2026 NFL draft: Rating high 5 prospects at each place

We’ve loads of time earlier than the 2026 NFL draft kicks off in Pittsburgh — 10 months, the truth is. However it’s by no means too early to take stock of the category.

Matt Miller and Jordan Reid put collectively their private top-five lists at every place, based mostly on the tape they’ve already watched and the conversations they’ve had with individuals round school soccer and the NFL. Then they dove a bit deeper. At every place, they recognized one prospect whose inventory is difficult by a wide range of exterior components (transfers, accidents, place adjustments, and so forth.) and referred to as out one prospect nonetheless flying below the radar exterior the highest 5.

Let’s take an early take a look at every place group within the 2026 class, beginning with quarterback. Word: Some prospects are listed below completely different positions for various analysts.

Soar to a place:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C
Edge | DT | LB | CB | S

Quarterback

Miller’s high 5

1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
2. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
3. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
5. Drew Allar, Penn State

Reid’s high 5

1. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
2. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
3. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
4. Drew Allar, Penn State
5. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Hardest participant to rank: Allar. Each quarterback on this class is hard to rank, however Penn State’s passer is the hardest. He flashes brilliance with an enormous arm and good mobility for his 6-foot-5, 238-pound measurement, however his decision-making may be very hit-or-miss, particularly in opposition to high opponents. His means to wash up psychological errors will decide the place his inventory goes as a senior. Allar may very well be the highest QB within the class … or slip to Day 3. — Miller

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: John Mateer, Oklahoma. Mateer has the makings of a riser. He broke out final season at Washington State, passing for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and solely seven interceptions, whereas additionally dashing for 826 yards and 15 scores. He’ll get an opportunity to carry out on a much bigger stage after transferring to Oklahoma. If Mateer excels in opposition to the SEC — together with a Week 2 nonconference recreation in opposition to Michigan — his inventory will rise shortly. — Reid

Working again

Miller’s high 5

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. CJ Baxter, Texas
3. Makhi Hughes, Oregon
4. Kaytron Allen, Penn State
5. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State

Reid’s high 5

1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
2. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
3. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest
4. Quintrevion Wisner, Texas
5. Jonah Coleman, Washington

Hardest participant to rank: Baxter. The redshirt sophomore returns after lacking the 2024 season with a torn proper ACL. Though he’ll be recent, can he recapture the shape that allowed him to hurry for 659 yards and 5 touchdowns as a real freshman in 2023? He’ll share carries with Wisner, who rushed for 1,064 yards final season, which might create an fascinating dynamic. — Miller

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma. Ott entered final season with appreciable 2025 draft buzz after dashing for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns at Cal in 2023. However his 2024 marketing campaign was spoiled by a Week 1 proper ankle harm that lingered the whole season, holding him to 385 yards and 4 touchdowns. Ott has since transferred to Oklahoma and is trying to bounce again as a senior. — Reid

play

Cal stuns Miami with a 66-yard TD on 4th-and-1

Cal dials up an ideal blitz-beater as Fernando Mendoza finds Jaydn Ott for a 66-yard landing.

Vast receiver

Miller’s high 5

1. Antonio Williams, Clemson
2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
3. Eric Singleton Jr., Georgia Tech
4. Denzel Boston, Washington
5. Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Reid’s high 5

1. Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
3. Antonio Williams, Clemson
4. Carnell Tate, Ohio State
5. Denzel Boston, Washington

Hardest participant to rank: Lane. I’ve the 6-4, 195-pound redshirt sophomore ranked increased than everybody and can proceed to reside on that island. However he’s a polarizing prospect who has many scouts needing to see extra. Regardless of 12 touchdowns final season, Lane had solely 528 receiving yards and was held beneath 50 yards in eight of USC’s 13 video games. There is not a real WR1 on this class but, so, with a bit extra consistency, Lane has the chance to rise and be the primary receiver off the board. — Reid

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Elijah Sarratt, Indiana. The 6-2, 210-pound Sarratt has massive breakout potential, particularly with quarterback Fernando Mendoza transferring in from Cal. Sarratt had 53 catches for 987 yards and eight touchdowns final season and matches the mould of Texans star receiver Nico Collins, with wonderful physique positioning and difficult palms in visitors. — Miller

Tight finish

Miller’s high 5

1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
2. Jack Endries, Texas
3. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
4. Max Klare, Ohio State
5. Joe Royer, Cincinnati

Reid’s high 5

1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
2. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
3. Max Klare, Ohio State
4. Jack Endries, Texas
5. Joe Royer, Cincinnati

Hardest participant to rank: Sadiq. His touches have been restricted final season behind eventual second-round choose Terrance Ferguson, with Sadiq ending with 24 catches for 308 yards and two touchdowns. However he confirmed glimpses of his potential, most notably his route working and his motion expertise after the catch. With Ferguson off to the NFL and main returning receiver Evan Stewart doubtless out for the season with a knee harm, Sadiq will step right into a marquee function. — Reid

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Luke Hasz, Ole Miss. Hasz transferred from Arkansas within the offseason and can play in a way more TE-friendly offense at Ole Miss. Hasz had massive moments for the Razorbacks, however inconsistent quarterback play and an unproductive scheme made it straightforward for opposing defenses to key on him. Will probably be enjoyable to see what performs Lane Kiffin devises to get Hasz open. — Miller

Offensive sort out

Miller’s high 5

1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami
2. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
3. Austin Barber, Florida
4. Spencer Fano, Utah
5. Caleb Lomu, Utah

Reid’s high 5

1. Spencer Fano, Utah
2. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
3. Isaiah World, Oregon
4. Caleb Lomu, Utah
5. Drew Shelton, Penn State

Hardest participant to rank: Proctor. There are blended emotions concerning the 6-7, 360-pound junior. On one hand, he is a large sort out prospect with otherworldly blocking energy. However his moments of brilliance are countered by loads of disappointing stretches. He tends to drift in opposition to lesser competitors, dropping consideration to element and never utilizing his energy benefit. Scouts need to see extra consistency from Proctor in 2025, and lots of consider he generally is a top-15 choose if he reveals it. — Reid

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame. I had a reasonably robust time retaining Wagner out of my high 5 after he performed a really sturdy 16 video games in 2024. The 6-6, 293-pound junior proper sort out flourished as a run blocker, with superior agility and consciousness in area. He has the prospect to shoot up draft boards if his second season as a full-time starter is pretty much as good as his first. — Miller

Guard

Miller’s high 5

1. Cayden Inexperienced, Missouri
2. Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
3. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
4. Joshua Braun, Arkansas
5. Davion Carter, Texas Tech

Reid’s high 5

1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami
2. Cayden Inexperienced, Missouri
3. Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
4. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
5. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

Hardest participant to rank: Roberts. After a powerful 2023 marketing campaign, Roberts entered 2024 with top-75 hype for the 2025 draft. However his play slipped final season, so he’s again at Alabama. Was it the scheme change from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer that brought about Roberts’ points, or was it one thing else? He has potential to be a high guard prospect, however which participant will present up this season? — Miller

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: DJ Campbell, Texas. Campbell is the Longhorns’ solely returning inside starter and is predicted to take a much bigger function in 2025. He began all 16 video games final season and excelled as a run blocker resulting from his energy on the level of assault. He must proceed to enhance his method and hand timing in cross safety. If he does that, he might stand up the guard rankings. — Reid

Middle

Miller’s high 5

1. Jake Slaughter, Florida
2. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
3. Logan Jones, Iowa
4. Connor Tollison, Missouri
5. Pat Coogan, Indiana

Reid’s high 5

1. Connor Lew, Auburn
2. Jake Slaughter, Florida
3. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
4. Logan Jones, Iowa
5. Connor Tollison, Missouri

Hardest participant to rank: Tollison. Regardless of getting Day 2 grades from scouts I’ve talked to, Tollison determined to return for his senior season. He fell off a bit towards the top of final season resulting from a knee harm. Though the 2026 heart class seems to be deep, Tollison is a participant to observe — particularly if he returns to his pre-injury kind. He has began 35 video games, with each snap coming at heart. — Reid

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Bryce Foster, Kansas. Foster made an enormous leap in 2024, which leads me to consider that there is much more to return in 2025. The 6-5 330-pounder is a mauler within the run recreation with the agility to make blocks in area. Do not be shocked to see him paving the best way for now-healthy quarterback Jalon Daniels, incomes postseason awards and transferring up draft boards. — Miller

Edge rusher

Miller’s high 5

1. T.J. Parker, Clemson
2. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
4. David Bailey, Texas Tech
5. Patrick Payton, LSU

Reid’s high 5

1. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
2. T.J. Parker, Clemson
3. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
4. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
5. Gabe Jacas, Illinois

Hardest participant to rank: Payton. After an excellent 2023 season at Florida State, 6-5, 250-pound Payton entered final season with All-American hype. However his season mimicked the Seminoles’ disappointment as his sack whole fell from seven to 4. Payton — whose flashes remind a lot of Giants edge rusher Brian Burns — has the potential to get again on monitor at LSU. If he does, massive issues are doable. — Miller

play

Flashback: Patrick Payton tallies 3 sacks in FSU’s win

Look again at new LSU switch Patrick Payton’s finest recreation of the season in Florida State’s win over California.

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Cashius Howell, Texas A&M. The Bowling Inexperienced switch needed to wait his flip in 2024 behind Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton. However with each of these guys now within the NFL, it is Howell’s flip to steer the Aggies’ defensive entrance. He supplied a glimpse of his potential in his solely begin final season, with 5 tackles, a sack and an interception within the Las Vegas Bowl. Persevering with that manufacturing would put Howell among the many high gamers in one other loaded group of edge rushers. — Reid

Defensive sort out

Miller’s high 5

1. Peter Woods, Clemson
2. Tim Keenan III, Alabama
3. Keanu Tanuvasa, BYU
4. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
5. Zane Durant, Penn State

Reid’s high 5

1. Peter Woods, Clemson
2. Caleb Banks, Florida
3. Christen Miller, Georgia
4. Zane Durant, Penn State
5. Tim Keenan III, Alabama

Hardest participant to rank: Banks. The 6-6 325-pounder completed final season on a sizzling streak, with 3.5 sacks in his last two video games. Banks is a quick-footed inside defender with energy and hand quickness on the level of assault. Florida’s protection needs to be improved, and Banks is a crucial first-level a part of that unit. He has first-round potential, however he might want to keep wholesome and construct on his quick 2024 end. — Reid

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan. One other 12 months, one other Wolverines defensive lineman to observe. The 6-4, 296-pound Benny will likely be tasked with changing first-rounder Mason Graham. The fifth-year senior had just one.5 sacks final season as a rotational participant however has breakout potential. He ended the season enjoying his finest ball, sharing Massive Ten Defensive Participant of the Week honors after serving to Michigan upset Ohio State. — Miller

Linebacker

Miller’s high 5

1. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
2. CJ Allen, Georgia
3. Deontae Lawson, Alabama
4. Whit Weeks, LSU
5. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU

Reid’s high 5

1. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
2. CJ Allen, Georgia
3. Whit Weeks, LSU
4. Deontae Lawson, Alabama
5. Sonny Types, Ohio State

Hardest participant to rank: Perkins. If it feels as if the 6-1 220-pounder has been on these lists for 3 years, properly … he has. He is a gifted dual-threat defender able to dashing the passer and enjoying off the ball, however he missed the ultimate 9 video games of 2024 after struggling a torn ACL. Perkins is among the most fun gamers within the nation when wholesome, however measurement issues and an absence of an outlined function make him a troublesome eval. — Miller

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss. I am becoming a member of Matt on the Perkins practice, albeit a distinct one. The Ole Miss Perkins was some of the explosive gamers within the nation, recording 10.5 sacks final season. With three Rebels defensive linemen drafted in April, Perkins will doubtless be used as an edge defender once more, however his 6-1, 210-pound body makes it unlikely that he’ll play edge within the NFL. Scouts need him to achieve weight and play extra snaps in an off-ball linebacker function, which is able to doubtless be his place on the subsequent stage. — Reid

Cornerback

Miller’s high 5

1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
2. Avieon Terrell, Clemson
3. Malik Muhammad, Texas
4. Chandler Rivers, Duke
5. D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana

Reid’s high 5

1. A.J. Harris, Penn State
2. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
3. DJ McKinney, Colorado
4. Avieon Terrell, Clemson
5. Malik Muhammad, Texas

Hardest participant to rank: McCoy. The Oregon State switch thrived in his first season with the Vols, intercepting 4 passes and looking out just like the CB1 of a robust 2026 nook class. However he suffered a torn ACL throughout a January coaching session, placing his standing for the 2025 season unsure. Can McCoy return to the sector this season, and the way would he carry out if he does? — Reid

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Josh Moten, Southern Miss. I actually needed to get Moten into my high 5, and I’d achieve this in my preseason rerank. He started his profession at Texas A&M earlier than transferring to Marshall, the place he had 5 interceptions final season. Moten is now at Southern Miss, transferring with new Golden Eagles coach Charles Huff. At 164 kilos, there are questions on Moten’s measurement, however he can flat-out cowl and assault the ball. — Miller

Security

Miller’s high 5

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State
2. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
3. Kamari Ramsey, USC
4. Michael Taaffe, Texas
5. Rod Moore, Michigan

Reid’s high 5

1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State
2. Kamari Ramsey, USC
3. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
4. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
5. Tao Johnson, Utah

Hardest participant to rank: Moore. The fifth-year senior missed final season after struggling a torn ACL within the spring of 2024. If he can return to his earlier stage of play (six mixed interceptions in 2022-23), that is an enormous win for the Michigan protection and will push Moore close to the highest of the security class. However scouts are in wait-and-see mode as he returns from harm. — Miller

Participant exterior of the highest 5 to observe: Keon Sabb, Alabama. After serving as a reserve on Michigan’s nationwide championship protection in 2023, Sabb transferred to Alabama and began final season with a flourish. However after grabbing two interceptions in his first seven video games, he suffered a damaged foot that needed to be surgically repaired. He ought to begin once more at free security as a rangy, instinctive ball hawk who generates turnovers. — Reid