Top 20 Picks from Sean Bacon:

1. Fernando Mendoza – This prospect is the Heisman winner from the 2025-2026 season and the quarterback that led the Indiana Hoosiers to their National Championship victory. Mendoza is the clear first overall pick in this draft, not much is needed to say for this case.
2. Jeremiah Love – This Heisman candidate from the 2025-2026 season is one of the best picks in this draft, with his outstanding performance in the combine and due to some other prospects not doing as well in the combine, his standing has grown. This Notre Dame running back has been one of the best players over his career and has shown consistency even with his team being controversial at times.
3. Arvell Reese- This linebacker from THE Ohio State University is what some people call the “Complete Player” as he is one of the best players for the Buckeyes as he had over 112 tackles since 2024 and had 6.5 sacks last season, showing how dangerous of a player he is for his opponents.
4. David Bailey- This standout Edge rusher for Texas Tech was one of the main reasons that they were so good (in a terrible division) this season. Bailey recorded just over 14 sacks this past season with 19.5 tackles for loss making him the best edge rusher in the country.
5. Caleb Downs- This safety also from Ohio State is one of the most dangerous players in this draft, his high level defense keeps quarterbacks in check making them double check before they throw near them.
6. Rueben Bain Jr.- This Defensive End was a top 3 draft pick easily before the combine but due to his not so great performance at the event, his draft stock has fallen, but do not get confused, this player is one of the best in the country as he had 30 solo tackles with 9.5 sacks, striking fear into his foes.
7. Francis Mauigoa- This elite offensive lineman is another prospect from Miami that is one to take into account, his elite pass block and run block creates enough time for his quarterback, even someone like Carson Beck, to do great, leading to his high draft stock, which is very much deserved.
8. Jordyn Tyson- This outstanding wide receiver from Arizona State University was a whole different animal last season as he recorded 61 receptions for 711 yards with 8 touchdowns in only 9 games last season. This sun devil had over 11 yards per reception signifying his key impact on the team’s efficiency.
9. Mansoor Delane- This premier defender for the LSU Tigers was a key piece of their defense as a cornerback. Delane recorded 45 tackles with 11 pass breakups and 2 interceptions, showing just how efficient he is at defense for the Tigers.
10. Kenyon Sadiq- This tight end from the University of Oregon is the best in the country for his position. Sadiq was the main pass target for Dante Moore this past season as Kenyon Sadiq had just over 50 receptions for 560 yards and 8 touchdowns, great statistics for a tight end.
11. Carnell Tate- Carnell Tate was a key offensive weapon for the Buckeyes last season as one of their star wide receivers. Tate had 51 catches for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns this season showing just how effective the buckeyes were even though they had a tragic ending. Tate was one of the most efficient wide receivers in the country as he had over 17 yards per catch just showing how good the buckeyes quarterback was and how good he is.
12. Jermod McCoy- This star player for the Tennessee Volunteers had 44 tackles for the Volunteers and had 4 interceptions in 2024. You may be wondering why I am bringing up 2024 stats, this is because he did NOT play at all during the 2025 season due to a torn ACL. Despite not playing this past season, he still remained as one of the top prospects in this upcoming draft, showing just how great he was in his prime.
13. Spencer Fano-
14. Sonny Styles- Sonny Styles is one of the best linebackers in this class, recording 81 tackles (46 solo), Styles demonstrates that he is dangerous for quarterbacks and someone who will most likely do very well in the NFL.
15. Keldric Faulk- Faulk is one of the better players for the Auburn Tigers, although I feel that he is overrated, Justin Melo disagrees saying,
16. Brandon Cisse- Even though South Carolina had a very disappointing season, Brandon Cisse did not have a bad season as an individual, as he had 27 tackles (19 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 5 pass breakups. He allowed a 21.1% forced incompletion rate, ranking 7th among SEC.
17. Lee Hunter- This elite defensive tackle was another weapon for the Texas Tech team as he had 26-41 tackles and had 2.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. As a rush stop weapon, it is important to take into account that he reached the quarterback 2.5 times, showing he isn’t just a rush stop player but someone who will run down the quarterback. He also recorded 25-26 rush stops showing that he is also an elite rush stopper on top of his other feats.
18. Kayden McDonald- This elite defensive tackle is arguably better than Lee Hunter due to a harder conference and the stats seem to agree as he finished the 2025 season with 65 total tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks.
19. Colton Hood- this defensive star for the volunteers had 50 tackles and had 2.5 sacks showing that he is a force to be reckoned with, even though he is a skinny look alike to Lanorris Sellers.
20. T.J. Paker- Overrated but is hyped by everyone.