'26 DRAFT RANKINGS QB/RB

2026 Quarterbacks/ Running Backs

QUARTERBACKS

EXPLANATION OF NUMERICAL RATINGS AND DRAFT VALUE

95-100 ELITE PLAYER, Yearly in All Pro debate, consistently a Top 5 player at the position, can change the direction of the franchise. Likely a league MVP at some point of his career potentially more than once. Face of the franchise, elite level football IQ, high personal character and while talent can trump that for some it cannot for me for this level of rating. Expect elite level performance and undeniable team leadership for 10/15 years. Possible Hall of Fame Career. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK

90-94 Top 5/10 at the position most years, All Pro 3-5 years over 10/15-year career with drafting team, may possibly win a MVP award with a special season. Capable of turning the fortunes of a franchise as long as other pieces in place. One of the primary faces of the franchise, high football IQ, preferred high personal character team leader on the offensive side. Consistently a top-level performer in all years, could make HOF ballot for a few years. Mid/Late 1st round draft pick

82-89 Solid at the position. Look for 8/12-year career perhaps spending last few as a backup. Possibly an All-Pro season or two should finish in top half of players at position most years. Very good but not great. Very solid and dependable player. Team will be looking for replacement after 5/7 years, may not find one but looking. 2nd contact with drafting team 50/50. 2nd/3rd round

74-81 Flaws that can possibly be overcome. Could be, lack of ideal arm strength, prototypical size or athleticism, mechanical issues, could be injury or personality concerns. Likely 3/5-year career max at starter level in most cases, then relegated to backup duty. Rare players with a few years of patience, good coaching, along with a strong personal work ethic can evolve to more. Potential to become long term starter but the team will always be looking for a better option, this can last for many years, but player will be on the bubble year to year. 2nd contract with drafting team unlikely. Draft 3rd/4th round

65-73 Numerous flaws, Injury concerns or physical limitations. May start a year or two for a desperate team. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Likely a 3-to-5-year career then on the bubble, some players can carve out a longer career or even start will hard work and patience or as a backup if willing to play for multiple teams over career. Some fortunate few beat the odds and find a long-term home; most are out of football within 5 years. Draft 4th/5th round

57-64 Career backup/ developmental player. At this point the draft is even more of a gamble. Could be formerly high rated recruit who failed to live up to expectations. Could be star players with serious injury concerns, some with rare physical attributes who will need serious coaching and patience, some who never found a fit in college. Some can develop (Brady) but this is rare. likely will begin as a #3 or practice squad player, the rest depends on patience and work ethic. Player not finishing rookie contract with drafting team is more likely. Will live on the bubble. Draft 6th/7th round

50-56 Developmental Practice squad player. Another home for those who did not find great success in college or after much hype in High School. 1 in 50 can beat the odds and have a longer career. Just an arm for practice and scout team, the "preferred walk on" of the NFL, could, could, develop into role player with tenacity and patience. Likely just on roster a year or two at best as a practice player not active on game days. Draft late 7th round/Priority Free Agent (PFA) Free Agent (UDFA)

45-49 Player for Training Camp or practice squad 1 in 100 will carve out a longer career due to incredible diligence and tenacity. Only active when team needs a body for a couple games due to injuries.. Not long for the team. Week to Week. Likely will sign with several teams over a few years. Teams will lead these guys on often knowing they will never play a down for them. Better not completely leave school before graduation that degree will be necessary. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

Under 45 Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Well maybe after numerous stints in Arena Ball or the UFL!! Players with a specific skill or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make more of it like making the practice squad for a year or two. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS

BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.

OVERRATED ALERT!!! Similar to the above but not as extreme, for after 1st/2nd rounds.. Players are not as highly rated so mistakes while still important do not carry the same weight. There are multiple reasons for this designation some but not limited to character, talent, injuries,college scheme or system.

UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.

SLEEPER ALERT!!!! A player that perhaps played in a poor scheme for his talents, suffered from poor coaching, revolving door coaching, poor supporting cast but has shown flashes that can lead him to success in the proper environment.

POSITION CHANGE ALERT!!! These are players who I feel due primarily to their skill set or more rarely at times measurables will reach their maximum level of NFL success by changing from their primary College position.

CHARACTER ALERT!!! This designation is reserved for players who have had multiple issues concerning there character. This can be legal issues, multiple transfers, poor practice habits, friction with teammates and/or Coaches, Academic issues and or any other infraction that brings into question the players decision making. Teams must weigh the risk/reward related to these players VERY CAREFULLY!!

INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$

MY VIEWS ON QUARTERBACKS

My views on QB's as you will read differ substantially from the so called "experts" Look back at history and you will see many massive mistakes. Just in the last 10/15 years 1st round glaring errors were, Winston #1,Young #1 Mariota #2, Trubisky #2, Griffin #2, Wilson #2, Lance #3, Bortles #3,Richardson #4, Jones #6, Locker #9, Gabbert #10, Rosen #10, Fields #11, Ponder #12, Haskins #15, Jones #15, Manuel #16, Pickett #20, Weeden #22, Manziel #22, Tebow #25, Lynch #26, Not impressive is it!! And the list grows yearly! Just 8 out of 25 QB's (32%) drafted in the top 10 between 2010 and 2021 are with the original drafting teams!!!! Yet ALL were consensus Highly rated players by the "Experts" you all have listened to for years.!! One of the MAIN reasons I started this site was the fact I called ALL of these!! I know I have no proof but as the past few years have shown I can do it much better, SURE nobody is perfect as we cannot get into the minds of players that deeply but just watch and learn and I WILL be your source! Most NFL GM's talk themselves into wildly overvaluing QB's, be pressured by Owners who THINK they know football or by the Local Media, another prime source of ignorant evaluations. And the last is by fans fueled by the explosion of "Sports Talk" radio, which is nothing, but a cleverly disguised Reality Show sold to those not knowing any better as genuine media, listen closely people it's all a con. My method, I watch games and tape!!! I put 0.0% of my evaluations on All Star games, "the combine" or ridiculous "Pro Day" performances. All Star games tell you little if any about long term potential, It' one week people!! The combine is absolutely ARCHAIC, and Pro days honestly are just a completely choreographed JOKE!!

2026 QUARTERBACK OVERVIEW

I only see a single likely starter and early contributor and I rate him far below most others. The rest of this class all have holes or limitations to their game, that said, someone in the 2-7 positions will surprise and have a solid career. Certainly, some intriguing raw talent available and potential long-term B/U's on the board. But as we see yearly, patience and the NFL no longer have a working relationship and the powers that be don't have the common sense or intelligence to change that self-destructive narrative.

2026 QUARTERBACK RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE-D

RK NAME SCH Ht Wt Rtg RND

1.Fernando Mendoza Ind 6-5 225 90 Late 1st

Intangibles off the charts!! Great kid, will work hard, can take hard coaching, great frame. Arm is average, very generic offense, he rarely had to make tough throws, average athlete but can be elusive. His work ethic may make me eat these words, but I see him as a high second tier QB in his best seasons long term. He needs a cast around him!

2.Ty Simpson Ala 6-2 210 83 Early 3rd

SHOULD HAVE GONE BACK TO SCHOOL!! His coming out was puzzling to me. Much like Mendoza he is a quality kid with some talent. Slightly above average arm, better athlete than most think, can make all the throws though deeper balls need consistency, he also can be a bit streaky. Consistency is the key word here and he lacks it due to be a single season starter which RARELY works out well!

3. Drew Allar PennSt 6-5 235 78 Late 3rd

I have seen him play since HS. At Penn St he never had any elite receivers, in fact they were poor and coaching was a problem as well. He will need some serious work but has the tools to be a mid-level starting QB.

4.Taylen Green Ark 6-6 230 76 Early 4th

GREAT athlete but victim of poor college choices. Has all the tools but consistency has eluded him. A project who could evolve to a solid QB2

5.Garrett Nussmeier LSU 6-2 200 69 Early 5th

Big disappointment this season, he needed to take astep up and he took two steps back, I'm not sold he can recover.

6.Haynes King GaTch 6-3 215 67 Mid 5th

SLEEPER ALERT!! This player has surprising tools, very fast and athletic, good arm, can make all the throws but he never played with a great cast. He could easily outplay this spot.

7.Joe Fagnano UConn 6-4 225 65 Late 5th

Great frame, solid arm, worth a long look as a B/U, Good practice squad candidate

8.Sawyer Robertson Bay 6-4 220 62 Mid 6th

Some have him higher. The offense he played in struggles to translate to NFL.

9.Cade Klubnik Clem 6-2 210 59 Early 7th

Once thought to be the top of this class, he has some nice skills. Offense was a mess; program also last few seasons. He's definitely worth a long look. Maybe a year on the practice squad?

10.Diego Pavia Vand 5-9 200 56 Mid 7th

I see him as a long-term career B/U if he decides he can handle that. Ego may not let him, but he could make $30 million over his career if he can check it. He's a gamer, plain and simple!!

11.Carson Beck Ga 6-4 220 54 Late 7th

I'm rather shocked some still see him as a viable QB, His arm never was that strong and his injury made it worse, some weak team QB2 possibility is my limit.

12.Behren Morton TxTch 6-2 210 53 PFA

Did not look good under pressure far too often

13.Luke Altmyer Ill 6-2 205 52 PFA

Could develop into a B/U

14.Jalon Daniels Kan 6-0 220 49 UDFA

Athletic and good arm

15.Miller Moss Lou 6-2 205 48 UDFA

Some QB3 possibility

16.Cole Payton NDSt 6-3 233 45 UDFA

Small school stud.

17.Mark Gronowski Iowa 6-2 230 45 UDFA

Big, strong athletic kid, Practice squad player.

18.Joey Aguilar Tenn 6-3 225 44 UDFA

Might make a team.

19.Kyron Drones VaTch 6-2 234 43 UDFA

Disappointing end to his once promising career.

20.Jack Strand Moor 6-5 240 42 UDFA

21.Jacob Clark MoSt 6-4 220 41 UDFA

22.Blake Shapen MissSt 6-1 210 40 UDFA

23.Athan Kalakmaniss Rut 6-3 215 40 UDFA

24.Jake Retzlaff Tula 6-1 205 40 UDFA

RUNNING BACKS

EXPLANTION OF NUMERICAL RATINGS AND DRAFT VALUE RUNNING BACK

95-100 ELITE PLAYER, Yearly in All Pro debate, Consistently a Top 5 player at the position, can change the direction of the franchise. Likely a league MVP at some point of his career potentially more than once. Face of the franchise, elite level football IQ, high personal character and while talent can trump that for some it cannot for me for this level of rating. Expect elite level performance and undeniable team leadership for 10/15 years. Possible Hall of Fame Career. TOP 5/10 DRAFT PICK

Under 45: Training camp body at best, HOPE YOU GOT YOUR DEGREE!!! THE REAL WORLD IS COMING!!!!!!!!! Well maybe after numerous stints in Arena Ball or the UFL!! Players with a specific skill or perhaps tremendous intangibles worthy of a Camp Invite, 1 in 500 make more of it like making the practice squad for a year or two. Frankly, GM's who sign these guys for anything more than a camp body will be looking for work soon. Free Agents only. (UDFA)

EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS

o character, talent, injuries, college scheme or system.

INJURY ALERT!!!! A player with serious injury concerns, medicals vital. Possibly multiple injuries while in college or one severe injury. Also could have a long injury history in College and even perhaps High School "Injury Prone" is the common term. If you are missing time on the field you are costing your team $$$$

MY VIEWS ON RUNNING BACKS

Every year we hear how the NFL has devalued RBs. Yet every year teams that lead in rushing win a more than they lose. Over the past several seasons approximately 75% of top ten teams in rushing have made the playoffs! So, the math is rather simple running equals winning, always has always will. This is yet another fact that shows the ignorance of countless NFL executives and why they fail so often in the draft!!

2026 RUNNING BACK OVERVIEW.

One of the best classes in years! I see nine players that can be long-term NFL players and potentially more with the top four all having the physical ability to become lead back stars! How this class pans out will be ultimately up to the players but the talent in clear and obvious.

2026 RUNNING BACK RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE A+

RK NAME SCH Ht Wt Rtg RND

1.Jerimiyah Love NDame 6-0 210 96 Top 10

He has it all, speed, quickness, power can catch the ball! Top 5 RB ability long-term, ELITE!

2.Nick Singleton PennSt 6-0 226 93 Mid 1st

I like him better than most, that PSU offense was a total mess last season and the way Singleton was used was a big reason. Can be a premier power back and has the speed to finish! Solid receiver.

3.Jadarian Price NDame 5-11 210 90 Late 1st

Reminds me of NE's Henderson with his explosive runs, breakaway speed, nice power, great frame, great feet will need some work in pass game.

4.Kaytron Allen PennSt 5-10 220 89 Early 2nd

Another quality power back does have some high mileage. Can break loose, will need work in pass game

5.Jonah Coleman Wash 5-9 229 87 Mid 2nd

I worry about his long-term health. His style and body type don't often last too long. But short term, great power and shiftiness, surprising quickness, solid receiver,

6.Kaelon Black Ind 5-10 211 85 Late 2nd

UNDERRATED ALERT!!! I'm MUCH HIGHER on him than most. Great vison, explosiveness, surprising power. he hits the hole harder than anyone on this list. Not used at Indiana in pass game but he was effective at JMU but he will need some work.

7.Mike Washington Ark 6-2 228 83 Mid 3rd

Three schools and he saved the best for last. Shows potential to be a solid power-back option.

8.Le'Veon Moss TxA&M 5-11 215 81 Late 3rd

Nice blend of power and speed, he must stay healthy.

9.Adam Randell Clem 6-2 235 78 Late 3rd

SLEEPER ALERT!! Former WR is a very interesting prospect, still learning the position, very low miles on him, unique understanding of pass game.

10.Terion Stewart VaTch 5-9 222 73 Late 4th

Bowling ball type of runner, solid in pass game also.

11.Jam Miller Ala 5-10 221 67 Mid 5th

Bama's run game was a mess last season; Miller has shown ability to be a solid rotational back.

12.Seth McGowan Ky 6-1 215 64 Early 6th

Has some rotational potential. Understands pass game.

13.CJ Donaldson OSU 6-1 232 61 Late 6th

Great size, decent speed, former TE has good hands.

14.Rahsul Faison SCar 6-0 218 60 Late 6th

Disappointed this season like the rest of his team

15.Chip Trayanum Tol 5-11 227 56 Late 7th

One-dimensional power runner.

16.Curtis Allen VaUn 6-2 215 55 Late 7th

Small school stud, great frame, worth a look. Practice squad??

17.Dean Conners Hou 6-0 206 54 Late 7th

Solid all-around game. Good practice squad candidate.

18.Star Thomas Tenn 6-0 210 49 UDFA

19.Kejon Owens FIU 5-10 210 48 UDFA

20.Tawaee Walker Cin 5-9 218 47 UDFA

21.Josh McCray Ga 6-1 235 45 UDFA

22.Showmari Lawrence MoSt 6-0 210 44 UDFA

23.Barika Kpeenu NDSt 5-10 213 42 UDFA

24.Dominic Richardson Tuls 6-0 210 40 UDFA

NEW FROM 2022 ALL PURPOSE BACKS

. ALL PUPOSE RUNNING BACKS

EXPLANTION OF NUMERICAL RATINGS AND DRAFT VALUE ALL PURPOSE RUNNING BACK

EXPLANATION OF OTHER TERMS

BUST ALERT!!! A player highly ranked by many others but one I do hold in the same regard. Also, this term will be used for players who I call "ONE YEAR WONDERS" these players are either freakish athletes or players who had one season that FAR exceeded their previous production creating serious risk. This term will be reserved for 1st round projections where mistakes can cripple a franchise.

UNDERRATED ALERT!!! Players I feel deserve a higher ranking than many/most other so called experts. These players in the future will be referred to as "STEALS" but I want it known my evaluation were on point when they were drafted.

MY VIEWS ON ALL PURPOSE RUNNING BACKS

With the recent changes in the NFL game I felt the need to create another Draft designation "THE ALL PURPOSE RUNNING BACK" These players in the past were offen referred to as "3rd down backs" "change of Pace Backs' also they often pull Slot receiver duty and in an ideal case be a quality contributor on Special teams as a return Specialist or a Core Special Teams Player. These players are best when getting the ball on average between 12 and 18 times a game total. Another ideal trait for these Backs is the ability to provide Full Time RB duty when called upon to do so and a must is being highly useful in all facets of the passing game. These players are generally on the smaller/Quicker side although that is not necessary for them to excel. Much as when I introduced the "Slot WR" designation a few years ago watch for others rip this one off as well.

2026 ALL PURPOSE BACK OVERVIEW

No matter WHAT YOU READ ELSEWHERE I'm the one who 1st started grading/rating this position!!! That said this year's class in not elite or deep, yet someone will emerge and become a quality player, maybe more than one. Scheme fit for this spot is vital, watch as numerous players from this list are mis-used by NFL coaches and execs then fail to make a mark.

2026 ALL PURPOSE BACK RANKINGS/CLASS GRADE

RK NAME SCH Ht Wt Rtg RND

1.Roman Hemby Ind 6-0 208 86 Late 2nd

Not used much in pass game in '25 but caught over 100 balls in previous three season at Maryland, showed nice burst and some power this past season.

2.Emmitt Johnson Neb 5-11 200 85 Late 2nd

Ran for 1400+ last season and has caught 85 balls the last two seasons.

3.J'Mare Taylor Vir 5-9 204 81 Late 3rd

Former HBCU star who saved his best performance for division 1A!! Nice upside with this kid, plays/runs HARD!!

4.Noah Whittington Ore 5-8 203 77 Early 4th

Explosive runner, not used correctly in pass game IMO. 6 years in school but always part of a rotation.

5.Demond Claiborne WFst 5-9 195 76 Early 4th

Very good all-around player on a team few see often.

6.Jaydn Ott Okl 6-0 210 74 Mid 4th

Who is he? The guy with 2200 yards and 70+ receptions, 25 TDs in two seasons or the who he has been the past two. Worth a solid gamble.

7.Cash Jones Ga 5-11 195 69 Early 5th

SLEEPER ALERT!! I really like this guy; I think the NFL game will also. He should have had a bigger role at Ga.

8.Anthony Hankerson OreSt 5-8 203 64 Early 6th

Has some change of pace potential.

9.Jamal Haynes GaTch 5-9 190 56 Mid 7th

Numbers have fallen each year.

10.Jaden Nixson UCF 5-10 200 55 Late 7th

Has shown great breakaway speed on occasion.

11.Desmond Reid Pitt 5-8 175 52 PFA

Could find a role with his versatility.

12.Robert Henry UTSA 5-9 205 50 PFA

13.Kentrell Bullock SAla 5-10 205 49 UDFA

14.Davon Booth MissSt 5-9 205 46 UDFA

15.Evan Pryor Cin 5-10 198 45 UDFA

5 STAR College Football

5 STAR College Football

2026 Quarterbacks/ Running Backs

NEW FROM 2022 ALL PURPOSE BACKS