rThe NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events on the football calendar, shaping the future of teams and fantasy rosters alike. At FantasyPros, we provide unparalleled draft insights, from in-depth 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports to expert mock drafts, to help you stay ahead of the curve. This guide is your go-to resource for the NFL Draft, updated regularly with the latest analysis, rankings, and coverage.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with activities spread across iconic locations like Point State Park and Acrisure Stadium. This will mark the first time Pittsburgh hosts the draft in decades and is expected to draw huge crowds of fans from across the league.
We’ll have you covered leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the 2026 NFL Combine in March.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Check out all of our 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports by position below.
Offensive Linemen
As a former five-star recruit with size and athletic testing that few players can match, Proctor has been considered a future first-round pick for years now. While he certainly has the functional strength and movement skills to develop into a high-level starter at either tackle or guard, his tape is a bit more inconsistent than you’d like, without ideal body control or the most consistent positioning.
That will likely make him a polarizing prospect; it wouldn’t be surprising if some teams had high first-round grades on him, while others weren’t willing to draft him until the second round.
Projection: Round 1/Round 2
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kadyn Proctor >>
One of the most aggressive, nastiest offensive linemen in recent memory, Dunker is a right tackle prospect who really brings it on a snap-to-snap basis. He offers a very impressive combination of range and explosive power, which allows him to reach landmarks and punish opponents.
Although he generally shows good judgment, Dunker’s intense approach can also lead to occasional issues, mostly concerning his balance, and will likely be difficult to refine out of his game without undermining what makes him special. Experienced, scheme-versatile mauler who could conceivably play either guard or tackle, and probably sooner rather than later.
Projection: Round 1/Round 2
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Gennings Dunker >>
A big, thick, experienced prospect who has the discipline, technique, work ethic, grip strength and anchor to step in right away as a starting right tackle in an in-line scheme, Mauigoa offers the consistent snap-to-snap play teams look for up front.
While Mauigoa may not be the quickest, most agile tackle prospect, he does a nice job of executing with his skillset, avoiding the issues with oversetting, lunging and waist-bending that plague some other prospects with his build. Looks like a solid bet to come off the board in the middle of the first or second round.
Projection: Round 1/Round 2
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Francis Mauigoa >>
More 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Offensive Linemen
- Isaiah World (OT – Oregon)
- Brian Parker II (OT – Duke)
- Austin Siereveld (OT – Ohio State)
- Caleb Lomu (OT – Utah)
- Carter Smith (OT – Indiana)
- Cayden Green (OT – Missouri)
- Caleb Tiernan (OT – Northwestern)
- Blake Miller (OT – Clemson)
- Austin Barber (OT – Florida)
- Olaivavega Ioane (OL – Penn State)
- Emmanuel Pregnon (OL – Oregon)
- Chase Bisontis (OL – Texas A&M)
- Spencer Fano (OT – Utah)
- Monroe Freeling (OT – Georgia)
Defensive Linemen
One of the cleanest defensive tackle prospects you’re likely to see, with an outstanding combination of quickness, functional strength, awareness and block-shedding ability/technique that allows Woods to read and react in a two-gap role or create disruption as a gap-shooter.
Would probably function best as a two-gap three-technique on a four-man line, but looks to have a positionally/schematically versatile skillset.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Peter Woods >>
Kayden McDonald (DL – Ohio State)
A nose tackle with the physicality and brute force to attack and control blockers as a two-gap run stuffer on early downs, showing the ability to reset the line of scrimmage, lock out opponents, and shed to make stops. While he may not have the ideal profile for a passing-down lineman, he was more effective than anticipated in that role this past year, with more third-down snaps than anticipated. Seems to be getting some first-round hype, but teams might have to be confident in his ability to play every down to value him that highly.
Projection: Round 2
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kayden McDonald >>
A tall, thickly-built player with an impressive work rate, much better quickness than typical for his size, and plenty of functional strength, he has the versatility to play virtually anywhere along the defensive line, which should appeal to teams who like to mix things up schematically. At this point, health seems to be the biggest question mark, especially after he missed most of this past season with injury. If he checks out medically, he could draw some first-round interest, and it’s hard to imagine a player with his tools getting past the second round.
Projection: Round 1-2
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Banks >>
More 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Defensive Linemen
- L.T. Overton (DL – Alabama)
- Christen Miller (DL – Georgia)
- Darrell Jackson Jr. (DL – Florida State)
- Dontay Corleone (DL – Cincinnati)
- Domonique Orange (DL – Iowa State)
- Lee Hunter (DL – Texas Tech)
EDGE
Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE – Miami)
A “bull in a china shop” style lineman who combines a very thick, strong build with an excellent motor, strong gap discipline in the run game, heavy hands, and outstanding pound-for-pound explosiveness. Those traits make him an obvious, high first-round value who should be able to step in right away and make an impact at the next level. Played in his ideal role in school: a two-gapping base defensive end in an even front.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Rueben Bain Jr. >>
David Bailey (EDGE – Texas Tech)
A highly tenacious edge rusher who has the first-step, speed, and agility to threaten the edge on passing downs, and who brings the same motor in the run game as well, his excellent 2025 campaign has him in the high first-round conversation. At the same time, he’s not quite as clean of a prospect as his numbers would lead you to believe, and will need to continue to add functional strength, improve his pad level, and diversify his arsenal of rush moves/counters. Frame suggests he’s likely to be viewed as more of a rush linebacker than even-front base end.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for David Bailey >>
One of the best-built defensive ends you’ll see, he entered the season looking destined to be one of the top prospects in the class but didn’t stuff the stat sheet as much as expected. Still, he offers an excellent combination of size, length, patience, awareness, technique, and anchor strength to two-gap in the run game, and his suddenness, lateral quickness, and hand use make him an effective pass-rusher as well. Would be best in a scheme which favors two-gap duties up front, whether that’s on the end of an even or odd front. Solid first-round pick.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Keldric Faulk >>
More 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for EDGE
- Akheem Mesidor (EDGE – Miami)
- Cashius Howell (EDGE – Texas A&M)
- Caden Curry (EDGE – Ohio State)
- R Mason Thomas (EDGE – Oklahoma)
Linebackers
Arvell Reese (LB – Ohio State)
One of the most versatile defenders in recent memory, Reese can defend the run between the tackles or flow sideline-to-sideline as a traditional off-ball linebacker, threaten the edge as a speed rusher on passing downs or shade over the slot and work in coverage.
There appears to be divided opinion on whether Reese is primarily a linebacker or EDGE defender. The former seems to be a slightly better fit. Either way, Reese looks poised to be one of the top players off the board on draft day.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Arvell Reese >>
Sonny Styles (LB – Ohio State)
A fascinating prospect in that he converted from defensive back to linebacker. However, Styles brings a highly physical and powerful style of play to the linebacker position, stepping into the hole, taking on and fighting through blocks, and providing reliable tackling.
Styles looks very comfortable executing a range of coverage assignments, with excellent awareness, positioning and range on passing downs. Those traits should make him an easy first-round pick. Would be best on a creative, multiple front to showcase the versatility he offers.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Sonny Styles >>
A three-year starter and a bit of a throwback to the between-the-tackles thumpers of the past, Allen showed good patience and technique in the run game, with good decision-making, the power to take on blocks and reliable tackling.
Allen is an adequate coverage linebacker who can time his rushes effectively when sent as a blitzer. However, his overall athleticism and range don’t really pop off the tape as much as anticipated. Projecting him into the first round might be a reach despite his decorated junior season.
Projection: Round 2
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for C.J. Allen >>
More 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Linebackers
- Josiah Trotter (LB – Missouri)
- Taurean York (LB – Texas A&M)
- Jake Golday (LB – Cincinnati)
- Deontae Lawson (LB – Alabama)
- Anthony Hill Jr. (LB – Texas)
Quarterbacks
Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana)
One of the cleaner quarterback prospects in recent memory, he offers an impressive combination of prototypical size, high-end decision-making, solid arm talent, and excellent accuracy which should allow him to become an effective pro passer sooner rather than later. While it would be nice to see more consistent confidence to stay in the pocket and work through reads, there really aren’t many flaws to his game, although he may not have quite the same upside as some recent top picks at the position. After his undefeated 2025 campaign culminating in the Heisman and a national championship, is currently the favorite to go number one overall on draft day.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Fernando Mendoza >>
May have only one season of starting experience under his belt, but don’t let that fool you: this is one of the more polished, pro-style quarterbacks in recent memory. Aside from elite tools, offers pretty much everything teams look for, with high marks in processing, composure, decision-making, mechanics, release, touch, and accuracy. Consequently, looks to be firmly in the first-round mix, likely as the second quarterback off the board, and could be headed for a starting role as a rookie.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Ty Simpson >>
A three-year starter and proven winner at the college level, he offers the size, recognition skills, processing, and arm talent to operate effectively from the pocket as a traditional pro-style quarterback. However, there are some inconsistencies to his game which also prevent him from being the most reliable player on a snap-to-snap basis; doesn’t always respond well to pressure, and his deep balls can hang at times. Consequently, will likely be drafted as more of a high-end backup and game manager, with some starting upside if he cleans up those issues.
Projection: Round 3-4
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Carson Beck >>
More 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Quarterbacks
- Garrett Nussmeier (QB – LSU)
- Diego Pavia (QB – Vanderbilt)
- Cole Payton (QB – North Dakota State)
- Drew Allar (QB – Penn State)
- Taylen Green (QB – Arkansas)
- Cade Klubnik (QB – Clemson)
- Sawyer Robertson (QB – Baylor)
Wide Receivers
Carnell Tate (WR – Ohio State)
A tall, long-limbed receiver with the speed and explosiveness to win down the field, who offers a big target with impressive focus and hands to come down with off-target throws and contested catches.
Those traits should make Tate an early starting split end for a pro team. Looks like a good bet to be the first or second receiver off the board on draft day, likely within the top five or top 10 picks.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Carnell Tate >>
Jordyn Tyson (WR – Arizona State)
A relatively long-limbed receiver with impressive route-running skills, legitimate deep speed, and excellent leaping/body control which allow him to make acrobatic catches away from his frame, it’s easy to see why he is receiving hype as a potential number-one receiver. Perhaps not the sturdiest or most physical option, but shows good competitiveness, especially as a blocker. Appears poised to be one of the first receivers off the board on Draft Day.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jordyn Tyson >>
In most respects, Lemon is your prototypical scrappy slot receiver, with impressive quickness, snappy route-running, savvy awareness and nuance, plus competitiveness after the catch. However, he also offers a safer pair of hands than many smaller slot receivers and has a bit more volume as a downfield target because of his ability to use pace changes and control his body to make difficult adjustments.
Lemon works best when he’s able to play underneath off-zone coverage. May not have the ideal size to slide outside, but he should be able to handle a high-volume workload, with reliability that can improve the efficiency of a passing game.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Makai Lemon >>
More 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Wide Receivers
- Omar Cooper Jr. (WR – Indiana)
- Denzel Boston (WR – Washington)
- KC Concepcion (WR – Texas A&M)
- Antonio Williams (WR – Clemson)
- Chris Brazzell II (WR – Tennessee)
- Elijah Sarratt (WR – Indiana)
- Germie Bernard (WR – Alabama)
- Chris Bell (WR – Louisville)
- Ja’Kobi Lane (WR – USC)
- Skyler Bell (WR – UConn)
- Kevin Coleman Jr. (WR – Missouri)
- Brenen Thompson (WR – Mississippi State)
- Eric Rivers (WR – Georgia Tech)
- C.J. Daniels (WR – Miami)
- Deion Burks (WR – Oklahoma)
- Zachariah Branch (WR – Georgia)
- Malachi Fields (WR – Notre Dame)
Running Backs
Jeremiyah Love (RB – Notre Dame)
A very patient, elusive and flexible back in a big frame, the Heisman Trophy finalist can string together reliable positive-gains between the tackles, make defenders miss one-on-one and protect both the football and his body effectively.
While Love shows a lot of physicality as a blocker, he doesn’t seem like the most powerful runner at times. It would be nice to see him lower his shoulder and fight for yardage more consistently. Still, Love is clearly the top-rated back in this year’s class and will likely be one of the first handful of players chosen on draft day.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jeremiyah Love >>
Jadarian Price (RB – Notre Dame)
Perhaps the most talented running back in the class besides Love. Price is an explosive, instinctive runner with nice patience and vision, impressive quickness and physicality and the speed to hit home runs when he finds a lane.
At this point, his talent as a runner isn’t really in much question. Rather, teams will wonder whether he can handle a full load and if he can improve as a blocker to earn more snaps on passing downs. Either way, Price looks like a solid bet to come off the board on the second day as one of the more dynamic, intriguing skill-position players in this year’s class.
Projection: Round 2
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jadarian Price >>
Jonah Coleman (RB – Washington)
One of the more advanced backs in the class, Coleman is a thickly-built runner with impressive patience, vision and footwork. Those traits allow him to work effectively between the tackles.
There’s also some passing-game upside here because of his contact balance in blitz pickup and his reliable hands in the passing game. Lack of ideal top-end speed limits his upside a bit, but still looks like there’s a good chance he’ll be one of the first few backs off the board on draft day as a relatively safe option.
Projection: Round 3
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jonah Coleman >>
More 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs
- Nicholas Singleton (RB – Penn State)
- Kaytron Allen (RB – Penn State)
- Emmett Johnson (RB – Nebraska)
- Adam Randall (RB – Clemson)
- Mike Washington Jr. (RB – Arkansas)
- Roman Hemby (RB – Indiana)
Tight Ends
Considered by far the best tight end prospect in the draft, Sadiq may lack ideal size for a tight end, but offers impressive power and intensity as a blocker and is a smooth mover with solid route-running skills on passing downs.
With few weaknesses to his game besides the occasional drop, Sadiq looks like a safe bet to develop into an every-down contributor at the next level. Looks like momentum is building toward his name being called in the first round.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kenyon Sadiq >>
One of the more impressive athletes at tight end in this year’s class, he is relatively new to the position but has made significant strides year-on-year, proving that he can produce against SEC competition over the past two seasons. In terms of his suddenness, quickness, and speed, almost looks more like a big wide receiver, with relatively sophisticated route-running skills, a reliable pair of hands, and the ability to create after the catch. While he may never be the most dominant blocker, he has the range and agility to line up opponents in space when pulling or stalking. Projects as a flex tight end/big slot who could get some second-day looks.
Projection: Round 3
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Eli Stowers >>
A long-limbed flex tight end who shows good competitiveness as a blocker and offers a solid combination of speed and ball skills as a receiver, but whose game is a bit raw at this point. As it currently stands, his effort and physicality in the run game are more impressive than his technique, and he could also stand to become a more focused receiver, with a greater emphasis on route-running craftsmanship. Still, there’s a lot of potential here, so look for him to draw plenty of interest as a developmental flex with upside.
Projection: Round 3-4
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Michael Trigg >>
More 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Tight Ends
Defensive Backs
One of the most disciplined, intelligent and consistent prospects in the class, Downs looks just as comfortable working down into the box to defend the run and tackle ball-carriers as he does working in different types of zone coverage, from traditional high-zone looks to zones closer to the line of scrimmage.
Downs might not have quite as sexy a highlight reel as some other top safeties in recent drafts, but he is probably safer and more well-rounded. Looks like a safe bet to be a high first-round pick and early, long-term starter.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Downs >>
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (DB – Toledo)
A big, long-limbed strong safety with impressive explosiveness and physicality, traits which allow McNeil-Warren to punish ball-carriers when playing downhill in the run game or driving on spots in coverage. He has also shown an impressive nose for the ball, whether in terms of forcing fumbles or breaking up throws down the field.
Could stand to improve the speed at which he processes/recognizes what offenses are trying to do when working in coverage. Tools and temperament will likely have him off the board within the first couple of rounds. Somewhat reminiscent of 2021 second-rounder Trevon Moehrig.
Projection: Round 2
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Emmanuel McNeil-Warren >>
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