Kiper’s Big Board: Ranking NFL draft prospects
Mel Kiper Jr.Jan 14, 2026, 03:45 PM ETCloseMel Kiper Jr. has served as an NFL draft analyst for ESPN since 1984. He is a regular contributor on “SportsCenter,” ESPN studio shows and ESPN Radio. He is the co-host of the First Draft podcast, and he writes regularly for ESPN+.Coming off the College Football Playoff semifinals, I’m updating my top-25 Big Board ranking for the 2026 NFL draft class. And after quarterback Dante Moore announced he is returning to Oregon for another season, there is some movement at the top of the list.Of course, the class will still change a lot more between now and April 23 when Round 1 begins in Pittsburgh. Players will rise and fall over the coming months. This is how I see the top of the class right now, but I will keep this list updated throughout predraft events. I have scouting reports for the top 25 overall, and I have stacked the best of the best at every position at the bottom.A key note to please remember: This is not a mock draft or a prediction of where players will be drafted. These are my personal rankings focusing on talent — the best players based on what I’m seeing and my own evaluations. Let’s get started. (Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.)Jump to Kiper’s positional rankingsHeight: 6-5 | Weight: 225 | Prev. rank: 22025 stats over 15 games: 73.0% completion rate, 3,349 passing yards, 41 TD passes, 6 INTs, 6 rushing TDsMendoza transferred to Indiana after playing two seasons at Cal, and his game has taken off. The key? He has cut down on sacks, with 22 so far this season after taking 41 in 2024. Mendoza is getting the ball out quicker. And while he doesn’t have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is fantastic. I wouldn’t consider him a dual threat, but Mendoza also has enough mobility to pick up first downs as a scrambler.Editor’s Picks2 RelatedHeight: 6-0 | Weight: 214 | Prev. rank: 32025 stats over 12 games: 199 carries, 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs, 27 catches, 280 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDsLove reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside, and he can break tackles with ease (60 forced missed tackles on the season). Once he gets into space, he can take it to the house with his breakaway speed too. But Love isn’t only an outstanding runner. He also is a high-impact pass catcher. An NFL team will be able to flank him out wide and create a whole other dimension of the offense.Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 42025 stats over 14 games: 69 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 9 run stops, 2 pass breakupsThis is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can’t make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class.Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 52025 stats over 15 games: 15 starts, 1 sack allowedHere’s a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He has more than 2,600 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa has allowed one sack and blown only 11 run blocks since the start of last season.Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 | Prev. rank: 62025 stats over 14 games: 76 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 71 pressures, 8 run stops, 3 forced fumbles, 4 pass breakupsA transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he matched that total in 2025 alone after notably becoming more of a finisher this season. His 20.2% pressure rate was the best in the nation — despite actually being lower than it was in 2024 (22.2%) and 2023 (22.1%).What to know for the 2026 NFL draft• Mock drafts: Reid | Yates | Miller• Early rankings: Kiper | Miller | Reid• Best by position | Draft order | More
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 72025 stats over 14 games: 67 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 1 sack, 6 run stopsDowns — the brother of NFL wide receiver Josh Downs and the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs — is basically an extension of the defensive coordinator. His football knowledge shows in his play; it’s obvious when you watched him in the Ohio State defense. But what really impressed me is how well he picked up Nick Saban’s system as a 2023 freshman at Alabama before transferring.He diagnoses quickly thanks to excellent pre-snap instincts, and that allows him to play faster than his straight-line speed might suggest. Plus, Downs is solid in coverage, and he is a very reliable open-field tackler.Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 82025 stats over 14 games: 77 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 9 run stops, 3 pass breakups, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 sackYou can tell Styles is a former safety; he has outstanding speed, and his burst allows him to spy the QB. Watch for him to dominate at the combine and in predraft testing. Styles is also a dependable tackler and closes in a flash. He really took the next step this season, even as he adapted to a new system under defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 92025 stats over 11 games: 51 catches, 875 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDsOhio State has turned into Wide Receiver U, with Emeka Egbuka being the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. And while most of the college football world focused on Jeremiah Smith (who isn’t eligible for the 2026 draft), Tate put up some serious numbers and showed why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 17.2 yards per catch this season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he’ll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see. Tate had a lower-body injury earlier this season and missed a little time.Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 102025 stats over 14 games: 51 catches, 560 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDsSadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball is in his hands. And he’s nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq was consistent this season, and he should be the first tight end off the board.Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200 | Prev. rank: 112025 stats over nine games: 61 catches, 711 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDsThe Colorado transfer lit up defenses for two seasons with the Sun Devils. Tyson’s superpower is being open even when it looks like he’s completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. A hamstring injury cost him time this season, but he still posted solid numbers.play0:25End Zone! Jordyn Tyson scores 4-yard rushing touchdownEnd Zone! Jordyn Tyson scores 4-yard rushing touchdownHeight: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Prev. rank: 122025 stats over 12 games: 79 catches, 1,156 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDsThis kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I’d want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he ranked in the top 10 in the nation in receiving yards.Height: 6-6 | Weight: 302 | Prev. rank: 132025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 0 sacks allowedFano started 12 games at left tackle in 2023 before moving to the right side in 2024, and he started 24 games there over two seasons. Working opposite another highly regarded bookend in Caleb Lomu, Fano does a great job of keeping his big frame between the pass rusher and his QB. He is technically sound and shows good punch to compensate for his lack of ideal arm length.Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275 | Prev. rank: 142025 stats over 15 games: 63 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 68 pressures, 8 run stops, 1 forced fumble, 1 INTBain is powerful and has really strong hands. He routinely gets the best of some very good offensive tackles, often with his dominant rip move, and he knows every trick in the book in getting home to the QB. Bain also shows speed and bend off the edge, and he takes good angles. Plus, he can hold the edge against the run and get off blocks to chase down ball carriers. His tape is just filled with disruption.But even with all those A-level traits, it’s actually Bain’s hustle that really stands out to me. He never takes a play off and fires at the ball on every play. His arms are shorter than most scouts prefer, but there’s so much to like with his game. Opponents have to account for him in their game plans, and he can keep them guessing even then with his inside-outside flexibility.Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193 | Prev. rank: 15McCoy didn’t play in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL in January, but he still has the chance to be the first cornerback off the board in April. He began his college career at Oregon State, picking off two passes there in 2023. McCoy’s ball-hawking traits really emerged once transferring to Tennessee, as he picked off four passes and broke up nine in 2024. His on-the-ball production will get Day 1 interest.New ESPN and NFL+ Premium BundleBundle ESPN and NFL+ Premium and unlock more NFL content at a great price.Get all of ESPN’s Monday Night Football, NFL Primetime and more. Sign Up Now
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 162025 stats over 12 games: 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 29 pressures, 11 run stopsIf you could draw up the perfect NFL 4-3 defensive end, it would be Faulk. He’s what I call an “LTPer” — someone who looks the part. He can win with outside and inside moves, and he moves blockers with his super powerful hands. I see good overall instincts on tape too. Faulk makes his presence felt against the run and the pass, and he is scheme versatile.Height: 6-3 | Weight: 280 | Prev. rank: 172025 stats over 14 games: 70 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 55 pressures, 11 run stops, 4 forced fumblesMesidor started at West Virginia in 2020 and 2021, racking up 9.5 sacks. He transferred to Miami before the 2022 season and had seven sacks in that first season. An injury limited him to three games in 2023, but he came back with 5.5 more sacks in 2024 and looks great in 2025. The Canadian makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass, and he shows good bend, closing burst and power. When his initial move is thwarted, Mesidor never stops battling. He also brings some versatility, with the ability to shade inside to DT and get pressure on the interior.Height: 6-3 | Weight: 326 | Prev. rank: 182025 stats over 14 games: 67 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 17 run stops, 2 forced fumblesThe Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year has had a huge breakout season. Consider that he had zero starts, zero sacks and just 24 tackles over the previous two seasons. McDonald crushed all those numbers over 14 starts this season. He’s a force on the interior, with incredible strength and quickness for a player at his size. And McDonald is active and sniffs out the football to make plays.Height: 6-4 | Weight: 330 | Prev. rank: 192025 stats over 11 games: 11 starts, 0 sacks allowedIoane drives defensive tackles off the ball and sustains his blocks well. He can get to the second level and torque defenders out of the way. And he’s incredibly agile at left guard for his size. Ioane had 32 career starts and gave up only two sacks over that time — both in 2023.Height: 6-7 | Weight: 366 | Prev. rank: 202025 stats over 15 games: 15 starts, 3 sacks allowedIf you only watched Proctor against Florida State, you’d have questions about this ranking. He allowed seven pressures and a sack in that season opener, and he took a false start penalty on an important fourth-and-1 late in the game. Not a good start to the campaign. But after that, Proctor looked very good. He consistently handled inside and outside moves from edge rushers as he settled in. Proctor had 40 starts of experience, with every career snap over three years coming at left tackle.play0:29Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor rumbles his way to a 1st downKadyn Proctor takes the direct snap and hurdles his way to an Alabama first down.Height: 6-6 | Weight: 304 | Prev. rank: 212025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 0 sacks allowedLomu has tremendous upside; he is consistent in pass protection and really excellent as a run blocker. It’s his agility and quickness that stand out most, and I think he’s going to excel in predraft testing and combine events. Lomu does a good job keeping his feet, and he adjusts well to secondary moves from pass rushers. He deals with speed rushers well thanks to his athletic traits; he allowed just three sacks over 1,500-plus snaps at left tackle over his career. As a run blocker, Lomu gets to the second level and helps pave the way for RBs. My biggest question about his game: How strong is he? Lomu needs to add weight to his frame, but he’s very talented and has a promising NFL future.Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315 | Prev. rank: 222025 stats over 12 games: 33 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 11 pressures, 6 run stops, 2 pass breakupsWoods wasn’t elite in 2025, but the skill set is exactly what NFL teams covet. In the pros, Woods would fit nicely at 3-technique, though he has the versatility to move around on a defensive front. He plays on the inside the majority of the time, but he also can be disruptive off the edge. His strength will intrigue a lot of NFL teams no matter where he lines up.Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | Prev. rank: 232025 stats over 11 games: 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 INTsI am very impressed with the instincts and savviness Delane shows in coverage. He is a true technician and demonstrated excellent ball skills, with 27 pass breakups and eight interceptions over his four-year career. He excels in both man and zone coverage, and his 3.3 yards allowed per attempt on throws in his direction was fourth in the nation.Height: 5-10 | Weight: 180 | Prev. rank: 242025 stats over 14 games: 81 catches, 811 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDsBranch doesn’t have ideal size, but he has a track background and is lightning quick. He reminds me a little of Zay Flowers. Branch plays the game at a different speed than everyone else, and it is why he’s so effective in space. A transfer from USC, he can take a short completion for a big gain with his explosive skill set, averaging 7.9 yards after the catch per reception. And Branch also is a dynamic returner, which will help his draft stock.play0:31Zachariah Branch makes incredible TD grab for GeorgiaGeorgia QB Gunner Stockton lobs it to Zachariah Branch in the end zone, who makes a leaping grab for the touchdown.Height: 6-4 | Weight: 209 | Prev. rank: 252025 stats over 12 games: 62 catches, 881 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDsBoston has developed into a nuanced route runner who uses his size and physicality to shield defenders from the football. His length and catch radius make life miserable for opposing cornerbacks. And the way Boston quickly finds openings in coverage jumps out on tape, helping him to 14.2 yards per catch on the season. He has Velcro-esque hands, allowing him to go high or low to haul in difficult receptions.Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180 | Prev. rank: NR2025 stats over 12 games: 44 tackles, 9 pass breakups, 0 INTs, 5 forced fumbles, 3 sacksTerrell is a proven cover man, much like his brother, A.J. Terrell Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons. Avieon is consistent and reliable in man coverage. He can flip his hips, turn and run with the fastest wideouts, and still be able to locate the ball in the air to make the play at the right moment. He had eight forced fumbled over the past two seasons, including five in 2025.Kiper’s position rankingsQuarterbacks1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana2. Ty Simpson, Alabama3. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss4. Drew Allar, Penn State5. Carson Beck, Miami (Fla.)6. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU7. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt8. Taylen Green, Arkansas9. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor10. Luke Altmyer, IllinoisJust missed: Cade Klubnik, Clemson; Jacob Clark, Missouri StateRunning backs1. Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame2. Jadarian Price, Notre Dame3. Emmett Johnson, Nebraska4. Kaytron Allen, Penn State5. Jonah Coleman, Washington6. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State7. Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest8. Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas9. Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M10. Noah Whittington, OregonJust missed: Seth McGowan, KentuckyWide receivers1. Carnell Tate, Ohio State2. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State3. Makai Lemon, USC4. Zachariah Branch, Georgia5. Denzel Boston, Washington6. KC Concepcion, Texas A&M7. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee8. Germie Bernard, Alabama9. Ja’Kobi Lane, USC10. Chris Bell, LouisvilleJust missed: Bryce Lance, North Dakota StateTight ends1. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon2. Joe Royer, Cincinnati3. Dallen Bentley, Utah4. Jack Endries, Texas5. Max Klare, Ohio State6. Eli Raridon, Notre Dame7. Lake McRee, USC8. Chamon Metayer, Arizona State9. Sam Roush, Stanford10. Peter Clarke, TempleJust missed: DJ Rogers, TCUplay0:18Dante Moore throws 21-yard touchdown pass to Kenyon SadiqDante Moore throws a 21-yard touchdown pass to Kenyon SadiqFullbacks/H-backs1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt2. Justin Joly, NC State3. Michael Trigg, Baylor4. Oscar Delp, Georgia5. Tanner Koziol, Houston6. Josh Cuevas, Alabama7. Dae’Quan Wright, Ole Miss8. Marlin Klein, Michigan9. John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming10. Lawson Luckie, GeorgiaJust missed: Bauer Sharp, LSUOffensive tackles1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)2. Spencer Fano, Utah3. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama4. Caleb Lomu, Utah5. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern6. Gennings Dunker, Iowa7. Isaiah World, Oregon8. Carter Smith, Indiana9. Brian Parker II, Duke10. Blake Miller, ClemsonJust missed: Kage Casey, Boise StateInterior offensive linemen1. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State2. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon3. Connor Lew, Auburn4. Matt Gulbin, Michigan State5. Logan Jones, Iowa6. Jake Slaughter, Florida7. Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M8. Alex Harkey, Oregon9. Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame10. DJ Campbell, TexasJust missed: Keylan Rutledge, Georgia TechDefensive ends1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)2. Keldric Faulk, Auburn3. Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)4. Zion Young, Missouri5. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State6. Caden Curry, Ohio State7. Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Ohio State8. LT Overton, Alabama9. Jack Pyburn, LSU10. Ethan Burke, TexasJust missed: Max Llewellyn, IowaDefensive tackles1. Kayden McDonald, Ohio State2. Peter Woods, Clemson3. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech4. Caleb Banks, Florida5. Christen Miller, Georgia6. Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss7. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State8. Tim Keenan III, Alabama9. Domonique Orange, Iowa State10. Cameron Ball, ArkansasJust missed: Tyrique Tucker, IndianaOff-ball linebackers1. Arvell Reese, Ohio State2. Sonny Styles, Ohio State3. CJ Allen, Georgia4. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas5. Jake Golday, Cincinnati6. Josiah Trotter, Missouri7. Taurean York, Texas A&M8. Justin Jefferson, Alabama9. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech10. Cian Slone, NC StateJust missed: Shad Banks Jr., UTSAOutside linebackers1. David Bailey, Texas Tech2. T.J. Parker, Clemson3. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M4. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma5. Joshua Josephs, Tennessee6. Jaishawn Barham, Michigan7. Derrick Moore, Michigan8. Keyron Crawford, Auburn9. Romello Height, Texas Tech10. Harold Perkins Jr., LSUJust missed: Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
Cornerbacks1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee2. Mansoor Delane, LSU3. Avieon Terrell, Clemson4. Brandon Cisse, South Carolina5. D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana6. Colton Hood, Tennessee7. Chris Johnson, San Diego State8. Keionte Scott, Miami (Fla.)9. Julian Neal, Arkansas10. Davison Igbinosun, Ohio StateJust missed: Jadon Canady, OregonSafeties1. Caleb Downs, Ohio State2. Kyle Louis, Pitt3. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon4. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo5. Bray Hubbard, Alabama6. Kamari Ramsey, USC7. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State8. A.J. Haulcy, LSU9. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina10. Zechariah Poyser, Miami (Fla.)Just missed: Genesis Smith, ArizonaKickers and punters1. Brett Thorson, Georgia (P)2. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)3. Trey Smack, Florida (PK)4. Ryan Eckley, Michigan State (P)5. Will Ferrin, BYU (PK)6. Cole Maynard, Western Kentucky (P)7. Drew Stevens, Iowa (PK)8. Jack Stonehouse, Syracuse (P)9. Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii (PK)10. Tommy Doman, Florida (P)Long-snappers1. Luke Basso, Oregon2. Tyler Duzansky, Penn State3. Beau Gardner, Georgia4. Rocco Underwood, Florida5. Garrison Grimes, BYU
已发布: 2026-01-16 07:32:00
来源: www.espn.com
