2026 Draft Board

While every draft is different, drafts average 5-7 quality starters or better per year (defining “quality starter” as 70th percentile value which would cut off around players like Zyon McCollum, Brandon Stephens, and Kyler Gordon) – as context, quality starters typically come from the top ~75 picks

Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
He reminds me of Will Johnson – both incredibly smooth in coverage, both had some concerns on long speed and injuries. He has incredible short area quickness and fluidity and one of the rare guys that is good in both man and zone. He did have a tough day vs. Jeremiah Smith in 2024 but most do. I didn’t see speed issues show up and I’ll take his stickiness in coverage. If he drops for some reason, you take him.

Mansoor Delane, LSU
Smooth, very good (and willing) tackler. Stays attached to receivers although one (small) complaint is he does it often with hands. Very good in press man, think he’s better there than zone. It’s a small difference between McCoy and Delane and I wouldn’t argue if you had them flipped, but I give McCoy a slight edge in natural corner movement, connectivity to receivers, and a bit more aggressiveness.

Malik Muhammad, Texas
Plays a ton of zone at Texas but you can find decent man games (Michigan 2024) where he looks very good – consistently gives up nothing after the catch, sticky with receivers and has above average burst. Love that he consistently turns his head to the ball and reads receiver well. Lot of good examples of him passing off receivers in zone where he plays smart. Not the most physically imposing guy in run game but also in routes (couple of catches against Carnell Tate where Tate’s physicality won). I like Malik a lot.

Colton Hood, Tennessee
He’s aggressive and runs well. I like him in press, he’s around the receiver all the time, and tackles well. His movement isn’t quite as fluid as most will give him and he doesn’t get his head turned around consistently enough (UGA touchdown he gave up right after the deep sideline throw where I don’t know how he wasn’t called for DPI). Better games vs. weaker opponents. Also at times won’t look immediate in zone choices (Zachariah Branch TD). I am guessing he will be a fast but not quick tester – I didn’t see explosive downhill burst in off coverage which may be his biggest issue. On rewatch he is a guy I lowered as he is a higher variance pick.

Avieon Terrell, Clemson
He has the speed, the hips, the feet, and the competitiveness. He’s better in man (and off man with the ball in front of him) than zone where he is good but can look hesitant at times. He will pursue everybody, lot of snaps where he ends up on the other side of the field. My issue is his size – he is listed at 5’11” and 180 lbs but seems smaller, especially at the catch point. He’s a willing run defender but often needs help and while around the ball. Lot to like but could see his size getting exposed in the NFL. Others will have him higher than me which is fine, but I think he’s a slot and as a slot, you better tackle well and he doesn’t when 1-on-1 (and this shows up in his YAC allowed which isn’t great).

Kelley Jones, Mississippi St – *RETURNING TO SCHOOL
If you follow me, you know I don’t love tall corners… at a reported 6’4″, Kelley is a rare exception. He has a suddeness few at his size have, he changes direction well, and has good speed. He is willing tackling but it’s not a strength. My biggest issues are he doesn’t turn his head around enough – when he does, he’s very good but when he doesn’t, he may still succeed due to his length but he also gets very grabby. He’s a redshirt sophomore and he’s a guy that could return for another year.

Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
After round 1, CBs all have flaws and the range of outcomes can be wide – Davison is one who is interesting in a lot of ways but also has a wider than normal range.. He’s fast but has the lack of fluidity that taller corners often will have – he just doesn’t have that smooth CB look, but does get where he needs to be. The main concerns are transition from off-coverage, ability to change direction and stay with receivers on multiple moves. This will scare Eagles fans, but he reminds me of Kelee – he has similar traits and concerns, but Davison is a much better and more playable Kelee.

Chris Johnson, San Diego St
Speed is a concern on film, he does not look capable of carrying faster receivers downfield. Lot of 10-yard off coverage, has good anticipation but average burst. Gets hands on the ball a lot (19% forced incompletion rate). Couple of concerns: long speed, competition level, and interception value. If you narrow into his games against stronger opponents, his numbers shift – 17 receptions on 26 targets, 15 YPC, 6 explosives allowed (23% of targets), 70 YAC, a 90+ passer rating allowed. You will hear his gaudy numbers – a 16 passer rating allowed but lot of that comes from INT value (4 INTs this season) – he plays the ball well and keeps eyes on it, but there are always CBs with a lot of INT value that often gets skewed (Emmanuel Forbes).

Julian Neal, Arkansas
He’s a guy I normally don’t like – probably low to mid 4.5s speed and tall, but I’m going to have him higher than I should. Very good in press, probably the best tackler and run defending CB in this class. Smooth backpedal (he has the typewriter feet you want to see) and hip fluidity, especially for his size. He is adequate in closing from off-man but what he may miss in quickness he makes up for it in physicality at the catch point. Two places you don’t like him is isolated on the goal line where he can allow quick separation and stressed against speed downfield where he won’t turn his head all the time. Went back and watched Nohl Williams last year and there’s a ton of similarities in how they play.

Keionte Scott, Miami
Watching him, you could almost think he’s a LB with how he’s used – despite his reported size (6’0″ 195), he is a nickel, but he plays in the box a ton (27% of snaps, most in this class) and blitzes a ton (83 times, almost 7 times more than the next closest Avieon Terrell). He’s quick, good coverage abilities, listed late R3 right now but probably goes R2 in my opinion. He’s very redundant for what the Eagles have though and just isn’t an outside CB, only playing there last year where he wasn’t good.

Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Good speed but too often gives up separation, either too aggressive or susceptible to double moves / fakes. He’s one of the bigger boom-or-bust corners in this class.

Keith Abney, Arizona State
He will open up early when at the line and lacks closing speed when he needs it – he’s a guy that gives up enough separation for the NFL but gets away with it in college. In off coverage and zone, he will be ok, but I don’t think he survives when needing to play man. Another guy I wanted to like more than I did but think he is just lacking the innate traits.

AJ Harris, Penn St
He’s puzzling – the question you have to answer is are you drafting 2024 AJ or 2025 AJ? His 2024 (where he’s probably a R2 pick) was much better than his 2025 (on 2025 alone, he’s a day 3 pick and it wouldn’t surprise me to me UDFA). I don’t think he had an injury, the one thing I could see was he did play much more zone in 2025 than 2024 and I really don’t like him there – he’s so much better when he has a man to stay with, in zone he often is too far away and too slow to the play. But that isn’t the whole story as he wasn’t as great in man either – he rarely got his hands on the ball and was so often disconnected from his receiver. His pursuit and tackling is good. He’s young, and I think he will test well. But with positions with low hit rates like CB, you have to evaluate how much risk there is a with a pick and there’s a good amount here.

Daylen Everette, UGA
Will just turn 22 after the draft and played 4 years at Georgia. He’s got speed that shows up with ease. He’s known as a zone corner but my concern is he loses track of his man or ball and too often seems to settle in the wrong spot in zone – given 4 years of experience at Georgia, this is concerning given it is supposedly his strength.

Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
Nice in press as he’s physical but in off he lets his WR get to him before moving, he seems to have good but not great speed so he’s usually recovering and can give up separation. Despite good size, he’s almost exclusively played slot.

Will Lee III, Texas A&M
Will be 23 at the draft, doesn’t have the speed for the NFL and when he is required to plant and come back, will have an extra step or two that gives up separation.

Jyaire Hill, Michigan
On paper, he should be interesting with his size, speed, and ability to get hands on the ball. But watching him, he just is a mess tackling (vs. USC it was one after another missed tackle). Has some character concerns in his past. Wouldn’t be a target for Philly.

Damari Brown, Miami
He only has 56 targets in his college career, with over half of the coming in the 2023 season. If you just gloss over his stats, they are impressive – no TDs allowed in two seasons, one of the lowest target and reception rates, but his lack of speed is going to be an issue (VT game). I’m guessing he will be a high 4.5 or low 4.6 guy and they rarely work out.

Arvell Reese, Ohio St
I know he’s listed as an LB and he lines up and rushes more like an LB than an EDGE, but he’ll be drafted by a team as a hybrid and have more impact as an EDGE. Has a 22.3% pressure rate (best in this class), 6.6% sack rate (also best), and 12% run stop rate. He aligns as often as a box defender as on the line and when you watch him on the line, a lot of his pressures are delayed rushes or snaking through gaps, but he’s so fast that it works. His ability to get engage on a block and then disengage to make a play laterally is stunning.

David Bailey, Texas Tech
Explosive and consistently disruptive. Can play a hybrid role, although he has the skills to be full time EDGE. His 22% pressure rate and 18% run stop rate are truly elite numbers that rarely miss in the NFL.

Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
Smaller (240 lb) but has explosiveness and very twitchy. Can win multiple ways. One of the better run defenders in this class due to his discipline and speed. 16% pressure rate and 13% run stop rate.

Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Stocky frame that lacks length, but very effective slipping under OTs, will lose discipline on run containment. Not an EDGE you are dropping into coverage. I like him but remembering the low EDGE hit rates, I worry about his success in the NFL a bit.

Clev Lubin, Louisville – *RETURNING TO SCHOOL
I guess he will return for another year as his current draft projection is too low given his talent. But if he comes out, he should go higher than projected. He won’t be an elite tester, but he has a good initial step, non-stop effort, and very good discipline that benefits him on run defense and containment. Only he and David Bailey are above a 20% pressure rate and only one of four with an above 14% run stop rate.

Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
He’s a smaller EDGE but unlike Nolan Smith (who on film you saw how he could consistently play the EDGE and win there), Cashius is more in the Jalon Walker who could be EDGE or off-ball. He’s really good dropping into coverage and setting an EDGE, disengaging and making a stop. You just don’t see too many true 1-on-1 wins against OTs. I like the player, I don’t love the fit to the Eagles.

Derrick Moore, Michigan
If he had a quicker initial burst, he’d be a R1 EDGE. A larger EDGE at 260+lbs, he has good power which he usually used to win with, but has added good side-stepping to cut inside. Good in coverage when asked to. With a 17.5% pressure rate and 10.4% run stop rate, his production is in the area that projects good pros. He’s not as explosive as Nolan or Jaelan Phillips, but should be a solid EDGE.

Romello Height, Auburn
If he was younger, I would have him higher – he will turn 25 in his rookie year. He’s explosive and you see it – he has the 3rd most quick pressures in college this year behind only David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. He’s smaller and will get greedy at times, losing contain against the run. Likely a DPR but if that’s what you want and don’t care about his age (it’s hard to keep EDGEs past their first contract), he could be good value.

Keldrick Faulk, Auburn
He’s an edge-setting, run defending EDGE that can move inside given his size. At his size you would expect more bull rush but he almost tries ot play like a smaller EDGE – he just isn’t going to give you anything for pass rush (his 9% pressure and 9% run stop rates haven’t projected to the league well). I kept thinking Mykel Williams (who I was also low on last year), the league keeps talking themselves into these profile of EDGEs and they just don’t work out (and definitely not R1 capital that is consensus on Faulk right now).

The best historical projections for TEs to the NFL have been production, development curve, athleticism, ability vs. man coverage, and blocking (plus blocking is great but they just need to not be a liability).

Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
He’s going to test well, is an ex-QB which is probably interesting more than relevant, but he’s one of the few annual TEs that stands out in route running, explosiveness, hands, and production. Can beat man coverage, although I was frustrated with his usage – he would have fit well with Patullo, ton of hitches when you just want to see him running down the seam or an actual route. He’s slight so you are going to struggle with him blocking. His 2.55 YRR is very good and he put numbers up against everybody. Will just turn 23 right before the draft. One issue is there isn’t great history of TEs at 235 lbs that have succeeded. As comparison, he’s probably the TE1 this year but would have graded similar to Arroyo last year.

Max Klare, Ohio St
Better 2024 than 2025 primarily due to usage at Purdue vs. Ohio St. One concern is he generally put up bigger numbers vs. lesser opponents, some concern on his projection to NFL. Average but willing blocker. Good vs. man coverage.

Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
He’s a guy I feel like I am missing something on – I do like him but I absolutely do not get the R1 projections. He was dealing with injuries in 2025 and despite lower numbers in 2024, I thought he was better last year. I keep walking away with “he’s good but not special” and I don’t think he approaches Loveland, Fannin, Warren, Bowers, or LaPorta from recent drafts. Lot of curl routes and you don’t see crispness in routes, he doesn’t excel vs. man coverage, viewed as a good blocker and I think that is an overrate, he will come off blocks too often – he’s not a liability there but not great. Lot of people view him as misused at Oregon and he may be, but with that projection I can’t see him as high as people have him.

Tanner Koziol, Houston
If he had a bit more burst, he’d be TE1 or TE2 in this class. He’s tall (reported 6’7″) and lean which historically isn’t a great thing for TEs. He’s an incredibly dependable chain mover and catches everything – you consistently see him drop into a space in the middle of the field, catch, and turn up field. He’s really good vs. man coverage, one of the better in this class, mostly because he snatches the ball regardless of the coverage. He will invite more contact than he needs and wish he’d use his arm to separate more. He’s not a people-mover as a blocker but doesn’t lose often. Hard to think of a good comp due to his size, but I kept thinking “he’s what people wanted Darnell Washington to be as a playmaker”. He could be the best upside pick in this draft.

Michael Trigg, Baylor
Good speed, adequate blocker but does not sustain blocks consistently enough. Very good after the catch, will break a lot of tackles. Drops can be an issue. Will be 24 right after the draft and some late breakout aspect to him which could be a concern. On film he’s probably a R3 guy, but given age and several character issues, he’s just not draftable for the Eagles.

Oscar Delp, Georgia
Very good blocker, one of best in this class (so far). Biggest question for him is what could he be if he was targeted more? Has good speed, not sure his acceleration / crispness is the same level. Looks to need to be schemed open as I didn’t see him succeed in man often.

Carnell Tate, Ohio St
He will get knocked by some as lacking explosiveness, but he does everything well – he’s the best route runner in this class, he’s big (6’3″), separates, catches everything. He won’t be a YAC generator but he is good anywhere on the field. Will only turn 21 in Jan 2026. To me he is clearly WR1.

KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Will be viewed as a slot, but that’s a disservice as he lines up all over, separates quickly (but needs to do it more consistently). Good speed and has plus elusiveness, has an explosiveness Makai doesn’t. Generates lot of YAC. Put up good numbers vs. everybody. Some added value on punt returns where he was solid. A guy I really can’t find anything to dislike and a guy I would not be surprised if he turned out as the best WR in this class down the road.

Makai Lemon, USC
Gives me such Golden Tate vibes – he’s dangerous with the ball and breaks tackles / forces misses, doesn’t quite have the explosiveness you would expect. Think he will need to be slot only.

Omar Cooper Jr. Indiana
Great hands – he has a couple of catches this year which are highlights and absolute silly, but he catches everything… he had one fewer TD against Indiana St this year (4) than career drops (5) in 164 targets. Good separator, very good with the ball and probably the top 1 or 2 in this class breaking or forcing missed tackles. He has back-to-back 2.5+ YRR years which is noteworthy. This draft has a lot of slots and contested catch guys, Cooper is my favorite after R1 that has the size and ability to play outside (he’s viewed as a slot as that’s where he’s played this year but was almost exclusively an outside WR in 2023-24).

Jordyn Tyson, Arizona St
Incredibly sharp breaks, speed looks good but not special, seems to anticipate contact and go down often (which probably explains a lot of his low YAC). Lot to like, but also a lot of injuries in his past and 2025 looked down from 2024. There’s risk with this pick which is why I have him lower.

Antonio Williams, Clemson
Like his release. Suddenness in breaks, was continually creating separation vs. UGA. Couple tough catches one contested over middle and next over shoulder. Won’t be a great blocker at his size. Catches everything. Also is 4/4 with a 35.8 yard average and perfect pass rating as a passer… He’s probably only a slot and has had some durability issues.

Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Big (reported 6’5″). Deep threat with over half his yards coming from 20+ yards. Not a burner but probably mid 4.4s speed, doesn’t gain as much separation downfield as you would like. Catches everything with only 2 drops this year. Think a slightly bigger Troy Franklin. I like him and his size is tantalizing but I worry about his ability to win in NFL.

Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
He isn’t a good separator and lacks suddenness, but at his size he has the long strides that can build speed and catch radius. There is a bunch to like, it’s just not the type of WR I usually like (and have been very right on some guys like this and absolutely missed in the past). He wouldn’t be a bad complement next to DeVonta and would draft him, just at the right draft capital.

Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
He’s not a separator and not an elite contested catch guy. Limited routes. I don’t see an NFL-winning trait with him.

Chris Bell, Louisville
Lacks explosiveness and an ability to separate – over and over, you see his receptions are crossers where he can run after the catch. Tore his ACL late in 2025 so will be out a lot of rookie season which drops him some.

Blake Miller, Clemson
The best mover in this class, he has quick feet, gets into space, and has the initial lateral quickness to seal off blocks. Over 3500 snaps at right tackle and has been incredibly durable at Clemson. Would like to see a bit better anchor, but uses hands well and plays smart, identifying stunts.

Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Fits very well the Eagles type – big (6’7″ 315 lbs), fluid mover with good feet and can get into space (basketball background which shows), mirrors well against speed. Mostly a LT but does have almost 300 snaps at RT. Only two full years starting and you will see some areas of improvement, but they all fall into the “fixable” box for me – plus pass blocker but run blocking could develop and he could add some strength, technique doesn’t have the “boring same consistent blocking” all the time. I think he could start right away in the NFL.

Max Iheanachor, Arizona St
I’m higher than I should be and there’s clearly projection in my grading. He’s such an Eagles pick – extremely athletic, one of the few OTs in this class with length and quick feet / movement, but needs development. May have the best film vs. David Bailey who is this year’s EDGE1. He needs to develop a better anchor and loses leverage too often, but he’s 6’6″ 330lbs and looks to have great length (reported 34+ inch arms). His backstory is interesting – grew up in Nigeria, played soccer and basketball and didn’t start playing football until 2021. He needs to develop but if you look to draft him, sit him and let him develop under Stoutland for a year, you really could have something.

Trevor Goosby, Texas – *RETURNING TO SCHOOL
He’s young and has a lot of development ahead of him. He’s got the size and length, good broad movement skills, but lacks the quick, small adjustments (which is a lot of the reason for his high penalty rate). Balance issues at times. Underwhelming power at times. All of this could be fixable with his frame though.

Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
He’s tall and light for his size, moves ok, no remarkable trait or skill but solid. Better pass protector than run blocker. 321/2″ arms

Spencer Fano, Utah
Really wanted to be high on him but there’s enough to have some concern on. He has good hands and moves really well in space but doesn’t redirect to stay square on inside / outside moves consistently enough. Anchor looks average. I’m just nowhere near where consensus is on him.

Isaiah World, Oregon
Like him when he is kick stepping to depth and pass blocking… anything else, he leaves a lot to be desired. His power in the run game is lacking, especially given his size and he really isn’t an effective run blocker – you wonder how much this will develop.

Francis Mauigao, Miami
He’s a guy I watched as an OT and really didn’t like, but if you look at him as an OG, you can see where he would fits. He has good power. He doesn’t move well enough for OT, will fail to get deth and will waist bend too often. But if he can focus on the inside, he becomes interesting.

Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
Really great active hands and feet are always moving. Much better pass protector than run defender. Supposedly incredibly strong but don’t see it in run blocking consistently. Only a junior, with some development, he could be a great upside pick.

Brian Parker II, Duke
College OT but he will be a center or guard in the NFL, which is an interesting profile for the Eagles. Technically polished with good hands, timing, and burst. Plays aggressive. Would have flexibility across the itnerior of the OL and obviously has OT experience but his 32 1/4″ arms would be an issue there.

Carter Smith, Indiana – *RETURNING TO SCHOOL
Above average movement, good power, stays balanced, feet always moving. Needs to improve hands and ability to adjust against true NFL-caliber speed rushers, it’s how he is usually beat. Could be quicker handing off blocks. Better pass protector than run blocker, would like to see more displacement in run game. His length and lack of elite adjustment vs. speed make him a guard, especially with the Eagles.

DJ Campbell, Texas
Heavy footed, probably doesn’t meet the athleticism and mobility the Eagles will want. For his size, was surprised seeming moved off his spot so often. Think he’s a guy where the difference when watching against top IDLs is more apparent.

Peter Woods, Clemson
Good first step, will hold his ground and good working down the line. Very often near a play but rarely making it, mostly because he isn’t a great tackler and will get off balance. Isn’t going to win with power. Has a 4% pressure rate which is concerning given his run defense is good not great.

Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Simple, one dimensional NT, holds up his space better than most in this class, reliable tackler. Will be a below average athlete, you are only getting run defense and he is reliable there.

Kayden McDonald, Ohio St
The only one (so far) in this class I can see as an effective gap-and-a-half defender, but you still see his impact limited. Looked very different against future pros (Vega Ioane).

Christen Miller, Georgia
Often pretty slow off the snap, average burst, holds up on blocks including doubles which makes him a good run defender. Doesn’t have a ton of pass rush upside.

Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
He’s another smaller DT, he will test very well for DTs I believe as his explosiveness and speed show. His power is below average and wins with pursuit and speed throw gaps. One of better pressure rates among DTs.

Skyler Gill-Howard, Texas Tech
Good first step and but he looks small – really small – out there. Reported 6’1″ and 290 lbs, he looks smaller than that. Not going to win with power, but he generally doesn’t give up ground, effectively holding his space with good run stop numbers. If he wins, it’s with lateral speed past an interior guy.

Albert Regis, Texas A&M
For a NT, he doesn’t consistently hold his ground, especially against doubles, and is moved back or turned sideways way too often – this shows up with his 2.9 average depth of tackle (which isn’t good). Another shorter guy at 6’1″

Caleb Downs, Ohio St
Not much to say, in a year where even for the strong position groups there aren’t elite prospects, Downs is one. He’s awesome and a prototype for Vic’s defenses, but none of it will matter with how high he goes. Speed, range, can rotate coverage and play anywhere, amazing instincts.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
This would be fun to pair another Toledo guy in the backfield… Great range, glides in movement, crazy 33% force incompletion rate. If you had an issue, it’s just that he was rarely targeted so there aren’t a lot of pure coverage snaps to watch.

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
He may be the only real NFL QB prospect in this class. One of only that is very good under pressure which typically translates to NFL. Good arm talent, strong in pocket, not a dual-threat guy. 2nd best EPA vs. P4 opponents.

Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Needs an RPO offense, not as effective when just dropping back. Fast, gambles but makes plays. Not sure his reads are where they need to be yet. Still only 22 years old. Has an insane fumble rate on runs (9%). Could have more upside than Mendoza but also way more risk.

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
He’s small (listed at 6’0″) which will bring normal challenges, but he has consistently put up big numbers in the SEC. With Mendoza, probably the only other QB good under pressure – he put up a silly 9.3% big time throw rate under pressure vs. an only 1% turnover worth play rate, along with an 88 passer rating. Mobile and an exceptional playmaker. He’s projected mid day 3 but I’d take him over most of the guys ranked ahead of him.

Ty Simpson, Alabama
Has not declared year and I think he’d be making a mistake not returning for another year – he only has 525 career pass attempts, almost all this year.

Cole Payton, North Dakota St
NDSU has several NFL QBs and none have been great (Wentz is the most successful obviously but was only good for a couple of years), so you have to grade Cole on a curve. But I think he’s pretty interesting compared to them. First, he’s a better dual threat. Second, he is really good under pressure (which I think is one of the most translatable skills to the NFL). There’s some projection here but his ceiling is better than several of the top-rated guys. And at worst, you have an interesting backup.

Drew Allar, Penn St
Yes, he’s got an NFL arm and he’s still young (still 21, will turn 22 right before the draft). But he makes a lot of questionable throws and he’s not good under pressure. His numbers noticeably dropped against good opponents, it’s hard to point to a marquee game of his.

Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Coverage LB with good route recognition, will play WILL due to his size, but plays physical. Good run defender, tackling could improve.

Taurean York, Texas A&M
Another undersized guy and will get knocked for it, but he plays bigger (and his measurements are almost exactly Nick Bolton’s numbers). Good in coverage, good instincts, and solid tackler.