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Matt Miller
Multiple Authors
The initial round of the 2026 NFL draft will include 32 selections. yet, how many of those players genuinely hold true first-round evaluations?
There’s an important distinction between being chosen in Round 1 and receiving a first-round grade. With just over two months until the 2026 draft kicks off on April 23 in Pittsburgh, I’ve pinpointed the players I consider to be no-brainer Day 1 picks. On average, a draft class features about 15 players recognized as “first-round talents,” though this can vary by team and scouting department. These elite evaluations are reserved for prospects who would be first-round selections in any year, and my guiding principle is determining whether a player would have made the first round in each of the past five classes.
In the 2025 class, I assigned only 13 first-round grades, the lowest number I’ve ever given. Currently, the 2026 class shows an even lesser count — just 11. For perspective, the final tally for 2024 included 18 names, while 2023 featured 20.
Here are the players on my board that merit a first-round grade. (Players’ overall rankings are noted in parentheses following their names, with one final update expected in April.)
Jump to position:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | IOL
Edge | DT | LB | CB | S
Quarterback (1)
Following a year with no quarterbacks graded as true first-round picks, this class features one standout. Mendoza, who transferred from Cal to Indiana, has flourished into a Heisman Trophy-winning QB and potential No. 1 overall draft choice. With excellent pocket awareness and a remarkable touch across the field, Mendoza has a strong ability to allow his receivers to make plays. While his arm strength isn’t elite, he maintains ball security and excels as a distributor. Last season, he recorded 41 touchdowns and merely six interceptions, showcasing a playing style reminiscent of Jared Goff.
Running back (1)
My top overall talent, Love showcases exceptional three-down ability and agility in open space. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 214 pounds, he possesses breakaway speed, having logged multiple runs exceeding 90 yards throughout his collegiate career. Last season, he amassed 1,372 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry along with 18 touchdowns.
With elite acceleration, vision, and a build ready for consistent usage, he represents the ideal NFL running back prospect, comparable in talent and potential to recent players like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Wide receiver (2)
The 2025 Fred Biletnikoff Award recipient for the best receiver in college football, Lemon excels as a route runner with exceptional hands (only three drops in the last two years). His speed enables significant yards after the catch, along with an ability to evade tackles in space. though his size (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) might concern some teams, he has proven effective in the slot and possesses the tenacity to function well against press coverage.
NFL teams familiar with players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Amon-Ra St. Brown will appreciate Lemon’s competitive edge on crossing routes and his adeptness at using leverage and quick breaks in his route running.
Another potential first-round wide receiver from Ohio State? Absolutely. Tate had a breakout season, at times overshadowing his star sophomore teammate Jeremiah Smith. With 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns across 11 games — despite limited targets late in contests due to Ohio State’s dominance — Tate’s impact was undeniable.
On film, Tate displays a skill set comparable to that of Justin Jefferson, showcasing polished, crisp route-running, and the body control necessary to adjust mid-route or go after the ball above his head. He had one drop out of 67 targets last season, proving he can consistently excel in contested-catch scenarios.
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Carnell Tate rises over 2 Wisconsin defenders for an Ohio State TD
Julian Sayin lets it fly to Carnell Tate for a fantastic Ohio State touchdown vs. Wisconsin.
Tight end (1)
Even with future second-round pick Terrance Ferguson on the roster in 2024, scouts were raving about Sadiq. He didn’t let them down in his debut season as a starter in 2025, securing 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. Sadiq’s standout ability is his knack for attacking the ball in the air and contorting his body for catches. A highly mobile player with speed, strength, and leaping agility, he’s a matchup nightmare. While he stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 245 pounds, lacking elite size, his performance suggests he’ll be a game-changing move tight end in the professional ranks.
Offensive tackle (1)
The offensive tackle class for 2026 appeared promising prior to the season. It may prove even stronger after the combine; however, currently, only one prospect has earned a true first-round grade. Mauigoa has been a right tackle starter for three years, although some in the NFL believe he is better suited for guard due to a stocky, squared frame (6-foot-6, 315 pounds). His game tape illustrates consistent performance with great strength, though his balance could be better when facing agile rushers.
Last season, Mauigoa allowed merely six pressures while protecting non-mobile quarterback Carson Beck and surrendered only two sacks in the last two years combined.
Interior offensive line (0)
The interior offensive line class doesn’t currently showcase any first-round grades, but there are strong candidates for late first-round selections. Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane is ranked in the top-40 on my board, with consistent run-blocking and pass protection skills at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, which suggest he’s ready to start in the NFL. Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon and Auburn center Connor Lew could also push into that selection range.
Edge rusher (2)
Bailey’s transfer from Stanford brought high expectations for his impact on the Red Raiders’ defensive line, and he delivered, posting 69 pressures, 14.5 sacks, and an edge pressure rate of 21.3% — the highest in the FBS. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, his cornering speed stands out in film, matching his impressive production. Concerns about his size are present, but he is one of the most improved players in the country and a top-10 prospect.
Bain was arguably the best player in college football last season, consistently giving nightmares to opposing quarterbacks. With 71 pressures and 9.5 sacks, he has moved from mid-to-late first round status to a legitimate top-10 pick. There are rumors that his arm measurements may come in below 32 inches, but Bain has shown he can succeed against elite competition, recording 23 pressures and five sacks throughout Miami’s playoff run.
Defensive tackle (0)
The 2026 defensive tackle class has depth but lacks true first-round talents following a quiet season from Peter Woods (Clemson) and a failure to produce pass-rushing prospects capable of being top picks. While no standout talent emerges, there are notable nose tackle and 1-technique prospects, including Lee Hunter (Texas Tech), Caleb Banks (Florida), and Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), who are looking to secure top-32 selections.
Linebacker (2)
Reese wasn’t on the NFL radar at the beginning of last season due to his limited starting experience, yet he could be the first defensive player selected in April. Under the new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, his production surged. Playing as both a linebacker and a pass rusher, he recorded 69 tackles, 18 pressures, and 6.5 sacks, demonstrating speed and power around the edge akin to Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter’s transitions from linebacker to edge rusher.
While Reese remains a developing talent, last season’s production and impact hint at someone who could quickly become a difference-maker in the NFL, be it at linebacker or on the edge. Scouts are debating his pro position, with a consensus suggesting he’ll start as a linebacker while integrating edge rusher responsibilities to master that position, similar to what Parsons did during his rookie campaign.
Ohio State might earn the “Linebacker U” moniker this year alongside its established “WRU” reputation. Styles is reminiscent of Fred Warner, showcasing exceptional range and tracking ability while weighing in at 6-4, 243 pounds. His size and athleticism are noteworthy and supported by impressive stats (83 tackles, one interception, one sack last season), indicating his readiness for the NFL.
Given Styles’ player profile and consistent performance over the past three seasons, he stands out as one of the simplest evaluations within this class. He is poised to be a rookie starter, equipped with the potential for an All-Pro career.
Cornerback (0)
Currently, no cornerback boasts a true first-round grade. yet, two players merit attention as potential top-15 picks and could elevate their ratings to 90-plus by late April.
Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy seemed destined for a top-10 pick during his sophomore season in 2024. At 6-foot and 193 pounds, he possesses a well-rounded skill set but missed last season due to an ACL injury suffered in January. His previous six interceptions over two seasons demonstrate his ball skills, yet concerns linger regarding his readiness after the lengthy absence, as rust may affect his early performance for NFL teams considering him.
Meanwhile, LSU’s Mansoor Delane emerged as the leading cornerback in the FBS, showcasing lockdown abilities by allowing only ten completions last season and netting two interceptions. Though he lacks the ideal NFL size (5-foot-11 with shorter arms), his play has been outstanding.
Safety (1)
If one were to design the perfect safety prospect, it would resemble Downs. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, this junior excels as an open-field tackler with the closing speed to chase down ball carriers and master angles in open space. Downs can fulfill multiple roles based on defensive needs. His four interceptions in the last two seasons highlight his ball skills and illustrate how offenses tend to avoid him.
As noted by a rival offensive coach, they prioritize identifying Downs pre-snap over a linebacker or key pass rusher — underscoring his immense impact. Generally, safeties aren’t drafted in the top five, yet Downs should not be overlooked. He has the potential to play a Kyle Hamilton-type role right away as a rookie starter.
