2026 McGinn's Grumpy Scouts

Simpleton · Thursday at 8:45 AM

RUNNING BACKS

1. JEREMIYAH LOVE, Notre Dame (6-0, 212, 4.38, 1): The first, first-team All-America back for the Irish since Allen Pinkett in 1985. “He has so much athletic ability and speed for the position,” said one scout. “He’s a home-run hitter, a decisive runner with really good vision. Like a Chris Johnson and Jahmyr Gibbs type. Not a power back, but he does have some strength and toughness to him inside, which is more than you usually see from a back with his kind of speed. Very good hands. Willing pass protector. He’s the best NFL prospect in this draft.”

Backed up Audric Estime as a true freshman in 2023 before gaining 1,125 yards as a sophomore and 1,372 as a junior. “Take him as high as you want,” said a second scout. “He’s like Gibbs at Detroit. He can catch the ball down the field. He can do anything you want in the passing game.” Finished with 433 carries for 2,882 (6.7-yard average) and 36 touchdowns to go with 63 receptions for 594 (9.4) and six scores. “I like him better than (Ashton) Jeanty, who didn’t do **** (as a rookie),” a third scout said. “Does it all. He’s super explosive. He’s a violent runner. He does have that narrow, upright run style and he tends to get chopped down. But he is strong, has vision and his hands are excellent. Makes big plays. But go to a team with a quarterback. For teams in the top 10 with a quarterback, he’ll be a great pick for them.” Another scout gave Jeanty, the No. 6 pick in 2025, a slight edge on the basis of being “a little more patient and more controlled.” Four-star recruit from St. Louis. Won the Missouri state track 100 meters in 10.76 and also went 22-1 ¾ in the long jump. “I liked Jonathan Taylor a lot more coming out,” a fifth scout said. “You don’t want to take those guys too high. The Raiders took Jeanty high and what a disappointment he was. Josh Jacobs would be a good comparison. Love was a lot more productive but he got the ball a lot more where Jacobs shared carries at Alabama. Look, if somebody wants a back they’ll take Love. He’s a real good, solid back. But you get sucked into the Jeremiyah Love’s and you just don’t know. They have injuries, this and that, or your line needs work. I just don’t know how you take a running back that high.”

2. JADARIAN PRICE, Notre Dame (5-10 ½, 206, 4.46, 2-3): Arrived in South Bend in 2022, the year before Love, but suffered a ruptured Achilles’ tendon during summer workouts and missed the entire season. Backed up Love for three years, playing 41 games without a start. “He’s good, too,” said one scout. “It’s a shame they were on the same team but they were a perfect complement to each other. He does everything almost the same. His jump cuts are really good. He’s got body control. Not the same strength as Love, but he’s strong enough. Hands are excellent. He’s got the vision, the weave. If he gets some space he’s got explosiveness. He’s a legit kick returner.” Finished with 280 carries for 1,692 (6.0) and 21 TDs plus 15 receptions for 162 (10.8) and three TDs. Led the nation in kickoff-return average in 2025 with a 37.5 average. In all, he brought back 22 for 36.1 and three TDs. “He’s an eventual starter,” a second scout said. “Really smooth, accelerates well and has some power. Not nearly as fast as his counterpart but has decent speed. He can slash through tackles and get yards after contact. I thought third round, but just the fact there aren’t a lot of backs he may go in the second.” Four-star recruit from Denison, Texas. “Looks more like a third-rounder,” a third scout said. “He can do all that (receiving). He doesn’t have the quickness and burst that Love has but he’s got pretty good power, pretty good compete, good versatility. He just doesn’t have the juice.”

3. KAYTRON ALLEN, Penn State (5-11 ½, 217, no 40, 3-4): All-time leading rusher for the Nittany Lions. Of the next 11, one was his teammate (Nicholas Singleton), one was drafted in the second, one in the third and one in the sixth. The other seven were first-round picks: Saquon Barkley, Curt Warner, Blair Thomas, Curtis Enis, D.J. Dozier, Larry Johnson and Ki-Jana Carter. Said one scout: “More production than talent.” Finished with 769 carries for 4,180 (5.4) and 39 TDs plus 70 receptions for 490 (7.0) and four scores. “He has great vision and feel for blocks,” one scout said. “Shows great feet and quickness inside with a slight burst. Just doesn’t have second-level speed and explosives. Strong and tough.” Four-star recruit from Norfolk, Va. “Gritty, between-the-tackles type of runner,” a third scout said. “He can catch fairly well.” Declined to run the 40 or perform any other physical testing at the combine. Ditto for pro day March 18, when he cited a hamstring injury for why he did drill work only. “He is slow, no doubt about it,” a third scout said. “Naturally instinctive runner. If there is a quarter of a hole he’s going to find it. He’s got great run strength and contact balance. He’s going to get the dirty yards. Won’t make people miss in space. You don’t even want him as the No. 2 because he doesn’t really have any big plays. He’s a 4-minute guy, your grinder and hammer. As a kid, really rough around the edges.”

4. MIKE WASHINGTON, Arkansas (6-1, 224, 4.39, 3-4): Moved up after a combine workout that included a swift 40 and a 39-inch vertical jump. “Some people might have him over Jadarian Price,” one scout said. “He’s got the size and the speed. He can catch the ball. He’s physical.” Started just six of 27 games at Buffalo from 2021-’23, then four of 12 games at New Mexico State in 2024. Churned for 1,070 as the Razorbacks’ bell cow in 2025. “He is intriguing,” a second scout said. “How they had him and the quarterback (Taylen Green) and they go 2-10 tells you what kind of season they had. He has a lot of talent. The guy’s no throwaway. He’s a triple transfer with size and speed. He was productive on a bad team. Kind of a bright light in a dark room situation. Very motivated. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went in the third.” Finished with 587 carries for 2,914 (5.0) and 26 TDs plus 73 receptions for 470 (6.4) and three scores. “The issue with him is pass protection,” a third scout said. “Not that he’s weak or doesn’t want to do it. His technique is not great. I couldn’t say he’s a three-down starter but I could see him as a first- and second-down starter. He has that level of ability. Right now, on third down, he’s not great.” Voted overall practice player of the week at the Senior Bowl. “Kind of hesitant — stiff and straight-line,” said a fourth scout. “When he has an alley you can see the speed and the burst. Outside of that he’s just not a natural running back in the movement, the vision, the decisiveness, the strength. He’s not elusive at all once he gets out there. He’s just a straight-line fast guy. Someone will get enticed by the speed and he’ll go fourth round.” From Utica, N.Y.

5. NICHOLAS SINGLETON, Penn State (6-0, 219, no 40, 3-4): Finished fourth in career rushing with 3,461 but set the school record for total touchdowns (54) and rushing touchdowns (45). “Singleton has the better pro prospects (than Allen),” said one scout. “He could be in the third round just because he’s a big back and his speed is more than good enough. I’d say he’s 4.5. Drives his legs on contact. He can be slippery inside. Little bit stiffer out in space. He’s not going to make that many miss. That’s a concern for me at the next level where he can’t take all these hits.” Regarded as an ideal third-down back because of his excellent pass blocking, routes and hands. “Super-fast but has no instincts,” a second scout said. “Like a racehorse with blinders on. If you get him the hole he can hit it. He’s not going to create a lot.” Finished with 622 carries for 3,461 (5.6) and 45 TDs to go with 102 receptions for 987 (9.7) and nine scores. Also returned kickoffs all four seasons, finishing with 48 for 23.7 and one TD. “When he was young they thought he was going to be unbelievable,” said a third scout. “Late pick. Kind of an upright tough runner. Straight-line. Not going to elude anything. Doesn’t have much niftiness between the tackles. On cutbacks he just runs into it. Doesn’t know how to protect his body or elude. No big plays. Tough-guy grinder.” Suffered a broken fifth metatarsal bone in his foot on the Thursday practice at the Senior Bowl and had surgery. Four-star recruit from Shillington, Pa.

6. JONAH COLEMAN, Washington (5-8, 222, no 40, 4): “He’s just a bowling ball” was one scout’s five-word comment. Played extensively at Arizona State in 2022-’23 before starting 22 games for the Huskies in 2024-’25. “I had him ahead of Singleton,” a second scout said. “He may not run well but he’s a tank. He’ll be an every-down running back in the NFL. This guy’s powerful. He’ll make the first guy miss and run over the next guy. Thing that will get him is (speed). He’ll be in the 4.60-4.65 range. But once he gets on the field he’ll be productive. He’s a well-rounded guy.” Best season was 2024 when he gained 1,053 yards and was named the team’s offensive MVP. Dropped almost 15 pounds a year ago, reducing from 235. “He’s a nifty little dude,” a third scout said. “Thicker body. He’s got some quickness inside. Just no explosiveness at all to the edges and no really big plays. Not elusive in space. Got good hands.” Finished with 552 carries for 3,054 (5.5) and 34 TDs to go with 87 receptions for 838 (9.6) and three scores. “Is he a starter? Yes, he’s a starter type,” said a fourth scout. “He’s kind of a third-down back. Can do a little bit of everything. Runs with a low center of gravity. He’ll break tackles, too, because he’s got a thicker lower body that you want.” From Stockton, Calif.

7. EMMETT JOHNSON, Nebraska (5-10, 202, 4.59, 4): Redshirted in 2022 before splitting time for two years and then breaking out in 2025 with 1,451 yards, becoming the Cornhuskers’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Devine Ozibgo in 2018. “You know, he runs hard,” one scout said. “Little bit of an awkward athlete. Kind of almost the way Red Grange used to run, like a bucking bronco. That’s how he runs. Doesn’t elude people very well. They use him a lot out of the backfield. He actually has good hands, which is surprising given the athlete he is. Kind of a backup tough guy, rotational type.” Named Big Ten Back of the Year. “He’s going to be a good No. 2 back,” said a second scout. “He’s quick and agile, just doesn’t have a big frame. Funny thing is, though, he’s got a lean frame but he can run with the ball all day long (251 carries in ’25). His parents are from Liberia and all they know how to do is work, and that’s what he does. Work.” Finished with 458 carries for 2,460 (5.4) and 15 TDs plus 92 receptions for 702 (7.6) and five scores. Averaged 151.8 yards from scrimmage last year, leading FCS. “He’s a good back who ran a slow 40 time,” said a third scout. “That could cause him to slip, which is good if you like him. He’s quick. Got real twitchy feet. He’ll catch the ball and make you miss. He’s not the biggest guy but he’ll be on a team and be productive.” Three-star recruit from Minneapolis. Also lettered in basketball and track. Mr. Football in Minnesota as a senior. Three-time All-Big Ten Academic honoree.

8. DEMOND CLAIBORNE, Wake Forest (5-9 ½, 192, 4.37, 4): Joined the Demon Deacons in 2022, two years after Kenneth Walker played his final season in Winston-Salem. “This guy’s pretty good,” said one scout. “He’s a good receiver, a third-down guy. He can run between the tackles. He’s third day but he can definitely make a team. He made some really impressive ruins. Got real good initial movement to make guys miss in the hole. He fights for extra yards. Not real big but at least a third-down back.” Was Wake’s lead back in three of the last four seasons. “This guy can go now,” a second scout said. “I thought he’d be one of the fastest guys at Indy. You see it on film. Not real big but he runs like he weighs 250. He’s fearless, but he takes some absolutely kill shots because he doesn’t have vision, balance, elusiveness and (size). This also creates fumbles. He can be a mismatch in the passing game because of his speed. He’s just immature mentally. There’s just a lot of maintenance that goes into him.” Ran the fastest 40 of the top 20 backs. Finished with 558 carries for 2,599 (4.7) and 26 TDs to go with 55 receptions for 424 (7.7) and two scores. “He has some ability,” a third scout said. “But a train wreck as a kid.” Returned 22 kickoffs for 26.3 and two TDs. Four-star recruit from Aylett, Va.

9. JAM MILLER, Alabama (5-10, 208, 4.44, 4-5): Gained at least 200 yards but never more than 668 in four seasons. “He’s been overrated since Day 1,” one scout said. “I was surprised he ran as fast as he did. I’ve never seen him show that in a game. He’s a late pick, at best.” Was 209 at the combine after being listed at 221 and weighing in last spring at 215. He was 208 at pro day. At the combine, he managed a lowly vertical jump of 30 ½ and his hands measured 8 ¾, smallest of the top 15 backs. “Big, physical runner,” said a second scout. “Doesn’t have an extra gear once he gets in space. Best as a complementary piece for a (lead) guy that brings an explosive element to the offense.” Finished with 349 carries for 1,596 (4.6) and 13 TDs plus 40 receptions for 336 (8.4) and two scores. “He goes forward on contact,” a third scout said. “He’s tough. Those are the kind of guys you take and they end up being solid pros. Alabama plays so many guys they don’t have huge numbers. If you have an offensive line, all of a sudden you have a lot of production.” Four-star recruit from Tyler, Texas, hometown of Earl Campbell. Given name is Jamarion.

10. J’MARI TAYLOR, Virginia (5-10, 198, 4.65, 5): Walked on as a quarterback at FCS North Carolina Central. Quickly converted to RB, he carried 353 times for 1,882 (5.3) and 23 TDs in three seasons for the Eagles while catching 55 passes for 629 (11.4) and nine scores. Departed for the ACC and Virginia last year and gained 1,062 yards, becoming the Cavaliers’ first back to surpass 500 yards since 2019. “If you run a power-gap scheme he’s a perfect No. 2,” one scout said. “He is a hammer. He’s so instinctive and has good burst through the line of scrimmage. He’s got good hands.” Averaged 4.8 on his 222 carries and scored 14 TDs for UVA to go with 43 receptions for 253 (5.9) and one score. “He’ll be a late find as a third running back,” a second scout said. “He’ll do everything he’s asked and then some. Top-notch kid.” From Charlotte, N.C.

THE NEXT FIVE

Noah Whittington, Oregon (5-8, 206, no 40)
Said one scout: “He stepped in when Oregon had a couple guys leave and a couple guys got beat up. He wound up sharing time with all these guys. It wasn’t fair to him. But he’s a lot like Bucky Irving that they used to have. He also returns kicks.”

Eli Heidenreich, Navy (6-0, 200, 4.48)
Said one scout: “Some people think he’s a running back. I think he’s a slot receiver. He’s running the Navy offense so they don’t really highlight a lot of what he can do and the quarterback can hardly get him the ball. It’s like you’re looking at the 1960s halfbacks playing behind Roger Staubach. Yet, he just makes plays. He catches the ball on the sideline or is blocking for somebody. That kind of guy ends up learning how to play slot in the NFL, and obviously he can fit on all special teams. He’s a make-it guy.”

Kaelon Black, Indiana (5-9 ½, 208, no 40)
Said one scout: “Tough, hard-nosed son of a gun. A lot like Isiah Pacheco of Kansas City (now Detroit). Comes in and does the dirty work. That’s who he is. He’ll get you 3 or 4 yards. He won’t break the long run but he’ll be there every time. Black can pass pro and all that. He caught the ball a lot better at the Senior Bowl. Late to mid-round pick. Get on a roster and the coach is gonna love him. Indiana won with those type of kids this year. Guys that do the right thing.”

Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma (5-11, 201, 4.48)
Said one scout: “He left Cal and went to Oklahoma. They (the Sooners) were down on him. They didn’t think he was very tough at all. They considered him wasted portal money. Then he was a late add to the Senior Bowl and he kind of flashed there. He looked like he did back at Cal when he was a pretty good player with Fernando (Mendoza). So he’s a bit of a wild card. He’s very talented as a receiver and an athlete.”

Chip Trayanum, Toledo (5-10 ½, 224, 4.52)
Said one scout: “He’s a Jaylen Warren type runner. Not elusive or creative but he has the contact power to pull out of tackles. He’s got some patience and hesitation before he breaks out of the hole. Adequate routes and hands. Good blitz pickup. I liked him better than the Indiana guys.”

Simpleton · Thursday at 8:46 AM

I think the 92 to 112 range is the perfect spot to add a RB, would love to get one of Coleman, Johnson, Allen, Washington or Singleton there.

Simpleton · Thursday at 8:47 AM

DEFENSIVE LINE

1. PETER WOODS, Clemson (6-2 ½, 300, no 40, 1): Third-year junior. Turned 21 in March. “He’s so damn quick for a guy that big,” one scout said. “He throws guys around. He can take an edge and, boom, get up the field. He takes on blocks at the point of attack. Quinnen Williams was like that. There’s just not too many of those guys.” Started two games as a freshman, then 22 games in 2024-’25. “He’s either an athletic nose tackle or a 3-technique,” said a second scout. “He can do either. The tape’s really good. The only issue is his size and length are not wonderful and his production this year actually wasn’t great. He’s got power and quickness, and some explosive movement.” Short arms (31 ¼ inches), small hands (9 1/8 inches). “I like Peter Woods,” said a third scout. “I just know he isn’t a Mason Graham or Walter Nolen, that type of player. Nothing in his numbers compare with them. You’re looking at a high-energy guy. He’s a fighter. He can play all three downs. He can play the edge. He can stack the point. He gets off blocks. He’s shone that he can run to the sideline. He has change of direction in space. But one of the reasons why Clemson didn’t have the big year was there were no impact plays. I don’t consider Woods a disruptor. His numbers are journeyman numbers. He’s more of a solid defensive tackle, a rotating-type guy. Is he a first-rounder for somebody? He could be but I wouldn’t pick him in the first. There’s nothing to support that.” Finished with 84 tackles (14 ½ for loss), five sacks, two forced fumbles and one batted ball. “He’s a better run defender right now than a pass rusher,” said a fourth scout. “He is steady and does a good job with his hands, but he isn’t a disruptive type. Doesn’t stand out in any specific area. He could start in the league for many years but never approach All-Pro.” Five-star recruit from Alabaster, Ala. Led his high school to four straight Class 7A state championships. “You wouldn’t even know he was on the field unless you were looking for him,” a fifth scout said. “Gets bounced around at the point of attack and gives you absolutely nothing in pass rush. He was a big-time recruit and some people still try to hold onto that. He just doesn’t do anything. He’s just out there. I didn’t think he played particularly hard. Some of these guys, at least they play their *** off.” His short shuttle time of 4.54 led the position.

2. KAYDEN McDONALD, Ohio State (6-2, 327, no 40, 1): Last season, he lined up alongside Tyleik Williams (6-3, 329), who was drafted No. 28 by Detroit last year and played 446 snaps as a rookie. “They’re similar,” said one scout. “Just a tough ***, rugged dude. He shows snatch and power. The run game, he just crushes it. He’s not your true (pass rusher). Not going to give you a lot of sacks but he’s good enough there. He can make a mess in there and push the pocket. He’s bottom of the first and will start.”

Third-year junior barely played in 2023, was in the rotation in 2024 and started in 2025. “He’s got girth, the anchorability,” a second scout said. “He gets off blocks. He makes plays. He can knock back rushing the passer. I don’t see him as a 3-technique guy that will play nickel. More of a run defender.” Finished with 85 tackles (11 for loss), three sacks, two forced fumbles and three batted balls. “Excellent against the run but kind of a non-factor as a pass rusher,” a third scout said. “What he does he does really well. He’s not a pass rusher. No, he’s just a guard-to-guard guy. Doesn’t have much range, either. I would never take a defensive tackle in the first round that can’t rush the passer.” Arms were 32 ¼, hands were 9 ¾. “Speed may not be the best,” a fourth scout said. “Probably 5.3 range. I didn’t see a guy that gets lateral very much. Just a big nose man. He’s not going to be real quick in and out of gaps. He’s not going to beat a lot of centers. But he can walk ‘em back, that’s for sure, and I think centers are getting smaller.” Accumulated multiple academic awards. “I like him better than Tyleik Williams,” said a fifth scout. “If you want the typical nose tackle, because running’s come back into the village, he’s gonna go real high. He can muddy the water up. The big man will hustle downfield, too.” Four-star recruit from Suwanee, Ga.

3. CHRISTEN MILLER, Georgia (6-3 ½, 325, no 40, 1-2): Redshirted in 2022, played off the bench in 2023 and then started in 2024-’25 for a program that regularly rotates eight or nine defensive linemen. “Christen Miller didn’t really play a whole lot last year,” one scout said. “Played 400 snaps. They have a huge rotation. Is he tested in terms of endurance? He’s a two-year starter but he played about 30 snaps a game. Sometimes as an underclassman at Georgia you get pushed into the draft because the guys behind him are (better). He’s probably the best athlete (of the group). Probably more of a two-down player but every down today is like third down. He has the ability to play nose. He’s a pad-level guy. He’s got the height and the length. Everybody at Georgia is cookie cutter. They’re all first-second round picks.” Finished with 64 tackles (11 ½ for loss), four sacks, no forced fumbles and one batted pass. “He’s an athletic nose tackle,” a second scout said. “Big, long, really good hand use, excellent block reaction, better against the run than the pass. Has some traits to work with as a rusher. Not great against double teams but one-on-one he’s pretty good. I like him as a second-round nose tackle.” Arms were 33, hands were 10. “All in all, you might take him over (Caleb) Banks and (Darrell) Jackson just because he’s more consistent and he’s coming out of Georgia, which is M.I.T. for football there pretty much,” said a third scout. Four-star recruit from Ellenwood, Ga. “Similar to Woods,” a fourth scout said. “Pretty much the same kind of guy. Georgia rotates guys in and out of there so if you’re not actually looking for him he doesn’t show up making plays. An effort guy, but inconsistent against the run and no pass rush.”

4. LEE HUNTER, Texas Tech (6-3 ½, 320, 5.18, 2): Spent 2021 at Auburn but didn’t play. Played extensively at Central Florida from 2022-’24, starting in his last two years, before moving to Texas Tech. “He’s nasty,” said one scout. “He’s got that jolt and anchor at the point of attack in the run game. Plays hard. There’s not tons of range just because he’s such a big guy. More of a bull rusher. Just kind of a bully-you kind of guy. Got enough movement to get into a gap quick and snatch people with some agility. He’s a good starter. He’ll be taken in the first. He’s neck-and-neck with McDonald but I’d take this guy. He’s got some knock knees and a bad body that was very noticeable. Those knock knees look a little worrisome. Knees in, sort of toes out.” Tackles declined from 69 to 45 to 41 in his three seasons of heavy participation. “Two years ago (2023) I really liked him,” said a second scout. “I called him an underachiever in 2024 and then he went to Texas Tech. I felt like, overall, he’s a frontrunner. There’s things where he stands up and gets caught looking around as opposed to keeping his pad level down and knocking people back. He’s not a finished version. He was productive this year, I’ll give him that. It’s not like he’s a lean, mean fighting machine. His endurance comes into play watching this kid. How can you sit here and jump on the table for Lee Hunter when you know he’s a two-down player? You have to be on the other side of the line of scrimmage.” First defensive lineman from Texas Tech named All-America since Gabe Rivera in 1982. “Some people sort of like the foot agility, and he is a wide body,” a third scout said. “Sort of an out-there personality. He was one of those mercenaries that Texas Tech signed this year. I think he’s more like a second-round pick.” Finished with 172 tackles (323 for loss), 7 ½ sacks, one forced fumble and one batted pass. “He can do twitchy, disruptive D-tackle jobs,” a fourth scout said. “He penetrates, and has a little pass rush to him. He can hunker down as a nose and create piles and control the gap. He showed it at the Senior Bowl. He helped himself. First round.” Arms were 33 ¼, hands were just 9 ¼. His vertical jump (21 ½) was awful. “People are all over the place with him,” a fifth scout said. “People have him in the first and I just cannot see that. At all. He’s knock-kneed, top-heavy, body’s bad. Makes one splash play and then disappears for a few quarters. Gets washed out.” Four-star recruit from Mobile, Ala.

5. DOMONIQUE ORANGE, Iowa State (6-2 ½, 322, no 40, 2): Played 50 games, making five starts in 2023, seven in ’24 and 12 in ’25. “He never transferred — just got consistently better,” said one scout. “He’s got tremendous versatility and tremendous length. Stays on his feet. This guy might be the strongest guy I’ve seen in a while. They don’t keep track of a human being picking up a 300-pound human being and displacing him. That stat is never talked about. That’s what you see on tape. Now, he’s not necessarily a quick-twitch guy, but with his overall strength at the point of attack and balance he’s a disruptor in the run game. He doesn’t have great numbers as a pass rusher but he can pass rush. He’s a presence, OK? There’s tremendous upside there.” Finished with 66 tackles (seven for loss), one sack, no forced fumbles and two batted passes. “He has talent,” a second scout said. “But there are questions about work ethic. He’s third round at best.” Arms were 33 3/8, hands were 10 ¼. “He’s a space-eater inside,” said a third scout. “Had a good year. He’s a two-down, Baltimore Raven type. Just a bull rush. Not a pass rusher. That’s not his deal. But he is one of those big guys that runs to the sideline. He’s not lazy. Second round may be a little bit too high.” Four-time All-Big 12 All-Academic selection. Three-star recruit from Kansas City.

6. CALEB BANKS, Florida (6-6, 327, 5.08, 2): Played briefly in 2021-’22 at Louisville before starting for three years in Gainesville, when healthy that is. Just 24 starts over those three years. “He’s a total roll of the dice,” one scout said. “He’s super talented but between his foot injury and being an underachiever on the field … but his combination of size and power and foot speed is pretty rare. He can throw people around and win with initial quickness. He’s not a pass rusher. He’s actually too big to pass rush. He can’t get into a gap because he’s bigger than the gap. Everyone talks about, ‘Well, he can bull rush the center and the guards back to the quarterback.’ Well, he can maybe do it once and then he tires. And if plays on first and second down he’s dead by third down. He’s got no endurance left to bull rush anybody.” Finished with 48 tackles (10 ½ for loss), 6 ½ sacks, three forced fumbles and one batted pass. “He is built like Tarzan: the length, the size, the strength,” said a second scout. “Problem with him is, I question his instincts. I expected we’d see him get off blocks, keep his pad level down, anchor the run, not standing up. Then he gets hurt and reverts back to what he was the year before (2024). I know he did a good job at the Senior Bowl but those (one-on-one) pass-rush drills are one-dimensional. It’s when you have to put it all together when you don’t know whether it’s run or pass. That’s where you worry about him. You want to work with the kid. He’s shown the flashes of a first-round pick. I just haven’t seen consistently the production that I want to see. He’s boom or bust.” Injured his foot last spring, reinjured it in August, missed the first two games, hurt it again Sept. 13 against LSU and didn’t return until the final two games. Then, at the combine, he suffered a fractured fourth metatarsal bone and underwent surgery March 9. “Classic Senior Bowl guy,” a third scout said. “Completely raw when he plays. If you need to go this way he goes the other way. No leverage at the point of attack. Decent enough initial movement as a pass rusher but doesn’t finish very well. Lacks explosiveness, grit, desire.” His arm length (35) was the longest of the top 30 defensive linemen. Massive hands (10 7/8). “He looks the part completely,” said a fourth scout. “Just rare all the way around traits-wise. He’s huge, and light on his feet. There’s some laziness to him, some ******** to him, some excuses to him. There’s nothing out there that says he will give us his best. He’s got a lot of your talented, underachiever qualities that a lot of D-linemen have.” Three-star recruit from Southfield, Mich.

7. DARRELL JACKSON, Florida State (6-5 ½, 315, no 40, 2-3): Was voted the Seminoles’ defensive MVP in 2025. “He’s more in line with (Kentucky’s) Deone Walker from last year,” one scout said. “He might go higher because of the success Walker (fourth round) had at Buffalo. Huge man, long wingspan (86 inches). Run defender, bull rusher. He was at the East-West and then showed up at the Senior Bowl. He was just bull-rushing people. That’s what he is, just a knock-back bull rusher.” Started one of 13 games at Maryland in 2021 and all 12 at Miami in 2022. Sat out 2023 in Tallahassee because of transfer rules before starting all 24 games in 2024-’25. “He should be in the top 20 of this draft,” a second scout said. “He’s one of the prettiest guys in this whole draft but he barely makes a play. The focus, the attention to detail, the work ethic, the commitment, it’s not there. He’s noninstinctive. You try to convince yourself that it’s gonna happen but it never has. He’ll be about a fourth-round try for somebody.” Arms were 34 ¾, hands of 11 tied for the position best. “When he is playing up to his ability, he can really create havoc,” a third scout said. “He was absolutely bullying guys in Mobile when he played right. He also would disappear when he wasn’t.” Finished with 129 tackles (12 for loss), 7 ½ sacks, one forced fumble and two batted passes. “Know what he is? He’s an underachiever,” a fourth scout said. “He’s huge. Just doesn’t play hard. I wouldn’t take a guy like that. He’s just soft.” From Havana, Fla.

8. GRACEN HALTON, Oklahoma (6-2 ½, 298, 4.82, 2-3): Started just 10 of 47 games over four years. “He’s a 3-technique, upfield guy,” one scout said. “I think he goes in the second. He’s really active, just really disruptive. Stronger than you think. People will discount him for (size, length) but the guy ran 4.8 and jumped 36 inches (36 ½ in the vertical, a position best). He’s got a lot of explosiveness and he plays really hard. There’s teams that try not to have guys like this and then there’s teams that say, ‘This guy’s too good a player. Let’s take him.’ I could see him going in the second and being a really good player.” Shortest arms (31 1/8) of the top 15 defensive linemen. Hands were 10. “He’s got quicks and he’s a terrific competitor,” a second scout said. “He is undersized. He does have a knack for slipping blocks and some penetration. The third round would be the high side for him. People would really value him more in the fourth and fifth. That’s where you take that kind of player.” Finished with 84 tackles (17 ½ for loss), 8 ½ sacks, three forced fumbles and two batted passes. “He can rush the passer but he really struggles against the run,” a third scout said. “I love his quickness and speed. Like him as a 3-technique that can rush. I thought fourth round because of the size.” Played tight end as a prep in San Diego. Four-star recruit.

9. NICK BARRETT, South Carolina (6-6, 313, 5.20, 3): Barely got on the field in his first four years with the Gamecocks. “South Carolina had four guys that got drafted last year,” one scout said. “This guy was a late bloomer. There’s a guy who was asleep for four years and woke up this year and played his * off. He showed up and kicked *.” Registered 42 tackles in 2025 and merely 23 tackles from 2021-’24. Also finished with two sacks, no forced fumbles and three batted passes. Voted MVP of the team last season. “The problem with him is durability,” the scout added. “Injuries were why he wasn’t playing. Had a Lenox Hill (brace) on. Elbow. He’s a durability risk but when he’s healthy … he looks the part getting off the bus and on tape.” Arms were 33 3/8, hands were 10. His 31 reps on the bench press led the top 15 defensive linemen. Earned many academic awards. From Goldsboro, N.C.

10. RAYSHAUN BENNY, Michigan (6-3, 302, no 40, 3-4): Played behind Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, a pair of first-round picks last year, from 2022-’24 after redshirting in 2021. Started 13 games in ’25. “Benny consistently got better,” one scout said. “He’s a vertical player. He’s athletic. He can play in space. He’s just going to give you that athleticism that you want to run a twist game on third down. He’s a guy that can loop around from a 3-technique and contain the quarterback. He’s a football player. Instinctive, hand placement. Does a lot of good things. He’ll be third to fifth round.” His 3-cone time of 7.69 led the top 25 defensive linemen. Arms were 33 3/8, hands were small (9 ¼). “Bottom of the third,” a second scout said. “He’s got short-area quickness to disrupt. Long arms. Good playing strength. Needs to get off blocks better. He got his arms up in passing lanes and batted balls. That’s a good trait to have. He has an arm-over move. He’ll get washed down some but he’s a strong bull rusher. He’s more of a thrasher in all areas.” Finished with 107 tackles (12 for loss), four sacks, one forced fumble and six batted passes. Suffered a broken fibula early in the 2023 national semifinals at the Rose Bowl. Four-star recruit from Oak Park, Mich.

11. ZANE DURANT, Penn State (6-1, 290, 4.73, 3-4): Spent four years with the Nittany Lions and started the last three. “Undersized, but really strong,” one scout said. “I think you can get past the borderline size because he’s got some Ed Oliver traits. He doesn’t have Ed Oliver’s elite explosiveness but it’s close. Those guys wind up being hard to block, especially for bigger guards. He does play hard. Pursues hard. He can stack. He played better against lower comp (competition). Everybody on Penn State’s team was a disappointment. I thought third round.” Dominated the combine with the fastest 40, a vertical jump of 33 ½ and a broad jump of 9-4. Arms were 31 7/8, hands were a large 10 5/8. “Looks like a body builder,” a second scout said. “He played better in 2024 but still, he should be better for what he has. He’s got getoff and is athletic to be a sub rusher. Even though he’s undersized he doesn’t get pushed around. Kind of just like a raw athlete that you want to get more out of. Multi-year captain. He’s kind of a pro already.” Finished with 89 tackles (22 for loss), 10 sacks, no forced fumbles and three batted passes. “He went crazy at the combine,” a third scout said. “Ran 4.7. But he just gets pushed around and you don’t really see the athleticism.” His father and two sisters all played sports in college. Four-star recruit from Lake Nona, Fla.

12. CHRIS McCLELLAN, Missouri (6-3 ½, 313, 5.04, 4): Started one of 25 games at Florida in 2022-’23 and then 22 of 26 games at Mizzou in 2024-’25. “I wasn’t in love with this kid but he kind of came on this year,” said one scout. “He has his instinctual problems. He wasn’t getting off and making plays going into this season but he proved to me that he made that jump.” Arms were 34. Hands (11) tied Jackson’s for the largest at the position. Finished with 133 tackles (17 for loss), 10 ½ sacks, one forced fumble and four batted passes. “He’s now a functional starter, a rotating starter,” the scout said. “Is he an impact-type player? No, but he’s probably an impact player stopping the run. Because he has that length. He’s got that disruptive (element) in him. He gets his hands up. He could be a presence inside. Probably more of a pass rusher than a lot of the other guys. I think by the fourth he’s gone.” Four-star recruit from North Tulsa, Okla.

THE NEXT FIVE

Zxavian Harris, Mississippi (6-7 ½, 330, no 40)
Said one scout: “Harris gets a lot of love because of his sheer size. When he gets a little momentum then he is hard to stop solely because of his size. It will be harder for him in the NFL where (blockers) won’t allow him to build full momentum. In many ways he reminds me of Red Bryant. He’ll need a team that allows him to develop similarly.”

Albert Regis, Texas A&M (6-1 ½, 295, 4.88)
Said one scout: “You’ll want him on the field in the National Football League. You can trust him. What you see is what you get. He’ll give you 25 plays every week and play with toughness and tenacity. Plays the run. Instinctive. Can generate a push inside. Texas A&M just has guys that aren’t big-time disruptors but they do the little things. There’s a reason why you win.”

Tyler Onyedim, Texas A&M (6-3 ½, 291, 5.11)
Said one scout: “Like him in the third or fourth round. Plays the run pretty well. As a rusher, he has tools to work with. He does it more with initial quickness and upper-body strength. He’s not a huge guy but he can beat a guard to the spot. Plays really hard.”

Deven Eastern, Minnesota (6-5, 317, no 40)
Said one scout: “He’s very big, very athletic, very quick. He just has to learn how to go hard all the time to make plays. In other words, he’s gotta learn how to work. He has a lot of talent. He has to understand everybody’s getting paid. He leaned out for the (offseason). He can go back to being a 0-technique or a 1-technique.”

David Blay, Miami (6-2 ½, 292, 5.08)
Said one scout: “This kid came from Louisiana Tech (in 2025). He has tremendous talent. He was stuck at nose tackle (at Miami) because they have two 3-techniques. He has tremendous length and strength. He can turn and run. He can hit it and go. This guy was really unknown. He has the athleticism and the hip flexibility to play 3-technique. He’s top 100.”

Cowboysrock55 · Thursday at 9:18 AM

Simpleton said:
5. DOMONIQUE ORANGE, Iowa State (6-2 ½, 322, no 40, 2): Played 50 games, making five starts in 2023, seven in ’24 and 12 in ’25. “He never transferred — just got consistently better,” said one scout. “He’s got tremendous versatility and tremendous length. Stays on his feet. This guy might be the strongest guy I’ve seen in a while. They don’t keep track of a human being picking up a 300-pound human being and displacing him. That stat is never talked about. That’s what you see on tape. Now, he’s not necessarily a quick-twitch guy, but with his overall strength at the point of attack and balance he’s a disruptor in the run game. He doesn’t have great numbers as a pass rusher but he can pass rush. He’s a presence, OK? There’s tremendous upside there.” Finished with 66 tackles (seven for loss), one sack, no forced fumbles and two batted passes. “He has talent,” a second scout said. “But there are questions about work ethic. He’s third round at best.” Arms were 33 3/8, hands were 10 ¼. “He’s a space-eater inside,” said a third scout. “Had a good year. He’s a two-down, Baltimore Raven type. Just a bull rush. Not a pass rusher. That’s not his deal. But he is one of those big guys that runs to the sideline. He’s not lazy. Second round may be a little bit too high.” Four-time All-Big 12 All-Academic selection. Three-star recruit from Kansas City.

This guy, this is what I want if we are drafting a D-lineman.

I also like Darrell Jackson.

It's funny how Lee Hunter felt like he climbed a bunch after a great week at the Senior Bowl and now he is sort of back to where we all thought he would be before the Senior Bowl. It sort of tells you that the ups and downs of this whole process are somewhat manufactured or false. These guys aren't really moving up and down all that much by scouts. It's just the fans and media moving them up.

Chocolate Lab · Thursday at 9:21 AM

Props for posting, Simp. Every year these are the best reads on the prospects.

Cowboysrock55 · Thursday at 9:23 AM

Chocolate Lab said:
Props for posting, Simp. Every year these are the best reads on the prospects.

They are fun reads. I don't always agree with the analysis of some. But they are more interesting than one persons straight forward analysis.

Chocolate Lab · Thursday at 9:38 AM

Couple of quick thoughts:

1. RBs don't sound that great overall. Even the comments on Love weren't as positive as I expected.

2. Our man Louisville Rene didn't even make the list. :( Halton for backup 3T and nickel inside rusher?

Really curious what they say about our other man Faulk.

Cowboysrock55 · Thursday at 9:49 AM

Chocolate Lab said:
Couple of quick thoughts:

1. RBs don't sound that great overall. Even the comments on Love weren't as positive as I expected.

2. Our man Louisville Rene didn't even make the list. :( Halton for backup 3T and nickel inside rusher?

Really curious what they say about our other man Faulk.

These guys don't even know who Konga is. Same thing with a guy like Kaleb Proctor who I kind of like. They aren't going that deep.

Cotton · Thursday at 10:09 AM

Simpleton said:
4. LEE HUNTER, Texas Tech (6-3 ½, 320, 5.18, 2): Spent 2021 at Auburn but didn’t play. Played extensively at Central Florida from 2022-’24, starting in his last two years, before moving to Texas Tech. “He’s nasty,” said one scout. “He’s got that jolt and anchor at the point of attack in the run game. Plays hard. There’s not tons of range just because he’s such a big guy. More of a bull rusher. Just kind of a bully-you kind of guy. Got enough movement to get into a gap quick and snatch people with some agility. He’s a good starter. He’ll be taken in the first.

I'm surprised McGinn thinks he will go that high. I love him as a player, but I have thought all along he would go in the 3rd.

Cotton · Thursday at 10:11 AM

Chocolate Lab said:
Props for posting, Simp.

I second that.

1bigfan13 · Thursday at 10:17 AM

Simpleton said:
Jaydn Ott, Oklahoma (5-11, 201, 4.48)
Said one scout: “He left Cal and went to Oklahoma. They (the Sooners) were down on him. They didn’t think he was very tough at all. They considered him wasted portal money.

I've seen clips/posts saying he's been impressive during the offseason workouts. We didn't get an extensive look at him when he was at Oklahoma, so I don't know if he's just a workout warrior or if he's actually a viable NFL RB prospect.

It was a strange signing for OU. If it's true that they didn't think he was tough, why was portal money wasted on him in the first place? The guy was at Cal for 3 years before coming to OU, so there was plenty of games to assess his toughness and playing style. I put the blame on OU and their former RB coach (DeMarco Murray) for that one.

Cotton · Thursday at 10:24 AM

1bigfan13 said:
It was a strange signing for OU.

I will never get used to reading stuff like this. NIL and the transfer portal changes have just changed the college football landscape so much. Just 5 years ago you would have never said the word "signing" in relation to a college player. Just so weird to see.

Cowboysrock55 · Thursday at 10:43 AM

Chocolate Lab said:
1. RBs don't sound that great overall. Even the comments on Love weren't as positive as I expected.

This is not as good and deep of a RB class as we have had in recent years. Not that there aren't good players in it. I think Simp named a number of RB's I'd be interested in. But I can't name 10-15 RBs this year that I'd be excited to draft. It's a much smaller list and even some of the higher end guys I kind of look at and go, why?

Simpleton · Thursday at 8:31 PM

GUARDS

1. VEGA IOANE, Penn State (6-4, 323, no 40, 1): Compared by one scout to the Colts’ Quenton Nelson, the No. 6 choice in 2018. “I don’t think he’s quite that dominant but probably more athletic,” one scout said. “Nelson was a better technician. Ioane is a freak talent for a big, thick man. Guards historically don’t go that high but if you value a starting guard and you’re in the middle of the first you jump all over this guy.”

One of nine siblings, he comes from an academic-oriented family. His parents finally relented and let him start playing football in the 10th grade. “He’s a Pro Bowl guard,” another scout said. “He reminds me of Tyler Booker from Alabama last year. They’re very similar. Big mauler kind of guy, good enough athlete, better in the run game than the pass. Whatever value you put on a guard, he’s going to start and be a really good player and be your guy.” Started 32 of 44 games at LG. “He arguably could be the best lineman in the draft,” said a third scout. “He’s a big-bodied guy who stayed at Penn State. Covers people up. Solid player.” Arms were 32 ¾ inches, hands were 10 ½ inches. “He’s a mauler in the run game but he’s a limited athlete,” said a fourth scout. “When he gets out and pulls he’s heavy-legged. I don’t see it. I think he’s overrated. What does he do best? Well, he’s powerful. He’s a pretty good run blocker, but he’s not a great pass protector. He is against power, but he lacks quickness. He lumbers in space a little bit. Now if he’s running in a straight line and in (space) he’s gonna maul you. I just think he lacks top athletic ability.” Three-star recruit from Graham, Wash. Loves to cook.

2. CHASE BISONTIS, Texas A&M (6-5, 317, 5.02, 2): Started at RT as a true freshman in 2023 before moving to LG in 2024-’25. “He’s very close to Ioane,” said one scout. “He’s a better athlete than Ioane. Moves well. Technique sound. Guys gives good effort. Occasionally he’ll play top-heavy and get snatched down. Good in pass pro. He can move his feet. Good punch. Gets out in space. Bottom of the first for me.” Short arms (31 ¼), and hands were 9 ¾. “He’s a starter,” said a second scout. “I had a mental note on him. That was a little bit of a concern.” Four-star recruit from Ramsey, N.J. “He’s really good,” a third scout said. “He’s powerful. I think he’s a rookie starter. Probably second round. He could be the best guard. He’s big, nasty.”

3. EMMANUEL PREGNON, Oregon (6-4, 315, 5.23, 2-3): Made 51 starts for three schools, including 39 at LG and 12 at RG. “He’s been around a long time,” said one scout. “He’s got good size and quick enough feet. He’s tough to get around, and he’s powerful. For a guy that played this long – he’s got 3,200 snaps on college – I thought I’d see a guy who’s more polished. He could sneak into the third.” Opted out of 2020 at Wyoming because of the pandemic, redshirted in 2021 and started in 2022 before moving to USC, where he started at LG in 2023-’24. Played last year for the Ducks. “More of a gap-scheme guy,” said a second scout. “No position flex, strictly a guard only. If Tate Ratledge can start for the Lions, he can start for somebody … and Ratledge went in the second.” Arms were 33 5/8, hands were a position-leading 11. His 35-inch vertical jump led the guards, too. “He’s steady eddie,” said a third scout. “Solid. Little bit older so you can see he really knows how to play. Nothing dynamic, but he’s going to be a solid, good player. He’ll go in the second.” No-star recruit as a two-way lineman from Denver. “He’s like Ed Ingram a little bit that the Vikings took (second round, 2022) and now he’s at Houston,” said a fourth scout. “He’s a good enough athlete but there’s something missing. He’s a little bit soft. He’s on the ground a little bit. You wish he was a little more of a competitive player with better effort. He’ll fall off a run block sometimes. He’s not real nasty. But he’s a pretty good pass protector. Good wide base. Good hands. At the end of the day you say, ‘OK, this guy’s probably a low-level starter.’”

4. JALEN FARMER, Kentucky (6-5, 316, 4.93, 2-3): Backed up for two years at Florida before starting 24 games for the Wildcats. “Real good player,” one scout said. “He’s got all the traits of a starting guard. Real good bender, long arms (34 ¼). He can maul you. Good pass protector. He could be second or third round. He’s massive. Looks the part. Kind of versatile, too. Got pretty good feet. He was really impressive at the Senior Bowl.” Ran by far the fastest 40 among the guards. Hands were small (9 ¼). His 37 reps on the bench press were five more than any other offensive lineman. “Came from Florida, never really did it there,” said a second scout. “They had a couple bad linemen (starting) and that raised alarms for me. He’s in the fifth-sixth round area. It’s the demeanor, the attitude. I don’t think people are all that fired up about him. He thinks he’s better than he is.” Academic All-SEC twice. “Really talented but there’s some character concerns,” said a third scout. “He’d be more of a second-rounder if the character was good.” From Covington, Ga. “He’s a road-grader,” a fourth scout said. “He’s talented. He’s got some things personality-wise and some other stuff. The talent is in there. There’s some maturity things that he’s gonna have to figure out.”

5. GENNINGS DUNKER, Iowa (6-5, 319, 5.19, 2-3): Redshirted in 2021, started one game at RG in 2022 and started 38 games at RT in 2023-’25. “Some people see him as an inside player,” said one scout. “I think he could play right tackle. I don’t think he’s a first-rounder, by any means. He’s probably a two or a three.” Arms were 33 ½, hands were 10. “He’s big enough for tackle and his arms are long enough and then some,” said a second scout. “Right tackle is his position but he might be a better guard. His hands get a little outside the framework in pass pro. He can stop the bull. Adequate depth vs. the edge. Will catch some and give up some ground. He’s an aggressive run blocker, which I like. He’ll move people out. I like the dude. I’d let him fail first at tackle. You know those Iowa guys are well-schooled. They’re a clinic.” Part of a unit that won the Joe Moore Award as college football top offensive line in 2025. “He was a right tackle but he’s stiff on making adjustments,” said a third scout. “But inside, boy, when he’s in the run game, boy, he gets on guys and mauls ‘em. He’s definitely an inside player. You can get by with him for a time out on the edge but he’s not athletic enough. He can pass set but he can’t redirect to the inside move. He doesn’t redirect and adjust really well in space. But he’s what you want in the run game. He’s gonna get on guys and, shoot, create holes and space and all that stuff. He’s better gap scheme.” Three-time honors student at Iowa. Wrestled in high school. From Lena, Ill. “I like the size and the power but he’s so inconsistent,” a fourth scout said. “He’s a flashy guy. Looks like a fish out of water against the pass rush. Lacks the adjust part of it and the anticipation. When I was around him I got Cody Mauch vibes, the kid that came out of North Dakota State a few years ago (second round, Bucs, 2023). Maybe that’s because of his looks. He’s got the long hair and the mustache. Ugliest looking guy.” His pre-game routine is said to be a 10,000-calorie pig out.

6. BEAU STEPHENS, Iowa (6-5 ½, 314, 5.35, 2-3): Redshirted in 2021 and, when healthy, started the next four seasons at both guards. “He’s got a little center in him, too,” one scout said. “He just feels like one of those Iowa guys that are tough and reliable. You’re going to want longer-armed guys. You’re going to want maybe a little more athlete. But at the end of the day this guy tends to block his dude.” Arms were 31 1/8, the shortest of the top 20 guards. Hands were just 9 ¼. “He looks like an NFL player,” a second scout said. “Probably more of a backup in the end but he’ll be drafted third day. Sort of a gap-scheme guard. They’re really trying to sell him there now. He did have a good final year and sort of turned things around. Third round would be about the highest.” Ran the slowest 40 of the top 10 guards. “He grew on me,” a third scout said. “He was (graded) a practice-squad guy by the combine (in spring 2025). When I was watching the center (Logan Jones) ands the right tackle (Dunker) this guy was better than both of them. He’s probably going third round. Absolutely he’s a starter.” Won the Hayden Fry Award twice for exemplary leadership and dedication on and off the field. “Aggressive in-line run blocker with leg drive,” a fourth scout said. “Good stick-and-stay on linebackers. Has some nasty and torque to bury defenders. Little slow getting to linebackers. Gets a little out of control on kick-out blocks.” Played basketball and wrestled as a prep in Blue Springs, Mo.

7. KEYLAN RUTLEDGE, Georgia Tech (6-3 ½, 317, 5.05, 3-4): Started 17 of 22 games at Middle Tennessee State from 2022-’23 before starting 26 games at RG for the Ramblin’ Wreck. “He’s a guy that knows how to play,” said one scout. “Not the most athletically talented. Not that he’s terribly deficient, either. Average athlete, but he makes up for it. He’s got that DNA that good linemen have. Tough, he’s gritty, he’s strong, he understands. If you combined him and Farmer you’d have a first-rounder. He doesn’t have the talent and the body that guy does and won’t get drafted as high probably, but something tells me he’s going to be a success.” Almost had his foot amputated in a car crash in December 2023. Missed all of spring practice but was back for the ’24 season. “Brent Key (GTU coach), an O-line guy, really touts him as somebody with a big future,” said a second scout. “I think people are buying into that.” Two-time all-state basketball player from Royston, Ga., surpassing 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. State champion in the shot put (53-4). Three-star recruit. “I think he’s a late-round guy,” said a third scout. “He’s got a chance because you keep nine or 10 linemen. He’s little. Not a real big, thick guy. Plays a little high. He’s got too many limitations. He just doesn’t have the wide hips. It’s funny how guys at 316 can look small but there’s so many guys that are 330, 340.” His short shuttle of 4.45 led the guards. Arms were 33 ¼, hands were 10.

8. LOGAN TAYLOR, Boston College (6-6 ½, 315, 5.19, 4-5): Redshirted at Virginia in 2021 and started 10 games at tackle in ’22. Moved to BC, where his 36 starts broke down to 17 at LT, 10 at LG, eight at RG and one at RT. “He has played every position except center and there’s no reason he couldn’t play center,” one scout said. “He’s a good enough athlete but he will win with strength, smarts and technique. His left-tackle stuff wasn’t bad. This guy’s a football player.” From Lunenburg, in Nova Scotia. Played his final two seasons in high school at Alexandria, Va. “He’ll be a fifth-sixth round pick, at best,” a second scout said. “He’s got some height and size. He’s a guard, maybe a tackle in a pinch. Good personality. (BC’s Jude) Bowry had more acclaim during the season and he sort of slipped. But he’s no great prospect.” Arms were 33 7/8, hands were 10 ½. Four-star recruit.

THE NEXT FIVE

Keagen Trost, Missouri (6-4 ½, 312, no 40)
One scout said: “Steady and smart. He’s a good athlete but doesn’t have good foot quickness, which puts him in the guard-tough guy category.”

Armaj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M (6-5 ½, 319, 5.29)
One scout said: “I do think he’s (slightly) better than Trost. He’s got length (34 3/8 arms). He’s how you build ‘em. He had some issues earlier in his career. He plays hard. Technically, he needs some work. Little bit of a mauler-brawler type. The talent’s there. He has more talent than Trost. I don’t see Trost going past the fifth and I could see him in the fourth. Somebody’s going to take the talent. I think he’ll go higher than Trost.”

Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame (6-4 ½, 310, no 40)
One scout said: “He’s not overly impressive with size and athletic ability. He just kind of gets the job done. One of those guys, like instinctive and tough. He’s definitely a backup to start his career and maybe down the road he turns into a starter. He’s strong, strong, strong. Third round would be the highest.”

Anez Cooper, Miami (6-6, 338, 5.61)
One scout said: “He was 400 pounds at one point. They love the kid. He’s tough. He is a gap-scheme guard all the way. He’s not a wide-zone, run-off-the-ball type.”

Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma (6-4, 317, 5.35)
One scout said: “He’s got a shot. Really smart, big, quick and has really long arms (34 ½). He started the last three games of the year at center, which is where he might end up. Just one of those guys that’s smart enough, big enough, tough enough. Not an elite athlete, but you don’t really need those guys in the trenches. He’ll be an early Day 3 pick as a potential swing interior guy, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he started games during his career.”

Simpleton · Thursday at 8:31 PM

CENTERS

1. LOGAN JONES, Iowa (6-3, 300, 4.91, 2-3): Will be 25 in October after spending six years at Iowa, redshirting in 2020 and missing almost all of ’21 with a knee injury. “He’s far and away the best center,” one scout said. “Third round.” Was a defensive tackle before moving to offense in spring 2022 after Tyler Linderbaum was off to the NFL. “He’s not Linderbaum,” said another scout. “He’s more like Luke Wattenberg who came out of Washington and who plays in the league (Denver). He’s not going to be the best ever but he’s got strong hands and he’s smart. His makeup is awesome. He’s got good enough size and power to be a starter. Typical Iowa guy.” Started 50 games at center over four years. Paced the centers in the 40, short shuttle (4.45) and 3-cone (7.35). “Little bit of a poor man’s Linderbaum,” a third scout said. “He should find his way onto the field just because of who he is. The athlete, the hand strength. You want bigger and all that, but in the San Francisco (zone) scheme I could see him excelling.” Short arms (30 ¾), hands were 9 ½. “He’s the second-best center (behind Connor Lew) and probably a starter,” a fourth scout said. “Now he’s no Tyler Linderbaum. Sort of made the same way, just not as good of a player.” Earned four letters in track and three in basketball as a prep in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Wanted to attend nearby Nebraska but, according to Jones, “They said I was too small to play there.” Won the state shot put and discus as a junior.

2. CONNOR LEW, Auburn (6-3 ½, 309, no 40, 3-4): Third-year junior came out a year early despite the fact he suffered a torn ACL in mid-October and missed the last seven games. “I’m sure he’ll go back to the re-check (in Indianapolis),” one scout said. “I don’t know where that puts him if he’s got to start the year on PUP (physically unable to perform list). Does that drop him a round, or half a round, or what? I really liked him a lot. If healthy, I thought Lew was the best (center).” Two-year starter. Also beset by a sprained MCL in early 2025. “He could go third round,” another scout said. “He’s good. Athletic, quick. Really good in the run game. Big and strong.” Posted a 4.0 grade-point average in high school. Lettered in wrestling. “I thought he was a solid second-rounder and a starting center,” said a third scout. Paced the centers on the bench press with 31 reps. Arms were 32 3/8, hands were just 9. From Kennesaw, Ga.

3. SAM HECHT, Kansas State (6-4, 303, 5.16, 4): Walked on in 2021 and redshirted. Backed up in 2022-’23 before starting 25 games in 2024-’25. “He’s got to go to a zone team because he’s a down-block, double-team, duo type of guy,” said one scout. “He’s been underweight. He weighs 300, and that’s probably a stretch sometimes to stay at 300. Those Iowa centers who were too small and played for 10 years … that’s kind of what Sam is. Really a good athlete. Stays after it. He’s gonna get bulled by pass rushers. Domonique Orange of Iowa State just ran over him a couple times although he did (play) better against him this year. Mid-round pick. He may have to wait a year to gain some weight. I like Sam as a player but he’s got to be in the right system. He needs a zone team, a scoop team, outside zone, inside zone, that kind of team.” Arms were 31 5/8, hands were 9 7/8. Just 20 reps on the bench. “Love that kid,” a second scout said. “The size does show up but he’s a good football player. I could see him in the right scenario, a zone scheme, being a low-level starter. He can get out on pulls. He can move. He’s just small and 32-inch arms. Garrett Bradbury is very similar. The kid’s character is top-shelf.” Won many academic honors, and was a semifinalist for the academic Heisman. “You know what?” said a third scout. “He’ll start as a rookie, probably. He can execute cut-off blocks. He’s tough. He neutralizes guys. He’s one of those guys who tries to finish. He’s probably second round if you need a center. He’s quick. He can redirect. He’s aggressive. He’s a good one.” From Shawnee, Kan.

4. JAKE SLAUGHTER, Florida (6-5, 304, 5.14, 4-5): Joined Bill Carr (1966) and Maurkice Pouncey (2009) as the three Gators centers to be named AP first-team All-America. “He’s the player that Florida speaks the most glowingly of,” said one scout. Backed up in 2021-’22 before making 33 starts in 2023-’25. “He’ll end up being a starter,” a second scout said. “Maybe fourth round. When you look at all these centers in the league they’re mid-to-late (picks). He’s like that. He’s smart and he’s aggressive. He can pass protect. Good enough athlete. He’s a bender.” Ranked No. 21 in the Gators’ 23-man recruiting class in 2021. “He’ll be good,” said another scout. “He just feels like one of those steady eddie guys. He’s a good enough athlete. He can bend. He can stay in front. He’s smart and has played a ton of football.” Arms were 32 3/8, hands were 10. “He’s one of those guys who struggled at times getting his weight up,” a third scout said. “But I think he’s been able to figure that out. He’s one of those guys that when he’s done playing in the league he’ll be like 220 in like a month. It’ll melt off him. He’s really a center only.” Four-time All-SEC academic honoree. From Sparr, Fla.

5. TREY ZUHN, Texas A&M (6-6 ½, 312, 5.06, 4-5): Started 48 games at LT in 2022-’25 and two games last year at center. “He’s a tackle but I feel he’s going to be a poor man’s Graham Barton,” one scout said. “Somebody’s going to say, ‘I’ll move you to center.’” Arm length (32 ½) would be the handicap outside. Hands were 10. “He played a lot of football at left tackle but with a little bit shorter arms he’s not ideal out there,” a second scout said. “So I’m kicking him inside. They talk about him in high regard and who he is. I could see him being somewhat of a developmental starter that could play early at guard and then kick over once he gets comfortable. I like him inside. A 6-6 ½-inch center is tall, but I think he bends well enough.” Four-star recruit from Fort Collins, Colo. “He doesn’t look like a natural left tackle but he held his own,” a third scout said. “He’ll go because he’s versatile. That gives him a lot of worth. He’s not great but he’s versatile and solid. That’s kind of what you’re dealing with – guys that can make your team and help you out.”

THE NEXT FIVE

Jager Burton, Kentucky (6-4, 312, 4.97)
One scout said: “I think he’s a center first but can compete at guard. He’s got size and length (32 ½ arms). Got a lot of starting experience. You can see he leads the group upfront. He’s stout, but I don’t know how powerful he is in the run game. I don’t think the center-pull stuff is his game. He’s more gonna be firm, he’ll snap the ball and he’s gonna lead the troops. You’re not going to run down the cylinder very much because of his ability to anchor.”

Pat Coogan, Indiana (6-5 ½, 311, no 40)
One scout said: “I gave him a fourth-fifth grade because he has too many intangibles. He’s gonna make a ballclub. He’s gonna be an eight-year veteran. He’s got adequate everything as far as speed, strength and athletic ability. He’s a position mauler. He doesn’t do anything bad and he’s a mauler. I like those guys. Stout in pass pro. He can handle the nose guard. My report read the same way last year (before he left Notre Dame).”

Brian Parker, Duke (6-5, 309, 5.16)
One scout said: “Played right tackle for three years and didn’t look out of place there. Competitive kid, really tough. I was a little higher on him (as a center) before I saw him snap this spring. He’s not Graham Barton by any means. He’s smart and reliable.”

James Brockermeyer, Miami (6-3, 298, 5.31)
One scout said: “He’s smart as hell. His dad (Blake, NFL left tackle, 1995-’03, 103 starts) played. He’s little. Doesn’t look the part. He’s not for everybody. He’s undersized, but he doesn’t play small. He can take big guys one-on-one, bigger nose tackles, and block ‘em. He looks little. Nothing wrong with that, but guys like that usually kind of fall in (later) in the draft.”

Parker Brailsford, Alabama (6-2, 289, 5.00)
One scout said: “He’s talented but he’s so small. With all respect, he started at two major school (Washington, Alabama). But he’s a tiny guy. He makes Mark Stepnoski look like a giant. He was a great player, but he was small. I don’t think this guy is that.”

Simpleton · Thursday at 8:32 PM

QUARTERBACKS

1. FERNANDO MENDOZA, Indiana (6-4 ½, 236, no 40, 1): Became the first player from the Big Ten to win the Heisman Trophy since Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith in 2006. “He was the steady Eddie and part, a big part, of a really good team and now he emerges as the No. 1,” one scout said. “He’s got a lot of really good qualities. He’s big, tough and smart. He’s motivated, driven. He’s overcome a lot of adversity. He went from not being invited to walk on at Miami to Yale to, hey, we’ll take you at Cal to getting beat up out there to some extent,” said one scout.

“I think anybody that needs a quarterback would have to take him. I think he’s going to rise high. He’s wired that way. People say too many RPO’s, not enough dropback passes to go up in leagues. I think he can get past some of that. Is he an anticipatory thrower? Probably not, but you cannot deny the fact that he made big plays in big moments all season long. He’s not a nifty scrambler but he’ll just take the gap and take off. He can be an effective runner. He’d run better than 4.8.” Two-star recruit ranked as the No. 72 quarterback in 2022. Redshirted in ’22. Started the last eight games in ’23 (NFL passer rating of 85.9) before going 6-7 as the starter in ’24 (99.1). Moved to IU in ’25 and went 15-0 (130.4). Career rating was 107.7. “I saw him early in the year and I thought he was just a guy,” said a second scout. “They thought he’d be a little better than the guy (Kurtis Rourke) they had a year ago. As the season wore on he played better and better and better. His physical attributes are very average. Probably a 4.8 40, or 4.9. But he’ll knock out the IQ tests and get on the board and do all that stuff. He just throws a very accurate ball and knows the offense. All those things you want a quarterback to do, like Tom Brady did, he’s going to be that.” Just the Hoosiers’ third All-Big Ten first-team quarterback, joining Harry Gonso (1967) and Antwaan Randle El (2001). “He’s not going to get to the Raiders and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to transform this team,’” a third scout said. “You better have a lot around him. He’s going to be good. He’s got feel for it. Really good eyes. When he gets in rhythm he’s really, really good. But when he gets sped up things don’t work out too well for him. He’s got enough movement, but if he has to quickly move in the pocket to get out of trouble he struggles because he’s so big and his feet aren’t super quick. We’ve seen him play great in big moments but he’s had a lot of average games. Even the National Championship game, you’re not looking at him saying, ‘This is the first pick in the draft.’ But here we are.” Outstanding student. President of the campus ministry. Graduated from Cal in three years with a degree in business administration. “Put it this way,” a fourth scout said. “Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams and Drake Maye … he would be below those guys. I saw them right away as franchise quarterbacks. This guy lacks mobility. You need brains, accuracy and wheels. Where are the wheels on this guy? Did you see him on that touchdown (in the CFP title game)? It looked like he was stuck in slow motion. I don’t see the escape ability. The Raiders have two tackles but the inner three of that offensive line is bad.” Ran for 473 yards and 11 touchdowns. “It’d scare me to pick him in the first round,” said a fifth scout. “You don’t see enough create. You don’t see enough driving the ball down the field. Goody two-shoes personality. It’s going to be different in that pro locker room. The difference between college and the pros is not the size and speed. It’s the people you’re with. I just have this suspicion he’s going to rub people the wrong way the way he talks and acts.” From Miami.

2. TY SIMPSON, Alabama (6-1, 212, no 40, 1-2): Backed up Bryce Young in 2022 and Jalen Milroe in 2023-’24, throwing just 50 passes in three seasons. Started in ’25. “You could argue Ty Simpson over Mendoza,” one scout said. “The biggest concern is he’s a one-year starter. Started off really hot and then he got banged up and was dealing with injuries toward the end of the season. He’s really talented. He’s an underrated athlete. He’s got good feet and escapability. He’s really tough. Probably his best trait is his football intelligence and instincts. Kid’s always in command. Really good pre- and post-snap. You see it on film. He can manipulate safeties with his eyes. His footwork is really good, both in the shotgun and coming out from under center. He’s got a quick, compact release. His touch is really good. With the right team he can be a solid starter. I think he’d run 4.6, 4.65.” His father, Jason, owns a 130-98 record as coach of FCS Tennessee-Martin since 2006. Jason played quarterback at Mississippi State for two years. “Son of a coach,” a second scout said. “Good accuracy, smart. At one point during the season he was right up there at or above Mendoza.” Finished his career with a passer rating of 100.6. Also ran for 223 and five TDs. “He was as efficient as anybody in the country in the first eight weeks,” said a third scout. “Then he wasn’t 100%, got into tougher games and competition, didn’t play as good. He has subtle pocket movement. I think he’s a good enough scrambler. Not a great arm. He throws good. His greatest strength is he is a great kid. He’s still no certain thing. But there probably aren’t as many doubts (compared) to the others.” Five-star recruit from Martin, Tenn. “Fifteen starts, one-year starter,” said a fourth scout. “He’s a little guy that’s wild and inconsistent. He doesn’t have good feel for timing. He’s terrible against pressure. He’s a good little athlete but he doesn’t escape pressure well. He should have stayed in school. You’re really just gambling. There’s nothing on tape where you say, ‘He should have come out. He’s going to be a first-rounder.’ It’s years away with this guy.”

3. TAYLEN GREEN, Arkansas (6-6, 228, 4.39, 1-3): Compared by one scout to Colin Kaepernick (6-4 1/3, 230, 4.53), a second-round pick in 2011. “Damn right Kaepernick was good, and a lot of people crushed him (pre-draft), too,” said one scout. “The guy’s interesting. At least with this guy you’ve got something to work with. Those other guys are just limited. The athletic ability is crazy. His offensive line was awful. Every single play he’s running for his life, and he can run. He does have pocket feel. He’s poised and tough. he’s got some vision. The accuracy comes and goes. There might be a little ceiling on how great he can beat you as a passer. He sits in the pocket when he has time. When he gets out he looks downfield. When he runs it’s over with but he doesn’t look to do that. He’s not completely raw.” Spent three years at Boise State, redshirting in 2021 and starting 22 games in 2022-’23. His passer rating there was 88.6. In 24 starts for the Razorbacks his rating was 91.4 for a career mark of 90.3. “I thought he had glimpses of Randall Cunningham,” a second scout said. “I was intrigued by Green when I watched (2024) tape. Does anybody have enough time to work with another Justin Fields, who is now going to be on his fourth team in four years? He’s worth a shot as a dual-threat quarterback. But he lacks accuracy and all that.” Rushed 459 times for 2,405 (5.2) and 35 TDs. “Career completion mark was 60.1%. “He can run the RPOs,” a third scout said. “Long strider. Tall, high-cut athlete. Has very good scrambling ability. His footwork needs to be refined. He’s been primarily in the gun. He’s efficient in his accuracy on short and intermediate passes. Got good arm strength. Flashes touch and layering. He’s just inconsistent with his decisions and accuracy on the move against pressure. He can make some explosive plays but also has some bad, bad turnovers. There’s a lot of peaks and valleys. Is he ever going to be a No. 1? I don’t know but I think he can be a solid No. 2.” His 40 time, vertical jump (43 ½) and broad jump (11-2) all easily surpassed the other quarterbacks. “Talentwise, he is unique,” said a fourth scout. “But he is purely developmental. He’d be ideal to go somewhere like St. Louis (LA Rams) where he could just sit and learn. Because he has everything you want athletically and sizewise. He needs like the Full Monty, the full developmental rebuild.” Three-star recruit from Lewisville, Texas.

4. DREW ALLAR, Penn State (6-5, 230, no 40, 2-3): Played in 10 games, throwing 60 passes, as a true freshman in 2022 before starting 35 games in 2023-’25. “A year ago he was being talked about as maybe the top pick in the draft but then he decided to go back,” said one scout. “He’s got the prototype size of an NFL quarterback. Strong arm, better athlete than you might think because he’s more of a pocket quarterback. I think he’s better than 4.8. He’s very competitive. He was a good decision-maker but when pressured he flustered at times. He’s got the traits to be a capable starter.” Finished with a 3-3 record in a disappointing 2025 campaign before suffering a broken ankle against Northwestern. “Physically, it’s all there,” another scout said. “This guy can make any throw. Really good kid. Teammates really like him. They respect him. But when the games are big he does not play well. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything like it. There’s just something missing. I don’t know if it’s performance anxiety or what the hell goes on.” Finished with a passer rating of 100.4. Also ran for 732 and 12 TDs. “Something was off, something was missin’ because he’s got all the NFL traits and measurables,” a third scout said. “I just was concerned about his accuracy. It’s at all levels and it’s timing with receivers. I thought his touch and mechanics were worse the bigger the game got and the higher the competition. I don’t think his receivers helped him and he wasn’t sitting behind a very good O-line. I went back and looked at tapes from last year (2024) and I saw a better guy. Now he’s injured. Who knows where he’s at mentally?” Four-star recruit from Medina, Ohio. Also played basketball and baseball. “Just no decisiveness,” a fourth scout said. “He just doesn’t pull the trigger. Great kid, too. The game looks too fast for him.” Hands were 9 7/8. “He had as much physical talent as anybody but he breaks his leg and there’s something missing in his game,” a fifth scout said. “Can somebody fill in that blank? I don’t know. With a gun to my head I’d have him as my third quarterback just because I think I could craft an offense to help him. I mean, that Mickey Mouse system they’ve been in, it’s embarrassing. It was goofy. Something’s missing. He’s got too good of an arm. He never won a big game. He was tied to James Franklin. They kind of went in together and went out together. They could never get over the hump.”

5. GARRETT NUSSMEIER, Louisiana State (6-1 ½, 203, no 40, 2-3): Suffered an abdominal injury during practice in early August and finally was shut down after nine starts. “His stuff last year (2024) was great,” one scout said. “I don’t know what happened this year.” After backing up Jayden Daniels and others from 2021-’23, he started 22 games in 2024-’25. “Tale of two guys,” a second scout said. “In 2024, he looked like a starter in the NFL. But ’25 was a very difficult year. He played without any confidence. Everything looked like a player who was overthinking instead of going out there to win every snap. He had a much improved week in Mobile (for the Senior Bowl).” Went 15-8 in 23 starts with a passer rating of 93.6. Also ran for five touchdowns. “He can make some NFL throws from the pocket,” said a third scout. “He’s got really good arm strength. It’s just he’s small and makes a lot of mistakes just moving out of the pocket. When he’s on the run he’s forced a lot of balls. In the pocket, he’s got a great feel for buying a little extra time. He can really zip the ball. Third round.” Smallest hands (9 1/8) of the top 10 quarterbacks. “Hard to evaluate because I think he was hurt much of the season,” said a fourth scout. “Evaluating him off this year, I thought he was a backup. Tough kid, adequate arm strength but has some downfield inconsistencies. Not a great athlete. Most efficient in a short, quick passing game. His ball tails off beyond 25 (yards). Helped himself at the Senior Bowl. There’s concern that pressure could affect him. I’d say he’s around 4.9.” Four-star recruit from Lake Charles, La. His father, Doug, played quarterback for the Saints from 1994-’98 and currently is the team’s offensive coordinator.

6. COLE PAYTON, North Dakota State (6-2 ½, 235, 4.61, 2-3): Started only as a senior during five-year stay in Fargo. “He played in multiple games throughout his career as like a running quarterback or lined up at running back like a gadget guy,” one scout said. “He’s lefthanded, which some people might not like as much. But the kid has size, he’s really athletic for his size and has excellent speed. He can turn like a 3- or 4-yard run into a 30-yard run. He has a little bit longer windup and a three-quarter release, but he does have elasticity in his arm to get it out quick. He’s got a really strong arm. His accuracy is unreal on deep balls and layering the ball. He has touch. The school has a history of producing draftable quarterbacks. You might let him sit for a year. Maybe use him in a Taysom Hill role as a rookie. This kid could be a really good starter by Year 2. I don’t think he gets out of the second or third round. He has too much ability to work with.” Never threw more than 27 passes in his first four seasons. Only attempted 224 for the rush-oriented Bison in 2025. Finished with a passer rating of 123.7. Also rushed 287 times for 1,918 (6.7) and 31 TDs. “He can make sideline throws, do fades, put it in the middle,” said a second scout. “When he runs he makes people miss. He can do short-yardage.” In addition to a fast 40, he went 40 in the vertical jump and 10-10 in the broad jump. Largest hands (10 ¼) of the top 15 quarterbacks. “Overall, he had a pretty good Senior Bowl,” said a third scout. “I think there’s something to him but it’s probably going to take a couple years. You better have a quarterback and let him develop his skills. I’d absolutely take Cole Payton over Cade Klubnik.” Earned a master’s degree in December 2025. “One-year starter at North Dakota State – no thank you,” said a fourth scout. “He’s got a slow left-handed windup. Got a really weak arm. Terrible against pressure. Kind of a one-read guy. Decent enough athlete when it’s a designed run, but doesn’t really escape pressure well. He’ll make it but I don’t think he’ll be a decent backup even.” From Omaha, Neb.

7. CARSON BECK, Miami (6-4 ½, 232, no 40, 3-4): Sat at Georgia from 2020-’22 before going 24-3 as the starter from 2023-’24. “Two years ago, he might have been a top-5 pick,” one scout said. “In (mid-2023) I said, ‘If he comes out he could be the first pick.’ Two years ago, he played pretty well (career-best rating of 115.0). Since then … in defense of him, it’s hard to lead at Georgia when the head coach (Kirby Smart) is screaming in a bullhorn all practice. It’s hard for a quarterback to kind of find his place when all that is going on. It was a good move for him to go to Miami. He’s older and bigger and stronger and wiser than most of the competition this past year but he didn’t really dominate. He had his moments. If Stetson Bennett’s on a team (Rams) as the third quarterback I think Carson Beck can be a 3, maybe even a 2. He’ll only be a starter through a twist of fate.” Took over for Cam Ward with the Hurricanes in 2025 and was the loser in the CFP Championship Game loss to Indiana. “He did what they needed him to do at Miami,” another scout said. “But when it came down to it they still took the ball out of his hand instead of letting him make a play.” His ratings were 98.1 in 2024 and 107.1 in 2025 for a career mark of 106.7. Also rushed for 288 and seven TDs. “They won without him at Georgia,” said a third scout. “I’ve got to say he had a tremendous year at Miami. They also had a dominating defense. They had everything to help him. He’ll make the crucial errors. He made crucial errors in the championship game. He’s not a mobile guy. I don’t see him as a solid starter.” Four-star recruit from Jacksonville, Fla. Was a professional prospect in baseball as a first baseman-pitcher. “He’s nothing,” a fourth scout said. “He’s just so erratic. He folds versus pressure. He’s got enough athletic ability but doesn’t really know when to run and create plays. He’s a backup. At best.”

8. JOE FAGNANO, Connecticut (6-3, 226, 4.83, 4-5): Spent four years at Maine, playing 27 games and posting a passer rating of 95.8. Moved to UConn in 2023 but a shoulder injury ended his first season after two games. Started in 2024-’25. “Had a phenomenal season this year,” one scout said. “He threw one interception (against 28 TDs). He’s got a nice arm. Pretty good athlete. He may start out as a No. 3 but he could end up being a good No. 2. He’s never going to be the guy you want to start over the long haul but he can be a reliable backup.” Became a Black Bear after turning down his other offer, which came from Bucknell. “Lacks big-time arm strength but compensates with his intelligence, accuracy and touch,” another scout said. “Competitive kid. Makes plays in critical situations. Decent athlete. Like his mechanics and footwork. He’s got really good short accuracy. Shows poise under pressure. I thought he’d be a solid backup.” Finished with a rating of 116.0 for the Huskies. His career mark was 110.1. Ran for 223 and four TDs at UConn and 535 plus five TDs at Maine. From Williamsport, Pa.

9. SAWYER ROBERTSON, Baylor (6-3 ½, 216, 4.67, 5): Redshirted in 2021 and played briefly in 2022 at Mississippi State before starting for the Bears for 2 ½ seasons. “He’s a lot like (Tyler) Shough from Louisville,” one scout said. “Nobody knew about him until he got in the all-star games and all of a sudden he’s a second-round pick in New Orleans. To me, that’s kind of what Sawyer is. A guy that wasn’t on the radar at the start of the year, then had a good year and did decent at the Senior Bowl. Just a name on the board at the start of the year before he started throwing for 400 yards and threw the ball accurately. He’s a pocket quarterback but is going to run when he has to. He could throw the seam route to the tight end.” Tested well athletically at the combine. Vertical jump was 37 ½. Finished with a 94.3 rating and ran for 316 and eight TDs. “Has good arm strength, velocity and range,” a second scout said. “Erratic with his footwork, setup and decision-making. Indecisiveness lulls in processing ands release times affect his overall accuracy. Got good enough short-area accuracy but spotty and erratic on the move. He has traits but needs extensive refinement.” Took over as the full-fledged starter in Game 3 of 2024. Four-star recruit from Lubbock, Texas. His cousin, Jarrett Stidham, is a quarterback for the Broncos.

10. CADE KLUBNIK, Clemson (6-2, 207, 4.69, 5-6): Went 26-14 as a starter. Best year was 2024 when he threw for 36 TDs and had a passer rating of 105.6. “He got overhyped,” said one scout. “He got exposed. He was at the East-West Game, not even at the Senior Bowl.” Career rating was 95.2, and he ran for 878 and 17 TDs. “He’s a good project,” said a second scout. “When I first did him I thought he was a late first-round pick. He has all the tools you’re looking for. He’s got an arm. He’s got mobility. He can run. He’s accurate, for the most part. Sometimes balls get away from him. Sometimes he misses guys. But a quick release. He can fire the ball in there. He’s tough. He’s got Derek Carr in him. The quick release, about the same size, athlete, boom – he can make every throw. He’s a guy that’s intriguing.” Ranked the No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2022. Played at Westlake in Austin, Texas, the school that produced Drew Brees and Nick Foles. ”I don’t know why he was talked about being a first-round draft choice,” a third scout said. “I didn’t like him two years ago.” Three-time All-ACC academic honoree and a semifinalist for the academic Heisman.

THE NEXT FIVE

Behren Morton, Texas Tech (6-2, 218, 4.89)
Said one scout: “He’s the pass-happy, sling-it-all-over-the-place kid. I’ll tell you what. That kid is tough. He will stand there and take a hit. I just thought his arm was OK. Pretty functional athlete, moves around pretty good. I didn’t feel he was in control of the game.”

Luke Altmyer, Illinois (6-1 ½, 211, 4.70)
Said one scout: “Not great, but not bad. He was very inconsistent all year. He reminded me of Nussmeier. Their years were similar. Very up and down, but they both threw the ball pretty well at the Senior Bowl. Looked a lot more composed.”

Jalon Daniels, Kansas (6-0 ½, 221, 4.64)
Said one scout: “Has some explosive play-making ability. He’s a four-year captain, first time ever in school history, which is pretty impressive. Has a strong arm when his feet are in sync with his release. Has a lack of height and some injury history as well. His tendency to run could impede his longevity, but he could be a solid backup.”

Haynes King, Georgia Tech (6-2 ½, 212, 4.52)
Said one scout: “Kid’s really tough and competitive. Hasn’t won a lot, takes a pretty good beating. His throwing motion and release improved as the season went along. Has good arm strength. Has mobility. Inaccurate. Durability is a concern but he has enough to be a No. 2.”

Jake Retzlaff, Brigham Young (6-0 ½, 209, no 40)
Said one scout: “Capable player. Athletic dual threat. Effective decision-making. Good arm strength. Streaky accuracy.”

Simpleton · Thursday at 8:36 PM

TACKLES

1. FRANCIS MAUIGOA, Miami (6-5 ½, 328, 5.14, 1): Third-year junior. “I liked Will Campbell but I’d have to say this guy’s better than Will Campbell,” one scout said. “He’s not that (Hall of Famer Willie Roaf) but he’ll be an All-Pro type. He looks like a guard but he moves like a tackle. He’s got feel, balance, and he can bend. He positions guys really well. He’s an instant starter.”

The last four Hurricane tackles taken in the first round — Ereck Flowers (No. 9, 2015), Vernon Carey (No. 19, 2004), Bryant McKenzie (No. 7, 2002) and Leon Searcy (No. 11, 1992) — all started at least 100 NFL games. “He has less questions about him than the others,” said another scout who ranked him atop the pack. “He is a big man. He can stop people. He’s a little more patient than (Monroe) Freeling.” Born in American Samoa, he moved to Florida and became a 5-star recruit out of IMG Academy. “He’s either a right tackle or a guard,” said a third scout. “Big power player. I see him more as a guard. He definitely can be a starting tackle but he’s a Pro Bowl guard. He just doesn’t have quite the agility outside on the NFL level. I’d take him over (Penn State’s Vega) Ioane as a guard.” Arms were 33 ¼ inches, hands were 10 5/8 inches. His short shuttle of 4.59 paced the group. “A freaky, rare-sized tackle that isn’t the agile athlete that (Spencer) Fano and (Caleb) Lomu are,” a fourth scout said. “But in the run game, that’s where you see his power. He’s just more powerful in-line than the other (top) guys. He can move people off the ball. His deficiencies show maybe in pass pro dealing with some of these athletic, twitchy guys. He’s definitely a starter, but when you’re comparing him to the others he doesn’t have that lateral agility. But he can get out and run on pulls and getting to the second level. He’s probably a little heavier than anybody would like him.” Made all 42 starts at RT from 2023-‘25. “Usually the O-line coaches will tell you to make sure he’s a dancing bear and can pass protect and I’ll teach them how to run block,” a fifth scout said. “He’s a deceptive athlete who they’ll love to get their hands on and work on hand placement and consistency. He’ll be a solid starter at the beginning but by the end of the (first) year you’ll be enamored with him as your starter at left tackle or right.” From Ili’ili, American Samoa.

2. SPENCER FANO, Utah (6-5 ½, 312, 4.92, 1): Third-year junior with 24 starts at RT in 2024-’25 and 11 starts at LT in 2023. “In this era of football I like Fano the best because he could at least be a left tackle potentially,” said one scout. “He’s got shorter arms (32 1/8) but he’s got good feet. I think he’ll be able to do it.” His arm length was the shortest of the top 20 tackles. “My concern last year with Will Campbell was he was a little bit short-armed (32 5/8),” a second scout said. “He wasn’t 34, 35 (inches) like some of these guys. I really do think, if you watch throughout the season and especially in the Super Bowl, you could see where that showed up. People are intrigued by Fano the athlete. He’s got a nice frame. He’s got some Rashawn Slater to his game. He’s really athletic and a great technician. But that worried me as well (because) Rashawn’s had a lot of durability issues.” Fano’s 7.34 clocking led the tackles in the short shuttle. His hand size (9 inches) tied for the smallest among the top 20. “He doesn’t have really good length but he’s a great athlete,” a third scout said. “Utah ran a lot of plays where they’d walk down a wideout and pull a tackle out front. He just destroyed people in his path. Or run the quick screen to the wideout and he’d run out there and block the DB and run down the field with the running back. His best blocks are down blocks where he can just maul the guy. He’s not the size of Penei Sewell (6-5, 331, 5.09, 33 ¼ arms). Sewell is built like a brick.” Named Polynesian College Football Player of the Year in 2025. “Against Texas Tech there were a couple times when he gave up his edges early in the play,” a fourth scout said. “But he has the footwork to recover. I think he’s a better foot athlete than Will Campbell. I honestly don’t think that’s much of a concern. Light on his feet. He can mirror in pass pro. Not like a powerful, uproot, road-grader type but he can generate power by being on the move. He’s not weak. It’s more of a stalemate to a gradual win. He’s a top-15 pick.” Four of his uncles played in the NFL. “He’s just kind of average at everything,” a fifth scout said. “Doesn’t have top strength or top movement or feet. Inconsistent with production. He moved around better at the combine than I saw on tape but that’s drill work. He’s got a quirky-type personality.” From Spanish Fork, Utah.

3. BLAKE MILLER, Clemson (6-6 ½, 318, 5.05, 1): Started 54 games over four seasons for a school record total of 3,778 snaps. “There’s nothing sexy,” one scout said. “Nothing that stands out where you go, ‘Oh, wow.’ All he does is play down in, down out with consistent technique. He plays lower than you think for his frame. He can stay down. Pretty efficient in both areas in terms of run blocking and pass blocking. Not a guy with elite feet. His feet aren’t sweet feet, so to speak. But he’s an ideal starting right tackle right off the bat.” Started both ways in high school, participated in track and also wrestled. “Now he’s not the prettiest player all the time but he’s solid and lined up in every game he ever played,” a second scout said. “He’s very reliable in that way. That counts for something. There’s a real strong belief that he’ll go first round at the end.” Despite years of team success Clemson has never had an offensive lineman drafted in the first round. Their second-round picks were Jackson Carman (2021), Dave Thompson (1971) and Harold Olson (1960). “He’ll get thrown down a lot because he’s a little tight in the hips,” a third scout said. “He’s tough. Not the strongest, but he works at it. Good in pass pro. His thing is he’s really, really quick and positions well. After that, sometimes he’s up and down just because he’s not super strong or a top athlete. Ideally, he’s in the second round, but probably will go one.” Arms were 34 ¼, hands were 9 ¾. His 32 reps on the bench press led the position. From Strongsville, Ohio.

4. KADYN PROCTOR, Alabama (6-6 ½, 358, 5.19, 1): Third-year junior, three-year starter at LT. “Like him,” one scout said. “Has a little bit of a younger game but he’s got some lift to him. If a guy’s 366 and 6-7, and he’s a dancing bear, the offensive line coaches can figure it out. I don’t know the wiring because there have been some Alabama tackles that have kind of **** the bed in the league. If it (mental) is not a glaring hole, I just think when the league’s O-line coaches will get their hands on this kid they’re going to be, like, ‘Wait a second. It’ll take you a minute to run around this guy, let alone if he can’t move.’ But he can (move).” The Crimson Tide has had eight tackles drafted in the first round in the past 25 years: Chris Samuels (2000), Andre Smith (2009), D.J. Fluker (2013), Jonah Williams (2019), Jedrick Wills (2020), Alex Leatherwood (2021), Evan Neal (2022) and JC Latham (2024). Samuels, with six, is the only one to receive Pro Bowl honors. All were selected within the first 17 picks. “I didn’t like Evan Neal and this guy is exactly the same,” a second scout said. “I wanted to like him, too. He has a little bit of movement for being so big. But the game against Auburn, he’s just standing around watching. He just teases you and, ultimately, disappoints. Big, good-looking dude but not physical, not a lot of grit. Stands around and watches.” Five-star recruit from Des Moines, Iowa. Played for coach Nick Saban as a freshman, then transferred to Iowa for two months before reentering the transfer portal and returning to Tuscaloosa and the new staff of coach Kalen DeBoer. “Had the transfer portal issue where he kind of quit on the team and was going back to Iowa and then he came crawling back and his teammates accepted him,” said a second scout. “Light on his feet. He can bend. He can move people. He can anchor. Talentwise, there’s no question who this kid is. But he has had weight issues over his career. The intelligence is not great. At the end of the day, O-linemen that are big, smart and tough are the guys that play. The guys that are super talented and maybe not that smart and have weight issues and the work ethic doesn’t match to the talent are the ones you worry about. He’s how you want to draw them up physically but it gives you a little pause with who he is.” Was committed to the Hawkeyes out of high school before flipping to the Tide on national signing day. Also participated in basketball and track. “Big, massive athlete,” said a third scout. “You cannot deny the physical ability but just a lot of hype, a lot of recognition early on. He’s going to go probably in the 20’s but it’s embarrassing. He should be in the top five, top six. He’s more athletic than my top two guys (Fano, Mauigoa) but the top two guys produce consistently. He didn’t. Will he play? Yes. Are you going to be satisfied with him? Probably not. Alabama never really was.” Arms were 33 3/8, hands were 9 ¾. “He’s overrated,” a fourth scout said. “Slow feet. Kind of an oozer. Slow twitch, not a good athlete for pass protection. He’s got to be a right tackle or a guard. But he’s a massive guy and sometimes that’s all you need, especially at guard.” Added a fifth scout: “I don’t know if he has the grit to play guard but he could. He does not dominant consistently. Depends which tape you watch. He’s gifted, though. He’s just a mountain of a man with great feet. He gets lazy sometimes.”

5. MONROE FREELING, Georgia (6-7 ½, 317, 4.98, 1): Third-year junior backed up in 2023, started four games in late 2024 and assumed the LT job in 2025. “You can tell he hasn’t started a ton but every game he got better and better,” one scout said. “He’s got what we call s**t in his neck. He’s got a little more physicality than some of these guys for a younger guy that hasn’t played a bunch. He’s that kind of kid that’s gonna walk in there and be, like, ‘Nothing’s going to be too big. I’m going to learn this job and take this job and make it my own.’ He strikes me as having that kind of play personality. He’s athletic enough. He just needs to continue to develop that man strength. He’s going to play left tackle and play it really, really well.” Had the largest hands (10 ¾) and tied for the longest broad jump (9-7) of the top 20 tackles. “He’s really talented,” a second scout said. “But he has some issues core strength-wise, hand placement, all that stuff.” Four-star recruit from Charleston, S.C. “He’s big, he’s long and he’s got great feet,” said a third scout. “Kind of like a Kolton Miller type. For a guy that’s (inexperienced) he sees things really well. I didn’t see any big holes in his game at all other than being a one-year starter. He’s so big with a wide base. He can change directions. Plays aggressive. He gets overaggressive sometimes but we can work with that. He’s bigger and longer than Fano. Just the body of work is a lot smaller.” Arms were 34 ¾. The Bulldogs have had five first-round tackles in the past eight years: Isaiah Wynn (2018), Isaiah Wilson (2020), Andrew Thomas (2020), Broderick Jones (2023) and Amarius Mims (2024). “Looks thin,” a fourth scout said. “He’s got some initial movement and quickness. He’s just so weak. He’s off with his technique. He kind of falls around a lot. Gets smashed to the ground. You see some athletic stuff there but he’s just a long ways away. I can’t see first round.” Played high-school basketball, averaging 2.3 points and 2.5 rebounds.

6. CALEB LOMU, Utah (6-6, 311, 5.01, 1-2): Assuming Spencer Fano is selected before him, Lomu could become Utah’s fourth-ever first-round tackle. The first two, both Pro Bowl players, were Jordan Gross (2003) and Garett Bolles (2017). “He’s a good athlete, too, but Spencer’s a notch above him,” one scout said. “Lomu has the prototypical size and length. He’s light, too. He has the bigger frame (than Fano). He has the traditional tackle body that you like. Not that he’s soft or anything but he just doesn’t finish with the same urgency. Fano has more strength and power than Lomu.” Third-year junior and two-year starter at LT. “He’s more of a finesse guy than Fano,” a second scout said. “Needs to gain some strength. The feet, the athlete, the body to work with – it’s all there. It may take him a while. I don’t think he’s a guy you can pencil in this year. Physically, there’s some things he needs to get better at and get stronger. I saw him get bull-rushed a couple times.” Arms were 33 5/8, hands were 9 ½. “Both of them are (finesse players),” a third scout said. “It’s the old coaching adage: is it that way, or did you allow it to happen? He’s a good athlete but I wouldn’t call him elite. It’s surprising that he would play there (left tackle) and Fano played right given that Fano’s probably a little better athlete. I like him. He’s the kind of guy that by the end of his first year he’ll be playing good, productive football. I just don’t think he’s a plug-and-play starter.” Four-star recruit from Gilbert, Ariz. Was born in Honolulu. “I think he’s the better of the two,” a fourth scout said. “He’s more athletic than Fano. His production is up and down. He’s not very strong. He gets stood up a lot. Good athlete, not a top athlete. But he’s going to play.” Managed 25 reps on the bench press. “He’s relatively small when you compare him to tackles that are playing,” said a fifth scout. “Just not a big man. I’m a little lower on him than Fano because he’s not a real gritty, edgy O-line mentality.”

7. MAX IHEANACHOR, Arizona State (6-6, 321, 4.90, 1-2): Born in Nigeria, moved to Compton, Calif., at age 13 and played football for the first time in 2022 at East Los Angeles Junior College. “Somebody on campus saw him and said, ‘Man, you need to check out the football team,’” one scout said. “He’s literally only played real football for maybe four years. His arrow is up. He’s got the feet. His deficiencies are all coachable and things he can (improve). Physically, he has first-round talent. He got better as the season went along this year. What he did against David Bailey and those Texas Tech ends put him on the map. You saw what he could do against a real NFL-type pass rusher. He just needs to play more.” Started five games for the Sun Devils in 2023 because of injury. Started at RT in 2024 and at LT in 2025, then played RT at the Senior Bowl. “Good for him if he went to the Senior Bowl like a job interview and took advantage of it,” said a second scout. “I call him a tease because he helped himself at the Senior Bowl but his film was so inconsistent. You saw an athletic dense body, physical at times. But my concerns with him were his instincts, and that leads into smarts. If you’re a little bit of a slow reactor then you can’t take advantage of your talent. I had a hard time with the film. ‘What happened here?’ He’ll go four or five plays and you’re, like, ‘What is this guy?’ You have to figure out if you like him, if you love him and if you’re nervous about him. Athletically and physically, I like him. He just has a hard time consistently putting it all together. Whether that’s mental or not toughness, I don’t know.” Arms were 33 7/8, hands were merely 9. “The more you watch him the more you fall in love with him,” a third scout said. “He’s not going to be a great pass blocker. He’s not the athlete that Fano is but he does a lot of good things. Down blocks. He can pull and get out in front better than you would think just watching him move around. He’s not an elite foot athlete but he can get in the way. He’s a second- or third-round pick. I’d take Lomu.” Shared the position lead in the broad jump at 9-7. “He’s new to football and he plays like it,” a fourth scout said. “These guys are always hit or miss and how long will it take and if he’ll get it. You can see the ability, the flashes but he just plays raw. You just don’t know the background, the learning, the work ethic, and whether you have confidence that’s going to develop. He’s off balance a lot. The hand placement’s wide. He doesn’t seem to pick things up quickly and visually. He is a classic Senior Bowl guy. Everything’s kind of dumbed down there. Those kind of guys shine. It’s easy. You don’t have to learn much. That’s why it isn’t (valuable). He’ll be a second-rounder. If you do all the background and the learning and the toughness, then you say, ‘All right, he’s worth a shot.’” Played basketball and soccer in high school.

8. AUSTIN BARBER, Florida (6-7, 318, 5.13, 2-3): Spent five years in Gainesville, starting 38 of 50 games. “He’s a lot like Blake Miller,” said one scout. “Really tough, very physical. Not as long as I’d like. Sometimes he gets beat by long-arm moves where you can’t stop it at first and then they get you off your feet and get you light on your heels. He’s steady, efficient, smart. He’s going to figure out how to play.” Played at the Senior Bowl. “I don’t think he had as good an all-star week as he would have liked to have had,” the scout said. Arms were 33 1/8, hands were 9 5/8. “He can play on either side but preferably right tackle for me,” said the scout. “But he’s been a left tackle. He’s more like a fourth-round pick especially now that he struggled a little bit (in Mobile).” Four-time All-Southeastern Conference honors student. Played high-school basketball in Jacksonville, Fla.

9. CALEB TIERNAN, Northwestern (6-7 ½, 323, no 40, 2-3): Fifth-year senior. Redshirted in 2021, started five games at RT in 2022 and 38 games at LT from 2023-’25. “He’s smart and he’s tough,” said one scout. “Moves around OK. Can play on both sides. He probably will get taken higher than people think. I’m guessing third round but he could go higher than that. Not great in pass pro, but not bad. I don’t know if he’s strong enough for guard. I don’t think he played that heavy (323 at pro day).” Played four years of varsity basketball at Detroit Country Day High School. “He’s deceptively physical,” a second scout said. “There’s some good toughness in that kid. Little bit of a limited foot athlete. I love the frame but he tends to play to that 6-7 and gets a little high at times. He’ll struggle at times with power rush when he’s late with his hands. He’s got to develop some core strength. What you see is kind of what you get. I wrote him as a solid starter. I don’t know that there’s a ton of upside but steady and efficient. Not elite. Third round.” Arms were short (32 ¼), hands were small (9). Led the tackles in the vertical jump (35 ½). “Tall guys never have to bend, and when they do bend they bend at the waist,” a third scout said. “This guy can bend his knees. He had adequate punch and arm extension. He opens up the gate sometimes to the inside. Good at picking up the switches. Adequate stopping the bull. He can slide his feet. Good at hitting targets on screens.” From Livonia, Mich. “I didn’t like him,” a fourth scout said. “Gave him a backup grade. Mid-to-late rounds. He’s (big) but he just doesn’t play strong.”

10. MARKEL BELL, Miami (6-9, 348, 5.43, 2-3): Weighed close to 400 pounds before and during his two years at Holmes (Miss.) Community College before starting 21 of 28 games at left tackle for the Hurricanes. “He reminds me a little bit of Trent Brown (6-8 ½, 380, 5.26), who went in the seventh round (in 2015),” said one scout. “He had a lot of negatives but he was so damn big and he’s still in the league playing. Bell’s so damn big and he’s got decent enough feet. As soon as he gets his hands on people he wins. He’s so massive. He’s an intriguing guy. He’s more of a pass pro guy with upside. The run blocking … kind of lazy at times. He gets high and lumbers around. But when he wants to he can cave in a side. His thing is, you just stick him at right tackle and he’s got the pass pro and he’s massive. He’s got to go early. You can’t find guys like this. Tackle is the hardest position to find. That’s why the good ones fly off the board. He’s a piece of clay you can coach up.” Longest arms (36 3/8) at the position but merely 9-inch hands. “Some gap teams might like him,” a second scout said. “He is a giant. But he’s raw. But he can get in the way.” Ranked as the No. 4 JUCO prospect out of Holmes. “This guy is a monster,” a third scout said. “He is gigantic, and that’s his whole game. He can smother people in the run game. When he gets his arm extended he does everything really well but he’s so inconsistent at it. He slides good enough but if you redirect with quick stuff on him he’s gonna miss you. If he gets those damn arms on you, at his length, you can’t beat him. If the work ethic and mental are there he can play with the limitations he has. The hand size is weird.” From Cleveland, Miss. “He’s barely draftable,” said a fourth scout. Added a fifth scout: “He’s my eighth tackle and he’s more of a third-round pick. I think he can start in the league.”

11. JUDE BOWRY, Boston College (6-5, 315, 5.10, 3-4): Shared the position lead in the broad jump (9-7) and hand size (10 ¾). “If you took him on straight talent he’s a second-round pick,” one scout said. “He is a natural bender. He is super light on his feet. You say, ‘Yeah, that’s a left tackle right there.’ But the technique’s all over the place. There’s plays where he just short-circuits. Sometimes he’s able to recover because he’s so athletic but sometimes he just gets stuck in the mud.” Limited to 31 games over four seasons, including 21 starts at LT and two at RT, by a series of concussions and other injuries. Looked OK during the practices at the Senior Bowl but then gave up sacks to Duke’s Vincent Anthony and Western Michigan’s Nadame Tucker in the game. “He had a horrible Senior Bowl game,” a second scout said. “He gave up two sacks and some pressures. It was bad. I think he will drop, but he might be a good find late in the draft if he hasn’t lost his confidence.” Arms were 33 ¾. “I’m hanging onto my *** a little bit because I really liked him,” said a third scout not long after the Senior Bowl and after filing his report. “There was a reason he was at the Senior Bowl. He was a physical, aggressive guy. He finished people. What worries me is his confidence as well as his energy kind of dipped when he got beat a couple times. That bothered me. I’ve got to find out who he is. I’d go back to the film and fight for him. Off college tape he was a really good player.” Three-star recruit from Germantown, Md.

12. DAMETRIOUS CROWNOVER, Texas A&M (6-7, 319, 5.15, 3-4): Arrived in College Station as a 3-star tight end in 2021 before redshirting and moving to tackle. “It’s pretty damn close between him and Bell,” said one scout. “He has his strengths. He’s huge. He’s a little better athlete than Bell. He’s a low starter to begin with who can grow into being a (solid) starter. Fourth round.” Two-year starter at RT. Arms were 35 3/8, hands were 10. “He has the ability (to start),” a second said. “There’s not many guys walking the earth like that. He’s light on his feet. He’s got extremely long arms. The body’s not great. He was really late to football. He was a basketball player at a small high school so it might be a little big for him early. But the guy’s been productive in the SEC so that transition gives you encouragement that he’s able to make this next step. He’s a very, very nice kid but you saw him on tape actually bury people. I don’t know if he’s going to go super high just because there are some questions but he’s a massive, long, good athlete that I can see starting. If he’s handled all these interviews I would say back of the third or early fourth.” From Grandview, Texas.

THE NEXT FIVE

Drew Shelton, Penn State (6-5, 313, 5.19)
One scout said: “I have him at guard. He just fits there better. He could be a right tackle. He’s a starter in the league. He could start at guard because of his size and he’s got good feet and lateral range. His hand placement is average. He’s got to get better. I was disappointed in every single Penn State guy. He’s a second-third round type.”

J.C. Davis, Illinois (6-4 ½, 319, 5.13)
One scout said: “Yeah, he has the arm length (34 ¼). Good play strength, good arm length, adequate athlete. He can slide in protection. Has some trouble with speed to power. That’s what really got him. He gets real high in goal-line. Fifth-round type. He played left tackle but he’s a right tackle.”

Isaiah World, Oregon (6-5 ½, 323, no 40)
One scout said: “I really liked him but now he has an ACL (suffered Jan. 9 against Indiana). He’s athletic. I thought he was first part of the second round had he not gotten hurt.”

Diego Pounds, Mississippi (6-6, 328, 5.17)
One scout said: “He’s a massive man to try to move, and there’s a lot of area to try to run around. However, he is slow-footed and struggles with defenders who know how to use their speed. He will have a chance to get into the NFL and stick around a long time ala Dan Skipper.”

Nolan Rucci, Penn State (6-8 ½, 314, 5.45)
One scout said: “His dad (Todd) played in the league (starting guard, Patriots, 1993-’99) and was like a man’s man, a pro’s pro. So you know he’s been raised right. This is a big, long (34-inch arms) guy. He was up and down this year. It might take him a few years but eventually he becomes a really good swing tackle.”

Simpleton · Thursday at 8:38 PM

TIGHT ENDS

1. KENYON SADIQ, Oregon (6-3, 243, 4.32, 1-2): Third-year junior. “I would take him wherever … in the top 15,” said one scout.

“Just physical and can run. He’s put together really well even though lengthwise he’s not prototype. Very athletic in space. I thought they underused him. The quarterback (Dante Moore) struggled getting him the ball. Serviceable as a blocker. Can do the wing and motion stuff. Evan Engram is the guy I used to describe him.” Just five catches as a true freshman in 2023 and 24 in 2024 before becoming a starter last year and hauling in 51. “Before this year you could tell he was just learning the position,” a second scout said. “The primary way they would get him the ball was on screens and short passes. He was kind of a gadget guy. Lot of catch-and-run plays. This year they finally pushed him downfield with all of his speed and he had some deep-ball catches. He can really sky for the ball. He made some spectacular catches. He had six drops this year. It’s interesting. He really wasn’t a big factor in the offense. When you watched him against press-man coverage or even off he didn’t really have a feel for how to get open despite all this upside and athletic ability and speed. He’s coming. He’s got to keep getting better. What he’s capable of is just spectacular, it really is. I just don’t think he’s as ready to play as (Eli) Stowers.” Besides his fabulous 40, his combine performance included a vertical jump of 43 ½ inches, a broad jump of 11-1 and a bench press of 26 reps. “I don’t think he’s Brock Bowers,” a third scout said. “It’s not the tight-end class like the last couple years. He’s a freaky athlete. He’s not a big, long guy. Kind of a short, compact guy. The hands are above average. The route detail is average to above.” Finished with 80 receptions for 892 yards (11.2-yard average) and 11 touchdowns. His 51 receptions in 2025 were the most ever by a Ducks tight end. “Looks like a big wide receiver,” said a fourth scout. “He’s a little possession H-back. He’ll make some splash plays within their system because they do all that (short) stuff and the next thing you know he’s running free. You just don’t see great separation or explosiveness. As a blocker he tries, but he’s (small). This guy isn’t Harold Fannin. He knew how to get open and catch the ball. This guy’s not close to Fannin.” Four-star recruit from Idaho Falls, Id. Chicago’s Colston Loveland, the first tight end taken in 2025 at No. 10, also hails from Idaho (Gooding). “I love everything about him but I wish his hands were better,” a fifth scout said. “He has a lot of drops. Other than that, and that’s kind of a big thing, I like him a lot. What’s nice, too, is he isn’t a bad blocker. Yeah, he’s pretty good at it. You wish he was taller for the position but a receiving tight end that can get into people and block ‘em is good.”

2. ELI STOWERS, Vanderbilt (6-3 ½, 241, 4.50, 2): A 7-foot state high-jump champion in Texas, he put on a show at the combine with a vertical jump of 45 ½ and a broad jump of 11-3. The vertical jump was unheard of for a tight end and the broad jump also led the position this year. “He crushed the drills and ran crazy fast,” one scout said. “He’s a better receiver than Sadiq as far as movement and hands. He just has a better catch radius and hands than Sadiq. Neither one will give you much blocking. Stowers’ catching is what caught my eye. He’s got long-*** arms (32 5/8 inches) and he’s tall. He can catch. If somebody’s covering him he can still just go out fast and get the ball. I don’t see that in Sadiq.” Four-star recruit as a quarterback. Played QB for two years at Texas A&M without throwing a pass before shoulder injuries and opportunity prompted his move to TE at New Mexico State in 2023. Caught 35 passes for the Aggies with Diego Pavia at quarterback, then followed him to Vanderbilt in 2024-’25. “He was super hungry in 2024,” a second scout said. “He almost beat Alabama singlehandedly. I think he saw it as a chance to play in the SEC and show people what he had. This year he didn’t show that hunger until later on in the year. They got away from using him as a blocker and I don’t think it helped his game necessarily. He got out of the flow a little bit. There’s not a whole lot he can’t do. He definitely can block in space. He has shown he’s more than tough enough. He has really skilled eyes and hands. He can run after the catch. I think everybody feels he’s too small to play tight end but I don’t see that. I see a guy maturing into a role. I mean, he was a quarterback. I’d say he’s a top-50 player, for sure. To me, he’s a top 25.” Finished with 146 catches for 1,773 (12.1) and 11 TDs. “He’s intriguing,” a third scout said. “He’s more of a glorified wide receiver disguised as a tight end. I think he’ll make it somewhere. He could go second or third round because he tested well but he’s not going to be much of a blocker.” Won the William V. Campbell Trophy, which often is referred to as the academic Heisman. “Really, really athletic,” a fourth scout said. “That’s kind of his calling card. He’s a smooth athlete, runs well, has good receiving skills. Pretty poor blocker. He’s a quarterback converted to tight end so that kind of tells you where the blocking’s going to be. I thought third round but he may go higher than that.” From Denton, Texas.

3. MAX KLARE, Ohio State (6-4 ½, 246, no 40, 3-4): Played three seasons at Purdue, backing up as a freshman in 2022 before starting 16 of 17 games in 2023-’24 and then going to Ohio State in ’25. “He probably should have stayed at Purdue,” one scout said. “When he was there he kind of lit it up. He got in there (at Ohio State) with a crowded group of tight ends. Most of them were better (blockers). Not that he’s not willing. He’s just not that powerful. He didn’t get the ball much early. He goes in the second or third. He won’t run that well. He’s got the skillset. He’s a good route runner. He can create separation. He’s got really good hands. He’s a really savvy player. I just don’t think he’s going to change a team.” Suffered a broken ankle in 2023 and missed seven games. In all, he caught 116 passes for 1,329 (11.5) and six TDs. “He runs the same route over and over,” a second scout said. “They run a little delay drag route. That’s pretty much where he gets all his production from. Not a natural hands catcher. He’s got easy drops. If you’re that kind of guy you better have great hands. He doesn’t. As a blocker, you’re not getting much from him at all. They had two other guys (Will Kacmarek, Bennett Christian) that did the blocking so he just goes and hangs out with the receivers. They don’t even put him in the mix to do it. He’s a supposed receiving-type tight end who doesn’t catch the ball well and doesn’t really make any big plays or get open well. I didn’t see much there.” Comes from a football family: his father, brother, grandfather and two uncles all played collegiately. “He’s got the genetics,” said a third scout. “He’s more of a work-in-progress guy. I comped him with (Luke) Schoonmaker, who played at Michigan. They used him as a motion and move guy and on whams and kickouts, and I think that’s going to be his forte at the next level, too. He’s not that great blocking but a lot of these guys aren’t. I liked the way he moved around.” Three-star recruit from Guilford, Ind. “He can get himself into the mix,” said a fourth scout. “I don’t think the year went as well for him as expected but I think he’s still going to get there.”

4. JUSTIN JOLY, North Carolina State (6-3 ½, 243, no 40, 3-4): Said one scout: “He reminds me of a poor man’s Sadiq. They’re both kind of chiseled, strong, muscular.” Caught 74 passes at Connecticut in 2022-’23 and 92 more for the Wolfpack in 2024-’25. “Kind of a squattier body but he’s a guy that can block and he can catch, and he’s pretty fast,” said a second scout. “He can get down the seams. You want a guy a little bit taller. He’s kind of a fullback-tight end. He can win blocking man on the line of scrimmage. He works to finish. Third round.” Finished with 166 catches for 1,978 (11.9) and 15 TDs. “What a great set of legs,” said a third scout. “He was listed once at 260. I can imagine that with the legs. Man, is he cut up lower body. His upper body isn’t to the same proportion. Good football player. Just undersized. Has a little bit of tightness sometimes getting away from coverage or getting into his route. He’s got outstanding speed. I think he’s a starter at F. He’ll do the dirty blocking. He’ll go after the ball and catch in a crowd.” From Brewster, N.Y. “He looks more like an H-back but he doesn’t have the toughness to play H-back,” a fourth scout said. “He fancies himself like Tony Gonzalez or Travis Kelce, like this legit receiver. He’s a functional receiver but not good enough to get away with his lack of blocking. F tight ends, a lot of them aren’t great blockers. This guy did improve as a senior but as a junior he was total horse****. He turned stuff down. He’s not a vertical field threat. His speed is just average. He does have a little bit of run after the catch because he’s got a knack and instincts. Somebody will think they can scheme him. He does have some upside as a receiver.”

5. MARLIN KLEIN, Michigan (6-6, 249, 4.71, 4): Growing up in Cologne, Germany, he played soccer and basketball. At age 15, he informed his parents that he wanted to play football. They moved to Georgia, and he developed quickly into a legitimate prospect. “He played the F and the Y,” one scout said. “He can use his head and shoulders to create separation. He has enough seam speed, good hands, can track (the ball), can bend. Good position blocker but lacks that blocking strength.” Spent his first two years hardly playing behind Luke Schoonmaker, AJ Barner, Erick All and Colston Loveland. Served as the No. 2 behind Loveland in 2024 before starting last season. Missed two games early in the season with an ankle injury and returned in limited form until November. Finished with 38 catches for 364 (9.6) and one TD. “Depth-level player,” a second scout said. “I’d be surprised if he got drafted.” Four-star recruit. Three-time All-Big Ten academic honoree.

6. MICHAEL TRIGG, Baylor (6-3 ½, 240, no 40, 4-5): Played seven games at USC in 2021, 10 games (six starts) at Mississippi from 2022-’23 and 22 games (16 starts) at Baylor from 2024-’25. “He’s one of those guys that either is gonna make it or he’s gonna go bust,” said one scout. “He flunked out (of Ole Miss). He could go anywhere (in the draft). Somebody’s going to see something they like and has a coach that thinks he can get it out of him … sees the highlights and this is his best, and we’ll travel with the best.” His arms measured 34 ¼, longest at the position. “He made some great catches that would fill up two to three minutes of his highlights,” the scout said. “He is the prototype new-age tight end. He’s a highlight reel waiting to happen as far as catching the ball down the seam. Marginal blocker. He’s got some issues in his past. He got suspended for a game a year ago and then kind of turned it around (in 2025). They had nothing but high marks for him this year as far as being a teammate. I saw him warm up and he didn’t do a thing. Not one thing. I thought, ‘This guy’s a dog.’ Then he comes out in the first series and makes an unbelievable catch for a touchdown. That’s kind of who he is, though. He’s gonna be a fringe guy that’s gonna have to toe the line. He’s going to have to put on some weight. He’s actually a big wide receiver. He doesn’t block worth beans. He comes across the split zones and he just throws his shoulder in there and isn’t real good at it.” Finished with 108 catches for 1,419 (13.1) and 14 TDs. “Ole Miss basically told him to leave,” a second scout said. “It’s hard to get thrown out at Ole Miss. Talentwise, he deserves to go third round. It’ll just be what (teams) uncover in terms of what his true value is. He’s more talented than Max Klare but he’s not as consistently reliable. He’s got some catches on tape, I mean, over the top of people. He also has some points where you go, ‘Huh? A little lazy there, young man.’ Doesn’t like blocking too much but when he does it he’s good. He’s a weapon. He’s probably the third most talented tight end.” Four-star recruit from Tampa. Averaged 22.6 as a junior on his high-school basketball team.

7. WILL KACMAREK, Ohio State (6-5 ½, 261, 4.77, 5): Regarded by some scouts as the best blocking tight end. “He will steamroll your face,” said one. “I think he’s a starting Y. He can catch but receiving isn’t his primary duty. He’s tough. Sticks his face in there. He’s a very good blocker and he has good hands. You can get the ball to him in certain situations and trust him. He’s a guy that can help you win. I don’t see him as a reason (why you win). He runs a good speed for a Y. He doesn’t run a good speed for an F.” During the blocking drill at the combine he attacked the sled like no other tight end. “A lot of times you have to give up athleticism for the power you need on double-downs ands kickouts, even in pass protection,” said a second scout. “Athletically, he’s a lot like the (Luke) Farrell kid in Jacksonville. I thought he should have gotten the ball more.” Slowest of the top tight ends. “I think he’s just OK,” said a third scout. “He’s more like a third (tight end). He’s not a difference-maker.” Starting 24 of 55 games, he caught 65 passes for 761 (11.7) and four TDs. “With Kacmarek, you know exactly what he’s going to do in the league,” a fourth scout said. “I think he’ll be a starting Y. He’s really good in that role.” From St. Louis. Registered 23 sacks as a defensive end in high school.

8. ELI RARIDON, Notre Dame (6-6, 248, 4.62, 5): Played four seasons for the Irish, starting six of 28 games from 2022-’24 before winning the job and starting 12 times last season. “Interesting guy,” one scout said. “Real big target. Good hands. Got a ways to go as a blocker but he’ll do it. He blocks really erect. He’s been hurt (ACL in ’22) and has a real staggered play history; his medical grade will be a factor. I think he’s just coming into his own. There’s quite a bit there if he wants to be a Y. He has to keep getting stronger and learn how to play with leverage. He’s a better receiver than Kacmarek but not quite the same blocker. He’s definitely not an F. He’s a Y.” Finished with 48 catches for 623 (13.0) and three TDs. “He’s tall, good athlete, has the deep speed, good hands and adjustment,” a second scout said. “Will have some lapses; they all do. Can take a hit over the middle. Very functional blocker who tries to extend. He’s definitely not a drive blocker. He can hit the target on wham blocks across the formation. Better F than Y, but has value at both.” Four-star recruit from Des Moines, Iowa.

THE NEXT FIVE

Jack Endries, Texas (6-4 ½, 245, 4.70)
Said one scout: “Not in love with this guy but he does get a good vertical stretch. Not much of a blocker. Not a lot of width to this guy. He’s got a small-hipped structure. But he’s a good athlete with good hands. He’s tough when he catches. He can be that No. 2 tight end but I don’t see him as a No. 1.”

Oscar Delp, Georgia (6-5, 245, 4.49)
Said one scout: “Really interesting player due to a very inconsistent career. Played amazing for a season, then completely disappeared. When he was used, Delp showed he could be the type of athlete that could create in the pass game. He has some stiffness in his movements but is more than able to win one-on-one against linebackers and safeties. He’s tough to bring down after the catch, which gives him even more value. His lack of production (70 receptions in 55 games, including 34 starts) could hurt but teams will likely think he has a chance to shine at the next level.”

Lake McCree, Southern Cal (6-4, 246, 4.82)
Said one scout: “I thought he was third round. I know I’ve got him rated higher than most people. He reminded me of Greg Dulcich of UCLA coming out. Pretty smooth in and out of his breaks. He’s got good hand quickness and foot quickness. He’s tough. He’ll compete over the middle and influence people with his routes. He’s going to be a serviceable as a run blocker but he does the movement stuff. He needs to put on weight and get a little stronger.”

Seydou Traore, Mississippi State (6-3 ½, 233, no 40)
Said one scout: “He was born in (London) and is a potential NFL International guy that you could get a roster spot for for free (via the Player Pathway program). A lot of people will be interested in him in that regard. At the East-West Shrine he stood out in the one on one’s. He’s got a ways to go as a blocker and all that but as a receiver and as an athlete he’s got some tools. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got picked in the third day.”

Khalil Dinkins, Penn State (6-4, 251, 4.67)
Said one scout: “He sat in a very talented tight-end room and got on the field this year. His career production (37 receptions in 47 games) is very underwhelming, but more of that is on the staff than him. They couldn’t get him the ball very much, especially this year. He’s an athlete. He’s raw. It might take him a little bit of time, and the good news is he’s got a special-teams background. His dad (Darnell) played in the league for quite a while (2002-’09) and made his living as a special-teamer.”

Simpleton · Thursday at 8:42 PM

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. CARNELL TATE, Ohio State (6-2, 192, 4.44, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s really, really good,” one scout said. “It’s just unbelievable how these (Ohio State) guys come out. If you watch the way he runs routes then you know that he’s ready. You can tell, with (Brian) Hartline working with them, they’re getting quality work. I saw him run by this guy, I saw him run by that guy. He runs by whoever he needs to get past.”

Functioned as the No. 3 wideout as a true freshman before starting 26 of 29 games in 2024-’25, missing three because of injury. “He’s got the reach and length (31 ¾-inch arms) and strength to compete well for the contested ball,” a second scout said. “He snaps off his breaks, finishes routes, finishes catches. He ran a lot of intermediate routes. He’s like a 4.55 guy but I don’t care what he runs. He’s so good that it doesn’t matter. He had Jeremiah Smith, two pretty good tight ends and a good quarterback but he was good last year and the year before.” Finished with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards (15.5-yard average) and 14 touchdowns. “He’s a No. 1 receiver,” a third scout said. “Hands are excellent. He’ll be a high-volume receiver in the NFL. I don’t think he has explosive speed but he can separate at the top of routes. He has really good short-area burst to separate and get open.” Won academic honors all three years. “I don’t think he’s a first-rounder,” said a fourth scout. “No, he’s not Garrett Wilson. He’s a little less than (Chris) Olave. You look at Marvin Harrison and Tate, they don’t have a lot of speed. He just doesn’t have explosion. Every time he gets deep it’s either a blown zone coverage or it’s against a bad corner. Those kind of guys, they come to this level and the DBs are so much better. Catches the ball OK. Goes down pretty easy. Not the biggest guy. He definitely doesn’t have the traits of a No. 1 receiver.” Four-star high-school prospect from Chicago. “I like him but I don’t in any way see a top-10 pick,” said a fifth scout. “Not overly explosive but a smooth-moving dude. Great hands. I had him at 4.5. All the best receivers are 4.5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is 4.52. Puka Nacua is 4.6. Davante Adams (4.55). Who’s the last 4.3 that’s a great receiver? Tyreek Hill? It’s amazing. We make such a big deal out of 40 times with receivers but then just go down the list of great receivers. None of them ran 4.4, 4.3. A.J. Brown (4.51). Amon-Ra St. Brown (4.60). CeeDee Lamb (4.48).”

2. MAKAI LEMON, Southern Cal (5-11, 193, 4.53, 1-2): One of the most versatile receivers in the draft. “I think he’s a first-round pick,” one scout said. “Got a little bit of Jaxon Smith-Njigba to him. The body control and natural ball instincts are similar. He’s just real smooth. He’ll probably start out in the slot.” The shortest of the top eight wideouts and had the smallest hands (8 ¾ inches). “He’s an overachieving type,” said a second scout. “Got to give him credit for the production, and he’s tough as hell. He’s strictly a slot guy. I don’t think he’s really a top athlete with his movement, flexibility. Similar to like an Amon-Ra St. Brown. Same school, kind of plays the same position, moves a little bit like him. I didn’t think Amon-Ra would have the career he’s had. He might be a top pick but he’s just kind of a scrappy guy. Not in any way is he some sort of elite talent.” Played sparingly as a true freshman in 2023, when he also played briefly at cornerback. Finished with 137 catches for 2,008 (14.7) and 14 TDs. “Very effective in and out of breaks,” a third scout said. “He can do all the short-to-intermediate stuff and then he’s got enough juice to go down the seam and to the corner. Just makes a lot of catches. Has very good hands. He’s more of a slot-Z kind of receiver who can do some dirty work. He had kind of a wonky combine interview thing but I think people will overlook that. He just was kind of spaced out.” Returned 32 kickoffs for a 23.5 average (27.1 in 2024) and six punts for 11.8. “He’s a really good player but first round seems (high),” a fourth scout said. “He ended up running better than I thought. Just kind of average size, average speed. You don’t see those guys typically going in the first round.” From Los Alamitos, Calif.

3. JORDYN TYSON, Arizona State (6-2, 203, no 40, 1-2): Fourth in the nation in yards per catch (21.4) as a freshman at Colorado in 2022 before suffering a torn ACL late in the season and transferring. “He’s really good,” one scout said. “Somebody needs a receiver, you’re gonna look hard at him. I’d say he’s 20 to 30. He blocks. He can run great routes. He has great hands. He’s just a competitor. He’s fast and can hit the home run. He’s the whole package.” For the Sun Devils, he returned to play in three games as a sophomore before suffering a broken collarbone in 2024. He sat out three games in 2025 with a hamstring injury and still hasn’t worked out for scouts. “He’s the best receiver in the draft,” said a second scout. “His Achilles heel is just the durability. He’s had something every year. He’s not soft. It’s legit injuries. At minimum, talentwise, he’s a No. 2. He’s a starter. He has it all: size, athleticism, hands, route-run detail. Has run after the catch. He’s fast enough.” Finished with 158 catches for 2,282 (14.4) and 22 TDs. “I don’t think he has first-round traits,” said a third scout. “He’s got adequate size and adequate speed. He’ll catch the heck out of the ball. There were times he would disappear, and then all of a sudden he and (Sam) Leavitt would get together and they’d go boom-boom-boom and score. But there’s nothing about him that’s exceptional. All this first-round talk, I don’t see it. To me, to be in the first round you’ve got to have something special about you. There’s nothing physically about him – size, speed, anything – that sticks out. And he’s been hurt. He was an enigma to me.” Three-star recruit from Allen, Texas. “You can see the quick twitch and the movement, and he can run,” said a fourth scout. “But this guy is one of the most noncompetitive receivers I’ve done in a while. Body catcher even when it’s not contested. I’ve never seen anybody catch slants and just slide to the ground like this guy does. It’s nuts. He’s just not a tough dude. He doesn’t make catches when bodies are around him. Very inconsistent. And Hines Ward coaches him, which is crazy. Because I know no way Hines is saying, ‘This is what we need here.’ I don’t like him at all. He gets hurt all the time and I don’t think he’s very tough.” Ward is completing his second season as the Sun Devils’ wide receivers coach. Tyson’s brother, Jaylon (6-6, 215), was drafted No. 20 by the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024 and is averaging 13.1 points and 5.1 rebounds this season. Added a fifth scout: “If he’s healthy he’s really, really good. But they don’t come out of there (ASU) real tough. He’s going to have to show me he can be tough.”

4. DENZEL BOSTON, Washington (6-3 ½, 210, no 40, 2): Backed up for two seasons before starting all 25 games in 2024-’25. “He reminds me of Nico Collins with the body when he came out (in 2021, third round),” one scout said. “He’s probably going to have that same kind of developmental process. He’s more of a second- or third-round guy. He has length, size and really good speed. I’d estimate 4.45. He was a downfield threat for them. He was used so much down the field that you didn’t get to see a lot of that (inside). He’s got good hands but I don’t think they’re great. He’s got work to do there, but there’s only so much work you can do. Just like speed. If a guy doesn’t have great hands he’s never going to be super consistent at the next level. He is explosive off the ball. You can feel it when he’s in the game.” Finished with 132 catches for 1,781 (13.5) and 20 TDs. “He’s an X receiver,” a second scout said. “OK speed. He’s really more of a 50-50-let-me-outrebound-the guy. Body position, basketball player type guy. He’s a real starter.” Also a punt returner, bringing back 25 for an 8.5 average and one TD. “He’s got a little bit of Mike Evans in him but he’s just not as fast down the field,” said a third scout. “He’s got a lot of talent. He’s big and strong, runs good routes, great hands, separates, he’s physical. He’s probably like Tate in the speed department but I like him as a receiver better than Tate. He knows how to get open, set guys up, stop and start, good route runner. He doesn’t have the extra gear but he’s a really good possession receiver.” From South Hill, Wash.

5. KC CONCEPCION, Texas A&M (5-11 ½, 196, no 40, 2): Voted the Aggies’ most valuable player in 2025. “He can play Z but he’s really outstanding with the ball in his hands,” said one scout. “He can motor. He was very productive at NC State and left for A&M. Made some big plays for them. He is super explosive. If he’s your third receiver you’re really excited. If he’s your 2 you’re hoping he can grow into a good 2.” Won the Paul Hornung Award in 2025 as the nation’s most versatile player. Besides playing wide receiver, he finished fourth in FBS punt-return average with 18.2 in 2025. In all, he brought back 30 punts for 16.7 and two TDs. As a receiver, he caught 185 passes for 2,218 (12.0) and 25 TDs. As a rusher, he carried 70 times for 431 (6.2) and three scores. “He’s almost like a gadget guy, the way they play him,” another scout said. “It’s going to be a while before he’s anything. Looks like a track guy. You can tell he can run when things are free. They scheme him up for his production. Doesn’t catch the ball well. Lot of drops around a lot of bodies. Doesn’t have catch radius. They do this slip-screen stuff with him and he has no run after the catch.” Three-star recruit from Charlotte, N.C. “He’s a slot,” a third scout said. “Quick, explosive. He can run, catch and he’s competitive. He’ll be pretty good."

6. CHRIS BELL, Louisville (6-2, 222, no 40, 2-3): Suffered a torn ACL Nov. 22 at SMU and underwent season-ending surgery. “With a different team and without an injury he’d be higher than where he’s going to go, which is probably third round,” said one scout. “He’s really gifted. He’s a big receiver. He was on his way to a really strong year when he got hurt. He’s smarter than people think.” Played extensively in the final three of his four seasons, finishing with 151 catches for 2,166 (14.3) and 12 TDs. “He is a good player,” said a second scout. “One of the things we’re still checking out is, physically, I think he can play more than one spot. But, mentally, can he? He’s got some physical run after the catch. Like when he’s up and running you see some speed. But he won’t be able to run because of the injury. If healthy, I don’t see him as a first-round player. But if the mental completely checks out, I think he’s a second-round player.” Three-star recruit from Yazoo City, Miss. “I’m not a fan,” a third scout said. “He doesn’t separate. He’s got some deep burst but underneath he doesn’t separate. He’s kind of hit or miss. He makes some plays. He can run after the catch when it’s clean and he’s catching it on the move. He’s not real athletic and he’s not real fast. I thought he was overrated by people that liked him.”

7. CHRIS BRAZZELL, Tennessee (6-4, 198, 4.47, 2-3): Last season, he led the Southeastern Conference in receiving yards per game with 84.8. “He’s got good speed and he’s big,” one scout said. “He’s an X receiver at 6-4 and has good hands. Big and athletic. He goes deep. He goes up and gets the ball real strong. He’s going to be an impact guy, there’s no question. I’d take him over Boston. I’d take him over Ja’Kobi Lane.” After redshirting in 2022 and starting eight of 13 games at Tulane, he moved to Tennessee and started 21 of 25 games the past two years. Compared by one scout to Justin Hunter (6-4, 198, 4.40), another Volunteers wideout who went in the second round to the Titans in 2013. In six seasons for four teams, he had just 19 starts and 85 catches. “A lot of what Brazzell does is much like Justin Hunter coming out,” he said. “He’s a tall straight-liner who has athletic ability to tap into. Not a detailed or clean route runner. Doesn’t create lateral separation in routes and is going to have to catch through contact. I would love to have Brazzell as a role player but I don’t trust him being thrust into an offense with the vision of him being an impact player.” Finished with 136 catches for 2,072 (15.2) and 16 TDs. Best game of his career came Sept. 13 against Georgia when he hauled in six passes for 177 and three TDs. “This kind of profile usually doesn’t work out,” a third scout said. “Just a downfield, long strider, build-speed guy. Not a really good route runner because he’s tight and doesn’t separate really well. Not very strong. B hands. He’ll flash and run by a DB against Cover 0 or something but, overall, just not a polished, versatile, natural receiver. He’ll run the fastest (40 of the group). He’s a vertical guy.” Honors student from Midland, Texas, graduated in December. His father, Chris, was drafted as a wide receiver by the Jets in 1998 and played two years for Dallas and then seven more in the CFL.

8. OMAR COOPER, Indiana (6-0, 199, 4.43, 2-3): His 7-yard TD catch in the back of the end zone with 36 seconds left Nov. 8 at Penn State gave the Hoosiers a 27-24 victory and ranked as possibly the most memorable play of the 2025 season. “He’s gotten a little play because he had the big catch,” one scout said. After redshirting in 2022 and starting two of nine games in 2023, Cooper made four starts in 2024 and then 14 for the national champions in 2025. “He’s a tough guy,” one scout said. “Kind of a possession guy. He had the big play against Penn State. Overall, kind of inconsistent making plays because he’s always in traffic unless they scheme him to get open. He’s more like your No. 3-special teams type. He’s a lot better than (teammate Elijah) Sarratt but I don’t get the hype. Nothing special as far as playmaking or explosiveness.” Making 19 starts in 41 games, he finished with 115 catches for 1,798 (15.6) and 22 TDs. “He’s a really good receiver without any outstanding trait except he catches the hell out of the ball and helps your quarterback,” said a second scout. From Indianapolis. “He ran a lot faster at the combine than you would have thought on the tape,” said a third scout. “I thought he was going to be end of Day 2 but now I could see him creeping up closer to the top of the third or maybe end of the second. He’s really physical. He’s really instinctive. He’s got good run after the catch. He just not a super high-end athlete but he tested better than you would have guessed. After the top three there’s not a ton of high-end guys so some of these guys might get pushed (up in the draft).”

9. ZACHARIAH BRANCH, Georgia (5-8 ½, 176, 4.39, 3): Third-year junior caught 78 passes at USC from 2023-’24 and 81 last year for the Bulldogs. “He’s real quick and a slot,” one scout said. “Pretty good little slot but I think there’s better slot guys. He can play on the outside, too. He’ll drop some balls here and there. He shows up with the speed part.” Lightest of the top 18 wideouts and has short arms (29 3/8). “Little bit of a niche player,” a second scout said. “He’s really an inside player only. I feel he’ll be covered up outside. When you add it up and the draft’s over somebody will take the speed and the ability to be a punt returner, and you can do jet sweeps with him which ups his value.” Finished with 159 catches for 1,634 (10.3) and nine touchdowns. Also rushed 15 times for 94. As a returner, he brought back 44 punts for 13.3 and one TD and 39 kickoffs for just 19.3 and one TD. “They tried to get the ball in his hands really fast,” said a third scout. “He had like a 10-yard average. Little possession receiver. He competes, but he’d have to be a slot. He does return. He catches it (punts) OK but nothing natural on his return.” Nephew of Cliff Branch, the Raiders Hall of Fame wideout. Five-star recruit from Las Vegas. As a high-school track athlete, he ran 100 meters in 10.33, went 24-0 in the long jump and 46-4 ¼ in the triple jump.

10. BRYCE LANCE, North Dakota State (6-3 ½, 206, 4.39, 3): Redshirted in 2021 and caught just one pass over the next two seasons before surpassing 1,000 yards in 2024 ands ’25. “He was my favorite guy,” one scout said. “Good size and speed. Very smooth and polished and aware in his route running and separation. He’s coming from a program that hasn’t thrown it a lot. It did start throwing it the last few years so he’s developed in that system. I think he makes it look easy to get open and catch the ball. These kind of guys wind up being starters and No. 2’s, or at least No. 3’s.” The scout said Lance pales in comparison to Christian Watson, the ex-Bison wideout who was drafted in the second round by Green Bay in 2022. Finished with 127 catches for 2,157 (17.0) and 25 TDs to go with nine carries for 121 and two scores. “Love him,” a second scout said. “Can track the ball. Combat catcher. Really good down the sideline. Catches down the middle. He can catch.” His brother, Trey, is the quarterback drafted No. 3 overall by the 49ers in 2021. Playing for three teams, he has started six of 16 games. “He’s a big X receiver,” said a third scout. “Sometimes he gets a little soft in traffic. He’s got a big catching radius because he’s so tall. He can adjust easy. He’s fast, but there’s something raw about him. Just his running style. He’s real upright. Kind of a one-speed guy. Doesn’t really change gears.” Posted a vertical jump of 41 and a broad jump of 11-1 at the combine. Earned a master’s degree in business administration in December. From Marshall, Minn.

11. DEION BURKS, Oklahoma (5-9 ½, 182, 4.32, 3-4): Blew out the combine with a blazing 40, a position-leading vertical jump of 42 ½, a 10-11 broad jump and a position-best 26 reps on the bench press. “He ran 4.3,” one scout said. “There’s nothing close to him being a 4.3 when you put the helmet and shoulder pads on.” Played three seasons at Purdue (13 starts) before starting five games in an injury-shortened 2024 season for the Sooners and 13 more in 2025. “He’s really twitchy, really explosive,” a second scout said. “He’s been beat up quite a bit, which is his drawback, and there was a driving incident he had last year. There definitely are some questions about him where he might slide despite the explosiveness.” He was arrested in June 2024 for DUI and speeding. “He’ll be a slot and has a chance to be a low-level starter,” said a second scout. “He has explosiveness. He has some inconsistencies with his game the top guys don’t have.” Finished with 151 catches for 1,669 (11.1) and 14 TDs to go with 18 rushes for 50. Also returned 14 kickoffs for 19.9 in 2022. “His routes are sloppy,” said a third scout. “He has the speed to cross zones and run through voids. Has a quick release and the quickness to get on top of the defender. Lack of detail and (craftiness) keeps him covered. He’s an undersized perimeter receiver who does not look like he will function inside the formation because he’s not a jukey, sudden route runner. He’s more effective outside the hashes. He’s very good with the ball in his hands, which is going to be his best attribute in the NFL. Teams that try to force him into being a downfield route runner will likely be frustrated. Similar style of Zachariah Branch but not as good. Branch is just a little quicker and a little more sudden.” From Belleville, Mich.

12. ANTONIO WILLIAMS, Clemson (5-11 ½, 188, 4.43, 3-4): Fourth on the Tigers’ career receptions list. “Little slot guy, quicker than fast,” one scout said. “Really good feel. Catches what’s thrown to him. Isn’t going to make plays or contested catches. Doesn’t have great run after the catch. You can tell the little guy knows how to play. No special qualities.” Finished with 208 catches for 2,336 (11.2) and 21 TDs and 25 rushes for 187 and two scores. Returned punts in all four seasons, finishing with 39 for 9.0. Missed time with ankle, foot, hamstring and shoulder injuries. “Pretty good little player,” a second scout said. “He’s small, and small-boned. He’s definitely made plays. Made more a year ago than this year. He can also return. Very athletic.” Vertical jump of 39 ½. Four-star recruit from Irmo, S.C.

THE NEXT FIVE

Malachi Fields, Notre Dame (6-4 ½, 218, 4.64)
Said one scout: “He made a couple plays at the Senior Bowl and all of a sudden people were talking about him in the first round. Sometimes people grade helmets. Then he ran 4.65 and he’s back where he belongs. Just a big possession guy that can’t separate. He will flash some playmaking but just far too inconsistent.”

Ja’Kobi Lane, Southern Cal (6-4 ½, 204, 4.50)
Said one scout: “Talentwise, he’d be in the third round. But there is some character stuff with him that could drop him a little bit. Just stuff at the school. He’s just a pain in the ***.”

Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (6-2 ½, 210, no 40)
Said one scout: “He’s a nice player. Fourth, fifth, sixth round. The school loved Sarratt and kind of liked Cooper. Scouts had it the other way. It’s perceived the NFL has it flipped. I’m not sure that’s true. He’s not going to run fast. He’s a body position guy. Knows how to play and good after the catch.”

Germie Bernard, Alabama (6-1, 206, 4.51)
Said one scout: “He’s not a blazer and he didn’t test all that well. But he’s got strong hands. He’s physical. He’s good after the catch. He’s got a chance to be a No. 3 in the league. I don’t know what his true outside ability is because his speed is pretty average but he’s got good feel underneath. I think he’s a solid package, not a special one.”

Ted Hurst, Georgia State (6-4, 207, 4.44)
Said one scout: “Nobody knew about him until he got to the Senior Bowl. He’s probably the fastest riser. He’s unpolished but he’s super explosive and competitive. It’s hard to jam him off the line. He’s got a big (catching) radius and he can run. He’s going to get a lot better. He’s more than just a developmental guy. He’s better than a fourth-rounder.”

NoDak · Thursday at 8:53 PM

Simpleton said:
4. JALEN FARMER, Kentucky (6-5, 316, 4.93, 2-3): Backed up for two years at Florida before starting 24 games for the Wildcats. “Real good player,” one scout said. “He’s got all the traits of a starting guard. Real good bender, long arms (34 ¼). He can maul you. Good pass protector. He could be second or third round. He’s massive. Looks the part. Kind of versatile, too. Got pretty good feet. He was really impressive at the Senior Bowl.” Ran by far the fastest 40 among the guards. Hands were small (9 ¼). His 37 reps on the bench press were five more than any other offensive lineman. “Came from Florida, never really did it there,” said a second scout. “They had a couple bad linemen (starting) and that raised alarms for me. He’s in the fifth-sixth round area. It’s the demeanor, the attitude. I don’t think people are all that fired up about him. He thinks he’s better than he is.” Academic All-SEC twice. “Really talented but there’s some character concerns,” said a third scout. “He’d be more of a second-rounder if the character was good.” From Covington, Ga. “He’s a road-grader,” a fourth scout said. “He’s talented. He’s got some things personality-wise and some other stuff. The talent is in there. There’s some maturity things that he’s gonna have to figure out.”

That's a real bummer. Serious red flag. I really liked this guy.

Probably still throw a later 5 at him if he's still there, tho.

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