PRESEASON '26 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS, SPECIAL TEAMS

These rankings are for my preseason top NFL Draftable players. Off course these ratings are subject to change by year end, but it will be fun to see what the season shows us. As in my Draft analysis, I use my own eyes and metrics to rate players.  I also break down some positions differently than most. I find this very important and the root cause of so many mistakes in the draft process. Even with all the advancements today many, many NFL executives and Draft analysts are still operating in caveman modes of years gone by and failing!! New for this season I've added a Comments section just for some added context clarifying my opinion on players.   

  KICKERS

Very nice class, I see 4 draftable players right now.

CLASS GRADE A

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht     Wt      Comments        

1.Dominic Zavada      Mich      6-3    180     Total package, strong leg, has kicked in weather, and under high pressure

2.Will Ferrin                    BYU      6-3    175     12/14 from 40-49 last two seasons, has kicked in weather.

3.Peyton Woodring      Ga      5-10   185     42/48 last two seasons including 13-17 over 40 yards.

4.Drew Stevens            Iowa     6-1    205    Will be a 4-year starter, 8-13 over 50 yards   

5.Clune Van Andel      ArkSt    6-0    202    Needs to eliminate hiccups under 40, he could rise or fall in this list. 

Others to watch:

Trey Smack Fla, David Olano ILL, Colin Rogers SMU, Jesus Gomez AzSt, Jonah Delange UAB, Emmet Kenney Stan.

   PUNTERS

Decent class, several draftable players, at least 2 of these guys should rise up.

 CLASS GRADE C

Rk     Player                       Sch        Ht     Wt      Comments         

1.Daniel Sparks              Vir        6-6     217    Will be a 5-year starter, net has improved yearly. he take the next step.

2.Brett Thorsen               Ga       6-1     235    Powerful leg, net is impressive.

3.Ross James                   Ore      6-2     190    Strong, consistent leg has played in weather.

4.Atticus Bertrams       Wisc     6-3     237    Great net average, hang time impressive,

5.Palmer Williams         Bay      6-2     201    HUGE leg needs work on hang time.

Others to watch:

Ryan Eckley Mich St, Bryce McFerson Md, Jack Stonehouse Syrac.

KICK RETURNERS

Loaded class, one pure Return/ST demon specialist and numerous players with multi-position ability.

CLASS GRADE B+

Rk     Player                       Sch       Ht       Wt      Comments        

1.Kaden Wetjen           Iowa       5-9     196    Returned one of each for TD last season, VERY well coached, will lead special teams!

2.Barion Brown             LSU       5-11   180     5 KR TD's in career, solid SWR prospect also, fills two roster spots.  

3.Josh Cameron            Bay        6-1     218    Rare combo of size and speed for this position, primary punt return, needs KO work.

4.Desmond Reid           Pitt         5-6     175    Solid PR and APB prosect, undersized but very tough.

5.Hank Beatty                 ILL        5-10   185     Strong PR, little KO experience, solid DB prospect, should be ST demon!

Others to watch:

Junior Sherrill Vand, Zavion Thomas LSU, Martel Hight Vand, Jacob De Jesus Cal, Antonio Williams Clem.