NFL Draft 2026: Countdown Begins
The 2026 NFL Draft is just hours away, creating a buzz among fans and analysts alike.
Now feels like the ideal time to unveil the top 100 players.
James Deiter and Mark Schofield have analyzed the game footage and all relevant combine data, resulting in a compiled list of the top draft contenders. Of course, as we’ll discuss shortly, various factors—like team needs, roster depth, and medical evaluations—can significantly influence when players are selected during the event tonight.
In a moment, I’ll share my thoughts about these players and the overall draft class following the rankings.
Top 100 Players
| Rank | Player | Position | School | Job Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abel Reese | LB | Ohio | LB1 |
| 2 | Jeremiah Love | R.B. | Notre Dame Cathedral | RB1 |
| 3 | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio | S1 |
| 4 | Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio | LB2 |
| 5 | Mansour Deran | C.B. | LSU | CB1 |
| 6 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | QB1 |
| 7 | Ruben Bain Jr. | Corner | Miami | Edge 1 |
| 8 | Francis Mauigoa | O.T. | Miami | OT1 |
| 9 | Colonel Tate | W.R. | Ohio | WR1 |
| 10 | David Bailey | Corner | Texas Tech University | Edge 2 |
Fernando Mendoza’s Interesting Position
Fernando Mendoza is set to be a starter tonight, and there’s definitely a lot to like about him. He has potential, not to mention a personality that stands out.
However, being a starter doesn’t necessarily mean he’s the top player in his class. Other prospects like Abel Reese, Jeremiah Love, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and cornerback Mansour Delane rank higher on our list.
His value at quarterback and the limited options at that position suggest he’ll take the lead, but he isn’t rated the highest overall.
Evaluating David Bailey
David Bailey is a divisive figure who is expected to be picked by the New York Jets at No. 2.
John Ledyard, an expert on pass rushers, had some interesting insights, as shared in SB Nation:
“Bailey has the length, size, and explosiveness necessary for a top pass rusher. He has consistently dominated at the college level. However, he will face tougher competition in the NFL, which will require greater nuance and consistency.”
Ledyard ranks Bailey fourth among EDGE players, but we see him as EDGE2, just behind Ruben Bain Jr. Personally, I noticed potential in Bailey’s game—some of his sacks were designed plays, indicating strategic depth. Yet, as he enters the NFL, these approaches might be more of a challenge.
Is Jermod McCoy Still Among the Top?
Concerns are swirling around Jermod McCoy’s knee condition. Besides a previously repaired ACL, it seems he may need another surgical procedure. This has led to comparisons with Will Johnson’s fall last year.
That said, based purely on his film from 2024, McCoy still emerges as a top prospect in this class.
Of course, we’re not doctors. Teams must trust medical professionals when making tough choices.
Class Depth Analysis
If your team needs help on the offensive or defensive lines, this draft class offers multiple solid options.
From the top 50 players, there are 10 offensive linemen, followed by seven offensive tackles and three interior linemen. Also included are eight EDGE players and four defensive tackles. If we broaden the scope to cover off-ball linebackers, we see six more in the top 50.
It’s worth mentioning that I’m listing Arvel Reese as a linebacker for ranking purposes, even though he might play out on the edge in the NFL.
This class really stands out in terms of linemen depth. If you’re in the market for a quarterback, it might be wise to wait until next year—unless you’re the Las Vegas Raiders, of course.
