NFL · 6 hours ago

ESPN’s Matt Miller Ranks Top 25 2026 NFL Draft Prospects Post Combine

John Canady

Host · Writer

25) OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315

Monroe Freeling is a nimble left tackle with rare movement skills for his size. Freeling’s agility and pass-pro technique combine to make him a high-upside starter in the NFL.

"Freeling’s blend of size, agility, and pass protection upside is elite." - Matt Miller
1) RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
1) RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 212

Jeremiyah Love is a dynamic, three-down running back who combines explosive speed with physicality at the line of scrimmage. He’s a reliable receiving option out of the backfield and has the balance and vision to turn minimal space into big gains.

"Love is the closest thing to Reggie Bush we’ve seen in this draft class." - Matt Miller
2) QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 236

Fernando Mendoza is a prototypical pocket quarterback with excellent field awareness and timing. He thrives dissecting defenses from the pocket and can add yards on the ground when needed, making him the clear frontrunner at QB.

"Mendoza’s combination of arm talent and poise in the pocket makes him the top quarterback in this class." - Matt Miller
3) S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 206

Caleb Downs is a versatile safety who can patrol deep zones or step into the box as a linebacker. His combination of speed, explosiveness, and physicality makes him a cornerstone for elite defenses.

"Downs has the range and explosiveness that reminds you of a Hall of Fame safety." - Matt Miller
4) LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 241

Arvell Reese emerged as one of the draft’s top defenders, excelling as both a linebacker and edge rusher. His length, burst, and power allow him to disrupt the backfield consistently.

"Reese has the versatility and athletic tools to be the first defender off the board." - Matt Miller
5) LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 244

Sonny Styles blends speed, length, and coverage ability with elite athleticism, making him a true modern linebacker. His transition from safety gives him instincts to move fluidly in space.

"Styles has the length, speed, and range that put him in top-five discussions for linebackers." - Matt Miller
6) EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250

David Bailey's first-step explosiveness and relentless pursuit make him a constant threat off the edge. His blend of speed, power, and hand technique allows him to dominate blockers.

"Bailey was the most impactful defensive transfer in the nation last season." - Matt Miller
7) OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 329

Francis Mauigoa is a polished, high-end tackle prospect with elite burst in the run game and improved pass protection technique. Mauigoa has the frame and tape quality to be an immediate NFL starter.

"Mauigoa’s tape last season showed a tackle with first-round talent and consistency." - Matt Miller
8) WR Makai Lemon, USC
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 192

Makai Lemon thrives in the slot thanks to precise route running, agility, and strong production. Lemon wins with technique, timing, and ability to find space rather than relying solely on speed.

"Lemon’s polish and production give him a clear blueprint for NFL success." - Matt Miller
9) WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 192

Carnell Tate is a physical receiver with elite contested-catch skills and the ability to make defenders miss after the catch. Tate’s route discipline and hands make him a pro-ready WR1.

"Tate consistently wins 50-50 balls and shows pro-level readiness at the position." - Matt Miller
10) CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 187

Mansoor Delane is a playmaking corner with fluid movement, quickness, and excellent recovery skills. Delane excels in coverage regardless of opponent size or scheme.

"Delane makes plays consistently and can match up with receivers in any scheme." - Matt Miller
11) EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 263

Rueben Bain Jr. blends power, speed, and hand technique to be a refined, NFL-ready defensive end. Bain’s ability to generate pressure makes him one of the most complete edge prospects.

"Bain has an all-around game that reminds you of Jared Verse." - Matt Miller
12) CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 188

Jermod McCoy possesses ideal size, explosive hips, and elite closing ability at cornerback. McCoy’s tape shows first-round talent and high-level playmaking despite missing a season.

"If you graded him on 2024 film alone, McCoy would be a top-10 pick." - Matt Miller
13) TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 241

Kenyon Sadiq is a smooth route-runner with tight end versatility who creates separation with agility rather than sheer size. Sadiq thrives in the red zone, using his frame and timing to make contested catches and score touchdowns.

"Sadiq’s quickness and route-running make him a standout at tight end." - Matt Miller
14) G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320

Olaivavega Ioane is a dominant interior lineman with elite power and lateral agility. Ioane consistently controls defenders in both the run and pass game while showing patience and precision at the point of attack.

"Ioane is a mauling presence with the skills to excel in any scheme." - Matt Miller
15) WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 203

Jordyn Tyson is a vertical threat with size, speed, and advanced route-running ability. Tyson adjusts on the fly to catch contested passes and has improved his hands, reducing drops dramatically.

"Tyson can stretch defenses vertically and adjust mid-flight to make plays." - Matt Miller
16) S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 201

Dillon Thieneman is a versatile free safety who combines deep coverage skills with the ability to play near the line of scrimmage. Thieneman’s football IQ and 4.35 speed make him a potential top-20 pick.

"Thieneman is a playmaking safety with NFL-ready versatility." - Matt Miller
17) WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 199

Omar Cooper Jr. is an elite route runner who excels in traffic and dominates the middle of the field. Cooper’s yards-after-catch ability and versatility at slot or outside receiver make him a prototypical No. 2 target.

"Cooper can move through coverage and make explosive plays after the catch." - Matt Miller
18) DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 298

Peter Woods is a quick, disruptive 3-technique tackle who forces extra attention from blockers. Woods combines strength and speed to collapse the pocket and create pressure despite limited sack numbers.

"Woods has position-specific traits that make him a top-20 pick." - Matt Miller
19) LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 230

CJ Allen is a fast-processing middle linebacker with range, physicality, and coverage instincts. Allen flows naturally to the ball and can hit with impact, making him a modern defensive centerpiece.

"Allen has the coverage instincts and burst of a linebacker ready for any scheme." - Matt Miller
20) S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 201

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a big, physical safety with excellent range and the ability to create turnovers. McNeil-Warren’s closing speed and tackling consistency make him effective in both box and deep coverage roles.

"McNeil-Warren has the size, toughness, and range to impact any defense." - Matt Miller
21) OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 311

Spencer Fano excels at tackle with a first-step burst and violent finishing power. Fano’s run-blocking dominance and adaptability make him capable of playing multiple positions in a zone scheme.

"Fano is perfect for a zone scheme with elite run-blocking and technique." - Matt Miller
22) WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 212

Denzel Boston is a big-play X receiver with size, speed, and explosive burst off the line. Boston’s hands and focus make him highly reliable, rarely dropping passes despite heavy target volume.

"Boston combines size, speed, and concentration to dominate the boundary." - Matt Miller
23) OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 313

Caleb Lomu is a technically sound left tackle who protects the quarterback with elite lateral quickness and hip mobility. Lomu’s long, lean frame allows him to recover against speed rushers, making him a top-zone scheme fit.

"Lomu is a pass rusher eraser with ideal traits for a zone blocking system." - Matt Miller
24) CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 186

Aveion Terrell is a versatile cornerback who excels in the slot and can make plays on the ball in tight windows. Terrell’s quickness, closing speed, and ball skills make him a disruptive force despite not having elite size.

"Terrell has the speed and instincts to dominate as a nickel or slot corner." - Matt Miller
25) OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315

Monroe Freeling is a nimble left tackle with rare movement skills for his size. Freeling’s agility and pass-pro technique combine to make him a high-upside starter in the NFL.

"Freeling’s blend of size, agility, and pass protection upside is elite." - Matt Miller
1) RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
1) RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 212

Jeremiyah Love is a dynamic, three-down running back who combines explosive speed with physicality at the line of scrimmage. He’s a reliable receiving option out of the backfield and has the balance and vision to turn minimal space into big gains.

"Love is the closest thing to Reggie Bush we’ve seen in this draft class." - Matt Miller