2026 NFL Draft Preview: Steelers Part 4

 

These names come from various senior bowl, combine and pro day visits and connections. Summaries are from nfl.com's draft tracker.

OG Evan Beersten - Northwestern  6'3 1/2",  301

combine: 5.25s 40, 32.5"vert, 8'9"broad

strengths: Good feel for angles to help leverage his run gap. Drives feet through contact to smother opponents' space. Plays with good strength & strain at the point of attack. Agile, quick feet to recover across his gap in protection. 

weaknesses: Needs to play with more consistent hand placement. Sees his punch wiped quickly away by long defenders. Struggles getting edge leakage redirected in protection.

grade: 5.92 (Average backup/Special teamer)

CB Chris Johnson - San Diego State   6',  193

combine: 4.4s 40, 38"vert, 10'6"broad, 17reps

2025: MW DPOY, 1st All-MW, 48tot tckls, 1sck, 1FF, 4INTs/2TDs, 8PDs

strengths: Coverage movement is controlled & confident. Mirrors & matches the release with consistency from his pedal. Footwork is clean & natural in transitions & recovery,. Closes distance to suffocate workspace on vertical routes. Attacks blockers with aggressive punches & is a wrap-up tackler.

weaknesses: Average recovery speed when he's beaten. Phases on top side of the route & loses positioning late. Had trouble battling big-bodied receivers on jump balls.

grade: 6.30 (Will eventually become a plus starter)

comp: Byron Murphy

WR Kendrick Law - Kentucky  5'11",  203

combine: 4.45s 40, 42"vert, 10'8"broad, 21reps

2925: 53rec/540yds/3TDs, 8c/53yds

strengths: Strong hips & excellent balance through contact. Provides a tough catch-&-run option to break tackles & move the chains. Plays with good sideline awareness. Vast Special Teams experience & has kick-return value. 

weaknesses: Tight hips create linear movements & rounded routes. Below-average burst out of breaks & after cuts as a runner. Slow making adjustments on deep throws. 

grade: 5.87 (Average backup/Special teamer)

TE Khalil Dinkins - Penn State  6'4",  251

combine: 4.72s 40, 32.5"vert, 9'11"broad, 25reps

2025: 14rec/167yds/2TDs

strengths: Can stem his release & burst up the seam. Explosive hips can create a jolt on the move. Chip-blocks before his release are not for show. 

weaknesses: Has room for better box-outs when contested. Has a tendency to drift into the top of his route. Below-average size & strength for blocking NFL DEs. Needs to be under control upon arrival as a move blocker.

grade: 5.95 (Average backup/Special teamer)

CB Daylen Everette - Georgia  6'1",  196

combine: 4.38s 40, 37.5"vert, 10'4"broad

2025: 1st All-SEC, 40tot tckls, 1FR, 1INT, 8PDs

strengths: Stays square & waits for release declaration from press. Effective reading & jumping routes from short zones. Anticipates breaks & blankets comebacks from tight man. Presses the line & sets the edge when uncovered.

weaknesses: Allows too many pitch-&-catch throws in front of him. Average acceleration out of transitions. Grabs & holds become easy calls. Needs better breakdown & control as an open-field tackler.

grade: 5.98 (Average backup/Special teamer)

WR Germie Bernard - Alabama  6'1",  206

combine: 4.48s 40, 32.5"vert, 10'5"broad

2025: 64rec/862yds/7TDs, 18c/101yds/2TDs

strengths: Tempo alterations help to bypass & separate from coverage. Smooth strider with steady turnover working through zone. Above-average focus & footwork near the sideline. Weaponized as a utility option out of the backfield. Plus field vision & cut quickness when the ball is in his hands.

weaknesses: Needs better physicality & hand-fighting to defeat press. Positioning would benefit from quicker adjustments. Needs to become more consistently competitive for catch space. Most drops came when working into the hashes. 

grade: 6.29 (Will eventually become an average starter)

comp: Robert Woods

QB Cole Payton - North Dakota State  6'3",  232

combine: 4.56s 40, 40"vert, 10'10"broad

2025: 2nd All-MVFC, 72%, 2,719yds, 16TDs/4INTs, 126c/777yds/13TDs

strengths: Dual threat. Left-handed passer who can roll left & throw accurate strikes on the move. Above-average placement on deep throws outside the numbers. Poised, creating winning plays under duress.

weaknesses: Needs a makeover with his passing mechanics. Unable to generate NFL-caliber drive throws into tight windows. Not prepared to dissect zone coverage into intermediate spaces.

grade: 5.81 (Average backup/Special teamer)

CB Tacario Davis - Washington  6'4",  194

combine: 4,41s 40, 37"vert, 10'3"broad

2025: 20tot tckls, 2INTs, 4PDs

strengths: Plus ball skills. Able to knock releases off course with his length. Impossible to throw over him when he's in-phase downfield. Gains speed quickly when his legs unfurl. Expansive tackle net to bring in open-field runners. 

weaknesses: Hitch in his transition when break catches him off-guard. Willing to grab instead of trusting technique & size. Athletic but struggles guarding multi-breaking routes. Inconsistent body control as a tackler.

grade: 6.00 (Traits or talent to be an above-average backup)

comp: NaShon Wright

OG Keylan Rutledge - Georgia Tech  6'4",  316

combine: 5.05s 40, 32.5"vert, 8'8"broad

2025: 1st All-American, 1st All-ACC, Brian Piccolo Award

strengths: Works with smoothness & timing on combo blocks up to the LB. Generates knock-back pop & creates movement on double-teams. Gets into his pass sets with ready hands to unload on the target. Punches with purpose & good force in his hands.

weaknesses: Leaning/lunging into pass punch creates early losses for him. Recovery ability is subpar due to tight hips & heavy feet. Below-average body control & contact balance. Has issues tagging moving targets cleanly in small spaces.

grade: 6.25 (Will eventually become an average starter)

comp: Sean Rhyan

LB Jacob Rodriguez - Texas Tech  6'1",  231

combine: 4.57s 40, 38.5"vert, 10'5"broad

2025: 1st All-BIG 12, Unanimous All-American, Bronko Nagurski Trophy/Butkus Award/Lombardi Award/Bednarik Award/Pony Express Award,  28tot tckls, 1sck, 7FF/2FR, 4INTs, 6PDs

strengths: Keys quickly & races to the junction point. Constant movement makes him hard to hit for linemen. Won't drift deep into traffic without plan of action. Punches & plays off the block with excellent technique. Instincts, eyes & ball skills of a greedy safety in coverage. 

weaknesses: Can be knocked around inside the box by size. Will take a big bite on msidirection & play-action. Comes in hot to the catch, leading to overruns. 

grade: 6.34 (Will eventually become a plus starter)

comp: Carson Schwesinger

LB Kyle Louis - Pittsburgh  6',  220

combine: 4.53s 40, 39.5"vert, 10'9"broad

2025: 2nd All-ACC, 79tot tckls, 3scks, 1FF/2FR, 2INTs, 3PDs

strengths: Very decisive in coverage & against the run. Reads blocking keys & races downhill into position. Sudden with his change of direction in pursuit. Runs with receivers like a CB in man coverage. Can burst & grab anything that is in his area. 

weaknesses: Low win rate when taking on blocks near the line. Can be drawn out of position by glances & misdirection. Inconsistent angles to the throw leaves him under the catch point.

grade: 6.30 (Will eventually become a plus starter)

comp: Jerome Baker

EDGE R Mason Thomas - Oklahoma  6'2",  241

combine: 4.67s 40

2025: 1st All-SEC, 26tot tckls, 6.5scks, 2FFs, 1PD, 1 Safety

strengths: High-octane rusher with expansive take-off up the field. Has the bend & ankle flexion to dip under taller tackles. Will surprise tackles with his ability to convert speed to power. Darts across blocker's face & into gaps with excellent pad level. Able to chase & capture RBs with exceptional pursuit speed. 

weaknesses: Has trouble maintaining his hand stack & holding his ground. Long tackles are able to widen out his entry point on vertical rushes. Hand fighting could use more polish at the junction point. Has an injury history.

grade: 6.28 (Will eventually become an average starter)

comp: Dee Ford

2026 NFL Draft Preview: Buffalo Bills Part 1

 

These names come from various senior bowl, combine and pro day visits and connections. Summaries are from nfl.com's draft tracker.

OT Riley Mahlman - Wisconsin  6'8",  308

strengths: Slides in protection with ready hands & flat back. Consistently looks for additional work as a run blocker. Strikes into run block with leveraged hands that carry plus grip strength. 

weaknesses: Hands lack needed precision to make up for his lack of length. Gives up too much ground against early bull-rush charges. Inconsistent hands as a run blocker, diminishing his cutoff sustain. Stiff-kneed when climbing to 2nd level cut-off blocks.

grade: 5.68 (Candidate for bottom of the roster or Practice Squad)

C Brian Parker II - Duke  6'5", 309

combine: 5.14s 40, 9'1"broad, 29reps

strengths: Immediate C/G flexibility. Plays with inside hands & grip strength to latch in. Finds center of gravity fits using footwork & subtle adjustments. Movements in pass/run are very controlled & balanced. Redirects weight to maintain a fluid protection mirror. Sees rush games developing & quickly responds. 

weaknesses: Can be beaten by long defenders. Average depth of anchor against power. Average recovery & redirect once the rusher hits his edge.

grade:  6.22 (Eventually will become an average starter)

S Dalton Johnson - Arizona  5'11",  192

combine: 4.41s 40, 36"vert, 9'11" broad

2025: 1st All-BIG 12, 97tot tckls, 1sck, 1FF/1FR, 4INTs, 7PDs

strengths: Fills run fits as a down safety with a quick trigger. Backpedal & transitions are smooth in space. Properly balanced in reading QB & route development. Instincts & recognition keep him dialed into coverage duties.

weaknesses: Feels a little small playing inside the box. Slips in coverage when over-extended beyond his base. Will struggle guarding vertical speed & big TEs. Tackle slippage derived from his lack of wrap-up length. 

grade: 5.93 (Average backup/Special teamer)

EDGE Cashius Howell - Texas A&M  6'2 1/2",  253

combine: 4.59s 40, 32.5"vert, 9'7"broad

2025: Unanimous All-American/1st All-SEC, SEC DPOY, 31tot tckls, 11.5scks, 1FF, 6PDs

strengths: Can bend, corner & flatten into pockets. Already working with a series of go-to moves in his bag. A wicked inside spin counter can defeat tackles. Major problem for QBs with undisciplined drop depth. Trigger quickness to knife into B-gap & blow up play design. Above-average change of direction & pursuit burst from the back side. 

weaknesses: Requires better techniques for competent edge-setting. Drops eyes & ducks his helmet into 1st contact. Pass rush lacks speed variance & diversified setup. Hands need more schooling to unlock NFL rush potential.

grade: 6.38 (Will eventually become a plus starter)

comp: Will McDonald IV

EDGE Malachi Lawrence - UCF  6'4", 253

combine: 4.52s 40, 40"vert, 10'10"broad

2025: 1st All-BIG 12, 28tot tckls, 7scks, 2FFs, 2PDs

strengths: Tempo-based rusher without a full tank to go hunting. Easy to lose count of his go-to moves & counters. Explosive take-offs matched by explosive close-outs. Sudden feet allow him to bounce inside quickly against over-sets. Slants into gaps & tackles, cutting runners with short-area quickness. 

weaknesses: Needs to play with better discipline & assignment integrity. Inconsistent edge-setter despite his physical attributes. Rushes into blocker's clutches as a reduced rusher. Strong hands & quick-sets dampen his rush momentum.

grade: 6.33 (Will eventually become a plus starter)

comp: Josh Sweat

LB Kaleb Elarms - Orr - TCU  6'2",  234

combine: 4,47s 40, 40"vert, 10'4"broad

2025: 1st All-BIG 12, 130tot tckls, 4scks, 2PDs

strengths: Speedy & quick to chase the action sideline-to-sideline. Bend & base strength bolster contact balance when leveraging the gap. Impressive agility & change of direction as an open-field tackler. Blitzes with excellent set-up & timing to assault the pocket. 

weaknesses: Sub-par instincts, with a tendency to lose track of play development. Pursuit angles to the perimeter are often too steep & lead to misses. Frequently eaten up by play-action that pulls him out of position. Needs better awareness & quicker response time in zone.

grade: 6.12 (Good backup with potential to develop as a starter)

CB Chandler Rivers - Duke   5'9 1/2",  185

combine: 4.4s 40, 39"vert, 10'10"broad

2025: 2nd All-ACC, 59tot tckls, 1FF, 2INTs, 8PDs

strengths: Change of direction & footwork are a plus. Executes zone exchanges with good communication. Reads QB & overlaps coverage to make a play. Explosive leaper with above-average ball skills.

weaknesses: Overreacts to the route & loses leverage at times. Handsy at the break point when playing tight man. Angles to the catch point can run too shallow. Below-average physical traits as a tackle-finisher.

grade: 6.00 (Traits or talent to be an above-average backup)

S Robert Spears-Jennings - Oklahoma  6'2",  205

combine: 4.32s 40, 35"vert, 10'5"broad

2025: 59tot tckls, 1FF, 1INT, 2PDs

strengths: Erases space downhill & fills the front line as a LB. Explosive peal-to-drive transitions in space. Striking power to intimidate receivers over the middle. 

weaknesses: Needs to do a better job of playing off of blocks. Rushes in hot & runs past entry points to tackle. Gets late starts gaining depth from split-safety. Below-average break anticipation in man coverage.

grade: 5.98 (Average backup/Special teamer)

DT Peter Woods - Clemson  6'2 1/2",  298

2025: 2nd AP All-American/1st All-ACC, 30tot tckls, 2scks, 1PD

strengths: Powerful & explosive athlete. Ties hands with feet to slide across blocker's face & into gaps. Explodes hips through initial contact at point of attack. Good anticipation & shed quickness to tackle as a two-gapper. Sturdy base allows for more consistent recovery. 

weaknesses: Took chances that failed to pay off in the run game. Average twist quickness to get off a schemed rush. No real primary moves to reliably open an edge.

grade: 6.36 (Will eventually become a plus starter)

comp: Christian Wilkins

TE Jaren Kanak - Oklahoma  6'2",  234

combine: 4.52s 40, 36"vert, 9'11"broad, 24reps

2025: 3rd All-SEC, 44rec/533yds

strengths: Keeps his pace throughout the route. Excellent hand-eye coordination & catch focus. Adjustments to off-frame throws come naturally. Experienced four-phase Special Teams option.

weaknesses: Has trouble separating from man coverage underneath. Very limited catch radius requires an accurate passer. Appears to lack willingness for collisions necessary as a move blocker.

grade: 5.85 (Average backup/Special teamer)

WR Jeff Caldwell - Cincinnati  6'5",  216

combine: 4.31s 40, 42"vert, 11'2" broad

2025: Honorable All-BIG 12, 32rec/478yds/6TDs

strengths: Explosive catch radius. Has access to a stride-&-separate button. Good awareness to drop & drag both feet in-bounds. Size/athleticism to add more yards with wiggle & force. 

weaknesses: Needs to make the drive phase more believable on comebacks. Lacking experience beyond a basic set of routes. Inconsistent use of size to battle for catch-space. Waits on 50/50 throws to get there instead of attacking them.

grade: 6.00 (Traits or talent to be an above-average backup)

EDGE  Patrick Payton - LSU  6'5",  260

2025: 34tot tckls, 1sck, 6PDs

strengths: Discards base blocks with sharp punch-&-pull technique. Length to leap & tackle from distance on back-side chase. Utilizes chop-&-rip move to trim the edge. Effective inside spin counter.

weaknesses: Hip tightness turns him into a linear rusher. Unable to bend enough to avoid redirection past the arc. Doesn't generate enough leverage in his speed-to-power. Below-average play recognition & in-line anchor.

grade: 5.80 (Average backup/Special teamer)

DT Gracen Halton - Oklahoma  6'3",  293

combine: 4.82s 40, 36.5"vert, 9'6"broad

2025: 2nd All-SEC, 33tot tckls, 3.5scks, 1FF/1FR, 2PDs

strengths: Able to get skinny & quickly penetrate into gaps. Tracks ball-carriers & slides towards their lane choice. Above-average reactive quickness as a tackler. Searches relentlessly for a crevice to access the pocket. Edge-to-edge rush attack with good closing speed to get home.

weaknesses: Plays too straight-legged & lacks leverage at the point. Lacks mass/anchor to consistently leverage his gap. Inconsistent in maintaining run fits on lateral engagements. Needs hand usage to catch up with footwork in pass rush.

grade: 6.10 (Good backup with potential to develop as a starter)

WR Chris Bell - Louisville  6'2",  222

2025: 1st All-ACC, 72rec/917yds/6TDs

strengths: Big, boundary target with an NFL frame. Battles back against handsy coverage at the top of the route. Speed-builder capable of turning crossers into long gains. Makes athletic adjustments to throws on his back hip. Resilient post-catch & difficult to bring down on the move. 

weaknesses: Struggles to break press cleanly with his footwork. Route running lacks salesmanship & disguise. Will slow his feet when turning to locate the throw. Below-average ball skills & catch focus when contested.

grade: 6.20 (Will eventually become an average starter)

LB Josiah Trotter - Missouri  6'2",  237

combine: 27reps

2025: 1st All-SEC, 84tot tckls, 2scks, 1PD

strengths: Bounces downhill  & recalibrates based on block development. Uncorks ferocious strikes on blocks with hands or shoulders. Times run blitzes to pierce gaps & disrupt the design. Talented blitzer with a bag full of tricks. Drops low & cinches legs tightly to finish.

weaknesses: Inconsistent positioning & constriction of run fits. Needs to keep head & eyes upon block take-ons. Below-average zone exchanges in coverage. Can be mismatched on backs & TEs.

Grade: 6.29 (Will eventually become an average starter)

Comp: Nick Bolton

2026 NFL Draft Preview: Steelers Part 3

 

These names come from various senior bowl, combine and pro day visits and connections. Summaries are from nfl.com's draft tracker.

QB Ty Simpson  - Alabama  6'1",  211

2025: 2d All-SEC, 64.5%, 3,567yds, 28TDs/5INTs, 90c/93yds/2TDs

strengths: Recognizes coverage quickly & moves through progressions with pace. Exceptional footwork, with feet tied to his eyes. Decisive in probing & attacking intermediate pockets of the zone. Throws with repeatable mechanics from snap to snap. Drops distorted his accuracy numbers. Able to create on 2nd reaction when the play breaks down. Escapes pocket with enough speed to move the chains.

weaknesses: Safeties took advantage of lazy eye discipline late in the season. Base can get jittery when under duress, leading to inconsistent ball placement. Inconsistent timing on deep throws. Struggles layering the ball over LBs & beating tight man with precision. Held the ball for too long, leading to sacks.

grade: 6.30 (Will eventually become a plus starter)

comp: Mac Jones

QB Carson Beck - Miami  6'5"

2025: 3rd All-ACC, 72.4%, 3,813yds, 30TDs/12INTs, 62c/43yds/2TDs

strengths: Works through progressions, routinely getting to his 3rd read. Ready to cut it loose when the window opens. Delivers catchable ball with tight spin. Looks like a different QB once he finds his rhythm. 

weaknesses: Pressure rattles his decision-making process. Too often loses track of safeties sitting over the top. Deep balls & move throws lose too much energy. Bad things tend to happen when he's forced to reset his feet.

grade: 6.13 (Good backup with potential to develop as a starter)

comp: Kenny Pickett

WR KC Concepcion - Texas A&M  6', 196

2025: Paul Hornung Award, 1st All-SEC/1st AP All-American (All-Purpose), 61rec/919yds/9TDs, 10c/75yds/1TD

strengths: Outstanding acceleration over the 1st 15yds of the route. Elite short-area footwork & separation quickness. Maintains distance from grabby coverage at break points. Separation burst is multiplied by his creation of route leverage. Hard to square & wrap-up on run-after-catch throws underneath. Good vision & north/south mentality with the ball in his hands. 

weaknesses: Possesses average top-end speed. Higher drop total working into the teeth of the defense. Has trouble adjusting to throws at varied speeds. Won't add much value with run-blocking from the slot.

grade: 6.40 (Will become a good starter within 2 years)

comp: Doug Baldwin

WR Carnell Tate - Ohio St  6'2", 192

combine: 4.53s 40

2025: 2nd AP All-American/1st All-BIG 10, 51rec/875yds/9TDs, 2c/16yds

strengths: Plus agility, speed & body control. Consistent route runner who leverages defenders out of position. Has no wasted motion. Eliminates playmaking angles for defenders. Good spatial awareness against zone. Impressive win rate when contested. Dominates air space with elite high-point timing & hand strength. 

weaknesses: Long press corners can limit some early release advantages. Chest pads rise, giving break clues on stop routes & comebacks. Average run block strain by NFL standards.

grade: 6.71 (Year 1 starter)

comp: Chris Olave

 

EDGE Mason Reiger - Wisconsin  6'5", 251

combine: 4.78s 40, 40"vert, 10'5"broad

2025: 32tot tckls, 5scks, 1PD

strengths: Upfield movements are highly efficient in both phases. Has hands & feet to hit well-timed rush moves. Quick wins at the point with footwork or shock-&-slip move. Relentless in his pursuit of the ball-carrier. Uses big hands & good length to disengage when captured. 

weaknesses: Not equipped for consistent speed-to-power conversions. Knocked around when he ends up inside the box. Strong in-line TEs can neutralize him at times. Gets widened off his spot by kick-out blocks. 

grade: 6.14 (Good backup with potential to develop as a starter)

comp: Kyler Fackrell

WR Vinny Anthony II - Wisconsin  6',  183

combine: 4.54s 40, 34.5"vert, 5reps

2025: 31rec/391yds/1TD, 5c/27yds/2TDs

strengths: Very good reacceleration on start-stop route breaks. History of securing catches through big hits. Slips 1st tackle on a hitch & quickly gets upfield. 

weaknesses: Leans into breaks & turns, alerting the coverage. Wasted footwork dooms comebacks & skip routes. Inconsistent to track & adjust on deep throws. Gives little help as a run blocker.

grade: 5.80 (Average backup/Special teamer)

OG Jalen Farmer - Kentucky  6'5", 312

combine: 4.93s 40, 27"vert, 9'broad

strengths: Stays low with pad level in proper position. Drives through hips to lift & push base blocks. Feet stay busy through contact. Patient with hands & rarely lunges after the rusher. Gets good extension to maximize when punching. Good anchor drop after initial bounce into the pocket.

weaknesses: Hands can drift wide of the frame as a run blocker. Lacks awareness of developing games in protection. Needs to keep feet active through his pass punch. Struggles staying mirrored to & redirecting attacks on his edge.

grade: 5.98 (Average backup/Special teamer)

DT David Gusta - Kentucky  6'2", 308

combine: 4.88s 40, 32"vert, 37reps

2025: 12tot tckls, 1sck

strengths: Displays power to punch & steers blocks aside. Fights to beat cut offs & maintain gap integrity against wide zone. Violent clubs , slaps & rips are part of his rush package. 

weaknesses: Puts up a fight, but lacks true gap-control technique. Base narrows as a move rusher, leading to balance losses. Short levers make it harder to flip the edge & find the pocket.

grade: 5.69 (Candidate for bottom of the roster or practice squad)

RB Seth McGowan - Kentucky  6', 223

combine: 4.49s 40, 42.5"vert, 10'11"broad

2025: 165c/725yds/12TDs, 19rec/126yds

strengths: Patient with block developments. Good decisiveness whether running inside or outside. Natural instincts for creation space from tacklers. Battles & rejects tacklers, using base strength & balance. Willing to square up in blitz pickup. 

weaknesses: Needs to incorporate more urgency to hit the hole quicker. Has fumble issues. Lacks focus & technique to be a 3rd-down option.

grade: 5.97 (Average backup/Special teamer)

CB Ephesians Prysock - Washington  6'3", 196

combine: 4.45s 40, 39"vert, 10'4" broad

2025: 48tot tckls, 1INT, 7PDs

strengths: Sees route development & adjusts zone coverage accordingly. Splits zone positioning effectively against high/low concepts. Keeps inside arm ready to shade passing lane from trail technique. Tracks down vertical routes & shallow crossers with make-up speed. 

weaknesses: Upright & lacking proper balance in break-point transitions. Feet linger when getting out of the top of his drop from a pedal. Needs to become more aggressive with coverage positioning. 

grade: 6.00 (Traits or talent to become an above-average backup)

comp: Decamerion Richardson

   

OT Markel Bell - Miami  6'9", 346

combine: 5.36s 40

2025: 3rd All-ACC

strengths: Uproots & moves 3-technique when running feet on double teams. Does a nice job of maintaining length advantage with his timing. Collects & controls rush with a strong grip. Rare for rushers to crowd his frame. 

weaknesses: Needs a firmer, more proactive punch instead of catching in pass protection. Struggles to properly mirror inside moves & spin counters. Lurches past his base, creating imbalance as a run blocker. Lacks fluidity & 1st-step quickness to hit 2nd-level landmarks.

grade: 5.89 (Average backup/Special teamer)

WR Ted Hurst - Georgia St  6'4", 206

combine: 4.42s 40, 36.5"vert, 11'3"broad

2025: 1st All-Sun Belt, 71rec/1,004yds/6TDs

strengths: Quick to shake press with his stutter-&-go release. Downhill speed features a 2nd gear to run under deep throws. Tracks & adjusts paths to deep throws with consistent flows. Good footwork for quick in-&-outs at break points. Juice to eliminate pursuit angles with the ball in his hands.

weaknesses: Inconsistent stacking CBs on deep routes. Doesn't impose his size on catch points nearly enough. Very minimal run-blocking on his tape.

grade: 6.19 (Good backup with potential to develop as a starter)

QB Taylen Green - Arkansas  6'6", 227

2025: 60.7%, 2,714yds, 19TDs/11INTs, 139c/777yds/8TDs

strengths: Provides dual-threat attack options & can work off script. Does an admirable job of tying feet to eyes through progressions. Gets through progressions smoothly when he finds his rhythm. Can outstride pursuit & turn scrambles into 1st downs. 

weaknesses: Disappointing passing results when he breaks the pocket. Struggles with post-snap recognition of zone lurkers underneath. Needs to get better at manipulating & holding coverage with his eyes. Aims throws that turn into misfires or underthrown INTs. Too willing to move backwards instead of climbing when under pressure.

grade: 6.15 (Good backup with potential to develop as a starter)

RB Mike Washington Jr - Arkansas  6'1",  223

Combine: 4.33s 40, 39" vert, 10'8" broad

2025: 2nd All-SEC, 167c/1,070yds/8TDs, 28rec/226yds/1TD

strengths: Agile feet & loose hips allow for smooth change of direction. Reads blocks & moves fluidly through lane development inside. Size allows him to run through CBs in run support. Able to drive through tacklers & fall forward for additional yardage. Can do damage with big plays on swing passes. 

weaknesses: Can be a step slow to see the opening & trigger downhill. Needs to become more willful & aggressive between the tackles. Fumbles have been an issue. Lacks sudden acceleration for ideal escapability in small spaces. 

grade: 6.24 (Will eventually become an average starter)

comp: Chris Carson

CB Julian Neal - Arkansas  6'2", 203

combine: 4.49s 40, 40"vert, 11'2"broad, 16reps

2025: 55tot tckls, 2INTs, 10PDs

strengths: Like a weighted blanket on the wideout when he's in tight. Uses size & physicality to run through receivers & jar throws loose. Very sticky as an open-field tackler after the catch. Plays with above-average toughness in run support. Able to shed perimeter blocks & get to the ball-carrier. 

weaknesses: Hip tightness creates clunky openings against press release. Below-average make-up speed when beaten deep. Needs to get his head around sooner to find the football.

grade: 5.96 (Average backup/Special teamer)

QB Drew Allar - Penn State  6'5", 228

2025: 64.8%, 1,100yds, 8TDs/3INTs, 36c/172yds/1TD

strengths: Has velocity to sit down & drive the ball into windows. Throws come out hot, seemingly with little effort. Feels edge pressure & will climb/slide inside the pocket. Capable of stacking more yardage on his scrambles once he voids. 

weaknesses: Lack of rhythm & vision cause him to overlook open targets. Inconsistent processing coverage. Poise too frequently disappears in the face of pressure. Willing to throw the ball up instead of throwing it away. Has trouble keeping receivers in stride with his placement. Throws with shaky feet & forms weak platforms unnecessarily .

grade: 5.98 (Average backup/Special teamer)

OT Caleb Tiernen - Northwestern  6'8", 323

combine: 35.5"vert, 9'3"broad

2025: 2nd All-BIG 10

strengths: Good lean mass & core strength. Takes excellent angles on back-slide/play-side cutoffs. Delivers well-timed strikes with above-average pop in pass protection. Size & core power make it tough for rushers to play through him.

weaknesses: Needs to stay back & guard against leaning in pass protection. Long defenders can stack & separate at the point. Edges become too leaky when challenged by the rush. Lacks tools to play outside & has a tall center of gravity for the interior.

grade: 6.23 (Will eventually become an average starter)

EDGE Aidan Hubbard - Northwestern  6'4 1/2, 260

combine: 21reps

2025: 28tot tckls, 7.5scks, 1FF

strengths: Agile with plus short-area change of direction. Slips blockers in tight quarters & crosses their face on slants. Accelerates & holds his speed in run-game pursuit. Loose upper-half to slip & play off blocks through the turn. Dips & drives through the tackle's chest as a bull-rusher. 

weaknesses: Knocked back or widened out by force at the point. Needs proactive hands to stay clean & active. Hasn't developed a fluid counter for when he hits pocket depth.

grade: 5.90 (Average backup/Special teamer)