1 Derwin James Jr., Chargers

“I know I said he’s the best safety I have ever seen in the National Football League,” said Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh last September. “I think I did [Derwin] a disservice, though. He’s the best football player I’ve ever been around.”

James Jr. is the perfect example of what makes the Chargers so difficult to game plan for. He's not just a great safety — he’s a defensive chess piece who allows Los Angeles to disguise when and where pressure and coverage are coming from — that is why he tops this list.

Last season, James Jr. played 419 snaps either in the box or on the line of scrimmage (LoS). He can function as a slot defender, blitzer, or deep safety, which is why it is so incredibly difficult for offenses to identify his responsibility before the ball is snapped.

The former first-rounder is a five-time Pro-Bowler and a five-time AP All-Pro, including a first-team nod in his rookie season. James Jr. is not just the best safety in the NFL right now, but he is seriously one of the most decorated and dominant safeties ever.

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2 Kyle Hamilton, Ravens

The versatile safety trend continues here with Hamilton, who often plays the role of a third linebacker. He’s big enough to take on opposing guards, but fast enough to blitz off the edge at a moment's notice, making it nearly impossible to know what the Ravens are deploying on every down.

Hamilton demonstrates great discipline as a blitzer, and absolutely ludicrous closing speed as a tackler. His pursuit skills are amongst the best in the league today. If he has a runner in his sight, there is little that said runner can do to escape.

Hamilton is also extraordinarily long, making him a viable option in deep zone and in the flats. He is fast enough to keep up with routes over the top of the defense, and long/strong enough to stay with tight ends.

3 Nick Emmanwori, Seahawks

Although he’s only entering his second year in the NFL, Emmanwori earns the bronze medal on this list.

The former Gamecock and first pick of the second round (‘25) has a certain savviness to his game. His bullet-like break on the ball and sideline-to-sideline speed make him, already, one of the most feared defensive players in the sport.

Emmanwori is extremely disciplined in reading screens, play-action fakes and misdirection. His length and size help him shed blocks when exploding downhill, and his recovery speed makes up for some over-aggressiveness in coverage.

He also breaks personnel rules, meaning no matter how the offense is lining up, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald needs no substitution for Emmanwori, as he can match up against any position in any formation.

He’s 22-years-old.

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4 Xavier McKinney, Packers

Whenever McKinney is on the field, he is the smartest player out there. He is not the fastest player, nor is he the strongest or most physically imposing, but his high football IQ is why he earned a $67 million dollar deal last offseason.

The former first-rounder out of Alabama has snagged three or more interceptions three times throughout his career and has only one season with no picks. He had eight in 2024.

McKinney is a true center fielder, meaning he usually sits atop the defense. This allows him to read the QB’s eyes and vocally lead the defense.

Xavier McKinney Mic'd Up via Packers.com

5 Brian Branch, Lions

Branch is an old-school, by-the-book safety with exceptional technique and even better instincts. He consistently diagnoses plays pre-snap and wrecks plays in the flat.

The Lions’ defense preaches physicality, and Branch brings exactly that. His tape is so fun to watch because his knowledge of the game is evident. He is more versatile than he gets credit for, too.

Free agency is often won in March, but its biggest moves are ultimately judged on Sundays. Every offseason, teams hand out massive contracts in hopes that a new addition can fix a weakness, elevate an already talented roster, or push a contender one step closer to a Super Bowl.

This year’s free-agent class brought plenty of intriguing fits, from defensive playmakers looking for a bigger role to offensive weapons joining teams in desperate need of production. Some signings feel like obvious upgrades, while others could become the moves that define a team’s season.

Here are five of the most impactful free-agent additions heading into the 2026 NFL season.

Devin Lloyd, LB Panthers

At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Lloyd profiles as a thumper-type middle linebacker, but that is far from all he can do. Yes, he’s great at stopping the run and shedding blocks, but his coverage skills are what earned him a three-year, 45 million dollar deal this offseason. The former first-rounder out of Utah had five interceptions last year, including a 99-yard pick-six. Lloyd’s 88.6 PFF overall grade ranked 3rd out of 88 qualifying linebackers, and his 80.2 coverage grade was good for 4th at the position. He came in at No. 27 on the annual NFL Top 100 Players list, too.

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Jaylen Watson, CB Rams

The Rams now have three elite run-defending cornerbacks: Trent McDuffie, Quentin Lake (nickel), and Jaylen Watson. McDuffie was traded to Los Angeles and extended about 10 hours later, and he’s making big-time money. Watson, on the other hand, signed with the Rams in free agency. A three-year, 51 million dollar deal was all it took to bring in the ex-Chief, and that is an absolute steal for a long, boundary corner who excels against the ground game. Watson ranked 17th among all qualifying NFL corners (114) with a 74.1 PFF grade in 2025, and 6th in the league in defending the run, where he earned an 83.5 grade.

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Isaiah Likely, TE Giants

Likely is a sure-handed, tall tight end who plays more like a big receiver than an in-line blocker. He has just one drop since 2024 and excels down the seam. Likely’s last full season in 2024 saw him grab eight touchdowns on just 56 targets; that means every seventh target was a score. Jaxson Dart loves to throw on the run, and there is no better tight end in the NFL at revving a dead play than Likely. He dominates smaller safeties with size, but runs past linebackers with speed. Likely is a really tough cover for defenses, and he’ll be a crucial part of the Giants offense for the next three years.

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Boye Mafe, EDGE Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals finished with the worst pass rush win rate (PRWR) in the NFL last season, so they pounced on Mafe as soon as he hit the open market. The former second-round pick consistently ranks among the league leaders in PRWR, including a top-eight finish in 2025. The one worry about Mafe is his sack totals. He finished with just three last year despite his high PRWR. The Bengals need help getting pressure, and this is a great start. Signing Mafe will also enable Dexter Lawrence, who was traded to Cincy in April, to generate pressure.

Kyler Murray, QB Vikings

It doesn’t matter what version of Murray the Vikings are getting — he is an immediate upgrade over JJ McCarthy. Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell is quite literally a QB whisperer, too. Sam Darnold revived his career with the Vikings, and Murray is a far better athlete than him. Not to mention, since 2009, Minnesota has revived FOUR quarterback careers. In ‘09, Brett Favre and the Purple People Eaters were short of the Super Bowl by one game, losing heartbreakingly to the Saints in the NFC Championship. In 2016, Sam Bradford joined the squad, and they missed the playoffs by one game. Case Keenum and Sam Darnold round out the bunch; both of them made the playoffs. The team also has arguably the best wide receiver trio in the NFL with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. Murray excels in the intermediate throwing game, exactly where his top targets do their damage.

De’Zhaun Stribling, WR 49ers

After back-to-back 800-yard receiving seasons at Ole Miss, Stribling was selected with the first pick of the second round in this year’s draft. The Kapolei, Hawaii native quickly turned heads at 49ers training camp because of his refined route running and willingness to make plays over the middle, two traits that just fit so well in a San Fran offense that loves crosser patterns and intermediate throws. Stribling continued his dominance into the preseason, where he hauled in seven of eight targets for 63 yards in his very first NFL game. With Mike Evans not practicing, George Kittle nursing an injury, and Christian McCaffrey’s unknown status, Stribling could get the lion’s share of targets early on.

Mory Bamba, CB Jets

If you want to talk hidden gems, Bamba, an undrafted free agent from BYU, had himself quite a debut. The 6-foot-2, 193-pounder tallied four PBUs in just the first half, including a pretty one in the end zone. This gets even crazier when you learn that Bamba had that many passes defended last season at Brigham Young in 14 games; it took him a half-hour to match his stat line from an entire season. Brandon Stephens and the newly paid Nahshon Wright are listed as the two starting boundary corners on the team’s depth chart, but Stephens’ 63.0 PFF coverage grade in 2025 has me thinking Bamba could play himself into a starting role.

Drew Allar, QB Steelers

It’s blasphemy to me that Allar could not succeed at Penn State; he has a rocket arm, decent mobility, and, for lack of a better term, he’s massive. A tumultuous year in Happy Valley led to James Franklin’s firing and hurt Allar’s draft stock, yet the Steelers pounced on the opportunity to draft him. Sure, they were banking entirely on the tools, but what Allar did in week one of the preseason is uncommon. He completed 10 of his 13 pass attempts for over 150 yards and two touchdowns, adding one more touchdown on the ground. The former Nittany Lion looked poised in the pocket and was evidently comfortable with his surroundings. Crazy coming from me, who is a huge fan of the following two guys, but Mason Rudolph and Will Howard have officially been placed on the chopping block.

Markel Bell, OT Eagles

At 6-foot-9 and nearly 350 pounds, Bell profiles primarily as a power run blocker, but his tape from week one of the preseason suggests there is more to his game. He started every game at left tackle during his senior year at Miami (FLA) and was a pivotal part of their zone-heavy run scheme; the Eagles love to move their guards and tackles around, so it isn’t much of a transition for Bell schematically. Lane Johnson has said this will be his last year, and the behemoth that is Bell makes a fantastic contingency plan. If the former Cane doesn’t play this year, I seriously see a good future for him in Philadelphia. Plus, Saquon Barkley garnered over 300 carries the last time Philly won a Super Bowl (2025), which means a lot of work for extra o-linemen… HINT: Bell might find a role sooner rather than later.

Speed Rush

• The rusher wins his matchup with pure speed, evading his blocker

  • Exploding off the snap = great timing, beating the blocker to his spot

  • Bend = ability to duck, dive or swim past a blocker below or across their arms

  • Prominent with undersized linemen because of the quickness that comes with less size

Power Rush

• The rusher uses pure power and strength to beat his blocker

  • Bull rush = knocking blockers back with both hands in his chest, winning the rep with brute force, driving his blocker into the pocket (where the quarterback is standing)

  • Keep legs churning until the snap is over or the quarterback leaves the pocket/is sacked

Finesse Rush

• The rusher uses pre-planned, very technical moves to win at the point of attack

  • Swim move = the defender swipes the blocker’s hands and swings an arm over them like a swimming motion

  • Spin move = oftentimes a counter move when the lineman overcommits

  • Rip move = the rusher dips the shoulder and rips their arm upward under the tackle’s arm

  • Ghost move = an advanced move where the rusher pretends to engage but slips past without contact

  • Long arm = extend the arm into the blocker’s chest, move around him while he is set back from the initial punch

These are your references. Feel free to scroll back up to these when I mention them when describing the player’s preferred move.

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Let’s start with the player I think is the best at his position, an interior defensive lineman, not an outside rusher. (Ex: NOT Micah Parsons or Maxx Crosby; they are edge rushers).

1 Jeffery Simmons, Titans

Simmons is a master of the bull rush, but he also pre-plans counter moves in case his initial pushback doesn’t work, even though it often does. He might not be the first guy you think of when you hear dominant defensive lineman, yet his tape from 2025 continues to amaze me. He was the best player on the field whenever the Titans played and will be the building block for new head coach Robert Salah’s defense. This Tennessee unit is lacking talent everywhere, but having a player like Simmons, a powerful and refined force up the middle, helps everybody around him play and look better.

2 Derrick Brown, Panthers

Brown remains one of the most underrated players in all of football because he isn’t flashy and doesn’t put up huge sack numbers, but his leadership and power are second to none at the position. He uses a rip move more often than not because of how strong he is – he legitimately tosses guards like rag dolls. The former top-10 pick is the heart and soul of a Panthers defense that surprised many last year.

3 Leonard Williams, Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks would not have won the Super Bowl without Williams, who seems to just get better with age. He uses a ton of deception and finesse when rushing the passer, but relies on strength when defending the run. He is a truly elite interior presence, and I think he’ll quickly become a Seahawks legend given his wide variety of skills; the guy uses every move in the book. Williams loves a good finesse rush, but what he excels at is turning pre-planned deception into brute force. His arms are as strong as an ox, but his feet are quick. Good athleticism and raw power were what made Williams a top-three pick in the draft, and are now what he prides himself on as an NFL veteran.

4 Dexter Lawrence, Bengals

Not one defensive tackle faced more double-teams than Dexter Lawrence in 2025, with 71% of his snaps drawing two linemen. An NFL executive said, “... when he’s at his best, he is nearly impossible to block.” If you’re looking for a flashy, fun defensive tackle, Lawrence is not the guy for you. He excels at clogging run lanes and eating up blockers, but has flashed pass-rush upside given his size and movement ability. At 6-foot-5, 350 pounds, Lawrence should not be able to move as well as he does. He flashes his hands quickly, and his brute strength lets him power-rush opposing guards. I think his move to Cincy will rejuvenate him after a slow 2025 season.

5 Chris Jones, Chiefs

Jones is an elite pass-rusher and probably a future Hall of Famer because of his pass-rush prowess. His 90.7 pass-rush grade ranked second in the NFL amongst defensive tackles in 2025, per PFF. Age isn’t limiting that part of Jones’ game, as he’s earned a 90.0+ grade in each of the last four seasons. The thing with Jones is that he is not good against the run anymore, like, not at all. He struggles to fill gaps and is often pushed back initially because his game is so finesse-heavy. Jones is a very smart DT, using leverage spectacularly, and his pursuit skills break the scale. The way he wins is oftentimes pre-calculated, using quick hand flashes and head fakes a lot. I love Jones’ game, and I think he can still be on the field on all downs because of how elite he is at getting to the passer.

Next up will be cornerbacks! Thanks for reading 704football; feel free to subscribe for FREE, as we are just 2 followers away from 50.

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Thornton, a former UDFA, played sparingly in 2025. He saw snaps at boundary corner in the preseason of last year, where he showcased phenomenal press skills and a knack for disrupting the run.

His physicality and instincts, as well as a terrific work ethic, led to him making the 53-man roster out of camp.

The Panthers only kept five corners in 2025, and the nickel position (slot) remained one of need.

To begin 2025, the team ran with Chau Smith-Wade, a guy with terrific speed and big-play upside, but also a guy who struggles defending the run and gets caught up down the seam.

After an injury sidelined Smith-Wade, the Panthers turned to numerous players to work the slot. Tre’Von Moehrig, Nick Scott and Thornton all saw reps, but Thornton stood out.

He got his lone start at nickel against the Jets, but he suffered an injury that ended his season.

Entering the summer of 2026, it seems that rehab was a success for the former Louisville Cardinal, as he continues to dazzle in minicamp.

“All the work that he’s put in in his first year is paying off for him, being conscientious of the schemes, how to play different techniques, he’s had exposure outside at the nickel, at the safety spot, a lot of trust with Corey, especially coming off the injury, he attacked the rehab, came back out here, and he’s looked great, more and more comfortable, and I love seeing him make plays because he worked so hard at it,” head coach Dave Canales said, per Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com.

Coach isn’t the only one noticing Thornton’s rise, as fellow cornerback and franchise cornerstone Jaycee Horn had this to say: “Anytime you’re in the defense, the second time around, you’re going to understand it better and know where you’re helping and know how to play certain downs differently... he’s handling it all well, so I think he’s just been the same guy he’s always been, just getting better.”

Look out for Thornton in 2026.

That’s all from me. We are two subscribers away from 50. Let’s get there, baby.

Yet what I want to highlight is how he was quarterback Bryce Young’s first read on snaps all season long (video below showcasing this against Atlanta in week 11), and that’s due to how sure-handed and fearless Coker is over the middle.

The former undrafted free agent has Keenan Allen written all over him, though Coker is better post-reception. Allen doesn’t have elite breakaway speed, and he isn’t exceptionally agile, but neither is Coker. Instead, the two make their money on third downs, in the red zone, and against zone coverage.

Coker finished fourth out of all Panthers offensive players with a 75.4 overall PFF grade. It also put him in the top three for former UDFA players across the NFL.

Coker also dazzled in the run game, oftentimes being the slot receiver on outside-the-tackle runs, meaning he would be tasked with blocking the first defensive back to step up. He put his strength on display against Billy Bowman in week 11, as well as in week 13 when he sat down Emmanuel Forbes Jr. on multiple occasions.

The cherry on top of this is the last touchdown of the Panthers’ season, the one that put them ahead late in the Wild Card game and sent Bank of America Stadium into a frenzy. Young lets go of the ball before Coker even creates separation, further proving how much trust he has in #18.

With another offseason to develop chemistry with Young and refine his route-running, Coker enters 2026 positioned for a significant leap. If his late-season surge was any indication, the Panthers may have uncovered far more than a quality complementary receiver—they may have found one of the league's next breakout stars.

The 2015 Super Bowl run was exciting, but fifth-grade me didn’t understand football — or life — the way I do now.

My home state of New Jersey doesn’t house many Carolina Panthers fans for obvious reasons. The team plays nowhere near the Northeast, and for the last handful of years, they’ve been one of the NFL’s bottom-feeders. But growing up, that out-of-place feeling was something I loved. People knew me as the Panthers fan, and that unusual loyalty became part of my identity in grade school, helping shape the 21-year-old I am today.

Another thing that defined my childhood was my battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression, struggles that not many people know about. My mother, father, and brother knew, of course, but for years I kept those parts of myself hidden from almost everyone else.

This past year pushed me to open up to new people and confront my mental health struggles in ways I never thought I was capable of doing. Oddly enough, a lot of that growth is tied to the 2025 Carolina Panthers.

This season, the Panthers always seemed to find ways to squeak out wins — last-second field goals, absurd tight-window throws from Bryce Young down the stretch, and victories over teams they had no business beating. Watching them fight through every obstacle reminded me how much beauty there can be in resilience.

My favorite memory from the season wasn’t even a win. It was the team’s Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

My girlfriend was visiting at the time, sitting beside me with her knitting kit as we watched the pregame coverage. Then Cam Newton, my favorite player of all time, came trotting out of the tunnel to bang the Keep Pounding drum. She recorded my reaction as I watched him walk onto the field.

Looking back at that video, I realize it captured something much bigger than a football moment. It captured joy returning.

Seeing the player I idolized as a kid banging that drum made me feel something I hadn’t felt in a long time: pure, uncomplicated happiness. It reminded me that joy doesn’t always arrive through life-changing moments. Sometimes it returns quietly, through something as simple as a football player walking onto a field.

In my first college class, public presentation, I gave a speech about the importance of allowing yourself to appreciate life’s smallest joys. I earned an A on the assignment and hoped it resonated with some of my classmates.

The irony is that I’ve always been good at giving advice, but terrible at taking my own.

For years, I understood the importance of appreciating little things without truly allowing myself to do it. Somewhere between Bryce Young’s late-game heroics and Cam Newton pounding that drum, though, I finally started listening to my own words.

The Panthers didn’t solve my struggles. They didn’t magically fix everything. They simply reminded me that joy is still there, waiting to be felt, if you allow yourself to embrace the small moments that bring it back.

The edge rushers in this class are sensational, and the wide receivers are going to be highlighted a ton, too. Yet there is one group of guys that I’ve had my eyes on for a while now: the cornerbacks.

Only two, yes, TWO cornerbacks went in the first round this year. LSU’s Mansoor Delane at six to Kansas City was somewhat of a shock, but Chris Johnson from San Diego State was even more surprising when the Dolphins snagged him at 27.

This will not be the case next year. We could see the number of CBs drafted in round one double from 2026, and six or seven could even go in the top-32.

Now, with that out of the way, let’s meet the top cornerbacks in college football who are eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, starting with a fluid, long boundary corner who has dazzled in South Bend since his freshman year.

Leonard Moore, Notre Dame (JR)

Leonard Moore played in all 16 games in 2024, his freshman year, and started 10 of them. This is not normal; in fact, it’s unheard of, especially for a Marcus Freeman-led team. It’s also surreal because he quickly became one of the most feared corners in the country… at 18 years old.

In 2025, Moore was a unanimous All-American, as well as a finalist for both the Jim Thorpe Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He earned the highest PFF (Pro Football Focus) coverage grade out of any cornerback in college football and held passers to a mere 45.1% QBR (Quarterback Rating).

The question with Moore is, how fast is he, really? The only route that he struggles covering is deep crossers, posts, basically. He either can’t keep up or doesn’t have the help over the top that is necessary in a zone-heavy scheme, but if he can fine-tune that part of his game, we could be looking at a seriously generational corner prospect.

Kelley Jones, Mississippi St (Redshirt JR)

Kelley Jones is all about Mississippi. He graduated from Clarksdale and stayed in-state despite a plethora of schools offering him.

In the fall of 2024, Jones won the “Fast as Hail” team award, which is given to the fastest player on the roster before every season.

Last year, Jones allowed just 11 (!!) catches on only 28 targets. He is a true shadow, man-to-man corner who uses his 6-foot-4 frame to his advantage. His long arms make it tough for QBs to sneak tight-window throws by him, and his exceptional closing speed makes short routes difficult, too.

I don’t have many questions with Jones, and, with his speed, I could see him being ranked ahead of Moore on some boards based on ceiling alone.

Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia (Redshirt SOPH)

Arriving at UGA as the nation’s number one high school corner and five-star recruit, Robinson IV had a lot to live up to — and after a slow start, he emerged as one of the country’s best DBs.

He is the second-highest rated recruit in Georgia Bulldog history, per NFL Draft Buzz.

His four interceptions tied for the most amongst any SEC defender, and he started 12 of 14 games in his redshirt freshman year. According to coach Kirby Smart, Robinson IV rapidly improved at adjusting to the speed of SEC football, and his mental processing has “sharpened immensely” over the last year.

With Robinson IV’s feisty attitude, the lone worry is penalties — something we saw plague a ton of aggressive DBs this past year, especially those who match up against the opponent’s number one wideout.

Ashton Hampton, Clemson (JR)

Hampton brings leadership to a depleted Clemson secondary that continues not to use the transfer portal. It may come from his father, Alonzo, who is the head coach at Arkansas Pine Bluff, but it also is because he’s been on the field since his freshman year.

Hampton is terrific in run support, shedding blocks quickly and reading plays before they develop. This makes him valuable in the slot and on the strong side of formations. He missed just three tackles on 40 attempts last year.

He uses all of his 6-foot-2 frame to be as physical as possible without being flagged. Hampton is a super intense football player who has the chance to become one of the nation’s best corners this season.

Before you go ahead and read this piece on the greatest individual defensive performance by a defensive back that I have ever witnessed, watch the highlight reel video below… and try to hold your jaw up while doing so.

Mike Jackson recorded four pass break-ups, his career-high and the second-most in a playoff game in Carolina Panthers history.

The former fifth-round pick also had an interception in the contest, fooling Rams signal-caller Matthew Stafford in a disguised zone coverage look. This was his second pick against the MVP, the first coming in a late-season game that he took back for six. The Panthers won that game, and you could argue that the contest was the turning point in the season and the realization that Carolina football is serious again.

What remains the most impressive in the Wild Card game is the composure, confidence, as well as how routine Jackson made these plays look. He not only had the game of his life, but it happened against two receivers widely regarded as top-10 at their position in the NFL: Davante Adams (#17) and Puka Nacua (#12).

Matching up Against Adams

Well, it’s not for the weak to say the least. Adams excels at deceiving corners at the line of scrimmage, whether with a head fake or a stutter-step; he’s one of the most difficult players in the sport to contain off the snap. Jackson not only contained him but held him to five receptions on 13 targets. That is eight balls that he forced out of Adams’ hands or shielded him from snagging.

Adams’ longest reception of the day was for 23 yards, and that came on one of four snaps that Jackson was not covering him.

Nacua’s Drops, and why Jackson played a part in them

Puka Nacua doesn’t drop the ball. It’s that simple. In this game, though, a surefire touchdown fell through his hands, and two passes over the middle went un-grabbed by the superstar.

The deep-ball that he fumbled was wide-open, so that is not due to Jackson’s excellence, but what was, in fact, Jackson’s doing was the crosser-routes in between the numbers. The knock on Jackson was always his subpar closing speed, yet he silenced that quickly, not with speed and agility, but instead because of his presence and fearlessness flying downhill.

A dominant second quarter from Jackson had the Rams’ wideouts feeling less confident than usual, and it also affected Stafford. He missed four passes that should’ve been caught in that quarter alone, per PFF, which is something the leage MVP had not done all year.

What now?

It appears as though Carolina will roll with the same cornerback unit heading into OTA’s, but former UDFA Corey Thornton might see more nickel reps than Chau Smith-Wade. Jackson’s boundary spot remains untouched, and if the Panthers continue with the plan of not letting Jaycee Horn travel, we could see a similar year for Mike Jackson in 2026.

Tetairoa McMillan

The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is no doubt the best receiver, and maybe overall offensive player on this Panthers roster. It’s rare to find a 6-foot-4 wideout with the body control that McMillan has, but Carolina did, and it looks like they have their WR1 for the next handful of seasons. He doesn’t win with jukes, spins, or flashy hurdles, but instead with consistency over the middle and an elite understanding of coverages. Every time I watch McMillan, what stands out is how deceptive he is, as well as his calculated, never-rushed movements. McMillan’s long strides make his next move nearly impossible to predict, and his extremely wide catch radius makes it easy on quarterback Bryce Young when he targets the former first-round pick. I don’t say this often about young wideouts — I didn’t even say it about Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers — but I think Tet has the chance to become one of the league’s premier receivers.

Jalen Coker

Coker had the game of his life in the Wild Card round with nine catches for 134 yards, including a seven-yard go-ahead score with just 2:35 left in the game. He has had to prove himself since the day he was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross, and he continues to prove every week why he needs more field time. Towards the end of the year, Coker was playing nearly every snap of every game, so his spot is solidified, whether that be on the outside or in the slot.

Xavier Legette

Legette is a legit cut-candidate this offseason, which is crazy to say about a player who was selected in the first round just three years ago. His inconsistencies go beyond drops. Legette has never been a contested-catch guy, but he’s forced himself into that mold because he cannot create separation at the top of his route. I watched All-22 Film on every single one of these players on this list, and Legette continuously had my hands on my head. Some players have all the athletic ability in the world, but can’t transfer that to football — unfortunately, Legette might fall into this category.

Chris Brazzell II

At 6-foot-5, Brazzell II is taller than McMillan and also might be the fastest player on the roster. His sub-4.40 40-yard dash was top-five at his position en route to a third-round selection by Carolina. We’ve seen Tennessee wide receivers who can fly not pan out in the NFL, and the main name that comes to mind is Jaylin Hyatt of the Giants, but Brazzell II has five-plus inches on him. I could see Brazzell II taking the top off of defenses quickly.

Jimmy Horn Jr.

Down the stretch, Horn Jr. squeaked out a gadget role in the Panthers’ offense. He was used on screens, sweeps, and the occasional crosser-route. Horn Jr.’s rookie campaign is unfortunately tattooed with his 4th-down drop to end the Wild Card game against the Rams, but, in my opinion, there is a lot to like about him and his game. He walks the tightrope between cockiness and confidence, and it gives a jolt to the entire Carolina offense when he makes a play. Horn Jr. is exceptionally agile and makes defenders look silly in open space. If he can fine-tune his route running, as well as work on his hands, Horn Jr. might see a bigger workload this season — especially in the return game.

John Metchie III

A former second-round draft pick out of Alabama, Metchie III has had a slow start to his career due to reasons beyond football. He was diagnosed with cancer in late 2021, and that forced him to miss all of the 2022 season. He has bounced around the league a bit since then, but now finds a home with his former college quarterback (Bryce Young) in Carolina. Metchie III could carve out a special teams role, and I could see him fit well in the slot in certain packages.

Brycen Tremayne

Tremayne is going to make the roster, and it isn’t because he’s going to catch passes. He only hauled in 14 balls last year, but where he shines is in the run game; weird, right? Yes, especially for a receiver, but it also speaks to his professionalism and how well he does his job. Tremayne has accepted the role of the motion-man, one ready to block for his backs and own his side of the field. Last season, Rico Dowdle had back-to-back 200-yard games at the RB spot — Tremayne was on the field more in those games than any other in 2025.

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The video below highlights Umanmielen’s ability to impact the game in a plethora of different ways; setting the edge, stuffing the run and a wide range of pass-rush moves are just some examples of how he makes his mark every Sunday.

In the very first clip, the Panthers ran a QB-spy concept, sending four rushers and having linebacker Christian Rozeboom watch the ever-so-mobile Kyler Murray. Only rushing four caused the Cardinals to double-team the interior of the line, A’Shawn Robinson and Bobby Brown III, to prevent them from getting to the quarterback, which meant Umanmielen was one-on-one with the right tackle on the perimeter.

The former Ole Miss Rebel timed the snap perfectly and then used a stop-and-go move to fool his blocker. He ultimately got to Murray and forced a punt with his sack.

This deceptiveness is a monumental part of Umanmielen’s game because of how long a human being he is. With just a flinch, he can swipe, swim or duck under blockers.

Umanmielen uses his 9 5/8-inch hands to initiate contact (the average male hand size is 7.6 inches), then his 82 1/2-inch wingspan (about 6-foot-10) helps him turn the corner exceptionally well. His long arms are not only good for rushing the passer, though, as the two-time All-SEC team member uses them to stop the run better than anyone else in the Carolina edge room, as seen in the clip below.

Here, he puts his pursuit skills on display. The way he turns the corner, especially on this play, is not normal — it is rare to find a young edge rusher that’s this bendy, toolsy and fluid — his closing speed is elite.

The question is how the Panthers will incorporate Umanmielen into an edge rotation that now has Jaelan Phillips and still houses Nic Scourton. The answer? Have Umanmielen play on third down, and here’s why.

As stated above, he can stop the run and rush the passer. Third down and medium (ex: 3rd & 4-7 yards) gives offenses the ability to really open up their playbook. This could be seen as an issue for many teams, especially those with smaller, designated pass-rushers on the edge, but it’s not for Carolina because they have Umanmielen. With his steady, high-IQ style of play in the run game, he’ll stop halfback draws from happening. Umanmielen will also be a threat blitzing, so good luck running play action or up the middle on third down.

Jeremiah Smith is Generational

Smith is in a league of his own. I debated putting ten blank, no-name spaces in between him and my number two player, Trevor Goosby. I’ve heard multiple people compare him to Andre Johnson, a big-bodied, strong receiver who can go up and get the ball, and while I do see that, I think Calvin Johnson is a better comp. Smith’s elite body control and ability to fend off corners with brute strength are evident, but even at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, he can make people miss after the catch. Watching him play in college is like watching a grown man play recess football with middle-schoolers — it’s absurd how smart and technical he is in his play while still being flashy and continuously making highlight-reel catches. He is as established as it gets for a 20-year-old and has been the best wideout in college football since enrolling at Ohio State, and his back-to-back 5th-ranked PFF (Pro Football Focus) season grades (89.7 & 90.7) back that up. Smith has not only cemented himself atop my board but also as one of the greatest wide receivers in college football history.

Cut-up via https://x.com/NFL_DF on X.

Three Cornerbacks in the Top 10

Leonard Moore, Kelley Jones and Ellis Robinson IV could shut down a plethora of NFL receivers right now, and they are all entering their third year of college football.

Moore, the most polished of the trio, is a shadower, meaning he follows the opposition’s number one wideout on every snap — and he plays every defensive snap, too, according to PFF’s advanced statistics. His pro-ready technique and incredibly fluid hips make up for his lack of long speed. Moore wins in man-to-man coverage, but has the instincts and long arms to get better in zone. He was the best cornerback not named Mansoor Delane in college football in 2025, and Delane just went at number six overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Fighting Irishman has a real chance to be a top-three pick in 2027, which would be the first cornerback to go in the top-three since Derek Stingley Jr. in 2022, as well as just the 9th corner ever to be selected in the first three picks throughout NFL Draft history.

Jones and Robinson IV are both less experienced in number one roles, but a strong second half of the year for the two of them will most definitely result in starting jobs come the fall. Jones is a rare specimen at 6-foot-4 and looks like he was built in a lab for press coverage. He is physical at both the catch-point and line of scrimmage, something his lengthy wingspan helps with. Quarterbacks completed just 28.9% of passes when throwing his way last season. Robinson IV was a late-season sparkplug for Georgia and showed out in the College Football Playoff. He’s only played 550 defensive snaps, but the redshirt sophomore possesses insane closing speed and great pursuit skills. The former number-two player in the 2024 high school class only gave up 15 catches on 35 targets last year, and with more reps could become one of the most feared corners in the country.

Edge Rushers Galore

Quincy Rhodes Jr. was in my top-20 entering January for this year’s draft, but he decided to return to the Razorbacks. He is elite against the run and has ridicously long arms.

Matayo Uiagalelei has the size, speed and power to become a force for the Ducks this year, but the production is lacking. His spot at six on this board is completely tentative. With that said, if he can put it all together, Uiagalelei could quickly become the most well-rounded of the bunch.

Colin Simmons and Dylan Stewart do not move like human beings. Both of them are extremely bendy and could outrun some of the running backs in this class. My only reasoning for them not being ranked higher (Simmons 7 & Stewart 13) is that they profile as designated pass rushers in the league. If they can both improve against the run, there’s a good chance they are the first two edge rushers taken.

Damon Wilson II will be another product of Jason Taylor, the defensive line coach at UMiami. Wilson was great in a limited role at Mizzou in 2025, but he has the chance to explode in 2026 due to his aggressiveness and extremely high motor.

Hayden’s Favorite Prospect on the List

Jamari Johnson is likely to take over the Kenyon Sadiq role in Eugene, Oregon, yet he might be a more complete receiver. He’s 6-foot-5 and nearly 260 pounds, which is 20 pounds heavier than Sadiq, who just went in the first round. Johnson poses as an elite down-the-seam threat and has blocking upside given his frame. Johnson plucks the ball and rarely uses his body to catch passes, something I always pay attention to when evaluating tight ends. He actually was graded higher than Sadiq by PFF this past season in a limited role.

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1 LV — Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana (A+)

Everyone knew this was going to happen. The Raiders got their guy and hope he can be their signal-caller for the next decade-plus. Mendoza is going to thrive in a Klint Kubiak offense that features Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. I do have two questions, though. What will they do in rounds two and beyond to address the line, and how will the Heisman winner work from under center?

2 NYJ — David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech (B-)

This is the lowest grade out of all the Jets’ picks because I’m not sure what adding a pure pass-rusher will do for a defense that had a lot of other issues last year. Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles are all players I would’ve taken here if I were Aaron Glenn and company. Bailey’s 14.5 sacks last season with the Red Raiders are more than half of what New York had in 2025 (26 sacks all season).

3 ARI — Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame (D)

This is not a knock on Love, who is arguably the best running back prospect we’ve seen since Saquon Barkley, but the Cardinals have so many other needs at premium positions (OT, EDGE, CB and LB). Did you watch an Arizona game last year and say, “Man, this team would be so good if they just had a running back!“ Yeah, didn’t think so. The team also just signed Tyler Allgeier, and they still have Trey Benson, whom they drafted just two years ago with a day two pick.

4 TEN — Carnell Tate, WR Ohio St (C)

Look, if the plan is to give Cam Ward everything, I get it — but they could have traded back and gotten Tate. My only argument for a C here is the fact that you know exactly what you’re getting with Tate: no guessing, just production. He’ll be the deep threat and red zone target for a while in Tennessee, but the former Buckeye is not worth the fourth overall pick.

5 NYG — Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE Ohio St (F)

Arvell Reese might have the highest ceiling in this class, but the Giants really, really messed up here. They have a loaded edge room: Brian Burns (28 y/o), Abdul Carter (last year’s first-round pick) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (picked up 5th-year option)… this is just a nice way of me saying that taking the best player available at number five overall is not normal, nor is it a good strategy. If they wanted an off-ball backer, they should’ve taken Styles, not Reese, who had a bottom-half PFF coverage grade last season.

6 KC (trade) — Mansoor Delane, CB LSU (B-)

It’s clear that Kansas City really wanted Delane, and it makes sense. He is a perfect fit for them, plays a premium position and fills their hole at corner. The reason this pick doesn’t garner a higher grade is because I firmly believe that KC could’ve gotten him at nine.

7 WSH — Sonny Styles, LB Ohio St (A+)

Great value for a great player. Dan Quinn is going to turn Styles into an absolute superstar, and Commanders fans should be very excited. I still cannot believe he was on the board at seven.

8 NO — Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona St (A-)

When he’s healthy, Tyson is far and away the best wideout in this class. Taking him at eight means that the Saints did their research and know that he is, in fact, healthy. Tyler Shough now has two star receivers in Chris Olave and Tyson. Watch out for New Orleans this year, seriously, especially if both of these weapons can stay on the field

9 CLE (trade) — Spencer Fano, OT Utah (B+)

I love the fit, I love the person Fano is and I love the player. My only reason this didn’t get an A-/A is because the hole on Cleveland’s line is at left tackle — Fano only played on the right side in college.

10 NYG — Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami (FLA) (A-)

If the Giants wanted a guard, they should’ve taken Vega Ioane (Penn St). I give this an A- because of how good Mauigoa is in the run game, and the Giants are going to run the ball… a lot. Whether he sticks at tackle or newly-extended Germaine Eleumenor shifts to guard, meaning Mauigoa would stay at RT, I think he’ll be a franchise lineman for the Big Blue.

11 DAL (trade) — Caleb Downs, S Ohio St (A+)

The Cowboys got a top-five player in the class at pick 11, which is why they get an A+ for this pick. Downs is so versatile and immediately adds a new dimension to Dallas’ defense. He can play in the box, slot and up top, filling three holes on the Cowboys’ roster.

12 MIA (trade) — Kadyn Proctor, OT Alabama (C)

The upside is immense with Proctor. He’s 6-foot-7 and 370 pounds, with feet that move like a running back. My issue is where they picked him — he would’ve been there in the 20’s. If this pans out, Miami might have its franchise left tackle post-Terron Armstead, who retired two years ago.

13 LAR — Ty Simpson, QB Alabama (C-)

I see the vision, but I don’t think the value was right. They could’ve taken Nussmeier or even Beck later in the draft. Stafford is not getting any younger, though, which is why this is a fringe C- pick.

14 BAL — Vega Ioane, IOL Penn St (A+)

Where do the Ravens run the ball? Up the middle. Ioane is a mauler and will be a staple for Baltimore’s line for the next decade. Terrific pick here, especially for a team that has the likes of Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.

15 TB — Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE Miami (FLA) (A)

Turn on the tape, don’t JUST pay attention to the measurables. Bain Jr. was the most dominant player in CFB last season, and Tampa Bay got him at 15. He is going to terrorize the NFC South for a long time. If the arm-length and character concerns happen to be true, oh well. That’s the lone reason this is not an A+ pick.

16 NYJ — Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon (B+)

Yes, they just drafted Mason Taylor, but Sadiq is not an ordinary tight end. He can do everything: line up out wide, in the slot and he’s a terrific blocker. This gives Geno Smith a great down-the-seam target and someone who could haul in 10+ touchdowns every year.

17 DET — Blake Miller, OT Clemson (C)

The Lions really do plan to move Penei Sewell to the left side, huh? Miller makes sense because he’s only ever played RT, but there were better tackles on the board. He does bring the nastiness and intensity that Dan Campbell loves, though, so it does make sense.

18 MIN — Caleb Banks, DL Florida (C)

Banks has a bad, bad, bad injury history, but also does things at 6-foot-6, 330 pounds that are not normal. He has terrific footwork and is as strong as an ox. A bit of a reach, but if it pans out, he could be a true game-wrecker.

19 CAR — Monroe Freeling, OT Georgia (B)

I love the value, as Freeling was my second-ranked tackle in the class, but the Panthers just signed Rasheed Walker. The reason it’s a B-grade is that Freeling is an absolute freak athlete. The Panthers had more offensive line shifts than anyone in the NFL last year, so banking on Freeling at LT isn’t a bad idea, especially when, nowadays, superstar tackles rarely hit the open market in free agency.

20 PHI (trade) — Makai Lemon, WR USC (B+)

Lemon fits the culture in Philly and is super aggressive at the catch point. This could mean a real goodbye to star wideout AJ Brown, though.

21 PIT — Max Iheanachor, OT Arizona St (D)

He is super raw, but very technical in his play. If Pittsburgh can work with him and be patient, my D-grade could look very stupid. Iheanachor didn’t start playing football until college, so there’s that, too.

22 LAC — Akheem Mesidor, EDGE Miami (FLA) (B)

Mesidor is 25, but the age doesn’t matter with a team like the Chargers, whose title window is now. Mesidor and Khalil Mack, who re-signed this offseason, are a monster edge duo.

23 DAL — Malachi Lawrence, EDGE UCF (C+)

I am a huge Malachi Lawrence fan. He’s super twitchy, bendy and stops the run. The only reason this grade isn’t a B-or-higher is because they took him too early; he would’ve been there in the second round.

24 CLE — KC Concepcion, WR Texas A&M (A)

This is a great pick. I think Concepcion has Amon-Ra St. Brown-like upside, and he’ll be a great underneath target for whoever is throwing footballs in Cleveland this season.

25 CHI — Dillon Thieneman, S Oregon (B-)

I like the player and the team fit, but Thieneman’s production dipped big-time last year. His eight interceptions in two years are intriguing, but I’m not sure this is the Jaquan Brisker replacement.

26 HOU (trade) — Keylan Rutledge, IOL Georgia Tech (B)

Rutledge moves very well and can play any interior O-line position. The Texans need help there, and CJ Stroud can’t be sacked as much as he was last year.

27 MIA (trade) — Chris Johnson, CB San Diego St (C-)

Again, I like Johnson, but this was too early. He dominated in college, but he didn’t play in the SEC or BIG10. San Diego St had a fairly easy schedule. I hope Johnson proves me wrong, as I’ve heard great things about his character and work ethic.

28 NE (trade) — Caleb Lomu, OT Utah (B+)

Lomu is a feisty, nasty tackle who doesn’t stop with the blow of a whistle. My only reasoning for this not being an A- or higher is because he’s never played the right side, and the Pats already have Will Campbell on the left.

29 KC — Peter Woods, DL Clemson (A)

Earlier in the draft cycle, I had Peter Woods as a top-10 player. If the Chiefs are getting the 2024 version of Peter Woods, this is a homerun.

30 NYJ — Omar Cooper Jr., WR Indiana (B+)

I think Cooper Jr. is very good at the catch point, and he’s a great threat in the red zone from his slot position. He just doesn’t have that burst or after-the-catch ability you want for this offense.

31 TEN — Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn (C+)

Faulk is another guy who was much higher on my board earlier in the cycle, but his traits didn’t translate to production. If he can sit for a bit and stop the run, this is good value.

32 SEA — Jadarian Price, RB Notre Dame (C)

The Seahawks needed an RB badly, and they got one. The thing is, Price fumbles… a lot. He lost four, including two in the game I watched to evaluate him.

Davison Igbinosun, CB Ohio St

Formerly the top-rated high school player in New Jersey, Igbinosun has no problem with pressure. In fact, he embraces it. Every snap I watched of his, he was guarding the opponent’s number one wideout. He covers with physicality, which can come back to bite him: he led college football in pass-interference penalties in 2024, and only bettered the number slightly this past season. With that said, he is built in the same mold as current Panther and playoff standout Mike Jackson. Igbinosun doesn’t have great closing speed, but his long speed keeps him with wideouts. There are two reasons he could be on the Panthers’ radar. For one, the secondary needs depth. Having your nickel corner also be your backup boundary guy is a problem, and it was a problem when Chau Smith-Wade, who is a slot cornerback, gave up a boatload of receptions against a depleted Saints WR room in week 15. The team currently has Corey Thornton listed as their number one backup corner, so adding Igbinosun to the room would give Carolina another option if need be. Reason number two would be the nightmare scenario, but GMs and front offices need to plan for that. We’ve seen Jaycee Horn struggle to stay on the field. He was healthy last year and had the best season of his career, but with his history of sitting on the sidelines due to injury, you need to invest in a ready-to-go backup — Igbinosun is exactly that. He started every single game across three seasons for the Buckeyes, and, in my opinion, is worthy of a day two selection.

Kaelon Black, RB Indiana

Kaelon Black runs hard. He puts his helmet down and embraces contact. Who might this remind you of? Well, let us go through the list of Panthers running backs who used power rather than elusiveness to make their money. D’onta Foreman was the primary back for a bit, and he did not shy away from tacklers. As soon as he showed the muscle and hustle in his game, he got more reps. Rico Dowdle just burst onto the scene with a second-straight 1,000-yard season. He’s now in Pittsburgh on a shiny new contract because of his fearlessness with the ball in his hands. Those are just two examples of how evident it is that Carolina values tough running on their roster, and even though they just signed a tough runner in AJ Dillon, I think Black in the second half of the draft would make so much sense. The National Champion Hoosier also brings kick return experience to the table, a spot the Panthers had a plethora of trouble with last season. Not to mention, Black took a top-30 visit to Charlotte, so this idea of drafting yet another RB is not all that far-fetched.

Zane Durant, DL Penn St

Zane Durant won’t play on every down, but his get-off and speed at the defensive tackle position are not common. He’s in my top 100, but I don’t see him in many others’, which is probably because he can really only do one thing: rush the passer. The Panthers still have high hopes for Turk Wharton, who is also primarily used as a designated pass rusher, but adding Durant to the mix would spice up this line and create opportunities to rush more than four.

Riley Nowakowski, FB Indiana

The Panthers haven’t had a legit fullback since Alex Armah… that was almost 10 years ago. Nowakowski understands his role and was a monumental part of the Indiana natty run. He can line up wherever and has decent hands. This would give Carolina a true H-back option in the receiving game, as well as a great blocker in short-yardage situations.

Trades

Trade 1

CLE gets Pick 11, Pick 30, OT Charlie Heck

MIA gets Pick 6

Trade 2

TB gets Pick 34, EDGE Josh Sweat

ARI gets Pick 15, 2027 5th-Rounder

Round One

1 LV — Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana

Whether it’s Kirk Cousins week one or Mendoza stepping in right away, this pick sparks a new era in Vegas — and there couldn’t be a better leader, or higher floor, for the QB you hope to call yours for the next decade.

2 NYJ — David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech

Aaron Glenn wants to win now, and this isn’t a piece discussing how much I disagree with that, so New York sticks at two and selects a premier player at a premier position. David Bailey was incredibly productive at Texas Tech, notching a whopping 73 pressures, which led the nation. He is toolsy in the sense that he always has a counter move ready, despite his first rush attempt not failing often. The reason the Jets go with Bailey and not Arvell Reese comes down to what each player’s floor is: with Reese, you are getting a ball of clay, a moldable athlete who doesn’t excel in one particular category. With Bailey, New York knows what they are drafting in a sense — a high-end pass-rusher with proven production at the position. Simply put, I feel like being an Aaron Glenn-led team will force them to take the player at a with a rock solid floor, and one who they have to do less refining with.

3 ARI — Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE Ohio St

Reese’s strength/speed combination is incredible, but he’s a project. If he’s drafted this high, it’s most likely that he’ll be playing the edge position. The Cardinals have the time to build Reese into an all-out superstar, and patience is the key to unlocking an athlete like him.

4 TEN — Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame

Love is not just a running back: he is a playmaker with game-changing speed, agility and football intelligence. The former Fighting Irishman is pure electricity and would give Cam Ward some immediate assistance. The reason Tennessee goes RB this early is because there is not a true top wideout in this class, so they give their franchise QB a blue-chip talent in the backfield and add to the offense even more in the second round.

5 NYG — Sonny Styles, LB Ohio St

Styles is a freakish athlete, shattering combine records and tallying 83 tackles on his path to the draft. John Harbaugh had Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore, and taking Styles, who is built eerily similarly to the aforementioned Hamilton, gives this New York defense its leader for what could be the next decade-plus. He’s the second OSU backer off the board, but remains my top player in the class due to where his skillset stands at now, and where it could soar to in the future.

6 (TRADE1) MIA via CLE — Carnell Tate, WR Ohio St

Tate is a true X-wide receiver whose timed speed doesn’t reflect his game speed. He can take the top off of a defense down the field, but maintains the hands and route running needed to do damage over the middle. Tate was a superstar this year at Ohio State as a number two option. With the Dolphins, he’ll be the go-to target from day one.

7 WSH — Caleb Downs, S Ohio St

High-IQ. Right place, right time. Versatile. Caleb Downs is all those things, and a little more. He doesn’t just read a QB’s eyes, but the eyes of the offense — it seems like he knows what play is coming before the team breaks the huddle. Downs has a Luke Keuchly-type mind in an Antoine Winfield Jr. body. Dan Quinn is salivating right now as he lands his new defensive superstar and captain for years to come.

8 NO — Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona St

I think teams are a lot more confident in Tyson’s health, and that’ll result in him going higher than we think. The Saints have Chris Olave, and, well, that’s really it. Tyson is a masterful route runner and possesses elite body control. He reminds me of Keenan Allen, and who wouldn’t want to give their second-year QB, in this case Tyler Shough, a receiver like Keenan Allen?

9 KC — Mansoor Delane, CB LSU

Delane was built for this Chiefs defense. He can play inside or out, plus he is absolutely terrific in press. The former Hokie went back to school, committing to LSU, then boosted his draft stock by about 3 rounds in one calendar year. After trading Trent McDuffie, corner becomes an immediate need for KC, and Delane fills the void right away.

10 NYG — Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami (FLA)

This would be an A-plus draft grade on top of an A-plus trade (Dexter Lawrence to CIN for this pick (10)). Mauigoa can play guard right away, and then shift to tackle when the Giants need him to. The team just re-signed right tackle Germaine Eleumanor to a three-year deal, but Eleumanor played guard in college and the pros, meaning Mauigoa could be an answer at either spot on the right side of the line.

11 (TRADE1) CLE via MIA— Monroe Freeling, OT Georgia

Freeling is a freak athlete at a position of need in Cleveland. They trade back here, get some capital and still nab their guy. The quick rise of Monroe Freeling should alert other O-line-needy teams because he’s moving up boards for a reason; the guy’s a true left tackle with elite traits and a boatload of strength in pass-protection.

12 DAL — Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE Miami (FLA)

The arm-length woes will indeed lead to a fall for my former number one prospect. He lacks bends and speed, but makes up for it with power and production. Bain Jr. is one of the safest players in the class, but his build has teams worried. Allbeit, he can rush the passer with a passion and stop the run very well, so Dallas sticking and picking at 12 turns out better than they expected.

13 LAR — Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon

The Rams use the tight end position more than any other team in the NFL, so why not take the best one in the draft? Sadiq will out-hustle you in the blocking game and out-run you in the receiving game. He plays with a nastiness that Sean McVay will love, too. The former Duck is a blue-chip TE prospect, and I’ve been exceptionally high on him all year long.

14 BAL — Vega Ioane, IOL Penn St

The Ravens finally get their franchise o-lineman in Penn State’s Ioane. Simply put, he is the safest bet in the class. The Nittany Lion mauls downhill in the run game, but also has a super strong base, allowing him to succeed when protecting the passer.

15 (TRADE2) ARI via TB — Ty Simpson, QB Alabama

There is a true QB conundrum in Arizona. Jacoby Brissett wants to be paid like a starter, and Gardner Minshew is not getting any younger. Trading up for Simpson means brighter days ahead, even though he might not be ready for a year or so. The early-season excellence at Alabama is what makes Simpson worthy of a top-15 pick. He is mobile, smart and can change a game with his confidence.

16 NYJ — Makai Lemon, WR USC

The Jets would run to the podium here at 16 for Lemon. The USC standout is a monster at the catch point, and, despite his 5-foot-11 frame, is one of the better jump ball receivers we’ve seen in quite some time.

17 DET — Spencer Fano, OT Utah

Word is that the Lions would like to move Penei Sewell to the left side, so drafting Fano here at 17 would let him stay at right tackle and fill a need for the Lions. During Fano’s time at Utah, 85% of their zone-run plays went behind Fano — that translates. He is lighter than a typical tackle, but has the smarts and strength to make an impact right away.

18 MIN — Dillon Thieneman, S Oregon

Harrison Smith is on the other side of 35, so why not draft your contingency plan? The thing is that Thieneman is way more than that. He notched eight interceptions in college and has the traits to carry the backend of a secondary.

19 CAR — Omar Cooper Jr., WR Indiana

Carolina has selected a receiver in the first round of the draft two years in a row; that continues in 2026 with Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. The National Champion Hoosiers had three top targets throughout their miraculous season, and Cooper Jr. was the most consistent of the bunch. His 11 touchdowns ranked 10th in the nation, and he showcased his ability to go up and get it in the red zone in Indiana’s last-second thriller in Happy Valley. Along with his red zone prowess, Cooper Jr. is a dynamic player post-reception, having generated 414 yards after the catch last year and bringing up Deebo Samuel comparisons. The former three-star high school recruit took only 61 snaps out wide this season compared to his 321 in the slot. He profiles as a strong, reliable slot receiver with after-the-catch upside. The Panthers need to, and evidently want to, surround Bryce Young with as many weapons as possible. In a somewhat crowded WR room, featuring the likes of Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, two players who really found their own down the stretch, the slot spot remains open — selecting Cooper Jr. here at 19 fills that need, and also gives Carolina the chance to do whatever they want in a talented middle portion of the draft.

20 DAL — Jermod McCoy, CB Tennessee

Jermod McCoy did not play a snap in 2025, but his 2024 tape is so good that he remains a top-20 pick. Dallas needs someone on the sideline opposite Daron Bland, so adding a freakish athlete with impeccable ball skills and a knack for INTs helps. McCoy also earned the highest PFF Athleticism score grade EVER in a game in 2024.

21 PIT — Kadyn Proctor, OT Alabama

At 6-foot-7, 370 pounds, Proctor has all the potential in the world. But where my mind goes isn’t his size; it’s how well he moves. A mammoth running like a bear is how I’d describe it. Pittsburgh needs to reset at a couple of spots on the roster, and with Broderick Jones still hurt, Proctor could see some time there sooner rather than later.

22 LAC — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S Toledo

McNeil-Warren can be deployed everywhere, much like Chargers captain Derwin James. Pairing these two defenders together would fix the gaping run lanes that plagued this Chargers unit last season.

23 PHI — Akheem Mesidor, EDGE Miami (FLA)

Mesidor’s age won’t matter to the Eagles because they are in win-now mode. He brings elite experience and terrific production to a pass-rush-needy Philly line that just lost Jaelan Phillips.

24 CLE — KC Concepcion, WR Texas A&M

The Browns need receivers. Jerry Jeudy is not a number one option, and Concepcion might not be either, but this Aggie can flip a game upside down. Concepcion is an elite route runner with terrific ability to create separation. This would give whoever is throwing footballs in Cleveland a reliable, twitchy target from the jump.

25 CHI — Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn

Faulk is not your typical edge rusher. He doesn’t turn the corner all that well and lacks some bend, but his run-stuffing prowess and ability to set the edge are not common in a rookie. He is a perfect complement next to Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter, and Faulk can also rush from the interior.

26 BUF — Kayden McDonald, DL Ohio St

McDonald is a nose tackle, yes, and taking one in the first round is risky, but his strength cannot be taught — he’s also one of the smartest players in the class. McDonald gave an elite Indiana line fits in the playoffs and can shut down a run game entirely, all by himself. He and Ed Oliver would make for one of the better interior line duos in the league right away.

27 SF — Keylan Rutledge, IOL Georgia Tech

Rutledge allowed just two sacks in college and offers some significant size on the o-line. Pairing him on the left side with Trent Williams would protect Brock Purdy and help the turnover problem in San Francisco, a big reason why they are picking at 27 and not 32.

28 HOU — Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL Oregon

Pregnon is an uber-strong, high-IQ interior offensive lineman with pass protection and run blocking upside. The Texans need to stop letting CJ Stroud get killed, and drafting Pregnon would be a great start.

29 KC — Colton Hood, CB Tennessee

The Chiefs going corner with both first-rounders might sound weird, but taking the CB position in the top 32 has gone very, very well for them (Marcus Peters 2015, Trent McDuffie 2022). Hood is a physical press corner who uses mind games just as much as his savvy coverage skills. He is a confident playmaker who has number one corner written all over him. Kansas City needs a true boundary guy, and this Vol is exactly that. Hood will get better, too, as most of his flaws are fixable (hip fluidity, long speed).

30 (TRADE1) CLE via MIA — Chris Brazzell II, WR Tennessee

Another double-dip! And this marks three Volunteers off the board in round one, yet Brazzell II snuck in here late for me. He would bring an immediate vertical threat to a talent-needy Browns offense. Taking Freeling at 11 and Brazzell II here at 30 are two major swings, but if they both hit, the Dawg Pound is going to have two superstars on one side of the ball.

31 NE — Caleb Banks, DL Florida

Banks has rare movement skills for a guy that’s 6-foot-6, 330 pounds. Pairing him with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore would give opposing offensive lines nightmares in game preparation all week and on the field on Sundays.

32 SEA — Blake Miller, OT Clemson

Miller has only played right tackle at Clemson, and I think Seattle is so complete that taking a RT here, even though they have Abe Lucas, is important. Miller could go right away, too, but the main reason he’s the selection here is that Lucas has not played a full season once in his career and Miller has a toughness about him that screams first-round pick.

Round Two

33 NYJ — D’Angelo Ponds, CB Indiana

Ponds might not have the size to succeed on the boundary in the NFL, but he was arguably the best cornerback in college football last season. His speed and intelligence will quickly make him one of the better nickel corners in the sport.

34 (TRADE2) TB via ARI — Malachi Lawrence, EDGE UCF

Lawrence is a bendy, lanky rusher who the Bucs could deploy alongside Yaya Diaby. Their two differing skillsets will make life tough on opposing OTs.

35 TEN — Gennings Dunker, IOL Iowa

Dunker is an absolute mauler in the run game. Sticking him next to JC Latham might break the scale, and it would also give projected new Titan Jeremiyah Love a staple to run behind.

36 LV — Max Iheanachor, OT Arizona St

This Sun Devil is a high-level athlete with a lot of developing to do. A strong senior bowl showing catapulted the former Rugby star into day one and two talks, and he finds his new home in Vegas, who takes a swing at upside with this selection.

37 NYG — Denzel Boston, WR Washington

The Giants need a red zone threat, and Boston is exactly that. Based on what I watched, he had zero concentration drops and beats zone with ease.

38 HOU — Peter Woods, DL Clemson

Woods is arguably the toughest evaluation in the class. There are some plays where you think, “This dude is going to terrorize the NFL,” but there are also very, very questionable moments, including taking plays off and complete mental lapses on the line. If he can stay on the field for all three downs, Houston is getting the best value pick of the draft.

39 CLE — Chris Johnson, CB San Diego St

Johnson is PFF’s golden boy. He was fantastic for three years and would bring a potential starting caliber corner alongside All-Pro Denzel Ward.

40 KC — Zion Young, EDGE Mizzou

I feel like the Chiefs would love Young because he plays very similar to their former first-rounder, George Karlaftis. Young stops the run and sets the edge at a very high level. He was also Mizzou’s only captain on the roster. Young’s intensity paired with some freaky traits make him worthy of an eary day two selection.

41 CIN — Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson

The Bengals lost Cam Taylor-Britt, but still have DJ Turner. This CB room only needs one player, and banking on Terrell’s playmaking ability is a good idea.

42 NO — Jacob Rodriguez, LB Texas Tech

Rodriguez was a legitimate Heisman contender. He runs his defense and would be a perfect replacement for Demario Davis, whom the Saints lost in free agency.

43 MIA - De’Zhaun Stribling, WR Ole Miss

Miami goes wideout with their first two picks, and it has the potential to pay off in a. big way. Stribling makes his money after the catch, where he averaged 7 yards post-reception… that’s insane.

44 NYJ — Drew Allar, QB Penn St

The Jets take a swing on a big-bodied, rocket-arm pocket passer who needs a lot, a lot, wait, let me say it again, a lot of fine-tuning.

45 BAL — CJ Allen, LB Georgia

Pairing Allen with Roquan Smith is a match made in heaven. The two play similar games, and both starred at UGA. Allen is a thumper-type LB. He’ll most likely be deployed on run-downs early, but could very well blossom into a top-level backer in the league. Stacking a box with Kyle Hamilton, the aforementioned Smith and Allen would be terrifying to run against.

46 TB — Jake Golday, LB Cincinnati

Golday is not getting the most buzz, but he is one of the more intriguging players in the draft. He was an edge early in his career, then shifted to a hybrid role at LB. He’s the Walmart version of Arvell Reese, and I stick by myh original evaluation note on him that read: “He is going to go higher than expected based on upside alone. Pair that with versatillity and you’ve got a Frankie Luvu-type defender in Tampa, who just lost Lavonte David to retirement. (FINALLY!)

47 IND — Kyle Louis, S/LB Pittsburgh

Louis is going to be a star if the Colts give him time. The 6-foot, 220-pound safety/linebacker will be deployed in every way possible. I see a long career with a lot of big-time plays, I really do. He is coachable, dependable in coverage and against the run, and he always brings intensity. Kenny Moore II is either getting cut or traded, and that opens up the slot position. Starting free safety Nick Cross left in FA, Louis could play there, too. A-plus pick for a very high upside player that Indy nabs in round two.

48 ATL — Ted Hurst, WR Georgia St

Hurst is a small-school riser because of his ability to battle at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point. I loved him when I watched his highlights, but also his lows, as the only thing that genuinely concerned me was his long speed. This isn’t an issue for Courtland Sutton, a player that I see Ted Hurst becoming fairly quickly. The Falcons are never afraid to roll the dice, and selecting a G-State WR in round two just sounds like such an ATL move.

49 MIN — Jadarian Price, RB Notre Dame

If Price is here, pencil it in. The only thing, yes, the only thing he needs to work on is ball security. He fumbled a lot and lost most of them. With that said, Price has the build and patience to be a starting running back from day one in Minnesota.

50 DET — Gabe Jacas, EDGE Illinois

Now this is a perfect fit. Jacas is an elite athlete who can even step back into zone coverage. His chase-down speed is the best out of any defender in the class, and the Lions need help stopping big plays. Jacas and Aidan Hutchinson would quickly become one of the more versatile pass-rush duos in the NFC, as they both win in so many ways.

51 CAR — Christen Miller, DL Georgia

People are getting heavy prospect fatigue with Georgia’s defensive anchor in Christen Miller, and it is kind of justified — he didn’t play as much in 2025 as he did in 2024, and his numbers are lackluster compared to the other DTs in the class. Why I have Carolina selecting him here at 50 is a matter of not only positional need, but it just makes sense. Positional need: Carolina lost A’Shawn Robinson this offseason, who was a key contributor to the on-field leadership that helped turn the Panthers’ defense into one of the more steady groups in the league, but he also did the little things very well, taking on multiple blockers, clogging lanes, as well as the occasional sack or tackle for loss. Enter Miller, whose playstyle is eerily similar to the aforementioned Robinson; he won’t dazzle with sacks or dominate the box score, but he will play on every down and provide much-needed run-defense help. Secondly, to touch on my “it just makes sense” statement, Carolina has Derrick Brown… there is no better interior d-lineman to learn from than the captain of this gritty, hard-nosed defense. Brown is arguably the strongest player in the league, often moving guards like rag dolls, and he would be a pivotal part of Miller’s development in the pros. Georgia always has a good defense, and their players are highly sought after every year in April. Getting a guy like Miller, who tested out as the fourth-best interior defensive lineman at the combine, per NFL.com’s prospect grades, would give the Queen City some juice in the middle and he could eventually become a staple on this Panthers young, disruptive line.

Check out this cut-up of Miller’s best plays via NFL Film Room’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheNFLFilmRoom

52 GB — Treydan Stukes, CB Arizona

Whether he’s in the slot or on the outside, Stukes is so physical that it makes up for his lack of athleticism. At 6-foot-2 and 200-plus pounds, he makes for a perfect Nate Hobbs replacement, who was a surprising cut this offseason. Stukes is rising quickly, so nabbing him here at 52 is awesome for Green Bay.

53 PIT — Emmett Johnson, RB Nebraska

The Steelers find their Kenneth Gainwell replacement in Johnson. The Nebraska star is elite in short spaces and will be a pivotal part of a short-pass Steelers offense quickly. The team signed Rico Dowdle, too, which makes this selection even more perfect. Dowdle needs a running mate, and Johnson is not only that, but also a fantastic pass-catcher.

54 PHI — Chris Bell, WR Lousiville

He’s hurt right now, but if he weren’t, he’d be a first-round pick. Bell is powerful and really, really fast. The Eagles are most likely trading AJ Brown, and Bell is built in the same mold with more YAC upside.

55 LAC — Brian Parker II, IOL Duke

I love Brian Parker II. Love. He plays every position on the line and gives the Chargers their new chess-piece on a line that cannot overcome injuries and atrocious protection for Justin Herbert.

56 JAX — Keionte Scott, CB Miami (FLA)

Scott is the defender — he’s everywhere all the time. He really put this versatility on display in the CFP, where he was the biggest piece of the Miami Hurricanes runner-up Natty appearance. The Jags need playmakers, and Scott is exactly that. he also ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at his size… (woah).

57 CHI — AJ Haulcy, S LSU

Haulcy is a fluid athlete, even at 220 pounds. He will be the replacement for Jaquan Brisker and can start right away.

58 SF — TJ Parker, EDGE Clemson

Parker is a violent football player who excels when rushing the passer. he can start as a rotational piece, but could certainly become a staple on this San Fran defense.

59 HOU — Seth McGowan, RB Kentucky

McGowan just makes people miss, and that will intrigue Houston because of the differing skillsets between new acquisition David Montgomery and this Kentucky Wildcat.

60 CHI — Demond Caliborn, RB Wake Forest

The Bears need speed and acceleration. Claiborn brings that, and a little more. He is one of “my guys” in this class, and can make an impact on special teams and third down. His highlight reel is actually nuts, watch it… like, now.

61 LAR — Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB TCU

This Horned Frog plays with his hair on fire, and the Rams are going to love that. He is a terrific blitzer and spy, too.

62 DEN — Lee Hunter, DL Texas Tech

The Broncos get their nose tackle for the next decade. Great value, great pick, great player.

63 NE — Eli Stowers, TE Vanderbilt

Stowers is a mismatch creator. He lines up in the slot and on the end, but needs to improve his blocking.

64 SEA — Jonah Coleman, RB Washington

Coleman lacks long speed, but reminds me of Kenneth Walker III, who just left for KC in free agency. His balance and vision make him worthy of a late day two pick.

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One, Pick 19 — Omar Cooper Jr., WR Indiana

Carolina has selected a receiver in the first round of the draft two years in a row; that continues in 2026 with Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. The National Champion Hoosiers had three top targets throughout their miraculous season, and Cooper Jr. was the most consistent of the bunch. His 11 touchdowns ranked 10th in the nation, and he showcased his ability to go up and get it in the red zone in Indiana’s last-second thriller in Happy Valley (see below, Gus Johnson on the call — this was an insane play). Along with his red zone prowess, Cooper Jr. is a dynamic player post-reception, having generated 414 yards after the catch last year and bringing up Deebo Samuel comparisons. The former three-star high school recruit took only 61 snaps out wide this season compared to his 321 in the slot. He profiles as a strong, reliable slot receiver with after-the-catch upside. The Panthers need to, and evidently want to, surround Bryce Young with as many weapons as possible. In a somewhat crowded WR room, featuring the likes of Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, two players who really found their own down the stretch, the slot spot remains open — selecting Cooper Jr. here at 19 fills that need, and also gives Carolina the chance to do whatever they want in a talented middle portion of the draft.

Round Two, Pick 50 — Christen Miller, IDL Georgia

People are getting heavy prospect fatigue with Georgia’s defensive anchor in Christen Miller, and it is kind of justified — he didn’t play as much in 2025 as he did in 2024, and his numbers are lackluster compared to the other DTs in the class. Why I have Carolina selecting him here at 50 is a matter of not only positional need, but it just makes sense. Positional need: Carolina lost A’Shawn Robinson this offseason, who was a key contributor to the on-field leadership that helped turn the Panthers’ defense into one of the more steady groups in the league, but he also did the little things very well; taking on multiple blockers, clogging lanes, as well as the occasional sack or tackle for loss. Enter Miller, whose playstyle is eerily similar to the aforementioned Robinson; he won’t dazzle with sacks or dominate the box score, but he will play on every down and provide much-needed run-defense help. Secondly, to touch on my “it just makes sense” statement, Carolina has Derrick Brown… there is no better interior d-lineman to learn from than the captain of this gritty, hard-nosed defense. Brown is arguably the strongest player in the league, often moving guards like rag dolls, and he would be a pivotal part of Miller’s development in the pros. Georgia always has a good defense, and their players are highly sought after every year in April. Getting a guy like Miller, who tested out as the fourth-best interior defensive lineman at the combine, per NFL.com’s prospect grades, would give the Queen City some juice in the middle and he could eventually become a staple on this Panthers young, disruptive line.

Check out this cut-up of Miller’s best plays via NFL Film Room’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheNFLFilmRoom

Round Three, Pick 83 — Oscar Delp, TE Georgia

135 of Oscar Delp’s 235 yards last season were all after the catch, and a playmaker at the tight end position is high on Carolina’s “what we need to have” whiteboard. Delp has impressed scouts more in the draft process than in the actual season. He didn’t play much at Georgia in 2025, but his rare athleticism at the TE position has me believing he’ll go much higher than expected. The last Georgia tight end taken with a similar profile to Delp was Brock Bowers, but Delp might even be more versatile than him, as he lined up in the slot nearly as often as he did on the line.

Round Four, Pick 119 — Jalon Kilgore, S South Carolina

Chau Smith-Wade showed flashes, but it is clear that he’s not the long-term option at the nickel spot. Having a versatile, willing tackler in the slot can propel a mediocre defense to a feared unit — South Carolina’s Jalon Kilgore checks both of those boxes. His 79th percentile athleticism score, via NFL.com, has him ranked 4th amongst all safeties in the draft.

Round Five, Pick 158 (via MIN) — Pat Coogan, IOL Indiana

Pat Coogan is a proven starter with a boatload of big game experience. he anchored one of the best offensive lines in the country and was a crucial part of the Hoosiers’ National Championship-winning team. The Panthers lost Cade Mayes to free agency, so the center spot is open — I think Coogan can step in and start right away, especially because of how good he is at blocking stunt-plays, which the NFL is using at a higher rate than ever.

Round Five, Pick 159 — Jadon Canady, CB Oregon

The game that sold me on Jadon Canady was when he locked down potential first-rounder Denzel Boston. Boston had about six inches on Canady, but this Duck just kept fighting. He has a great understanding of where to be in zone coverage and can also play the slot.

Round Six, Pick 200 — Cade Klubnik, QB Clemson

Carolina went out and signed Kenny Pickett, but if they need to start a backup at any point this season, I’m not sure Pickett is the guy. Klubnik is a Clemson product (Carolina’s bias) and has terrific 2024 tape. An awful 2025 led to a tumble draft-wise, but he’s got the size and tools to be a career backup, providing the Panthers with their Andy Dalton replacement.