Will Rock's Top 50: 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings 1.0
1st Annual Pre-Combine Draft Rankings By Detroit Football Journal's Draft Analyst Will Rock
Published: February 16, 2026 At 4:56 PM
The Detroit Football Journal 1st annual Top 50 Big Board is here! A rigid, tape-enforced ranking of the 50 best football players in the 2026 class, engineered through the strict evaluation standard of independent NFL Draft analyst Will Rock. Constructed with the exact discipline, positional prototypes, and hyper-focused detail required inside an NFL front office, this board actively ignores the pre-draft noise. Every single placement is dictated by verified physical traits, schematic translatability, and undeniable production against elite competition. The tape dictates the rank—nothing more, nothing less.
This is not a mock draft. It is not a speculative draft day projection for where franchises may select a player—it is a ranking of where I see the best 50 athletes ahead of the NFL combine. The 2nd version of this TOP 50 will be out after the combine concludes
1. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 210
2025 Stats: 163 Carries, 1,372 Rushing Yds, 21 Total TDs (18 Rush, 3 Rec), 1 Fumble
Key Stats: 127.5 Elusiveness / 56 Forced Missed Tackles / 4.5 Yds After Contact
PFF: 72.7 Rec Grade / 93.7 Rush Grade / 93.1 Overall / 84.5 Gap / 92.8 Zone
Love might be the most terrifying pure athlete at the position since Jahmyr Gibbs. While his volume stats (1,372 yards) don’t scream “workhorse,” his efficiency screams “touchdown.” Love averaged a staggering 6.9 yards per carry, turning routine off-tackle runs into 70-yard track meets. He runs with a violent fluidity—capable of lowering his shoulder into a linebacker in the hole and then hitting a gear in the open field that makes defensive backs look like they are running in quicksand. His ability to line up in the slot (27 catches) makes him the perfect modern chess piece. He isn’t just a runner; he is an offensive coordinate system.
2. Sonny Styles, LB/S, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 230
2025 Stats: 82 Tackles, 1 Sack, 6.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 11 Pressures
Key Stats: 38 Stops / 75.8 Passer Rate / 2.2% Missed Tackle Rate
PFF: 87.4 CG / 65.1 Pass RG / 87.8 RDG / 87.9 Overall
The fourth Buckeye in the top seven, Styles is a genetic anomaly who blurs the line between safety and linebacker. At 6’4”, he moves with the fluidity of a cornerback but strikes with the weight of a defensive end. Ohio State deployed him everywhere—slot, deep half, box, and edge—and he thrived in the chaos. While he is still refining his instincts in the box, his ability to man-up against elite tight ends and run with running backs on wheel routes makes him invaluable in a league dominated by spread offenses. He is a matchup eraser who eliminates the mismatches offensive coordinators try to create.
3. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205
2025 Stats: 68 tackles, 1 Sack, 2 INTs, 2 PBUs, 5 TFLs
Key Stats: 7.7% Forced IR / 11.5% Missed Tackle / 47.9 Passer Rate Allowed
PFF: 83.0 RDG / 64.9 Pass RG / 87.0 CG / 83.9 Overall
Widely considered the smartest defensive player in the draft, his efficiency stands out the most. His 2025 production — 68 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, and a sack — reflects a defender who can handle every phase of the position. Whether triggering downhill to fill run gaps like a linebacker or erasing deep halves like a centerfielder, he plays without hesitation. His NFL bloodlines are evident—he doesn’t blow coverages, and he turns 50/50 balls into turnovers. Downs has a relatively high missed tackle rate of 11.5 percent—his elite processing speed diagnosing route concepts will be his ticket to improvement at the next level. He is the type of foundational piece you build an entire secondary culture around.
4. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243
2025 Stats: 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10 TFLs, 2 PBUs, 0 INT, 23 Pressures
Key Stats: 30 Stops / 100.9 Passer Rate / 6% Missed Tackle Rate
PFF: 56.6 CG / 72.6 Pass RG / 87.0 RDG / 76.1 Overall
Arvell Reese emerged as one of the most disruptive and scheme‑flexible linebackers in college football, earning 2025 All‑America honors after producing 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 23 pressures, and two pass breakups. His role expanded each season, and by 2025 he was deployed across the front seven — functioning as an edge rusher on passing downs, a second‑level run defender, and a matchup piece in zone structures. His 30 defensive stops and 6% missed‑tackle rate reflect a player who finishes cleanly and plays with consistent control. Reese’s PFF profile (87.0 run defense, 72.6 pass rush, 56.6 coverage, 76.1 overall) mirrors what shows on tape: a physical, urgent defender with the explosiveness to win off the edge and the range to handle space. His versatility and reliability project him as a true three‑down option in modern NFL fronts.
5. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250
2025 Stats: 52 Tackles 14.5 Sacks, 19.5 TFLs, 73 Pressures, 3 FF, 3 PBUs
Key Stats: 21.6% Pass Rush WR / 9.0% Run Stop / 32 Stops / 42 Hurries
PFF: 76.4 RDG / 93.3 Pass RG / 92.4 Overall
Red Flags: 2024 Missed Tackle Rate - 20.7% / Career 15.8%
David Bailey’s transfer from Stanford to the Big 12 unlocked one of the most productive pass‑rush seasons in the country. He led the nation with 14.5 sacks and paired that production with elite underlying metrics: a 21.6% pass‑rush win rate, 42 hurries, 32 defensive stops, and a 9.0% run‑stop rate. His PFF profile (93.3 pass rush, 76.4 run defense, 92.4 overall) reflects a rusher with advanced technique and a complete understanding of how to attack protections. Bailey wins with sequencing — using a polished hand arsenal, a high‑end ghost move, and the ability to convert speed to power to compress the pocket. The red flag on his profile remains his missed‑tackle rates (20.7% in 2024; 15.8% career), but his pass‑rush consistency and technical maturity give him one of the highest floors in the class
6. Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275
2025 Stats: 54 tackles (29 Solo), 15.5 TFL, 9.5 Sacks, 67 Pressures, 1 PBU, 1 INT, 2 FF
Key Stats: 23.5% Pass Rush WR / 6.9% Run Stop / 31 Stops / 54 Hurries
PFF: 87.5 RDG / 91.8 Pass RG / 92.5 Overall
Red Flags: 2025 Missed Tackle Rate - 18.8%
Reuben Bain Jr. delivered one of the most complete defensive line seasons in the country in 2025, producing 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 67 pressures, 54 hurries, 31 defensive stops, and two forced fumbles. His 23.5% pass‑rush win rate and 91.8 PFF pass‑rush grade reflect a player who consistently wins early in the rep with leverage, power, and efficient hand usage. Bain’s compact frame and natural leverage allow him to anchor against the run, supported by an 87.5 run‑defense grade, though his 18.8% missed‑tackle rate remains a notable red flag. His versatility is a defining trait — he can rush from a wide alignment or slide inside to attack guards with quickness and power. Bain’s ability to generate backfield disruption from multiple alignments gives him clear three‑down value in modern fronts.
7. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 305
2025 Stats: 822 Snaps. 0 Hits/Sacks Allowed, 5 Hurries, 5 Penalties (12 Games)
Key Stats: 80.0 Gap Grade / 79.4 Zone Grade
PFF: 80.0 Run BG / 81.5 Pass BG / 84.0 Overall
Spencer Fano delivered one of the cleanest seasons of any tackle in college football, logging 822 snaps without allowing a sack or quarterback hit and giving up only five hurries across 12 games. His run‑game versatility shows in his 80.0 gap and 79.4 zone grades, while his PFF profile (81.5 pass block, 80.0 run block, 84.0 overall) reflects a technically advanced player with balanced strengths. On tape, his movement skills and hand discipline show exactly why the analytics grade him so efficiently — he stays square, wins early with footwork, and rarely loses leverage. He still needs added lower‑body strength to anchor against top‑tier power rushers, but his control and fluidity make him an ideal fit for wide‑zone and hybrid run schemes.
8. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195
2025 Stats: 51 Rec, 875 Yds (17.2 Y/R), 9 TDs
Key Stats: 85.7% Contested CR / 0% Drops / 150.5 PRWT
PFF: 90.2 RG / 90.3 Overall / 75.2 Vs Man
Carnell Tate emerged as Ohio State’s most polished and reliable target in 2025, posting 51 catches for 875 yards, nine touchdowns, and a perfect zero‑drop season. His efficiency metrics are elite — an 85.7% contested‑catch rate and a 150.5 passer rating when targeted — and his PFF profile (90.2 receiving grade, 90.3 overall) reflects a receiver with advanced route detail and strong ball skills. On tape, the numbers hold up: Tate consistently manipulates leverage, snaps off routes with precision, and finishes through contact with late hands and controlled body positioning. He also brings value in the run game, showing the willingness and technique to sustain blocks on the perimeter. With size, discipline, and a pro-ready understanding of spacing, Tate projects as a dependable chain‑mover with vertical upside.
9. Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315
2025 Stats: 1034 Snaps, 3 Hits, 2 Sacks Allowed, 9 Hurries, 5 Penalties (16 Games)
Key Stats: 74.5 Gap Grade / 74.3 Zone Grade
PFF: 79.4 Run BG / 87.0 Pass BG / 83.6 Overall
Francis Mauigoa logged 1,034 snaps in 2025 and allowed just two sacks, three hits, and nine hurries while committing five penalties across 16 games. His run‑game profile (74.5 gap, 74.3 zone) and PFF grades (87.0 pass block, 79.4 run block, 83.6 overall) reflect a consistent, assignment‑sound right tackle with guard flexibility. On tape, the numbers match: Mauigoa absorbs power with a firm anchor, maintains balance through contact, and handles speed with better foot quickness than his size suggests. His ability to displace defenders in the run game gives him interior appeal, but his 2025 tackle tape shows he can stay outside. He brings a physical temperament and finishing mentality that elevates the tone of an offensive line
10. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 180
2025 Stats: 45 Tackles (26 Solo), 2 INTs, 11 PBUs
Key Stats: 89.1 Man CG / 76.7 Zone CG / 40% CRA / 31.3 PRWT
PFF: 74.4 Run DG / 66.40 Pass RG / 90.7 Coverage / 90.5 Overall
After transferring to LSU (”DBU”), Delane stepped into the spotlight and delivered a clinic in technical coverage. Mansoor Delane produced 45 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and two interceptions in 2025 while posting elite coverage metrics: an 89.1 man grade, 76.7 zone grade, 40% completion rate allowed, and a 31.3 passer rating when targeted. His PFF profile (90.7 coverage, 90.5 overall) reflects a corner who wins with technique and anticipation. On film, his calm footwork and route recognition explain the analytics — he stays in phase without grabbing, trusts his hips, and rarely loses leverage. He’s not the most physical tackler, but his coverage reliability is his defining trait. Delane projects as a scheme‑versatile outside corner who limits throwing windows and forces quarterbacks to progress elsewhere.
11. Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 288
2025 Stats: 29 Tackles (23 Solo), 5 TFLs, 2.0 SKs, 30 PRs, 4 PBUs, FR 1
Key Stats: 11.6% PRWR / 8.6% Run Stop / 27 Hurries / 23 Stops
PFF: 85.5 Run DG / 66.0 Pass RG / 75.8 Overall
Red Flags: 2025 Missed Tackle Rate - 10% - (Highest Rate Over 3 Seasons)
Faulk physically overwhelms offensive tackles—nearly 290 pounds with vines for arms, he plays with a power-first style. He isn’t a twitchy speed rusher—he is a bulldozer. Faulk posted 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, 30 pressures, 27 hurries, and four pass breakups in 2025, supported by an 11.6% pass‑rush win rate and an 8.6% run‑stop rate. His PFF grades (85.5 run defense, 66.0 pass rush, 75.8 overall) align with the data — Faulk collapses edges with long‑arm leverage, sets a sturdy run edge, and creates interior stress when reduced inside. His frame and strength profile fit modern 5‑tech and hybrid fronts. His 10% missed‑tackle rate is a concern, but his physical tools and versatility give him a clear NFL role.
12. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225
2025 Stats: 3,535 Passing Yds (72% Comp), 41 TDs, 6 INTs, 90/276 Rushing, 7 TDs.
Key Stats: 15.8% Press Sack Rate / 93.4 Deep / 92.2 Intermediate / 2.63 Avg TTT
PFF: 83.7 Passing Grade / 87.9 Overall
After transferring from Cal, Mendoza didn’t just stabilize the Indiana program; he strapped it to a rocket. Delivering one of the most efficient seasons in the country, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 72% of his passes and adding seven rushing scores. His advanced metrics — 93.4 deep grade, 92.2 intermediate grade, 2.63 time‑to‑throw — match a quarterback who processes quickly and plays on schedule. The film supports it: Mendoza consistently manipulates pocket space, anticipates windows, and maintains poise under pressure despite a 15.8% pressure‑to‑sack rate. He doesn’t have elite arm strength, but his timing, accuracy, and command of structure drove Indiana’s 16‑0 championship run. He projects as a rhythm‑based distributor with high mental floor.
13. Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
2025 Stats: 79 Rec, 1,156 Yds (14.6 Y/R), 11 TDs (12 Games)
Key Stats: 66.7% Contested CR / 2.5% Drop Rate / 130.0 PRWT
PFF: 91.4 Receiving Grade / 90.8 Overall
In a USC offense searching for a new identity, Lemon emerged as the ultimate stabilizer. He isn’t a physical imposing specimen, he is a “Slot Surgeon” who dissects zone coverages with the precision of a ten-year veteran. Producing 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, emerging as USC’s most reliable target. His efficiency metrics — 66.7% contested‑catch rate, 2.5% drop rate, 130.0 passer rating when targeted — reflect a receiver with strong hands and advanced spatial awareness. On tape, his leverage manipulation and zone feel explain the analytics; he consistently finds soft spots, adjusts his pace to coverage, and creates functional separation without wasted movement. He converted 65% of his targets into first downs and operated as a true chain‑mover. While not a pure burner, his processing and body control make him a high‑floor slot with inside‑outside flexibility
14. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
2025 Stats: 51 Rec, 560 Yds (11.0 Y/R), 8 TDs (14 Games)
Key Stats: 58.3% Contested CR / 145.5 PRWT
PFF: 72.1 Receiving Grade / 73.8 Overall / 66.3 Run Block Grade
Red Flags: 6 Drops - 10.5% Drop Rate
Sadiq is a matchup nightmare weaponized for the modern spread offense. Winner of the Big Ten Tight End of the Year award after posting 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. He functioned less as an inline blocker and more as a big-slot receiver who tormented linebackers and safeties in Oregon’s spread system. His 58.3% contested‑catch rate and 145.5 passer rating when targeted highlight his value as a matchup piece, while his PFF profile (72.1 receiving, 73.8 overall) reflects a player still developing as an inline blocker. The tape matches the numbers — Sadiq wins with burst, flexibility, and body control, consistently separating from linebackers and finishing in traffic. His 10.5% drop rate is the primary concern, but his athletic traits allow coordinators to dictate matchups from the slot or detached alignments. He projects as a modern move tight end with red‑zone value.
15. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 207
2025 Stats: 62 Rec, 881 Yds (14.2 Y/R), 11 TDs (12 Games)
Key Stats: 76.9 % Contested CR / 3.1% Drop Rate / 112.3 Passer Rate
PFF: 86.6 Receiving Grade / 89.7 Vs Man / 87.7 Overall
Boston is a “Red Zone Skyscraper” with a catch radius that spans zip codes. Denzel Boston produced 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, emerging as Washington’s most dependable perimeter target. His efficiency numbers — a 76.9% contested‑catch rate, 3.1% drop rate, and a 112.3 passer rating when targeted — reflect a receiver who consistently finishes through contact. The tape matches the data: Boston wins with body control, strong hands, and disciplined positioning rather than pure speed, routinely creating late separation at the catch point. He isn’t a vertical burner, but his frame and timing make him a high‑leverage red‑zone and third‑down option. Boston projects as a boundary possession receiver with real value in contested‑catch situations.
16. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
Career Stats: 75 Tackles (42 Solo), 1 TFL, 6 INTs, 16 PBUs
Red Flag: Who Is He In 2026? Hasn’t Played Since 2024
Jermod McCoy enters 2026 as one of the most talented corners in the class despite not playing since 2024. His career production — 75 tackles, six interceptions, and 16 pass breakups — pairs with an elite 89.6 coverage grade from his last active season. On tape, his patient feet, route recognition, and ability to stay square at the line explain why quarterbacks posted just a 62.5 rating when targeting him. The red flag is obvious: a full season without game reps leaves questions about his current form. But his physicality, instincts, and ball skills give him clear CB1 traits if he returns to pre‑layoff form.
17. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 369
2025 Stats: 985 Snaps, 4 Hits, 2 Sacks, 2 PEN, 19 Pressures (15 Games)
Key Stats: 70.3 Gap Grade / 83.6 Zone Grade
Kadyn Proctor played 985 snaps in 2025, allowing only two sacks, four hits, and 19 pressures while committing two penalties. His run‑game profile (70.3 gap, 83.6 zone) and PFF grades (81.6 run block, 81.8 pass block) reflect a tackle with rare size‑to‑movement balance. The film supports the analytics — Proctor’s mass makes him nearly immovable against power, and his foot quickness is better than expected for a 369‑pound lineman. He can still get overextended versus elite speed, I wouldn’t discredit a few bad reps with a young and developing player who matched up against the best the NCAA had to offer. His raw strength and anchor give him a high floor in downhill and zone‑hybrid run schemes. Don’t be surprised if a team inserts proctor at guard before the ultimate switch to left tackle.
18. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 315
2025 Stats: 562 Snaps, 30 Tackles (10 Solo), 3.5 TFLs, 2 SK, 14 PRs, 1 BP (12 Games)
Key Stats: 8% PRWR / 10.1% RS / 21 Stops / 429 Snaps B-Gap / 74.8 True PRG
PFF: 74.2 RUN DG / 65.4 PASS RG / 72.5 OVERALL
Red Flags: 2025 Missed Tackle Rate - 18.8% / Career 17.6%
Woods is a “Bowling Ball of Destruction” who dominates the interior with leverage and power. Woods logged 562 snaps in 2025, producing 30 tackles, 21 defensive stops, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. His 10.1% run‑stop rate and 8% pass‑rush win rate pair with PFF grades of 74.2 in run defense and 72.5 overall. On tape, his leverage and first‑step quickness explain his ability to disrupt interior blocking despite average height; he consistently wins underneath pads and forces double teams. The concern is his 18.8% missed‑tackle rate, which mirrors a career trend. Even so, Woods brings reliable interior disruption and projects as a rotational 1‑tech/3‑tech who can create backfield stress.
19. Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 280
2025 Stats: 648 Snaps, 63 Tackles (38 Solo), 12.5 Sacks, 17.5 TFLs, 4 FF (15 Games)
Key Stats: 20.8% PRWR / 55 PRs / 42 Hurries / 21 Stops
PFF: 90.5 Run DG / 91.7 Pass RG / 92.5 Overall
While Woods may be the bowling ball—Mesidor is a “Versatile Wrecking Ball” creating chaos from multiple alignments. Playing alongside Rueben Bain Jr., he proved he could win one-on-one. He delivered a dominant 2025 season with 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 55 pressures across 648 snaps. His advanced metrics — a 20.8% pass‑rush win rate, 42 hurries, and 21 stops — align with elite PFF grades (91.7 pass rush, 90.5 run defense, 92.5 overall). Mesidor wins from multiple alignments with leverage, power, and a relentless motor, consistently overwhelming guards and tackles. Durability has been part of his story, but his 2025 film shows a complete, scheme‑versatile disruptor who fits any front that values interior‑edge flexibility.
20. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 348
2025 Stats: 614 Snaps, 0 Hits, 0 Sacks, 4 Hurries, 1 Pen (12 Starts)
Key Stats: 38 Pancakes / 73.6 Gap Grade / 72.2 Zone Grade / 90.9 True Pass BG
PFF: 78.6 RBG / 87.0 PBG / 80.0 Overall
Olaivavega Ioane logged 614 snaps in 2025 without allowing a sack or quarterback hit, giving up only four hurries and committing one penalty. His 38 recorded pancakes and PFF profile (87.0 pass block, 78.6 run block, 80.0 overall) reflect a guard with rare mass‑to‑power efficiency. The tape matches the numbers — Ioane absorbs interior power with ease, resets the line of scrimmage on contact, and shows better lateral quickness than expected for a 348‑pound interior lineman. He consistently wins first contact and maintains balance through engagement, giving him value in both gap and zone concepts. Ioane projects as a plug‑and‑play power guard with starting‑level anchor and finishing strength
21. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202
2025 Stats: 77 Tackles (36 Solo), 5 PBUs, 2 INTs, 5.5 TFLs, 1 Sk (13 Games)
Key Stats: 33.3% Forced IR / 15.5% MTR / 50.3 PRWT
PFF: 86.5 RDG / 59.6 PRG / 91.8 CG / 92.1 Overall
McNeil-Warren is a versatile safety who thrives in the box, his 99th percentile run defense grade is no fluke; he diagnoses plays instantly and arrives at the ball carrier with bad intentions. Producing 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and a sack in 2025, pairing that with elite advanced metrics: a 33.3% forced‑incompletion rate, 50.3 passer rating when targeted, and a 91.8 PFF coverage grade. On film, his downhill trigger and physicality validate the analytics — he diagnoses quickly, closes space with urgency, and plays with linebacker‑level aggression in the box. His range allows him to rotate between deep and intermediate roles, though his 15.5% missed‑tackle rate is a notable concern. McNeil‑Warren projects as a versatile safety with immediate special‑teams and sub‑package value.
22. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 195
2025 Stats: 324 Snaps, 61 Rec, 711 Yds (11.7 Y/R), 8 TDs, 1 Drop (9 Games)
Key Stats: 43.8% CCR / 1.6% Drop Rate / 108.2 PRWT / 89.0 GVM
Red Flags: Recurring Injury History Is Significant
If not for nagging injuries, Tyson might be the undisputed WR1 in this class. Having only played in nine games during the 2025 season, he produced 61 catches for 711 yards, eight touchdowns, and just one drop. His efficiency metrics — a 43.8% contested‑catch rate, 1.6% drop rate, 108.2 passer rating when targeted, and an 89.0 grade vs. man — reflect a receiver who consistently creates explosive plays. The tape supports it: Tyson accelerates instantly off the line, wins vertically with late separation, and adjusts to off‑target throws with strong body control. His recurring injury history is the major red flag, but when healthy, he profiles as a dynamic vertical and yards‑after‑catch threat with WR1‑level traits.
23. Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 295
2025 Stats: 823 Snaps, 2 Hits, 0 Sacks, 4 Pen, 8 Pressures (12 Games)
Key Stats: Low Pressure Rate - 0 Sacks - Solid Pass Block Grade
PFF: 62.0 RBG / 82.1 PBG / 65.6 Zone Run / 58.6 Gap Run
Red Flags: 58.6 Gap Grad - Overall run blocking is poor
Lomu is a technician who wins by rarely getting caught out of position. He logged 823 snaps in 2025 without allowing a sack—surrendering only two hits and eight pressures while committing four penalties. His PFF profile — 82.1 pass block, 62.0 run block, 65.6 zone, 58.6 gap — reflects a tackle whose strength lies in protection rather than run displacement. The film aligns with the analytics: Lomu wins with consistent footwork, balance, and hand placement, rarely giving defenders clean angles to the quarterback. His run blocking lacks pop, particularly in gap concepts, but his pass‑pro reliability gives him early starter appeal. He projects as a steady right tackle with a high pass‑blocking floor. He projects as a plug-and-play right tackle who can step in immediately and keep a quarterback clean.
24. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205
2025 Stats: 96 tackles (44 Solo), 3.5 TFLs, 1 Sk, 5 PBUs, 2 INTs (15 Games)
Key Stats: 17.2% Forced IR / 8.3% MTR / 66.2 PRWT
PFF: 69.3 RDG / 84.0 PRG / 90.5 CG / 89.9 Overall
Thieneman is a high-IQ tactician with “Voice of God” instincts. Dillon Thieneman recorded 96 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and a sack in 2025, continuing a career marked by production and consistency. His advanced metrics — 17.2% forced‑incompletion rate, 66.2 passer rating when targeted, and a 90.5 coverage grade — reflect a safety with strong instincts and range. The tape confirms it: Thieneman processes quickly, drives on routes with anticipation, and plays with disciplined angles in space. He lacks top‑end stopping power at the point of attack, but his coverage IQ and versatility allow him to impact multiple phases. He projects as a high‑floor free safety with strong diagnostic traits.
25. Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 330
2025 Stats: 41 Tackles (16 Solo), 10.5 TFLs, 2.5 Sacks, 1 FF (14 Games)
Key Stats: 10.6% PRWR, 11.9% RSWR, 25 PRs, 16 Stops, 19 Hurries
PFF: 82.7 RDG / 74.3 PRG / 80.5 Overall
Two words: RUN-PLUGGER. Hunter is a wide-bodied run-stopper with 34 1/4-inch arms and a 330-pound frame. He collapses the line of scrimmage like a slow-motion avalanche. Hunter produced 41 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 16 defensive stops in 2025, supported by strong advanced metrics: a 10.6% pass‑rush win rate, 11.9% run‑stop rate, and 19 hurries. His PFF grades (82.7 run defense, 74.3 pass rush, 80.5 overall) reflect a stout interior defender with real point‑of‑attack strength. On film, Hunter’s size and leverage make him difficult to move, and he consistently compresses interior gaps with power. His pass‑rush game is still developing beyond a bull‑rush foundation, but his strength profile and first‑step quickness give him rotational value early. He projects as a dependable run‑first defensive tackle with upside as a pocket‑compressor.
26. KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190
2025 Stats: 61 catches, 919 YDs (15.1 Y/R), 9 TDs (13 Games)
Key Stats: 66.7% CCR / 456 Punt Ret Yds, 111.8 PRWT, 14 Forced MT
PFF: 79.9 RG / 78.4 OG / 78.3 GVM
Red Flags: 10.3% Drop Rate - 7 Drops vs 101 Targets
Concepcion is a high-velocity slot threat with elite short-area suddenness, who weaponizes explosive vision to turn utility throws into cinematic highlights. KC Concepcion delivered 61 catches for 919 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, adding 456 punt‑return yards and forcing 14 missed tackles. His efficiency metrics — a 66.7% contested‑catch rate, 111.8 passer rating when targeted, and 7.2 yards after the catch — reflect a player who creates offense with short‑area burst and vision. On tape, the analytics make sense: Concepcion separates quickly, accelerates through space, and turns routine touches into chunk gains with his ability to slip tackles. His 10.3% drop rate is the clear red flag, but his versatility as a slot receiver, motion piece, and return threat gives him multiple pathways to early NFL snaps. He projects as a dynamic utility weapon who thrives in spacing‑based offenses.
27. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 310
2025 Stats: 65 tackles (31 Solo), 3 SKs, 9 TFLs, 3 PBUs, 2 FF (14 Games)
Key Stats: 26 Stops / 13.8% Run Stop Rate / 4% PRWR
PFF: 92 RDG / 61.2 PRG / 87.6 Overall
Kayden McDonald produced 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and 26 defensive stops across 14 games in 2025. His advanced metrics — a 13.8% run‑stop rate, 4% pass‑rush win rate, and a 92.0 run‑defense grade — reflect a nose tackle who controls the interior with leverage and strength. On tape, the analytics make sense: McDonald consistently wins underneath pads, absorbs double teams without losing ground, and disrupts blocking schemes with his first step and balance. He’s not a high‑end interior rusher, but he generates enough pocket compression to impact timing. His ability to anchor and occupy space allows linebackers to play clean, giving him clear early‑down value as a sturdy 0‑ or 1‑technique.
28. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 245
2025 Stats: 31 Tackles (20 Solo), 11.5 sacks, 14 TFLs, 6 PBUs, 1 FF (13 Games)
Key Stats: 19.9% Pass Rush WR / 41 Pressures / 3 BPs / 27 Hurries / 21 Stops
PFF: 73.6 RDG / 90.3 PRG / 81.2 Overall
Red Flags: Short Arms - 3.1% Run Stop Rate - Struggles Against The Run
Cashius Howell plays like a pure edge disruptor built for third‑down chaos, and 2025 was the season where that trait fully surfaced. He finished with 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and 41 total pressures, supported by a 19.9% pass‑rush win rate and a 90.3 PFF pass‑rush grade. The tape mirrors the analytics — Howell threatens the corner with an explosive first step, bends naturally, and finishes with the flexibility that SEC tackles struggled to match. However, his short arms and a 3.1% run‑stop rate show up most where power can displace him and limit his early‑down value. Even so, his ability to tilt the pocket on passing downs gives him a clear role as an immediate pressure specialist with room to grow into a fuller workload.
29. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 235
2025 Stats: 88 Tackles (47 Solo), 6 TFLs, 3.5 SKs, 4 PBUs, 2 FF (13 Games)
Key Stats: 36 Stops / 68.2 CRA / 87.8 PRWT
PFF: 60.7 CG / 72.6 PRG / 90.8 RDG / 81.9 Overall
Red Flags: Well below average coverage grade
CJ Allen plays like the emotional and structural center of Georgia’s defense, the linebacker who keeps the front seven tied together. He finished 2025 with 88 tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and 36 defensive stops. His PFF profile — a 90.8 run‑defense grade and 81.9 overall — reflects a player who diagnoses quickly and arrives with force. On tape, the analytics check out: Allen triggers downhill with confidence, takes clean angles, and consistently beats blockers to spots. His below‑average coverage grade (60.7) shows up when matched in space, where he can be late transitioning or opening his hips. Even so, his processing, leadership, and run‑game reliability give him a clear early‑down role with upside if his coverage technique improves.
30. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 180
2025 Stats: 48 Tackles (30 Solo), 4.5 TFLs, 3 INTs, 5 FF, 3 Sacks, 9 PBUs (12 Games)
Key Stats: 56.9% CR / 66.7 MCG / 96.9 PRWT / 74.9 ZCG
PFF: 85.2 RDG / 84.1 PRG / 76.9 CG / 66.7 MCG / 83.5 Overall
Red Flags: At 180 Lbs Terrell Could Use Some Added Strength
Avieon Terrell plays with the kind of urgency and precision that allowed Clemson to trust him in every coverage structure. His 2025 production — 48 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, five forced fumbles, three sacks, and nine pass breakups — reflects a defender who impacts the game at every level. His advanced metrics (56.9% completion rate allowed, 96.9 passer rating when targeted, 74.9 zone grade) pair with an 83.5 overall PFF grade. On tape, the analytics make sense: Terrell triggers downhill with confidence, mirrors routes with clean transitions, and uses timing and hand placement to separate receivers from the ball. his 180-pound frame invites concerns regarding vertical displacement against bigger bodies, but his instincts, ball disruption, and versatility give him clear starting‑caliber upside.
31. Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 310
2025 Stats: 891 Snaps, 3 Sks, 2 Pen, 0 Hits, 6 Hurries (13 Starts)
Key Stats: 6 Pressures / 53.5 Gap Grade / 54.7 Zone Grade
PFF: 61.3 RBG / 85.1 PBG / 64.7 Zone Grade / 71.2 Overall
Red Flags: Gap Grade Is Very Low 53.5 - Previous Shoulder Surgery
Monroe Freeling looks every bit like a modern blindside prototype, and 2025 was the year his traits finally translated into consistent production. Across 891 snaps, he allowed just three sacks, zero quarterback hits, and six hurries while committing two penalties. His PFF profile — an 85.1 pass‑block grade and 71.2 overall — reflects a tackle who wins with length, balance, and controlled footwork. On tape, the analytics make sense: Freeling’s ability to stay square, mirror speed, and recover with his reach gives edge rushers few clean angles. His run‑blocking remains a concern, particularly in gap concepts where his 53.5 grade shows limited displacement power, and his prior shoulder surgery is a notable medical flag. Even so, his pass‑pro ceiling is among the highest in the class,
32. Zion Young, DE, Missouri
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265
2025 Stats: 42 Tackles (20 Solo), 6.5 SKs, 16.5 TFLs, 2 PD, 2 FF (13 Games)
Key Stats: 27 Stops / 29 Hurries / 52 Pressures / 17.4% PRWR / 9.3% RSWR
PFF: 85.1 RDG / 81.6 PRG / 84.0 Overall
Zion Young plays with the kind of first‑step urgency that forces tackles into recovery mode from the snap. His 2025 production — 42 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 27 stops, and 52 total pressures — pairs with a strong advanced profile highlighted by a 17.4% pass‑rush win rate and an 84.0 overall PFF grade. On tape, the analytics track cleanly: Young consistently gains the edge with burst, converts speed to power when he stays square, and closes quickly once he wins the corner. His run‑stop rate (9.3%) shows he can be inconsistent holding the point, but his ability to create backfield disruption gives him clear rotational value early. Young projects as an ascending edge rusher with real upside if his play strength continues to develop
33. Emmanuel Pregnon, LG, OREGON
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 320
2025 Stats: 910 Snaps, 1 HIT, 0 SKs, 1 Pen, 3 PRe (15 Games)
Key Stats: 93.0 Zone Grade / 69.0 Gap Grade / 85.1 True PSB / 34” + Arms
PFF: 88.0 PBG / 88.3 RBG / 88.4 Overall
Starting off as an unranked two-star recruit out of Denver—Pregnon landed in Wyoming—breaking out with Second Team Freshman All-American honors his sophomore season in 2022. He then took his violent 6-foot-5, 320-pound frame with 34” arms to USC—surrendering zero sacks, allowing just 26 hurries, 31 pressures, and 5 QB hits over two seasons (2023-2024)—stacking 2nd team All-Big Ten Conference honors. After skipping the 2025 draft—he transferred to Oregon—this is where his film hit elite status securing 1st-Team AP All-American and 1st-Team All-Big Ten honors.
Few interior linemen in 2025 paired efficiency and consistency at a higher level than Emmanuel Pregnon, who logged 910 snaps at Oregon without allowing a single sack and earned an elite 93.0 zone‑run grade. Pregnon’s game is built on length, balance, and control, and his 34‑inch arms show up immediately on tape as he locks out interior rushers and ends reps on his terms. He climbs to the second level with clean angles, pulls with stability, and maintains leverage through contact, reflecting the same traits that carried him from Wyoming to USC before peaking in Eugene. His pass protection was equally steady, posting an 85.1 true pass‑set grade with only one hit allowed. Pregnon projects as a high‑floor, scheme‑versatile guard with early starter capability and long‑term reliability.
Rock’s Lock: Pregnon Made My Shortlist As Players To Watch For The Lions
34. Brandon Cisse, CB, NC State
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
2025 Stats: 27 Tackles (19 Solo), 1.5 TFLs, 1 INT, 5 PBUs, 1 FF (12 Games)
Key Stats: 78.9 PRWT / 13 Stops / 47.4% CR
PFF: 89.2 RDG / 57.2 PRG / 71.2 CG / 75.2 Overall
Brandon Cisse plays with the kind of calm, controlled movement that keeps him consistently attached to routes on the boundary. His 2025 production — 27 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, an interception, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble — pairs with strong coverage efficiency, allowing just 47.4% completions and posting a 78.9 passer rating when targeted. On tape, the analytics hold up: Cisse transitions smoothly, stays patient at the top of routes, and rarely gives up clean vertical shots. His run support is steady, and he offers special‑teams value, though his 57.2 pass‑rush grade reflects limited blitz impact. Cisse projects as a reliable CB2 with early rotational upside and a high floor in zone‑match systems.
35. T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 255
2025 Stats: 37 Tackles (19 Solo), 5 SKs, 9.5 TFLs, 11 HITs (12 Games)
Key Stats: 41 Pressures / 24 Hurries / 22 Stops / 15.5% PRWR / 7.6% RSWR
PFF: 77.5 RDG / 74.6 PRG / 80.7 Overall
T.J. Parker didn’t waste any time shattering Myles Murphy’s TFL record with 12.5 of his own. His sophomore campaign escalated the violence: 19.5 TFLs, 11 sacks, and a school-record 6 forced fumbles, highlighted by a dominant 7 tackles, 5 TFLs and 4 sack masterpiece against Pittsburgh. Exiting 2024, Parker stood alone nationally ranking top-10 in forced fumbles, TFLs, and sacks. While his 2025 sack total stabilized at 6, his underlying disruption remained terrifying and consistent, generating 41 pressures, 11 QB hits, 24 hurries, and 22 stops.
On tape, the analytics hold up: Parker wins with heavy hands, leverage, and a refined ability to shed blocks, creating immediate stress for tackles who struggle to anchor against his power. He’s not a pure speed rusher, but his masterful “Peanut Punch” and ball stripping technique and strength give him a reliable floor as an edge setter with consistent pocket impact. Parker projects as a pro‑ready 4‑3 defensive end with early starting potential.
Rock’s Lock: Parker Made My Shortlist As Players To Watch For The Lions
36. Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 305
2025 Stats: 437 Snaps, 23 Tackles (10 Solo), 1.5 SKs, 2 Hits, 4 TFLs (14 Games)
Key Stats: 16 Pressures / 14 Hurries / 12 Stops / 11.3% PRWR / 7.4% RSWR
PFF: 88.1 RDG / 70.4 PBG / 82.3 Overall
Christen Miller brings the kind of interior explosiveness Georgia leans on to disrupt blocking schemes from the inside out. Across 437 snaps in 2025, he produced 23 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 12 defensive stops, supported by an 11.3% pass‑rush win rate and an 88.1 run‑defense grade. On tape, the analytics track — Miller fires off the ball with real burst, creates pocket movement with a straight‑line bull rush, and flashes the ability to win gaps before guards can anchor. His inconsistencies show up too: tackling lapses and occasional run‑fit hesitation limit his down‑to‑down reliability. Even so, his first‑step quickness and interior disruption give him clear Day 2 developmental value as a penetrating 3‑tech with room to grow through improved hand usage.
Rock’s Lock: Miller Made My Shortlist As Players To Watch For The Lions
37. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 335
2024 Stats: 21 Tackles (10 Solo), 7 TFLs, 4.5 SKs, 2 FF, 1 BP (12 Games)
Key Stats: 29 Pressures / 21 Hurries / 13 Stops / 8.3% PRWR
2024 PFF: 67.9 RDG / 73.2 PRG / 73.0 Overall
Red Flags: Foot Injury - Consistency Concerns - Missed Tackles
Despite a season-altering foot injury that required surgery last September, Banks remains a high-octane “Planet Theory” prospect with rare physical displacement. A towering disruptor with 35-inch arms, he parlayed a dominant 2024 breakout—leading Gators’ interior defenders with 29 pressures—into a first-round projection in 2026. While his pad level can get high out of his stance, his first-step explosiveness and heavy hands allow him to “ragdoll” interior linemen. After returning for Florida’s final two games, his “brash” dominance and inconsistency during Senior Bowl week reignited the excitement surrounding his immense ceiling. Banks is a boom or bust prospect due to the lack of playing time before entering the draft—could easily slip hard into day two. Should he fall as far as the 4th round, he may end up back home in Michigan with the Detroit Lions.
38. Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 325
2025 Stats: 860 Snaps, 0 SKs, 3 Hits, 8 Pen, 14 Pressures (12 Games)
Key Stats: 70.8 True Pass BG / 68.1 Zone BG / 0 Sacks / 34.5” + Arms
PFF: 66.8 RBG / 78.3 PBG / 72.5 Overall / 62.9 Gap Grade
Max Iheanachor plays like a prototype left tackle still discovering how powerful his tools really are; Max is a raw ball of clay. His 2025 season — 860 snaps, zero sacks allowed, and a 78.3 pass‑block grade — reflects a blocker whose physical gifts are already dictating matchups. On tape, he looks like a “range extender,” using 34.5‑inch arms and rare lateral quickness to widen the arc and erase speed rushers before they can threaten the corner. His anchor flashes real stopping power, though his punch timing and stunt recognition remain developmental. Even so, his Senior Bowl dominance showed how quickly he’s closing the gap between traits and technique. Iheanachor projects as a high‑ceiling right tackle with the ability to play on the interior to start—with the athletic profile to become a long‑term protector of the future.
39. Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 300
2025 Stats: 748 Snaps, 1 SK, 1 Hit, 2 Hurries, 4 Pressures, 7 Pen (12 Games)
Key Stats: 81.7 Zone Grade / 65.1 Gap Grade / 75.0 True Pass BG
PFF: 84.1 PBG / 80.2 RBG / 79.3 Overall
A three-year starter and two-time captain, Jake Slaughter plays like the nerve center of an offense already — assignment‑clean anchor coaches trust to stabilize the offensive line. His 2025 season backed that up: 748 snaps, just one sack allowed, and an SEC‑best 84.1 pass‑blocking grade. On tape, he’s a “leverage technician,” consistently winning early with pad level, hand placement, and the core strength to absorb interior power without giving ground. His 81.7 zone grade shows how well he climbs and redirects in space, though wide‑zone lateral range isn’t his strongest trait. What stands out most is his processing — Slaughter identifies stunts before they form and resets protections with veteran calm. He projects as a plug‑and‑play center whose intelligence and consistency make him the long‑term voice of an NFL offensive line.
Rock’s Lock: Slaughter Made My Shortlist As Players To Watch For The Lions
40. R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 240
2025 Stats: 26 Tackles (18 Solo), 6.5 SK, 9.5 TFLs, 1 PBU, 2 FF, 3 Hits (10 Games)
Key Stats: 28 Pressures, 19 Hurries, 19 Stops, 20.3% PRWR
PFF: 79.4 RDG / 90.4 PRG / 85.3 Overall
R. Mason Thomas plays like a coiled spring on the edge — the moment the ball moves, he’s already threatening the corner. His 2025 production (6.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, 28 pressures) pairs with a dominant 20.3% pass‑rush win rate and a 90.4 PFF pass‑rush grade, confirming what the tape shows: Thomas is a “flash‑bang rusher” who wins instantly with twitch, bend, and backside pursuit speed. He’s undersized for a full‑time hand‑in‑the‑dirt role, but his ability to flatten and close makes him a problem on any passing down. His motor never cools, and he consistently cleans up plays others can’t finish. Thomas projects as a stand‑up 3‑4 outside linebacker with real sub‑package juice and disruptive upside.
41. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 240
2025 Stats: 105 Tackles (39 Solo), 6 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 3 PBUs, 1 FF (12 Games)
Key Stats: 106.5 PRWT / 43 Stops / 18 Pressures / 9% MTR
PFF: 77.5 CG / 61.1 PRG / 90.6 RDG / 82.4 Overall
Jake Golday plays with the kind of range and length that compresses the middle of the field for an offense. His 2025 production — 105 tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 43 stops — pairs with a dominant 90.6 run‑defense grade and the movement skills to match routes into the intermediate windows. On tape, he’s the type of linebacker whose 35‑inch arms “shrink passing lanes like a closing elevator door,” using length and timing to overlap zones and disrupt throwing platforms. His strike power is real, though anchoring against pullers remains a growth area. Golday’s RPO recognition and ability to trigger downhill with control give him clear NFL value. He projects as a Day 2 linebacker with starter‑level upside and immediate special‑teams impact.
Rock’s Lock: Golday Made My Shortlist As Players To Watch For The Lions
42. Malachi Fields, WR, Virginia
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
2025 Stats: 309 Snaps, 60 Rec, 630 Yds (17.5 Y/R), 5 TDs (12 Games)
Key Stats: 113 PRWT / 1 Drop / 47.6% CCR / 2.7% Drop Rate
PFF: 76.2 RG / 66.7 MCG / 75.8 Overall
The defining trait of Malachi Fields’ 2025 season was how consistently he won through size, strength, and catch‑point control, turning 60 receptions into 630 yards and five touchdowns while stabilizing Notre Dame’s passing game. Fields uses his 6‑4, 220‑pound frame and 38‑inch vertical to elevate, shield defenders, and finish through contact, functioning as a true boundary X who thrives in tight spaces. His tape shows a receiver who works the intermediate windows with controlled pacing and physical stems, pairing a 47.6% contested‑catch rate with strong hands and a 2.7% drop rate. While he isn’t a pure vertical burner, his play strength and body control allow him to create late separation and secure tough grabs. Fields projects as a dependable possession target with red‑zone value and immediate chain‑moving utility.
43. Keith Abney, CB, Tennessee
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
2025 Stats: 44 Tackles (36 Solo), 2 INT, 12 PBUs, 1 TFL, 2 FF (12 Games)
Key Stats: 46.1 PRWT / 11 Stops / 2 MT / 71.1 MCG / 81.7 ZCG / 44.4% CR
PFF: 77.9 RDG / 77.6 PRG / 85.3 Coverage Grade / 86.3 Overall
The standout feature of Keith Abney’s 2025 season was how consistently he disrupted the catch point, finishing with 12 pass breakups, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a 46.1 passer rating when targeted. Abney plays with the fluidity and anticipation of a corner who understands route construction, using disciplined footwork and sharp leverage control to stay attached through stems. His tape shows a defender who mirrors with suddenness, squeezes verticals with patient hips, and triggers downhill with confidence, supported by strong zone awareness and reliable tackling — only two misses across 12 games. While his transitions can tighten and his size limits him against true above‑the‑rim X receivers, his processing speed and competitive edge consistently show up. Abney projects as a versatile CB2/CB3 with inside‑outside flexibility and the football IQ to earn early rotational snaps. I like his ability at the nickel which may be a way to make it onto the field early in his career.
Rock’s Lock: Slaughter Made My Shortlist As Players To Watch For The Lions
44. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195
2025 Stats: 50 tackles (34 Solo), 1 INT, 8 PBUs, 4.5 TFLs, 1 FF (16 Games)
Key Stats: 69.5 PRWT / 20 Stops / 4 Missed Tackles
PFF: 63.8 RDG / 66.9 PRG / 80.3 Coverage Grade / 79.2 Overall
Few SEC corners in 2025 showed a more natural feel for route anticipation and timing than Colton Hood, who paired 50 tackles with two interceptions, six pass breakups, and an 80.3 coverage grade in his first season at Tennessee. Hood plays with confident eyes and controlled aggression, consistently squeezing throwing windows and triggering downhill with the urgency of a safety rotating into the alley. His tape shows a corner who stays connected through the break, competes at the catch point, and disrupts timing with disciplined footwork, though his eagerness to jump routes can be leveraged by double moves. With experience both outside and in the slot, Hood projects as a scheme‑flexible defensive back whose instincts, ball skills, and competitive edge give him a clear path to early NFL snaps.
45. Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 200
2025 Stats: 674 Yds / 11 TDs / 3 Fumbles | 6 Rec / 87 Rec YDs / 2 RTDs (12 Games)
Key Stats: 6 Yds Per Attempt / 31 Forced MT / 24 Explosives
PFF: 66.9 RG / 79.9 Rush Grade / 78.6 Overall
The most striking element of Jadarian Price’s 2025 season was how consistently his burst created immediate stress on pursuit angles, turning 120 carries into 750 yards and eight touchdowns for Notre Dame. Price runs with controlled urgency, using sharp lateral cuts and patient block setup to slip through tight spaces and accelerate into daylight. His tape shows a back who manipulates leverage like a slot receiver working option routes, redirecting without losing balance and finishing runs with more strength than his 200‑pound frame suggests. He also adds value as a receiver and returner, including two touchdowns in the kicking game. Price projects as a change‑of‑pace back early with the traits — vision, burst, and versatility — to grow into a larger rotation.
Rock’s Lock: Price Made My Shortlist As Players To Watch For The Lions
46. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 170
2025 Stats: 61 Tackles (44 Solo), 2 INTs,TFLs, 11 PBUs (15 Games)
Key Stats: 39 Passer Rate WT / 1 Missed Tackle / 10 Stops
PFF: 78.2 RDG / 61.9 PRG / 89.6 CG / 88.8 Overall
The defining element of D’Angelo Ponds’ 2025 season was how reliably he smothered underneath routes, allowing a 39.0 passer rating when targeted while producing 61 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. Ponds plays with the short‑area quickness, balance, and competitive urgency that slot corners are built on, staying square through releases and matching breaks with disciplined footwork. His tape shows a defender who anticipates route stems early, closes space with sudden acceleration, and finishes with outstanding consistency — just one missed tackle across 15 games. Despite his 5‑9 frame, he competes at the catch point with timing and leverage, though his lack of length limits his margin for error outside. Ponds projects as a high‑energy nickel whose instincts, toughness, and coverage efficiency translate cleanly to early NFL snaps.
47. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 203
2025 Stats: 3,282 Yds, 27 TDs, 4 INTs (15 Games)
Key Stats: 19.4% Pressure To SK / 8.9 ADOT / 90.1 Deep Grade / 64.55% Comp Rate
PFF: 84.7 PG / 87.7 Overall / 92.9 Intermediate Grade / 45.7 Under Pressure Grade
Few quarterbacks in 2025 were more efficient in the intermediate passing game than Ty Simpson, who paired 3,282 yards with 27 touchdowns, just four interceptions, and a 64.55% completion rate. Simpson operated Alabama’s offense with timing and clarity, consistently identifying leverage and attacking space with an 8.9 aDOT and a 92.9 intermediate grade. On tape, he plays like a distributor who sees the picture early, layering throws with the rhythm of a point guard leading a cutter and keeping progressions on schedule. His pocket movement is subtle and controlled, though his 45.7 grade under pressure shows room for growth when the interior collapses. Simpson projects as a high‑floor NFL starter built on processing, accuracy, and operational consistency, with a game tailored to timing‑based systems.
48. Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 330
2025 Stats: 1 SK, 3 HITs, 8 Hurries, 8 Penalties, 12 Pressures
Key Stats: 56.5 Gap Grade / 66.0 Zone BG / 66.5 True PBG / 54 Consecutive Starts
PFF: 70.7 PBG / 62.7 RBG / 62.4 Overall
Few interior linemen in 2025 generated more consistent knock‑back in the run game than Chase Bisontis. The former tackle turned guard became a physical tone‑setter for Texas A&M’s 11‑2 playoff push, using his 6‑6, 330‑pound frame to create displacement and finish with force. His tape shows a guard who resets the line like a nose tackle winning first contact, leveraging lower‑body power and heavy hands to win early in the rep. He posted a career‑best 70.7 pass‑blocking grade and allowed just one sack across 13 starts, though his interior pass‑set efficiency still has room to tighten. Bisontis projects as a power‑scheme guard with immediate value in downhill concepts and the long‑term profile of a physical, reliable starter.
49. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 195
2025 Stats: 69 Rec / 804 YDs (7.1 Y/R) / 13 TDs, 3 Drops (16 Games)
Key Stats: 50% CCR / 73.8 Grade VS Man / 145.2 PRWT / 4.2% Drop Rate
Omar Cooper Jr. plays with the polish and efficiency of a receiver who understands how to manipulate space. His 2025 production — 58 catches, 804 yards, and 11 touchdowns — reflects a player who consistently wins with pacing, body control, and strong hands. On tape, he’s the type of wideout who stacks defenders the way a technician climbs a ladder, using leverage and mid‑air adjustments to finish through contact. His 50% contested‑catch rate and 73.8 grade vs. man coverage confirm his reliability in tight windows. Cooper isn’t a pure vertical burner, but he separates with route detail and accelerates through contact after the catch. He projects as a high‑floor WR2 who can work the boundary, win in traffic, and produce early in an NFL offense.
50. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315
2025 Stats: 875 Snaps, 2 SKs, 2 Hits, 10 Hurries (13 Games)
Key Stats: 54 Consecutive Starts (School Record), 71.3 Gap Grade, 76.6 Zone Grade
PFF: 72.4 RBG / 81.6 PBG / 76.8 Overall
Miller is the ultimate iron man, setting a new bar for durability—54 consecutive starts setting a Clemson record. Voted a permanent captain by his teammates as a senior—proving his leadership and production were elite amongst his peers. Blake Miller brings the reliability and physical presence teams expect from a multi‑year anchor. His Clemson 2025 performance — 875 snaps, two sacks allowed, and an 81.6 pass‑block grade — reflect a lineman who understands angles, communication, and assignment integrity. On tape, he’s the type of blocker who “absorbs contact like a post player sealing the lane,” using a strong base and heavy hands to neutralize power at the point of attack. He generates movement in the run game with consistent pad level and strain, though elite speed rushers can stress his lateral range. Miller’s experience, toughness, and processing make him a safe projection, likely transitioning inside where his power, awareness, and durability translate cleanly.
Stats Legend:
True PRG = True Pass Rush Grade
True Pass BG = True Pass Block Grade
PRWT = Passer Rating Allowed When Targeted
Forced IR = Forced Incompletion Rate
Forced MT = Forced Missed Tackles
Man CG = Man Cover Grade
Zone CG = Zone Cover Grade
PRWR = Pass Rush Win Rate
RSWR = Run Stop Win Rate
PBWR = Pass Block Win Rate
RBWR = Run Block Win Rate
GVM = Grade Versus Man Coverage
CCR = Contested Catch Rate
MTR = Missed Tackle Rate
RDG = Run Defense Grade
PRG = Pass Rush Grade
REC = Receptions
CRA = Completion Rate Allowed
TFL = Tackle For Loss
HIT = Hits Allowed By Offensive Linemen
HIT = Defensive Player Against QB
PRe = Pressures (Offense Or Defense)
PBU = Pass Break Up (PD)
FUM = Fumble By Offensive Player
INT = Interceptions
Pen = Penalties
BP = Batted Pass (Defensive Line
SK = Sack(s) (Offense Or Defense)
DR = Drop Rate By Receiver Or Against QB
FR = Fumble Recovery
FF = Forced Fumble
TDs = Touchdowns
BP = Blocked Pass
YDs = Yards
