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NFL · 3 hours ago

NFL Draft: ESPN Ranks the 11 Prospects With a First-Round Grade

John Canady

Host · Writer

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11) Tight End: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Height: 6-f00t-3 | Weight: 245 lbs

Kenyon Sadiq made the most of his first season as a starter in 2025, hauling in 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, Sadiq combines speed, strength, and leaping ability with the knack of getting up and taking the ball out of the air. While he had six drops on 70 targets, his athleticism and playmaking ability make him a high-upside tight end prospect ready to create mismatches at the next level.

“The junior's best trait is his ability to attack the ball in the air and contort his body to make plays on it. Sadiq is a high-end mover with the speed, strength, and leaping ability to be a matchup nightmare.” - Matt Miller
1) Running Back: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 214 lbs

Jeremiyah Love checks in as ESPN’s top-ranked prospect after a dominant 2025 season at Notre Dame, where he turned 199 carries into 1,372 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 6.9 yards per carry. At 6-foot, 214 pounds, Love blends power and acceleration in a way that consistently stresses defenses. He is comfortable running between the tackles, but once he gets a crease, he has the speed to flip field position in a blink.

“My top overall prospect, Love has three-down ability and quickness in space. The 6-foot, 214-pounder has runaway speed that led to multiple rushes of more than 90 yards in his college career.” - Matt Miller
2) Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 225 lbs

Fernando Mendoza emerged as one of the most compelling quarterbacks in this class, capping his 2025 season with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 90.3 QBR while leading Indiana to a National Championship and claiming the Heisman Trophy. Mendoza combines elite pocket presence with precise ball placement, consistently putting his receivers in a position to make plays. His poise and decision-making make him an immediate leader capable of running an NFL offense efficiently.

“One year after zero quarterbacks had a true first-round grade, there is one in this class. Mendoza transferred to Indiana from Cal and developed into a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and potential No. 1 pick. He has outstanding pocket poise with expert-level touch to all areas of the field.” - Matt Miller
3) Safety: Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 205 lbs

Caleb Downs has solidified himself as one of the premier safeties in the 2026 class, finishing 2025 with 68 total tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one pass defended, and one sack for Ohio State. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, Downs blends elite open-field tackling with the speed and instincts to close on ball carriers and dominate angles in space. His versatility allows him to line up in multiple roles, giving defenses flexibility and keeping offenses guessing.

“If you could create the ideal safety prospect, it would look like Downs. The 6-foot, 205-pound junior is an elite open-field tackler with the closing speed to run down ball carriers and dominate angles in space. Downs can do it all, often lining up in multiple assignments depending on where the defense needs him.” - Matt Miller
4) Linebacker: Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot- 4 | Weight: 243 lbs

Arvell Reese emerged as a breakout defensive force in 2025, finishing with 69 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two passes defended. Reese’s speed and power around the edge allowed him to make an immediate impact in both linebacker and pass-rushing roles, showcasing a rare blend of athleticism and production. His versatility and explosive playmaking make him a disruptive presence that NFL teams will circle as early as the first round of the draft.

“Reese wasn't on the NFL radar entering last season, as he had limited starting reps entering 2025. But he might be the first defensive player picked in April. Reese's production exploded in new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia's scheme. Working as both a linebacker and a pass rusher, Reese posted 69 tackles, 18 pressures, and 6.5 sacks while showing speed and power around the edge.” - Matt Miller
5) Offensive Tackle: Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 315 lbs

Francis Mauigoa is the top offensive tackle prospect in this class, standing 6-foot-6, 315 pounds and bringing three years of starting experience at Miami. He combines strength and consistency, giving quarterbacks a secure pocket and creating running lanes with ease.

“Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle, though some in the NFL believe he would be better at guard due to a squared-off, squatty frame. His tape shows a consistent performer with awesome strength.” - Matt Miller
6) EDGE: David Bailey, Texas Tech
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 250 lbs

David Bailey made an immediate impact after transferring to Texas Tech, finishing 2025 with 52 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, three passes defended, and three forced fumbles. At 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, Bailey combines speed and power off the edge, making him a consistent disruptive force in the backfield. His relentless motor and production have quickly elevated him into top-10 draft discussions.

“When Bailey transferred from Stanford, he was expected to become a force for the Red Raiders' defensive line. He did that with 69 pressures, 14.5 sacks, and an edge pressure rate of 21.3% that was the best in the FBS. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Bailey's speed around the corner is evident on tape.” - Matt Miller
7) Linebacker, Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 243 lbs

Sonny Styles has emerged as one of the top linebackers in this class, posting 83 total tackles, one interception, one sack, three passes defended, and one forced fumble for Ohio State in 2025. At 6-foot-4, 243 pounds, Styles pairs rare size with elite range and instincts, allowing him to track down ball carriers sideline to sideline while making plays in coverage. His consistent production and athletic profile make him a standout NFL-ready prospect.

“Styles is a Fred Warner-like linebacker who has elite range and tracking ability while tipping the scales at 6-4, 243 pounds. His size and athletic ability are rare and are backed up by production that points to his NFL-readiness.” - Matt Miller
8) Wide Receiver: Makai Lemon, USC
Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 195 lbs

Makai Lemon capped a stellar 2025 season at 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Lemon combines precise route running with reliable hands, losing the ball on only three drops over the past two seasons. He’s quick after the catch, capable of creating separation and breaking tackles in space, making him a dangerous weapon both inside and out.

“Lemon is a precise route runner with excellent hands, the quickness to generate yards after the catch, and the ability to create missed tackles in space. His limited size might be an issue for some teams, but he is proven from the slot and has the toughness to play out wide against press coverage.” - Matt Miller
9) Wide Receiver: Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 195 lbs

Carnell Tate had a breakout 2025 season at Ohio State, finishing with 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns over 11 games. Tate combines crisp route running with exceptional body control, allowing him to adjust mid-play and consistently attack the ball in the air. His consistency and ability to win contested catches make him a polished prospect ready to contribute at the next level.

“Tate is a polished, crisp route runner with the body control to adjust mid-route or attack the ball in the air. He had one drop on 67 targets last season and showed he can consistently win in contested-catch situations.” - Matt Miller
10) EDGE: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 275 lbs

Rueben Bain Jr. dominated opposing offenses in 2025, totaling 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. Bain consistently disrupted quarterbacks, racking up pressures and showing the ability to perform in high-stakes games, including 23 pressures and five sacks during Miami’s playoff run. His combination of explosiveness and technique has pushed him into top-10 draft conversations despite minor concerns about size.

“Bain was a consistent, frustrating presence for opposing quarterbacks. With 71 pressures and 9.5 sacks, Bain has elevated from the middle-to-late first round to a certified top-10 pick. He has proved that he can excel against top competition.” - Matt Miller
11) Tight End: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Height: 6-f00t-3 | Weight: 245 lbs

Kenyon Sadiq made the most of his first season as a starter in 2025, hauling in 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, Sadiq combines speed, strength, and leaping ability with the knack of getting up and taking the ball out of the air. While he had six drops on 70 targets, his athleticism and playmaking ability make him a high-upside tight end prospect ready to create mismatches at the next level.

“The junior's best trait is his ability to attack the ball in the air and contort his body to make plays on it. Sadiq is a high-end mover with the speed, strength, and leaping ability to be a matchup nightmare.” - Matt Miller
1) Running Back: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Height: 6-foot | Weight: 214 lbs

Jeremiyah Love checks in as ESPN’s top-ranked prospect after a dominant 2025 season at Notre Dame, where he turned 199 carries into 1,372 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 6.9 yards per carry. At 6-foot, 214 pounds, Love blends power and acceleration in a way that consistently stresses defenses. He is comfortable running between the tackles, but once he gets a crease, he has the speed to flip field position in a blink.

“My top overall prospect, Love has three-down ability and quickness in space. The 6-foot, 214-pounder has runaway speed that led to multiple rushes of more than 90 yards in his college career.” - Matt Miller

Feb 17 6:00 PM

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Feb 17 6:00 PM

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Feb 17 6:00 PM

SpreadMoneyTotal

BC

+11.5

+614

O 147.5

FSU

FSU

-11.5

-733

U 147.5

Feb 17 6:00 PM

SpreadMoneyTotal

WEBB

WEBB

+17.5

+1329

O 159.5

CHSO

CHSO

-17.5

-1900

U 159.5

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