With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, scouts and analysts alike have their eyes zeroed in on a loaded class of prospects. Not surprisingly, quarterbacks Garrett Nussmeier and Drew Allar are the talk of the town in the limelight. In the meantime, another position group of defensive linemen is putting themselves in strong positions on early watch lists. Here’s a comprehensive look at those who shined brightest heading into what will be their first time on the NFL stage.
Garrett Nussmeier has already made a name for himself as a quarterback to be on the lookout for, showing off elite-level accuracy, touch, and anticipation. He displays an exciting all-around skill set that can project him among the very best of his class in the upcoming draft. Nussmeier had a record-setting season, passing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns. This performance is an indicator of his clear ability to compete at an elite level. He’s sticking with the incumbent program. Even if Wilson does not emerge as a national star by the end of the 2025 campaign, he still will accumulate priceless experience that’ll enhance his draft stock.
Drew Allar has been one of the hidden gems of this draft class. He possesses the leadership, competitiveness, work ethic and accuracy that NFL teams want in a quarterback. He hasn’t really stepped up in must-win situations. His performance between now and the draft will be critical in gauging whether he could be in play as a first-round pick.
Defensive Linemen Making Their Mark
The 2026 NFL Draft defensive line class looks to be a loaded group of talent. Rueben Bain Jr., Keldric Faulk, Matayo Uiagalelei, Patrick Payton, David Bailey and Tim Keenan III are on the preliminary top-32 watch list. These exceptional performing players are certainly ones to watch! None of these players are absolute locks to have successful professional careers, but each carries special skills and characteristics that would make them uniquely dangerous in the pro ranks.
Rueben Bain Jr. during games earned praise for his quickness off the line and his ability to get into offensive backfields and disrupt plays. With his technique and physicality, he is head and shoulders above the rest as he gears up for the next level. Keldric Faulk’s blend of size and quickness makes him a tough guy to go up against on the field. Scouts will be all over to see how he can take over games on a week-to-week basis when the season rolls around.
Highly touted recruit Matayo Uiagalelei has made a name for himself with an explosive style of play. His ability to consistently attack opposing defenses should take him far in the NFL. Payton’s fundamentals and work ethic stand out just as much, as the 6-foot-7 pass protector constantly shows eagerness to learn and get better. David Bailey and Tim Keenan III round out this distinctive quartet with thunderous turns. So for anyone doubting their cuteness, just you wait and see as the draft approaches!
The Impact of Family Ties
One other name that still draws all eyes, though, is Arch Manning. Manning hails from an esteemed football pedigree. Clearly, he’ll be withstanding the most glaring attention as he begins his path to the NFL. The expectations on him are sky high, due in part to his pedigree and the blue blood program he plays for. Scouts will keep a keen eye on how he deals with this added pressure as he goes through his first collegiate season.
With expectations so high, Manning’s performance will be critical in determining his long-term prospects. There’s little doubt that teams will be clamoring to find out whether he can turn his family’s legacy into on-field success. As a prospect, his evolution as a player over the next few seasons will determine the course of his career. Perhaps most importantly, it will shape how future generations look back on the Manning football legacy.
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