Tag: sports

2026 Iowa Post-Spring Review

The Iowa Hawkeyes did hold spring practice this year and they even had an open practice the last day.  It was certainly overshadowed by the long Iowa basketball run in the NCAA tournament and then for me it always takes a backseat to the NFL draft.  I really wish they would stop scheduling the open practice on the last day of the draft, some of us do want to watch that.  I did go to the open practice, thank you to my phone for keeping me up to date on the draft for those few hours. 

This Hawkeye team isn’t like most Ferentz era teams; there are only 11 seniors on the roster and only eight of them are scholarship players.  In contrast, last season Iowa had 27 seniors. The difference between scholarship and non-scholarship is pretty convoluted at this point with NIL and Rev Share payments but either way, 11 seniors is unusual for a Ferentz team.  That 11 also includes Mike Myslinski who hasn’t technically been granted his extra year yet so it may only be 10.  They only took one transfer who was a one-year player, this team is really built to compete more in 2027 than in 2026, especially if most of their best NFL prospects come back in 2027, I’m looking at you Zach Lutmer, DJ Vonnahme, Trevor Lauck, and Kade Pieper. 

About half of these seniors will play key roles; OT Jack Dotzler, CB Deshaun Lee, and LB Jayden Montgomery will start, unless Montgomery loses his spot.  DTs Will Hubert and Luke Gaffney may not start but will be counted on heavily in the rotation given all the unknowns at DT.  Transfer DT Brice Stevenson was the only one-year transfer player the Hawkeyes took this year, and he should also figure prominently in the rotation.  TEs Addison Ostrenga and Zach Orthworth will play plenty but redshirt sophomore DJ Vonnahme will be the top player there. Landyn Van Kekerix should get some time at LB and will be a major special team’s guy.  Walk-on WR Alex Eichman is the one senior who probably won’t figure in on game days.

Let’s take a look at where things stand a month after spring practice ended and couple of months before the team reports for fall camp.  The depth chart is unofficial as the team doesn’t release a depth chart after spring anymore and won’t have an official one until the season is going to start.    

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Starter: Jeremy Hecklinski (Soph) or Hank Brown (Jr)

Depth: Jimmy Sullivan (RS Fr), Ryan Fitzgerald (RS Fr), Tradon Bessinger (Fr)

Obviously, the biggest question heading into the 2026 season for the Hawkeyes is who is going to be the QB?  Hecklinski and Brown are two guys who spent last season backing up Mark Gronowski and now they are vying for the starting job.  OC Tim Lester liked both guys enough after last year for Iowa to forgo signing a QB in the transfer portal (they didn’t even seem to entertain the idea) and now one of them will start.  Either way, the offense will look a bit different given neither one is going to be the runner Gronowski was last season.  That may suit Lester just fine as he is looking for someone to run his Shanahan style offense and being a running QB is not a prerequisite to do that. 

Hecklinski is the smaller QB at around 5’11 but he seems to play with a chip on his shoulder, maybe it’s his lack of height.  He’s been described as a gunslinger in the Drew Tate mold; nothing gets Iowa fans more excited than comparing a QB to Tate (unless you know of another Brad Banks hiding somewhere).  Brown is the more prototypical QB at 6’4 215 lbs.  Brown has a big arm, but Hecklinski has the quicker release.  Hecklinski has plenty of arm, don’t get me wrong, and he also has the confidence to throw a ball into a tight window, whether he should or not.  Lester seems excited by Hecklinski and after watching Gronowski be a little too tentative last season to just let it rip, I feel the same way.  Iowa needs a QB who’s willing to give his pass catchers a chance.  The Hawkeyes finally have some pass catchers who can be playmakers and Hecklinski might just be the guy to ignite the offense. 

Jimmy Sullivan is the scholarship redshirt freshman while Ryan Fitzgerald is the walk-on redshirt freshman.  Both guys worked on their development during spring practice while neither are likely to put any pressure on Hecklinski or Brown for starting or backup job.  The coaching staff awaits the arrival of Tradon Bessinger, a four-star recruit out of Utah who has all the size and stature you want in a QB and backed it all up with ridiculous high school stats.  He should be the future of the position. 

Running Back

Starter: Kamari Moulton (Jr)

The Rotation: LJ Phillips (Jr), Xavier Williams (Soph), Nathan McNeil (Soph)    

Depth: Braedan Jackson (RS Fr), O’Lontae Dean (RS Fr), Brevin Doll (Soph)

This is arguably the deepest position on the roster (the LB group may beg to differ) and there is talent running very deep.  Kamari Moulton is the most accomplished player in this offense and will be the most trusted, Ferentz loves a steady back.  However, LJ Phillips is coming off a season where he ran for over 1900 yards at South Dakota.  I don’t care if it happened at the FCS level, 1900 yards at any level is impressive.  I listed Phillips, Williams and McNeil as the rotation because all four guys will be a part of the rotation, Iowa isn’t shy about using multiple backs and calling any one guy the backup feels disrespectful.    

Williams stepped in early last year after Moulton got hurt and Terrell Washington was ineffective and he played well, until he got banged up.  McNeil was a true freshman who ended up playing and never looked overwhelmed at any point.  It’s possible he’s the most talented back of them all.  Iowa has an embarrassment of riches at RB. Any of the top four players could be the starter and I’m not sure there’s much drop off from one to the next. 

The coaches seem to love Braeden Jackson, the walk-on who is the son of former NFL RB Fred Jackson.  His talent comes naturally but he put in the work during his redshirt year and the coaches sing his praises.  He may not have the recruiting pedigree of others, but he’s worked his way into the conversation for getting some snaps.  O’Lontae Dean was a guy they moved to RB last year when they had some injuries, he was at safety before.  They recruited enough safeties out of the portal that it looks like Dean is staying at RB.  Brevin Doll is one of the most impressive athletes you’ll ever see but he can’t seem to stay healthy long enough to make any headway at RB.  Hopefully he will get healthy and maybe he becomes a kick returner next year. 

Wide Receiver

Starters: Reece Vander Zee (Jr), Tony Diaz (Soph), Evan James (Soph)

Backups: Dayton Howard (Jr), KJ Parker (Soph), Jarriett Buie (Jr)

Depth: Terrence Smith (RS Fr), Xavier Stinson (Fr), Diondre Smith (Fr), Lance Beeghley (Soph)

The Hawkeyes haven’t had this much talent at WR in a long time, now they just need them to stay healthy and play up to their potential.  Reece Vander Zee could have had a huge season last year with Mark Gronowski, but he was injured to start the year, and it set their chemistry back.  By the end of the season, he was playing really well and now he might have a QB who’s more willing to give him a chance to make plays.  He has the size and the skills to be a legitimate #1 WR, and this offense should put him in a position to do so. 

Tony Diaz was a major get in the transfer portal and gives Iowa the perfect complementary skill set opposite Vander Zee.  Diaz was looking great in spring ball until he got banged up and the Hawkeyes hope he can play with the reckless abandon he was showing in spring but also keep himself healthy.  James was the other big transfer addition at WR, and he has all the skills necessary to be an excellent slot receiver.  The two transfers have shown promise and hopefully they work out better than some previous transfer WRs who just never made a real impact.  

Dayton Howard has started to show he’s a capable WR and his size gives him an advantage others don’t possess.  With Diaz and James nursing injuries during the spring, KJ Parker stepped up and at the open practice he looked unstoppable.  Now he needs to translate his practice ability to games, we’ve seen him shine in practice before.  Jarriett Buie is a talented player who had some injuries last season and he’s looking to not get lost in the shuffle this year.  Terrence Smith is a redshirt freshman who didn’t play last year but the coaches like.  Xavier Stinson is a true freshman who enrolled early and participated in spring practice, he looks like he could play if needed.  Assumedly, freshman Diondre Smith will redshirt, and transfer walk-on Lance Beeghley shouldn’t be needed. 

Tight End

Starter: DJ Vonnahme (Soph)

Backups: Addison Ostrenga (Sr), Zach Ortwerth (Sr)

Depth: Mason Woods (RS Fr), Thomas Meyer (RS Fr), Michael Burt (Soph), Eli Johnson (RS Fr)

Iowa went into last season with Ostrenga and Ortwerth as the top TEs and then Ostrenga was lost for the season early and Ortwerth wasn’t the guy who stepped in to fill the void.  DJ Vonnahme seemed to come out of nowhere and was fantastic.  For a guy who was a walk-on and undersized, he played like a true weapon in the passing game and held up well as a blocker. It’s his job now and he looks like the next TJ Hockenson or Dallas Clark. 

Ostrenga is coming off a torn Achilles injury and that’s never easy to come back from.  That’s especially true at a skill position that requires pushing off not only for running routes but also for blocking.  If he is healthy this season, he’s an added value but probably not a guy Iowa is counting on too much at this point.  Ortwerth seemed to regress last year and hopefully he can rebound as a senior and play up to his potential. 

Mason Woods is still undersized, which is understandable for a redshirt freshman, but that didn’t stop him from looking like a weapon in the spring.  He isn’t going to be an every down type of player and probably won’t be asked to be in as a blocker, but they should try to get him the ball in the passing game.  Thomas Meyer got thrown into the fire last year when some guys were banged up and he looks like he can play.  Burt and Johnson are finding their way, there’s talent there.  Iowa has good TEs, who would have thought. 

Offensive Line

Starters: LT Trevor Lauck (Jr), LG Leighton Jones (Jr), C Kade Pieper (Jr), RG Lucas Allgeyer (RS Fr), RT Jack Dotzler (Sr)

Backups: OT Cannon Leonard (Jr), OG Trent Wilson (Soph), C Cael Winter (Jr), OG/C Mike Myslinski (Sr), OT Will Nolan (Soph)

Depth: OT Bodey McCaslin (Soph), OG Josh Janowski (Soph), The True Freshmen

Iowa’s offensive line lost three draft picks in C Logan Jones, RT Gennings Dunker, and LG Beau Stephens, and I’m not sure they miss a beat this year.  LT Trevor Lauck started the year sharing reps with Jack Dotzler at LT but by the end of the season he was playing fantastic football.  Dotzler was playing fine at LT and then at the end of the season he had to play some RT when Dunker was banged up, and he seemed to take to it well; it’s his job now. Kade Pieper will move from RG to C and while it’s a lot to ask for him to be as good a Logan Jones, there’s a distinct possibility he may end up being just as good or maybe better.  Leighton Jones stepped in at LG last year when Beau Stephens was hurt and while Stephens made an All-American team, no one noticed a drop off when Jones stepped in.  That’s not a knock on Stephens, Jones was just that good. The RG spot is the only question and Iowa played Lucas Allgeyer as a true freshman there just enough to get his feet wet but preserve his redshirt.  I’m giving him the edge but there will be competition.   

The backup spots might not be as defined this year as there are several guys who could move around and give depth.  At OT the light bulb seems to have come on for Cannon Leonard, and he looks like the third OT.  If they need a fill-in at either left or right tackle, I think Leonard is the guy.  Will Nolan is a talented guy coming off some injury issues and Bodey McCaslin is another young guy, and they will likely compete to be the fourth OT.  Trent Wilson is a transfer from James Madison who could be a player at OG and give Allgeyer a run for the starting spot.  Cael Winter is the backup center who has some guard versatility.  He was a walk-on who has really improved and impressed, the coaches feel good about him.  Mike Myslinski is hoping for a sixth year after so many injuries early in his career.  He can back up at any of the interior spots.  Josh Janowski is another guy coming off a major injury and the coaches are happy he’s back.  He’s a future center if he can stay healthy. 

The freshman class is stacked.  Iowa played Lucas Allgeyer last season as true freshman, and they are never afraid to get a guy some reps if they think it will help down the line.  Allgeyer is a guy they hope might be an OT in the future.  OT Carson Nielsen, OT Gene Riordon, OG Owen Linder, and OG/C Hudson Parliament all enrolled early and participated in spring practice, that’s great for their development.  Colin Withers is the only incoming freshman who didn’t come early but he’s a player too.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Kenneth Merriweather (Jr), DE Iose Epenesa (RS Fr), DT Bryce Hawthorne (Jr), DT Will Hubert (Sr)

Backups: DE Joseph Anderson (Soph), DE Kahmari Brown (Jr), DT Devan Kennedy (Soph), DT Luke Gaffney (Sr)

Depth: DL Drew Campbell (Soph), DT Brice Stevenson (Sr), DT Emmanuel Olagbaju (Jr), Chima Chineke (Soph), DT Brad Fitzgibbon (RS Fr)

While QB may be the more high-profile question heading into the season, the defensive line is the one that will determine how good Iowa really is.  Iowa has proven they can win with average to below average QB play, they haven’t had below average defensive line play in a long, long time.  The Hawkeyes lost a ton of experience and will be counting on unproven guys across the entire defensive line.  They should be fine at DE, but DT is a real question. 

Kenneth Merriweather is a guy who has played some but never started.  He looks like someone ready to step up and be a starter.  He’s a fourth-year junior so he’s been in this defense long enough to understand his job.  Iose Epenesa is the likely other starter after playing sparingly as a true freshman but making strides during bowl prep.  He has the bloodlines and the motor to be a problem but he’s still just a redshirt freshman; it’s asking a lot of him to be the guy. 

At DT this team has questions all over the place.  Bryce Hawthorne is the one returner with actual experience, and he missed the spring with an injury.  The other two guys who have played at the Big Ten level are seniors Will Hubert and Luke Gaffney, two walk-ons.  Because of his experience it seems like Hubert might be the starter next to Hawthorne.  He’s not the biggest guy and he’s not the most athletic but he’s going to give you all he can.  Same goes for Gaffney, he’s going to be in the rotation. 

Speaking of the rotation, both DE and DT will use a heavy rotation at least until some players show what they can and can’t handle.  DE Joseph Anderson is a long, lean speed rusher who is looking for playing time.  DE Kahmari Brown transferred from Elon and while he’s built the complete opposite of Anderson, he’s shorter and thicker, he’s also a guy who should bring speed off the edge.  At DT, besides Gaffney, sophomore Devan Kennedy will hopefully give the Hawkeyes some good snaps inside. 

Transfer DTs Emmanuel Olagbaju and Brice Stevenson will be fighting for playing time and either one could overtake anyone who isn’t Bryce Hawthorne.  Drew Campbell is a young guy coming off an injury, but he looked good in the spring.  He’s been a DE but was getting some time inside.  He’s not a big guy but Iowa has used undersized DTs before so if he’s effective inside, he could play there.  Chima Chineke is a guy still trying to find his place.  DT Brad Fitzgibbon is a redshirt freshman who probably isn’t big enough to be a Big Ten DT yet, but he’s setting weight room records for the Hawkeyes already, so he has a chance to make his way up the depth chart, they can’t rule anyone out at DT.    

Linebackers

Starters: WLB Jayden Montgomery (Sr), MLB Cam Buffington (Soph), LEO Derek Weisskopf (Soph)

Backups: Landyn Van Kekerix (Sr), Preston Ries (Soph), Nolan DeLong (Jr)

Depth: Burke Gautcher (RS Fr), Carson Cooney (RS Fr), Julian Manson (Fr), Billy Weivoda (Fr), Kasen Thomas (Fr)

The changing of the guard at LB starts this season.  Cam Buffington is likely the new starter at MLB after last season’s less than stellar play at the position.  Jayden Montgomery stepped in last season and was okay but Buffington is pushing him to the weakside for now.  Buffington is a big, fast, physical LB in the mold of Jack Campbell and he should solidify the position.  There will be growing pains given his lack of experience but that’s why they will keep Montgomery on the field with him to help. 

Montgomery is an undersized player who wins with his intelligence and understanding of his opponents.  He can be overmatched physically which is why I think his hold on the weakside LB job could be tenuous at best.  Given the issues with the DT position up front, Iowa may need someone with more size than Montgomery to hold up against the run.  The Hawkeyes cross train their LBs so they can fill multiple positions, so Derek Weisskopf is listed as a LEO LB (that’s just Iowa’s designation for the strongside LB).  They play their CASH player more, but Weisskopf will be the third LB when needed and he could push Montgomery off the field if he can handle the weakside. 

Landyn Van Kekerix is the other senior and he’s been a great special team’s guy and could probably fill any LB spot if needed.  Nolan DeLong is a walk-on LB who has also played a lot of special teams and has performed well enough to be in the conversation for playing time.  Preston Ries is a freak athlete who is in the same class as Buffington and Weisskopf and would likely be in contention for a starting job if he could stay healthy.  If he can be on the field this season, he could be a major playmaker for this defense. 

Iowa has been stacking LBs for a few years now.  Buffington, Ries, and Weisskopf all came in three years ago.  The next season it was Burke Gautcher and Carson Cooney, two guys who are patiently waiting their turn and trying to make an impression on special teams.  Iowa followed that up with an impressive incoming freshmen class of Julian Manson, Billy Wievoda, and Kasen Thomas.  Manson and Wievoda were on campus for spring ball while Thomas comes in over the summer.  Manson and Thomas were four-star recruits, so Iowa’s LB crew is going to be good for years to come. 

Defensive Back

Starters: CB Deshaun Lee (Sr), CB Jaylen Watson (Jr), CASH Jacob Wallace (RS Fr), SS Tyler Brown (Jr), FS Zach Lutmer (Jr)

Backups: CB Rashad Godfrey Jr. (Soph), S Anthony Hawkins (Soph), CB Darion Jones (Fr), CASH Marcello Vitti (Fr), S Kyler Gerardy (Soph)

Depth: S Ty Hudkins (Jr), S Cody Haddad (RS Fr), S Xavier Styles (Soph), DB Ronnie Hill (Fr)

The Hawkeyes one saving grace on defense might just be a very good secondary.  Phil Parker always gets his secondary to play well but this group has depth like we haven’t seen before.  It all revolves around Zach Lutmer who could play any of the five positions and probably will at some point during the season.  He’s going to be the starting FS because it’s the spot where Iowa looks the weakest if it’s not him and he can set the defensive backfield alignment from there.  He might be the best CB on the team, he’s definitely the best CASH player and he’s the best safety too, everyone else is just filling the positions around him. 

At CB, senior Deshaun Lee will look to have the type of break out senior year others have had, just look at TJ Hall last season.  It’s been a bumpy ride at times for Lee but he’s a talented player with plenty of experience.  Jaylen Watson looks like the other starter at CB but he’s going to have to hold off some tough competition from a few guys to hold down that job.  Jacob Wallace would likely be pushing for that CB spot as a Phil Parker favorite, but it looks like he’s going to be the CASH player this season.  Transfer SS Tyler Brown was brought in from James Madison and while he isn’t the biggest guy, he plays with a physical style that should fit the defense very well.

The versatility of Lutmer and Wallace will make the backup positions less defined.  CB Rashad Godfrey is probably the first guy off the bench, and he could step in at CB or CASH.  The first safety off the bench is most likely to be Anthony Hawkins, the sophomore transfer.  Two true freshmen could see the field, CB Darion Jones and CASH/S Marcello Vitti.  Phil Parker has never been afraid to play freshmen and both Jones and Vitti were here for spring practice.  Kyler Gerardy has been around a few years and could help at safety if needed. 

Ty Hudkins was a transfer last year who was hurt most of the season and hasn’t really had much of an opportunity.  Xavier Styles and Cody Haddad are transfers in this season who are young developing safeties.  Ronnie Hill will be a true freshman looking to find his place, given the sheer amount of safeties, I would advise Hill to work out at CB.      

Special Teams

I normally don’t talk about the specialists too much but there will be an overhaul with both kicker and punter, and the Hawkeyes have a new special team’s coach.  Long-time special team’s coordinator LeVar Woods left for Michigan St., and he took punter Rhys Dakin with him.  Dakin was fine but he was far from a special punter.  K Drew Stevens also graduated so there will be a new kicker, a new punter, and Chris Polizzi has taken over the special team’s coordinator job.  The Hawkeyes got transfer K Eli Ozick from North Dakota St. to compete with holdover Caden Buhr.  Ozick has game experience that Buhr doesn’t have because he backed up Drew Stevens.  They also got two new punters to compete.  Australian Boston Everitt who is an incoming freshman and former Simpson punter Tanner Philpott who will be a junior.  Everitt may have the stronger leg, but Philpott has actually played in a football game, so he’s got that going for him.  Should be an interesting competition at punter. 

Losing Kaden Wetjen is no small problem.  He was the two-time Returner of the Year in college football so those are big shoes to fill.  Zach Lutmer is a dynamic player who will get a shot to return punts.  Iowa has a plethora of RBs they can turn to for the kickoff return job and it would be great to see a guy like Brevin Doll get healthy and have a chance at that job.  However, guys like Nathan McNeil or Braeden Jackson may be worth a look.  WR KJ Parker or some of the freshmen like Terrence Smith or Xavier Stinson might be a guy too.  The team isn’t hurting for options at returner but after having Wetjen for the last couple of years after having Cooper Dejean, not many guys have reps there and just about anyone is going to look average after those guys.            

2027 Draft Non-QB Prospects to Watch

Next year’s draft is going to be defined by a QB class that could be great, but that would be unfortunate because this could be an epic class of top-level players that aren’t QBs.  The WR group has some fantastic prospects who could all go in the top half of the first round.  There are several offensive tackles who could be top ten picks.  There are two edge rushers who should be elite prospects if they continue to develop physically.  There’s even a defensive tackle or two who could be top 15 picks.  Finally, there’s one of the best CB prospects in a generation ready to be a top five pick.  Let’s take a look.

Guys who could go #1 if it’s not a QB

Jeremiah Smith     WR     Ohio St.

Smith is a 6’3 223 lbs. athletic freak who has been arguably the best WR in college football since he stepped on the field as a freshman.  NFL teams have been waiting for him to spend his three years in college and now they finally get to draft him.  If it’s not a QB at #1 overall, I would be a lot of money it’s Smith.  Not only is he big but he’s got elite speed with a sub-4.4 40 time.  He’s physical at the catch point, he tracks the deep ball as well as anyone can and has great separation skills.  He’s basically a unicorn and some team is going to seriously upgrade their passing attack just by drafting Smith. 

Leonard Moore     CB     Notre Dame

Another guy teams have been drooling over since he stepped on the field as a true freshman at Notre Dame, Moore is probably the best CB prospect since Jalen Ramsey.  He’s 6’2 195 lbs. and he’s equally adept at both man and zone coverage and he can play inside or outside.  He needs to get a bit bigger and stronger but considering he’s only going into his third year in college, that’s understandable.  You can’t teach the kind of coverage instincts Moore shows and his ball skills are elite.  When QBs dare to challenge him, they usually regret it.  CBs do not go first overall in a draft but if anyone could, it’s Moore. 

Dylan Stewart     Edge     South Carolina

Stewart is a freak off the edge with his speed and movement skills.  He’s not a refined pass rusher yet, but at 6’5 245 lbs. with 4.6 speed, he doesn’t have to rely on technique to win.  His ability to bend the edge and beat OTs is elite.  He needs to add some weight and strength, but again like Leonard Moore, he’s a true junior so he’s still young.  If he has the type of season he’s capable of, he’s easily a top five pick and he could be in the conversation for #1 overall.

Colin Simmons     Edge     Texas

Simmons is in the same conversation as Stewart; he’s an excellent edge rusher who needs to add a little size and strength.  He’s 6’3 240 lbs. so he’s not as big as Stewart but he’s just as twitchy and his first step on his pass rush is scary.  The one issue is how much bigger he can get as his frame looks pretty filled out.  He can get the edge against just about anyone but if a bigger OT gets hands on him, they can handle him.  If he continues to progress as his has over the last two years, he’s also a potential top five pick with #1 overall ability. 

Jordan Seaton     OT     LSU

Seaton was the #1 OT in his high school class a few years ago and chose to go to Colorado for some reason.  Now he’s transferred to LSU, and his profile is about to skyrocket.  Seaton is 6’5 and was 330 lbs. at Colorado but seems to be remaking his body a bit at LSU.  Not sure what he’ll weigh once we get to the draft season, but he looks rocked up after just a few months at LSU.  He’s a freak athlete who should not be able to move the way he moves for man his size.  Playing for Lane Kiffin at LSU and against the best competition in the SEC is going to open some eyes in the NFL.  True elite LTs are hard to come by and if Seaton plays up to his potential, he’s a potential #1 overall pick. 

Trevor Goosby     OT     Texas

Goosby is the other OT who could move his way to the top of the draft board.  He’s 6’7 312 lbs. and he’s a smooth moving athlete.  He isn’t the most powerful player, but his size and length are incredible assets, and he can still mature from a physical standpoint and get stronger.  For a tall tackle, he shows good flexibility and keeps his pad level down very well.  He has all the physical tools you want in a LT and if he has a great year, he’s moving to the top of the draft board. 

Other Top Offensive Prospects

Cam Coleman     WR     Texas

In any other year Coleman would be the top WR prospect by a mile.  He’s not quite as big or as fast as Jeremiah Smith but he’s plenty big and fast at 6’3 200 lbs. with 4.42 speed.  He’s played at Auburn with some less than stellar QBs and now he heads to Texas to be Arch Manning’s top target.  They should be an electric duo and can really enhance each other’s pro prospects.  Coleman is a big target on the outside who will get down the field and track the ball, and he wins over the top of defenders regularly.  He may be the biggest break out player of the year because of the upgrade in the QB he’s playing with. 

Charlie Becker     WR     Indiana

Becker was the forgotten man at times last year at Indiana with Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. taking up much of the attention.  However, at 6’4 205 lbs. he’s got 4.46 speed and will move up the pecking order for the Hoosiers.  The one thing that might keep his production down is the next guy on this list, transfer WR Nick Marsh.  There should be enough offense from Indiana to feed both WRs but that’s going to be up to Curt Cignetti and QB Josh Hoover.  Becker has shown some fantastic traits and now it’s just about showing that he can step up as a go-to WR in this offense. 

Nick Marsh     WR    Indiana

Marsh toiled in a broken offense at Michigan St. last season and decided to move on to Curt Cignetti’s Indiana program.  That offense was great last year for both Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. so it shouldn’t have a problem feeding Marsh and Becker.  Marsh is 6’3 200 lbs. with 4.36 speed and he’s a real problem for defenses.  He’s a physical WR and he has run after the catch ability because he breaks tackles easily.  His drop rate was high, but it will be interesting to see him with a better QB than ones he played with at Michigan St. 

Ryan Coleman-Williams     WR     Alabama

This kid is the X-factor of this group, he could be a top 15 pick, he could tumble to round three, or he could have to go back to school for another year.  He’s 6’0 175 lbs. so he’s pretty small and therefore his game is about speed.  The good news is he runs a sub-4.3 40 and that means his speed is elite.  He was awesome as a freshman and looked like a legitimate rival to Jeremiah Smith.  However, he struggled as a sophomore and looked lost at times.  Teams played him with a man over the top to negate his deep speed and he became inconsistent catching the ball.  If he can recover his freshman year magic, he’s a first-round talent, if not, he’s a poor man’s DeSean Jackson. 

Ahmad Hardy     RB     Missouri

“Hardy” is the best way to describe Ahmad Hardy’s running style.  He’s 5’10 206 lbs. and bounces off tacklers like a pinball.  His contact balance is unmatched because he’s built low to the ground and has a really thick lower body.  He usually finishes runs going forward and punishes defenses.  He hasn’t shown off much receiving prowess, and he doesn’t have great long speed, but NFL teams will love a guy who has his patience and runs as hard as he does. 

Kewan Lacy     RB     Ole Miss

Lacy is probably my favorite RB in this draft.  He’s 5’11 200 lbs. and runs with power but is very elusive and has a little bit of a slasher running style to avoid hits.  He has great speed as a 4.43 guy, and he plays like it on the field.  He was extremely productive for the Rebels with over 1500 yards rushing and he had 29 catches.  He’s the most well-rounded RB and he’s good enough to be a first-round pick.

Jadan Baugh     RB     Florida

For all the teams that wanted a RB this year, next year is your year, and Baugh is one of the guys to love.  He’s 6’1 231 lbs. and while he runs with power, he has more speed than you might think.  He has good vision, he’s an excellent receiver even downfield, and he’s got great footwork between the tackles.  I’m not sure which RB is going to be the first one off the board, but none of them would surprise me. 

Nate Frazier     RB     Georgia

Frazier might be the breakout candidate this year at RB.  He’s 5’10 210 lbs. and has 4.4 speed so his physical measurements are fantastic.  He doesn’t go down on first contact, and he has elite burst to break through the hole as soon as he sees it.  He has excellent hands as a receiver and that’s a plus in his game.  He has had fumbling issues his first two years, so he needs to clean that up if he wants to be more than the fourth RB in this class.

Jamari Johnson     TE     Oregon

Johnson was “the other TE” at Oregon last year with Kenyon Sadiq taking up most of the conversation there.  While Johnson isn’t going to put up the athletic testing numbers Sadiq did, Johnson is the more traditional TE at 6’5 256 lbs. and he plays the position like a man his size.  He’s got great hands, he’s got plenty of athleticism himself, and he makes for an easy target for a QB.  He’s a first-round pick. 

Carter Smith     OL     Indiana

Smith might have been a late first-round pick in the 2026 draft, but he went back to Indiana.  He plays LT for the Hoosiers, but I think most teams will see him as an interior player.  He could make for a hell of a guard prospect with his size and athleticism.  He doesn’t have the length teams want at OT but his ability to pull and block on the move would be great at guard.  He also brings the strength and physicality that would be an asset inside. 

Kade Pieper     G/C     Iowa

Pieper might be a bit undersized, but his functional strength is unlike anyone else.  He’s moving from RG to C this season and it will only enhance his draft stock.  Centers don’t usually go in round one, but Pieper is going to make someone take him because he’s just that good.  He’s an excellent athlete with strength and power and is simply too good to pass up. 

Other Top Defensive Prospects

Damon Wilson II     Edge     Miami

Wilson transferred to Miami after a great season at Missouri.  The 6’4 250 lbs. edge rusher had nine sacks last year and now he’s going to be coached by Jason Taylor at Miami.  Taylor is a Hall of Famer and just sent Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor to the NFL, Wilson is his next star.  He has a chance to turn the top two edge rusher duo (Stewart and Simmons) into a trio. 

Quincy Rhodes Jr.     DE      Arkansas

Rhodes almost entered the 2026 draft, and he likely would have been a round two pick.  He’s not like Simmons, Stewart, or Wilson in the fact that he’s not the twitchy, speed rusher, he’s 6’6 276 lbs. and he plays like it.  He has more power to his game and doesn’t have the quick first step or the speed around the edge.  He does have a good spin move, and he can actually move inside on certain downs and rush from the interior. 

A’Mauri Washington     DT     Oregon

It was a little surprising when Washington opted to go back to Oregon instead of entering the 2026 draft.  He may have been the first DT off the board this year but has a chance to make himself an even higher pick next year.  He’s a 6’3 330 lbs. athletic freak who relies heavily on his athleticism and gaining some more experience will only help him as a player.  He isn’t a refined pass rusher but he’s a load in the middle of a defensive line and has the ability to become a much more disruptive pass rusher with some skill development. 

David Stone     DT      Oklahoma

If you watched Gracen Halton at Oklahoma for the 2026 draft, it was hard not to notice Stone dominating people.  He was a five-star recruit two years ago who had a rough freshman year and then exploded his sophomore season.  He gained almost 20 lbs. between seasons and somehow became quicker and more explosive, that shows some real dedication to his craft.  He’s still just a ball of clay but someone is going to draft him and turn him into a star DT. 

Ahmad Moten Sr.     DT     Miami

I’ll forgive you if you didn’t notice Moten last year as Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor sucked up most of the oxygen around the Miami defensive line.  However, Moten did his part too as an athletic attacking pass rusher inside while Bain and Mesidor ran roughshod on the outside.  Moten will have a new outside partner this season in Damon Wilson II but maybe he’ll get a little more credit this year.  He’s more of a penetrating DT than a run stuffer but teams like those guys quite a bit too. 

KJ Bolden     S     Georgia

Bolden can play deep safety, come up into the box, or play the nickel and seems fine at any of those roles.  However, he’s only 6’0 185 lbs. so he isn’t going to be an enforcer type of safety and bigger players give him problems in coverage.  He’s not the guy you want trying to cover a big TE down the middle.  If a team uses him right, he’s a huge asset, if you put him in bad situations, that’s going to haunt you. 

2027 NFL QB Prospects to Watch

The 2027 draft has been billed as a much better draft than 2026 at the least, and potentially a game changing draft due to some of the elite talent that could be available.  Everyone talks about how much better next year’s QB draft class is compared to this year’s class, that’s almost a given considering what 2026 ended up with.  I would say there are a good 8-10 QB prospects that could be day-one picks if the draft were held tomorrow.  There are a few who are projections and of course, there are some who will slip due to performance.  At this time last year, I wrote about guys like Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar going in the top ten in 2026, those two had horrible seasons and their draft stock tanked, it’s completely possible with this group too. 

One saving grace of the 2027 draft is it’s not all about the QB when it comes to high-end talent.  2026 had guys like RB Jeremiyah Love, S Caleb Downs, LB Arvell Reese, LB Sonny Styles, and G Olaivavega Ioane as the high-end talent, they all played non-premium positions.  The 2027 draft has some of its best players at OT, DE, and WR, all premium positions in the draft.  I’m going to get to the non-QB later, today I’m going to go through the QB talent. I’m going to break it down a bit into sections, starting with seniors and guys I think will declare for the 2027 draft.  Then a section on younger guys who could declare but might stay in college.  It’s not an easy decision for some of these guys and I’ll note some issues.  Lets take a look at the potential QB class for 2027.  (All heights and weights are gathered from public sources, I generally take them with a grain of salt) 

The Guys Most Likely to be in the Class

Arch Manning     RS Jr     Texas

I’m going to start with the guy who I started with last season.  Arch Manning is the prototypical QB prospect at 6’4 220 lbs., he’s athletic and he’s fantastic as a runner.  Many people think he only gets the hype because of his last name, there’s plenty of truth to that, but I see it a bit differently.  His last name means we have put expectations on him instead of just letting him develop like a normal QB.  If he was Arch Smith, we would understand the year he had last year.  It started out rough; he was facing an Ohio St. defense that had high caliber NFL-level talent and was run by an NFL coordinator.  He wasn’t great for the first month to six weeks but then he started to look a lot better.  The talent around him wasn’t great and he did what he could. His development wasn’t completely linear but he was playing better at the end of the season compared to the beginning of the season and showed flashes of what can make him great.    

Texas decided to give him some help this year with some high-end portal talent, and he got Cam Coleman at WR (he’s in the non-QB group coming later), and he got two new RBs to help.  Manning is set up to show off his overall skills and they are plentiful.  He has a very good arm, it’s not elite, but it’s beyond capable.  His athleticism and running ability set him apart, he’s a major plus when he leaves the pocket.   There are mock drafts putting Dante Moore ahead of him and it’s fine if you think that, but Moore isn’t a perfect prospect either.  The one reason I will have Arch Manning first in my mock draft would be the same as I said last year.  If he has a solid year, there is no GM in football who’s going to bet his job on a QB not named Manning if a QB named Manning is available who’s even remotely close in talent.  The one chance I could see a team next season passing on Manning first is if a team like the Raiders, who just drafted their future QB, has the first pick and WR Jeremiah Smith fills their biggest need.  I would still try to trade down to whoever wants Manning, but I wouldn’t trade down so far as I might lose Smith.

Dante Moore     RS Jr     Oregon

Moore would have been the second pick this year to the Jets if he had entered the draft and he might go second in 2027 too.  He might not if the Raiders or Dolphins are picking two and want Jeremiah Smith, but Moore won’t have to wait long.  He’s a good athlete who can move; he has the height you want in a QB at 6’3 but he could stand to put on a few pounds.  He had a good year at Oregon, and he should have another one with the weapons around him.  Getting another year of starting experience at Oregon is going to really benefit him in his maturation.  He needs to see the whole field better and just get more comfortable with pressure.  Those are things you can only get better at by playing, you don’t get that if you take a redshirt year in the NFL (sorry Ty Simpson). 

Jayden Maiava     SR     USC

Maiava fits the prospect profile you want, he’s 6’4 230 lbs. and he’s got a great arm and he’s athletic.  He isn’t going to run away from guys in the open field, but he can be used on a designed QB run and pick up a first down.  His accuracy is excellent down the field, although Ja’Kobi Lane and Makai Lemon helped him look good last season.  His intermediate throws need work.  Maiava is the guy I think is most likely to crash the Manning/Moore party at the top of the draft.  Say what you want about Lincoln Riley as a coach overall, his QB coaching is elite.  How Maiava progresses this season against pressure, and throwing over the middle or intermediate area, will determine his draft stock.  He’s breaking in new WRs and if he can elevate their game, it will really help his draft stock.

**Brendan Sorsby**     Sr     Texas Tech

This one is interesting because I don’t think he’s making it to the 2027 draft.  Sorsby has great QB tools with the size and athleticism you like.  However, his college career is likely over given he is seeking treatment for gambling addiction and has reportedly bet on his own team (many years ago when he was at Indiana), and that’s a non-starter for the NCAA.  His bets were apparently placed on Indiana when he wasn’t even on the travel squad so there’s no malfeasance there but it’s just not something the NCAA will forgive.  He has retained council to fight for his eligibility and while the NCAA has lost plenty of lawsuits lately, this is one where they are on pretty solid footing if they ban him for good.  That said, if it happens, he could go into the NFL supplemental draft in July, and a team could spend a pick in next years draft on Sorsby.  No one is spending a first rounder for him but he’s a good QB prospect and if Cleveland, New York Jets, or Arizona draft him, he could start this season for them.  He probably would have been the second QB off the board in 2026. 

LaNorris Sellers     RS Jr     South Carolina

Sellers was another guy on last year’s list who came back to school.  Unlike Manning or Moore, Sellers is trying to rebuild his draft stock, not enhance it.  South Carolina’s offense was horrific last year and now they have a new OC, Kendal Briles.  Briles is a great college OC, but we will see if he can help Sellers translate his immense physical talent into a real NFL QB prospect.  Sellers is too willing to pull the ball down and take off running instead of looking for his next read, that doesn’t go over well with NFL scouts.  He is one of the most physically gifted players in college football, he’s an elite runner with a cannon for arm.  His accuracy comes and goes but someone will bet on his traits.

Trinidad Chambliss     Sr     Ole Miss

Chambliss broke out last year as the injury replacement at QB for the Rebels and he never gave the job back.  Then he sued the NCAA and got another year of eligibility and he’s hoping to parlay that into a potential first round pick.  He doesn’t have the requisite size the NFL likes, he’s 6’1 200 lbs. and that’s going to hurt him.  He does stand up against pressure, and he’s got a good arm and is accurate.  Someone will take a chance on him, but it will be after most of the athletic freaks are off the board. 

Nico Iamaleava     RS Jr     UCLA

Iamaleava already let the cat out of the bag that he’s planning on entering the 2027 draft even though he still has eligibility.  I’m not surprised and won’t be surprised when someone takes a shot on him, I don’t think he’s a first-round guy, but who knows.  He’s 6’6 215 lbs. and is an elite athlete who runs like a gazelle.  He can throw the ball a mile, but his accuracy needs work there and in the shorter passing game.  He’ll be playing for a new coach, his third in three years (fourth if you count UCLA’s interim) after transferring from Tennessee last year.  Bob Chesney comes from James Madison and maybe he’ll be able to harness the sheer talent of Nico unlike last year’s UCLA coaching staff. 

John Mateer     Sr     Oklahoma

This is more about a guy bouncing back after a decent season but one that didn’t really live up to expectations.  Mateer ended up with a hand injury that derailed part of his season, and he didn’t progress like many thought he might.  He’s 6’1 224 lbs. so he’s a little on the short side but he’s well-built and he’s a good athlete who gains yards on the ground.  He needs to work on his mechanics to help avoid batted balls due to his height.  His progression reads can be inconsistent, and he will hold the ball too long.  His short throws need work, but he’s got a plus arm, so he has that going for him.  He’s a talented player with a lot of experience; teams will like that.  If he has a great season, he could move up the ranks.    

Gunner Stockton     Sr     Georgia

Stockton is a bit like Mateer in the fact that he’s on the shorter side, he’s listed at 6’1, which is maybe a bit generous, but he also has good size at 215 lbs.  There’s one glaring difference and it’s going to be the issue for Stockton; he doesn’t have a great arm.  It’s fine on some throws but he lacks velocity and it would be a problem against NFL defensive backs.  He has the dual-threat ability as a runner and he’s not afraid to run through defenders but that won’t overcome the issues with his arm. 

Josh Hoover     Sr     Indiana

Hoover transferred from TCU to Indiana and is hoping to become the next Fernando Mendoza.  He’s going to have some elite playmakers at Indiana (WRs Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh) and Curt Cignetti’s offense so that will help.  He’s not the same profile as Mendoza, he’s only 6’2 200 lbs., he’s much smaller.  He’s also not nearly as accurate and he turns the ball over too much.  He has talent but he may end up like some smaller QBs and be a later round pick. 

Guys who could enter the draft but should probably go back

Drew Mestemaker     RS So     Oklahoma St.

Mestemaker is the one guy on this list who I could see actually being in the 2027 draft, and for good reason.  He has all the measurables a team would love, he’s 6’4 211 lbs. and he has a howitzer for an arm.  He can make any throw you want.  The one thing that can hold him back will be his jump to better competition.  Mestemaker dominated at North Texas but he’s moving up to the Big 12 and it won’t be an easy task.  Oklahoma St. is trying to rebuild with the new coaching staff and I’m not sure if his supporting cast will make him look great.  He’s only a redshirt sophomore and with all the QBs in this draft, he might be better off getting more experience and entering the 2028 draft if he’s not a top ten pick in 2027. 

Darian Mensah     RS Jr     Miami

Mensah has moved up levels from Tulane to Duke and now to Miami.  If he has a season like Cam Ward had two years ago at Miami, he could be a first-round pick, and he should probably come out.  If not, he should probably give it another year, and he could be a top pick the next season.  Mensah is 6’3 205 lbs. so he probably needs to add a little weight just to get a bit stronger and hold up better in the NFL.  Miami’s offense should be good with Malachi Toney at WR, Mark Fletcher Jr. at RB, and one of his WRs from Duke transferred there too. 

CJ Carr     RS So     Notre Dame

Carr is an excellent college QB who lacks any elite traits for an NFL prospect.  When he’s throwing on time and in rhythm, it looks good, but when things break down, it gets a little wonky.  He would be a good QB in the Shanahan/McVay type of system, but he needs elite talent around him.  Losing Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price at RB and his security blanket TE Eli Raridon is going to test him this season.  We shall see how he responds.  He should stay in school at least another season after this one, if not two. 

Julian Sayin     RS So     Ohio St.

I’ve seen Sayin in a number of mock drafts as a top ten pick and going ahead of guys like Manning and Moore, that tells me the writer either hasn’t watched Sayin much or doesn’t know the NFL draft.  Sayin is an excellent college QB, just like Carr, except he plays with even better players.  Unfortunately for him, he’s listed at 6’1 208 lbs. and I think both those numbers are generous.  Sayin is a very accurate passer, but he doesn’t have the arm strength to be a top NFL prospect.  Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate made him look great and now Smith and the next great OSU WR will likely do the same.  He just doesn’t profile like an NFL QB.  He has one other thing to worry about, Tavien St. Claire.  His backup QB is a physical freak who may be ready to take his job.  Sayin could turn pro after the season but if I were a betting man, I would say he ends up transferring to another top program and being an excellent starter in college for another year at least. 

Sam Leavitt     RS Jr.     LSU

Leavitt is the wildcard this season.  He is coming off a foot injury that derailed his season at Arizona St., and he transferred to LSU to start for Lane Kiffin.  This could either be a huge breakout season for a very talented QB, or it’s a complete disaster.  Leavitt has a strong arm and sometimes trusts it too much; it can get him in trouble.  He also likes to break the pocket and play some “backyard” football a little too much.  If Kiffin can harness his talent, he’ll be awesome in his system.  As a prospect, his size is going to hurt him a little as he’s 6’2 205 lbs. but he doesn’t play like a guy who’s a little undersized.  He’s also going to be a three-year starter (okay, he missed half of last year so 2.5 seasons). 

3 Other Wildcards

Aidan Chiles- New Northwestern QB who could break out in Chip Kelly’s system.  It would be crazy if after his last three years, he finally put it together. 

DJ Lagway- New Baylor QB who flamed out at Florida but has serious physical tools. 

Byron Brown- New Auburn QB, the transfer from USF has a crazy arm and a weird throwing motion that no one seems to understand. 

2026 AFC South Draft Review

Houston Texans

  • (26) Keylan Rutledge     G/C     Georgia Tech
  • (36) Kayden McDonald     DT     Ohio St.
  • (59) Marlin Klein     TE     Michigan
  • (106) Febechi Nwaiwu     OL     Oklahoma
  • (123) Wade Woodaz     LB     Clemson
  • (141) Kamari Ramsey     S     USC
  • (204) Lewis Band     WR     Boston College
  • (243) Aiden Fisher     LB     Indiana

Immediate Impact: G/C Keylan Rutledge, DT Kayden McDonald

Rutledge was the late rising interior offensive lineman that a lot of teams liked who has guard/center versatility.  The Texans have been trying to upgrade their offensive line this offseason with LG Wyatt Teller and RG Braden Smith, one spot that could still use an upgrade is center.  Rutledge doesn’t have game experience there, but he has the skills.  His size gives him an advantage over incumbent center Jake Andrews and the Texans want to be a more physical team up front.  McDonald was drafted for the same reason on the defensive side.  As good as the Texans’ defense has been, they haven’t had a run-stuffing DT like McDonald in a while.  He’s an elite power player in the middle of the line and he’ll make the Texans’ defense even better. 

Best Value: McDonald

McDonald is an elite run defender, and he absolutely should have been a first-round pick.  He didn’t have to wait long into the second round, and the Texans made a move up for him for a reason.  He could start alongside Sheldon Rankins, and he will be heavily in the rotation on early downs. 

Sleeper: S Kamari Ramsey

Ramsey played a lot of nickel at USC last season, and he wasn’t very good at it, that’s why he fell to round five.  Luckily for him, the Texans have Jalen Pitre at nickel and Ramsey can go back to being more a traditional safety.  They have starters in Callen Bullock and Reed Blankenship, but Ramsey should contribute as a rotational guy and he has some long-term upside. 

Overall Analysis

The first two picks were homeruns considering what this team needed, two tone setters, one on each side of the line.  They got tougher and stronger.  Neither one is guaranteed to start but both will absolutely be given every opportunity to do so.  The other second-round pick they had, TE Marlin Klein, was a big swing but is far from a homerun.  He might be a good blocker but there’s no guarantee he gets any playing time.  They have veterans who will play ahead of him, even if he can block. 

The next guy they took was Febechi Nwaiwu, the offensive lineman from Oklahoma.  He has some versatility but he’s not exactly a guarantee to even make this roster given some of their other additions.  There were better offensive linemen on the board, he was a reach.  Woody Woodaz has a great name for a LB, and they could use the depth.  Ramsey was a nice upside play in the fifth round.  WR Lewis Bond comes into a very crowded group and unless he distinguishes himself in the return game, he’s destined for the practice squad.  I love the Aidan Fisher pick in the last round.  He may lack the athleticism to stand out in the NFL but he’s a leader and he’s going to work his butt off every day.

Indianapolis Colts

  • (53) CJ Allen     LB     Georgia
  • (78) AJ Haulcy     S     LSU
  • (113) Jalen Farmer     OG     Kentucky
  • (135) Bryce Boettcher     LB     Oregon
  • (156) George Gumbs Jr.     Edge      Florida
  • (214) Caden Curry     Edge     Ohio St.
  • (237) Seth McGowan     RB     Kentucky
  • (254) Deion Burks     WR     Oklahoma 

Immediate Impact: LB CJ Allen, S AJ Haulcy

The Colts didn’t have a first-round pick because of the Sauce Gardner trade and yet they got two starters with their first two picks in rounds two and three.  LB was the biggest need on the team, and they got one of the better immediate starters in CJ Allen.  I liked Allen more than most, but he was always going to be a starter fairly quickly no matter where he went.  He’s a godsend here, he can lead this defense.  Haulcy becomes the SS without much question.  He replaces Nick Cross and will make a nice partner with Cam Bynum.  The team defense got better up the middle with these two. 

Best Value: Haulcy

Haulcy only wins over Allen as the best value because he was a third-round pick while Allen went in round two.  Allen was drafted slightly lower than he should have been but Haulcy went about a round later than he should have.  He’s an immediate starter and probably an upgrade over Nick Cross, that’s great value in round three.

Sleepers: LB Bryce Boettcher, WR Deion Burks

The Colts LB group is rough and while Allen walks in as a starter, Boettcher will also have a chance to win starting job and at least be heavily involved in the rotation.  He’s not the biggest guy but he doesn’t need to be, Allen is the power player.  Boettcher can compete to be the weakside backer, Akeem Davis-Gaither isn’t really getting in the way.  Burks is also a smaller player but he’s a 4.3 guy at WR and they could use the juice.  He can be a nice complement to Josh Downs and Alec Pierce. 

Overall Analysis

For a team without a first-round pick, the Colts might have had the best overall draft.  Allen is a starter and I think he can be one of the best MLBs in the league.  I don’t think AJ Haulcy is going to be one of the best safeties in the league but he’s a legitimate starter.  OG Jalen Farmer is a great developmental interior offensive lineman.  This team has been pretty good at developing offensive linemen, so he was an excellent choice.  Boettcher is another guy with starting potential. 

They needed help on the edge and while they could have looked for help earlier, George Gumps Jr. and Caden Curry are pretty good players considering where they were picked.  Gumps is a smaller guy who has a good all-around game. Curry is a relentless player who does a good job in the run game even though he has historically short arms.  There’s no quit in Curry.

RB Seth McGowan was a nice pickup for a team that could use some depth behind Jonathan Taylor.  DJ Giddens doesn’t move the needle; McGowan brings some skills.  It’s a little insane that Deion Burks lasted until the end of round seven.  He may be small but he’s an elite playmaker and gives the offense another guy who can take the ball the distance. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • (56) Nate Boerkircher     TE     Texas A&M
  • (81) Albert Regis     DT     Texas A&M
  • (88) Emmanuel Pregnon     OG     Oregon
  • (100) Jalen Huskey     S     Maryland
  • (119) Wesley Williams     Edge     Duke
  • (164) Tanner Koziol     TE     Houston
  • (191) Josh Cameron     WR     Baylor
  • (203) CJ Williams     WR     Stanford
  • (233) Zach Durfee     Edge     Washington
  • (240) Parker Hughes     LB     Middle Tennessee St.

Immediate Impact: ??????

This is the most inexplicable draft of all.  They didn’t have a first-round pick after the Travis Hunter trade from last year’s draft.  Then they used their first pick on a blocking TE and the next pick on a guy they hope is a developmental DT. 

Best Value: OG Emmanuel Pregnon

Pregnon was a guy who had some first-round buzz but always felt like a second-round pick.  They Jaguars got him in round three.  If they hadn’t just signed Ezra Cleveland and Patrick Makari to new contracts last season, he might have a chance to have an impact.  For now, he’s just an excellent backup and a long-term answer at OG. 

Sleepers: TE Tanner Koziol, WR Josh Cameron

Koziol isn’t the blocker Boerkircher is but he’s a lot better receiver and he can be a weapon in the pass game given his height and catch radius.  He’ll likely never be a great blocker, but I like him better because he can block a little and give you real value in the pass game.  Cameron can be the fourth WR on this team and if Brian Thomas Jr. doesn’t come out of his slump, the team may need a bigger bodied guy on the outside to replace him, that could be Cameron.

Overall Analysis

GM James Gladstone seems to think he’s going to outthink everyone, and he takes some guys that just don’t make sense where he drafts them.  Taking Boerkircher as the third TE off the board was a bit much, there were better TEs.  There were also better players who filled bigger needs; S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and LB Anthony Hill Jr. to name two.  Then he took DT Albert Regis, not a bad player but what role does he fill?  He’s a bit undersized but isn’t a pass rusher.  If you wanted a run stuffer, Dominique Orange went one pick later, and if you want pass rusher at DT, Gracen Halton and Kaleb Proctor were on the board.  Pregnon was his best pick and yet, he’s not likely to beat out the veterans you already have. 

S Jalen Huskey played CB and safety in college, versatility is nice unless it means you don’t actually have a position.  They needed an upgrade at safety, Huskey doesn’t give them one.  If they wanted a bigger nickel player, Keionte Scott and Jalen Kilgore were both still available.  Wesley Williams has a chance to be part of the edge rotation but there were better players on the board.  I like the Tanner Koziol pick, he’s good value and has upside as both a pass catcher and a blocker at TE. 

The Josh Cameron pick was a good one too, he’s a value at that spot and should stick on this roster.  Following that up with WR CJ Williams was not a good use of that pick.  Williams might not have been drafted, and they could have had Deion Burks, his is a skill set you could use.  The two seventh-round picks, Zach Durfee and Parker Hughes, are not making the roster. 

Tennessee Titans

  • (4) Carnell Tate     WR     Ohio St.
  • (31) Keldric Faulk     Edge     Auburn
  • (60) Anthony Hill Jr.     LB     Texas
  • (142) Fernando Carmona     OL     Arkansas
  • (165) Nick Singleton      RB     Penn St.
  • (184) Jackie Marshall     DT     Baylor
  • (194) Pat Coogan     C      Indiana
  • (225) Jaren Kanak     TE     Oklahoma

Immediate Impact: WR Carnell Tate, LB Anthony Hill Jr.

The Titans lack anything resembling a WR1 and while I don’t think Tate actually is one, he’ll play one for this team.  Cam Ward needs a go-to receiver and Tate can handle himself, he’s Ohio St.-trained, they don’t come better than that.  Hill is exactly what Robert Saleh wants in a LB, he runs like a gazelle and he doesn’t miss tackles.  He may never be Fred Warner, that’s a high bar, but he can be Dre Greenlaw. 

Best Value: C Pat Coogan

The Titans cut Lloyd Cushenberry because he was always hurt and signed Austin Schlottmann who played for OC Brian Daboll last year with the Giants.  Schlottmann is a journeyman if I ever saw one, Coogan started for Indiana last year and won a national championship.  Coogan is a bit bigger, and I think he wins the starting center job early on.

Sleeper: RB Nick Singleton

Singleton dealt with injuries last year and watched Kaytron Allen take over as the lead back at Penn St.  He needs to be more consistent with his reads, finding the hole, and following his blocks, but he’s 219 lbs. and runs 4.35 in the 40.  Last year was a mess at Penn St., and not just for Singleton.  If he can find some consistency, he could replace Tony Pollard as the lead back in a year or two. 

Overall Analysis

I can’t say I agreed with taking Carnell Tate fourth overall, I just don’t see him as a WR worth that high of a pick.  If they had known Denzel Boston was going to fall to round two, would they have taken an edge rusher, Arvell Reese or Rueben Bain, and then taken Boston?  They traded back into round one to get DE Keldric Faulk instead.  Having Reese or Bain plus Boston instead of Tate and Faulk feels like more value and they wouldn’t have had to trade back into round one.  I love the Anthony Hill Jr. pick; he’s going to slot in at MLB and upgrade that level of the defense. 

After the first three picks in the first two rounds, they had to wait until round five to pick again, partly due to trading back into round one for Faulk, that’s lost value.  OG Fernando Carmona was solid choice and gives them some options at OG.  The Singleton pick was a bet on a guy who has elite physical traits.  Singleton also brings value as an elite kickoff return guy, with the dynamic kickoff rules in the NFL, that’s helpful. 

DT Jackie Marshall is probably just a body on the interior of the defensive line.  Pat Coogan can start for this team, they actually need him to start if they want to improve the offensive line.  TE Jaren Kanak has a hill to climb.  It’s not an insurmountable hill, the Titans’ TEs are a middling group at best.  He could find a role, but he will have to outperform some veterans for that opportunity.   

2026 NFC South Draft Review

Atlanta Falcons

  • (48) Avieon Terrell     CB     Clemson
  • (79) Zachariah Branch     WR    Georgia
  • (134) Kendal Daniels     LB     Oklahoma
  • (208) Anterio Thompson     DL     Washington
  • (215) Harold Perkins Jr.     LB     LSU
  • (231) Ethan Onianwa      OL     Ohio St. 

Immediate Impact: CB Avieon Terrell, WR Zachariah Branch

The Falcons taking Terrell is a great story considering his brother is their top starting CB and he could end up being the other starter.  Mike Hughes is a solid veteran, but the younger Terrell has a higher upside.  He only lasted until the second round because he’s a little undersized and ran 4.6 in the 40.  He plays like a bigger CB, and his play speed is fine.  They stuck with the small player theme on offense with Branch. He’s a small, speed demon slot receiver and he plays that part well.  Beyond Drake London this WR group is pretty uninspiring.  Branch can be a playmaker if Tua ends up the QB, if it’s Penix, his value declines significantly. 

Best Value: Terrell

He came into the draft with an outside chance of being a first-round pick and he fell to 48th overall.  He has starter potential and I think he’s an upgrade over Hughes.  That’s well worth the 48th pick.

Sleeper: LB Harold Perkins Jr.

Perkins is the ultimate tweener, his best trait is his pass rush instinct but he’s 6’1 222 lbs. and simply too small to be a pass rusher.  He’s a good off ball LB but he’s not great and he’s not as dynamic of a player as he was before he had some injury issues a few years ago.  If DC Jeff Ulbrich can figure out a way to deploy him, he’s an excellent football player and it would be a shame if they can’t find a way to use him. 

Overall Analysis

The Falcons didn’t have a lot of picks but the first two can help this team immediately.  Terrell will be a starter in the league for a while, he’s far too feisty to just fade away.  Branch would be an excellent WR if Tua is his QB for his career.  Tua likes to throw the ball short to quick WRs and let them go to work, that’s Branch’s superpower.  If Michael Penix is the QB, his preference is to throw outside and that will make Branch less valuable. 

After the top two picks, the Falcons leaned heavily into drafting very athletic players, some who had less than stellar production.  Kendal Daniels is a tall, rangy LB who runs well since he used to be a safety.  He’s probably just a special team’s player but he has some potential.  DT Anterio Thompson is a great athlete for a guy his size, but he’s never been a very productive player.  There are a lot of guys ahead of him on this roster, but anything is possible.  Perkins needs coach who finds the best way to use him, otherwise he’ll get lost in the shuffle.  Finally, the Falcons took a longshot on OL Ethan Onianwa.  Onianwa wasn’t a starter at Ohio St. after transferring from Rice.  He’s a big man who moves well but he’s a longshot to make an NFL roster.  The one thing that could work in his favor is the Falcons’ need for o-line depth and his ability to play guard or tackle. 

Carolina Panthers

  • (19) Monroe Freeling     OT     Georgia
  • (49) Lee Hunter     DT     Texas Tech
  • (83) Chris Brazzell II     WR     Tennessee
  • (129) Will Lee III     CB     Texas A&M
  • (144) Sam Hecht     C     Kansas St.
  • (151) Zakee Wheatley     S     Penn St.
  • (227) Jackson Kuwatch     LB     Miami (OH)

Immediate Impact: OT Monroe Freeling, DT Lee Hunter

The Panthers signed Rasheed Walker to be their stopgap LT because Ikem Ekwonu may miss the season with a torn patellar tendon, then they drafted Freeling.  Freeling may be a bit raw but he’s a better player than Walker.  He’s the long-term solution at the position and he should be the starter next season.  Hunter won’t be a starter because the Panthers have their starting defensive line, however, he’ll figure prominently in the rotation. There isn’t a lot of depth behind Bobby Brown III, Derrick Brown, and Tershawn Wharton. 

Best Value: C Sam Hecht

It’s a mystery how Hecht fell to round five when he could have easily been a round two pick.  The Panthers signed Luke Fortner to step in at center after losing Cade Mays in free agency.  Fortner was an injury fill-in in New Orleans last season and played well, but there’s no guarantee he can hold off Hecht for the job.  There’s a good chance Hecht wins the starting job. 

Sleeper: S Zakee Wheatley

Wheatley was the Panthers’ other fifth-round pick, and he also has a chance to end up a starter.  Nick Cross is penciled in as the starter opposite Trevon Moehrig but he’s not great.  Wheatley can play the FS spot and give the Panthers a playmaker on the back end in the passing game.  Moehrig is a better playmaker coming forward, Wheatley can handle going backwards. 

Overall Analysis

OT didn’t seem like the biggest need for the Panthers heading into the draft, but Ekwonu is going into his fifth-year option season and he’s unlikely to play this year.  He may never suit up for the Panthers again.  Walker was a late free agent addition and clearly the team saw Freeling as a value pick who allows them more upside at LT and a long-term solution.  Hunter fits into their front three as the hulking nose tackle type and he’s a good fit in the scheme.  He’s also insurance against Bobby Brown III not being great and Cam Jackson not being ready to play. 

WR Chris Brazzell II isn’t the most refined WR in the draft, his time at Tennessee didn’t help him.  He will need to learn as he goes but he brings a skill set they don’t currently have; he’s a deep ball threat with real speed.  He’s also 6’5 which means he matches with their other WRs and gives Bryce Young a group of giants to throw to.  CB Will Lee III is a big, physical man cover CB who fits the scheme and should be the third outside CB on this roster.  Hecht and Wheatley are excellent fifth-round picks who should contribute quickly.  LB Jackson Kuwatch is likely just a special team’s guy if he can make the roster. 

New Orleans Saints

  • (8) Jordyn Tyson     WR     Arizona St.
  • (42) Christen Miller     DT     Georgia
  • (73) Oscar Delp     TE     Georgia
  • (132) Jeremiah Wright     OL     Auburn
  • (136) Bryce Lance     WR     North Dakota St.
  • (172) Lorenzo Styles Jr.     CB     Ohio St.
  • (190) Barion Brown     WR     LSU
  • (219) TJ Hall     CB     Iowa

Immediate Impact: WR Jordyn Tyson, DT Christen Miller

The Saints knew they needed help at WR, and they took three just to be sure, but Tyson is the one they need to hit.  He’s the most talented WR in this draft and he’s a perfect complement to Chris Olave.  If Tyson stays healthy, he can really help take this offense up a notch.  Miller is the dirty work guy on the defensive line.  He’s not going to stuff the stat sheet but he’s going to stuff the run and make life miserable for offensive linemen.  He’s not flashy, he’s just tough. 

Best Value: WR Bryce Lance

While Tyson may be the most important WR they drafted, he’s not the only one they can use.  Lance is the younger brother of Trey Lance, he’s 6’3 and ran 4.34 in the 40, you can’t teach a guy to be that big and that fast.  The Saints just don’t have that many good receivers and Lance could be a very good one. 

Sleeper: DB TJ Hall

Hall fell all the way to the seventh round because he’s not a particularly great athlete, doesn’t have elite size, and isn’t particularly fast.  What is he?  An instinctual defensive back who’s not afraid to come up in run support and tackle guys bigger than him.  He doesn’t back down from TEs or big WRs.  One of the reasons I’m putting him as a sleeper is that I think if he doesn’t make it as a CB, he could move to safety.  He wouldn’t be the biggest safety but his instincts, attitude, and development under Phil Parker at Iowa make him a great candidate. 

Overall Analysis

This draft could go a long way to help the Saints as they look to make the playoffs.  Tyson fills the biggest offensive need they have and he and Chris Olave can be a problem in the passing game.  Miller may not start on the defensive line but he’s going to be heavily involved in the rotation.  He brings youth and toughness to the spine of the defense.  TE Oscar Delp is an intriguing player who never broke out as a weapon in Georgia’s offense.  He’ll add to the run game as a blocker and if they can unlock his pass catching, his athleticism will make him very valuable in the pass game. 

OL Jeremiah Wright is an offensive lineman who needs plenty of development, but he adds some nice depth inside.  Lance is another player who needs development, but his ceiling is quite high with his physical gifts and skill set.  Lorenzo Styles Jr. is almost as freaky an athlete as his brother Sonny but he’s smaller and plays in the secondary.  He’s a nice addition to the depth at CB and he should be a demon on special teams. After taking the bigger WR Lance earlier, the Saints took a third WR in round six, Barion Brown.  He’s a smaller, shifty guy who adds a different look from Tyson and Lance.  Hall is a good late bet on a defensive back from a school that has sent plenty of good defensive backs to the league. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • (15) Rueben Bain Jr.     Edge     Miami
  • (46) Josiah Trotter     LB     Missouri
  • (84) Ted Hurst     WR     Georgia St.
  • (116) Keionte Scott     S     Miami
  • (155) DeMonte Capehart     DL     Clemson
  • (160) Billy Schrauth     OG     Notre Dame
  • (185) Bauer Sharp     TE     LSU

Immediate Impact: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., LB Josiah Trotter

The Buccaneers lacked an ace pass rusher last season and now they have that guy.  Bain is a powerful edge setter who is also a relentless pass rusher.  He’s going to be the best they have and he’s my early pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year.  Trotter also fills a huge need at ILB where Lavonte David retired.  It’s not fair to ask anyone to replace a legend like David but Trotter’s going to be a stud in the middle of the Bucs defense.  He tackles everyone like he’s trying to break them in half.  Between Bain and Trotter, the Bucs defense won’t lack attitude. 

Best Value: Bain

Bain had an argument as the best pass rusher in the draft, but his short arms made him fall to 15th overall.  He’s a difference maker for this defense and not only adds a great pass rusher, but he’s also the tone setter.

Sleeper: DB Keionte Scott

The Bucs have Tykee Smith who can play the nickel, and they have Jacob Parrish who can play the nickel.  I don’t care how good those guys are, Scott is going to play the nickel a lot.  He and Bain paired up at Miami to create one of the toughest defenses in college football last season and if used correctly, they can do it again in Tampa. 

Overall Analysis

Sometimes it’s hard to understand the vision a team might have by its draft, it’s not hard to see what the Buccaneers were doing.  Rueben Bain Jr., Josiah Trotter, and Keionte Scott are ass kickers.  These guys play football with an edge the Buccaneers had slowly been losing over the years, it’s back.  Bain is a terror off the edge and plays the run like he’s a school yard bully.  Trotter has been described as playing like a hammer looking for a nail.  And Scott plays like he’s David and the rest of the world is Goliath and he’s not going to lose.  When you play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense this year, buckle your chinstrap.

The team lost Mike Evans in free agency, which hurts but isn’t going to kill them.  They took Ted Hurst, a 6’3 195 lbs. outside speedster who needs to refine his route running if he’s going to become a legitimate NFL receiver.  He’s going to play behind Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan, learning to run routes from those guys is like taking a masterclass. 

They needed some depth on both lines, and they got solid value from DeMonte Capehart on the defensive side and Billy Schrauth on the offensive side.  Capehart is a big man who will fit into the rotation and should hold his own.  If Schrauth can stay healthy, he could easily become a starting OG at some point.  They took a shot on a late round TE Beau Sharp.  He’s going to have an uphill climb to make the roster but it’s not the strongest group behind Cade Otten.