With the 2026 NFL Draft just two weeks away, the league has officially announced the 16 prospects who will be attending in person.
This year’s draft is led by the defensive class. Many players from the list are trending toward becoming early first round picks. The most intriguing name attending the draft in Pittsburgh on Day 1: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Simpson’s invite is in the spotlight because projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza will not be in attendance. Mendoza has opted to not attend the draft, as he will be having a draft party with family and friends in Miami, Florida.
However, there is a ton of talent in this draft class who will be making an appearance on the first night of the draft.
16 Prospects Invited To The 2026 NFL Draft
(in alphabetical order)
David Bailey, LB, Texas Tech
From Texas Tech, David Bailey is projected by many experts to be the first defender off the board. Praised as a proven pass rusher, Bailey is expected to be drafted within the first three picks. In 2025, Bailey tied for the most sacks in the FBS (14.5). He is an immediate impact player, who will be a major problem for quarterbacks. Bailey is an off-ball linebacker, and his proven skills when running off the edge make him the perfect player at No. 2.
According to ESPN insider, Matt Miller, Bailey is the newest front runner for the New York Jets at No. 2 over Arvell Reese.
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (FLA)
Coming out of Miami, Reuben Bain Jr. is the prospect who can go anywhere on night one. The latest report has multiple teams interested in Bain. Even though there was the criticism of his arms being “too short” his talent exceeds that measurement. Right now the rumors that swirl around Bain come from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who believes there will be teams calling if he falls to the range of No. 6 and No. 8.
Bain recently had a visit with the Kansas City Chiefs (Pick No. 9), and is now visiting with the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10).
Mansoor Delane, DB, LSU
Mansoor Delane is one of the more versatile defensive backs in this class, with the ability to play both corner and safety. Teams value that flexibility in a draft prospect. Delane is likely to hear his name called somewhere early in the first round, depending on team needs. His physicality and instincts make him a strong fit for defensive schemes that prioritize adaptability in the secondary.
Currently, Delane is expected to go within the top 10. The teams currently in the mix for Delane are the Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, and Dallas Cowboys. Dallas, in particular, has gained buzz with the LSU star as of late.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Ohio State has five prospects heading to Pittsburgh with Caleb Downs being one of three Ohio State players expecting to hear his name within the first 10 picks. He is expected to go somewhere between No. 5 and No. 10, if he does fall.
Currently, the best possible fit for Downs would be at No. 10 with the Cincinnati Bengals. According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, “He has the urgent play demeanor to set the identity of Cincinnati’s defense.”
This is all under the assumption Downs does actually fall and is even available. However, Downs is a generational prospect with a high ceiling. He has the versatility to play over the top and be a disruption near the line of scrimmage.
Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is one of the more intriguing edge rushers in this class due to his size and raw athleticism. While still developing, his upside keeps him firmly in the first-round conversation. Teams picking in the middle of the round could take a chance on his ceiling. Faulk has the traits to become a high-impact pass rusher at the next level with the right development.
Faulk is expected to be a mid to late first round pick, more connected to the Dallas Cowboys and potentially the Seattle Seahawks.
Colton Hood, DB, Tennessee
Colton Hood has steadily risen throughout the pre-draft process, showing improvement in both coverage and physical play. While not a lock for the first round, his invite signals real interest from teams picking on Day 1. Hood is expected to go late Day 1 or early Day 2, particularly for teams looking to add depth and versatility to their secondary.
Hood’s draft stock slightly raised with the fact an injury to his teammate, Jermod McCoy, has raised concerns for teams. Kansas City is one team that has been linked to Hood late in the first round.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Makai Lemon is one of the most dynamic playmakers in this draft class, excelling after the catch and creating space in open-field situations. His ability to contribute in multiple ways makes him valuable in today’s offenses. Lemon is trending toward the middle of the first round, especially for teams looking to add explosiveness to their receiving corps.
Right now he is projected to go within the top 15 picks. His size has raised a late concern for teams, but his speed is what garners the attention. A team like the Kansas City Chiefs or Miami Dolphins could use him as a potential WR1.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Right now the Tennessee Titans are firmly in the mix to select Jeremiyah Love at No. 4. Love is a top-10 pick regardless, but it’s the matter of where he falls. He is not a lock at 4, mainly due to the fact the Titans have other needs, and head coach Robert Saleh has told the media he is comfortable with the running back room. However, Love is connected to the New York Giants, and recently visited the Cincinnati Bengals.
Love is the best running back in the draft. He is a dynamic player who had the third-most rushing touchdowns (18) in the FBS last season plus with 1,372 yards rushing.
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Francis Mauigoa headlines a strong offensive line group, bringing size, strength, and consistency in pass protection. He is widely expected to come off the board within the top 15 picks. Teams in need of immediate help up front will likely target Mauigoa, as he has the tools to step in and contribute right away at the next level.
A back issue brought about a medical recheck for Mauigoa this week, but all indications are that he is healthy. The recheck is not expected to impact his draft stock with Arizona (No. 3) and New York (No. 5) being two teams to watch with the Miami star lineman.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald is a powerful interior presence who thrives against the run. While still developing as a pass rusher, his size and strength make him an attractive option for teams needing help in the trenches. McDonald is tracking toward the late first or early second round, with his role likely focused on anchoring the defensive line early in his career.
Miami, New England, Chicago and Las Vegas have all been connected to the Ohio state defensive lineman.
Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor brings elite size and athleticism to the tackle position, making him one of the highest-upside linemen in the class. While consistency has been questioned at times, his physical tools keep him firmly in the first-round mix. Proctor could land anywhere from the top 10 to the back half of the first round depending on how teams evaluate his development.
The most recent report is the Cleveland Browns are interested in Proctor at No. 6. Houston (No. 28) and Detroit (No. 17) are two other teams that have been connected to Proctor as of late.
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
There is a lot of buzz surrounding Arvell Reese currently. Also projected at being the first defender off the board, Reese fills a need for either the New York Jets or Arizona Cardinals as a pass rusher. What makes Reese the most attractive prospect is the fact that it’s all raw talent plus he has versatility.
There is just no way Reese slips out of the top five unless some major injury or character report comes out. He has a high ceiling and is a day one guy.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The most interesting prospect attending the NFL draft is Ty Simpson. Right now there is uncertainty if Simpson will even be a first round selection. However, the NFL pivoted to Simpson with Mendoza not attending. This fuels the fire that Simpson will be hearing his name in the first round.
The latest rumor is the Arizona Cardinals could trade back into the first round to try and get him. However, the Jets, and possibly even Pittsburgh Steelers could be in the mix. He may not be an immediate starter, but the Alabama quarterback has potential. Simpson can adapt to situations and is an accurate pocket passer, which is why he could go late in the first round.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
After the NFL Combine, Sonny Styles became a popular name among teams. Projected to be a top 10 pick, Styles has become one of the fastest risers since the NFL Scouting Combine, drawing attention for his unique blend of size and versatility. Styles can line up across multiple positions making him a valuable defensive weapon.
He is widely viewed as a top-10 pick with teams intrigued by his ability to impact the game in several ways. Styles could land anywhere between picks 5 and 7. If he were to slip out of that range, we should expect to see a possible trade up for a desperate defensive team.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Projected to be the second or even first wide receiver taken off the board, Carnell Tate has the rumor mill swirling right now. However, he will certainly be in Pittsburgh, as he confirmed at Ohio State’s Pro Day when asked about attending:
“I’m going to go to Pittsburgh. Me and my family decided it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to all go, so why not go?” Tate said.
There is a lot of speculation on where Tate will actually fall, but Cleveland makes the most sense as they are desperate for weapons. New Orleans (Pick No. 8) has also been linked with Tate.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona
Jordyn Tyson offers big-play ability and speed that immediately stands out on film. While injuries have impacted his stock at times, his upside remains undeniable. Tyson is expected to come off the board in the mid-to-late first round, with teams willing to bet on his explosiveness and potential as a vertical threat at the next level.
Tyson is part of a group of three receivers at the top vying to be selected in the first round. Tate and Lemon round out that trio, but there are other value WR picks as well that you can read about here.
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