John Mackey Award Announces 2026 Preseason Watchlist

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

The John Mackey Award announced its 2026 Preseason Watch List, recognizing the nation’s top collegiate tight ends entering the 2026 college football
season. The watchlist represents programs from every level of major college football and highlights players who have demonstrated talent, leadership and potential heading into the upcoming season. The John Mackey Award Selection Committee will continue to evaluate candidates throughout the season, with additional players eligible to be added based on their on-field performance. The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame annually presents the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award to the best defensive back in college football.

Frank Coyle has been a long time voter in NCAA awards including the Heisman, Bronko Nagurski, Lombardi, Dick Butkus, Jim Thorpe awards etcs for over 30 years.  

Presented annually to the most outstanding tight end in college football, the John Mackey Award honors the legacy of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey, whose excellence, leadership, character, and impact on the game continue to inspire generations of student-athletes. Established in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the award remains one of college football’s premier individual honors for the tight end position.

John Mackey was a unicorn for the position in the 1960s before tight ends were highlighted as receivers. He was the complete player for the position and excelled as both a collegian and NFL player. He was inducted into the HOF after a brilliant career with the Baltimore Colts.  He set the standard for the position which depicts the importance and impact for the modern tight end performer.

Player School
Benjamin Brahmer Penn State
Brett Norfleet Missouri
Brody Foley Louisville
Bruin Fleischmann Montana State
Cade Keith New Mexico
Carter Moses Kansas
Chris Corbo Georgia Tech
Decker DeGraaf Washington
DJ Vonnahme Iowa
Dorian Flemming Maryland
Dorian Thomas Cal
Dylan Wade UCF
Eli Finley Louisiana Tech
Elija Lofton Miami (FL)
Ethan Davis Tennessee
Gabe Burkle Penn State
Garrett Oakley Kansas St
Houston Thomas Texas A&M
Player School
Hunter Welcing Ohio State
Jaden Platt Arkansas
Jamari Johnson Oregon
Jelani Thurman UNC
Jeremiah Hasley Duke
Jeron Askren Missouri State
JJ Buchanan Michigan
Joshua Long Eastern Michigan
Juice Vereen Colorado State
Lawson Luckie Georgia
Luke Hasz Ole Miss
Luke Lindermeyer Nebraska
Luke Reynolds Virginia Tech
Matt Wagner Boise State
Michael Masunas Texas
Patrick Overmyer Houston
Peter Clarke Temple
Randy Pittman Jr SMU
Player School
Richie Anderson Texas A&M
Terik Mulder Kent State
Terrance Carter Jr. Texas Tech
Toby Payne Marshall
Trey’Dez Green LSU
Walker Lyons BYU
Willie Rodriguez Kentucky

The John Mackey Award is a proud member of the NCFAA which encompasses 25 of
the most prestigious awards in college football, dating back to 1935, honoring more
than 950 recipients. Sixteen NCFAA members are unveiling preseason watch lists
over a 15-day period. Visit NCFAA.org to learn more.
NCFAA 2025 Preseason Watchlist Calenda

Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Announced by FWAA

Corner Leonard Moore along with edge defenders Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons head the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. They are among the 11 returning players who were named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List from last fall

Corners Leonard Moore and Zabien Brown along with edge defenders Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons head the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. They are part of 68 players named to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America announced.

The Southeastern Conference leads the nation with 17 players on the watch list.  By position, the list includes 21 linebackers, 16 safeties (including one designated nickel back), 13 defensive ends, 10 defensive tackles and eight cornerbacks.

Frank Coyle has been a voter in the Bronko Nagurski award since the mid 1990’s along with all the major college football awards – Heisman, Jim Thorpe, Lombardi, Dick Butkus, John Mackey, Paul Hornung etc

Moore, Brown, Stewart and Simmons are among the 11 returning players who were on the Nagurski Trophy Watch List last fall.

The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the defensive player of the year award on Nov. 19. The official presentation to the recipient of the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 7.

Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the 2026 season. As in previous years, the FWAA will announce a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored nearly 1,000 recipients since 1935.

2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List

Melkart Abou Jaoude, DE, North Carolina

Xavier Atkins, LB, Auburn

Rasheem Biles, LB, Texas

KJ Bolden, S, Georgia

Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame

Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson

Taye Brown, LB, Arizona

Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama

Kemari Copeland, DT, Virginia Tech

John Henry Daley, DE, Michigan

CJ Doggette Jr., DT, Florida Atlantic

Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss

Jaxton Eck, LB, New Mexico

Koen Entringer, S, Louisville

Tre’Quon Fegans, CB, Jax State

Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana

Brandon Finney Jr., CB, Oregon

C.J. Fite, DT, Arizona State

Bryce Fitzgerald, S, Miami

Blake Fletcher, LB, Air Force

Josh Franklin, NB, Western Michigan

Isaiah Glasker, LB, BYU

Brevin Hamblin, S, Utah State

Rolijah Hardy, LB, Indiana

Simeon Harris, S, Fresno State

A.J. Holmes Jr., DT, Texas Tech

Baron Hopson, LB, Kennesaw State

Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama

Kenyatta Jackson Jr., DE, Ohio State

Will James, CB, Houston

Jamel Johnson, S, TCU

Isaiah Jones, LB, Indiana

Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

Dylan LaBarbera, DE, Nevada

Kip Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

Bryce Llewellyn, S, Eastern Michigan

Clev Lubin, DE, Louisville

Zach Lutmer, S, Iowa

Jaylen McClain, S, Ohio State

Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Ahmad Moten Sr., DT, Miami

Koi Perich, S, Oregon

Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss

Colton Phares, LB, App State

Brice Pollock, CB, Texas Tech

Marcus Ratcliffe, S, Texas A&M

Ty Redmond, CB, Tennessee

Ben Roberts, LB, Texas Tech

Kam Robinson, LB, Virginia

Matt Rose, LB, Stanford

Faletau Satuala, S, BYU

Colin Simmons, DE, Texas

Anthony Smith, DE, Minnesota

Donnie Smith, DE, Troy

Dylan Stewart, DE, South Carolina

David Stone, DT, Oklahoma

MJ Stroud, DE, Georgia Southern

Jack Tchienchou, S, Tulane

Boubacar Traore, DT, Notre Dame

Tyrique Tucker, DT, Indiana

Cade Uluave, LB, BYU

Princewill Umanmielen, DE, LSU

Jayden Virgin-Morgan, DE, Boise State

A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

Whit Weeks, LB, LSU

NFL Complete Preseason Schedule

Here is the complete 2026 NFL preseason schedule. Games not selected for a national television window will air on local team affiliates. NFL+ offers live national and out-of-market preseason games, subject to local blackouts and device restrictions;

Hall of Fame Game

Thursday, Aug. 6

Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals, 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)

Preseason Week 1: Aug. 13-15

Thursday, Aug. 13

Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals, 7 p.m. (Local TV)
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots, 7:30 p.m. (Local TV)
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans, 8 p.m. (Local TV)
Arizona Cardinals at Las Vegas Raiders, 8 p.m. (Local TV)
Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers, 9 p.m. (NFL Network)
Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers, 7 p.m. (NFL Network)

Friday, Aug. 14

Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons, 7 p.m. (Local TV)
Miami Dolphins at Washington Commanders, 7 p.m. (Local TV)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Jets, 7 p.m. (NFL Network)

Saturday, Aug. 15

Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. (Local TV)
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. (NFL Network)
Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants, 1 p.m. (Local TV)
Los Angeles Rams at Kansas City Chiefs, 4 p.m. (NFL Network)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints, 4 p.m. (Local TV)
Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens, 7 p.m. (Local TV)
Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks, 8 p.m. (NFL Network)

Preseason Week 2: Aug. 20-23

Thursday, Aug. 20

Las Vegas Raiders at Houston Texans, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers, 10 p.m. (NFL Network)

Friday, Aug. 21
New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers, 7 p.m. (NFL Network)
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. (Local TV)
Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos, 9 p.m. (NFL Network)

Saturday, Aug. 22
Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions, noon (Local TV)
Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. (NFL Network)
Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (Local TV)
Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (Local TV)
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams, 4 p.m. (Local TV)
New York Giants at Miami Dolphins, 4 p.m. (NFL Network)
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals, 7 p.m. (Local TV)
Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots, 7 p.m. (NFL Network)
Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:30 p.m. (Local TV)
Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals, 10 p.m. (NFL Network)

Sunday, Aug. 23
Seattle Seahawks at Tennessee Titans, 8 p.m. (FOX, FOX One)

Preseason Week 3: Aug. 27-29

Thursday, Aug. 27

New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills, 7 p.m. (NFL Network)
San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders, 8 p.m. (Local TV)
Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers, 10 p.m. (NFL Network)

Friday, Aug. 28

Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles, 8 p.m. (CBS)
Washington Commanders at Baltimore Ravens, 6 p.m. (NFL Network)
Houston Texans at Carolina Panthers, 7 p.m. (Local TV)
Atlanta Falcons at Miami Dolphins, 7 p.m. (Local TV)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. (Local TV)
New York Giants at New York Jets, 7:30 p.m. (Local TV)
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys, 8 p.m. (Local TV)
Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs, 8 p.m. (Local TV)
Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers, 8 p.m. (Local TV)
Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos, 9 p.m. (NFL Network)

Saturday, Aug. 29

Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (NFL Network)
Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans, 6 p.m. (NFL Network)

Draft Insiders’ will be at many NFL camps and Preseason games scouting talent for the cutdown date and postseason Free agency period.

Most preseason games air on each team’s local broadcast affiliate. This summer’s national windows are spread across NBC, ESPN, FOX, CBS and Prime Video, and NFL Network will once again carry a large slate of games throughout the preseason.
How can I stream the NFL preseason or watch without cable?

FOX games, including the Week 2 Seahawks-Titans matchup, can be streamed on FOXSports.com the FOX Sports app or FOX One. Games on other networks are also available through services such as YouTube TV or Fubo, though availability can vary by package and local affiliate. Note that FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports app generally require an eligible TV-provider login to watch. NFL+ streams national and out-of-market preseason games, subject to local blackouts and device restrictions.
How can I watch the NFL preseason for free?

Since 2021, each NFL team has played three preseason games, a change made when the regular season expanded from 16 to 17 games. The Panthers and Cardinals are the exceptions in 2026, each getting a fourth game because of their Hall of Fame Game assignment.

NFL Blockbuster Deals Open June

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

The NFL trade market exploded this week with both the Rams and Patriots making blockbuster deals. The Rams shocked NFL fans with the acquisition of All-Pro and Defensive player of the Year defensive end Myles Garrett. It was a blockbuster deal that sent Rams, defensive end Jared Verse and a #1 pick in 2027, #2 pick in 2028 and a #3 pick in 2029 to the Browns. It was the proverbial deal which helped both clubs. The Rams fell just short of the Super Bowl last season and Garrett can push them over the top on a club with few holes and top talent at key positions. He gives this defense a player who needs attention on every snap and can elevate every other defenders’ play by his presence. The Rams now have the leagues’ MVP in QB Matthew Stafford and DPOY in Garrett plus Pro Bowlers, receiver Puka Nacua and cornerback Trent McDuffie. They are a strong favorite for the Super Bowl entering veteran mini-camp.

 The Browns gained a top young talent in edge defender Jared Verse plus three high draft selections over the next three NFL Drafts. Cleveland looks to build a young club through the NFL Draft and now have multiple picks the next three years with two #1 picks for next April. They have been mired in the AFC North basement for years except for one playoff appearance. Their draft classes have been consistently weak from top to bottom. Poor trades like the deal for QB Deshaun Watson several years ago set the franchise back for years. Watson cost three #1 picks plus a huge new contract for approx. $250 millions which paralyzed their salary cap. They have struggled at the QB position for over a decade except for the short Baker Mayfield period which was under appreciated. They have the leverage to move up next April, in a draft class which appears loaded with QB talent. Their season veteran QBs, Watson and second year Shedeur Sanders will battle in camp for the starting job.

 Philadelphia waited until the June 1st deadline for salary cap benefits and traded star WR AJ Brown to New England. In exchange, the Eagles will receive a 5th round pick in 2027 and a 2028 first-rounder. Brown must pass a physical with the Patriots in order for the deal to be finalized, though is just a formality. While the deal had been discussed for months, the Eagles waited until today when the cap implications for trading Brown allowed them to split their remaining $43.8M cap hit for Brown over the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The Patriots trade keeps them among the top AFC clubs to repeat for a Super Bowl appearance. Brown gets the young talented QB Drake Maye in hopes of continuing his 1000 yard receiving seasons.  

NFL Draft Value Board – Day Three

Updated

NFL Draft Value Board – Updated – Day Three

NFL Draft Value Board – Updated

After the First Round 32 Selections      

Top Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2026

   Frank Coyle / Head Scout

 Rank      Player                      Position     School

12  Jermod McCoy                    CB       Tennessee

21 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren  S          Toledo

23 Brandon Cisse                    CB       South Carolina

24 T.J. Parker                           Edge    Clemson

26 Lee Hunter                          DL        Texas Tech

27 Denzel Boston                    WR       Washington

31 Colton Hood                        CB       Tennessee

32 Cashius Howell                   Edge    Texas A&M

34 R Mason Thomas                Edge    Oklahoma

36 Avieon Terrell                     CB       Clemson

37 Kayden McDonald               DL        Ohio State

38 Anthony Hill Jr.                   LB        Texas

39 Zion Young                         Edge    Missouri

41 C.J. Allen                            LB        Georgia

45 Chase Bisontis                   OL        Texas A&M

47 Jalon Kilgore                      S          South Carolina

48 Eli Stowers                          TE        Vanderbilt

49 Jake Golday                        LB        Cincinnati

50 Christen Miller                    DL        Georgia

51 Gennings Dunker                OL        Iowa

52 Keionte Scott                      CB       Miami (Fl)

54 A.J. Haulcy                          S          LSU

55 Jacob Rodriguez                 LB        Texas Tech

56 Gabe Jacas                         Edge    Illinois

57 Germie Bernard                  WR       Alabama

58 D’Angelo Ponds                  CB       Indiana

59 Chris Bell                            WR       Louisville

60 Emmanuel Pregnon            OG       Oregon

61 Treydan Stukes                   S          Arizona

62 Antonio Williams                WR       Clemson

63 Daylen Everette                   CB       Georgia

64 Josiah Trotter                     LB        Missouri                      

65 Chris Brazzell                      WR       Tennessee

66 Keith Abney II                     CB       Arizona State

67 Jaishawn Barham               LB        Michigan

68 Deion Burks                        WR       Oklahoma

69 Caleb Tiernan                      OT        Northwestern

70 Darrell Jackson Jr.              DL        Florida State

71 Malik Muhammad                CB       Texas

72 Malachi Fields                     WR       Notre Dame

73 Emmett Johnson                 RB       Nebraska

74 Dani Dennis-Sutton             Edge    Penn State

75 Max Klare                            TE        Ohio State

76 Will Lee III                           CB       Texas A&M

77 Zachariah Branch                WR       Georgia

78 Joshua Josephs                 Edge    Tennessee

79 Ted Hurst                            WR       Georgia State

80 Logan Jones                       C          Iowa

81 Jalen Farmer                       OL        Kentucky                    

82 Tacario Davis                      CB       Washington

83 Michael Trigg                      TE        Baylor

84 Connor Lew                        C          Auburn

  85 Derrick Moore                   Edge    Michigan

  86 Drew Allar                         QB       Penn State

  87 L.T. Overton                      Edge    Alabama

  88 Kyle Louis                         LB        Pittsburgh

  89 Mike Washington               RB        Arkansas

  90 Brenen Thompson            WR       Mississippi State

  91 Harold Perkins                  LB        LSU

  92 De’Zhaun Stribling            WR       Ole Miss

  93 Charles Demmings            CB       SF Austin        

  94 Billy Schrauth                   G          Notre Dame

  95 Carson Beck                     QB       Miami (Fl)

  96 Ja’Kobi Lane                     WR       USC

  97 Oscar Delp                        TE        Georgia

  98 Julian Neal                        CB       Arkansas

  99 Bud Clark                          S          TCU

100 Keyron Crawford               Edge    Auburn 

101 Trey Zuhn III                      OL        Texas A&M       

102 Domonique Orange           DT        Iowa State

103 Isaiah World                      OT        Oregon

104 Garrett Nussmeier             QB       LSU

105 Jonah Coleman                 RB       Washington

106 Jake Slaughter                  C          Florida

107 Skyler Bell                         WR       UConn

108 Zakee Wheatley                 S          Penn State

109 Devin Moore                      CB       Florida

110 Deontae Lawson               LB        Alabama

111 Chris McClellan                 DT        Missouri

112 Chandler Rivers                CB       Duke

113 Bryce Lance                      WR       North Dakota State

114 Davison Igbinosun            CB       Ohio State

115 Romello Height                 Edge    Texas Tech

116 Elijah Sarratt                     WR       Indiana

117 Brian Parker II                   OL        Duke

118 Kaytron Allen                    RB       Penn State

119 Gracen Halton                   DL        Oklahoma

120 Sam Hecht                        OC       Kansas State              

121 Keyshaun Elliott                LB        Arizona State

122 Kamari Ramsey                 S          USC

123 Joe Royer                          TE        Cincinnati

124 Demond Claiborne            RB       Wake Forest

125 Kaleb Elams-Orr                LB        TCU

126 Nick Singleton                   RB       Penn State

127 Aamil Wagner                   OT        Notre Dame

128 Beau Stephens                  OL        Iowa

129 Ephesians Prysock           CB       Washington

130 Eric Rivers                        WR       Georgia Tech

131 Latrell McCutchcin            CB        Houston

132 Jack Kelly                         LB        BYU

133 Robert Spears-Jennings   S          Oklahoma

134 Jude Bowry                       OT        Boston College

135 V.J. Payne                         S          Kansas State              

136 Dontay Corleone               DT        Cincinnati

137 DJ Campbell                      OG       Texas       

138 Dallen Bentley                   TE        Utah                

139 Rayshaun Benny               DT        Michigan

140 Jack Endries                     TE        Texas

141 DeMonte Capehart            DT        Clemson

142 Logan Fano                       LB        Utah      

143 Sam Roush                        TE        Stanford

144 Michael Taaffe                   S          Texas 

145 Fa’alili Fa’amoe                 OT        Wake Forest

146 Hezekiah Masses              CB        Cal

147 Justin Jefferson                LB        Alabama

148 Genesis Smith                   S          Arizona

149 Tanner Koziol                    TE        Houston

150 Matt Gulbin                       OL        Michigan St.    

151 Eli Raridon                        TE        Notre Dame

152 Carver Willis                     OL        Washington

153 Justin Jolly                       TE        North Carolina State

154 Kaleb Proctor                    DT        SE Louisiana              

155 Austin Barber                    OT        Florida

156 Taylen Green                     QB       Arkansas        

157 Malik Benson                    WR       Oregon

158 Collin Wright                     CB        Stanford

159 Keon Coleman                   WR       Missouri

160 Mason Reiger                    Edge    Wisconsin

161 Marlin Klein                       TE        Michigan

162 Eric McAlister                   WR       TCU                                        

163 Caden Curry                      Edge    Ohio State

164 Tyler Onyedim                   DT        Texas A&M

165 Josh Cameron                   WR       Baylor

166 Drew Shelton                    OT        Penn State

167 Xzavian Harris                   DT        Mississippi

168 Dametrious Crownover     OT        Texas A&M

169 Keagen Trost                    OL        Missouri                     

170 Anthony Lucas                  Edge    USC    

171 Travis Burke                      OT        Memphis                     

172 Thaddeus Dixon                CB        North Carolina

173 DeShon Singleton             S          Nebraska                    

174 Taurean York                    LB        Texas A&M

175 J Michael Sturdivant          WR       Florida

176 Parker Brailsford               OL        Alabama

177 Nick Barrett                       DT        South Carolina

178 Jager Bruton                     OL        Kentucky

179 Zane Durant                      DT        Penn State

180 Ar’maj Reed-Adams          OG       Texas A&M     

181 Dae’Quan Wright               TE        Ole Miss

182 Max Llewellyn                   Edge    Iowa                                                                                                                                       

183 Seth McGowan                  RB        Kentucky

184 Wesley Williams                Edge    Duke               

185 Toriano Pride                    CB        Missouri

186 Tyreak Sapp                      Edge    Florida                                                

187 Jaydn Ott                          RB        Oklahoma

188 Delby Lemieux                  OL        Dartmouth

189 John Michael Gyllenborg  TE        Wyoming

190 Markel Bell                        OT        Miami

191 Domani Jackson               CB       Alabama

192 Xavier Nwankpa               S          Iowa

193 Kage Casey                       OT        Boise St.

194 Bishop Fitzgerald              S          USC    

195 J.C. Davis                          OT        Illinois

196 Tony Grimes                      CB       Purdue

197 Chip Trayanum                 RB       Toledo

198 Lorenzo Styles                  S          Ohio State

199 Eli Heidenreich                  RB        Navy

200 Jordan vanden Berg          DT        Georgia Tech              

201 Cade Klubnik                    QB       Clemson

202 Pat Coogan                        OL        Indiana

203 Jeff Caldwell                     WR       Cincinnati

204 Jadon Canady                   CB        Oregon

205 Nadame Tucker                 Edge   Western Michigan

206 Adam Randall                   RB       Clemson

207 Cole Payton                       QB       North Dakota State

208 Jack Velling                      TE        Michigan State

209 Josh Gesky                       OG       Illinois

210 Jeffrey M’Ba                      DT        SMU

211 Jaedan Roberts                 OG       Alabama

212 Barion Brown                    WR       LSU

213 Roman Hemby                  RB        Indiana

214 Harrison Wallace III           WR       Mississippi

215 Vincent Anthony               Edge     Duke

216 Caleb Douglas                   WR       Texas Tech

217 Desmond Reid                  RB        Pittsburgh

218 Caden Barnett                    OL        Wyoming

219 Devon Marshall                 CB        NC State

220 Anto Saka                         Edge    Northwestern

221 Dillon Bell                         WR       Georgia           

222 George Cumbs                  DE        Florida

223 Micah Morris                     OG       Georgia

224 Brett Thorson                    P          Georgia

225 C.J. Daniels                       WR       Miami (Fl)

226 Bryce Boettcher                LB        Oregon

227 Zavion Thomas                 WR       LSU

228 Cole Wisniewski                S          Texas Tech

229 RJ Maryland                      TE        SMU

230 Trey Moore                        Edge    Texas

231 Scooby Williams               LB        Texas A&M

232 Kaden Wetjen                    WR       Iowa

233 Le’Veon Moss                   RB        Texas A&M

234 Jeremiah Wilson               CB       Florida State   

235 Jordan Hudson                  WR       SMU

236 Febechi Nwaiwu                OG       Oklahoma

237 Tyren Montgomery            WR       John Carroll

238 Tim Keenan III                   DL        Alabama

239 Chris Hilton Jr.                  WR       LSU

240 Namdi Obiazor                  LB        TCU

241 Andre Fuller                      CB        Toledo

242 Xavier Scott                      S          Illinois             

243 J’Mari Taylor                     RB       Virginia

244 Skyler Gill-Howard            DL        Texas Tech     

245 Marcus Allen                     CB        North Carolina

246 Wade Woodaz                   LB        Clemson

247 Lander Barton                   LB        Utah      

248 Will Kacmarek                    TE        Ohio State

249 Rashul Faison                   RB        South Carolina

250 Micah Pettus                      OT        Florida State

251 Seydou Traore                   TE        Mississippi State

252 Reggie Virgil                     WR       Texas Tech

253 Bryan Thomas Jr.              Edge    South Carolina

254 Colbie Young                    WR       Georgia

255 Nate Koerkircher               TE        Texas A&M

2026 First Round  Mock Draft

      Final Mock Draft – April

 Frank Coyle ‘ Publisher
www.draftinsiders.com

First Round
   #       Team                                  Player                   Pos                  College

    1      Las Vegas                     Fernando Mendoza      QB                   Indiana

   2      NY Jets                        David Bailey                Edge                Texas Tech

   3      Arizona                         Jeremiyah Love           RB                   Notre Dame

  4      Tennessee                    Arvell Reese                LB                    Ohio State

  5      NY Giants                     Caleb Downs               S                      Ohio State       

  6      Cleveland                      Monroe Freeling          OT                    Georgia           

   7      Washington                   Mansoor Delane          CB                   LSU     

  8      New Orleans                 Sonny Styles               LB                    Ohio State       

  9      Kansas City                  Francis Mauigoa          OT                    Miami (Fl)                   

 10      NY Giants (Cincinnati)    Carnell Tate               WR                   Ohio State

 11      Miami                           Rueben Bain                Edge                Miami (Fl)

12      Dallas                           Jermod McCoy            CB                   Tennessee

13      LA Rams (Atlanta)         Makai Lemon               `WR                  USC    

14      Baltimore                      Olaivavega Ioane         OL                    Penn State      

 15      Tampa Bay                   Kenyon Sadiq              TE                    Oregon

16      NY Jets (Indianapolis)    Jordyn Tyson              WR                   Arizona State

17      Detroit                           Spencer Fano              OT                    Utah

18      Minnesota                     Dillon Thieneman        S                      Oregon            

19      Carolina                 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren      S                  Toledo                        

20      Dallas (Green Bay)        Akheem Mesidor          Edge                Miami (Fl)                   

 21      Pittsburgh                     Blake Miller                  RT                    Clemson

22      LA Chargers                  Brandon Cisse             CB                   South Carolina            

 23      Philadelphia                   T.J. Parker                   Edge                Clemson

 24      Cleveland (Jax)             KC Concepcion           WR                   Texas A&M      

 25      Chicago                        Kadyn Proctor             OT                    Alabama          

 26      Buffalo                          Omar Cooper Jr.          WR                   Indiana

 27      San Francisco               Denzel Boston             WR                   Washington

28      Houston                        Chase Bisontis            OL                    Texas A&M                  

29      Kansas City (LA Rams)  Colton Hood                CB                   Tennessee                   

 30       Miami (Denver)            Max Ihenacher             OT                    Arizona State  

31      New England                 Gennings Dunker        OL                    Iowa    

32      Seattle                          Jadarian Price             RB                   Notre Dame     

 

 

NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report –  Receiver Ted Hurst

Draft Insiders’ 2026 Yearbook – Scouting Reports – over 250 Reports – available now
NFL Team Report – 35 pages – In-depth Evaluation of Each Team and Offseason Moves – available now

Frank Coyle / Head Scout

Every year we pride ourselves on finding gems off the radar for the NFL Draft. This year we love wide receiver Ted Hurst of Georgia State who shows prototypical skills. He responded with a strong 2025 season with over 1000 yards receiving which earned invitations to both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. He impressed scouts there facing the best cover men in the nation. He checked all the boxes on the scouting charts. He compare him to Tee Higgins/ CeeDee Lamb in size, athleticism and level of development. His improvement has pushed him into the top 100 prospects and should see his name called on the mid second day of the draft. This is a prospect with a high ceiling and good level of development to challenge for rookie playing time.

NFL Combine Numbers
Ted Hurst – Georgia State       6036       206         1.55          4.42                36 1/2″     11’03”

Ted Hurst #16              6-4, 205            Georgia State – Sp. 4.42
NFL Comparison: Tee Higgins/ CeeDee Lamb                            Rating 75

Fast lanky receiver came on with impressive two year stay at Ga. State, earning SBC honors each season. Transferred here after two seasons at Valdosta State. Speedster with the extra gear to run away from defenders. Suddenness to get into a corner’s cushion and the sharp cutting skills to retain his top speed to create separation. Speed to be a key factor in the vertical game and track the ball where he averaged over17 yards per reception in 2024. Dangerousrunner in the underneath crossing routes to break plays. Strong frame (206 lbs.) allows him to hold up vs physical defenders. Long arms allow him to grab errant passes especially at the sidelines. Versatile receiver with the big play ability to get touches on gadget plays like bubble screens. At the Senior Bowl week, he showed a quick release off the line to press cover men with the ability to break smoothly and create space. Showed the extra gear to separate in the vertical game. At the NFL Combine, he came in just under 6’4” and 206 lbs. He ran a fast 4.42 time with a 1.55 ten-yard split and very good leaping drills of 36.5” VL and 11’3” BJ. Looked fluid in the positional drills with efficient footwork and quick change of direction skills. Wins vs physical contact and force defenses to adjust. In 2025, he caught 71 passes for 1004 yards and 6 TDs, despite heavy coverage. Speed is straight-linish and he must show he can run the complete route tree to earn reps. Top 75 prospect with impact in three wideout sets to give an offense some juice, though must show further development in the complete passing game. Strong performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine elevated his final grade and is a prospect with top prototypical numbers to continue to develop into an NFL starter. Talent with big play ability to take the next step up.
Draft Projection: 3rd Round

 Top 100 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2026

                Final version – April 21st –  Prior to NFL Draft 2026          

Frank Coyle/ Head scout
www.draftinsiders.com

Top 100 Pro Prospects

Rank      Player                     Position     School

  1 Fernando Mendoza             QB       Indiana

  2 Jeremiyah Love                   RB       Notre Dame

  3 Arvell Reese                          LB        Ohio State

  4 David Bailey                        Edge    Texas Tech

  5 Sonny Styles                         LB        Ohio State

  6 Caleb Downs                         S          Ohio State

  7 Francis Mauigoa                 OT        Miami (Fl)

  8 Carnell Tate                          WR       Ohio State

  9 Jermod McCoy                     CB       Tennessee

10 Kenyon Sadiq                       TE        Oregon

11 Mansoor Delane                   CB       LSU

12 Monroe Freeling                  OT        Georgia

13 Olaivavega Ioane                OL        Penn State

14 Jordyn Tyson                       WR       Arizona State

15 Rueben Bain                         Edge    Miami (Fl)

16 Spencer Fano                       OT        Utah

17 Makai Lemon                       WR       USC

18 Dillon Thieneman                S          Oregon

19 Blake Miller                            RT        Clemson

20 Akheem Mesidor                  Edge    Miami (Fl)

21 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren   S          Toledo

22 KC Concepcion                     WR       Texas A&M

23 Brandon Cisse                      CB       South Carolina

24 T.J. Parker                           Edge    Clemson

25 Omar Cooper Jr.                 WR       Indiana

26 Lee Hunter                           DL        Texas Tech

27 Denzel Boston                     WR       Washington

28 Kadyn Proctor                     OT        Alabama

29 Peter Woods                         DT        Clemson

30 Keldric Faulk                       Edge    Auburn

31 Colton Hood                        CB       Tennessee

32 Cashius Howell                   Edge    Texas A&M

33 Caleb Lomu                          OT        Utah

34 R Mason Thomas                Edge    Oklahoma

35 Max Ihenacher                     OT        Arizona State

36 Avieon Terrell                      CB       Clemson

37 Kayden McDonald               DL        Ohio State

38 Zion Young                           Edge    Missouri

39 Ty Simpson                           QB       Alabama

40 C.J. Allen                              LB        Georgia

41 Caleb Banks                         DL        Florida

42 Anthony Hill Jr.                   LB        Texas

43 Chris Johnson                     CB       San Diego State

44 Jadarian Price                     RB       Notre Dame

45 Chase Bisontis                     OL        Texas A&M

46 Jalon Kilgore                       S          South Carolina

47 Eli Stowers                           TE        Vanderbilt

48 Jake Golday                         LB        Cincinnati

49 Christen Miller                    DL        Georgia

50 Malachi Lawrence               Edge    Central Florida

51 Gennings Dunker                OL        Iowa

52 Keionte Scott                        CB       Miami (Fl)

53 Keylan Rutledge                 OG       Georgia Tech

54 A.J. Haulcy                            S          LSU

55 Jacob Rodriguez                 LB        Texas Tech

56 Gabe Jacas                           Edge    Illinois

57 Germie Bernard                  WR       Alabama

58 D’Angelo Ponds                  CB       Indiana

59 Chris Bell                              WR       Louisville

60 Emmanuel Pregnon            OG       Oregon

61 Antonio Williams                WR       Clemson

62 Daylen Everette                   CB       Georgia

63 Josiah Trotter                     LB        Missouri                      

64 Chris Brazzell                      WR       Tennessee

65 Keith Abney II                     CB       Arizona State

66 Jaishawn Barham               LB        Michigan

67 Deion Burks                          WR       Oklahoma

68 Caleb Tiernan                      OT        Northwestern

69 Darrell Jackson Jr.              DL        Florida State

70 Malik Muhammad                CB       Texas

71 Malachi Fields                       WR       Notre Dame

72 Emmett Johnson                  RB       Nebraska

73 Dani Dennis-Sutton             Edge    Penn State

74 Max Klare                              TE        Ohio State

75 Will Lee III                             CB       Texas A&M

76 Zachariah Branch                WR       Georgia

77 Joshua Josephs                   Edge    Tennessee

78 Ted Hurst                              WR       Georgia State

79 Logan Jones                          C          Iowa

80 Jalen Farmer                       OL        Kentucky                    

81 Tacario Davis                      CB       Washington

82 Michael Trigg                      TE        Baylor

83 Connor Lew                           C          Auburn

84 Derrick Moore                     Edge    Michigan

85 Drew Allar                           QB       Penn State

86 L.T. Overton                        Edge    Alabama

87 Kyle Louis                              LB        Pittsburgh

88 Mike Washington                 RB        Arkansas

89 Brenen Thompson             WR       Mississippi State

90 Treydan Stukes                   S          Arizona

91 Harold Perkins                    LB        LSU

92 De’Zhaun Stribling              WR       Ole Miss

93 Charles Demmings             CB       SF Austin        

94 Billy Schrauth                     G          Notre Dame

95 Carson Beck                          QB       Miami (Fl)

96 Ja’Kobi Lane                       WR       USC

97 Oscar Delp                            TE        Georgia

98 Julian Neal                          CB       Arkansas

99 Bud Clark                             S          TCU

100 Keyron Crawford               Edge    Auburn 

     Frank Coyle has published Draft Insiders’ Digest for 35 years

                       www.draftinsiders.com   Publication and Web Site