An inside linebacker could be a top-five draft pick for the first time since 2019 (Devin White).
A running back could be a top-five draft pick for the first time since 2018 (Saquon Barkley).
A safety could be a top-five draft pick for the first time since 2010 (Eric Berry).
Yes, the top of the 2026 NFL Draft could look very different than usual because of the lack of top quarterbacks after Fernando Mendoza and the willingness of some general managers to break free from positional-value groupthink.
Here is The Post’s annual Big Board ranking the Top 75 prospects, based on evaluations and conversations with sources around the league:
1. RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame, 6-0, 212 lbs.
Do-it-all three-down back who could be the draft’s best player. Explodes through the hole or quickly gets to the edge. More than a checkdown receiver as seen in wheel routes. Eight 20-plus-yard gains last season. Sticks his nose in a blitzer’s chest.
2. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State, 6-0, 206 lbs.
Chess piece who can shut-down cover from the slot, patrol center field, lower the boom and blitz. Extension of the defensive coordinator in terms of communication. Had rare true-freshman 100-tackle season at Alabama. Human missile battling “How high is too high for a safety?” perception.
3. QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, 6-5, 236 lbs.
Should complete the trifecta: Heisman Trophy, national champion, No. 1 pick. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking (especially pre-transfer at California). Accurate thrower and quick decision-maker. King of the back-shoulder fade. Raises his game in clutch moments. Self-described “nerd.”
4. EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State, 6-4, 241 lbs.
Expected to make a Micah Parsons-like jump after mostly spying quarterbacks as an off-ball linebacker. Elite closing burst and twitch, but will he turn tools into sacks? Can he bend the edge? Mirrors in coverage. Only one year of production (14 career starts) but sponges coaching.
5. EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech, 6-4, 251 lbs.
Half of his 29 career sacks came last season — his third straight with a pressure rate greater than 20 percent. Fires off the ball and can bend the edge or get the inside track. Run defense improved in 2025, especially in the backfield.
6. LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State, 6-5, 244 lbs.
Record-setting display at NFL combine elevated him into top-five-pick range. Shoots gaps and closes on ball with 4.46-second speed. Hits like a brick wall. Instinctual blitzer. Fluid change of direction to cut off angles. Covers like an ex-safety. Aggressiveness backfires on RPOs.
7. WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State, 6-2, 192 lbs.
Latest standout from Wide Receiver U. averaged 17.2 yards per catch last season. Mostly single covered. One drop on 67 targets, creating separation with smooth route running and long strides. Willing blocker. Speed shows up in pads, not 40-yard dash (4.51-seconds).
8. OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami, 6-5 ½, 329 lbs.
Mauler in the run game and stout in pass protection. Mirrors speed rushers. More than 2,700 career snaps at right tackle and only three sacks allowed since 2024. Some teams see him as a Pro Bowl-caliber guard. Younger brother of Jets linebacker.
9. CB Mansoor Delane, LSU, 6-0, 187 lbs.
Set up Delane Island in press coverage. Drives on underneath and in-breaking throws. Physical tackler in the run game. Allowed zero touchdowns and committed zero penalties last season, though his handsy style might be called differently in NFL. Loose hips to change directions
10. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State, 6-2, 203 lbs.
Open even when he is “covered” because of his share on 50/50 balls. Body contortionist who makes the highlight-reel catch. Yards-after-the-catch threat with breakaway speed. Durability concerns (knee, hamstring and collarbone injuries) limited him to 33 games in four years and an individual Pro Day on April 17.
11. OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State, 6-4, 320 lbs.
A cut above the rest in underwhelming class of interior linemen. Broad chest is like a STOP sign for power pass-rushers. Clears out running lanes. Nasty temperament. Better mover after dropping weight in 2025 offseason. Slow to react to sudden change.
12. EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami, 6-2, 263 lbs.
Biography title should be: “Strong hands, small arms.” Sets the edge by forklifting blockers with the former, historical outlier because of the latter. No edge with sub-31-inch arms has been a first-round pick since 2003. Tallied 20.5 career sacks (33.5 tackles for loss). Always hustling.
13. OL Spencer Fano, Utah, 6-5 ½, 311 lbs.
Experienced starter at left tackle (11 games) and right tackle (24) with potential five-position flexibility. Natural knee-bender with loose hips and smooth footwork. Absorbs a bull rush. Downhill run-blocker who can pull and climb to the second level. Lacks ideal length.
14. WR Makai Lemon, USC, 5-11, 192 lbs.
Often compared to Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown because he plays bigger than his size and runs through solo tackles until the gang arrives. Inside/outside versatility and soul-piercing intensity. Not a true vertical threat but understands route-running nuances.
15. TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon, 6-3, 241 lbs.
Athletic freak who isn’t just a miscast receiver. Fastest 40-yard dash (4.39) at his position in 20 years, plus 26 reps on bench press. Strength manifests as finishing blocker. Perfect fit in “move” tight end role. Just 892 career receiving yards.
16. CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee, 6-1, 188 lbs.
Might have been No. 1 if he played last season because his 2024 tape (four interceptions) is The Real McCoy. Quick reads and spatial awareness in zone. “No limits” after torn ACL in January 2025. Penalty-prone downfield. Plays the high pressure, man-to-man “cat coverage” — and he is that “cat.”
17. OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia, 6-7, 315 lbs.
Prototypical left tackle who generates movement in the run game and is alert to stunts in the pass game. Only 18 career starts. Upside will increase as he adds strength. Pass protection progressed by the game. Will battle upright stance and overextension.
18. S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon, 6-0, 201 lbs.
Add up top-five safety marks in 40-yard dash and vertical jump with a 78 ⅛-inch wingspan and loose hips and you have a fast-rising first-rounder. Sideline-to-sideline range. Tackling machine. Sees things before they happen. Six interceptions at Purdue in 2023.
19. WR Denzel Boston, Washington, 6-4, 212 lbs.
Is he quick enough to separate at next level? Needs to play to his strengths: Using big body to box out defensive backs and suction anything in his catch radius with strong oven mitts. Finds the first-down marker.
20. EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn, 6-6, 276 lbs.
Disappointing two-sack season included a lot of shoulda-beens. Best suited as 4-3 defensive end but can slide inside on passing downs and create knockback. More of a student of the art than toolsy athlete. Chases the ball. Helped pay walk-on teammate’s tuition.
21. OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama, 6-7, 352 lbs.
Boom-or-best element. Concerned about weight management? Love his athleticism at that size? Powerful enough to knock over defenders by breathing. Struggles to recover against speed. Needs to commit to technique. Durable, near-penalty-free and five career carries for 16 yards rushing.
22. EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami, 6-3, 259 lbs.
Needed six seasons to put it all together but finally did (12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles). Was he just a grown man (will be 25-year-old rookie) beating up boys? Invents new pass-rush moves. Doesn’t take plays off against the run. Only knows full speed.
23. S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo, 6-3 ½, 201 lbs.
Rangy, punishing tackler who would’ve been a regular on ESPN’s old “Jacked Up” segment. Physicality translates to contagious energy. Imagine if he bulks up. Nose for the ball — nine forced fumbles and circus interceptions. Better off covering tight ends than quick slot receivers.
24. WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana, 6-0, 199 lbs.
Leaping, toe-tapping game-winning touchdown against Penn State was thing of beauty. No fear working the middle of the field. Combines strength and acceleration. Should be a better run-blocker given his physicality. Caught 20 touchdowns in last 29 games.
25. CB Colton Hood, Tennessee, 6-0, 193 lbs.
Three-school, three-year journey ended filling McCoy’s shoes and making 4.5 tackles for loss. Safety-like run-defense mentality, but shifty receivers could give him issues. Runs stride-for-stride in man-to-man coverage on vertical routes. Only 13 career starts. Jams receivers off the ball.
26. QB Ty Simpson, Alabama, 6-1, 211 lbs.
Five-star recruit made all 15 career starts in 2025, after three seasons on the bench. Set Alabama record for lowest interception percentage (five on 523 passes). Throws with anticipation. Operated mostly from shotgun. Extends plays to his detriment. Play tailed off late in season.
27. OT Blake Miller, Clemson, 6-7, 317 lbs.
Career 54-game starter whose experience shows up in his savvy. Length can be a weapon if he doesn’t lunge. Quick off the snap and into his pass set. Footwork leaves him off-balance at times. Team-first attitude displayed by playing in Pinstripe Bowl.
28. OT Caleb Lomu, Utah, 6-6, 313 lbs.
Allowed two sacks total over two seasons as a starter. Profiles as a power run. Quickly finds and redirects the blitzer. Finishes blocks to the dirt. Bad habit of pad level getting too high. Can add core strength. Nimble feet.
29. DT Peter Woods, Clemson, 6-2 ½, 298 lbs.
Regressed in 2025 but his 2024 tape shows flashes of dominance. Was he out of position? Motor runs hot enough to believe he will become more consistent. Twitchy, with first-step explosiveness. Needs more diverse rush plan after go-to move. Frequently double-teamed.
30. OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State, 6-6, 321 lbs.
Nigeria native who didn’t play football until junior college. Raw athleticism and ability to stay square created buzz at Senior Bowl. Credit soccer background for footwork. Repeat offender of holding penalties. Ideally sits as a rookie. Eager to learn technique.
31. WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M, 6-0, 196 lbs.
Easy start-stop speed burst to create separation and gain yards after the catch on quick-hitters and choice routes. Too many concentration drops (10.3 percent of catchable passes). Showed impressive maturity as advocacy for speech impediments. Return specialist.
32. EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson, 6-4, 263 lbs.
Preseason Top-10 projected pick didn’t match 11-sack production from 2024. Goes for the strip when making the hit. Speed-to-power rushes are the name of his game. What’s his Plan B move? Versatility to slide inside. Gets off run blocks.
33. LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech, 6-1, 231 lbs.
Thirteen career forced fumbles (seven last season) jumps off the page. Former quarterback/running back/receiver/tight end at Virginia. Filled his trophy case. Quarterback of the defense communicator with contagious hustle. Could struggle in man coverage. Only adequate size. Waiting for ball-carriers in hole.
34. CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State, 6-0, 193 lbs.
Expert in reading quarterbacks’ eyes. Proof: Two long pick-sixes among his four interceptions — all out of zone coverage. Inside/outside versatility. Tenacious tackler. One of true athletic freaks of NFL combine. Out-maneuvered on jump balls.
35. OG Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M, 6-5, 315 lbs.
Blue-collar New Jersey native. Will bury a defender to the ground and loom. Strong hands a plus, lack of length a minus. Burly run-blocker who climbs to second-level blocks. Susceptible to lunging. Penalty prone. Rare prospect who competed in every NFL combine drill.
36. DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State, 6-2, 326 lbs.
Knock-back power in his hands allowed him to live behind the line of scrimmage (nine tackles for loss) last season. Immovable object for opposing centers. Big numbers versus elite competition. Limited pass-rush ability, especially against moving pockets. One-year starter.
37. EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M, 6-2 ½, 253 lbs.
Projected rotational pass-rusher with go-to spin move as a rookie. Of 27 career sacks, three on three straight plays vs. Utah State was most impressive. Will disguise a drop in coverage (14 pass breakups). Improvements as a run-defender needed to play three downs.
38. LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas, 6-2, 238 lbs.
Relentless ball-pursuer who tallied 31.5 career tackles for loss. Dynamic blitzer with 17 sacks and eight forced fumbles. Evades blocks with quickness. See-ball, get-ball anticipation. Shedding blocks is a work in progress. Suffocates screens thrown in front of him and covers tight ends.
39. CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson, 5-11, 186 lbs.
Good genes: Brother A.J. (2020 first-round pick) is a six-year starter. Undersized but feisty. Well-suited in the slot, where his footwork is fluid, his head is on a swivel and he can blitz. Eight forced fumbles and 21 passes defended since 2024.
40. DT Christen Miller, Georgia, 6-4, 321 lbs.
Played 43 games in SEC but his path-clearing run-defense impact is more in teammates’ box scores. Example of low pad level, heavy hands and impressive range. Could play nose tackle or three technique. Plays with fire and breathes it, too. Jolly giant.
41. CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina, 6-0, 189 lbs.
Mostly played man-to-man coverage with no help on the perimeter (allowing just 13 completions in 2025) Could be an impact blitzer. Sure-tackler who fires downhill with elite twitch. Ball-tracking lapses and top-end speed concerns. Averaged just 41 defensive snaps per game.
42. RB Jadarian Price Notre Dame, 5-11, 203 lbs.
Only 295 touches in three seasons behind Love, so plenty of tread left on the tires. Sets up blocks with patience — or too much dancing? Displayed contact balance to force missed tackles. Three kickoff return touchdowns. Not a receiving option.
43. OG Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech, 6-3 ⅝, 316 lbs.
Combines technique, burly physique and nasty temperament. Epitome of “toughness” after overcoming serious injuries suffered in a December 2023 car crash. Allowed two sacks in 43 career starts. Shows no mercy to defenders on ground.
44. WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia, 5-9, 177 lbs.
NFL combine standout based on 4.35-second 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical and smooth gauntlet drill. Nearly 80 percent of receiving yards last season after the catch. Limited downfield route tree. Short arms let ball get into his chest. Electric returner.
45. LB CJ Allen, Georgia, 6-1, 230 lbs.
Sideline-to-sideline range but at his best flying downhill to meet ball-carriers in the box. Always looks under control no matter what disguises offenses throw. Stiffness in coverage is a concern but necessary speed is there. Not much of a blitzer. High-floor prospect.
46. DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech, 6-3 ½, 318 lbs.
“A-gap” space-eater who absorbs double-teams and stuffs the run. Durable Day 1-ready high-floor prospect because of size-strength-length combination, with pass-rush upside. Bull-rush power on display at Senior Bowl. Conditioning needs work. Won’t fit every defense. Lacks explosion.
47. S Treydan Stukes, Arizona, 6-1, 190 lbs.
Former walk-on with 4.33-second speed (overcoming 2024 torn ACL) that shows up as he jumps throwing lanes (seven career interceptions) and blows up screens. Allowed zero touchdowns in 2025. Susceptible to double moves and cutback runs. Core special-teamer.
48. WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee, 6-4, 198 lbs.
One-trick pony who goes deep (16.4 yards per catch and nine touchdowns last season) and controls his body along sidelines. A 4.37-second 40-yard dash is flying at his size. Needs to offer more in first two levels of passing attack.
49. EDGE Zion Young, Missouri, 6-6, 262 lbs.
Stout, rangy, assignment-sound edge-setter. Won’t win with his first step but will walk most single-blockers backwards (53 pressures in 2025). Used to double teams. Capped strong Senior Bowl week by winning Player of the Game. Contagious energy. Two arrests (DWI, assault).
50. OL Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern, 6-8, 323 lbs.
High-floor prospect with 43 straight starts on both ends of the line. Advanced hand usage — striking to gain leverage and rarely out of position. Stays square but bull-rushers will test his anchor. Short arms (32 ¼-inches) could prompt move to guard.
51. WR Antonio Williams, Clemson, 5-11 ½, 187 lbs.
Slippery slot receiver who could be a high-volume, intermediate-range target. Consistent production across four seasons, highlighted by 11 touchdowns in 2024. Sharp cuts as a ball-carrier but tackled too easily. Not always on same page as quarterback.
52. CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana, 5-9, 182 lbs.
Too small? Not when you add in a 43.5-inch vertical that tied for best of any prospect at 2025 NFL Combine. Competitive streak of an underdog. Sticky man-to-man coverage. Opponents will run at him in slot. Acceleration shows up on special teams. Four career touchdowns.
53. EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma, 6-2, 241 lbs.
Remained twitchy as he added strength — still missing some length. Aggressive style leads to splash plays but also can work against him with over-pursuit and offsides penalties. Missed games due to injury in three of four seasons. Scoop-and-score mindset.
54. CB Keionte Scott, Miami, 5-11, 193 lbs.
Plug-and-play 25-year-old rookie who could be converted from nickel to safety. Chess piece in sub packages. Won’t find many defensive backs with 13 tackles for loss last season. When not blitzing, wraps up receivers and limits yards after catch. Contagious energy.
55. EDGE Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida, 6-4, 253 lbs.
Only Reese and Bailey ran the 40-yard dash faster (4.52). Ranked No. 2 among edges in vertical and broad jumps. Diverse bag of tricks. Not tested by many top tackle prospects. Can he add mass without sacrificing explosion? Why so few tackles?
56. DT Caleb Banks, Florida, 6-6, 327 lbs.
Underwent surgery after breaking foot at NFL combine and is sidelined until at least June. Unrelated to broken foot that limited him to three games last season. Bread-and-butter pass-rush move. Relies on athleticism and power over technique. Alignment versatility.
57. WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame, 6-4 ½, 218 lbs.
Senior Bowl standout whose stock dipped at NFL combine with a couple drops and a 4.61-second 40-yard dash. Prototypical “X” receiver and red-zone fade threat. Out-physicals defensive backs to high-point 50/50 balls. Jammed by press coverage.
58. TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt, 6-4, 239 lbs.
Converted quarterback’s 45.5-inch vertical was third highest at any position since 1999. Scratching the surface at tight end/H-back. Beats coverage down the seam and keeps running. Reliable hands when asked to move the chains.
59. EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan, 6-4, 255 lbs.
Contributor to 2023 national champions who was voted 2025 Team MVP after 10.5-sack breakout. Bull-rushes like a boulder rolling downhill. Some stiffness bending the edge. Steamrolled a blocker at Senior Bowl. Needs same commitment to playmaking — not just edge-setting — against the run.
60. DT Domonique Orange, Iowa State, 6-2, 322 lbs.
Prototypical, block-devouring 3-4 nose tackle with tree trunks (650-pound squatter) planted in ground. Drop in production last season as missed-tackle rate jumped. Non-factor pass-rusher with limited lateral movement. Nicknamed “Big Citrus.” Does he love football? Sheds contact with hand-to-hand combat.
61. WR Germie Bernard, Alabama, 6-1, 206 lbs.
Versatile receiver who is comfortable over the middle and running a full route tree. Forced 17 missed tackles. Attacks the football with his hands. Lacks top speed so needs crisp routes to create separation. Added 101 rushing yard last season.
62. TE Max Klare, Ohio State, 6-4, 246 lbs.
Crisp route runner with a high ceiling as a pass catcher. At his best split out in the slot to use a diverse route tree and be a chess piece. Understanding of timing and creating leverage. Ascending run blocker. Should bulk up.
63. LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri, 6-2, 237 lbs.
Father (Jeremiah) and brother (Jeremiah Jr.) offer NFL DNA. Big-hitting field general who is a step ahead in the run game. Strong enough to knock blockers off balance. Might be a two-down player with coverage liability. Missed 2023 season due to leg injury.
64. WR Chris Bell, Louisville, 6-2, 222 lbs.
Not to be confused with UConn WR Skyler Bell. Coming off season-ending torn ACL in December. Was already a question of whether he is too stiff to beat press coverage. Possession receiver who is more dangerous in motion.
65. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, 6-2, 203 lbs.
Sounded alarms when a fifth-year senior is benched in his final game. More of a daredevil mentality than expected from a coach’s son (father is Saints offensive coordinator). Cut down on interception rate in 2025. Invents new arm angles. Senior Bowl MVP.
66. OT/OG Gennings Dunker, Iowa, 6-5, 319 lbs.
Don’t be distracted by the mullet. What he lacks in lateral quickness is made up for in brute force. Old-school mentality to plant defenders on their back. Crafted to play in a run and play-action-based offense. Will be a locker-room favorite.
67. LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati, 6-4 ½, 239 lbs.
Traits and upside. Fits on the weakside where he can roam freely, shed blocks and chase the ball. Former defensive end not as physical as body size suggests. Quarterback-spy speed. Special-teams contributor. Plays a clean game. Can be out of place in coverage.
68. CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State, 6-2, 189 lbs.
Lanky four-year starter across Big Ten and SEC. Built to play press coverage. Sticks his long arms into catch point when a step behind. Susceptible to play-action fakes. Magnet for penalties (16 since 2024) and NFL is more ticky-tack.
69. S Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina, 6-1, 210 lbs.
Enforcer who stops power backs in their tracks and matches the physicality of tight ends with a jam in the pass game from the slot. Should be paired with a rangy free safety. Can clean up missed tackles. Eight career interceptions.
70. EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois, 6-3, 260 lbs.
Four-year starter with ascending sack totals (27 career). Powers his way to quarterbacks by churning his legs and hand-fighting like a former wrestler. Inside pass-rush versatility. Never gives up on a run. Lacks ideal twitch and first-step quickness.
71. WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana, 6-3, 210 lbs.
No-star recruit who followed coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison. Nicknamed “Waffle House” because he’s always open. Physical former basketball star attacks 50/50 balls like offensive rebounds. At his best on third down. Not a big yards-after-catch threat.
72. OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon, 6-4, 314 lbs.
Drives linemen off the ball in the run game with the results from weight room. Not fooled by blitzes and stunts. Finishes his blocks to the ground. Will be high-floor 25-year-old rookie. Locked in at left guard. Not suited for pulling.
73. CB Chandler Rivers, Duke, 5-9 ½, 185 lbs.
High football IQ — sometimes running the route for the receiver. Drives on underneath throws from zone coverage. Special teams value as a gunner. Will he be out-muscled by bigger receivers and swallowed up in run game? More than 3,500 career snaps.
74. S A.J. Haulcy, LSU, 6-0, 215 lbs.
Urgent three-school ballhawk nicknamed “Mr. Give Me That” because he generates takeaways (10 career interceptions, four forced fumbles). Reads the quarterback’s eyes and understands zone spacing. Will run through receivers. Lacks make-up speed and control when honing in on a tackle.
75. RB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas, 6-1, 223 lbs.
Ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash that is tied for fastest over the past 20 NFL combines for players weighing at least 220 pounds, per ESPN. Averaged 6.4 yards per carry last season. Physical runner who contributes to the passing game.
