2026 NFL Draft Top-100 Big Board: EDGEs are rising fast while quarterback disappearing act paints a dire picture

Kyle Crabbs’ updated 2026 NFL Draft top-100 Big board after the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.

Kyle Crabbs NFL National Writer
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The 2026 NFL Draft will be here before we know it.

The All-Star circuit has passed, and the annual NFL Combine is just a few weeks away. After that? It’s Pro Days and 30-visits. It’s a great time to assess the landscape of this year’s draft and acknowledge the risers and fallers of the first block of the process has been completed.

How are we liking this year’s draft class? Here’s an update top-100 big board of my personal assessment of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kyle Crabbs’ Post-Senior Bowl 2026 NFL Draft Top-100 Big Board

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) yells during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) yells during warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

1. Ohio State SAF Caleb Downs

I’d like to invoke my inner Nick Saban if you’re hoping to see me move Downs further down the board at some point. “I’m not going to, so quit askin’!”

I’m well aware of the positional value measures teams weigh in the draft and how a safety can be minimized in a game plan by teams well-equipped to do so. But this combination of skills, instincts, physicality, size, and versatility is simply unmatched in this class.

Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) escapes coverage against Louisville Cardinals offensive lineman Trevonte Sylvester (70) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.

2. Miami FL EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

Bain Jr. sliding because of his arm length is, predictively, a valid concern. I just see too many ways his play style still translates to, so I don’t think it will cost him dearly as a pro.

Bain Jr. offers tremendous power and leverage, while having the right temperament as a pass rusher to change games one way or another.

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (20) tackles Akron Zips wide receiver Paul Davis (16) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 52-6

3. Ohio State LB Arvell Reese

Reese’s best friend right now should be Atlanta Falcons defender Jalon Walker. Walker crawled so that Reese can now run as an off-ball hybrid with pass-rush abilities. Reese is bigger, better off the ball than Walker, and just as dynamic on the line of scrimmage.

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium.© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

4. Ohio State LB Sonny Styles

You hesitate to call anyone in the draft a “safe” player, but Styles sure feels like one. It’s hard not to like the blend of coverage ability, run-game instincts, size, length, and sure-fire tackling. If you want to be a team that puts the stress of today’s spacing on defense on second-level defenders, this is your guy — because you don’t compromise the box work to get the coverage appeal.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) stiff-arms Southern California safety Kamari Ramsey (7) in the first half of a NCAA football game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in South Bend.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) stiff-arms Southern California safety Kamari Ramsey (7) in the first half of a NCAA football game at Notre Dame Stadium.

5. Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love

Four of the top five players on this board are a positional value enthusiast’s worst nightmare. A safety, two off-ball linebackers, and now a running back. It will make for a fascinating approach for teams.

What I can tell you about Love is this: he will have the chance to be a very, very good NFL starter. Even if he does the “Ashton Jeanty” and lands in a poorly constructed offense, I would suspect Love has enough home run hitting ability to still make an impact.

Sep 27, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium.
Sep 27, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium.

6. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza

QB1 arrives. Mendoza has some questions about how he’ll take to his next offense, but he’s a hard guy to doubt long-term because he’s so attuned to the mental side of the game.

Mendoza is cerebral with prototypical size and great accuracy. We saw the “big moment” answering the bell in the National Championship Game against Miami with his legs, too. He has a chance to become a quality starter at quarterback for (presumably) the Raiders.

Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane
Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

7. Penn State IOL Olaivavega Ioane

My top-rated offensive lineman in this year’s class is a guard. There, I said it. It’s nice to get the confession off my chest.

I do have a tackle in my top-10 as well, but the man they can “Vega” is an impact player. He’s got athletic ability, power, super-strong hands, and he’s well developed as a pass protector. Ioane was credited with just four total pressures allowed in 2025.

Louisiana State University cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) reacts during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C..© Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

8. LSU CB Mansoor Delane

Delane has a career completion percentage allowed of 47% and posted his single-season career-best mark this season — his only year with LSU. Delane is all about instincts and technique, and he’s a high-end prospect in both.

He boasts a career passer rating allowed under 70, has just seven career penalties, a missed tackle rate of 10% (which is good for a defensive back), and achieved this in nearly 2,500 snaps. He’s ready.

Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium.

9. Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson

There are some injury flags that have me a little gun-shy about Tyson, but the talent is undeniable. And it’s the plethora of ways in which Tyson wins that has me ready to slot him at WR1.

He was an inside/outside threat in 2024. He was a vertical field-stretcher at Colorado. He runs good routes with good side and elite body control. He cut down on the drops in 2025. I’m going to tell myself not to “overthink” this one.

Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) plays his position against NC State Wolfpack during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.

10. Miami OL Francis Mauigoa

Is he a tackle? A guard? To quote Mike Tomlin: “We do not care!” He’s an ass kicker, that’s what he is.

Mauigoa should be given every opportunity to play outside first. I like his set work. I love his anchor. And I adore his upper-body power to manipulate defenders. It’s curtains when he sets his hands. Anyone looking to add some “nasty” up front should get in line for Francis.

Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Prospects 11-20

11.TennesseeCBJermod McCoy
12.ClemsonCBAvieon Terrell
13.USCWRMakai Lemon
14.Texas TechEDGEDavid Bailey
15.Ohio StateWRCarnell Tate
16.Texas A&MEDGECashius Howell
17.OregonTEKenyon Sadiq
18.AuburnEDGEKeldric Faulk
19.ClemsonEDGET.J. Parker
20.Texas A&MWRKC Concepcion

Jermod McCoy deserves acknowledgement as a top-10 player in this class who simply didn’t play this past year. If the medicals check out in Indy, look out.

The trio of Terrell, Lemon, and Bailey all project as really, really good football players, although there’s a size component for all three that could limit their ability to reach their full potential. Bailey leads the charge in a healthy group of pass rushers in this block, with Clemson’s T.J. Parker building steam after a strong Senior Bowl.

Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor (1) runs the ball as Missouri Tigers defensive end Zion Young (9) attempts the sack during the second half of the game at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Prospects 21-30

21.Ohio StateIDLKayden McDonald
22.WashingonWRDenzel Boston
23.UtahOTSpencer Fano
24.Arizona StateCBKeith Abney II
25.MissouriEDGEZion Young
26.MissouriCBColton Hood
27.ToledoSAFEmmanuel McNeil-Warren
28.GeorgiaLBCJ Allen
29.South CarolinaCBBrandon Cisse
30.GeorgiaOTMonroe Freeling

I like this group of talent, but it feels like the range of the draft when you may end up with more risk than you’d like for a top-100 pick.

Fano is superb in space, but he’s a bit light in the trunk. Abney is as much fun a time as you’ll have watching a cornerback, but there’s some skepticism over the size. Zion Young is a powerful end and has good tape, but he had more pressures this season (57) than he did in his first three seasons combined (55). The talent here is plentiful, but it may be a bit more volatile than in other years.

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Prospects 31-40

31.Texas TechIDLLee Hunter
32.TexasLBAnthony Hill Jr.
33.FloridaIDLCaleb Banks
34.GeorgiaIDLChristen Miller
35.MiamiEDGEAkheem Mesidor
36.KentuckyIOLJalen Farmer
37.IowaIOLGennings Dunker
38.AlabamaOTKadyn Proctor
39.AlabamaQBTy Simpson
40.IllinoisEDGEGabe Jacas

Senior Bowl standouts pop up in bunches on the fringe of the top-32. Lee Hunter had a good week in Mobile. Caleb Banks’ week was better — and he needed it to be.

I loved what I saw from Kentucky guard Jalen Farmer as well; he’s a long, heavy puncher with a great anchor. Gennings Dunker performed well, too. But no Senior Bowl player had a better week than Jacas, who played with the kind of infectious energy that’s hard to miss.

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Prospects 41-50

41.ClemsonIDLPeter Woods
42.Ohio StateCBDavison Igbinosun
43.San Diego StateCBChris Johnson
44.OklahomaEDGER Mason Thomas
45.MissouriLBJosiah Trotter
46.LSUSAFA.J. Haulcy
47.USCSAFKamari Ramsey
48.OregonSAFDillon Thieneman
49.LouisvilleWRChris Bell
50.TennesseeEDGEJoshua Josephs

I’m finding myself more Josiah Trotter-pilled by the day. This cat can play! A little rough around the edges? Sure. But so are Woods and Igbinosun at this stage of the draft.

This safety class is not rough around the edges, however. It flippin’ rocks. Downs at No. 1, McNeil-Warren in the top-32, and a trio of safeties here who have different styles but could all be quality starters. Haulcy has the best blend of ball skills, size, and striking power.

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) celebrates after catching a 1-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Prospects 51-60

51.Penn StateEDGEDani Dennis-Sutton
52.MichiganEDGEDerrick Moore
53.ClemsonOTBlake Miller
54.MiamiCBKeionte Scott
55.IndianaWROmar Cooper Jr.
56.Notre DameRBJadarian Price
57.AuburnIOLConnor Lew
58.Arizona StateOTMax Iheanachor
59.BaylorTEMichael Trigg
60.Iowa StateIDLDomonique Orange

Iheanachor is all the rage right now. He’s red hot thanks to his late start in football, his elite athleticism, and a good week in Mobile. I’d suspect he gets drafted well north of this ranking. But I do acknowledge that with how raw he is, there are things that could go wrong.

In the “risk assessment” portion of what we do, he’s one I’m really pulling for to go to the right place. The rest of this block is pretty underrated. Dennis-Sutton, Moore, Miller, Cooper Jr., and Trigg all feel like they’re a little more under the radar than they should be.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a catch as Navy Midshipmen linebacker Adam Klenk (49) defends during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium.Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Prospects 61-70

61.CincinnatiIDLDontay Corleone
62.UtahOTCaleb Lomu
63.OregonIOLEmmanuel Pregnon
64.Texas TechEDGERomello Height
65.Georgia StateWRTed Hurst
66.Notre DameWRMalachi Fields
67.NebraskaRBEmmett Johnson
68.ClemsonWRAntonio Williams
69.AlabamaDLLT Overton
70.CincinnatiLBJake Golday

It’s hard not to get excited about what we saw from Ted Hurst and Malachi Fields last week in Mobile. Big-bodied receivers with strong catch point play and vertical ability are a fit for any offense.

I find myself a little lower on Caleb Lomu than most, with my concern rooted in his rawness. I put him in the same bucket as Iheanachor, but I don’t think he’s as physically gifted as the Arizona State tackle. I do see the pathway to an impactful starter, though.

Penn State Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley (6) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Prospects 71-80

71.ArizonaSAFGenesis Smith
72.WashingtonRBJonah Coleman
73.TennesseeWRChris Brazzell
74.DukeCBChandler Rivers
75.IndianaWRElijah Sarratt
76.IndianaCBD’Angelo Ponds
77.Penn StateSAFZakee Wheatley
78.Kansas StateIOLSam Hecht
79.Ohio StateTEMax Klare
80.AlabamaLBDeontae Lawson

This is a good block for undersized, scrappy players. Chandler Rivers is an undersized nickel. D’Angelo Ponds is probably too lean to play in the slot, but man — it’s hard to write that dude off despite being potentially sub-175 pounds.

Sam Hecht is sub-300 pounds, but as a center, I’d suspect he’ll be fine. They’re all good football players.

Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) pulls down a pass as Tennessee linebacker Ryan Scott (50) wraps him up during the first quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (9) pulls down a pass as Tennessee linebacker Ryan Scott (50) wraps him up during the first quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Prospects 81-90

81.Florida StateIDLDarrell Jackson Jr.
82.TexasCBMalik Muhammad
83.North Carolina StateTEJustin Joly
84.Texas A&MCBWill Lee III
85.TexasSAFMichael Taaffe
86.USCWRJa’Kobi Lane
87.Texas A&MIOLChase Bisontis
88.TexasTEJack Endries
89.VanderbiltTEEli Stowers
90.OklahomaWRDeion Burks

The late Day 2 window is where the intrigue really picks up for me in a tight end class that I like a lot. Sadiq was the only one in the top-50. Trigg joined him in the top-60. Max Klare snuck in just ahead of this block at 79th overall as TE3.

Joly is an impressive flex/slot player. Stowers is a bit more of an H-back, whereas Endries is a really reliable receiver with a contested catch rate pushing 60% for his career and a 4% drop rate.

Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Taurean York (21) celebrates after a sack in the first quarter against the UTSA Roadrunners at Kyle Field. Sean Thomas-Imagn Images

Prospects 91-100

91.PittsburghLBKyle Louis
92.TCUSAFBud Clark
93.MiamiWRCJ Daniels
94.ArkansasCBJulian Neal
95.FloridaIOLJake Slaughter
96.GeorgiaWRZachariah Branch
97.Boston CollegeOTJude Bowry
98.FloridaEDGETyreak Sapp
99.Texas A&MLBTaurean York
100.Penn StateRBNicholas Singleton

Tip of the cap to Kyle Louis and Bud Clark for their Senior Bowl performances, too. Both are undersized defenders, but both were also undeniable in their range and presence around the football.

Zachariah Branch is an intriguing speed receiver with a strong argument for the top-100, whereas you’ve got a toolsy offensive lineman in Jude Bowry, who I believe is a developmental starter. Sprinkle in hyper-specific skill sets like physical press corner Julian Neal and power end Tyreak Sapp? You’ve got some nice upside here to wrap the top-100.