2026 NFL Draft big board: Fernando Mendoza, a top-3 RB and a run on Ohio State players

NFL Draft season is in full swing. The NFL scouting combine gave us some needed data points to measure this year's class when combined with their college tape.

With that, it's time for Yahoo Sports draft expert Nate Tice to reveal his top 50 draft prospects of 2026.

Past big board: 1.0

1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Mendoza's production and Indiana's success went through the roof under Curt Cignetti, but just traits-wise, Mendoza has a lot to like. He's a tall athlete with good size (all 236 pounds of him in Indianapolis) with a loose arm and good overall frame. Mendoza can put some real zip on the football on underneath and intermediate throws, making attempts with college hashes seem routine because of how consistently he can put those throws on the money. His footwork has polish and he already has rapidly improved pocket movement. He already shows encouraging snaps of progressing and moving in the pocket to find answers on true passing downs and in high-leverage situations like third down and in the red zone. He's consistently accurate at all three levels of the field, which is probably his standout trait. He already shows off a knack for locating the football away from defenders and is willing to push the ball in all types of situations, an encouraging sign against the tighter NFL windows he'll face.

Mendoza is also a good athlete who can create a bit with his legs (but prefers to win as a thrower). He is an intriguing package of traits and polish with a high IQ (he's deadly in two-minute situations) and real feel for the position. To me, there are some similarities to Matt Ryan. He took a lot of sacks at Cal, but was cleaned up in Indiana's much friendlier surroundings. Indiana's offense is RPO-heavy, but Mendoza shows an ability to drop back consistently and find the right answer. Mendoza has a style, accuracy, and set of tools that point to a higher ceiling than what he's getting credit for right now, with a floor and polished understanding to play right away and not be a total disaster.

2. Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State

A true defensive weapon. It's hard to not notice Reese on the field even if he lines up all over it. Reese was a revelation this season. He can impact the game on the edge as both a run defender and pass rusher, and has real off-ball linebacker chops chasing down run plays sideline-to-sideline and in coverage. Reese is an outstanding athlete with strength and speed, and plays with an energy that is also infectious. In an NFL with more creative defensive coordinators who are willing to move their front seven defenders around, Reese is the ultimate version of a do-it-all defender. Even if he moves to playing on the edge full-time, he has already flashed the bend and explosiveness to win consistently as a pass rusher, with even more to tap into. If he stays off-ball, he reminds me of Jaylon Smith before he suffered his knee injury at Notre Dame.

3. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Every touch has a chance to go to the house with Love. And while he has legit home run ability, he knows how to throttle between speeds to use it effectively. Love has good vision and is a strong runner who can take a steady stream of touches. He has the size and vision to work between the tackles and has a knack for setting up his blocks as a runner, all while constantly staying balanced and square to the line. The only blemish is his more upright running style. Love is a game-changer in the backfield and can turn any touch into a touchdown. If a running back is to get selected early in the draft, he has to have every-down ability as a runner, receiver, and pass protector. Love checks those boxes in permanent ink.

4. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

Bain is a strongly built defender who can impact the game in a variety of roles. He has the strength to hold his own at the point of attack and can constantly knock blockers back in one-on-one situations. He has light feet and can bend and is effective on defensive twists and games, too. Bain was one of the best defenders in college football this season, bullying blockers into the quarterback's lap and showing up in big moments. Bain's arm length is a talking point, and it shows up at times as he tries to disengage, but he does a great job of mitigating it because of how quickly he gets off the football and how he can get into blockers. Bain is kind of the epitome of what this draft is full of: good football players with a blemish that makes you squint. His build and powerful play style remind me a lot of Brandon Graham.

Yahoo Sports draft expert Nate Tice reveals his top 50 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. (Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)5. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

Bailey is pure heat off the edge. He was a designated pass rusher during his time at Stanford, but showed real game-breaking flashes on his limited snaps. On a more extended run at Texas Tech, Bailey's explosive athleticism constantly showed up with his ability to quickly turn the corner on offensive tackles. His violent hands and relentless energy kept blockers off-kilter. Bailey had a great showing in Indianapolis, with testing and measurements (6-foot-4, 251 pounds, 33 3/4-inch arm length, 4.5 40-yard dash) that makes you hopeful that he can keep improving against the run. While he has come a long way against the run, and plays hard, he seems like he will never be better than average there. But the reason a team would draft Bailey high is because of his ability to get after the quarterback. He can rack up pressures when he's on the field, and any player who can win their one-on-one opportunities is going to be highly valued.

6. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Downs is an explosive player with good size who can take over a game in a multitude of ways. Ohio State has used Downs as a rover-type defender (an aptly named Monster Back" in some football parlances) to allow him to weaponize his upper-echelon football awareness, intelligence and ability to impact the game. Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia used Downs as a middle pole runner on Cover 2, on the line of scrimmage as a blitzer, and as a box defender. Ignore the position label. Downs is a needle-moving defender who's constantly around the football. Safety prospects, even the most talented and highly regarded ones, seldom go high in the first round of the draft. Downs' impact could outperform his final draft spot in the right defensive play-caller's hands. There's a lot of Budda Baker to Downs' build and game.

7. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

A left tackle with excellent size and a frame who could add even more weight, Freeling is an easy mover who can get up to the second level in a hurry, with the agility and balance to adjust to a moving target in space or in pass protection against defensive twists. Freeling improved his hand usage and his strength in 2025, which is what has him rocketing up draft boards (including mine) even before the combine happened. His long limbs make him susceptible to defenders getting into his chest, but his improved anchor helped him adjust. Overall, Freeling is a very good athlete with length whose arrow as a player is pointing firmly up. His play over the final two months of the 2025 season can make you excited about what he can become at the next level. If he can keep getting stronger and continue to fill out his frame, while continuing to round out his technique, he projects as a very good blindside protector.

8. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

A smart player who's quick to read and react in coverage, Delane has had strong moments as both a zone and man coverage defender this season. He has the twitchiness to stay sticky in man coverage and his high football awareness showed up in zone coverage, where he has a knack for reading quarterbacks and making plays on the football. Delane doesn't have top-end length and his athleticism might be more good than great, but he just has a feel for playing in zone coverage and timing up his breaks on the football, and that's going to translate right away at the next level.

9. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Ohio State's other linebacker is a high-end talent in his own right. Styles' intelligence stands out when watching Ohio State's defense as he is a quick diagnoser and has the speed and explosive strength to make plays on the football. That speed and athletic ability are strong points for Styles, showing up constantly on the field (and again at the combine). Styles is young for being a true senior and has what can be considered excellent size in terms of how modern linebackers are built. And he has the skill set to fit into any type of defensive scheme at the next level. He can tackle in space and contribute as a blitzer, with his speed helping him hold up in coverage, too.

10. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

A long-legged and fluid outside receiver, Tate has good hands and is comfortable extending for catches away from his body, with a real knack for coming down with catches near the sideline. He has good game speed and can eat up ground with his strides, sometimes surprising cornerbacks with how quickly he is able to close space. Tate's best asset as a route runner is his ability to throttle speeds and sink into his routes. He has a real feel for finding space against zone coverage and his sideline catches are just so enjoyable to watch. I really like Tate's game as a pass catcher who checks a lot of boxes, even if he might not have the highest of ceilings. He can help out any offense and team setup.

11. Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

A big, long right tackle who came to football late and went to JUCO before joining Arizona State, Iheanachor can easily be labeled as a project," but his film indicates more polish and refinement than you'd expect. He has ideal size and is an excellent athlete who can stay balanced and latched onto his blocks. His hand usage got much cleaner and more patient throughout his final season, an indication of the way Iheanachor can adjust and refine his game quickly. I'm bullish on Iheanachor. He has the strength to move defenders in the run game and is comfortable taking on the better athletes in pass protection. He can stay on the right side but has the movement skills to bump over to the left side down the road for a team that continues to develop him. He's an exciting combination of tools with enough real film that playing right away won't be too much for him.

12. Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

Faulk is a smooth athlete who can bend and knife inside on stunts and really disrupt run games. He has developed a much better pass rush plan this season and with vastly improved hand usage. He is built like a traditional 4-3 defensive end, but Faulk aligns across the defensive line for Auburn and can be used as an inside pass rusher and even as a two-gapper in a three-down front. Faulk isn't strictly a flashy player against the pass. He is willing to scrap against the run and will meet pullers at the point of attack and absolutely dominates tight ends in the run game. His fluidity, length and hard-working style has all the makings of a disruptive edge. Faulk still has room for improvement, but he's young and has already shown the ability to take over games, but not quite consistently. Even if it doesn't always show up in the box score, Faulk is already a strong run defender who will translate to the next level. Even if he becomes just an average pass rusher, that's a good defender to have on your team.

13. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

A smooth route runner in a big frame, Boston can easily get in and out of his breaks and is agile enough to be a dangerous punt returner despite being 6-foot-4, 212 pounds. Boston is a hands catcher with range who can quickly transition into a runner because of the confidence he has in his ball skills. His ability to consistently adjust for the football, combined with his frame, makes him a weapon along the sideline and in the red zone. Boston has build-up speed with the ball in his hands and can pull away with his long strides, and to cap it all off he has a knack for the little things like blocking and route timing. While Boston doesn't seem to have overwhelming speed or burst, he is a fluid athlete who can win in isolated situations and at all three levels. It's not easy to find a true X" WR body type with actual skills like this.

14. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Lomu is an easy mover with a frame that has room to add even more weight. He already shows off polished technique with patient hands as a pass protector, and has improved his strength and pop in the run game, too. Lomu took over as Utah's left tackle and moved his talented teammate Spencer Fano (who also appears on this big board) to the right side in 2024. He needs to continue to add to his play strength to help him sustain in the run game, but I do think he has already improved in that area. Lomu's light feet and clean technique, combined with the length he has, even if it hasn't all been perfect, makes me think he can be a good starting left tackle in the future and has me more bullish on his long-term prospects than many of the other offensive tackles in this class.

15. Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami

Mauigoa has good size and plays with a wide, balanced base. He is a strong and efficient mover, with his smarts showing up in how quickly he moves to his assignment in the run game, maximizing what might be a lack of high-end overall athleticism. He already displays polished technique with his hand usage as well. Guard might be his best spot in the NFL, but he is a good enough athlete to have a chance to stay on the outside because he completely understands what he is as an athlete and football player. He can sometimes get out over his skis when working to the second level or working to finish a play, something that again might indicate a lack of top-end athleticism. He still should be an instant starter at the next level because of his clean technique, size, smarts and overall game.

16. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

An excellent athlete who runs like a gazelle, Sadiq wasn't used frequently in 2024 and only a notch or two more in 2025. But Oregon's staff still found a variety of ways to draw up plays for him, including run plays like jet sweeps. Sadiq is dangerous with the ball in his hands and can create explosives on any touch with his speed and balance. He is a good enough athlete to split out against defensive backs, but he is also a very willing blocker, even in-line, and more than holds his own in that area. Oregon started to find more downfield plays and targets for Sadiq, and it's been exciting to see his ability to run routes and adjust for the football on those snaps (notably his two touchdowns against Rutgers). Sadiq's explosive athleticism and real receiving ability make him a valid threat to split out at the next level, and his blocking chops only open up more options for offensive coordinators. Sadiq might be maxed out physically, which limits his appeal as a true in-line player and he isn't the most natural catcher of the football. Sadiq is somewhere on the Vernon Davis/Tommy Tremble spectrum of tight end.

17. Spencer Fano, OG/C, Utah

Yes, both of Utah's tackles made the big board. Fano played left tackle before moving to right tackle in 2024 but I think he would be best kicking inside at the next level. He has a long and lean build, which he can look to add weight to, but already shows off the consistent ability to get tangible movement in the run game. Fano is a springy athlete (and tested like one in Indianapolis) who can constantly stay on his feet and with pass rushers and any post-snap movement, and he is also a strong finisher in the run game. Fano's short arms (32 inches) has me concerned about how he projects as a tackle at the next level and he would have a unique build for a guard or center, but the pop and drive he can get will help him out on the inside and his easy athleticism and movement ability would make him a weapon out in space as a puller or on screens.

18. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

A twitchy athlete with good size, Tyson has now been productive at two locations in college (he transferred from Colorado). Tyson is explosive at the catch point and his ability to adjust for the football is notable. He is a reliable target who shows up over the middle of the field and in the red zone, with a full route tree potentially available to him. Tyson has injury concerns and still needs to work on refining the details of his route running, but explosive plays are the name of the game, and Tyson would provide that element instantly for an NFL team.

19. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy is a quick-twitch athlete who constantly makes plays on the football. He has good size and already shows the footwork and patience to stay sticky with receivers and be consistent in man coverage. McCoy suffered an ACL injury in January of 2025, and he hasn't played or really done much since then to show teams where he is at physically. There are times where he is indifferent against the run, but his skill set and athleticism are just too fun of a package at the cornerback spot to drop too far.

Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) is one of the bigger mysteries of this draft class, with flashes of elite ability but a lack of consistent high-end play in college. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images20. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Woods has flashed like an interior game-wrecker who has the quickness to shut a play down in the blink of an eye and the overall athleticism to play across the line. Woods has light feet for his size and can impact the run or pass on every down. His top-notch combination of strength and agility would fit in any type of defense, but there are still more flashes than sustained high-end play in Woods' game so far. Woods underwhelmed this past season on a disappointing Clemson squad. Missed tackles and a lack of pass rush refinement and effort show up a bit too often at this point in time in Woods' film. His lack of length might be the culprit (31 1/4-inch arm length) for both negatives. While Woods does have the ability to blow pass blockers back and collapse the pocket, but if he doesn't land his first move, he becomes a bit too easily nullified as a rusher. He's essentially a sawed-off shotgun that sometimes misses. He doesn't capitalize enough on his best attribute: using his quick feet and hands to get into the backfield and leave offensive linemen in a daze. He's a young player, and the talent is there, but I think he'll be all over the place on teams' boards.

21. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo

A toolsy safety with size and explosiveness, McNeil-Warren plays with an edge on every snap that's palpable. It's hard to not notice where the future NFL prospect is located when watching Toledo's defense. He's a hard hitter who also has the length and range to play as the deep safety in coverage. His burst and physicality show up when he has to come down and play the run or when jarring the ball loose from pass catchers over the middle. I like McNeil-Warren's game in any type of modern defense, with his size being an asset against bigger wide receivers and athletic tight ends.

22. Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon

Thieneman did a little bit of everything for the Ducks, including being used in a rover position that is becoming increasingly popular. Being centrally located, whether on the back end as a deep safety or playing somewhere in the box, is where Thieneman does his best work. He is perfect for teams that will run quarters-based coverages that allow him to be a true two-way defender against the run and pass and would unlock his play recognition, overall athleticism and burst to close on the football. But I think he can find a role in any type of defense and be a good player for a long time.

23. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

A mountain of a man, Proctor can completely wipe out defenders as soon as he gets his hands on them in the run game. Despite being so large, Proctor has above-average balance and footwork. Like most large players, he can play high at times and can get caught getting slow out of his stance against speedier edge rushers. He can also lack sustainability in pass protection and fall off his blocks in the run game against players he's unable to fully latch onto. It's something that might get harder at the next level. Proctor still has to work on his consistency, but he's young, and his weight was encouraging at the scouting combine. His tools probably have NFL offensive line coaches excited to try and take Proctor's game to the next level.

24. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Miller has locked down the right side of Clemson's offensive line for nearly threescores of games (54 career starts!) and is a very good athlete who maximizes his quickness and length with heady play. Miller plays upright, but still makes it work because he's such a smooth mover. His long arms can get too wide and he can be all over the place with his strike point. If he can keep tightening his hands, it will help his balance and ability to engage even more. He looks like he can be a good starter at the right tackle spot because of his brisk movement and length, especially on a zone-heavy team. With the added bonus that he's not a total nothing in pass protection.

25. Makai Lemon, WR, USC

A quick and twitchy route runner, Lemon does his damage primarily from the slot. While Lemon doesn't have outstanding size he can play bigger than his height and weight because of his great hand-eye coordination and ball skills. Those traits show up in contested catch situations and in the red zone. Lemon is a chainmover from the inside and also a big-play threat because of his speed, after-catch ability and knack for finding soft spots against zone. I have some questions about how Lemon's game will look on the outside or against more press-happy NFL cornerbacks. If he can win from on the ball and show that press doesn't stifle him as much as it did at times in college against larger cornerbacks, then Lemon's ceiling and thus value is higher. But, as of right now, I consider him a slot-only player, a good one, but I can get only so high with that archetype.

26. Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

Ioane is a big guard-only prospect who has a wide frame and plays with a consistent sturdy base. He has good strength and once he latches onto a defender, it's hard for an opponent to disengage because of his strong hands. Ioane can struggle at times to adjust to moving targets in space, but his quickness and balance were improved in 2025. He ideally would play in a gap or duo-based run scheme as opposed to one that majors in zone runs, but he looks like a solid starter at guard who can contribute right away.

27. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Terrell is a lightning fast defender who can stay in the hip pocket of receivers. He has below-average size (186 pounds at the scouting combine), but is a tough defender willing to tackle and scrap against bigger receivers. Clemson underwhelmed this past season, but Terrell was still competitive game-in and game-out. His feisty style, play recognition and ball skills make him another exciting young slot dynamo to enter the league.

28. T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson

Parker is a powerful defender who is effective against the run and pass. He has strong hands and likes to push the pocket as a pass rusher. He's not the bendiest athlete, but he's also not a total stiff. His play strength opens up kicking inside on passing downs, too. It's a versatility that only adds to Parker's appeal. Parker's strength and ability to impact the run and pass will let him translate easily to the next level, even if he might not ever be a high-end impact player.

29. Zion Young, Edge, Missouri

He's a rugged defender who doesn't have ideal bend but can knock blockers back to collapse the pocket and has the strength and length to set the edge in the run game. Young has some versatility to move across the defensive line in sub-packages and is an overall competitive player who takes it to blockers every snap and will try to chase plays down. His heavy-handed style reminds me a bit of old Patriots defender Trey Flowers.

30. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Concepcion is an explosive weapon who has had college coaches at multiple stops figuring out every type of way to get the ball in his hands. He has evolved his game and showcased more real" wide receiver skills in 2025 at Texas A&M in terms of winning on the outside. He can create big plays with the ball in his hands, something always highly valued. He still needs to refine his route tree and consistency catching the football.

31 Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Good things seem to happen when the ball goes Cooper's way. Cool things seem to happen, too. Cooper's contact balance and ball skills lead to exciting, and explosive, plays. He is a tough runner with burst, feels like the first tackler never brings him down. There is some rigidness with his movement, but he is a strong player who can keep his feet going and find ways to create a few yards with the ball in his hands. His hand-eye coordination is also an asset and makes him a valid weapon in the red zone and in contested situations. He primarily worked from the slot, but has some strong reps on the outside. He at the very least looks like he can be a strong inside option that can moonlight on the outside, too. He's almost like a premium version of Khalil Shakir.

32. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Allen does it all in the middle for Georgia's defense. He is a tenacious run defender and is a true leader who constantly puts himself in good position in coverage. Allen fits in any type of defense because of his intelligence and validity as both a run and pass defender. He doesn't have high-end size or speed, but Allen is above-average or better in just about every aspect of linebacker play and can be a solidifying force for a defense in the middle.

33. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Hood is a frisky cornerback who can consistently stay sticky in man coverage. He does a great job of never getting out of whack with his footwork and will stay balanced while staying latched onto his assignment. He is a good athlete who can close quickly on the football, and his competitiveness really shows up when defending the run. He's a consistent tackler and doesn't play with any fear. Hood's competitive style can get him in trouble at times as he can get a little too handsy, but he checks a lot of boxes as an athlete and with his ability to play in man and having the awareness and burst to fit into zone-heavy schemes as well.

34. Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

Age (he will be 25 on draft day) and medicals are going to be Mesidor's big hang-ups. But, man, he can rush the passer and is relentless in doing so. Mesidor can vary his pass rush moves and has shows the ability to win with an arsenal of moves or with power. He doesn't have overwhelming length, but can get his hands inside to drive blockers back. He also has aligned across the defensive line over his college career, opening up positional versatility for sub packages at the next level. Mesidor looks like he can be a good secondary pass rusher for a team that plays with relentless energy. But he might be maxed out as a player, too.

35. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

Banks' quick yet heavy hands show up time and again when watching him win after the snap and get into the backfield. Those explosive flashes and Banks' massive frame (6-foot-6, 327 pounds, 35-inch arms at the scouting combine) is what keeps him relatively high on my board, despite missing a large chunk of the 2025 season. Banks can create true disruption on his own, but sometimes will be inconsistent against the run and finishing plays. He will also miss tackles a bit too often. And the good and bad show up whether he is playing the run or pass. If he can stay healthy and learn to play under control and with more consistency, he has all the athleticism and size of a game-wrecker.

36. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

The strength of McDonald's game is his, well, strength. He is a true run-stuffing defensive tackle, with the typical pass rushing abilities associated with such a profile. He has good initial pop and can plug the interior and hold up against double-teams, which makes him a valuable player on early downs. But he needs to continue to add to his pass rush arsenal and plan to make him a more dynamic player.

37. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Hill has excellent sideline-to-sideline speed and length puts him around the football constantly against the run and pass. He has the athleticism to turn and run in coverage and the length to challenge bigger pass catchers. He is a good tackler in space and can close on the ball carrier all around the field. Hill's burst also shows up as a blitzer because of his bend and sheer speed. His play recognition is solid, and if the game slows down for him even slightly he could flourish at the next level because of his explosiveness and ceiling as a player. I like Hill as a three-down modern linebacker who can do a little bit of everything for a defense, even if he still needs a little work.

38. Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Nussmeier had an inconsistent final season as he survived the death throes of the Brian Kelly era in Baton Rouge. He has a below-average build and isn't an overwhelming athlete, but his gunslinger mentality maximizes every concept that's run for him and he knows how to get the ball in play. Nussmeier will push the ball and does so with clean timing and ball placement. He has plenty of arm and maximizes it with his timing. He can get himself in trouble with his aggression, but he really makes constant good decisions with the football and plays to win the game rather than just find the safest answer. I'm planning on writing a deeper dive on Nussmeier (and other QBs) soon, but I see a potential solid starter in the right situation with a good understanding of properly playing the quarterback position.

39. Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

Miller provides beef in the middle that can eat blocks and keep his teammates clean. He is a solid enough athlete to be effective on the constant slants and twists that Georgia's defense asked him to do, but I like him best in a defense that allows him to use his length and size to two-gap rather than penetrate and attack. He still has to work on overall consistency and can be a bit slow to react to run plays, but I do think that can get cleaned up in a more straight-line defensive system rather than Georgia's defense that features a smorgasbord of play calls.

40. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Smooth. That's the best way to describe Johnson. An easy mover who can mirror wide receivers without getting too handsy. Johnson has the athleticism and balance to play in man coverage, but he also has the awareness and eyes to be a valid zone corner with real ball skills to take advantage of his positioning. He's a competitive player who is willing to take on blockers and is more than willing to stick his nose in to make the tackle. Overall, Johnson is a riser and looks like a good outside starting corner at the next level.

41. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

Orange is a sturdy body in the middle but will surprise blockers with his quickness and violence right after the snap. Orange will get into the backfield and disrupt plays, but doesn't have a lot of production to speak of. Some of that is because of how Iowa State plays defense, but some of that is also Orange's lack of consistency in capitalizing on his instant wins. He also shows real effort in trying to run after the quarterback and ball carriers down the field on things like draws and screens. I do think there's something here with his length, quickness, and play strength to both eat blocks and get into the backfield. His passing down role is still limited right now, but he is valid on defensive loops and twists to stay on the field on late downs. Overall, I like Orange's combination of length, violence, and quickness that speaks more than what his college career production pointed to.

42. Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon

A guard-only prospect with good length and big hands (11 inches at the combine). Pregnon has good upper body strength to latch onto defenders and use his length, but can get caught playing high and would preferably add to his lower body mass to help him sustain his blocks once he hits the NFL. His length is an asset in pass protection, but he can still work on bringing his feet with him as late moves can get him to fall off blocks. Overall, he looks like a player who can start at guard early in his career, but there's a few technique things to refine so he can use his strength and length more consistently.

43. D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Ponds is just a football player. He lacks size, but he's explosive, intelligent, and tenacious, a combination that lets him play bigger than his size and impact games constantly. I understand if there's a cap on how high he ends up going, but Ponds could stick on the outside in a zone-heavy system because of his explosiveness and ball skills. Or he could end up being a slot dynamo because of his toughness, awareness, and competitiveness. This is just a player you like having on your football team.

44. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

Bernard is the rug that ties the wide receiver room together. He can do a lot of things well, and can be an effective and winning player in a variety of roles. He is a good route runner from the slot and on the outside and can consistently snatch the football away from his body. He can pick up yards after the catch with his contact balance and toughness, even if he doesn't have true game-breaking speed. He's also a willing blocker who isn't afraid to scrap with defenders. Bernard might not have star potential, but he is one of those players who fits any type of offense and personnel around him.

45. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Simpson is willing to let that football fly. Even with less-than-ideal size at the quarterback position, Simpson has plenty of arm to push the football and is willing to do so. He has a consistently quick release and can push the ball without having much room in the pocket to work from. He is a good athlete who can create a bit with his legs. While Simpson's overall accuracy is solid enough, he can have moments where throws get away from him, and his aggressive play style can also lead to some negative plays and stretches. The optimistic view is that he wasn't healthy for all of 2025 and that he should improve with more starts. The pessimistic view is that that's because he would take a few too many hits on a smaller frame and is already 23. I think Simpson's ceiling is fairly low, but his aggressive play style and good understanding of timing will give him fans among evaluators who think he can overcome his less-than-ideal build and the low amount of career starts with more to tap into.

46. Austin Barber, OT, Florida

A tall but quick athlete who plays with polished technique, Barber has been a consistent player despite turmoil in Gainesville. Barber doesn't have crazy length, but he does have light feet, technique, and solid play strength that allow him to be effective as a run and pass blocker. He has experience at both tackle spots, with good, consistent play and enough tools to make him an interesting Day 2 option.

47. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

The other Notre Dame running back is a talent in his own right. Price wins with his vision and ability to tempo his runs. His play strength and balance make him an effective runner between the tackles, but he has enough speed to get to the edge. He's also been a dynamic kick returner in his career, something that only adds to his appeal. Price is also a valid receiver and pass protector who can stay on the field for every down and fulfill a variety of roles. He should be a good pro who can split a backfield or eat a majority of touches as long as his size can withstand it.

48. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

Hunter is a bowling ball at nose tackle with light feet but can be inconsistent in his effort and how low he stays after the snap. He has a thick build and can flash surprising quickness to beat blockers against the run and even as a pass rusher. Hunter's good plays are very good, creating explosives for the defense as he gets in the backfield while also having the strength to hold up at the line of scrimmage. He might even have some more pass rush juice to tap into. But his impact comes and goes and he had a middling showing with his scouting combine tests in Indianapolis, so he might not be for everybody.

49. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Cisse needs to improve in his route recognition on the outside as he will yield too much space and have to use his explosiveness to recover. And he needs to clean up his hand usage (he can be a bad combination of grabby but not disruptive). But it's that explosiveness and twitch, with solid size, that makes you think he can help out somewhere, whether it's on the outside or with a move into the slot, or perhaps just to actual safety.

50. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

Bell is if Adonis played at the wide receiver position. A player with a top-shelf combination of height, weight and burst, Bell made Miami's defense look slow once the ball was in his hands. Bell is still raw as a route runner and benefits from routes that let him build up his speed and not have him do too many nuanced breaks, but he can snatch the football without breaking stride and eats up yards after the catch with his size and explosive athleticism. Bell is more of a force of nature than a wide receiver at this point in time. He suffered an ACL injury and is still a raw player, but there is a fun bundle of tools to work with for a team that can be patient with his development. His draft range is going to be wide.

Next 10 (alphabetical order):

Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State,

Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

Romello Height, Edge, Texas Tech

Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF

R Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma

Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson