
3. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
4. Jake Golday, Cincinnati
5. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
6. Josiah Trotter, Missouri
7. Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
8. Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State
9. Justin Jefferson, Alabama
10. Karson Sharar, Iowa
Just missed: Jack Kelly, BYU
Outside linebackers
1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State
2. David Bailey, Texas Tech
3. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
4. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
5. Derrick Moore, Michigan
6. Malachi Lawrence, UCF
7. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
8. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
9. Romello Height, Texas Tech
10. Keyron Crawford, Auburn
Just missed: Quintayvious Hutchins, Boston College
Cornerbacks
1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
2. Mansoor Delane, LSU
3. Avieon Terrell, Clemson
4. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
5. Colton Hood, Tennessee
6. D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
7. Chris Johnson, San Diego State
8. Keionte Scott, Miami (Fla.)
9. Treydan Stukes, Arizona
10. Chandler Rivers, Duke
Just missed: Julian Neal, Arkansas
Safeties
1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State
2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
4. Kyle Louis, Pitt
5. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
6. A.J. Haulcy, LSU
7. Bud Clark, TCU
8. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State
9. Genesis Smith, Arizona
10. Kamari Ramsey, USC
Kickers and punters
1. Brett Thorson, Georgia (P)
2. Ryan Eckley, Michigan State (P)
3. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)
4. Trey Smack, Florida (PK)
5. Will Ferrin, BYU (PK)
6. Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky (P)
7. Drew Stevens, Iowa (PK)
8. Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse (P)
9. Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii (PK)
10. Tommy Doman, Florida (P)
Long snappers
1. Luke Basso, Oregon
2. Tyler Duzansky, Penn State
3. Beau Gardner, Georgia
4. Garrison Grimes, BYU
5. Rocco Underwood, Florida
