Caleb Downs at 10 to the Cincinnati Bengals is who I project to be the best overall player in the 2026 draft class. He fills a much-needed talent and roster void on the Bengals, as Cincinnati’s secondary lacks a real star. Downs has the instincts, versatility, and athleticism to elevate the Bengals defense immediately. In a stacked offensive conference, a playmaker who can immediately make an impact on every area of the defense will prove to be a home run for the Bengals.
Comp: Derwin James Jr.
Ty Simpson at 16 to the New York Jets is a hot take, but it makes a lot more sense when you take a look at this year’s quarterback draft class. Ty Simpson lacks the amount of experience that you’d desire, but he has the physical traits, and it could be enough to take a chance on him, especially with a quarterback’s positional value. In this context, Simpson’s arm talent and dual-threat ability could push him to be selected by the quarterback-needy Jets, who have long searched for stability at the position.
Comps: Brock Purdy, Joshua Dobbs
Peter Woods at 19 to the Carolina Panthers is my sleeper pick, because the defensive line is a big need for Carolina, and Woods is the kind of player that can immediately make an impact. Woods’ ability to collapse the pocket and create inside pressure is a need that Carolina looks to address, and if he is able to develop into a consistent interior force, he could turn out to be one of the most impactful players in the draft.
Comp: Jeffrey Simmons
