NFL draft top prospects big board shows defensive linemen headlining strength of 2026

The first big board of the draft season highlights the variety of pass rush and run stuffing talent in this draft.

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) pressures Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be another class heavy in depth, variety, and structural makeup of the board. This is a draft that will challenge scouting departments to think beyond traditional archetypes, especially in the trenches on defense.

The defensive line is where this class immediately stands out. There is a wide range of body types available, from long, lean edge defenders built to threaten with speed, to dense, power-based linemen capable of kicking inside on passing downs. Teams looking for versatility up front will have options at nearly every phase of the draft. Instead of a single dominant mold, this class offers flexibility. There are players who fit multiple fronts and will evolve into different roles depending on scheme and development. That variety should push defensive line talent up boards, even if individual evaluations differ widely from team to team.

The cornerback class is another strength, and it’s one I’m particularly high on compared to consensus. While it may not feature a can’t-miss generational prospect, it has a strong collection of players with translatable traits: fluid athletes, competitive press defenders, and zone-savvy corners with strong instincts. There’s also a healthy mix of size and quickness, which should allow teams to find stylistic fits rather than forcing players into uncomfortable roles. This feels like a class where early skepticism could give way to strong NFL returns.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) celebrates a touchdown during the Big Ten football championship against Indiana. | Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wide receiver is where patience will be rewarded. The top of the class has some really big names who could impact immediately, but once Day 2 begins, the talent level jumps significantly. This group is deep with athleticism. There are a number of big time high school recruits who have transferred multiple times and yet to find consistency. However, they all show forms of high end play.

Offensive line depth follows a similar pattern. While the elite tackles may come off the board early, heading into day 2 there is a similar makeup at tackle to receiver. There are lots of big athletic developmental projects worth a look.

Overall, this draft is less about splash and more about structure. Teams that draft well will do so by understanding fit, development, and depth rather than chasing consensus.

2026 NFL draft top 100 prospects

Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson celebrates a touchdown against TCU. Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images | Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images

1. Arvell Reese - EDGE, Ohio State
2. Caleb Downs - S, Ohio State
3. Carnell Tate – WR, Ohio State
4. Jeremiyah Love – RB, Notre Dame
5. Jordyn Tyson – WR, Arizona State
6. Fernando Mendoza – QB, Indiana
7. Dante Moore – QB, Oregon 
8. Rueben Bain – EDGE, Miami (FL) 
9. Jermod McCoy – CB, Tennessee
10. Makai Lemon – WR, USC
11. Francis Mauigoa – OT, Miami
12. Sonny Styles – LB, Ohio State
13. Keldric Faulk – EDGE, Auburn
14. David Bailey – EDGE, Texas Tech
15. Kenyon Sadiq – TE, Oregon
16. Mansoor Delane – CB, LSU
17. Olaivavega Ioane – OG, Penn State
18. Spencer Fano – OT, Utah 
19. Avieon Terrell – CB, Clemson
20. Denzel Boston – WR, Washington
21. Peter Woods – DT, Clemson
22. Kadyn Proctor – OT, Alabama
23. Kayden McDonald – DT, Ohio State
24. Cashius Howell – EDGE, Texas A&M
25. Colton Hood – CB, Tennessee
26. Gennings Dunker – OG, Iowa 
27. Brandon Cisse – CB, South Carolina
28. Trevor Goosby – OT, Texas
29. TJ Parker – EDGE, Clemson
30. CJ Allen – LB, Georgia
31. Matayo Uiagaleilei – EDGE, Oregon
32. Caleb Lomu – OT, Utah
33. Ty Simpson – QB, Alabama
34. Caleb Banks – DT, Florida
35. Romello Height – EDGE, Texas Tech
36. Keith Abney – CB, Arizona State
37. KC Concepcion – WR, Texas A&M
38. Emmanuel Pregnon – OG, Oregon
39. Austin Siereveld – OT, Ohio State
40. AJ Haulcy – S, LSU
41. A’Mauri Washington – DT, Oregon
42. Christen Miller – DT, Georgia
43. AJ Harris – CB, Penn State
44. Anthony Hill Jr – LB, Texas
45. Chris Bell – WR, Louisville
46. LT Overton – EDGE, Alabama
47. Dillon Thieneman – S, Oregon
48. Keionte Scott – CB, Miami (FL)
49. R Mason Thomas – EDGE, Oklahoma
50. Chris Johnson – CB, San Diego State
51. Ja’Kobi Lane – WR, USC
52. Ian Strong – WR, Rutgers
53. Blake Miller – OT, Clemson
54. Deontae Lawson – LB, Alabama
55. Joshua Josephs – EDGE, Tennessee
56. Damon Wilson Jr – EDGE, Missouri
57. Taurean York – LB, Texas A&M
58. Zion Young – EDGE, Missouri
59. Brian Parker – OT, Duke
60. Connor Lew – C, Auburn
61. Kenyatta Jackson – EDGE, Ohio State
62. Akheem Mesidor – EDGE, Miami (FL)
63. Carter Smith – OT, Indiana
64. Jadarian Price – RB, Notre Dame
65. Dani Dennis-Sutton – EDGE, Penn State
66. Gabe Jacas – EDGE, Illinois
67. Jake Slaughter – C, Florida
68. Chandler Rivers – CB, Duke
69. Dontay Corleone – DT, Cincinnati
70. Elijah Sarratt – WR, Indiana
71. Chris Brazzell – WR, Tennessee
72. Germie Bernard – WR, Alabama 
73. Skyler Bell – WR, Connecticut
74. Caleb Tiernan – OT, Northwestern
75. Jonah Coleman – RB, Washington
76. Kamari Ramsey – S, USC
77. Derrick Moore – EDGE, Michigan
78. CJ Daniels – WR, Miami
79. Nick Singleton – RB, Penn State
80. Isaiah World – OT, Oregon
81. Monroe Freeling – OT, Georgia
82. Julian Neal – CB, Arkansas
83. Max Klare – TE, Ohio State
84. Omar Cooper Jr – WR, Indiana
85. Eric Singleton Jr – WR, Auburn
86. Garrett Nussmeier – QB, LSU
87. D’Angelo Ponds – CB, Indiana
88. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren – S, Toledo
89. Xavier Scott – CB, Illinois
90. Antonio Williams – WR, Clemson
91. Malik Muhammad – CB, Texas
92. Chase Bisontis – OG, Texas A&M
93. Jacob Rodriguez – LB, Texas Tech
94. Jake Golday – LB, Cincinnati
95. Justice Hayes – RB, Michigan
96. Whit Weeks – LB, LSU
97. Tyreak Sapp – DT, Florida
98. Mikhail Kamara – EDGE, Indiana
99. Nic Anderson – WR, LSU
100. Kaytron Allen – RB, Penn State