2026 NFL draft: Top 10 prospects according to Field Yates

March 20, 2026 - 20:54

With the 2025 NFL season still on the horizon, ESPN analyst Field Yates has turned his focus even further ahead, releasing an early ranking of the top 50 collegiate prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. This preliminary list offers a fascinating first look at the next generation of professional talent.

Topping Yates' list is University of Colorado two-way superstar Travis Hunter, whose electrifying play at both cornerback and wide receiver has made him a must-watch talent and the presumptive early favorite. He is closely followed by a pair of dominant defensive linemen: Penn State's disruptive edge rusher Abdul Carter and the University of Georgia's massive interior force, Mykel Williams.

The quarterback class already appears promising, with USC's Miller Moss and Texas's Quinn Ewers securing spots in the top ten, signaling a potential high-stakes battle for draft position. The list is heavily weighted toward defensive standouts, including elite secondary talents like safety Malaki Starks from Georgia and cornerback Will Johnson from Michigan.

This early projection underscores the depth of talent developing in college football, particularly along the defensive front and in the secondary. While these rankings will undoubtedly evolve over the next two seasons, they provide a crucial benchmark for scouts and fans eagerly anticipating the future stars of the league.