2026 NFL draft rankings: Jordan Reid's top 50 prospects - ESPN

The 2026 NFL draft is on April 23 in Pittsburgh. And with the college football regular season drawing to a close, I'm unveiling my initial top 50 ranking of the best prospects.

This list is a snapshot of where things stand right now, based on my own scouting (both in person and on film) and conversations I've had with NFL scouts and evaluators. These are not final — some players will emerge over the next five months, while others will slide or perhaps not even end up in the draft at all. But this is where I see the Class of 2026 right now.

I have included scouting reports for each prospect and my rankings by position are at the bottom. Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk. Let's get to it, starting with one of the most exciting risers in the class.

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Position rankings

More on the 2026 draft:
Consensus rankings | QB Hot Board

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243

Reese is one of the biggest risers in this class regardless of position and has been the best player on a loaded Buckeyes defense. He's a hybrid defender who is used both as an off-ball linebacker and off the edge. Because of his explosiveness, I like Reese more as an edge rusher in the NFL, where his combination of bend, power and play violence can be best utilized, though he can also be used sporadically on the second level. I believe Reese has Pro Bowl potential early in his NFL career.

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205

Downs has been a highly accomplished player for both Alabama and Ohio State. He has found the perfect role for his instincts and awareness this season, as first-year Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia uses him as a «middle hole» player. Downs is a consistent tackler with great ball skills, and he is capable of mirroring and matching tight