Field Yates Reveals Top 25 Prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
As the 2025 college football season wraps up, attention shifts toward the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This year, analysts have begun to identify the standout prospects who could make a significant impact on the league. With the draft set to commence on April 23, several factors will influence selections, including player declarations and upcoming pre-draft events.
Top 25 Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft
Fantasy football expert and NFL draft analyst Field Yates has released his initial rankings for the top prospects in the 2026 draft class. Among the notable players, several key figures feature prominently due to their impressive performances in the college season. Here’s a look at the top prospects:
Key Players in the 2026 Draft Class
- 1. Fernando Mendoza (Quarterback, Indiana)
Height: 6’5″ | Weight: 225 lbs
Mendoza has stood out for his accuracy and powerful arm, achieving a 73% completion rate with 41 touchdowns. - 2. Arvell Reese (Edge/LB, Ohio State)
Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 243 lbs
Known for his explosive finish, Reese registered 6.5 sacks, establishing himself as a premier edge rusher. - 3. Caleb Downs (Safety, Ohio State)
Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 205 lbs
With remarkable versatility, Downs is anticipated to break the safety draft drought, recording 67 tackles in 2025. - 4. Francis Mauigoa (Offensive Tackle, Miami)
Height: 6’6″ | Weight: 315 lbs
Mauigoa dominated as a run blocker and allowed just 1.2% pressure on pass plays, showcasing his skills on the field. - 5. David Bailey (Edge, Texas Tech)
Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 250 lbs
Bailey led the FBS with 14.5 sacks and is praised for his physicality and disruptive play style against quarterbacks.
Notable Trends and Insights
The upcoming draft will see players from colleges such as Indiana and Miami needing to declare by January 23. Analysts highlight that several prospects have the potential to improve their draft stock during the NFL Combine and other pre-draft events scheduled over the coming months.
Additionally, the impact of injuries will also be a significant consideration for evaluators, especially for first-round hopefuls.
Position Rankings Overview
Prospects have been ranked by their positions, highlighting the depth of talent in various areas. The following is a snapshot of some key positional rankings:
| Position | Top Prospect |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Fernando Mendoza, Indiana |
| Running Back | Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame |
| Wide Receiver | Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State |
| Edge Rusher | Arvell Reese, Ohio State |
| Defensive Tackle | Peter Woods, Clemson |
As the draft approaches, the excitement around these prospects continues to build. Analysts at Filmogaz.com will keep fans updated with the latest developments and insights as the NFL prepares for another thrilling draft season.