On Facebook
On Flipboard
NFL Draft intel: 10 players to know for 2026
The 2025 NFL Draft is over, but it's not too early to start monitoring the 2026 draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
The 2025 class didn't feature much star power at quarterback. Just two passers (Cam Ward by the Tennessee Titans and Jaxson Dart by the New York Giants) were selected in the first round. The 2026 class seems much stronger at the most important position.
With that in mind, here are 10 players Yardbarker is tracking:
Texas QB Arch Manning (6-foot-4, 225 pounds)
Manning — who has three years of eligibility remaining — isn't guaranteed to enter the 2026 draft. In a tweet on his X account on Tuesday, ESPN's Matt Miller wrote, "I won't be doing any draft work for Arch in 2026."
Despite that, Manning could still be in the early QB1 conversation. In his latest mock draft, The Athletic's Dane Brugler has the 21-year-old going No. 1 overall to the New Orleans Saints.
"The Saints haven't drafted a quarterback in the first round since Archie Manning in 1971, so it would certainly be poetic if his grandson breaks that streak," wrote Brugler. "But first, he needs to turn the hype into on-field production as a first-year starter in 2025."
Arch Manning has played little in two seasons at Texas, but he has flashed upside. In 12 games, he has 13 touchdowns (nine passing and four rushing).
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs (6-foot, 205 pounds)
NFL teams have recently devalued safety. In the 2025 draft, just one safety (Malaki Starks of the Baltimore Ravens) was taken in the first round. A prospect of Downs' caliber may make teams ignore positional value.
In 16 games last season, he had eight tackles for loss and two interceptions. He also returned a punt for a 79-yard touchdown in a 38-15 Week 13 win over Indiana.
CALEB DOWNS TO THE HOUSE @OhioStateFB starts the second half with a bang ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/XT4Wrax5CI
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 23, 2024
"[Downs] was the most talented player on the Buckeyes defense last season, blending exceptional movement traits in space, deep-range cover ability and serious power to be disruptive against the run," wrote ESPN's Field Yates in a story published Thursday.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik (6-foot-2, 210 pounds)
In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Jordan Reid has the Cleveland Browns selecting Klubnik with pick No. 1.
"Klubnik maintains a strong platform while going through his reads and is consistent no matter the defensive structure," wrote Reid. "He also has the mobility to escape pressure, but he has B-level arm strength, so it will be important for him to show he can throw into tight windows this season."
The junior could be a Heisman contender in 2025 after a productive 2024 season. In 14 starts, he tossed 36 touchdown passes and had 3,639 passing yards.
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier (6-foot-2, 200 pounds)
Nussmeier may have been a first-rounder had he entered the 2025 draft. In November 2024, an NFL scout told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman the LSU star was the "most talented" QB in the 2025 class.
Nussmeier returning to LSU could help it make the College Football Playoff for the first time since the 2019 season. In his first season as a starter in 2024, the QB tied for 10th in the FBS in TD passes (29 in 13 games).
"Nussmeier is a receiver's best friend," wrote The Ringer's Diante Lee in a story published Tuesday. "When he's able to throw from a stable base, he almost always throws passes at eye level for his receivers to track."
Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor (6-foot-7, 369 pounds)
In two of the past three drafts, an Alabama O-lineman has been chosen in the first round. The Titans took OT JC Latham with pick No. 7 in 2024, and the Dallas Cowboys grabbed guard Tyler Booker with pick No. 12 in 2025.
Proctor battled a shoulder injury throughout the 2024 season but still showed why he could be the next Alabama O-lineman selected in the first round. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed just three sacks and posted an above-average 71.3 grade in 11 games last season.
In his mock draft, Brugler has the Indianapolis Colts taking the 19-year-old with pick No. 8.
Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. (6-foot-3, 235 pounds)
Hill — a former five-star recruit — was named a starter for the Longhorns during his freshman season in 2023. Since then, he has cemented himself as a staple for Texas' defense.
In two seasons with the Longhorns, he has 25 TFLs. He has also forced five fumbles, recovering one. PFF's Max Chadwick ranked Hill as his No. 1 returning LB in 2025 in a story published March 31.
"Hill is a versatile athlete who wears many hats for the Longhorns defense and could find his way into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft," wrote Chadwick.
Clemson edge-rusher T.J. Parker (6-foot-3, 265 pounds)
Parker had a career-high 11 sacks in 14 games in 2024. He should produce even better numbers under new Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen.
In 2024, Allen was DC at Penn State, where he helped Abdul Carter successfully transition from off-ball linebacker to edge-rusher. The New York Giants took Carter with pick No. 3 in 2025 after he earned a 2024 first-team All-American nod.
If Allen raises Parker's game, his stock should keep skyrocketing. Tankathon rates him as its No. 1 EDGE in the 2026 class.
South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers (6-foot-3, 242 pounds)
Sellers threw only 18 touchdown passes in 12 games in 2024. However, he's mobile. The 19-year-old rushed for 674 yards and seven touchdowns on 166 carries last season.
"It's kind of amazing to me that a guy who's 240 pounds can move laterally as easily as he does," ESPN's Greg McElroy, a former Alabama QB, said Tuesday on his podcast. "I would expect him to be a power runner, QB power, running guys over. That's not really how he plays. He's light on his feet."
Sellers' draft stock hinges on him improving as a passer. If he does, he should climb draft boards. Tankathon ranks him as its No. 4 QB.
Penn State QB Drew Allar (6-foot-5, 238 pounds)
Allar's decision-making has been a question throughout his college career. In 16 starts last season, he tossed a career-high eight interceptions.
Still, he has prototypical size for an NFL QB and has shown he can push the ball downfield. In 2024, he threw for a career-high 3,327 passing yards.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski has the Colts nabbing Allar with pick No. 8.
"By the end of the 2024 campaign, Penn State's Drew Allar looked like a future first-round QB," wrote Sobleski. "But he chose to return to school for another year, which will only help his draft status if he continues his upward trajectory."
Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love (6-foot, 206 pounds)
Love helped Notre Dame make the national championship game last season. In 16 games, he scored a team-leading 19 touchdowns (17 rushing and two receiving).
"He's an explosive strider, and his body control allows him to fit his 6-foot, 206-pound frame through coin-sized slot running lanes," wrote Reid, who has the Chicago Bears taking Love with pick No. 17 in his mock.
JEREMIYAH LOVE GOES 98 YARDS FOR THE TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/SSAjPnrRtt
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 21, 2024
Scouts may like Love's ability to generate explosive plays. He scored a 98-yard rushing touchdown in a 27-17 win in the first round of the 2024 CFP against Indiana.
More must-reads:
- The way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft
- NFC draft grades: What teams earned an 'A' besides Giants?
- The 'College football national championship coaches' quiz
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
TODAY'S BEST
Browns confirm Dillon Gabriel news amid QB competition
While the day was filled with snippets of Shedeur Sanders‘ reps at the Browns' organized team activities Wednesday, the real news happened off the field as third-round rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel signed his rookie contract, according to a team announcement. No contract details have been released. With Deshaun Watson dealing with injury and the quarterback room consisting of only a 40-year-old Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett on his third team in as many years, the Browns were constantly linked to a rookie quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. While many assumed that that quarterback would in some way or another end up being Sanders, a historically strange slide led to five other passers hearing their names called before Sanders. One of those names was Gabriel’s, which came at No. 94 overall. After six years playing college football (three at UCF, two at Oklahoma and one at Oregon), Gabriel only got better and better, even after a left clavicle injury ended his time with the Knights. Overall, Gabriel proved to be an elite producer who could protect the ball and score with his arm or his legs. He went 46-17 as a starter with the Knights, Sooners and Ducks, showing an impressive ability to pick up new systems quickly and effectively. That, contrasted with Sanders, who has worked under the same offense under the same coach since high school, could be a reason that Gabriel’s name has been seeing much more run in recent days as a contender for a role as QB1 or 2. One of the latest reports we’d seen saw Gabriel seemingly looking like the QB2 behind Pickett. The lefty seems to be making quick progress as he learns his fourth new offense in five years. There will still be plenty of time for Gabriel to challenge Pickett or for Sanders to challenge them both or even for Flacco to get back in the picture. Regardless, Gabriel can now get his mind off contract negotiations and put all his efforts into football. Gabriel is only the third Browns rookie to put pen to paper so far. Here’s how the rest of the draft class is looking: Round 1, No. 5 (from Jaguars): Mason Graham (DT, Michigan) (signed) Round 2, No. 33: Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA) Round 2, No. 36 (from Jaguars): Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State) Round 3, No. 67: Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Bowling Green) (signed) Round 3, No. 94 (from Bills): Dillon Gabriel (QB, Oregon) (signed) Round 4, No. 126 (from Vikings through Jaguars): Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee) Round 5, No. 144 (from Patriots through Seahawks): Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
Surprising contender emerges in battle for Mitch Marner, per Elliotte Friedman
Mitch Marner's future in the NHL could dictate many things in free agency this summer, and now, it appears a shocking team has emerged as a contender to land him. The Toronto Maple Leafs appear ready to lose Mitch Marner in free agency this summer, and before free agency officially opens, we've had plenty of reports around the superstar forward. It seems as though almost every team with cap space could be in on No. 16. Now, insider Elliotte Friedman has dropped a bombshell, revealing that the Utah Mammoth, after just one season in the NHL are ready to make a splash and land the superstar forward. "If there is one team everyone is watching and saying I'm really curious to see what they do it is Utah. Teams believe that Utah is determined to introduce themselves to the NHL in a big way." With a young core led by captain Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley, Marner is exactly the type of player who would be a perfect fit for the Utah Mammoth. With the salary cap to land him, they could put in one of the biggest offers for him. On top of that, they are open to moving the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, suggesting this is a team that wants to make a genuine impact in 2025-26. While they may or may not land Marner, expect them to be in the bidding all the way until the end.
Dallas Stars reportedly considering Jason Robertson trade, two teams emerge as potential suitors
In a shocking turn, Dallas Stars stud Jason Robertson could be available for trade, and now a surprise team in the Western Conference has emerged as a destination. The NHL offseason is not yet officially upon us, but already we've got some shocking reports, with one being that the Dallas Stars are seemingly ready to move on from young superstar Jason Robertson. At this point in time, it's unclear if they are actively shopping him or if general manager Jim Nill is simply taking calls on Robertson for now, but either way, he's available for the right offer. This comes on the back of 79-, 109-, 80- and 80-point seasons from Robertson, who is still only 23 years old, meaning that if the Stars do move him, they should get a good return. Now, NHL insider Jeff Marek has made a surprise call, revealing that the Anaheim Ducks are a team in play for Robertson, as they could use a proven scorer up front to add to this core, as they've already been linked to Mitch Marner as well. While many still see the Ducks as a rebuilding team, they've actually got a great core that could start leading them back toward the playoffs, and while a trade for Robertson would force them to give up a key piece or two of that future, it may be worth it for them to have a proven star to build around. As of right now, it's tough to see whether or not Robertson will be traded this summer, as the Stars could use a deal to get some more salary cap room and flexibility while adding some future assets, but for now, all we do know is that there are many teams interested in him.
Steelers' Roman Wilson Makes His Feelings Obvious On Potential Gabe Davis Addition
With DK Metcalf now leading the group, attention has turned to who will emerge behind him. Roman Wilson, a second-year wideout, missed nearly his entire rookie season due to injuries and is still unproven at the NFL level. The Steelers are hoping he can stay healthy and show why they drafted him, especially with limited proven talent left in the room following Pickens’ departure. After practice on Wednesday, Wilson spoke to the media about the team’s ongoing evaluation of wide receivers. He addressed the recent visit from veteran Gabe Davis, who could provide much-needed experience and depth. The Steelers continue to explore options, making it clear that the wide receiver competition is far from settled heading into the 2025 season. "I would welcome him with opens arms, but I can't speak on it," Wilson said. "My biggest motivation is myself, so I don't really care [chuckles]." The Steelers media asked Wilson a few tough questions, including whether it’s motivating to know the team is actively looking to improve the wide receiver room even with him on the roster. It’s a situation that could rattle some young players, especially one coming off an injury-plagued rookie season, but Wilson handled it with maturity. He made it clear he doesn’t feel overlooked, but he also understands the pressure that comes with a wide-open competition. With the Steelers exploring veteran options like Davis, Wilson knows nothing is guaranteed and that he has to earn his role on the field. "Again, I can't speak for everybody, but I don't wanna say I feel like an underdog, but everyone does have something to prove," Wilson said. Wilson didn’t shy away from the expectations. He acknowledged that 2025 is a critical year for him and said he has something to prove. After spending most of last season on the sideline, he is aiming to show he belongs and that he can be a key part of the solution in Pittsburgh’s evolving offense. When the Steelers drafted Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there was real hope and expectation that he could contribute right away. However, injuries derailed that plan early. He got hurt in the offseason, and after working to catch up, he suffered another setback. In the end, Head Coach Mike Tomlin chose not to rush Wilson onto the field, deciding it was better to prioritize his long-term development rather than force him into a role before he was fully ready. Now, Steelers fans are eager to finally see what Wilson can bring to the offense. He was drafted with plenty of hype, and that excitement has only grown entering the 2025 offseason. With Pickens traded and Metcalf stepping in as the new top target, there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the rest of the receiver room. Wilson, though, remains confident in both his ability and the talent around him to rise to the occasion. Steelers Aren't Done Thinking About Ways To Add To Their Offense While Smith would boost the passing game, many believe the team is still targeting help at wide receiver. Davis visiting the team could be a sign that a move is coming, and he might just be the missing piece the Steelers need to round out their receiver group.
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
