With the 2025 college football season on the horizon, draft watchers are already sizing up next year’s class. ESPN’s Matt Miller has dove deep into film study and tapped his network of NFL scouts to craft an early look at all 32 first-round selections for the 2026 draft. Using Football Power Index projections for the upcoming NFL season, this mock reflects team needs, player upside, and where clubs might land in the draft order. Keep in mind—plenty of these prospects could decide to stick around campus another year, and the draft board will surely get shuffled before teams gather in Pittsburgh next spring. Worth noting: Texas quarterback Arch Manning is expected to remain in college for 2026 and doesn’t factor into these projections.
Cleveland Browns Eyeing Clemson’s Cade Klubnik at No. 1
The Browns sit atop the draft order and are zeroing in on Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. Even after adding Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in later rounds of the 2025 draft, Cleveland’s hunt for a true franchise signal-caller continues. Klubnik turned heads during his 2024 campaign, throwing for 3,639 yards with 36 touchdowns against just 6 picks. His composure shined brightest in the College Football Playoff showdown with Texas, where his playmaking instincts were on full display. Scouts see shades of Baker Mayfield in his game—that blend of arm talent, scrambling ability, and field vision that can elevate an offense.
Francis Mauigoa Could Shore Up Giants’ Offensive Line
Miami’s Francis Mauigoa looks like a natural fit for the Giants’ first-round needs. The offensive tackle enters his third college season riding a wave of momentum after a breakout 2024 campaign. His pass protection took a major leap forward—he didn’t surrender a single sack and kept penalties to a minimal three flags. What really catches the eye is his footwork in zone schemes and how he moves defenders in the run game. New York desperately needs to upgrade from the disappointing Evan Neal experiment, and Mauigoa could slide right into a young offensive core that includes first-round QB Jaxson Dart, standout wideout Malik Nabers, and promising back Tyrone Tracy Jr.
T.J. Parker Brings Edge Rush to Tennessee
Clemson’s T.J. Parker appears tailor-made for what Tennessee’s been lacking. The junior pass rusher wreaked havoc last season with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, showing the kind of versatility that defensive coordinators dream about. His ability to line up anywhere along the front in a 3-4 scheme, combined with explosive first-step quickness, makes him one of the draft’s premier edge talents. The Titans have been searching for that game-changing pass rusher for years—Parker might be their answer.
Jets Could Land Dynamic Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr.
The Jets might swing for the fences with Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. at No. 4 overall. Hill’s 2024 stat sheet reads like a video game: 113 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and a pick-six for good measure. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he brings that rare combination of coverage chops and pass-rush punch that reminds evaluators of elite talents like Fred Warner and Micah Parsons. Finding a linebacker who can handle all three downs and warrant a top-five selection is almost unheard of—Hill might be that special.
Caleb Downs Emerges as Elite Safety Prospect
Ohio State’s Caleb Downs could very well be the most complete player in this entire class. The 6-foot, 205-pound safety possesses that rare blend of range, instincts, and versatility that defensive coordinators covet. His four interceptions across two seasons only scratch the surface—it’s his ability to patrol the deep third one snap and come up in run support the next that sets him apart. The Saints are hunting for playmakers on defense, and Downs would give their secondary the kind of alpha presence they’ve been missing.
Addressing Team-Specific Needs Across the Board
Several other prospects align perfectly with early first-round landing spots. Peter Woods from Clemson could give the Panthers the interior defensive presence they desperately need. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. would provide the Raiders with the perfect bookend to Maxx Crosby’s pass-rush arsenal. The Patriots might finally invest early in a receiver with Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, whose 2024 breakout overshadowed some concerning drop issues. The Rams, blessed with two first-round selections, could target Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor as the eventual replacement for aging veteran Rob Havenstein. Meanwhile, Seattle might address their offensive line woes by selecting Utah’s versatile Spencer Fano.
Quarterback Carousel Takes Shape
The signal-caller picture beyond Klubnik offers intriguing options. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier projects as a mid-first round target for Indianapolis—a gunslinger with arm talent who sometimes lets accuracy slip away from him. Penn State’s Drew Allar could become the Rams’ succession plan for Matthew Stafford, bringing mobility and arm strength that needs refinement for consistency. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers represents a high-ceiling option for Pittsburgh, with his imposing frame and dual-threat ability catching scouts’ attention.
Rounding Out the First Round
The back half of round one features several intriguing fits. Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk would give Dallas another weapon alongside Micah Parsons. Clemson receiver Antonio Williams could finally address Arizona’s glaring need at the position. Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy might solve Miami’s outside coverage issues, assuming he returns healthy from injury. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love offers Chicago a powerful, multifaceted ground game option. Alabama defensive tackle Tim Keenan III fits Minnesota’s interior line needs, while Oregon tight end Eli Stowers could add a dynamic receiving threat to Denver’s offense.
Late First-Round Value Picks
The round’s final selections showcase promising depth at key positions. Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell gives Cincinnati secondary help, while Penn State’s A.J. Harris could fill Washington’s cornerback void. Georgia linebacker CJ Allen adds versatility to the Chargers’ defense, and Florida center Jake Slaughter would anchor Buffalo’s offensive line for years to come.
This early glimpse into the 2026 draft class reflects the current landscape, but expect significant movement as the 2025 college season plays out and evaluations continue to evolve. What remains constant is the talent level—this class appears loaded with impact players who could reshape franchises from day one.
