2026 NFL Draft: Early Predictions and Top Prospects to Watch

Get an early look at the 2026 NFL Draft with predictions for every first-round pick, top prospects, and team needs.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, it's never too early to start analyzing the top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s an early projection of all 32 first-round picks, based on film study and insights from scouts across the league.

1. Cleveland Browns

Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson Klubnik enters the season as the top quarterback prospect, showcasing arm strength, mobility, and playmaking awareness reminiscent of Baker Mayfield.

2. New York Giants

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami Mauigoa has shown significant improvement, making him a potential replacement for Evan Neal and a key addition to the Giants' youthful offense.

3. Tennessee Titans

T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson Parker’s quickness and ability to rush from multiple alignments make him an ideal fit for the Titans' defense.

4. New York Jets

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas Hill’s versatility and playmaking ability could see him transition to an edge rusher role, providing a significant boost to the Jets' defense.

5. New Orleans Saints

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Downs’ range and versatility make him the top overall player in this class, offering the Saints a much-needed defensive playmaker.

6. Carolina Panthers

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Woods’ quickness and leverage would be a welcome addition to the Panthers' revamped defensive line.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami Bain’s speed-to-power ability could complement Maxx Crosby, addressing the Raiders' need for edge rushers.

8. New England Patriots

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State Tyson’s route-running ability and poise in space make him a potential top-10 pick and a prime target for young QB Drake Maye.

9. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama Proctor’s physicality and mean streak make him a potential heir apparent for Rob Havenstein at right tackle.

10. Seattle Seahawks

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah Fano’s movement ability and understanding of angles and leverage make him an ideal NFL right tackle.

11. Indianapolis Colts

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU Nussmeier’s fire and energy, combined with his playmaking ability, could make him a valuable addition to the Colts' quarterback room.

12. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah Lomu’s growth potential and performance as a redshirt freshman make him a promising left tackle prospect.

13. Dallas Cowboys

Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn Faulk’s versatility and ability to generate pressure from multiple positions make him a potential complement to Micah Parsons.

14. Arizona Cardinals

Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson Williams’ quickness and ability to play both outside and in the slot make him an ideal complement to Marvin Harrison Jr.

15. Miami Dolphins

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee McCoy’s length, speed, and ball skills make him a potential No. 1 cornerback for the Dolphins.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina Sellers’ combination of size, strength, and mobility makes him an exciting prospect for the Steelers.

17. Chicago Bears

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Love’s bruising running style and receiving skills make him the perfect feature back for the Bears' offense.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama Keenan’s strength against the run and leadership qualities make him a potential first-round pick.

19. Green Bay Packers

LT Overton, Edge, Alabama Overton’s size, length, and versatility make him a potential priority for the Packers' edge rush needs.

20. Denver Broncos

Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt Stowers’ ability to play as a slot tight end makes him a younger version of Evan Engram with greater upside.

21. Houston Texans

Austin Barber, OT, Florida Barber’s efficient hand placement and quickness make him a pro-level starting tackle prospect.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Patrick Payton, Edge, LSU Payton’s quickness and speed off the edge make him an intriguing fit for the Buccaneers' defense.

23. San Francisco 49ers

Isaiah World, OT, Oregon World’s elite reach and agility make him a potential successor to Trent Williams at left tackle.

24. Cincinnati Bengals

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson Terrell’s versatility, speed, and production make him a valuable addition to the Bengals' secondary.

25. Washington Commanders

A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State Harris’ length and ball-hawking skills make him a promising cornerback prospect for the Commanders.

26. Los Angeles Chargers

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia Allen’s read-and-react ability makes him a good bet to be an immediate NFL starter for the Chargers.

27. Los Angeles Rams

Drew Allar, QB, Penn State Allar’s big arm and mobility make him a potential successor to Matthew Stafford.

28. Baltimore Ravens

D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana Ponds’ feisty coverage and ball skills make him a potential slot corner for the Ravens.

29. Detroit Lions

Tyreak Sapp, Edge, Florida Sapp’s strength and quickness make him a potential complement to Aidan Hutchinson.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon Thieneman’s size and playmaking instincts make him a potential starter for the Chiefs.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington Boston’s physical style and above-the-rim play make him a potential replacement for A.J. Brown.

32. Buffalo Bills

Jake Slaughter, C, Florida Slaughter’s athletic profile and clean pass protection make him a potential starter at guard or center.

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