2026 NFL Draft midseason big board: Several QBs to like, but SEC and Big Ten defenders are top prospects at this point

https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-midseason-big-board-several-qbs-to-like-but-sec-and-big-ten-defenders-are-top-prospects-at-this-point-170801577.html

With nearly half the NFL regular season finished, and more than half the college football regular season finished, eyes are gradually turning toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Whether you’re looking for your NFL franchise’s next savior, or wondering where your school’s top players project as pros, here are the best prospects in the class at this point.

More 2026 NFL Draft: Preseason big board | Mock draft 1.0 | Mock draft 2.0

1. Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Junior

Faulk is a smooth athlete who can bend and knife inside on stunts and really disrupt run games. He has developed a much better pass rush plan this season and with vastly improved hand usage. He is built like a traditional 4-3 defensive end, but Faulk aligns across the defensive line for Auburn and can be used as an inside pass rusher and even as a two-gapper in a three-down front.

Remember the name and game of Auburn edge Keldric Faulk, who’s emerging as arguably the top prospect this NFL Draft class. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

(Justin Ford via Getty Images)

He isn’t strictly a flashy player against the pass. He is willing to scrap against the run and will meet pullers at the point of attack, and he absolutely dominates tight ends in the run game. His fluidity, length and hard-working style have all the makings of a disruptive edge defender.

Faulk still has room for improvement, but he’s young and has already shown the ability to take over games against both the run and pass, even if it doesn’t always show up in the box score. His high floor and high ceiling put him at the top of my midseason big board.

2. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State, Junior

Reese has been a revelation this season. He’s a true defensive weapon. It’s hard to not notice Reese on the field, even if he lines up all over it. He can impact the game on the edge as both a run defender and pass rusher and has real off-ball linebacker chops, chasing run plays down sideline to sideline and in coverage.

He’s an outstanding athlete with strength and speed and plays with an energy that is also infectious. He brings the battle to offenses on every single snap and is never an easy assignment for a blocker. In an NFL that has more creative defensive coordinators that are willing to move their front seven defenders around, Reese is the ultimate version of a do-it-all defender. He reminds me of Jaylon Smith before he suffered his catastrophic knee injury at Notre Dame.

3. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, RS Junior

Mendoza was my QB1 entering the season and nothing has changed, especially given the success Indiana and Mendoza have had so far this season. His production has gone through the roof under Curt Cignetti, but just traits-wise, Mendoza has a lot to like. He’s a tall athlete (6-foo-5) with a loose arm and frame to add more weight, and can put some real zip on the football on underneath and intermediate throws.

Mendoza shows off polish with his footwork and pocket movement, and already shows encouraging snaps of progressing and moving in the pocket to find answers on true passing downs and in high-leverage situations like third down and in the red zone. He’s consistently accurate at all three levels of the field, which is probably his standout trait. Mendoza already shows off a knack for locating the football away from defenders and is willing to push the ball. He’s a pretty good (but not great) athlete that can create a bit with his legs but prefers to win as a thrower.

He’s an intriguing package of traits and polish with a high IQ (he’s deadly in two-minute situations) and real feel for the position. To me, there are some similarities to Matt Ryan. Mendoza took a lot of sacks at Cal, but that has been cleaned up in Indiana’s much more friendly surroundings. The Hoosiers’ offense is RPO-heavy, but Mendoza shows the real ability to drop back consistently and find the right answer.

4. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina, RS Sophomore

A ridiculous runner and playmaker with the football, it’s Sellers’ improvement as a passer, along with the blinding flashes of improvisational wizardry, that makes him so exciting as a prospect. Sellers has a high-end arm that he can access from all platforms and is a simply excellent athlete. He’s shown more consistency from the pocket this year, and has really come along in that area since last season.

He doesn’t get a lot of help with his offensive surroundings at South Carolina, often having to pull a rabbit out of a hat just to throw the ball away because his protection broke down AND no one could get open. He is not a total wild horse, though; his decisions to scramble and improvise make sense. He will have the occasional spray, but I also think his calmer sense of play has led to improvements in accuracy, with an understanding of when to use touch on his throws. And he gets rid of the ball in a timely manner when the pocket is clean (and has shown a better understanding of when to throw the ball away).

I think it’s notable that South Carolina offensive coordinator Mike Shula has put pre-snap operation on Sellers’ plate on passing downs, a nice indicator of Sellers’ handle of the offense. Sellers still might return to school, but his film gets better and better every week, and combined with his size (listed at 6-3, 242 pounds) and youth (turned 20 in June), everything screams top-10 player and potentially the top pick if the arrow keeps pointing up and Sellers decides to declare.

5. Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami, Junior

Bain is a strongly built defender that can impact the game in a variety of roles. He has the strength to hold his own at the point of attack and can constantly knock blockers back in one-on-one situations. He has light feet, can bend and is effective on defensive twists and games, too.

He’s been one of the best defenders in college football so far this year, bullying blockers into the quarterback’s lap and showing up in big moments. He doesn’t have ideal length, but Bain’s build and powerful play style remind me a lot of Brandon Graham.

6. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, Junior

Safety prospects, even the most talented and highly regarded ones, seldom go high in the first round of the draft. Caleb Downs is the type of defender and pure football player to (forgive the pun) buck that trend.

He is an explosive player with good size that can take over a game in a multitude of ways. Ohio State has used Downs as a rover-type defender (an aptly named “Monster Back” in some football parlances) to allow Downs to weaponize his upper-echelon football awareness, intelligence and just sheer ability to impact the game. Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has used Downs as a middle pole runner on Cover 2, on the line of scrimmage as a blitzer, and as a box defender.

Ignore the position label. Downs is a needle-moving defender that’s constantly around the football.

7. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, Junior

A monster in the middle. That’s what Peter Woods is. A 6-3, 300-plus pound interior game wrecker that has the athleticism to play on the outside, too. Woods is a powerful defender with light feet that plays hard and has the ability to impact the run or pass on every down. His top-notch combination of strength and agility would fit in any type of defense, and he can both eat blocks and be disruptive.

Every defense would be thrilled to add Woods and he could be scheme-proof impact player right away at the next level. Woods has underwhelmed a bit this year on a disappointing Clemson squad, but you can still see the freaky moments that flash and that’s what keeps him high on the big board.

8. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, Junior

An excellent athlete who runs like a gazelle. Sadiq wasn’t used frequently in 2024, but Oregon’s staff still found a variety of ways to draw up plays for him, including run plays like jet sweeps. Sadiq is dangerous with the ball in his hands and can create explosives on any touch with his speed and balance. He is a good enough athlete to split out against defensive backs, but he is also a very willing blocker, even in-line, and more than holds his own in that area.

Oregon has started to find more downfield plays and targets for Sadiq, and it’s been exciting to see his ability to run routes and adjust for the football on those snaps (notably his two touchdowns against Rutgers). Sadiq’s explosive athleticism and real receiving ability make him a valid threat to split out at the next level, and his blocking chops only open up more options for offensive coordinators. Ignore the position label and view Sadiq more as a high-end pass catcher.

9. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, RS Junior

A smooth route runner with good size, Tyson has now been productive at two locations in college (he originally transferred from Colorado). Tyson is explosive at the catch point and his ability to adjust for the football is notable. He is a reliable target that shows up over the middle of the field and in the red zone, with a full route tree available to him. Explosive plays are the name of the game, and Tyson would provide that element instantly for an NFL team.

10. David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Senior

Bailey is pure heat off of the edge. He was a designated pass rusher during his time at Stanford, but showed real gamebreaking flashes on his limited snaps. On more extended run at Texas Tech, Bailey’s explosive athleticism constantly shows up with his ability to quickly turn the corner on offensive tackles, and his violent hands and relentless energy keeping blockers off-kilter. He doesn’t have great size (6-3, 250) and needs to improve against the run, but Bailey is a powerful player that can rack up pressures when he’s on the field.

11. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington, Junior

A smooth route runner in a big frame. Boston can easily get in and out of his breaks and is agile enough to be a dangerous punt returner despite being listed at 6-4, 209 pounds. Boston is a hands catcher with range who can quickly transition into a runner because of the confidence he has in his ball skills. His ability to consistently adjust for the football, combined with his frame, makes him a weapon along the sidelines and in the red zone, too. Boston has build-up speed with the ball in his hands and can pull away with his long strides, and to cap it all off he has a knack for the little things like blocking and route timing.

12. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, Junior

A long-legged and fluid outside receiver, Tate has good hands and is comfortable extending for throws away from his body, with a real knack for coming down with catches near the sideline. He has good speed and can eat up ground with his strides, sometimes surprising cornerbacks with how quickly he is able to close space. Tate can throttle speeds and sink into his routes, and shows a nice feel for finding space against zone coverage. I really like Tate’s game.

13. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Junior

Every touch has a chance to go to the house with Love. He has home run ability, but really knows how to throttle between speeds to use it effectively. Love has good vision and is a strong runner who can take a steady stream of touches. He can work between the tackles and shows the real ability to set up his blocks as a runner, constantly staying balanced and square to the line. Love is a game-changer in the backfield and can turn any touch into a touchdown.

14. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, RS Junior

Simpson is willing to let that football fly. I would be pressed to say Simpson has an even average build for the quarterback position (6-2, 208), but his arm is excellent. He has a consistently quick release and can push the ball without having much room in the pocket to work from. He is a good athlete that can create a bit with his legs, but he is typically working and extending to throw.

While Simpson’s overall accuracy is good, he can have moments where throws get away from him. His aggressive play style can also lead to some negative plays and stretches, but it does a lot to overcome his less-than-ideal build, along with his ability to access his strong arm.

15. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah, RS Sophomore

Lomu is an easy mover in a big frame with room to add even more weight. He already shows off polished technique with patient hands as a pass protector, and has improved his strength and pop in the run game, too. Lomu took over as Utah’s left tackle and moved his talented teammate Spencer Fano (who also appears on this big board) to the right side in 2024. The strength (with a little bit of nasty to him), light feet and technique that Lomu has displayed, even if it hasn’t all been perfect, make me more bullish on his long-term prospects than any of the other offensive tackles in this class. Including his talented teammate.

16. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah, Junior

Yes, both Utah offensive tackles the board. Fano played left tackle before moving to right tackle in 2024. He has a long and lean build which he can look to add weight to, but already shows off the consistent ability to get tangible movement in the run game. Fano is a springy athlete that can constantly stay on his feet with pass rushers and any post-snap movement, and he is also a strong finisher in the run game, too. He reminds me of Bills RT Spencer Brown.

17. A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon, Junior

Washington has been one of the biggest risers in this year’s draft class. Washington can blow up double-teams with his size (listed 330 pounds) and play strength. But has light feet and can get off the snap of the football to disrupt the offense as a pass rusher or to beat cutoff blockers. Washington can be used as a run down plugger, but can also fit on more attacking defenses that ask him to slant and twist after the snap. The fact he can stay on the field as a pass rusher only adds to his appeal.

18. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon, RS Sophomore

Moore is a calm operator that Oregon asks to handle a lot mentally. He has good arm strength and is a good athlete that can throw consistently on the move. You can tell that Moore has really focused on his footwork and how to work through passing plays, and he constantly finds good answers to the problems defenses show him and tries to stay on time with the play.

There are times I wish Moore would push the ball a bit on high-low concepts, as he will too often defer to the “safer” of two options, especially when he feels pressure. But I’m encouraged with what he’s shown so far and am keen to see how much more aggressive he is as a passer as the season keeps going along and he becomes even more comfortable with the operation.

19. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Junior

McCoy is a quick-twitch athlete who constantly makes plays on the football. He has good size and already shows the footwork and patience to stay sticky with receivers and be consistent in man coverage. McCoy suffered an ACL injury in January, but his skill set and athleticism are just too fun of a package at the cornerback spot to drop too far

20. Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami, Junior

Mauigoa has good size and plays with a wide, balanced base. He is a strong and efficient mover who seldom gets out of whack with his hands or feet. Guard might be his best spot in the NFL, but he is a good enough athlete to have a chance to stay on the outside. Either way he should be an instant good starter at the next level.

21. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Senior

A smart player who’s quick to read and react in coverage, Delane has had strong moments as both a zone and man coverage defender this season. His twitchiness to stay sticky shows up in man coverage and his high football awareness showing up in zone coverage, where he has a knack for reading quarterbacks and making plays on the football.

22. Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Junior

A quick and twitchy route runner, Lemon does his damage primarily from the slot. While Lemon doesn’t have outstanding size (5-11 and 195 pounds), he can play bigger than his listed height and weight because of his great hand-eye coordination and ball skills, which shows up in contested catch situations and in the red zone. Lemon is a chain mover from the inside and also a big-play threat because of his speed and after-catch ability and has a knack for finding soft spots against zone. Just a good football player.

23. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, Senior

Ohio State’s other linebacker is looking like a potential first-round talent in his own right. Styles’ intelligence stands out when watching the Buckeyes’ defense. He is a quick diagnoser and has the speed and explosive play strength to make plays on the football. Styles is young (still just 20 despite being a true senior), has good size, and is just a strong three-down modern-day linebacker. He can tackle in space and contribute as a blitzer, with his speed helping him hold up in coverage, too.

24. T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson, Junior

A powerful defender that is effective against both the run and pass, Parker has strong hands and likes to push the pocket as a pass rusher. He is an explosive athlete that fires off the football and is constantly attacking blockers right after the snap. He’s not the bendiest athlete, but I think Parker’s strength and ability to impact the run and pass will let him translate easily to the next level.

25. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, Junior

Allen does it all in the middle for Georgia. He is a tenacious run defender and a true leader of the defense that constantly puts himself in good position in coverage. Allen fits in any defense and is the type of hard-to-find linebacker that can play both inside and outside of the box in today’s game.

26. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Junior

Terrell is a lightning-fast defender that can stay in the hip pocket of receivers. He has below-average size (listed currently at 180 pounds), but is a tough defender that is willing to tackle and scrap against bigger receivers. Clemson has underwhelmed this year, but Terrell is still showing good stuff in competitive moments.

27. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama, Junior

A mountain of a man at 6-7 and 366 pounds, Proctor can completely wipe out defenders as soon as he gets his hands on them in the run game. Despite being so large, Proctor is seldom out of whack in terms of balance or footwork. He has light feet and can quickly get out of his stance and redirect when needed as a pass protector, too. Like most large players, he can be a bit high at times, but Proctor has all the makings of a first-round draft pick.

28. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville, Senior

Bell is if Adonis played at the wide receiver position. A player with a top-shelf combination of height (6-2), weight (220) and speed, Bell made Miami’s defense look slow once the ball was in his hands. Bell is still raw as a route runner and benefits from routes that lets him build up his speed and not have him do too many nuanced breaks, but he can snatch the football without breaking stride and he eats up yards after the catch with his size, excellent burst, and explosive athleticism. Bell is more force of nature than just wide receiver.

29. Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon, Junior

A big, long, strong, classic 4-3 defensive end type. Uiagalelei is best when pushing the pocket as a pass rusher, and can also consistently set the edge at the point of attack against the run. If he keeps developing more pass rush moves (and keeps his motor going), he has the build and strength to turn into a power rusher that can hinder offenses on a down-to-down basis.

30. Austin Barber, OT, Florida, RS Senior

A quick athlete who plays with polished technique, Barber was a standout during the 2024 season and has continued to be a consistent player despite turmoil in Gainesville. Barber doesn’t have any overwhelming traits, but his light feet, technique, and solid length and play strength allow him to be effective as a run and pass blocker and give Barber good starting potential on the outside.

Next five 2026 NFL Draft prospects

Caleb Banks, DT, Florida, RS Senior
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas, Junior
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M, RS Senior
LT Overton, DL, Alabama, Senior
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon, RS Senior

Next quarterback

Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU, RS Senior

https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-midseason-big-board-several-qbs-to-like-but-sec-and-big-ten-defenders-are-top-prospects-at-this-point-170801577.html