NFL draft risers, questions and notes: How could the Jets use their four top-64 picks in April?

We’re now by means of Week 10 of the 2025 school soccer season — and the NFL commerce deadline simply handed. Why are these two issues related? As a result of the New York Jets made two huge strikes so as to add early-round draft picks for 2026 and 2027, that means a number of prime prospects might be headed to New York in April (and the next April).

To spin these trades ahead, Matt Miller projected the Jets’ 4 picks in Rounds 1-2 for 2026 and even talked about a number of names to file away for 2027.

The 2026 NFL draft remains to be roughly half a 12 months away. However our NFL draft analysts are all the time wanting down the highway, taking early notes on prime prospects and beginning to stack their rankings for an thrilling class. With that in thoughts, Mel Kiper Jr., Miller and Jordan Reid will dimension up CFB motion by means of a draft-centric lens on Sundays all season lengthy. (Save this hyperlink!) They may reply lingering questions on the very best 2026 prospects, share insights from scouts, pick risers to look at and pull again the curtain on their analysis course of. Here’s what they’ve seen and heard by means of Week 10.

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Nov. 4

How might the Jets use 4 2026 picks within the prime 64?

Miller: Let’s do a fast mock draft, utilizing ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index projections for first-round order. Second-round order remains to be unclear, so I am going to ballpark these decide spots.

Spherical 1, No. 4: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon. There might be stress on the Jets to seek out their subsequent quarterback. Moore is dominating at Oregon this season, exhibiting the arm expertise and mobility to be that man. He has thrown 19 landing passes to simply 4 interceptions in 2025, although he’s nonetheless a third-year sophomore.

Spherical 1, No. 30: Makai Lemon, WR, USC. The Jets have wanted a operating mate for Garrett Wilson at vast receiver. Lemon may not have game-breaking velocity, however his route operating is extremely environment friendly, and his palms are a few of the finest in your complete nation. He has 776 yards in eight video games.

Early Spherical 2: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon. Washington will not precisely substitute Quinnen Williams, however his motion capability at 330 kilos would give the Jets an anchor on the defensive position.

Late Spherical 2: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke. The expertise pool at cornerback within the second spherical of the 2026 class may be very deep. Rivers has ball expertise and toughness that will make him a seamless slot in Aaron Glenn’s protection. He has six INTs over 4 seasons.

What about choices for these three 2027 first-round picks? If the Jets do not discover a quarterback they like in 2026, they’ve the picks to maneuver up for somebody like Texas’ Arch Manning and even Moore, ought to he return to Oregon for an additional season. It must be a loaded 2027 group. It is also value remembering that famous person vast receivers Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), Ryan Williams (Alabama) and Cam Coleman (Auburn) might be draft-eligible in 2027. Cross rushers Colin Simmons (Texas) and Dylan Stewart (South Carolina) spherical out what could possibly be a legendary group of prospects.

Nov. 2

How ought to we weigh LaNorris Sellers’ nice traits towards his lack of big-time manufacturing this season?

Reid: Sellers got here into the season as a possible first general decide, however the 6-foot-3, 240-pound South Carolina quarterback has struggled. And his worst outing of the season got here Saturday towards Ole Miss. He completed 16-of-30 for 180 passing yards, with one landing cross and two interceptions (and an extra rating on the bottom). Sellers does not appear to be enjoying with confidence; he exited the pocket prematurely to turn out to be a scrambler and had hassle hitting open targets all through the sport.

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Sellers has each device possible in his arsenal, and he’s a harmful twin risk at his finest. However he hasn’t discovered a rhythm as a passer this season. By 9 video games, Sellers has 1,536 passing yards, 10 complete touchdowns (seven passing, three dashing) and 5 interceptions, and he’s finishing 61.7% of his throws. There’s loads of blame to go round for the Gamecocks’ offensive troubles — together with the offensive line and the general scheme. However plain and easy, Sellers is not seeing the sphere nicely as a passer this season.

If he does declare for the 2026 draft, Sellers might be among the many most debated prospects within the class. He’s nonetheless uncooked and must make a significant leap in his growth, and the crew that takes an opportunity on him should perceive that he is a long-term challenge who will want time and persistence with a view to uncover his potential. Proper now, Sellers seems to be extra like a Day 2 prospect. I’ve him ranked as QB4 behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

How does Carnell Tate stack up amongst current first-round Ohio State receivers?

Miller: Ohio State has turn out to be “WRU” with Brian Hartline working as a grasp recruiter and developer of the place after his personal good profession in Columbus and six-year NFL profession. Tate is the following first-round receiver from Columbus, and every week he builds a case for a better grade. That features a five-catch, 124-yard efficiency towards Penn State that noticed him rating his sixth landing of the season.

In evaluating Tate to the road of OSU receivers earlier than him, his precise grade might be nearer to Emeka Egbuka or Jaxon Smith-Njigba than gamers like Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson and even Chris Olave popping out of faculty. Each Egbuka (No. 19 general) and Smith-Njigba (No. 20) had been chosen within the back-half of Spherical 1, and proper now that is the place the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Tate is projected to land. His tape is filled with physicality and a capability to win 50-50 balls.

“The wonderful thing about Tate is you recognize precisely who he’ll be at our stage due to how nicely coached he is been there,” an AFC East space scout stated.

The largest questions on Tate’s sport — that are at present retaining him out of the early-Spherical 1 speak — are a scarcity of explosive yards-after-catch capability and a few route-running inefficiencies stemming from his high-cut, long-legged construct. However the general image is an excellent one, and Tate is a top-32 lock on my board.

What else are we seeing and listening to?

Kiper: Miami misplaced to SMU, however slot nook Keionte Scott was terrific. He was the very best defensive participant on area for the Hurricanes. The 6-foot, 192-pounder transferred to Miami earlier than this season after enjoying two years at juco Snow School after which three years at Auburn. He was excellent for the Tigers in 2022 and 2023, however his play fell off a bit final season. He is again to kind now, with 40 tackles, two cross breakups, two sacks, seven run stops and a compelled fumble this season.

On Saturday alone, Scott had eight tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, a fumble restoration and a cross defensed. He was all over the place, disrupting the play. He could make an impression as a blitzer, can chase down operating backs and might make performs in protection. Scott is a dependable tackler and performs quick. He is versatile, too, with the flexibility to line up within the slot or again at security. He wears lots of hats. Scott is ascending on this draft class, and with a superb exhibiting at an all-star occasion, I believe he could possibly be a superb get within the later elements of Day 2 or early elements of Day 3. NFL defensive coordinators will love his sport.

Miller: In what’s seen by NFL scouts as a weak operating again class, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love continues to run away from the pack with a secured RB1 rating. He confirmed his dynamic lengthy velocity once more on Saturday with a 94-yard landing run towards Boston School that showcased his persistence earlier than he attacked the road of scrimmage and exploded into house. Love (6-0, 214) is usually in comparison with Reggie Bush due to his open-field capability, and he appeared like the previous USC runner on this play. Because the lone first-round again on this class, Love could possibly be in play within the prime 15 picks general for RB-needy groups just like the Cowboys or Texans.

Reid: No prospect has improved his inventory greater than Ohio State’s Arvell Reese this season. However the principle query turns into: edge rusher or off-ball linebacker? Within the victory over Penn State, Reese as soon as once more flashed his versatility at each positions. Long run, I just like the outlook of Reese (6-4, 243) dashing off the sting as a result of there are only a few blockers who’re in a position to match his mixture of explosive energy, bend and physicality. The Reese dialog is harking back to the debates we had about Micah Parsons in the course of the lead-up to the 2021 draft. And Reese’s climb up the board might go as excessive as a top-three decide. He has been that good this season, with 6.5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss.

Kiper: After being primarily a backup in previous seasons, Arkansas defensive finish Quincy Rhodes Jr. seems to be nice this season. At 6-foot-6 and 276 kilos, he’s powerful towards each the cross and run. He can get to the QB with energy and nice closing velocity, and his size solely helps his disruption. On Saturday towards Mississippi State, Rhodes had six tackles, a sack and … 4.5 tackles for loss. He was in a position to break up double-teams, and I noticed a pleasant inside spin transfer on the tape. His sport is a little bit uncooked, and he wants to seek out extra pass-rush strikes, however Rhodes is rising quick. He has upside and performs arduous; I believe he might go as excessive because the second or third spherical.

Miller: Sure, Penn State was dominated by Ohio State, however the movie might be a résumé sport for left guard Olaivavega Ioane. The highest-ranked inside offensive lineman within the class, Ioane (6-4, 330) regularly exhibits energy and poise within the trenches. He is a mauler at clearing out dashing lanes but in addition has the quickness and steadiness to be efficient on the second stage. A late-Spherical 1 grade is the consensus I’ve heard from NFL scouts which have gone by means of Penn State this fall.

Reid: Baylor tight finish Michael Trigg continues to catch the eyes of NFL scouts. He beforehand frolicked at USC (2021) and Ole Miss (2022-23) earlier than arriving in Waco earlier than final season. At 6-foot-4 and 240 kilos, he is basically a giant receiver and offers worth as a movable chess piece within the Bears’ offense. His 40 receptions for 609 receiving yards and 6 TDs are all profession highs. Trigg has made a number of spectacular catches in contested conditions this season, as he has glorious physique management. I really like how he is in a position to put his body within the correct spot to make tough grabs. Trigg was considered as a mid-to-late Day 3 prospect coming into the season, however late-Day 2 is likely to be extra real looking now.

Kiper: I will be shifting Florida heart Jake Slaughter up a bit in my place rankings this month (he was my No. 6 inside offensive lineman final week). He is very skilled with 46 video games performed (28 begins), and he confronted lots of good SEC defensive tackles over that point. At 6-foot-5 and 303 kilos, he can drive inside defenders off the ball as a run blocker. Slaughter is nice at creating dashing lanes, and he did Saturday towards Georgia. He strikes nicely laterally, and his general footwork and method are spectacular. Slaughter simply performs a stable model of soccer, and he is likely to be a little bit underrated proper now. Search for him to be a superb decide early on Day 3.

Oct. 26

What’s the very best factor you heard about Ty Simpson and his draft inventory this weekend?

Reid: I spoke to a number of scouts throughout my journey to the Alabama-South Carolina matchup this weekend, and I heard many opinions in regards to the Alabama signal-caller. An NFC crew’s director of scouting stated that Simpson “will get by means of progressions cleanly, ball placement is nice, and [he is] mature regardless of his handful of begins.”

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Simpson completed 24-of-43 for 253 passing yards and two landing throws towards South Carolina. I assumed his accuracy was inconsistent within the first three quarters — together with eight overthrows on passes, per ESPN Analysis. However what impressed me — and what has impressed me all through the season — was Simpson’s capability to battle by means of adversity and make the “acquired to have it” performs in essential conditions. It occurred towards Georgia and Missouri earlier this season, too. Within the fourth quarter, Simpson was 9-for-12 for 60 yards towards South Carolina, together with two huge throws to tie the sport (TD to Germie Bernard and the two-point conversion to Josh Cuevas). Simpson has thrown a number of TD passes in all eight video games this season.

Listed at 6-foot-2 and 208 kilos, Simpson does not have the measureables that a lot of his counterparts have on this draft class. “His dimension will harm him on the very prime as a result of groups normally chase ceilings with these QBs early on,” an AFC space scout stated. However regardless of solely eight profession begins, his consciousness, pocket maneuverability and decision-making have him forward of the curve. I’ve him graded simply behind Fernando Mendoza, making him the QB2 on this class. He simply must be extra constant along with his accuracy all through the whole lot of video games.

Anthony Hill Jr. was thought-about a top-10 prospect earlier than the season. Might his huge efficiency Saturday assist get him again into that blend?

Miller: It was a sluggish begin to the 2025 season for Hill after posting 5 and eight sacks in his first two years with the Texas protection, respectively. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound linebacker had did not submit a sack this season earlier than his breakout 10-tackle, 2.5-sack day towards Mississippi State. Hill — who aligns at linebacker for the Longhorns — had performed extra usually as a blitzer in earlier years however not a lot earlier this season. Not too long ago, although, Texas is letting him free to get after the QB once more. Following the sport, I spoke to a number of scouts about Hill, and the critiques are break up.

“He is a Spherical 1 man, however the top-five speak was most likely extra primarily based on seeing him as an edge rusher on the subsequent stage. If he commits to creating that transfer, I believe he might stand up there nonetheless [in the first round],” an AFC scouting director stated. One other scout — this one from the NFC West — poured some chilly water on the hype, although. “Linebackers not often go that early, and he is been outplayed by Arvell Reese at Ohio State and CJ Allen at Georgia. He is good, however I believe he is extra of a Spherical 2 participant who’s being overhyped due to the helmet.”

So, scouts are torn, however I imagine Hill has the expertise to get into that top-10 vary if he is in a position to persistently present his pass-rush capability.

What else are we seeing and listening to?

Kiper: Linebacker Jimmy Rolder was a backup and special-teamer in his first three seasons at Michigan, however he is now thriving in a beginning function. He jumps off the display screen, exhibiting excessive soccer IQ, nice closing velocity, excellent protection traits and the flexibility to be disruptive as a blitzer. He can stick on opponents in man-to-man, however he additionally routinely makes performs in zone protection. At 6-foot-2 and 240 kilos, I’ve Rolder as an off-ball linebacker, however he has the flexibility to slip exterior, too.

Rolder had 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, a fumble restoration and a sack towards Michigan State. He now has 52 tackles on the season. He has shortly turn out to be among the best defensive gamers on that Wolverines roster, and he is choosing up draft curiosity consequently. Rolder wasn’t on the radar earlier than the season, so he is actually arduous to put on this class. However I am positive scouts are taking discover of his play, and if he finishes out the season nicely, Rolder could possibly be an early-rounder. Regulate him.

Miller: We’re all the time in search of sleeper quarterback prospects, and Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby is placing collectively performances that require extra consideration. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior was as soon as once more crisp on Saturday with a two-touchdown efficiency in a blowout win over Baylor. Sorsby has thrown only one interception all season, in comparison with 20 landing passes. His ball placement can waiver at instances, however his decision-making and positional instruments are intriguing. I do not assume Spherical 1 is within the playing cards for him, however he could possibly be this 12 months’s Tyler Shough, driving a giant predraft course of into the highest 50 picks.

Reid: All eyes had been on Texas A&M receiver KC Concepcion as he matched up towards my highest-graded nook on this draft class in Mansoor Delane of LSU. He completed with three catches for 45 yards and a landing, however he additionally had a 79-yard punt return landing. Concepcion (5-11, 190) is a refined route runner who shows competitiveness after the catch and robust palms. The NC State switch has been one of many extra dependable targets within the SEC, as he now has 5 landing catches over the Aggies’ previous 4 video games. After receiving middle-round grades coming into the season, Concepcion is probably going a top-75 decide — and he is nonetheless trending upward.

Miller: Alabama vast receiver Germie Bernard continues to impress and anchor himself as my No. 2 participant on the place within the class behind Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State. Bernard scored twice on Saturday — as soon as as a receiver and as soon as as a runner — and the comparisons to gamers like Deebo Samuel will preserve coming due to his capability to make performs each from the backfield and break up out as a large receiver. Bernard’s route operating expertise are forward of gamers like Samuel when he was popping out of faculty, although, which is why the 6-foot-1, 204-pound playmaker is carrying a Spherical 1 grade.

Kiper: Sure, Oregon security Dillon Thieneman gave up a giant play to Wisconsin’s Eugene Hilton Jr. on Saturday evening within the rain. He had him coated nicely, although, and simply misplaced his footing on an underthrown ball. Exterior of that, he was terrific — exhibiting as soon as once more why he belongs proper behind Ohio State’s Caleb Downs within the security class. Oregon can transfer Thieneman round, and NFL groups will love that. He can line up within the slot. He can play break up security. He can step down into the field. He does all of it.

The 6-foot, 205-pound Thieneman, who transferred from Purdue, is stable towards the run and robust in protection, and he covers floor shortly. I believe he’ll run rather well for the clock at predraft occasions. He is savvy, as nicely. Thieneman simply wants to wash up his tackling. He will get sloppy there, as he is not a kind tackler. I see him as a second- or third-rounder.

Reid: UConn receiver Skyler Bell wants extra love on this class. The Wisconsin switch has been the focus of the Huskies’ offense, and he simply had his fifth sport of 100-plus receiving yards this season along with his 158-yard efficiency towards Rice. At 6-foot and 185 kilos, Bell is an electrical goal who can win with any department of the route tree. He was on scouts’ radar getting into the season, and now he is a severe contender to go on Day 2, although many nonetheless wish to see him in an all-star sport setting. Scouts will ask how prospects exterior of the Energy 4 carry out when matched up towards upper-level opponents. And for what it is value, Bell had 21 catches for 230 yards and a landing towards Boston School and Syracuse this season.

Kiper: I discussed Bryce Lance earlier this 12 months, and he is choosing up draft steam. The 6-foot-3, 209-pound receiver from North Dakota State ought to actually be in Day 2 consideration at this level. He had 103 yards towards South Dakota State this weekend, and he is averaging 20.6 yards per catch on the season (up from 14.0 in 2024). Lance — the brother of Trey Lance — sells his routes nicely and shows good physique management whereas working up sideline. He is good in tight protection and might do harm after the catch. If I wish to nitpick, I would prefer to see Lance assault the ball along with his palms extra. However this can be a good participant with upside.

Reid: Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is clearly on the prime of the operating again class, however Michigan’s Justice Haynes has made a robust case because the second-best rusher of the category. In seven video games this season, he has 857 dashing yards and 10 touchdowns. His efficiency towards Michigan State marked his sixth 100-yard sport this season (most within the FBS, per ESPN Analysis); he completed with 26 carries for 152 dashing yards and two scores. At 5-foot-11, 210 kilos, Haynes is a decided runner who brings an explosive dynamic to the backfield. Haynes was considered as a Day 3 decide coming into the season, however he’s now within the top-75 consideration.

Miller: LSU could not get the win over Texas A&M, however security A.J. Haulcy continues to be a big-time playmaker. His second-quarter interception in the long run zone saved the Tigers within the sport and highlighted the kind of opportunistic security he might be for an NFL crew. Haulcy combines huge hits with huge performs at a constant stage — he is the very best tackling security within the 2026 draft class. I’ve a top-50 grade on him, however there’s room to maneuver up the board.

Oct. 19

Name it now, what number of vast receivers will go in Spherical 1?

Reid: I’ve 5 receivers with Spherical 1 grades, and Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) and Makai Lemon (USC) are my prime two regardless of having utterly completely different talent units. Tyson is a refined and highly effective route runner who shows sturdy palms and run-after-catch capability. He went for 105 yards and a landing Saturday towards Texas Tech. And Lemon is a flexible choice with the physique management to make tough catches look routine; he caught 4 balls for 76 yards towards Notre Dame. Tyson is my WR1, however it’s a very tight race.

Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Chris Bell (Louisville) and Denzel Boston (Washington) are additionally first-round caliber. All of them had terrific weeks, too. Tate had 111 yards and two scores towards Wisconsin, Bell had 136 yards and two scores towards Miami, and Boston had 71 yards towards Michigan. This draft class does not have the apparent top-10 decide like we have seen lately, however I believe we’ll see some WRs come off the board within the middle-to-late elements of Spherical 1.

Is Jeremiyah Love a surefire top-10 decide?

Miller: If there’s a surefire top-10 decide on this class, it is Love. In opposition to rival USC, the Notre Dame operating again put collectively a résumé sport — 228 dashing yards and a TD on 24 carries, plus 5 catches for an additional 37 yards. Love put the Irish offense on his again and carried them to a marquee win. Scouts reward the 6-foot, 214-pound again’s burst, lengthy velocity and imaginative and prescient.

“The Reggie Bush comparisons get made, and I see that,” an AFC scouting director stated. “Love has a little bit extra end to his sport; he’ll put his shoulder down and make you pay, however he is so agile and fast by means of the outlet and that first lower. He is harmful.”

Groups just like the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals would all have top-11 draft picks if the draft had been as we speak. And every might use an impression again identical to Like to propel their offenses.

What else are we seeing and listening to?

Kiper: Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers had a fantastic Saturday regardless of the loss to Georgia Tech. He had seven tackles and two passes defensed. His route recognition expertise are excellent, and he locates the ball nicely and might then plant and drive on it rather well. That has helped Rivers to 6 interceptions over 4 seasons. However he is additionally sturdy towards the run, exhibiting an actual willingness to throw his physique round and make tackles. You may inform on tape that he loves the physicality of the place regardless of being simply 5-foot-10 and 185 kilos. Rivers is only a actually good soccer participant who performs arduous.

I’ve him because the No. 8 CB within the class on my Large Board, however I might fairly see him leaping up into the No. 4, No. 5 vary. He’s firmly within the Day 2 combine, and I like him as a second-rounder for an NFL crew in search of a proficient slot nook (although he can play exterior, too).

Miller: It was a four-INT outing from Miami quarterback Carson Beck towards Louisville. He continues to wrestle with ball placement and decision-making when requested to throw past 10 yards or when the pocket will get muddy. Far too usually he makes an impulsive throw when pressured, and that always results in poor accuracy. Beck began the season sizzling behind an excellent Miami offensive line, however the Louisville sport serves as a reminder that many NFL groups don’t see him as a starting-caliber QB prospect proper now.

Reid: Following his worst exhibiting of the season final week towards Indiana, scouts had been intrigued to see how Oregon QB Dante Moore would rebound. He completed 15-of-20 for 290 passing yards, 4 landing passes and an interception towards Rutgers. This was solely his twelfth profession begin, and Moore nonetheless has a handful of matchups towards high quality opponents. The powerful Iowa protection is on deck in three weeks, and evaluators might be watching intently. Moore remains to be in Spherical 1 discussions, however the pattern dimension may be very small.

Miller: I have been hyping the Missouri cross rush all season, and that unit helped safe the win on Saturday towards Auburn. Zion Younger was unblockable with 5 tackles, two sacks and a couple of.5 tackles for loss towards a superb Auburn offensive line. He and linemate Damon Wilson II have been talked about earlier than on this house — and I am a giant fan of each as top-50 skills.

Kiper: Yeah, this 2026 edge rusher group is nice. How about Michigan’s Derrick Moore? He has actually come on over the previous three video games, and he had two sacks towards Washington. Over 4 seasons, he has flashed for the Wolverines, however he appears to be placing all of it collectively now. At 6-foot-3 and 260 kilos, Moore generates stress but in addition seals the sting nicely towards the run. I would argue he is the fifth or sixth finest edge rusher within the class, and I would slot him within the third or fourth spherical — with the prospect to get into the second.

Reid: Alongside Lemon, USC WR Ja’Kobi Lane has begun to come back on after battling an early-season harm. The 6-foot-4, 200-pounder remains to be a bit streaky, as he had consecutive video games with fewer than 40 receiving yards in between two 100-yard performances. However the lengthy strider has a large catch radius, and I believe Lane is somebody to look at down the backstretch of the season — particularly with Lemon getting lots of the eye from defenses. He seems to be like a second- or third-rounder.

Kiper: We have talked about lots of receivers as we speak, however we have not touched on Alabama’s Germie Bernard but. I ranked him as the category’s WR7 final week, however he may actually be within the WR5 vary. Suppose late-Spherical 1 or early-Spherical 2. Bernard was essential to Alabama’s win over Tennessee, doing all of it. He caught 5 passes for 60 yards. He rushed 4 instances for 49 yards (led the crew). And he blocked extraordinarily nicely. Bernard may not be an NFL crew’s lead goal, however he must be a very good second choice in a professional passing sport. At 6-foot-1, 204 kilos, he has inside-outside flexibility, and as we noticed Saturday, he can line up within the backfield as a operating again.

Bernard has nice palms and assaults the ball, understanding when he has to body-catch the ball and when he has to pluck it out of the air. He works arduous at that side of his sport, spending lots of time on the Jugs machine. And as soon as he has the ball in his palms, he can tack on additional yardage regardless of not being an actual blazer.

Miller: Inventory retains going up on Oregon defensive sort out A’Mauri Washington. Scouts have been buzzing in regards to the tape of the 6-foot-3, 330-pound anchor on the Geese’ defensive position. Washington’s quickness off the snap is ridiculously good for a giant man who’s constructed extra like a run-plugging sort out than penetrator. To observe him make performs along with his velocity after which drop his weight and cease the run sport is really spectacular. He is a official Spherical 1 prospect.

Oct. 12

Did anybody lastly lay declare to the QB1 spot along with his efficiency on Saturday?

Miller: I actually needed Saturday to be the day that cleared up the quarterback pecking order, given the massive video games we had on the docket — however I left with no clear-cut QB1. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore battled one another whereas exhibiting their trademark contact, deep-ball accuracy and all-around arm instruments, however each quarterbacks additionally threw two expensive interceptions. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers struggled each by means of the air and on the bottom; Garrett Nussmeier was as soon as once more crisp on intermediate passes in the identical sport but in addition threw two interceptions.

It is nonetheless a really wide-open race, however Alabama’s Ty Simpson has turn out to be an actual participant to look at. Regardless of being a first-year starter, he has carved up opponents all through the primary few weeks of the season, together with three TD passes on Saturday towards Missouri. However no, we nonetheless haven’t got a severe QB1 who’s pulling away from the pack.

Which QB produced extra questions than solutions along with his huge head-to-head showdown Saturday?

Reid: Sellers. In opposition to LSU, he completed 15-of-27 for 124 yards, no landing passes and an interception, whereas dashing for under 19 yards on 22 carries. It was his second straight sport with no landing. Sellers’ course of seems to be sped up. Coming into the weekend, he had been sacked on an FBS-high 12.4% of his dropbacks, and that quantity will solely enhance as he took 5 sacks on Saturday. The Gamecocks’ leaky offensive line has allowed dangerous habits to creep into his sport; his timing and rhythm from the pocket have been inconsistent all through the season.

What else are we seeing and listening to?

Reid: Penn State QB Drew Allar suffered a season-ending harm. Allar had been considered as a possible Day 2 decide previous to the harm, and he returned to Penn State for the 2025 season hoping to hitch the Spherical 1 discussions. He hadn’t actually lifted his play, although, with 1,100 yards, eight TD throws and three interceptions this season. What occurs now? Being that it was the Nittany Lions’ sixth sport of the season, Allar is unable to use for a medical redshirt — that means he has performed his ultimate collegiate sport. His draft inventory might be fascinating to look at over the following few months.

Miller: Missouri edge defender Damon Wilson II continues to appear to be a top-40 prospect and has actually emerged as among the best transfers within the nation after becoming a member of the Tigers from Georgia. He posted two sacks in Saturday’s shut loss to Alabama, operating his complete for the season to five.5. At 6-foot-4 and 250 kilos, Wilson’s first-step burst and size make him a tricky ask for faculty offensive tackles to comprise. I believe I is likely to be including him to my prime 25 after that huge sport.

Kiper: Alabama defensive finish LT Overton was excellent on the opposite aspect of that sport. His nice hustle specifically stood out. Overton completed with six tackles and 1.5 sacks, and his lateral pursuit velocity and talent to struggle by means of blocks was on full show. He performed exterior however shaded inside. He dropped in protection right here and there. At 6-foot-5 and 278 kilos, he was all over the place — and he performed like a future NFL starter. However Overton wants to point out consistency. If he places up extra video games like this one, Overton might go in late Spherical 1 or early-to-mid Spherical 2.

Miller: Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer was receiving Spherical 1 reward earlier than lacking three video games with a hand harm. However his return towards Texas confirmed accuracy struggles whereas he navigated a messy pocket. Mateer threw three interceptions whereas lacking his receivers when requested to make throws beneath stress. Notably, his third decide was off the palms of his receiver when the cross catcher needed to lengthen away from his physique for the ball. Mateer (6-1, 224) does have all of this season and subsequent season earlier than he has to enter the draft, and that may finally be the route.

Reid: I used to be excited to look at Alabama offensive sort out Kadyn Proctor (6-7, 366) towards the proficient Mizzou edge rush of Zion Younger and Damon Wilson II. He had allowed 9 pressures to date this season, with seven coming in Week 1 towards Florida State. However I assumed Proctor performed a clear sport towards the Tigers. His consistency as a cross protector was examined, and he remained agency. Plus, he generated good motion within the run sport.

Proctor remains to be polarizing as a prospect due to his inconsistency. There are some scouts who nonetheless imagine he is a Spherical 1 prospect, however others are hesitant to purchase into his draft inventory as an early-rounder. Upcoming matchups towards Tennessee, South Carolina, LSU and Oklahoma might be large for him.

Kiper: We noticed a fantastic sport from Georgia’s CJ Allen. The proficient off-ball linebacker affected this matchup with Auburn in lots of methods, ending with 10 tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and a cross defensed. His read-and-react expertise, velocity and physicality make him a tricky job for opponents. At 6-foot-1 and 235 kilos, Allen took on blocks in run protection, made performs on the ball in protection and acquired after the QB. That screams “three-down linebacker” on the subsequent stage. My first Large Board comes out this week, and Allen was actually a borderline top-25 man. I see a first-rounder.

Kiper: Defensive sort out A’Mauri Washington was stable in Oregon’s loss. He had a bull rush for a sack and added three tackles. His sport remains to be uncooked, however I see a pleasant mixture of explosiveness, energy, quickness, toughness and general athleticism. Washington was actually sturdy on the level of assault Saturday, and at 6-foot-3 and 330 kilos, he proved disruptive on the inside. He is one other one who might play his method into Spherical 1.

Reid: Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt continues to be one of many prime choices for Mendoza. He had eight catches for 121 yards and a landing towards Oregon. Sarratt is sure-handed and thrives in contested conditions. His physique management and hand-eye coordination on the catch level had been showcased on Saturday, too. Whereas Sarratt (6-2, 209) will not persistently win with vertical velocity on his route stems, his detailed route operating helps him create separation within the short-to-intermediate areas. He’s considered as a middle-round goal, however for groups looking for rapid contributors at receiver, he has the potential to play early on.

Kiper: In a 12 months the place there aren’t a bunch of operating again choices, Texas’ Quintrevion Wisner is somebody who might emerge. He is likely one of the key causes that Texas received Saturday towards Oklahoma. He’s again from a hamstring harm and appears fast and explosive between the tackles. Wisner is dynamic in each the run and cross video games, and he is shifty with the ball in his palms at 6-foot and 194 kilos. He rolled to 1,064 yards final season on the bottom, including 44 catches. And he made an announcement Saturday with 94 dashing yards and 34 receiving yards towards the Sooners. Wisner is only a actual good all-around prospect, and I’ve him in that third- or fourth-round vary proper now.

Kiper: OK, this is a late-Day 3 man to look at. Illinois State receiver Daniel Sobkowicz is a fourth-year stater and has put up some good tape. On Saturday towards Murray State, he posted eight catches for 162 yards and a landing — and added one other TD on the bottom. He makes use of his nice size, 6-foot-3/205-pound dimension and slight changes in his routes to haul in deep balls. Sobkowicz sells his routes and has dependable palms, too. The large query might be his velocity, and scouts might be watching him throughout all-star occasions and/or on the mix.

Oct. 5

Does Nico Iamaleava match into this QB draft class after his huge efficiency?

Reid: Iamaleava had a tough begin to the season. Although his first 4 video games, the Tennessee switch ranked 78th in QBR within the nation (54.4). Then Saturday, towards by far the crew’s finest opponent of the season, Iamaleava appeared like a special quarterback (97.4 QBR). He completed 17-of-24 for 166 passing yards and two landing passes, and Iamaleava made a number of spectacular throws towards the stingy Nittany Lions protection. His dashing capability was the actual separator between the primary 4 video games and Week 6, although. Iamaleava saved drives alive along with his legs, producing explosive performs and finally gaining one other 128 yards and three extra scores on the bottom (16 carries).

So what does all of it imply for his draft inventory? At 6-foot-6 and 215 kilos, Iamaleava has dual-threat traits and a giant arm, however he wants time. He is nonetheless only a redshirt sophomore. He has 19 profession begins, and he’s nonetheless inconsistent with accuracy and decision-making. I do not count on Iamaleava to declare for the 2026 draft. I would put him within the Day 3 dialog proper now for subsequent 12 months, but it surely is smart for him to maintain growing earlier than getting into the 2027 and even 2028 class.

Name it now: What number of Miami gamers will go in Spherical 1?

Miller: Two … perhaps three. Miami is anchored within the trenches by a pair of high-end prospects, one in every of which is enjoying higher than every other participant within the nation at the moment. Defensive finish Rueben Bain Jr. has been distinctive all season, with two sacks and a résumé filled with impression performs. At 6-foot-3 and 275 kilos, he has a mix of energy and quickness to his sport that makes him a straightforward analysis to the following stage as an influence rusher. In that method, he is just like Trey Hendrickson; he has a well-rounded talent set. Bain is enjoying like a top-five decide.

And on the opposite aspect of the ball is correct sort out Francis Mauigoa, who some scouts see as a guard on the subsequent stage due to his energy within the run sport. Miami has had success operating behind the 6-foot-6, 315-pounder — one thing the Hurricanes leaned on towards Florida State — and I believe his play has been higher than that of every other offensive sort out within the nation. The predraft all-star circuit might be vital for Mauigoa’s analysis as NFL groups resolve if he is a guard or sort out, however he’s performing like a top-15 decide.

The wild card is quarterback Carson Beck. Thought-about a Spherical 1-caliber participant at the moment final 12 months earlier than falling off, Beck has performed cleanly this season following a switch from Georgia. His 4 landing throws towards Florida State remind us how {smooth}, poised and correct he might be with a clear pocket, and in his first actual check of the season, he answered the decision. Beck fell aside when pressured in 2024, however he appears to have grown in that space primarily based on what we have seen. And in a draft class with out a longtime QB1, Beck has room to rise into the Spherical 1 image.

What else are we seeing and listening to?

Miller: Ohio State has turn out to be WRU as NFL scouts consider gamers, and senior wideout Carnell Tate continues to impress as a pro-ready cross catcher. Saturday towards Minnesota, Tate posted 9 catches for 183 yards and a landing with crisp, sturdy routes and the identical professional-level focus we have come to count on from him. Tate (6-3, 195) has the all-around sport to obtain a Spherical 1 grade, particularly in a category with restricted top-tier receiver prospects. Tate possible will not leap Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) as the highest participant on the place, however he has pushed himself into the WR2 dialog.

Reid: This was Beck’s fourth sport with 4 landing passes and nil interceptions over the previous two seasons — tied for essentially the most within the FBS throughout that span, per ESPN Analysis. A real pocket passer, Beck stays in-rhythm within the Hurricanes’ offense. I had Beck graded as a middle-round prospect previous to this season, however he is trending upward. Like Matt, I’ve him getting into the early-round dialogue along with his play by means of the primary quarter of the season.

Kiper: Louisville receiver Chris Bell is a Day 2 prospect who might play his method into the Day 1 combine. After catching 10 balls for 135 yards and a TD final week towards Pitt, he rolled up 12 catches for 170 yards and two TDs on Saturday towards Virginia. He is a giant 6-foot-2, 220-pounder who performs the sport with an influence ahead mentality. Cornerbacks actually wrestle along with his physicality; Bell wins on 50-50 balls, and he wins over the center. He seems virtually uncoverable on tape. Bell does physique catch at instances, however he is changing into extra constant there. I really like his competitiveness, and I am keeping track of him on this WR class.

Miller: The Penn State dashing assault hasn’t discovered its footing all through the primary month, and scouts are questioning why coach James Franklin is not leaning extra on operating backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Within the loss to UCLA, these two mixed for 89 yards on simply 19 carries because the Nittany Lions tried to maintain tempo with the Bruins’ offense.

Singleton, who began the season as my No. 2 RB within the class, has struggled to seek out house behind an offensive line that has been pushed round all season. Allen has been the extra productive of the 2 regardless of being the lesser-regarded prospect, making a reputation for himself as a 5-foot-11, 217-pound downhill energy runner. Convention play might be vital for each; will Penn State once more depend on the run sport?

At 6-foot and 224 kilos, Singleton’s all-around capability as a runner, cross catcher and blocker had him ranked as a late-Spherical 1 prospect. Wanting across the NFL, it is easy to see him as a seamless improve for quite a few groups. For example, Kansas Metropolis is struggling to seek out an explosive floor sport, and Singleton’s capability to interrupt off huge runs and make an impression within the passing sport can be a fantastic match for the Chiefs.

Reid: Coming into the season, one prospect I had circled as a breakout candidate was Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell. He needed to wait his flip behind two eventual top-40 picks in Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton, however his persistence has paid off. Together with his second three-sack efficiency of the season Saturday towards Mississippi State, he is now as much as seven sacks on the 12 months. At 6-foot-2 and 248 kilos, his capability to win with bend or energy makes him a flexible rusher, too. He nonetheless wants to point out manufacturing towards upper-tier groups within the convention, however with upcoming matchups towards Florida and LSU, he has prime alternatives to proceed bettering his draft inventory. I’ve Howell ranked as a top-50 prospect and inside my prime 5 at edge rusher.

Kiper: Jordan beat me to the punch on Howell, however … wow, he was excellent as soon as once more Saturday. He performed like a first-rounder. What I actually like about is sport is that he is not purely an edge rusher. He can get inside stress, too. Howell will get blockers off steadiness as a result of he mixes up his strikes, after which he closes within the blink of an eye fixed. We noticed it on the finish of final season, too, and he has continued that stretch of dominance into 2025. NFL groups need closers, and that describes Howell.

Kiper: How about Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday? He had 12 tackles, his third sack of the season, a compelled fumble and a cross deflection on Saturday towards Iowa State. He was everywhere in the area. By 5 video games, Golday has 48 tackles. Activate the tape, and also you see a rugged tackler with sideline-to-sideline velocity. As a former defensive finish, his cross rush expertise present up usually, too. Since coming over from Central Arkansas earlier than the 2024 season, Golday has made a big effect on the Bearcats’ protection. And Cincinnati makes use of him throughout — within the slot, off the ball, wherever. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder has the traits, expertise and work ethic to be a giant contributor within the professionals, and I’ve him within the Day 2 dialog proper now.

Sept. 28

What are scouts saying in regards to the begin to Drew Allar’s season?

Miller: The road on Allar from scouts is that he is proficient and toolsy with prototypical arm expertise and mobility — however that he additionally fails to rise to the second. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound signal-caller has performed with constant timing, accuracy and tempo from the pocket. However we noticed him wrestle towards top-tier expertise final season, and Allar’s play towards Oregon was sadly what we have come to count on when Penn State wants him to hold the crew. He went 14-of-25 for 137 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The 2 scores had been encouraging, however the 5.5 yards per try and one decide point out that the sport is just not slowing down for Allar in his senior season.

“He is nonetheless method too panicked within the pocket. Hold it clear and easy, and he’ll carve you up, however any stress, and his eyes go to the push,” is how one NFC East space scout put it.

Regardless of Allar’s 43 begins in school to date, an AFC West space scout stated, “To me, he seems to be like a participant that wants upper-level quarterback growth nonetheless. Not mechanically or athletically, however from a processing standpoint, he is not seeing it quick sufficient.”

Title recognition, program legacy and his nice bodily instruments will preserve Allar in early-round conversations, however his tape is not constant sufficient to earn him a beginning QB label from NFL groups. I polled six scouts Saturday evening, and all of them see him as a possible Spherical 3 choice.

What number of top-50 picks do you see on Ohio State’s roster — and which stood out essentially the most Saturday?

Reid: A formidable victory towards Washington confirmed simply how a lot depth the Buckeyes have this season. I depend 5 Buckeyes with top-50 grades for 2026: security Caleb Downs, linebacker Arvell Reese, vast receiver Carnell Tate, linebacker Sonny Kinds and tight finish Max Klare.

However it was Reese who actually popped towards Washington. He was considered as a late-round prospect coming into the season, however Reese has been the Buckeyes’ finest prospect on protection — sure, much more so than Downs — since changing into a starter in 2025. On Saturday, the 6-foot-4, 243-pounder showcased his versatility as a second-level defender and edge rusher, choosing up 5 tackles. Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia tasked him with spying Washington QB Demond Williams Jr., placing his closing velocity and bodily play to make use of.

I spoke to a number of scouts in Seattle previous to the sport, and so they had been buzzing about Reese’s talent set. The proficient linebacker has catapulted into the Spherical 1 dialogue. And if he continues on this speedy climb up boards, he has an opportunity to be the primary linebacker chosen and a top-20 decide.

What else are we seeing and listening to?

Reid: Matt already talked about Allar, however I can not say sufficient in regards to the poise of the opposite QB in that sport: Oregon’s Dante Moore. Scouts have been ready to see him face a high-level opponent, and Moore went 29-for-39 for 289 yards and three touchdowns. He performs with an unflappable demeanor; he by no means confirmed panic in his sport, regardless of the hostile surroundings. And even after Penn State put up 14 unanswered factors to ship the sport to extra time, Moore persistently and precisely discovered his targets in any respect three ranges of the sphere, making huge play after huge play within the additional frames.

Scouts are nonetheless on the fence about whether or not he’ll declare for the draft after this season, however he has been among the best QB prospects within the class by means of 5 weeks. Moore simply turned solely the third Oregon participant prior to now 30 years with three or extra passing touchdowns in 4 of the crew’s first 5 video games of a season (Bo Nix in 2023 and Akili Smith in 1998). Evaluators have definitely taken discover, regardless of the 6-3, 206-pound QB beginning solely 5 profession video games up to now.

Kiper: Yeah, Moore is enjoying like a possible first general decide. He has that ceiling. However I as an alternative wish to spotlight an under-the-radar QB: Jaden Craig. This 6-foot-2, 215-pound signal-caller may play at Harvard, however he might have been a stable Energy 4 quarterback. Craig has an NFL arm, and he makes use of it on the transfer. When he will get exterior the pocket, he is not seeking to run; he is seeking to throw. Craig processes and sees the sphere nicely, and he exhibits the accuracy and contact to ship the ball downfield and into tight home windows.

Craig has six TD passes — together with 4 Saturday towards Brown — and no interceptions by means of two video games, and he is finishing 77.3% of his throws. I believe he is a Day 3 decide proper now, however the arrow is pointing up. I like what I am seeing on tape, and a superb all-star occasion exhibiting might push him up boards even additional.

Miller: “Now that is what a first-round operating again seems to be like,” is what one NFL common supervisor texted me throughout Notre Dame’s blowout win towards Arkansas. Tailback Jeremiyah Love scored 4 touchdowns within the first half. We have been ready for the true breakout sport as he ramps up after ending final season with a knee harm. And if Saturday was any indication, Love is heat now. Regardless of sitting for many of the second half, Love had 57 dashing yards and two scores on 14 carries, together with 70 receiving yards and two extra scores on 5 catches. His capability as a house run hitter, plus what the 6-foot, 214-pound again brings to the desk as a cross catcher, makes him a possible top-10 expertise on this draft class.

Miller: Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson continues to construct his résumé as WR1 within the 2026 class. Friday evening’s win over TCU noticed him seize eight passes for 126 yards and two scores. Tyson (6-2, 200 kilos) has improved his consistency as a cross catcher whereas nonetheless being the run-after-catch risk that made him so unstoppable final season. The work he has performed to good his positional craft is spectacular, and it is permitting him to run away from the pack as the highest receiver within the class. Tyson could possibly be a top-15 decide.

Reid: One other vast receiver prospect whom scouts have been complimentary of this season is USC’s Makai Lemon. I talked about him right here final week, and he saved rolling with 11 receptions for 151 receiving yards and two touchdowns Saturday towards Illinois. Lemon is a savvy route runner who catches the whole lot, and he might be efficient from the slot or on the skin. Lemon (5-11, 195 kilos) can create separation with ease, however he can even make contested catches when wanted, as he had a miraculous fourth-quarter seize Saturday. Lemon got here into the season as a middle-round prospect, however I truly assume he can battle Tyson as a WR1 candidate.

Reid: Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei completed with 4 tackles and a sack towards Penn State. Essentially the most spectacular a part of his efficiency was his hustle and ball pursuit. Due to his relentless motor, the 6-foot-5, 272-pound standout was in a position to create fixed disruption as a run defender and cross rusher. Coming into the season, scouts had blended opinions on his projection; some considered him as a late Spherical 1 prospect, whereas others thought he was extra of a Day 2 man in a loaded defensive position group. He is the No. 5 edge rusher by myself board.

Kiper: Ole Miss tight finish Dae’Quan Wright now has catches over 25 yards in all 4 video games performed this season, after including a 26-yarder towards LSU. The Virginia Tech switch has persistently come up huge. On Saturday, he had two fourth-down catches, together with a 20-yard pickup on fourth-and-3 to ice the win. The large-play capability is there, and he is a dependable cross catcher who might be flexed out vast. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound senior simply wants to enhance his blocking. For the time being, I would put him within the Day 3 vary.

Miller: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza made a handful of NFL-level throws this weekend towards Iowa. With appreciable stress in his face all day, Mendoza (13-for-23, 233 yards, 2 TDs and one INT) made big-time throws with accuracy and timing. And he is nonetheless constructing chemistry with playmakers like operating again Roman Hemby and vast receiver Elijah Sarratt, so the manufacturing might get even higher for the 6-5, 225-pound passer. I have not heard Spherical 1 speak from NFL scouts but, but it surely would not be a shock to see that buzz get going as we get into October.

Reid: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor continues to be one of the fascinating prospects on this draft class. He has flashes that recommend a possible early-round decide. However then there are lapses in play the place he seems to be extra like a middle-round prospect. A powerful argument could possibly be made that he had among the best video games of his profession towards Georgia, although. Proctor was bodily as a cross protector and continually confirmed his bruising capability as he paved lanes within the run sport. He even caught one of the entertaining display screen passes that you’re going to ever see, as he gained 11 yards and virtually scored. The athletic traits and energy of Proctor confirmed, however he wants to seek out extra consistency.

Kiper: Jordan talked about a bunch of early-round Buckeyes, however this is a sleeper from that roster. Edge rusher Caden Curry leads the crew in sacks (5) and tackles for loss (5), and he’s third in tackles (16). His sport is constructed on consistency and hustle; he by no means lets up. At 6-foot-3 and 260 kilos, Curry is stable towards the run. He can drop in protection. And he’s versatile sufficient alongside the road that he can generate stress regardless of the place he’s lined up. He truly had a sack Saturday when kicked inside over the nostril sort out. After I watch Curry play, I believe “future Steeler.” He performs with that mentality. Watch him as a Day 3 prospect with loads of potential to rise earlier than April.

Sept. 23

What does John Mateer’s proper hand harm imply for his draft inventory?

Reid: Mateer might be sidelined for a few month after struggling an harm to his throwing hand. He’s anticipated to endure surgical procedure. Mateer was climbing rankings shortly after spectacular early-season performances towards Michigan and Auburn. He was considered as a middle-round prospect coming into the season after transferring from Washington State to Oklahoma, however scouts had been beginning to point out him within the early-Day 2 discussions. He is the No. 4 QB on my board, although he started the 2025 season exterior my prime 5 on the place.

Now, lacking a month might preserve Mateer exterior the highest 50 picks. Returning for a late-season stretch of video games towards ranked opponents — together with Alabama, Missouri and LSU — might assist him salvage his Spherical 1 potential. Evaluators are taking a wait-and-see method following his harm. It must be famous that Mateer additionally has the choice to return to high school as a result of he has one other 12 months of eligibility.

At 6-foot-1 and 225 kilos, he performs with an aggressive mentality and fearlessness. He operates nicely contained in the pocket, is not afraid of testing tight home windows and throws with anticipation within the Sooners’ up-tempo offense. Mateer was off to a quick begin this season with 1,215 passing yards and 6 TD passes — and the underrated runner added one other 190 dashing yards and 5 extra scores on the bottom by means of 4 video games.

Sept. 21

What are you seeing from USC’s prime two receivers?

Reid: Trojans wideout Makai Lemon was producing loads of curiosity from scouts I spoke with Saturday in Los Angeles at USC’s win over Michigan State. He caught eight passes for 127 yards and a landing (40 yards), after which he additionally rushed twice for 11 extra yards and an extra rating. A refined route runner, Lemon transitions nicely out and in of his breaks. At 5-foot-11 and 195 kilos, he is able to lining up within the slot or on the skin, and his reliability on the catch level has shined by means of 4 video games this season. Lemon has additionally proven that he might be an ample return specialist on the subsequent stage. At this level within the season, he seems to be like a possible early-Day 2 decide.

After all, Lemon is not even the highest-ranked WR prospect on USC’s roster. Ja’Kobi Lane entered the season as my No. 2-ranked receiver, and I have not moved off that grade by means of 4 video games. He missed Saturday’s sport with an harm, however he has 9 catches for 239 yards and a landing over three video games. At 6-foot-4 and 200 kilos, Lane is an extended strider with distinctive ball-tracking expertise. He is in a position to sky over defenders and make catches as a vertical risk. Lane nonetheless must refine his route tree and present extra consistency within the short-to-intermediate areas, however he for positive has the potential to be a top-50 decide.

What stood out about Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza vs. Illinois?

Miller: Mendoza turned within the single finest efficiency of any participant within the nation this week. Dealing with the No. 9-ranked Preventing Illini — a crew that had allowed simply 22 factors all season — Mendoza was almost flawless. He accomplished 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards and 5 landing throws. His command from the pocket stood out persistently all through the sport, as he was comfy and assured standing tall and throwing darts downfield.

Look forward to the 2026 NFL draft

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Mendoza is an on-time passer who offers his receivers loads of time and room to run after the catch, and his finest attribute is how precisely he delivers the ball. Passes had been proper the place they wanted to be Saturday. After transferring from California this offseason, the largest query marks for Mendoza had been his capability to play towards higher competitors and whether or not he might lower down on turnover-worthy throws the place he overtrusted his arm. He has performed each of these issues this season with 14 landing passes and no interceptions in 4 video games. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound quarterback is well one of the improved gamers within the class.

There is no such thing as a set-in-stone QB1 for subsequent 12 months, and Mendoza’s play is placing him into that dialog. The success of on-target passers like Jared Goff — whom Mendoza jogs my memory of — will solely assist to spice up his inventory if his sturdy play continues.

What else are we seeing and listening to?

Miller: The Clemson protection was billed as an elite unit that includes first-round prospects alongside the defensive position and at cornerback. However very like Florida State’s much-heralded protection final 12 months, not the entire prospects have lived as much as expectations. Defensive sort out Peter Woods — a participant thought-about to be a top-five prospect earlier than the season started — has did not make an actual impression and has but to document his first sack this season. The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder’s tape from prior seasons confirmed a participant who was not often moved round by offensive linemen, however this 12 months, his capability to get off blocks and end performs is lacking. There’s time to show it round, however the junior defensive sort out’s inventory is likely to be slipping.

Reid: One prospect who instantly caught my consideration whereas I used to be out on the scouting path this weekend was USC linebacker Eric Gentry. At 6-foot-6 and 225 kilos, Gentry is an extended and rangy defender with a wiry construct. Primarily enjoying on the second stage, he is an explosive enforcer from his inside linebacker spot. Scouts are intrigued by his potential on the subsequent stage due to his instincts and vary when chasing ball carriers. Gentry might be a little bit of a polarizing prospect due to his body; he wants so as to add extra weight. However when asking scouts about him, many believed that he is a middle-round prospect.

Kiper: Michigan operating again Justice Haynes is making a case to be a third- or fourth-round decide subsequent April. He is the son of Verron Haynes, a former Georgia operating again who I scouted earlier than he went within the fifth spherical of the 2002 draft to the Steelers. The youthful Haynes was nice Saturday towards Nebraska, carrying the ball 17 instances for 149 yards and a rating.

At 5-foot-11 and 210 kilos, he performs with a low heart of gravity and generates highly effective leg drive. This is not a operating again who’s going to bop round behind the road of scrimmage and take a sort out for loss; he is a one-cut-and-go runner with good physique lean. However as soon as he will get by means of the outlet, he might be arduous to catch. Haynes has 4 carries for 50-plus yards this season, serving to him to 537 yards and 6 TDs by means of 4 video games. The Alabama switch additionally stands out as a cross catcher and blocker. He high-pointed a catch Saturday, and his capability to cross defend is obvious on the tape.

Miller: Among the best matchups of the day was the Texas Tech pass-rush duo of David Bailey and Romello Peak towards Utah offensive tackles Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano. This was a résumé sport with best-versus-best attributes, and Bailey walked away from the sphere the clear winner of the 4 prospects.

Matched up throughout from Fano for a lot of the sport, Bailey’s first-step quickness saved Fano off-balance. At 6-foot-3 and 250 kilos, his capability to counter with energy and use of his arm size actually annoyed the Utah proper sort out. Fano entered the matchup as my top-ranked sort out due to his expertise at each sort out spots, however his lack of anchor power at 6-foot-6 and 300 kilos was noticeable. He is nonetheless a Spherical 1 participant — we do not overreact to at least one sport right here — however Bailey’s sturdy exhibiting (3 tackles, 1 sack) towards elite competitors is tape to return to all through the method. Bailey has the makings of a top-75 participant.

Reid: Among the best edge rusher duos within the nation is at Missouri. Damon Wilson II (6-foot-4, 250 kilos) and Zion Younger (6-foot-5, 262 kilos) have continued to climb up boards after a robust begin to the season. Wilson spent the primary two years of his profession at Georgia earlier than transferring to the Tigers, and after recording a half-sack towards South Carolina, he has already matched his profession excessive in sacks (3.0) from a season in the past. He nonetheless must refine his hand utilization as a cross rusher, and that will enable him to climb the board much more.

Younger, in the meantime, is extra versatile in that he can put his size to make use of as each a run defender and cross rusher. He had two tackles for loss and a sack Saturday. With an explosive first step and the hand energy to match, Younger is considered as a top-50 prospect.

Kiper: Second week in a row that I am piggybacking off one thing Jordan identified, however I needed to name out Younger — he was terrific Saturday. The stat line does not even inform the complete story. Younger was disruptive, and I really like his size, energy and burst. He exhibits actually sturdy eye self-discipline, too. His sport is constant, and I believe he’ll be actually good in a cross rush rotation within the NFL. Proper now, I see a third- or fourth-rounder, however Younger retains climbing the board, so do not be shocked if he finally goes even earlier.

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Miller: Arkansas’ shut loss to Memphis completely summarized the Taylen Inexperienced expertise. The Razorback quarterback is a playmaker with a giant arm and the operating capability to undergo or round defenders. Every week he is placing the crew on his again and carrying the offense. However on Saturday, a late interception within the fourth quarter price the crew, earlier than a fumble by operating again Mike Washington Jr. whereas driving for a go-ahead area purpose finally saved Arkansas from profitable.

Inexperienced confirmed the traits that scouts love whereas throwing for 325 yards and a landing cross and including 53 yards as a runner, however his two interceptions on the day level to a prospect who remains to be rising. There was some QB1 rumblings about Inexperienced, and the instruments are enjoyable, however he has to wash up his decision-making earlier than he is prepared for that title.

Kiper: This is an FCS title to file away as a possible late-round decide subsequent April — Youngstown State vast receiver Max Tomczak. You may acknowledge that final title; Max is the nephew of Mike Tomczak, who performed quarterback for Ohio State after which was a member of the 1985 Bears. Max was a walk-on at Youngstown State, and he put collectively three stable seasons earlier than leaping out to a superb begin once more in 2025. By 4 video games, Tomczak has 21 catches for 306 yards and a TD. The 6-foot, 195-pounder posted seven catches for 116 yards Saturday towards Towson, and a few of these grabs got here within the fourth quarter when the Penguins wanted them.

Tomczak is a nuanced route runner, and he acknowledges completely different coverages nicely. He adjusts on the ball within the air after which has the palms to safe it. And I see the flexibility to play exterior or inside — and return punts. I am hoping to see him at an all-star occasion towards higher competitors after the season, however he is the kind of participant who will struggle his method onto an NFL roster.

Sept. 14

Has Carson Beck revived his draft inventory at Miami? What are scouts saying about his standing?

Reid: Coming into final season, Beck was considered as a possible first general decide for 2025 — however an inconsistent ultimate 12 months at Georgia created questions. He did not declare for the draft, as an alternative transferring to Miami, the place he aimed to reestablish and revive his draft inventory.

Effectively, Beck has 812 passing yards, seven landing passes and two interceptions by means of three video games, and his 89.9 QBR is fourth within the nation. He threw for 340 yards in Miami’s win towards South Florida on Saturday. Beck (6-foot-4, 220 kilos) seems to be comfy within the crew’s adjusted offense (Miami ran extra up-tempo, Air Raid-style final season) and has routinely stayed on-schedule and in rhythm — sneaky good traits in his talent set.

He entered the season with primarily Day 3 grades from scouts, and they’re taking discover of his early-season play. He’s definitely trending up. However evaluators aren’t able to put Beck again into that first-round dialog simply but. Most nonetheless contemplate him for the center rounds.

Has something modified within the WR1 race by means of Week 3?

Miller: Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson remains to be the front-runner. He is averaging 104.7 receiving yards per sport this season (tied for tenth within the FBS) and has 4 TD catches, together with one Saturday towards Texas State. Tyson (6-foot-2, 200 kilos) had drop points final 12 months, however he has emerged as a extra polished cross catcher (only one drop on 37 targets although three video games). His deep-route-running capability and the way nicely he separates excessive nonetheless has him as the highest receiver within the class.

Nevertheless … the WR1 race may be very vast open, and Alabama’s Germie Bernard is rising within the combine. He has been the very best factor about Alabama soccer to date this season. Scouts had him with a fringe Spherical 1-2 grade over the summer time. However to me, he is proper within the WR1 convo with Tyson and has a sport similar to Emeka Egbuka as a university receiver. At 6-foot-1 and 204 kilos, he’s already a high-end route runner with good physicality and power. Bernard had two scores in Saturday’s blowout win over Wisconsin — one on the bottom and one other by means of the air.

What else are we seeing and listening to?

Kiper: Proper sort out Spencer Fano will get many of the recognition on Utah’s offensive line, however left sort out Caleb Lomu deserves to be in the identical dialog. He is a Spherical 1-caliber participant regardless of 14 profession begins. Within the Utes’ huge win over Wyoming, he confirmed actually sturdy footwork and method. Lomu mirrors nicely, and he handles twists and stunts with out a lot downside. And Lomu is powerful as a run blocker; he can pull and get to the second stage, although he wants to enhance as a drive blocker. Regulate each of those Utah tackles.

Miller: Scouts had been buzzing all week after Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer carved up the Michigan protection final Saturday. “It may be very arduous to not assume Spherical 1 with him if he retains this up,” stated an NFC West scout. The 6-foot-1, 224-pound Mateer, who transferred from Washington State, has one other 12 months of eligibility, however his red-hot begin has his inventory hovering in a QB class that doesn’t but have a lock on the highest man. We noticed extra basic Mateer Saturday towards Temple, as he threw one landing cross and one interception whereas exhibiting the arm angles and enjoyable play within the pocket that makes him one of the intriguing passers within the nation.

Miller: Mateer is likely to be the most well liked title amongst draft-eligible quarterbacks, however Fernando Mendoza is enjoying in addition to anybody on the place. The Cal switch has been at house in Curt Cignetti’s offense at Indiana. In opposition to Indiana State on Friday evening, Mendoza went 19-for-20 with 270 yards and 5 touchdowns by means of the air and one on the bottom. That is as near flawless as you will get. Scouts I talked to over the summer time had been excessive on him after his junior season however needed to see him lower down on turnovers. To this point this season at Indiana, Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 kilos) has performed that, throwing 9 landing passes and nil interceptions. I would not be shocked to see him begin getting consideration from NFL scouts as a possible Spherical 1 participant.

Reid: After an injury-riddled 2024 season, Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. has been terrific within the early elements of 2025 — and he’s within the first-round image. At 6-foot-3 and 275 kilos, he is a little bit of a tweener, and I’ve heard blended opinions on his place on the subsequent stage. There are some scouts who like him as a 3-4 defensive finish, whereas others imagine he might transition to 3-technique with added bulk. Regardless, Bain’s mixture of energy and disruption makes him arguably one of many three finest defensive linemen in a loaded class on the place. He has 1.5 sacks and 10 tackles over three video games.

Kiper: I needed to name out Bain, too. I simply love the way in which he performs the sport. He’s continually hustling and by no means takes performs off. Bain is highly effective, bends nicely, exhibits velocity off the sting and is aware of how you can use his palms to get leverage. He can generate stress inside and outdoors; I actually like his inside strikes, and he shows a dependable rip transfer to beat blockers. Taking the fitting angle to the QB is a really underrated trait for an edge rusher, and Bain does that in addition to anybody. And it is not simply the cross rush. Bain can shed blockers and make run stops. He is actually disruptive, and if he stays wholesome this season, he has top-10 upside.

Reid: When speaking to scouts out on the highway this week, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese was repeatedly talked about as somebody making the leap to a different stage this season. At 6-foot-4 and 243 kilos, Reese is a rangy second-level defender who wears a number of hats within the Buckeyes’ scheme. He serves as a strongside linebacker, however defensive coordinator Matt Patricia additionally deploys him as an edge rusher. With explosive playmaking traits, Reese has 16 tackles and two sacks over three video games. If his present stage of play continues by means of convention matchups, he might begin receiving Spherical 1 chatter, too.

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Miller: Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik had summer time hype as a first-rounder, however NFL scouts are backpedaling quicker than the cornerbacks he faces. One AFC East scout stated: “I believe he is a Day 3 man, and also you noticed why as we speak. When his weapons had been lacking [including Antonio Williams], he appeared common. OK arm, OK processing velocity. Means too overhyped.”

Kiper: Yeah, I do not wish to overreact, however the quarterback class general has been disappointing. Bear in mind within the lead-up to the 2025 draft when everybody saved saying groups ought to wait till 2026 for this nice group of QBs? Bear in mind when there was speak about six or seven passers primed for Spherical 1? (I even predicted six first-rounders myself a number of weeks in the past, earlier than the CFB season began.) Effectively, nothing has materialized. Nobody is admittedly enjoying as much as the preseason hype. Mateer and Mendoza have been essentially the most spectacular passers to date, however the remainder of the bunch have underwhelmed. Talking of Mendoza, his subsequent three video games (vs. Illinois, at Iowa and at Oregon) might be telling.

Reid: After lacking the primary two video games of the season with a foot harm, Florida inside defender Caleb Banks made his season debut towards LSU. However within the third quarter, Banks reaggravated the harm and was later seen on crutches and with a strolling boot. The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder had important buzz from NFL scouts over the summer time, and a few believed he had top-15 potential. His harm restoration is one thing to observe shifting ahead.

Sept. 7

Which prospect caught your eye in Michigan-Oklahoma?

Miller: The Michigan protection was presupposed to be the star of the present, however I could not assist however zero in on Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer. The Washington State switch put the Sooners on his again along with his sturdy proper arm and mobility each inside and outdoors the pocket. Mateer rushed for 74 yards and a rating, and he threw for an additional landing with 270 yards passing towards a proficient protection that options one of many nation’s finest D-lines.

Mateer (6-foot-1, 224 kilos) is a gunslinger, and he’ll take lots of possibilities with passes that may make you maintain your breath — however he additionally makes performs many different school QBs merely aren’t making at this level within the season. Mateer’s arm power, mobility, moxie and playmaking mindset make for a fantastic watch.

NFL scouts had a conservative Day 3 grade on Mateer this summer time, however I am seeing a participant with sufficient starter traits to place him inside my prime 50. And if he continues to play this nicely towards SEC defenses, a Spherical 1 grade is not out of the query.

What have we realized about Arch Manning over two video games?

Reid: Expectations for Manning had been sky excessive getting into the season. However he by no means acquired right into a rhythm towards Ohio State in Week 1, which led to erratic accuracy, late reads and poor general decision-making. Manning managed simply 170 passing yards, one TD throw and an interception. He did have a significantly better efficiency in Week 2 towards San Jose State — 295 passing yards and 4 landing passes. There, Manning was extra decisive, and the offense appeared to movement significantly better consequently. However he’s very a lot nonetheless within the early phases of his first 12 months as a starter.

The place Manning has been essentially the most disappointing is his mechanics. His physique hasn’t been in sync along with his throwing movement, inflicting him inaccuracy on what must be routine throws. To actually hit the following stage, he must iron that out. As I’ve stated for the reason that summer time, I nonetheless imagine the earliest we’ll see Manning within the NFL is 2027.

Which potential first-round QB most wants a fast turnaround after a sluggish begin to 2025?

Miller: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina. Let me begin by saying I am a Sellers fan. He is my No. 1-ranked quarterback for the 2026 draft primarily based on his potential and expertise. That stated, he must be cleaner as a passer than he was on Saturday towards South Carolina State. He was simply 11-of-19 in a vanilla sport plan. Very like we noticed within the season opener towards Virginia Tech, Sellers can overwhelm opponents along with his mobility and arm expertise, however he’s nonetheless taking photographs as a passer which are simply too dangerous — which result in incompletions and turnover-worthy performs. He’s finishing 60.5% of his passes proper now, and he has been off-target 10.5% of the time.

Sellers (6-foot-3, 240 kilos) is extremely proficient, however he has to turn out to be a greater on-target passer, particularly within the pocket, and enhance his on-time rhythm to take that subsequent step as a prospect. He is nonetheless holding agency as my QB1, however there are holes in his sport that I will be watching this season.

Reid: Cade Klubnik, Clemson. Coming into the season, I used to be excessive on Klubnik as he confirmed an enormous bump in his growth all through 2024. Based mostly on the personnel and infrastructure in place at Clemson, there wasn’t a QB within the nation who was higher set as much as succeed this 12 months. However after watching him stay towards LSU final week, I see points when he faces stress. He was additionally indecisive and took too lengthy to make selections throughout the framework of the offense. These issues popped up once more this weekend towards Troy.

In speaking to scouts across the league, Klubnik (6-foot-2, 210 kilos) is polarizing as a prospect as a result of he has lots of stable/common traits however lacks a dominant one. You want that one superior talent to catapult to the entrance of this QB class, and it is why his draft grades are all over with NFL evaluators.

Which participant is already rising your draft board primarily based on his play to date — and the way excessive might he go?

Reid: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU. No different draft-eligible prospect impressed me extra throughout my Week 1 scouting journey than Delane. One of many greatest switch portal additions within the nation throughout any place, he has been glorious by means of two weeks since arriving in Baton Rouge from Virginia Tech.

At 6-foot and 190 kilos, Delane is a smooth-moving nook with the flexibility to mirror-and-match the actions of opponent receivers. His ball expertise have additionally been distinctive to start out the season, with two cross breakups and an interception. Delane has the savviness and consciousness to seek out the ball and make performs on it within the air. His method is all the time relaxed, too, and he rarely permits vast receivers to hurry up his course of whereas sticking in protection with them. And Delane has not solely been constant in man protection; his zone instincts have shined as nicely.

Due to the spring harm to Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, the CB1 race is vast open. Delane has strengthened his case by means of the early parts of the season and at present tasks as a top-50 decide.

Miller: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana. There was a superb quantity of summer time hype and pleasure surrounding Mendoza after he transferred into the wide-open Indiana passing sport from Cal. And to date, the hype has been warranted. Mendoza hasn’t confronted a top quality opponent but, but it surely’s apparent his traits are next-level.

In opposition to Kennesaw State, Mendoza was 18-of-25 for 245 yards and 4 landing passes — the kind of numbers you count on a top-tier prospect to place up towards a lower-level opponent. He is exhibiting nice command of the offense whereas constructing chemistry with senior vast receiver Elijah Sarratt (who had three scores on Saturday). Mendoza’s capability to layer the ball on deep throws stands out. And in a quarterback class the place we’re very a lot ready for somebody to emerge, his exhibiting by means of two weeks — even towards not nice competitors — has been notable. Mendoza’s arm expertise, dimension (6-foot-5, 225 kilos) and what he provides to the sport as a runner might put him into the QB1 derby we’re seeing play out each Saturday.

What else are you seeing and listening to?

Kiper: I’ve been impressed with Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. He was a giant recruit out of highschool however struggled in 12 months 1 at UCLA after which sat behind Dillon Gabriel in 12 months 2 after transferring. Now he is taking full benefit of this Will Stein offense in Eugene. Sure, the Geese have solely confronted Montana State and Oklahoma State — two groups they need to deal with more often than not — however Moore is enjoying at a excessive stage. The 6-foot-3, 206-pounder confirmed nice accuracy on Saturday towards the Cowboys. The contact on his deep balls was unbelievable, and he routinely threw with precision from completely different arm angles and whereas rolling both route. Moore has thrown for no less than 200 yards, accomplished no less than 75% of his throws and tossed no less than three TD passes in each contests — and he hasn’t thrown any INTs but.

Now, the schedule goes to get more durable. I’ve Moore’s journey to Penn State circled for late September. How will he deal with a “white out” surroundings? But when Moore retains enjoying like this, Spherical 1 might be in play.

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Miller: Throughout summer time evaluations of the 2026 class, Ohio State security Caleb Downs emerged as one in every of my favourite gamers to check now that he is lastly draft-eligible after two All-American seasons to start out his school profession. Downs ranks as my No. 1 security and a top-five participant general. However that sentiment wasn’t shared by scouts I spoke with earlier than the season. “He is a legal responsibility in man protection. He is likely to be a [weakside linebacker] within the NFL with how usually he performs within the field,” stated an AFC East space scout.

The difficulty with that concept is that Downs is listed by Ohio State at 6-foot and 205 kilos, hardly linebacker dimension by as we speak’s requirements. In my opinion, Downs is a Kyle Hamilton-esque defender, and his play towards Texas highlighted his versatility.

Kiper: Jordan touched on this, however I nonetheless assume Manning goes again to high school. He must turn out to be a fantastic school quarterback earlier than he can turn out to be a fantastic NFL quarterback, and he hasn’t gotten there but. The potential is right here, for positive. However one full 12 months as a CFB starter is not going to be sufficient to achieve that subsequent stage earlier than leaping to the professionals. I would not put him on mock drafts and even rankings proper now.

Kiper: Kevin Coleman Jr. has completely crammed the Luther Burden III void within the Missouri offense. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound slot receiver has been all over. He was at Jackson State in 2022. Then Louisville in 2023. Then Mississippi State in 2024. Now he is on to Missouri. And the manufacturing has been good to date, together with 10 catches for 126 yards and a landing towards Kansas on Saturday. Coleman shows the short burst to separate beneath, and he can tag on additional yards after the catch. His physique management is spectacular, and he snags the ball in stride. And I actually like how shortly Coleman reads zone protection and finds openings. Toss in some punt return capability, and I see a possible Day 2 prospect.

Reid: One participant who has NFL scouts already buzzing is Oregon tight finish Kenyon Sadiq. They particularly name out his capability as a blocker at 6-foot-3, 245 kilos. “He is an absolute weapon as a run blocker that tries to place guys within the filth every time he will get palms on them,” an AFC space scout stated. Sadiq got here into the season as my TE1, and he seems to be like one of the constant prospects within the nation to date, no matter place. Sadiq acquired Spherical 1 buzz coming into the 12 months, and if his stage of play continues, he could possibly be a top-20 decide.

Miller: Ohio State offensive lineman Ethan Onianwa — a extremely regarded switch from Rice with top-75 grades from NFL scouts — didn’t begin towards Texas and performed simply 13 snaps after he ultimately rotated into the sport at proper guard. The 6-foot-6, 333-pound senior had excessive expectations this season, however the early phrase from sources with the Buckeyes is he has struggled to choose up the offense.

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Kiper: The Clemson defensive position is loaded, with the likes of T.J. Parker and Peter Woods. However how about Will Heldt? He is main the Tigers with two sacks to date, and he appeared nice towards Troy this weekend. The Purdue switch has good size, the flexibility to get stress each inside or exterior and stable closing velocity. Heldt mixes up his pass-rush strikes to get house, however do not sleep on his capability to get off blocks and pursue laterally, and even drop in protection. Dabo Swinney does not usually use the switch portal, however touchdown Heldt this 12 months was a giant win. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound edge rusher is enjoying like a first-rounder.

Miller: Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson is value keeping track of as an rising expertise within the 2026 draft class. An AFC South space scout texted me on Saturday: “Robertson is the actual deal. He is acquired all of it.” The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior was phenomenal in a shootout with SMU on Saturday, throwing 4 landing passes and finishing 34 of fifty passes for a quarter mile in a double-overtime win.

Kiper: The Ole Miss protection misplaced lots of expertise this 12 months, together with Walter Nolen III. However defensive sort out Zxavian Harris (6-foot-7, 320 kilos) has been large for the Rebels, along with his second sack in as many video games on Saturday towards Kentucky. Harris strikes nicely for his dimension, particularly laterally, and he makes his presence felt towards each the run and the cross. He nonetheless wants refinement as a cross rusher, however defensive coordinators can transfer him round to benefit. His draft inventory remains to be TBD — I must see extra.

Kiper: Tanner Koziol left Ball State for Houston earlier than this season, and he has been excellent. The early Day 3 prospect nonetheless has to enhance his blocking, however he is a harmful cross catcher. Koziol is mainly a receiver in a good finish’s physique (6-foot-6, 250 kilos). He already has 13 catches on the season, together with six for 52 yards on Saturday towards Rice.