NFL Trade Rumors
On the eve of the 2025 NFL season kicking off, I’ve updated my top 50 big board for the 2026 NFL draft. This comes on the heels of a summer spent watching almost 150 players in preparation.
These rankings are sure to change as the season plays out, and I’m sure there will be plenty of chatter about what needs to change already, even after just one week. The vast majority of the scouting work here was done prior to Week 1 of the college football season this weekend, and already there will be adjustments addressed in future articles to capture college football’s standouts.
This board includes some basic information on each prospect, including measurables, recruiting pedigree, transfer history and 2024 stats, followed by a brief scouting report for each prospect. This one’s a long one, so without further ado, let’s jump right in:
A five-star high school recruit and the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Bain exploded onto the scene as a freshman. He had 44 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and a pass defensed that year, announcing himself on the national stage. Unfortunately, Bain suffered a serious calf injury in the 2024 season opener, causing him to miss a chunk of the season and impacting his performance when he returned. He only had four sacks as a sophomore, but now that he’s healthy, he’s poised for another big year.
Checking in at 6-3, 275 pounds, Bain has great NFL positional size. His first step off the snap is lethal, and he pairs it with incredible strength at the point of attack. Bain’s combination of size and speed is elite, as is his change of direction. With an advanced bag of pass rush moves at his disposal, he is a nightmare for opposing tackles to handle. He’s a good run defender too, holding the edge well and making plays in the backfield. The only question with Bain is his length, which appears to be more average than great.
A consensus five-star recruit and freshman All-American at Alabama, Downs transferred to Ohio State last offseason and continued his ascension. After putting up 107 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defensed and a forced fumble as a true freshman, he had 81 tackles, two interceptions, six passes defensed and a sack as a sophomore last season. That performance earned him unanimous first-team All-America honors and he enters the 2025 season as one of the top draft prospects at any position.
At 6-0, 205 pounds, Downs is a well-built safety. He has the most developed instincts in run defense I’ve ever scouted in a safety, with true sideline-to-sideline range and a reliable tackling form. His processing speed — combined with his physical speed — lets him make plays few others can. With insane twitchiness and fluidity in coverage, he can mirror receivers or tight ends in man coverage and is a disciplined zone...
