As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, an exciting new crop of college football stars is beginning to break through. Scouts and analysts are already high on these soon-to-be breakout stars. Other budding stars are players such as Sonny Styles of Ohio State and Kadyn Proctor of Alabama. Don’t count out Mansoor Delane from LSU, who is carving his own path! Each athlete has distinct skills and strengths that can truly change the fortunes of their future NFL teams in this year’s draft.
Of course, at Alabama, Kadyn Proctor, an offensive tackle, has received most of the headlines. Measuring in at 6’7 366lbs, Proctor is an absolute mammoth of an individual. His unique combination of size and skill makes him a standout prospect. Some scouts are nervous about going all in on him as an early-round pick. Doubters remain, even as he’s made a recent comeback on the field.
Key Players to Watch
The 2026 NFL Draft features a diverse mix of talent across multiple positions. A host of top performers have already established themselves as major prospects who can mold the fate of the draft.
Mansoor Delane has been turning heads ever since his transfer from Virginia Tech to LSU. His experience on the field has made him the player that he is today, a talented young cornerback that many NFL teams have their eyes on. In addition, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell is another CB who is garnering much pre-draft buzz for his potential as a playmaker. With his combined athleticism and technique, he’d be a useful piece to have for any team’s secondary.
As it stands right now, Broncos wide out Jared Judy has gotten the attention of most experts and scouts. His ability to stretch the field and create separation from defenders makes him a compelling option for teams seeking a dynamic playmaker. David Bailey of Texas Tech—edge player. He has the quickness, range, and explosive power to change games as an open field tackler.
Analyzing Linebacker Prospects
Linebackers may be the most consistently great players in every draft class, and the 2026 draft class is loaded with impact players.
Sonny Styles is a true instinctive playmaker at linebacker with outstanding cover skills. His rare athleticism gives him the evasiveness to slip through traffic and the explosiveness to deliver game-changing tackles. Just as much as Roberts, CJ Allen from Georgia is the other linebacker that’s been hard to ignore. Known for his run-and-chase ability, Allen’s physicality and quickness enable him to fill gaps effectively, making him an appealing choice for teams seeking to enhance their defensive line.
Damon Wilson II from Missouri should be discussed in the same breath. His non-stop motor and ability to flush quarterbacks and blow up plays make him an ideal player for the modern speed-first game. These linebackers do more than strengthen defenses; their leadership abilities are an essential trait that can inspire their teammates.
Offensive Line Strengths
The offensive line is still the backbone of every winning football team. Among this year’s draft class, these seven prospects are the most likely to make the biggest immediate impact.
Kadyn Proctor’s size and recent performances have given hope to scouts who believe he can dominate at the next level. While there is understandable hesitance about his draft stock, his physical presence on the field very much leaves an impression. Francis Mauigoa, Miami Flexibility is key to roster, and offensive tackle/guard Francis Mauigoa offers that in spades. His versatility out him as a great prospect for teams who need depth on the offensive line.
In Peter Woods, perhaps the best defensive tackle in the world, we see just how vital dominant defensive line play can be. He connects it explicitly to the creation of offensive strategies. His combination of size and agility are extremely disruptive and enable him to make frequent penetration into offensive lines.
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