Post’s expert big board of top talent

OL Evan Neal, Alabama, 6-7, 350 lbs.

A mountain of a man with surprising agility and quick feet for his size. Dominant run blocker who can move defenders off the line of scrimmage with ease. Solid in pass protection, using his length and strength to keep defenders at bay. Versatile player who has experience at both tackle and guard positions.

18. LB Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State, 6-1, 228 lbs.

A tackling machine with exceptional instincts and awareness on the field. Sideline-to-sideline speed allows him to track down ball carriers and make plays all over the field. Strong in coverage, able to stick with tight ends and running backs in the passing game. A leader on and off the field.

19. DT Travis Shaw, North Carolina, 6-6, 320 lbs.

A disruptive force in the middle of the defensive line, Shaw commands double teams and can collapse the pocket with his strength and power. Quick off the snap, he can penetrate the backfield and disrupt running lanes. Solid run defender who can shed blocks and make tackles in the backfield.

20. WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma, 5-11, 177 lbs.

A dynamic playmaker with elite speed and quickness, Mims is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Dangerous in the open field, he can make defenders miss with his agility and burst. Sure hands and excellent route running make him a reliable target for any quarterback.

Overall, the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with a mix of top talent at various positions and a lack of consensus on the top quarterbacks available. Teams will have to carefully evaluate their needs and the available prospects to make the best selections for their future success.

OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia, 6-7, 315 lbs.

Monroe Freeling is a prototypical left tackle with the ability to generate movement in the run game and a keen awareness of stunts in the pass game. Despite only having 18 career starts, Freeling has shown steady progress in his pass protection skills, improving with each game. One area where Freeling can continue to grow is in adding strength to his frame, which will further enhance his upside.

One of the challenges Freeling faces is battling against an upright stance and tendencies to overextend. However, with his size and athleticism, he has the potential to become a dominant force on the offensive line as he refines his technique and continues to develop his physical attributes.

With his impressive size at 6-7 and 315 lbs, Freeling has the physical tools to excel at the next level. As he continues to refine his skills and build on his experience, he has the potential to become a cornerstone of an NFL offensive line for years to come.

Excellent instincts in zone coverage with ability to read and react quickly. Experienced in press-man coverage with physicality at the line of scrimmage. Limited ball production with just two interceptions in four seasons. Strong tackler in run support.

55. RB Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M, 6-0, 220 lbs.

A rare prospect who competed in every NFL combine drill, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. Bisontis played in 36 games for Texas A&M, where he excelled at run blocking and displayed solid hands as a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to contribute on special teams adds value to his draft stock.

56. DT Jayden Brown, LSU, 6-4, 308 lbs.

Two-year starter with a powerful bull rush and disruptive presence in the middle of the defensive line. Consistently collapses the pocket and disrupts the run game. Limited pass rush moves beyond his initial bull rush. Needs to improve his conditioning to stay on the field for multiple snaps.

57. WR Jaden Thompson, Alabama, 6-1, 195 lbs.

Smooth route runner with excellent hands and body control. Tracks the deep ball well and can make contested catches in traffic. Lacks elite speed and may struggle to separate from top-tier cornerbacks. Limited experience against press coverage.

58. LB Kaleb Washington, Michigan, 6-3, 240 lbs.

Physical downhill linebacker with a nose for the ball. Excels in run support and is a sure tackler in space. Limited coverage skills and struggles in open space against shifty running backs and tight ends. High football IQ and leadership qualities.

59. CB Xavier Johnson, Florida State, 6-0, 195 lbs.

Long, athletic cornerback with the ability to mirror receivers in man coverage. Fluid hips and quick feet allow him to stay with speedy wideouts. Needs to improve his ball skills and anticipation to create turnovers. Tendency to grab and hold in coverage.

60. EDGE Cameron Reed, Penn State, 6-5, 255 lbs.

Explosive edge rusher with a quick first step and natural bend around the edge. Uses his length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and bat down throws. Needs to add more pass rush moves to his arsenal and develop a counter move to beat savvy offensive linemen.

Overall, this year’s draft class features a diverse group of prospects with unique skill sets and potential. Scouts and coaches will have their work cut out for them in evaluating and selecting the best players to fit their teams’ needs. The NFL Combine provided valuable insights into these prospects, but the true test will come on the field during their rookie seasons.

Won’t find many defensive backs with 13 tackles for loss last season. This player is a force to be reckoned with on the field. When not blitzing, they have a knack for wrapping up receivers and limiting yards after the catch. Their contagious energy is felt throughout the entire team, pushing everyone to perform at their best.

55. EDGE Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida, 6-4, 253 lbs.

Lawrence is a standout player with impressive speed, ranking No. 2 among edges in vertical and broad jumps. Their diverse skill set allows them to keep opponents on their toes. However, questions remain about their ability to add mass without losing explosiveness. The lack of tackles may raise eyebrows, leaving scouts wondering about their overall impact.

56. DT Caleb Banks, Florida, 6-6, 327 lbs.

Banks has faced setbacks due to injuries, but his potential is undeniable. His pass-rushing abilities are a key asset, relying on athleticism and power to disrupt the opposition. With some time to recover and refine his techniques, Banks could become a valuable asset on any defensive line.

57. WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame, 6-4 ½, 218 lbs.

Fields is a receiver with a lot to offer, showcasing his skills at the Senior Bowl. While his combine performance may have raised some concerns, his ability to outmuscle defenders and make plays in the red zone is undeniable. Fields will need to work on his speed and handling press coverage to reach his full potential.

58. TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt, 6-4, 239 lbs.

Stowers is a converted quarterback with impressive athleticism, as seen in his vertical jump. His transition to tight end has been smooth, showing promise as a reliable pass catcher down the seam. As he continues to develop his skills, Stowers could become a valuable weapon in any offense.

59. EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan, 6-4, 255 lbs.

Moore has proven himself as a playmaker, contributing to a championship-winning team. His pass-rushing ability is evident, using his strength to overpower blockers. However, he will need to work on his agility and consistency against the run to become a well-rounded edge defender.

60. DT Domonique Orange, Iowa State, 6-2, 322 lbs.

Orange is a prototypical nose tackle, using his size and strength to disrupt opposing offenses. While his production dipped last season, his potential as a run-stopper is clear. With a focus on technique and consistency, Orange could become a dominant force in the trenches.

61. WR Germie Bernard, Alabama, 6-1, 206 lbs.

Bernard is a versatile receiver who excels in various areas of the game. His ability to force missed tackles and attack the ball in the air makes him a reliable target. While speed may be a concern, his route running and physicality set him apart on the field.

62. TE Max Klare, Ohio State, 6-4, 246 lbs.

Klare is a skilled pass catcher with a high ceiling at the tight end position. His understanding of routes and leverage allows him to create mismatches in the passing game. With continued improvement in his blocking, Klare could become a well-rounded tight end in the NFL.

63. LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri, 6-2, 237 lbs.

Trotter comes from a family with NFL pedigree, showcasing his talent as a big-hitting linebacker. His ability to read plays and shed blocks sets him apart in the run game. While coverage may be a concern, Trotter’s physicality and instincts make him a valuable asset on defense.

64. WR Chris Bell, Louisville, 6-2, 222 lbs.

Bell is a receiver coming off an injury but has shown potential as a possession receiver. His ability to make tough catches and create separation makes him a threat on the field. Bell will need to work on his agility and recovery to reach his full potential in the NFL.

65. QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, 6-2, 203 lbs.

Nussmeier is a quarterback with a unique playing style, known for his daring plays and arm angles. While his interception rate has improved, questions remain about his decision-making under pressure. With a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Nussmeier has the opportunity to prove his worth at the next level.

66. OT/OG Gennings Dunker, Iowa, 6-5, 319 lbs.

Dunker is a versatile lineman with a physical playing style, using his strength to overpower defenders. While his agility may be lacking, Dunker’s old-school mentality and work ethic make him a valuable asset on any offensive line. His presence will be felt both on and off the field.

67. LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati, 6-4 ½, 239 lbs.

Golday is a linebacker with potential, showcasing his athleticism and speed on the field. His transition from defensive end shows promise, although he will need to work on his physicality at the next level. With a focus on coverage and consistency, Golday could become a key contributor on defense.

68. CB Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State, 6-2, 189 lbs.

Igbinosun is a lanky cornerback with experience in top conferences, showcasing his press coverage skills. While his length is an asset, his susceptibility to penalties and play-action fakes may be a concern. With a focus on discipline and technique, Igbinosun could become a lockdown corner in the NFL.

69. S Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina, 6-1, 210 lbs.

Kilgore is a hard-hitting safety with a knack for stopping power backs and tight ends in their tracks. His ability to create turnovers and clean up missed tackles sets him apart in the secondary. With continued development in coverage, Kilgore could become a key player in any defensive scheme.

70. EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois, 6-3, 260 lbs.

Jacas is an edge rusher with a proven track record of getting to the quarterback. His relentless pursuit and inside pass-rush skills make him a valuable asset on defense. While his quickness may be a concern, Jacas’ work ethic and determination set him apart on the field.

71. WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana, 6-3, 210 lbs.

Sarratt is a receiver with a unique background, known for his reliability and physicality on the field. His ability to make tough catches and excel on third downs makes him a valuable asset in any offense. While his yards-after-catch may be lacking, Sarratt’s work ethic and determination set him apart from the competition.

72. OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon, 6-4, 314 lbs.

Pregnon is a powerful lineman with a strong work ethic and understanding of the game. His ability to drive defenders off the ball and finish blocks sets him apart on the offensive line. While he may not be suited for pulling, Pregnon’s consistency and reliability make him a key player on any offensive front.

73. CB Chandler Rivers, Duke, 5-9 ½, 185 lbs.

Rivers is a smart cornerback with a high football IQ, able to anticipate plays and make plays on the ball. His ability to drive on throws and contribute on special teams adds value to any defense. While his size may be a concern, Rivers’ discipline and determination make him a player to watch in the NFL.

Chandler Rivers, a defensive back from Duke, has accumulated over 3,500 career snaps during his time on the field. With his experience and expertise, questions arise about his ability to match up against bigger receivers and hold his own in the run game. Will he be out-muscled by larger opponents and struggle to make an impact on the field?

One player who has shown promise in this area is A.J. Haulcy from LSU. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 215 lbs, Haulcy is known for his ball-hawking skills, earning him the nickname “Mr. Give Me That.” With 10 career interceptions and four forced fumbles, Haulcy has a knack for generating takeaways. He excels at reading the quarterback’s eyes and understanding zone spacing, allowing him to make plays on the ball. However, he may struggle with make-up speed and control when closing in on tackles, potentially leaving him vulnerable against faster opponents.

On the offensive side, Mike Washington Jr. from Arkansas has made a name for himself as a dynamic running back. At 6’1″ and 223 lbs, Washington Jr. impressed scouts with his blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash time, tying for the fastest among players weighing over 220 pounds in the past 20 NFL combines. With an impressive average of 6.4 yards per carry last season, Washington Jr. is a physical runner who can also contribute in the passing game. His speed and agility make him a versatile threat on the field, capable of breaking off big plays and creating mismatches for opposing defenses.

As Chandler Rivers continues to hone his skills and adapt to the challenges of facing larger opponents, players like A.J. Haulcy and Mike Washington Jr. provide examples of how to excel in their respective positions. With dedication and hard work, Rivers can overcome any obstacles he may face and make a significant impact on the field for his team.