2026 Pre Combine Top 32 Big Board

Why hello again to one and all. AQL here, bringing you yet another installment of the Top 32 Big Board. Another year of College Football has come and gone and with it brings another opportunity to determine who is the best of the best overall. As it has been in years past, we shall continue this series all the way up until the NFL Draft. Before that though, a disclaimer:


These written statements by the author do not reflect nor are shared opinions of members of TheSteelersFans Message Board, Staff Members and/or Site Administrator.



Legend:


***: Denotes Generational Prodigy (Borderline Hall of Fame Level coming out. Top 3 at their position.. minimum. All Pro's follow in their wake with either OPOY or DPOY being in their future.)


**: Denotes Instant Impact Player (Top 10 at their Position.. minimum. Perennial All Pro, Multiple Pro Bowls.)


*: Denotes Instant Starter (Possible to definite Pro Bowl. Possibly some All Pro nods.)




1.) *** Sonny Styles: Linebacker from Ohio State University


2.) *** Peter Woods: Defensive Lineman from the University of Clemson


3.) *** Caleb Downs: Safety from Ohio State University


4.) ** Reuben Bain: EDGE from the University of Miami


5.) ** Kadyn Proctor: Offensive Tackle from the University of Alabama


6.) ** Jeremiyah Love: Running Back from the University of Notre Dame*


7.) ** Carnell Tate: Wide Receiver from Ohio State University


8.) * Arvell Reese: EDGE from Ohio State University


9.) ** Mansoor Delane: Cornerback from Louisiana State University


10.) * Francis Mauigoa: Interior Offensive Lineman from the University of Miami


11.) ** Brandon Cisse: Cornerback from the University of South Carolina


12.) * K.C. Concepcion: Wide Receiver from Texas A&M


13.) * Avieon Terrell: Cornerback from the University of Clemson


14.) Jordyn Tyson: Wide Receiver from Arizona State University


15.) Keldric Faulk: Interior Defensive Lineman from the University of Auburn


16.) ** Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane: Offensive Lineman from Penn State University


17.) Jermod McCoy: Cornerback from the University of Tennessee


18.) * Caleb Banks: Defensive Lineman from the University of Florida


19.) * Kenyon Sadiq: Tight End from the University of Oregon


20.) Kayden McDonald: Interior Defensive Lineman from Ohio State University


21.) * Jadarian Price: Running Back from the University of Notre Dame


22.) Max Klare: Tight End from Ohio State University


23.) D'Angelo Ponds: Cornerback from the University of Indiana


24.) * R Mason Thomas: EDGE from the University of Oklahoma


25.) A.J. Haulcy: Safety from Louisiana State University


26.) * Anthony Hill Jr.: Linebacker from the University of Texas


27.) Genesis Smith: Safety from the University of Arizona


28.) Tomarrion "T.J." Parker: EDGE from the University of Clemson


29.) Denzel Boston: Wide Receiver from the University of Washington


30.) Lander Barton: Linebacker from the University of Utah


31.) Markell Bell: Offensive Tackle from the University of Miami


32.) Davison Igbinosun: Cornerback from Ohio State University




Quite a bit of names not listed and quite a bit of explaining to do. That said, let allow me to explain this years iteration of the Top 32!


Whenever one grades a player historically, the general consensus is that said players should be graded based solely on what that prospects draft position is. For me, this is very inconclusive at best to spotty at worst. While it is true that there are a set number of players who can be graded out this way (namely those who are deemed both First Round and Top 20 worthy by the NFL Draft Advisory Board), such a rule cannot be accounted for everyone. There are hundreds upon hundreds of young men that enter the NFL Draft. Of those that do, Only 257 of them will be drafted. So, instead of basing a players rating based on their perceived draft position, I base it on the players outcomes.


Example?! Markel Bell. Put simply, I doubt Bell goes in the first round, but I believe he can return first-round value. While he isn't going to be a natural force in the running game due to his 6'9 Frame, his overall capabilities in pass protection are easily Round One worthy. Another example would be Kenyatta Jackson Jr from Ohio State. His overall production doesn't scream First Round in any way whatsoever and is easily super ceded by players such as T.J. Parker, Mason Thomas, Cashius Howell and even the biggest omission from the Top 32 in David Bailey. While the production doesn't scream Top 15 Value, the tools and traits are easily there for him to develop into a Top 10 EDGE in the NFL. His tools and traits alone don't get him here although they are worth nothing; 6'6 and 275lbs. What does get Kenyatta here is the following; excellent bend during his pass rush sets, excellent ability to convert speed to power, a stalwart when it comes to maintaining the Point of Attack in the Running Game and incredible versatility to play multiple alignments. These traits alone are why that I have someone like Kenyatta rated much higher than others; things one cannot teach. To be a Top 15 Prospect on my board, the prospect in question needs to possess truly special qualities in multiple ways. Another great example is Landor Barton. Not only is he unbelievably instinctive but he is also a massive asset in pass coverage. He does need to work on his ability to disengage blocks when playing the run but I don't believe that to be a massive issue for him given how violent and aggressively controlled he plays. Again, Landor will not be selected among the Top 32 but I do believe that, among the likes of CJ Allen, Kylie Louis, Josiah Trotter and even Jacob Rodriguez, Barton shall return First Round Value in comparison to the others. The highest level example I can give?! Peter Woods. Now, Peter Woods will be a First Round Player; Top 15 even. However, among the IDL in this draft and Defensive Players as a whole?! Peter Woods is one of three that I have identified that possesses Perennial All Pro abilities; hence why he is a Top 3 Prospect in the entire class.


As for the QBs, namely Fernando Mendoza not making my list, I will explain that at the very end.



Now, as for the rest of the list, Sonny Styles, Peter Woods and Caleb Downs are all going to make their respective Front Offices, Coaches and Teammates very happy Day One. All three of these men are absolute game changing monstrosities. Nothing more needs to be said about them. For the rest of the Top 10?! I don't think there is too much to say on that end either. Some may scoff at Francis Mauigoa being here but he reminds me fondly of David DeCastro from Stanford. Obtaining a multiple All Pro Player in any draft is considered a win; no matter how that player gets it. To round out the rest of the Top 32, it does amaze me that, among the schools listed, Ohio State possesses the most players. Six total. Of those six?! Four are in the Top 10. That is the most I have ever had from one College. Schools aside, outside of Kenyatta Jackson Jr, Genesis Smith would be another name that wouldn't surprise me that would outplay his draft spot. As I said, I rate players based on the value they can return and not the spot they are pre determined to be drafted. While Genesis Smith does have some woes in terms of tackling, I don't believe it stems from poor effort but rather poor execution. While this also leads to some fits as a run defender from him, I believe that these woes are very correctable. Tackling form and gap discipline are teachable; effort and perseverance are not. Looking at this from another angle, D'Angelo Ponds' size is the furthest thing from a First Round Player. That said, turn on the tape and you will see a player who can easily play in the NFL on Sunday's; size be damned. I still personally would like him to be a slot option but given how he has handled the likes of Emeka Egbuka, Jeremiah Smith and Evan Stewart, placing him outside every now and then isn't too bad an option either.




Finally, to answer the question about Fernando Mendoza's absence. Truth be told, there is a lot that I do like about Fernando as a whole. Great arm, great size, great character and rock solid accuracy to boot. All of these aspects alone should automatically place him within the Top 32 right?! Well... it is more complicated than that. Remember that the QB Position is, for all intensive purposes, a much different position than any other position in Football. As such, QBs need to be graded based on three factors. They are as follows:


1.) Is the QB in question the reason the team is winning or is the QB a byproduct of it?! (i.e. Great Coach limiting mistakes vs. a system that can operate a varied usage of formations)

2.) How good is the QBs overall abilities in the pocket?! (I.e. Pocket Prescence, Pocket Poise, ability to read multiple options in coverage, etc.)

3.) How good is the QBs overall capabilities on every passing down?! (i.e. are his passes constantly tipped at the LOS, ability to manipulate DBs with his eyes, ability to throw with anticipation, etc.)


Fernando Mendoza has many things to like; tools, smarts, precision, character, leadership and processing. The major issues though don't stem from the foundational pieces but how well Mendoza can play without relying on such a system by a great College Coach. Curt Cignetti runs a very tight ship as far as how he wants his programs to operate. On one hand, this means that he will maximize the abilities of every player based on that structure and rigid discipline. On the other hand, it also means that Frank has to use these aspects due to him having a QB that isn't good at all on operating on multiple platforms. Remember that a Great Coach must adapt to their players strengths and weaknesses. Fernando's weaknesses stem from locking onto his Receivers far too much and far too often, becoming a deer in headlights when pressured from the inside, throwing a very basic route tree to very skilled Receivers and most of all, only working best from a singular spot. Working from within the Pocket as an NFL Player is fine but why players like Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow or even Drake Maye are worthy of their First Round grade is that they have showcased their abilities to both process defenses at lightning speed, reading multiple WR's at lighting speed and most of all, being able to operate the Offense as a whole from different platforms. Even if those attributes are not accounted for, Fernando doesn't possess nearly the anticipation capabilities that the aforementioned have either. Add in the fact that all of the aforementioned were not only hailing from Offenses in college that used the full Route Tree for their WRs in addition to being able to throw to and have full utilization of the entire field, the overall evidence doesn't suggest to me that Fernando Mendoza is worthy of a First Round Grade at all. There is way too much working against him at the moment. No doubt he will be a First Round QB; First Overall at that. However, can I confidently say, in good faith, that Fernando will yield greater value simply based on his position?! Absolutely not. In short?! Fernando is much more of a Game Manager than he is the Franchise Altering Player so many believe.




To conclude, I do expect some movement among the Top 32 as I do yearly though how much remains to be seen. I can say that, with good faith that I really don't expect too much movement within the Top 10 and my Top 5 is set. There is plenty more to write from my end as we are only beginning!!



To that end, that will conclude the very first entry of the Top 32 Big Board. Thank you all for reading and I hoped you enjoyed! If you have any questions or comments, leave them down below as it does help me out in a big way! Tune in next time for I will be covering the Top Five Positional Rankings!


Once again, this is AskQuestionsLater saying so long, stay safe and have an awesome day!!

 

I like the first 10... It definitely feels like you went in on the "high ceiling" players with these guys. Woods is probably not a top 10 prospect, but if it clicks for him, he could be one of the best players taken... but then guys like Downs, Reese, and Styles all feel a good bit safer even if they still have the high ceiling. The rest of the list is interesting. Klare is a good prospect as a receiver, but he's not a great all around player. Ponds is a great college corner who will likely be a slot only. His body type is just going to make it hard for him to be elite, but in the right spot he could be really good. Concepcion ahead of Tyson is a headscratcher but its not like Concepcion isn't a good prospect in his own right. Igbinosun is the only other one I was surprised at. I like him a lot (very similar to Porter Jr. coming out, but a better athlete), but I don't know if he's getting taken in the first 50 picks. I'd love to have him though. He has a lot of tools if he's coached right to be a really nice corner. No QB's, but I don't hate it. I think the class is soft enough that Simpson and Mendoza are probably top 32 talents.

Overall nice list. I can't complain.

 

Max Klare is going to surprise a lot of people in all honestly. While he isn't the best blocker regarding Tight Ends, Klare is a matchup issue from a Receiving perspective and doubly so from a Tight End perspective. Most Tight Ends that do have the ability to be receiving based either only can operate as an inline Tight End or even worse, only operate from a purely possession standpoint; namely the short area's of the field. After that group, there are Tight Ends who can operate from the intermediate area's of the field but only can do so consistently based on the play calls as opposed to aspects such as route running abilities, IDing soft spots in coverage and most of all separation. Finally, there are the rare exceptions of Receiving Tight Ends who can operate in multiple spots on Offense while being an complete level threat while possessing the previous aforementioned in spades. Most of all though is that these players have shown that ability to do so consistently; allowing their respective OCs to get more creative for other weapons that he may have in the playbook. If an NFL Team can find a multi level, versatile, scheme transcendent Receiving Tight End, they are going to take that every time and twice on Sundays even if that means sacrificing some blocking capability. Max Klare doesn't have the athleticism that Kenyon has; hence why Kenyon is going to be a matchup nightmare. However, Max Klare has far too many Receiving gifts to be ignored. Furthermore, Klare doesn't strike me as the player who is disinterested in blocking but is rather unrefined at it.


As for the other critiques?! K.C. Concepcion has arguably the best separation of any Wide Receiver in the class. Combine his route running, natural speed, versatility and YAC Capability, K.C. Concepcion will surprise a lot of people. If anything, while I like Makai Lemon's advanced knowledge of the Route Tree, great release package and great hands, his lack of overall athleticism is what concerns me. That still doesn't make him any less of a player but I don't see the ROI (return on investment) with Lemon that I see with K.C. Same goes for Jordyn although not that much. K.C. has drop concerns but I wouldn't call them issues. K.C.s drops have more to do with his QBs inaccuracy over the MOF where a good portion of his drops occurred. It also doesn't help when the routes that he does run often lead him into the area where a traffic cop in a Safety is waiting for him. That isn't to say K.C. won't take hits; he oh most assuredly can. It is just that, to me, he is more focused on separating as quickly as possible rather than worrying about whoever is in the MOF.


Finally, Cornerback is a very tools and traits position. As far as what I look for in Cornerbacks entering the NFL, a number of attributes. They are as follows:

1. Good straight-line speed: This one is very simple. Cornerbacks have to be either the fastest or among the fastest players on their respective teams. Remember that these players are running after another player and not towards a specific point. As such, their level of overall speed needs to be much greater.
   
   
2. Fast close to the ball in coverage: Click 'n' Close for short. How explosive is the Corner to the football when the ball gets to the opposing player?! Again, outside of EDGE, no other position has more importance on said key athletic attribute than Corner.
   
   
3. Playmaking ball skills: Be it interception or pass breakups. How proficient is their technique when attempting to knock the ball out of a Receivers hands?! More importantly, how consistently can they do so?!
   
   
4. Route anticipation: Is the Corner able to ID the Offense's concepts Pre Snap?! If so, they must show a consistent level of being able to position themselves accordingly on a snap to snap basis.
   
   
5. Great instincts: Understanding where the QB is going with the football, where the WR across from him will go, understanding which route that WR will take but most importantly, understanding the type of play the Offense will run.
   
   
6. Plays with route leverage: Needs to be able to place himself in the best position to defend the route. This is often done through mirroring the WR's moves or better yet, keeping in phase with him during his route; doubly so in either double moves or sudden movements by the WR.
   
   
7. Physicality: Not just from a purely coverage standpoint in press. Overall in terms of how he attacks the football, how aggressive the Corner is when he needs to close distance to get to the football and most importantly, how violent his coverage tendencies are while staying in phase with the WR during the route while possessing controlled aggression.
   
   
8. Toughness: Pretty self explanatory here. Have to be able to absorb a lot of contact from both pass coverage and run defense.
   
   
9. Short-term memory: Be it big play or touchdown, how a Cornerback responds is paramount. Perseverance is key in this position for there is no room for the weak of mind.
   
   
10. Swag: Again self explanatory. Carries a particular form of Charisma; often bordering on the realm of arrogance. That said, the best of the best know how to both utilize and maintain their levels of swag for a longer duration than others.
    
    
11. Not afraid to provide pass and run support: Pass support here is weird but namely in the form of blitzing. Even though seldom, it is still a great trait for a DC to have. As for run support?! Self explanatory there.
    
    
12. Good tackler: Again, self explanatory.

Of the 12 things listed, for me, Corners that are selected within the Top 32 need to have 9 of them. Of the nine, Davison has points 1, 2, 3 and 7-12. Now, he does have 4 to 6 but just not enough for me to justify him being any higher than my 32nd player. His route anticipation is more so extended on him playing in press man than anything else, his instincts in zone are underdeveloped and his route leverage in zone is inconsistent overall. Right now, he is more so a press man Corner only. That said, he has shown growth, albeit small, in Zone. How much growth he can obtain at the next level is anyone's guess but purely from a press man perspective, he is definitely starter ready.

 

!!!!

Whoops!!


My mistake everyone!! Didn't realize that Kenyatta Jackson Jr. was returning to school! I will update the list very soon!

 

List is now updated!!


Caleb Banks slots in for Kenyatta! Reason?! Monstrous multi role athletic IDLs like him do not come around too often. Pro Comp for him is Chris Jones lite.

 

I assume you don't have Jermod McCoy as a day 1 starter because of the injury that kept hum out the entire season at UT. If he's healthy and fully recovered, which I believe he is, he could start at CB on any roster immediately.

 

I gotta see how he performs at the Combine personally. ACL Injuries are no longer the career killers they once were thankfully. That said, still gotta see how fluid McCoy moves in some of the drills; namely his lateral movements as a whole. If he performs to expectations?! Day One starter immediately.


Exceed them?! You are talking about a Pro Bowl Caliber player.