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Matt Miller
We’re a great distance from the 2026 NFL draft — the 2025 faculty soccer season is sort of two months away, in any case — nevertheless it’s by no means too early to begin breaking down movie of the highest prospects within the upcoming class. Primarily based off that movie and conversations I’ve had with scouts and expertise evaluators all through the league, I am doing an early projection of all 32 picks in subsequent yr’s draft.
The 1-32 order for this mock draft comes from ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index, which makes use of hundreds of simulations to foretell the 2025 NFL season. FPI proper now has the Cleveland Browns within the No. 1 spot, one in all their two first-round picks. The Browns aren’t alone in having a number of Spherical 1 picks, because the Los Angeles Rams may also have two picks. In fact, rather a lot will change between now and when the 2026 draft begins subsequent April in Pittsburgh. Prospects will transfer round draft boards, and a few of these gamers will finally return to high school for one more yr. One participant you’ll not see on this mock draft is Texas quarterback Arch Manning; I nonetheless assume he’ll keep in faculty for the 2026 season.
We’ve got a whole season of recreation tape forward of us — and I admittedly have not watched a ton on everybody simply but. So that is an early look meant to establish how issues stand proper now. Let’s dive in with Cleveland. (Word: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.)
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Spending two picks on quarterbacks in 2025 — Dillon Gabriel (third spherical) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth spherical) — should not stop the Browns from searching for a long-term passer right here. Klubnik enters the season as my No. 1 QB. In 2024, he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, highlighted by a gutsy efficiency in opposition to Texas within the Faculty Soccer Playoff (336 passing yards, three TDs, one INT). Klubnik jogs my memory of Baker Mayfield — whom Cleveland chosen with the No. 1 choose in 2018 — when it comes to arm energy, mobility and playmaking consciousness.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
Mauigoa enters his third faculty season as a participant on the rise. After permitting 5 sacks throughout his true freshman season in 2023, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound proper sort out did not permit a sack final season and drew solely three penalties. Mauigoa is finest as a run blocker in a zone scheme, with fast ft and the agility to get to the second degree. He’d function a alternative for disappointing 2022 first-rounder Evan Neal and be part of a youthful offense which additionally options 2025 first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart, star second-year receiver Malik Nabers and rising working again Tyrone Tracy Jr.
T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson*
Tennessee has lengthy wanted a premier edge rusher, and Parker is certainly that. Not solely did the 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior have 11 sacks final season, however he additionally pressured six fumbles. He could be a super match within the Titans’ 3-4 base protection due to his skill to play in house and rush from a number of alignments. His quickness off the nook is the most effective within the class when watching final season’s tape. Whereas the Titans may use offensive assist, Parker is the defensive menace they want.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*
The Jets may search for a receiver to assist Garrett Wilson, however there’s not one who’s prone to be picked this excessive proper now. As an alternative, defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn would get a real, three-down difference-maker. Hill was a stat-sheet filler in 2024, posting 113 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 pressured fumbles and a 32-yard pick-six. His vary in protection and blitzing skill reminds of Fred Warner, however at 6-foot-3, 235 kilos, Hill may get the Micah Parsons remedy and transfer to an edge rusher position. That makes him the uncommon linebacker worthy of a top-five choose.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
Safeties normally get pushed down the board, however Downs is totally different. The 6-foot, 205-pounder is my No. 1 total participant due to his vary, versatility and confirmed playmaker DNA. Downs has 4 interceptions in his two faculty seasons whereas exhibiting the talents to play within the field or man middle subject as a deep security. He is routinely utilized as an eraser in opposition to no matter offenses do finest. The Saints want good soccer gamers all through their roster, and there is no higher one on this class than Downs.
3:31
How Caleb Downs developed his soccer IQ at a younger age
Ohio State security Caleb Downs discusses how he took his recreation to the subsequent degree by honing his soccer IQ in each standard and unconventional means.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
The Panthers bucked standard knowledge with their 2025 first-rounder, eschewing a protection that completed final in EPA for extensive receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 choose. They did add edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2, so now it is time for them to get defensive sort out Derrick Brown some assist. That is the place the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Woods is available in. He posted three sacks and 17 pressures in 11 video games this season, and his quickness and leverage could be a welcome slot in Carolina’s revamped protection.
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*
Seven of the Raiders’ 11 picks in 2025 got here on offense, together with 5 of the primary six. So it is time to choose up a protection that has to face Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix twice per season. Las Vegas wants to seek out Maxx Crosby assistance on the sting, and Bain’s speed-to-power skill may give it that Crosby complement. Bain has 11 sacks in his two faculty seasons, utilizing his size to create house he can crash by along with his trademark energy. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Bain has the construct and instruments to make a direct affect from the left edge.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
Upside is intriguing when devising summer season mock drafts, and Tyson has the potential to rise into the highest 10. At 6-foot-1, 195 kilos, he jogs my memory of Jaxon Smith-Njigba along with his route-running skill and poise in house whereas effortlessly transferring by a route tree. Tyson broke out in 2024, catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. However drops are an issue, with eight approaching 114 targets. If he cleans that up, Tyson has the pace and route approach to be a top-10 choose and a primary goal for younger Patriots QB Drake Maye, who has proven franchise potential.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
With two first-rounders within the 2026 draft, the Rams have loads of flexibility. Proctor would already be one of many NFL’s strongest gamers upon coming into the league, because the 6-foot-7, 370-pounder performs with physicality and a imply streak that’s unattainable for defenders to deal with when he is locked in. However Proctor is not all the time on his A-game and might run hot-and-cold. The Rams are searching for an inheritor obvious to Rob Havenstein at proper sort out and Proctor has extra potential than any lineman on this class … if he can enhance his consistency.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
It was stunning that the Seahawks waited till Spherical 7 to draft a sort out in 2025, contemplating that Abraham Lucas’ accidents have created instability at proper sort out. If that continues, Seattle may go together with a sort out very early in 2026. Fano has performed each left and proper sort out at Utah, however his dimension (6-foot-5, 304 kilos) has some scouts projecting him as an NFL guard. Fano enters 2025 as one of many nation’s finest linemen after permitting one sack in 2024, and his motion skill and understanding of angles and leverage make him a super NFL proper sort out.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Anthony Richardson’s accidents and lack of growth led to the Colts signing Daniel Jones this offseason. Barring main enchancment from Richardson (or a breakthrough by Jones), Indianapolis will probably be seeking a quarterback. Nussmeier confirmed flashes in his first season as a starter, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, Garrett performs with fireplace and power and is not afraid to take possibilities. If he cuts down on his interceptions, Nussmeier has the speed, accuracy and playmaking skill to maneuver up draft boards.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
With proper sort out Jack Conklin slowing down and unproven Dawand Jones set to begin at left sort out, it was a bit stunning that the Browns punted on the place within the 2025 draft. However 2026 seems to be deeper in true left sort out prospects, and Lomu is a participant with appreciable progress potential. He carried out properly as a redshirt freshman, permitting three sacks and committing one penalty. Lomu ought to get away additional in 2025, along with his straightforward motion skill within the run recreation and fast response time in move safety. Whereas Lomu is not at the moment OT1, he has top-five potential if he expands on what he confirmed final season.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
The Cowboys enter the season nonetheless needing to signal Micah Parsons to a long-term extension. Whereas they signed Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason, Dallas wants extra on the sting after passing on the place within the 2025 draft. At 6-foot-6, 288 kilos, Faulk is a flexible participant who can play alongside the line of defense, from 3-technique to a real exterior edge. He can generate strain from in and out, as evidenced by his 24 edge pressures and 5 inside pressures final season. Faulk’s dimension and energy could be enjoyable to pair with Parsons’ pace.
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson*
The Cardinals acquired wonderful worth early within the 2025 draft, getting defensive sort out Walter Nolen III and cornerback Will Johnson later than every participant was anticipated to go. However receiver continues to be an space of concern reverse 2024 first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr. Williams is my present WR1 after a 75-catch, 11-touchdown season as a sophomore in 2024. At 5-foot-11, 190 kilos, Williams is a fast shifty wideout who has the power to play exterior and within the slot. That will make him a super complement to the larger Harrison.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
There are some questions on McCoy’s standing to begin the season after he tore an ACL in January throughout offseason coaching, however there is no query about his tape. The 6-foot, 193-pound nook has six profession interceptions and emerged as a real No. 1 CB final season. He has the size, top and pace to run with NFL-caliber wideouts and the ball expertise to flip the sphere. He is my CB1 so long as he recovers and stays wholesome. The Dolphins want a succesful exterior cornerback — particularly after buying and selling Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers on Monday.
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina*
Aaron Rodgers ultimately signed with the Steelers, however all indicators point out it is a one-year association, which makes quarterback Pittsburgh’s offseason focus once more in 2026. Sellers is without doubt one of the nation’s most enjoyable prospects, as he threw for 18 touchdowns to seven interceptions final season whereas dashing for 674 yards and 7 scores. The 6-foot-3, 242-pounder is massive, robust and cell and could possibly be picked method earlier than this if he cleans up some decision-making errors. With two years of eligibility following subsequent season, Sellers isn’t any lock to be within the draft, however his potential excites evaluators.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
The Bears had been rumored to be enthusiastic about Ashton Jeanty had he fallen to them within the 2025 draft, so maybe 2026 is after they’ll get a working again. Love was the most effective working backs within the nation final season as a sophomore, dashing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s a bruising runner at 6-foot and 206 kilos however may break off massive performs — see his 98-yard TD in opposition to Indiana within the first spherical of the playoffs — and shake tacklers in house. That, plus his receiving expertise, makes him the proper characteristic again for brand new coach Ben Johnson’s offense.
Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
Whereas the Vikings bolstered their offensive line in Spherical 1 in 2025 with guard Donovan Jackson, they had been linked to many inside defenders throughout the predraft course of and made a run at Milton Williams in free company. So defensive sort out is a necessity, and the 6-foot-2, 326-pound Keenan is a bodily, tough-nosed anchor with the prototypical nostril sort out construct. He has some pass-rush skill (2.5 sacks final season), however Keenan’s energy in opposition to the run and on-field management have scouts discussing him as a possible first-rounder.
LT Overton, Edge, Alabama
When the Packers broke their 20-plus-year first-round receiver drought by choosing Matthew Golden in 2025, they bypassed a necessity on the sting. So edge rush assist needs to be a precedence for Inexperienced Bay in 2026, and Overton matches what Packers GM Brian Gutekunst likes on the place. The 6-foot-5, 283-pounder is massive, lengthy and versatile and sure would have been a top-50 choose had he entered the 2025 draft. However he returned to Bama to develop his recreation, refine his pass-rush strikes to raised match his speed-to-power flashes and enhance on the 2 sacks he had in 2024.
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Sean Payton has been vocal about eager to diversify the Broncos’ passing recreation, most notably including hybrid gamers he calls “jokers.” He signed one in veteran tight finish Evan Engram and drafted one other in working again RJ Harvey however is searching for extra. Stowers is my TE1 and is anticipated to interrupt out much more after catching 49 passes for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns final season. He is extra of a slot tight finish at 6-foot-4, 225 kilos, resembling Engram. Stowers would function a youthful model of Engram with better upside, although.
0:24
Diego Pavia finds Eli Stowers for Vanderbilt TD
Diego Pavia throws a pleasant move to Eli Stowers to increase Vanderbilt’s lead vs. Georgia Tech.
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
The Texans went by a large offensive line overhaul after surrendering 52 sacks in 2024, buying and selling left sort out Laremy Tunsil, signing a number of free brokers and choosing sort out Aireontae Ersery in Spherical 2 of the previous draft. However the work to find higher safety for C.J. Stroud is way from over. The 6-foot-6, 314-pound Barber began 12 video games at left sort out final season, exhibiting pro-level beginning upside due to environment friendly hand placement in move safety and perfect quickness for zone working schemes.
Patrick Payton, Edge, LSU
Payton has been on scouts’ radar since 2022, flashing as a freshman at Florida State earlier than compiling seven sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2023. He struggled together with the remainder of the Seminoles in 2024, along with his sack whole falling to 4. He’ll look to regain his first-round standing at LSU in 2025. If he does, Payton could be an intriguing match for the Buccaneers, as his quickness and pace off the sting could be a super match to the ability that defensive tackles Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey possess.
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Many thought the 49ers would draft the eventual successor to All-Professional left sort out Trent Williams, who turns 37 in July. However San Francisco handed on tackles within the 2025 draft, in order that want nonetheless exists. World transferred to Oregon after dominating at Nevada, and the 6-foot-8, 310-pounder has all-world potential along with his elite attain, elite agility and expertise. The 49ers must get youthful at core positions, and left sort out needs to be atop their want checklist.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*
Line of defense may develop into the No. 1 want if the Bengals cannot resolve the Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart contract conditions. However assuming cooler heads prevail, Cincinnati ought to think about its secondary. The Bengals have a number of younger cornerbacks in Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II and Dax Hill, however they have been held again by accidents and inconsistency. Terrell, the youthful brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell, had two interceptions and broke up 13 passes final season. His versatility, pace and manufacturing level to him being a worth add late in Spherical 1.
A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State*
The Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore final season and picked Trey Amos in Spherical 2 of the 2025 draft however nonetheless have a necessity at nook, particularly when contemplating Lattimore’s age and harm historical past. At 6-foot-1, 190 kilos, Harris has the size Dan Quinn loves in his corners. Harris has proven ball-hawking expertise and likes to press and jam receivers. He is nonetheless a bit inexperienced, having began just one season, however final season’s tape — together with Penn State’s observe report in growing defenders — makes Harris one of the vital promising corners within the nation.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*
Typically if you’re watching movie, a participant jumps out as an ideal match for an NFL scheme or coach. That is what Allen is with Jim Harbaugh, because the 6-foot-1, 235-pounder matches the mildew of linebackers that Harbaugh had with the 49ers and what he recruited at Michigan. Allen crashes dashing lanes with energy whereas exhibiting the agility to excel in move protection. He is protected by Georgia’s top-tier line of defense, however Allen’s read-and-react skill makes him guess to be a direct NFL starter.
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
With Matthew Stafford coming into his age-37 season, this may be a great spot for the Rams to choose his eventual successor. Allar is a big-armed quarterback with good mobility for his dimension (6-foot-5, 238 kilos), however he hasn’t fairly put all of it collectively. He has the arm to make any throw and might escape crowded pockets however goes by chilly stretches the place his decision-making and accuracy drop off. His growth in 2024, by which he elevated his completion share from 59.9% to 66.5%, is encouraging and means that extra enchancment is on the way in which.
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana*
The Ravens added two short-term cornerback choices in veterans Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, however they want a long-term resolution. Ponds tasks as a slot nook due to his 5-foot-9, 170-pound body, however he is a feisty cowl man with ball expertise (5 profession interceptions) and the quickness to match up with inside receivers. Having him be part of a pair of younger safeties in 24-year-old All-Professional Kyle Hamilton and 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks would give Baltimore a fierce group of youthful playmakers.
Tyreak Sapp, Edge, Florida
Surprisingly, the Lions selected to not draft an edge rusher to assist Aidan Hutchinson — particularly contemplating the star move rusher is getting back from a season-ending leg harm. Sapp is coming off a career-best seven sacks final season and has the perfect energy at 6-foot-3, 272 kilos to stack up in opposition to the run whereas additionally exhibiting the quickness to win along with his first step. Including Sapp to Hutchinson, defensive sort out Alim McNeill and 2025 first-round defensive sort out Tyleik Williams would give Detroit one heck of a defensive entrance.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon*
The upcoming season will probably be key for younger Chiefs safeties Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner, who’ve every proven promise however have not emerged as constant starters. That would open the door for Kansas Metropolis to pick out Thieneman, who intercepted six passes at Purdue in 2023 and racked up 104 tackles final season. He transferred to Oregon, the place he’ll be capable of play each deep and field security in Dan Lanning’s pro-style protection. His dimension (6-foot, 207 kilos) and playmaking instincts ought to permit him to thrive with the Geese.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington*
The Eagles have thrived on discovering top-20 gamers who slip by the cracks. Boston may match that mildew, because the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder had 63 catches, 834 yards and 9 touchdowns final season. His bodily, above-the-rim fashion is rather a lot like Tetairoa McMillan’s fashion. Philadelphia has two bona fide star receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, however there is not a lot behind them. With Brown coming into his age-28 season, it is value taking a younger receiver like Boston for three-wide units now and to ultimately substitute Brown later.
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Buffalo has had stable inside line play in Josh Allen’s tenure as a beginning quarterback, however this may be place for the Payments to replenish with a starting-caliber participant. Slaughter did not permit a sack final season and was penalized solely twice. He is already pro-sized at 6-foot-5, 308 kilos and is a clear move protector with energy, quickness and nice consciousness. Slaughter has the athletic profile to play guard or middle within the NFL at a excessive degree.