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It’s here: my first big board for the 2026 draft! I’ve watched film on over 80 prospects and have ranked the top 50, along with some brief scouting notes for each.
But first, a quick word on the nature of summer scouting. We’re still over 10 months away from the draft. These prospects have a full season’s worth of college football to develop and work on their games. Scouting now is a lot of projecting, and weaknesses are written in pencil, not pen. I’m much more willing to bet on upside if a prospect has shown flashes and a positive trajectory than I will be a week out from draft night. That’s not to say refined technique and complete players aren’t important, because they are. But none of these guys are finished products, and we shouldn’t treat them as such.
With that said, let’s jump right into the top 50:
Many will say this is too high to rank Manning when he’s only started a handful of games. I will remind you that summer scouting is a game of projection, and Manning has flashed the high-end traits that make a player a No. 1 overall pick. His playmaking, poise, accuracy and athleticism are all NFL-caliber already. Now he just needs to go out there and prove it over the course of a full season.
Despite an injury-hampered sophomore campaign, Bain checks every box for a top-five pick at edge rusher. He possesses elite athleticism and length, with the burst to win off the snap and the strength to power through blocks.
Downs is as close to a flawless prospect as you can get. One of the most cerebral players in this class, Downs’ instincts, range and fundamentals are top tier. He’s an elite coverage player who can mirror receivers in man and erase entire sides of the field in zone. Prepare for the debates as to how high you can draft a safety to rage all year long.
A versatile corner in more ways than one, Muhammad is a seamless fit in zone or man schemes, on the outside or in the slot. Twitchy athleticism and smooth hips let him cover receivers of all different types of skillsets, and he’s physical in his play.
Despite his measurables being better described as good, not elite, you won’t find a more advanced technician in this class than Parker. He’s developed a wide array of moves to win and his production speaks for itself. Listed at 6-3 and 265 pounds, he checks all the boxes for a 4-3 rush end.
With the size, length and athleticism to be a franchise left tackle for a needy NFL team, Mauigoa is as projectable as they come. Dominant physicality is evident on...
