“My Guys” at every position for the 2026 NFL Draft as Summer Scouting begins to wrap up ahead of the 2025 CFB season kicking off

“My guys” for the 2026 NFL Draft

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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We have less than a week until the 2025 college football season, and the NFL season will also begin before we know it. For the sickos out there, that also means that Summer Scouting is wrapping up for an early look at the 2026 NFL Draft class before the action begins. At an early glance, it is an intriguing group with a ton of upside, but many questions that need to be answered.

When you hear the phrase “my guys”, it refers to players you are typically higher on than the consensus. We can take it for a more general perspective on this class, and just call them players that we would pound the table for. Here are the early “my guys” for the 2026 class as the Summer wraps up.

Quarterback: Josh Hoover (TCU)

I’m not necessarily predicting Hoover to enter the 2026 NFL Draft class, but I think it could be in the conversation if he puts together a huge season. While not the biggest quarterback in the world, Hoover has some intriguing tools to work with. His arm talent is legitimate, and we saw Hoover take a huge jump down the stretch in terms of processing. Hoover is also a creative pocket passer with some springiness as an extender. 

Running back: Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) 

Breaking news: Jeremiyah Love is special. We just saw Ashton Jeanty become an elite player in the 2025 NFL Draft class, and there is a very strong argument that Love is even more talented. At 6-0 and 214 pounds, the rising junior is a big play threat every time he touches the football. Love also has strong hands and receiving upside out of the backfield as well, which should be highlighted more in 2025.

Wide receiver: Chris Bell (Louisville) 

At 6-1.5 and 227 pounds, Bell is an imposing wide receiver who looks more like a running back than an outside pass game weapon. Don’t let that body type fool you, this is an outstanding overall athlete. Bell has legitimate long speed to make huge plays after the catch. He also has underrated hip fluidity to win as a route runner as well. Look for Bell to break out fully this upcoming season. 

Tight end: Miles Kitselman (Tennessee) 

A former Alabama transfer, Kitselman wore several different hats for the Volunteers in 2024. At a hair under 6-5 and 259 pounds, he was able to make an impact as an inline blocker, as well as being detached. While his box score (22 receptions, 301 yards, four touchdowns) won’t pop off the page, there is still more upside to tap into for Kitselman. He’s a smooth overall athlete who can win in multiple ways, and should at least be a great addition as a TE2 to a room with some starter upside. 

Offensive tackle: Drew Shelton (Penn State) 

At right around 6-5 and 303 pounds with requisite length, Shelton is an outstanding athlete who has the look of a future starter on the blindside. As a pass protector, he is incredibly smooth and understands how to mirror effectively. Shelton also excels on the move, specifically in an outside zone running scheme. There are a lot of parallels between Shelton and Christian Darrisaw going into his final year at Virginia Tech. 

Interior OL: Connor Lew (Auburn)

The Auburn Tigers quietly have one of the very best offensive lines returning in college football this season. They are anchored by Lew, who just might be the best center in the country. While he isn’t the biggest interior offensive lineman at 6-3 and 300 pounds, Lew is incredibly smooth. He understands how to create and maintain leverage in the run game, and is incredibly flexible in pass protection as well. Lew is a top 20 overall player in this class as things stand. 

EDGE: Will Heldt (Clemson) 

Heldt will end up being slightly overshadowed by TJ Parker and Woods, but he is also extremely talented. At 6-6 and 265 pounds, Heldt has some outstanding closing burst for his size. He could get a lot of 1-on-1 opportunities on the loaded defensive line, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Heldt become a national star. 

Defensive line: David Oke (Arkansas) 

A transfer from Abilene Christian, Oke is set to showcase his talent on the SEC level. At a hair under 6-2 and 312 pounds, Oke is an incredibly explosive defensive tackle with raw power. The movement skills just aren’t ordinary for his body type. Oke reminds me a lot of current NFL standout Javon Hargrave. 

Linebacker: Lander Barton (Utah)

I’m slightly surprised that Barton did not enter the 2025 NFL Draft. At over 6-4 and 237 pounds with plus length, he has the athletic upside to play at either MIKE, WILL, or SAM. Utah has also used Barton a good bit as well. Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Barton’s game is how smooth he is in pass coverage. That presents a lot of diverse potential with Barton for a prospective NFL team. 

Cornerback: Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) 

If you love physical press man cornerbacks who can run, then you are going to love McCoy. He’s coming off of an offseason knee injury, but is expected back early this season. The 6-0, 194-pound cover man managed to collect four interceptions and 14 pass breakups last fall. How dominant McCoy was last year, and at 19 years old in the SEC, was impressive to watch. 

Safety: Emanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)

At over 6-3 and 209 pounds, McNeil-Warren is a bigger safety who looks like he’d excel in the box, but his overall movement skills and coverage upside is what makes him so unique. If not for an injury last season, McNeil-Warren probably declares for the 2025 NFL Draft. Toledo has had a defensive player drafted inside of the top 100 each of the last two years with Quinyon Mitchell and Darius Alexander, and I believe that continues with McNeil-Warren this year. 

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