Every draft class is different, and as the 2026 NFL Draft takes shape, the football world is getting acclimated to what looks like a very intriguing cast of characters.
The quarterback class has several talented prospects and even more storylines. While the early returns in Week 1 were worrisome, to say the least, there figures to be little consensus. In a pick-your-flavor class, the crop feels like 2018 (perhaps with less top-end talent). Elsewhere, the offensive tackle class looks phenomenal, and there are enough edge rushers for every pressure-needy team to take a swing.
Stacking those prospects, though, has proven to be more difficult. The coming months will give us plenty to examine, but in the meantime, here's an early look at my 2026 big board.
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NFL Draft Big Board 2026: Top 40 player rankings
1. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-2, 315 pounds)
Woods is the best player in the class, in many ways resembling 2019 No. 3 pick Quinnen Williams. His measurables check the box, he boasts elite athleticism and he plays a valuable position.
Headlining a talented defensive line, Woods is already elite against the run. As a pass rusher, his explosiveness and violent hands are ingredients for upside. I'm all in on Woods being the first non-quarterback taken in April.
2. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (5-11, 205 pounds)
As a safety, Downs is bound to see his stock dampened by positional value. As a talent, though, he's the final blue-chip prospect in this class.
Downs is an exceptional processor whose versatility will be optimized by Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. He's a dynamic athlete who can take on a variety of coverage roles, and he's physical enough to compete against the run. If he falls out of the top 10, some team will be sprinting to the podium.
3. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-5, 270 pounds)
In a first round filled with promising edge rushers, Faulk's proximity to being the whole package tops the position. He is an awesome run defender whose size and power continuously make an impact. As a pass-rusher, a balanced blend of near-elite athletic traits complements polished technique.
This is a high-floor, high-ceiling pass rusher with multiple paths to winning on Sundays.
4. Arch Manning, QB, Texas (6-3, 216 pounds)
It took one week for Manning to make the preseason hype look silly, but large error bars were always a part of this equation. Just two starts last season meant his 2025 campaign could swing wildly in either direction, and there's no shame in readjusting the rankings if he continues to struggle.
Against lesser competition last year, Manning looked incredible. The tools are still there, and as he grows more comfortable, I expect him to bounce back in future opportunities against high-level opponents.
MORE: Arch Manning 2026 scouting report: Is it too early for QB1 talks?
5. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-5, 308 pounds)
There is little use in predicting how these tackles will fall in Round 1, nor is there much value in trying to separate them. With that said, Fano's polish and well-rounded game give him an edge.
Fano is an NFL-caliber blocker in both phases with strong athleticism. He mitigates his losses well, is scheme-diverse and has experience at both tackle spots.
6. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-6, 360 pounds)
Proctor entered the season as the highest-profile lineman in the class. His mass stands out, but he has a strong feel for technique, too.
I have little doubt about his ability to test well during the pre-draft circuit, but ensuring his functional athleticism easily clears the line that bigger linemen toe will be the key to maintaining his stock.
MORE: Kadyn Proctor NFL Draft scouting report makes case for another first-round Alabama tackle
7. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 180 pounds)
Terrell's visible confidence makes him one of the most enticing prospects in this class. He's consistently around the football, is great at the catch point and is comfortable in both man and zone.
Terrell lacks top-end speed, and he isn't the biggest boundary corner. Even so, he's excellent against the run and has more than enough burst to make plays at the next level.
8. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-5, 315 pounds)
Mauigoa is arguably the best run blocker in this class. His pass protection isn't as polished, although his athleticism and raw power lend themselves to upside at the next level.
9. Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn (6-5, 338 pounds)
Chaplin is custom-built to annihilate fast, bendy edge rushers. His combination of mass, length and athleticism makes him one of the best pass protectors in this class. He isn't quite as proficient in the ground game, but it's not a stock-sinking liability by any means.
10. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-2, 275 pounds)
Scouts who liked Shemar Stewart last season are bound to be in on Bain. He's a great athlete (which he confirmed in Week 1 after last year's injury), effective against the run and has the size to moonlight inside when necessary,
His ability to win with speed-to-power is impressive, and his hand usage is similarly promising. It's easy to see him improving his stock this season, even starting so high.
11. Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson (6-2, 210 pounds)
Klubnik didn't have the best start to his season, struggling under consistent pressure at the hands of the LSU defense. He still has real questions to answer when the pocket collapses and he's forced out of structure.
Yet, Klubnik's accuracy downfield is enticing, and he has enough tools to make plays in and out of structure. His sense of timing is good enough to keep an offense on track, and he avoids sacks well.
Both of those traits bode well for early-career success.
MORE: Cade Klubnik 2026 scouting report: Clemson could have another No. 1 pick
12. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (5-10, 193 pounds)
McCoy is the consensus CB1, for good reason. His burst headlines an above-average athletic profile, and he has a strong feel for man, zone and match concepts. McCoy's ability to eliminate vertical threats in press coverage is one of the more exciting individual traits in this year's class.
13. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-1, 195 pounds)
Like McCoy, Tyson is the early favorite to be the first prospect taken at his position. He's an easy separator with a knack for blocking well, and his flashes of body control and after-the-catch prowess are a lot of fun.
I like him more in the slot, where he can get square with opposing nickel corners and find both vertical and horizontal separation. Tyson can play each receiver spot, and with some added physicality in 2025, he could lock in his spot atop most receiver rankings.
14. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-5, 308 pounds)
Lomu is still a first-round prospect -- quality pass protection is scarce in today's game. However, few early-round lineman have such a delta between their pass protection and run blocking.
Fano's partner in crime is excellent against oncoming edge rushers. He answers questions about his anchor with hand usage and high-level athleticism that will make a team fall in love.
15. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas (6-2, 239 pounds)
Hill's floor is the driving force in his stock, rather than the sky-high upside that defines other prospects. Even so, there's enough in Hill's profile to get excited about.
Hill is a quick processor who is disciplined and physical against the run. There is some refinement to unlock in coverage, but his positioning is good, and he has above-average athleticism.
16. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-3, 235 pounds)
Styles is the kind of Feldman's Freaks List prospect that dominates the pre-draft circuit. He might dominate the college football season, too.
The former safety is physical enough to rush the passer on occasion. More frequently, he's flying around the middle of the field and making plays in the passing game. He'll have to clean up his missed tackle rate to lock in Round 1 draft capital.
17. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6-1, 200 pounds)
Nussmeier is the most pro-ready quarterback in this class, and he looked like it against Clemson. His pre-snap prowess is exceptional, but it's his ability to make more plays out of structure than his tools suggest that has me intrigued.
Unlocking upside will be the key to his stock. As far as projecting like a league-average quarterback, though, Nussmeier is the safest bet this crop can offer.
MORE: Garrett Nussmeier scouting report: LSU's passer primed to explode
18. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-4, 225 pounds)
If a mad scientist combined the best parts of Dak Prescott and the worst parts of Sam Darnold, the resulting embryo might grow up to look like Fernando Mendoza. He's a big-game hunter who processes well and has the arm strength to capitalize on his aggression. He also takes too many sacks, can get erratic in the pocket and struggles to avoid risky throws out of structure.
The upside has me hooked, and he isn't quite as raw as the second-round passers on my board. Looking the part against intimidating Big Ten defenses will be imperative in 2025.
19. Connor Lew, iOL, Auburn (6-3, 300 pounds)
Lew looks like the best true center in this class, given his track record of SEC success and strong showing in Week 1. His footwork is his best trait, and Lew's hand usage completes an awesome technical profile.
With starter-level traits in the passing and ground games, Lew is a Day 1 starter whose frame and athleticism check the necessary boxes for early investment.
20. Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (6-3, 305 pounds)
Miller is an instant difference-maker against the run. Even without true top-end size, Miller's anchor is impressive. He's scheme-diverse and versatile with the quickness, hand usage and power to inspire confidence in his growth as a pass rusher.
21. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (6-0, 207 pounds)
Thieneman is an explosive defensive back who can take on a variety of coverage assignments. He's at his best in half-field and underneath coverages, but he can carry crossers in man and take the occasional centerfield rep.
Thieneman's ability to take on linemen against the run is helpful and rounds out his profile. He's dutiful in that regard, and his between-the-tackles angles elevate his floor.
22. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-3, 265 pounds)
Parker has a narrower range of projections than some of his toolsy, unrefined peers. He wins with speed to power, can stay on the field against the run and is developing a deeper bag of pass-rush moves. Each of those is encouraging, and he seems like a near-lock for Round 1.
However, Parker's worst games came against NFL competition, and his lackluster performance against Texas has lingered. He didn't erase those concerns against LSU, and until he shows out against the best teams on his schedule, Parker will remain behind the class's top defenders.
23. LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6-4, 280 pounds)
Overton epitomizes the "base end" archetype in this class. He makes his biggest impact on early downs, keeping four-man fronts viable against the run. If the 2025 NFL Draft was a sign of things to come, his skill set will be valued by the NFL.
As a pass rusher, his ability to convert speed to power is promising, but the bend, burst and counters that complete his profile are primary areas of development this season.
24. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-2, 235 pounds)
Sadiq is the first true second-round grade on my board, but that won't keep him out of the Round 1 conversation. His frame and athleticism resemble a slot receiver, and Oregon isn't afraid to use him like a real one. He's taken carries, been targeted downfield and emerged as a frequent option on screen passes.
Sadiq's ability to block is the defining question of his profile. Despite his size, his competitive toughness has allowed him to toe that line.
25. Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State (6-0, 220 pounds)
Singleton isn't a favorite to go in Round 1 just yet. However, he has prototypical size, the speed to hit home runs and a quality blend of vision and footwork. He's an easy projection and does enough on passing downs to earn the playing time necessary for such an investment.
26. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina (6-2, 240 pounds)
Sellers has a real chance to be the top player on my board by the end of the season. He's a true work in progress who showed flashes of nuance in 2024 and has a ton of runway for development.
His size and athleticism make him nearly impossible to sack, and his ability to create explosives out of thin air covers for a lot of flaws. Operating consistently and on schedule within structure remains the biggest hurdle left to clear. Simply put, there is no player with more physical talent in this class.
27. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)
Love offers an exciting blend of speed, burst and agility that makes him hard to tackle in the open field. He does a good job of maximizing yardage on his runs, even without elite size, and the polished nature of his game has made him a consensus top-10 prospect.
A little more passing-game work would help ensure he can earn first-round capital, but there's certainly a lot to like. His contact balance exceeds his frame, too. Like Singleton, positional value is the biggest limiting factor in his profile. With a big enough season, it might not matter what position he plays.
28. Jake Slaughter, iOL, Florida (6-4, 294 pounds)
Slaughter has some questions to answer in pass protection, especially without elite size. However, he's pro-ready in the run game and can flourish in a zone-heavy rushing attack. Slaughter can shift to guard if necessary, making him schematically and positionally versatile.
29. Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 195 pounds)
There are a handful of late-first, early-to-mid-second-round receivers in this class. Frankly, how they stack up is more about the preferences of the evaluator than their respective skill sets. Lemon piques my interest as a strong separator with great athleticism.
There are questions about his physicality. He may ultimately be limited to the slot. Even so, he can make an impact at multiple levels, especially with the ball in his hands, and his route running provides plenty of ways to earn targets.
30. C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6-1, 235 pounds)
Loving "real ball" and loving Allen are one in the same. He's a bit undersized, but he plays the run exceptionally well, balancing discipline and aggression. Allen is a strong processor and an excellent tackler with the speed to pursue effectively to the boundary.
That athleticism doesn't translate quite as well to coverage. He's less polished in that regard, especially when flipping his hips. Playing in his age-20 season, there's time for him to mitigate those concerns.
31. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6-3, 209 pounds)
Boston separates well underneath and has enough speed to threaten downfield (even if it isn't elite). He has strong hands and excellent fluidity, and there are ingredients for him to develop into a better route runner. He might be more of a Robin than a Batman in an NFL receiver corps, but his consistency and multi-level impact bode well for his stock.
32. Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (5-10, 190 pounds)
Williams' athleticism is his best trait. His burst stands out, he changes direction quickly and he has the agility to evade tacklers in the open field. His speed helps beat corners off the line of scrimmage, and he has a diverse release package as well.
Yet, Williams wasn't overly productive in 2024, posting mediocre per-route and after-the-catch numbers. He doesn't have a dominant aspect of his game, and a pesky drop problem limited him last season. Williams has the separation skills to threaten downfield and earn underneath targets, but there's work to be done to earn Round 1 capital.
33. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State (6-4, 236 pounds)
Allar has plenty of tools to launch himself into Round 1. He's fast enough to find explosives and big enough to muscle his way out of sacks. He can make any throw and does a good job of limiting turnovers.
He still needs to grow comfortable in the pocket, which might be tricky without high-level twitchiness. His inexperience made itself known at times, but another season of snaps under his belt could provide him with the ammo to impress NFL decision-makers.
MORE: Ranking the best quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft
34. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State (6-4, 265 pounds)
Dennis-Sutton is filling the shoes of a Nittany Lion legend, and while the "generational" tag isn't being thrown around, he has the pass-rushing ingredients to earn Penn State another first-round prospect.
Dennis-Sutton has the size to stick on early downs, and there's real upside in his profile. He's long, dense and capable of using his power to win against NFL tackles in both phases.
35. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 191 pounds)
Tate's development has the potential to be a major inflection point for this receiver class. He has the frame and speed to threaten downfield and take snaps as a team's primary X receiver. He's a smooth route runner and, as he showed against Texas, has hands capable of making the big play.
He'll need to be more physical this season, both as a blocker and receiver. Improving his abilities after the catch would also help his stock. In either event, Tate will hope to become a more complete receiver in 2025.
36. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-6, 329 pounds)
Early-round interior defensive linemen can be hard to come by. When they profile as run-first defenders with limited sack production, making the case for significant draft capital is even more difficult. However, Banks is a polished run stuffer who has made a home in the B gap, despite also having a path to playing nose tackle.
He's explosive for his size and continues to post good win rates as a pass rusher, inspiring optimism, even if it's never on the front page of his game. Banks is reminiscent of Carolina Panthers tackle Derrick Brown, who has lived up to his price without a five-sack season to his name.
37. Jalon Kilgore, CB, South Carolina (6-1, 211 pounds)
Kilgore is bound to earn first-round hype with his blend of ball production and versatility. Yet, an uncertain projection clouds his stock. It isn't immediately clear whether he'll play slot corner or box safety at the next level. To some extent, that's a referendum on his limitations.
Kilgore excels in underneath zones, where he processes well and has the short-area athleticism to make plays. He is quick to the boundary when necessary and can win close to the line of scrimmage against slot receivers. Kilgore is adequate against the run, but isn't as physical as most true box safeties.
Ultimately, a lack of elite speed and foot quickness makes his development in man coverage the most important piece of his profile.
38. Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State (6-1, 210 pounds)
Leavitt isn't a finished product, but he left a lot for evaluators to like on tape, especially during the College Football Playoff. The tools are evident, especially on the ground, where his explosiveness stands out as a rushing threat. He routinely makes plays out of structure and does so without sacrificing ball security.
Becoming more consistent in the pocket and operating on time will be necessary to pave a path to Round 1. Intangible development is key and certainly not out of the question.
39. Max Klare, TE, Ohio State (6-4, 236 pounds)
Klare comes with Big Ten pedigree, a productive 2024 campaign and a ton of hype entering the season. He's at his best beating zones over the middle of the field, and his combination of burst and agility makes him dangerous with the ball in his hands.
With little impact as a blocker, he's inherently limited, and one would expect him to be a more dynamic playmaker from the slot. I don't see the upside required to take him in Round 1, although his consistency around the sticks will warrant real draft capital.
40. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-3, 250 pounds)
Bailey is bound to be one of the most polarizing players in the class. He projects as a strictly rotational player, locked into a passing-down role because of his immense struggles against the run. And yet, he's shown enough as a pass rusher for a team to fall in love.
Bailey has elite bend and a strong athletic profile. He complements it with a good feel for hand usage, and his power exceeds his 250-pound frame. The ingredients are there for a superstar pass rusher, and if there is any real development on early downs, he'll hear his name called on Day 1.
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