Butkus Award Announces 2026 Watch List For 42nd Season

The Butkus Foundation announced their preseason watch list for the 42nd annual Butkus Award, presented each year to the nation’s top collegiate linebacker. The 51-player watch list honors Dick Butkus’ iconic No. 51 jersey and recognizes the toughness, instincts, leadership, competitiveness, and football character that defined one of the greatest defensive players in football history.  Photo – Ray Coney – Texas A&M

Frank Coyle has been a longtime voter in the Butkus Award since the 1990s. He had a long friendship with Dick that spanned over three decades and enjoyed the HOF Mike backer immensely as a special friend and athlete.

The 2026 watch list features 51 linebackers representing 42 colleges and universities from across the country. Returning All-Americans, All-Conference performers, and emerging defensive standouts from across the Football Bowl Subdivision are among this year’s candidates.

The Butkus Award remains one of college football’s most respected individual honors, recognizing linebackers whose performance reflects the standard established by Dick Butkus more than six decades ago at the University of Illinois and throughout his Hall of Fame NFL career.

The 2026 watch list includes representatives from seven conferences, led by the SEC (14), Big Ten (12), Big 12 (12) and ACC (9), with additional representatives from the MAC (1) and Mountain West (1), along with two Independents. Virginia’s Kam Robinson is the only returning semifinalist.

Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on October 28th, finalists on November 20th, and the winner will be revealed during the week of December 7th. Selection is based on performance throughout the season, and appearance on the preseason watch list is not required for a player to win the Award.

The recipient will be recognized during the Butkus Award celebration in early 2027 and featured in the annual Big Ten Network Butkus Award special.

The 51-member Butkus Award Selection Committee is comprised of coaches, professional scouts, former players, and members of the media from across the country. Committee members evaluate candidates using the same qualities that defined Dick Butkus throughout his career: instincts, toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and consistent excellence at the linebacker position.

The 2025 Butkus Award winners included collegiate winner Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech, now with the Miami Dolphins; high school winner Tyler Atkinson of Grayson High School, now at the University of Texas; and professional winner Jack Campbell of the Detroit Lions.

About the Butkus Award

Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award® honors the nation’s top linebackers at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels while preserving the legacy of Dick Butkus through excellence in football, cardiovascular health advocacy, and youth character development. Through the Butkus Foundation’s Takes Heart™ initiative and partnership with Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the Foundation supports education, research, and expanded access to preventive cardiovascular screening. The Foundation also promotes natural athletic performance through its longstanding I Play Clean® initiative.

The Butkus Award® 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. This season, 12 NCFAA awards recognize National Players of the Week each Tuesday.

Butkus Award 2026 Collegiate Watch List

Xe’ree Alexander, Washington
Xavier Atkins, Auburn
Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota
Rasheem Biles, Texas
Troy Bowles, Michigan
Drayk Bowen, Notre Dame**
Sammy Brown, Clemson**
Taye Brown, Arizona
Gary Bryant, Syracuse
Amare Campbell, Tennessee
Arion Carter, Tennessee
Owen Chambliss, Nebraska
Chris Cole, Georgia
Ray Coney, Texas A&M
Jahleel Culbreath, UCF
John Curry, Texas Tech
TJ Dottery, LSU
Kooper Ebel, Penn State
Jaxton Eck, New Mexico
Kyle Efford, Georgia Tech
Myles Graham, Florida
Jordan Hall, Michigan State
Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
Owen Heineke, Oklahoma
Isaiah Jones, Indiana
Gideon Lampron, Colorado
Trey Lathan, Kansas
Liona Lefau, Colorado
Kip Lewis, Oklahoma
Owen Long, Arizona State
Braylan Lovelace, Pittsburgh
Luke Mergott, Duke
Jayden Montgomery, Iowa
Blayne Myrick, Miami-Ohio
Sammy Omosigho, UCLA
Mason Posa, Wisconsin
Ben Roberts, Texas Tech
Kam Robinson, Virginia*
Austin Romaine, Texas Tech
Matt Rose, Stanford
Peyton Seelman, North Carolina
Keaton Thomas, Mississippi
Jonathan Thompson, Cincinnati
Mohamed Toure, Miami-Fla.
Cade Uluave, BYU
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
Whit Weeks, LSU
Ethan Wesloski, Oklahoma State
Raylen Wilson, Georgia
Daniel Wingate, Maryland
Caleb Woodson, Alabama

* — Returning Semifinalist
** — High School Butkus Award Winner

Paul Hornung 2026 Award Watch List

Now in its 17th season, the Paul Hornung Award is presented annually by the Louisville Sports Commission to the most versatile player in major college football. The award honors the legacy of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. This year’s winner and his family will be honored in March 2027 at the annual Paul Hornung Award Dinner presented by UofL Health at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville.

Past Winners
2025: KC Concepcion (WR/RS, Texas A&M)
2024: Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
2023: Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
2022: Jack Colletto (QB/FB/LB/ST, Oregon State)
2021: Marcus Jones (CB/WR/RS, Houston)
2020: DeVonta Smith (WR/RS, Alabama)
2019: Lynn Bowden Jr. (QB/WR/RS, Kentucky)
2018: Rondale Moore (WR/RS, Purdue)
2017: Saquon Barkley (RB/RS, Penn State)
2016: Jabrill Peppers (QB/WR/RB/LB/DB/RS, Michigan)
2015: Christian McCaffrey (RB/RS, Stanford)
2014: Shaq Thompson (RB/LB/S, Washington)
2013: Odell Beckham Jr. (WR/RS, LSU)
2012: Tavon Austin (WR/RB/RS, West Virginia)
2011: Brandon Boykin (WR/CB/RS, Georgia)
2010: Owen Marecic (FB/LB, Stanford)

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 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.  

Seattle vs New England in Super Bowl LX Hold Final Selections

NFL Draft 2026 – ‘The Raiders are ‘On the Clock’!
 Jets, Cardinals, Titans & Giants, Hold Top 5 Selections

 2026 NFL Draft Selection Order

The NFL Conference championship games have finalized the top 30 selections in the frist round of the NFL Draft 2026. It will be Seattle vs New England in Super Bowl LX after winning confereence titles.  Neither team even made the playoffs after the 2024 season.

With the closure of the regular season schedule and the early playoff games, the NFL Draft order has been established for the top 30 non-playoff teams. Four teams hold a 3-14 record with the Raiders landing the 1st overall selection on the weaker strength of schedule.  The Jets, Cardinals and Titans hold the next three selections with each club at 3-14. These clubs started multiple QBs in 2025 after several injuries and poor performances forced weekly changes at the position. Of the top five teams, only the Giants with rookie Jaxson Dart and Titans with rookie QB Cam Ward have bona fide starters set for the coming years.

The Giants are next at the 5th pick at 4-13 and within reach of trading up for an earlier selection. It is the usual suspects in the top ten with several pretenders like the Chiefs and Bengals both falling below the .500 mark with weak 2025 performances.

The bottom 12 playoff positions will be decided by playoffs results. The Super Bowl teams will hold the 31st and 32nd positions.  The strength of schedule % will determine the final positions of all tied teams. The SOS is based on all of each team’s opponents record. Each succeeding round, the tied teams will rotate up within their tied bracket.

First Round Draft Order

#           Team                                     W-L record          

1           Las Vegas                             3-14

2           NY Jets                                  3-14

3           Arizona                                  3-14

4           Tennessee                            3-14

5           NY Giants                              4-13

6           Cleveland                             5-12

7           Washington                          5-12

8           New Orleans                         6-11

9           Kansas City                           6-11

10           Cincinnati                              6-11

11           Miami                                     7-10

12           Dallas                                    7-9-1

13           LA Rams (Atlanta)               8-9

14           Baltimore                              8-9

15           Tampa Bay                           8-9

16           NY Jets (Indianapolis)        8-9

17           Detroit                                    9-8

18           Minnesota                             9-8

19           Carolina                                8-10

20           Dallas (Green Bay)              9-8-1

          Playoff Teams

21           Pittsburgh                              10-7

22           LA Chargers                         11-6

23           Philadelphia                         11-6

24           San Francisco                      12-5

25           Chicago                                 12-6

26           Houston                                 12-5

27           Cleveland (Jacksonville)    13-5

28           Buffalo                                   13-5

29           LA Rams                               13-5

30           Denver                                   14-3

  Super Bowl Opponents

31           New England                        14-3

32           Seattle                                   14-3

All ties in record are broken by current strength of schedule.  Then head to head determines order.
Atlanta, Green Bay, Jacksonville and Indianapolis all currently do not have 1st-round selections from prior deals.

March 11, 2026
The 2026 League Year and Free agency signing period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts

Playoffs – Divisional, Conference & Super Bowl games determine final 8 positions

A teams’ opponent’s W-L record will determine all tie situations. Teams that are still tied will flip though none necessary this year. Playoff teams will shuffle according to their postseason results to determine the final top 32 selections. Super Bowl game will determine final two positions.

 Team tie-breaking procedure for the NFL Draft
If two or more clubs are tied in the selection order, the strength-of-schedule tie breaker is applied, subject to the following exceptions for playoff clubs: The Super Bowl winner is last and the Super Bowl loser next-to-last. Any non-Super Bowl playoff club involved in a tie shall be assigned priority within its segment below that of non-playoff clubs and in the order that the playoff clubs exited from the playoffs. Within a tied segment a playoff club that loses in the Wild-Card game will have priority over a playoff club that loses in the Divisional playoff game that in turn will have priority over a club that loses in the Conference Championship game. If two tied clubs exited the playoffs in the same round, the tie is broken by strength of schedule. If any ties cannot be broken by strength of schedule, the divisional or conference tie breakers, when applicable, are applied. Any ties that still exist are broken by a coin flip.

Indiana is King of College Football

CFP Championship Game – Indiana Beats Miami 27-21

  Jan. 20, 2026 – Miami Gardens, Fl

Frank Coyle / Head scout

The Indiana Hoosiers beat the Miami Hurricanes for their first national championship in college football history. It was a win for the ages as they completed a magical 2025 season going undefeated with a strong victory over the Hurricanes 27-21.

The Hoosiers were not affected by the Miami advantage of playing on their home field for the title game. They have overcome numerous obstacles this season on their way to the national title. They have been the doormat of college football annually, losing the most games in history. Their performance this year stands alone as the most amazing campaign with a perfect season 16-0. They were the first team to achieve 16-0 at this level.

It all changed with the hiring of HC Curt Cignetti in 2024 who began the incredible rebuilding process. The signing of Cal transfer QB Fernando Mendoza was a key addition which transcended them to national power this season. Cignetti built a disciplined, smart team club with sound systems and few mistakes. The team radiates discipline and poise and rarely turns the ball over or get few penalties. That has been the difference in several big games the past two seasons. Mendoza completed a story book 2026 performance, winning the Heisman Trophy in December, beating Ohio State for the Big Ten title and sweep in the CFP series to win the crown. Mendoza made an amazing 4th quarter play on fourth down when he ran a 12-yard QB drew and broke several hard hits to dive into the endzone with the game winning TD. Their aggressive defense completed the victory with a game ending interception of QB Carson Beck by corner Jamari Sharpe with seconds remaining deep in their territory. It completed the most incredible long shot champion in college football history. Indiana now has a national title in football to sit next to their basketball championships. Hail to the Hoosiers!

NFL Draft 2026 – First Round Order

Jan. 19, 2026
    Frank Coyle/ Pro scout

Top 28 Positions in Place for First Round After Divisional Round Weekend

The first-round draft order posted below is complete through the top 28 selections. The Raiders hold the 1st overall selection at 3-14 despite winning their final game vs the Chiefs. The Giants won their final two games including their finale vs the Cowboys which pushed them to the 5th overall selection. There are four teams at 3-14 and they will rotate up in the ensuing rounds.

The remaining four teams include the two conference bye teams, Seattle and Denver who will host the title games this weekend. The LA Rams and New England were both at or near the top of their conferences throughout the season. The NFL got the four best clubs for the conference championship.

Here is the current first-round draft order following the Divisional round over the weekend. Tie breakers are broken first by strength of schedule, then by head to head matchups.

NFL Draft 2026 – First Round Order

Team                    W-L record

1          Las Vegas                     3-14

2          NY Jets                         3-14

3          Arizona                         3-14

4          Tennessee                    3-14

5          NY Giants                     4-13

6          Cleveland                      5-12

7          Washington                   5-12

8          New Orleans                 6-11

9          Kansas City                  6-11

10         Cincinnati                      6-11

11         Miami                           7-10

12         Dallas                           7-9-1

13         LA Rams (Atlanta)         8-9

14         Baltimore                      8-9

15         Tampa Bay                   8-9

16         NY Jets (Indianapolis)    8-9

17         Detroit                           9-8

18         Minnesota                     9-8

19         Carolina                        8-10

20         Dallas (Green Bay)        9-8-1

21         Pittsburgh                     10-8

22         LA Chargers                  11-7

23         Philadelphia                   11-7

24         Cleveland (Jacksonville) 13-5

25         Chicago                        12-7

26         Buffalo                          13-6

27         San Francisco               13-6

28         Houston                        13-6

Remaining Playoff Teams

29         LA Rams                       14-5

30         New England                 16-3

31         Denver                          16-3

32         Seattle                          16-3

All ties in record are broken by current strength of schedule.

Atlanta, Green Bay, Jacksonville and Indianapolis all currently do not have 1st-round selections from prior deals.

March 11, 2026
The 2026 League Year and Free agency signing period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts

Draft Insiders’ All-Pro Teams

   Frank Coyle & Staff

NFL Awards

Offensive Player of Year – Matthew Stafford – Rams
Defensive Player of Year – Myles Garrett – Browns

Rookie Offensive Player of Year – QB Jaxson Dart – Giants
Rookie Defensive Player of Year – LB Carson Schwesinger – Browns

Coach of the Year – Mike Vrabel – Patriots

Draft Insiders’  – All-Pro Teams

First Team

Offense

Quarterback
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Running Back
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta

Fullback
Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco

All-Purpose Back
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco

Wide Receivers
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati

Draft Insiders’ Pro Prospect Positional Rankings – Top 300 Players for the NFL Draft 2026 – available now
Special Deluxe Package available – January Newsletter – Underclassmen, Three Round MD – Top 150 Player Rankings

Tight End
Trey McBride, Arizona

Left Tackle
Garett Bolles, Denver

Left Guard
Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis

Center
Creed Humphrey, Kansas City

Right Guard
Quinn Meinerz, Denver

Right Tackle
Penei Sewell, Detroit

Defense

Edge Rushers
Myles Garrett, Cleveland
Brian Burns, New York Giants
Will Anderson Jr., Houston

Interior Linemen
Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee
Zach Allen, Denver

Linebackers
Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville
Jordyn Brooks, Miami

Cornerbacks
Derek Stingley Jr., Houston
Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia

Slot cornerback
Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia

Safeties
Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore
Jessie Bates III, Atlanta

Special Teams

Placekicker
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas

Punter
Jordan Stout, Baltimore

Kick Returner
Ray Davis, Buffalo

Punt Returner
Marcus Jones, New England

Special Teamer
Devon Key, Denver

Long Snapper
Ross Matiscik, Jacksonville

Second Team
Offense

Quarterback
Drake Maye, New England

Running Back
James Cook, Buffalo
Fullback
Patrick Ricard, Baltimore

All-Purpose Back
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit

Wide Receivers
George Pickens, Dallas
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit
Nico Collins, Houston

Tight End
Kyle Pitts, Atlanta

Left Tackle
Trent Williams, San Francisco

Left Guard
Joe Thuney, Chicago

Center
Aaron Brewer, Miami

Right Guard
Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta

Right Tackle
Darnell Wright, Chicago

Defense

Edge Rushers
Micah Parsons, Green Bay
Danielle Hunter, Houston
Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit

Interior Linemen
Leonard Williams, Seattle
Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh

Linebackers
Jack Campbell, Detroit
Ernest Jones IV, Seattle

Cornerbacks
Patrick Surtain II, Denver
Devon Witherspoon, Seattle

Slot cornerback
Jaycee Horn, Carolina

Safeties
Kevin Byard, Chicago
Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Special Teams

Placekicker
Will Reichard, Minnesota

Punter
Michael Dickson, Seattle

Kick Returner
Kavontae Turpin, Dallas

Punt Returner
Chimere Dike, Tennessee

Special Teamer
Del’Shawn Phillips, Los Angeles Chargers

Long Snapper
Andrew DePaola, Minnesota

NFL Draft 2026 – First Round Order

Jan. 13, 2026

Frank Coyle/ Pro scout

Top 24 Positions in Place for First Round After Wild Card Weekend

The first-round draft order posted below is complete through the top 24 selections. With the Texans win over the Steelers Monday night, only the final eight positions remain in question. The Steeler loss most likely is the final game of veteran QB Aaron Rodgers career. He had an amazing career which ranks with any passer in NFL history. He took an average Steeler team to the AFC North title and kept them in most games despite average talent on their offense.

The Raiders hold the 1st overall selection at 3-14 despite winning their final game vs the Chiefs. The Giants won their final two games including their finale vs the Cowboys which pushed them to the 5th overall selection. There are four teams at 3-14 and they will rotate up in the ensuing rounds.

Here is the current first-round draft order following the Texans win Monday night over the Steelers.
Tie breakers are broken first by strength of schedule, then by head to head matchups.

NFL Draft 2026 – First Round Order

Team                    W-L record

1          Las Vegas                     3-14

2          NY Jets                         3-14

3          Arizona                         3-14

4          Tennessee                    3-14

5          NY Giants                     4-13

6          Cleveland                      5-12

7          Washington                   5-12

8          New Orleans                 6-11

9          Kansas City                  6-11

10         Cincinnati                      6-11

11         Miami                           7-10

12         Dallas                           7-9-1

13         LA Rams (Atlanta)         8-9

14         Baltimore                      8-9

15         Tampa Bay                   8-9

16         NY Jets (Indianapolis)    8-9

17         Detroit                           9-8

18         Minnesota                     9-8

19         Carolina                        8-10

20         Dallas (Green Bay)        9-8-1

21         Pittsburgh                     10-8

22         LA Chargers                  11-7

23         Philadelphia                   11-7

24         Cleveland (Jacksonville) 13-5

Remaining Playoff Teams

25         Chicago                        12-6

26         Buffalo                          13-5

27         San Francisco               13-5

28         Houston                        13-5

29         LA Rams                       13-5

30         New England                 15-3

31         Denver                          14-3

32         Seattle                          14-3

All ties in record are broken by current strength of schedule.
Atlanta, Green Bay, Jacksonville and Indianapolis all currently do not have 1st-round selections from prior deals.

March 11, 2026
The 2026 League Year and Free agency signing period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts