- Get PFF+ for 30% off: Use promo code HOLIDAY30 to unlock the PFF Player Prop Tool, Premium Stats, fantasy dashboards, the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, industry-leading fantasy rankings and much more — everything you need to win your season.
Estimated Reading Time: 14minutes
With Week 17 in the books and the playoff picture nearly complete, attention around the league is already shifting toward the draft. Several franchises near the top remain focused on the future, with quarterback-needy teams like the Raiders and Jets positioned to make franchise-altering decisions, while the Giants loom as a potential landing spot for an elite wide receiver prospect.
As you follow along, you can explore Trevor Sikkema’s full top-300 big board inside the PFF Big Board Tool, giving you every grade and data point you need on the class. Then build out your own rankings with the fully customizable Big Board Builder or run endless draft scenarios in the Mock Draft Simulator.
Through the holidays, get 30% off a PFF+ subscription with code HOLIDAY30.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Las Vegas resets at the quarterback position by selecting Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. The 22-year-old enters the College Football Playoff quarterfinals with an 88.2 PFF passing grade, seventh best in the FBS, alongside 21 big-time throws compared to just nine turnover-worthy plays. That level of ball security will be welcomed, considering the Raiders’ current quarterback, Geno Smith, leads the NFL in interceptions.
2. New York Giants: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
While the Giants’ head-coaching situation remains a question mark, the franchise's goal should be to build around Jaxson Dart. New York exits Week 17 ranked 30th in PFF receiving grade. Malik Nabers should return to full health in 2026, but the Giants need another dynamic weapon. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, who finished his 2025 season with an 85.9 PFF receiving grade, should be an easy plug-and-play option alongside Nabers.
3. New York Jets: QB Dante Moore, Oregon
The Jets’ passing game is in desperate need of improvement, so they select their new franchise quarterback, Oregon’s Dante Moore. Moore enters the College Football Playoff quarterfinals with a 91.8 PFF passing grade and 28 big-time throws, both of which place him among the top three qualified quarterbacks in the nation.
4. Tennessee Titans: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Tennessee lacks pass-rush juice, so the front office takes a swing on the supremely talented Arvell Reese, who could convert from linebacker to edge defender. Reese has racked up 25 pressures and eight sacks on limited pass-rush work this season, all while posting an excellent 84.5 PFF run-defense grade and missing just four tackles thus far.
5. Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
Arizona is missing quality depth, particularly in run support, on its defensive line. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. would add an immediate infusion of strength and versatility. Bain is one of just two FBS edge defenders ranked among the top 10 players in PFF pass-rush and run-defense grades. He has tallied 66 pressures and 10 sacks, and his ability to condense inside would be extremely valuable to an Arizona defense ranked in the bottom five in PFF pass-rush and run-defense grades in 2025.
6. Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Cleveland would be wise to add some weapons for its 2026 starting quarterback, whomever that may be. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is a sure-handed pass catcher who has earned a 90.1 PFF receiving grade so far in 2025, ranking third best in the FBS. Tate has yet to drop a pass this season and is averaging an outstanding 3.35 yards per route run.
7. Washington Commanders: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Regardless of the position, the Commanders must add star power on defense this offseason. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is arguably the best defensive player in college football. Downs has earned at least an 83.8 PFF overall grade in each of his three college seasons. His awareness and versatility make him a seamless fit in any defense, and Washington would be wise to select him as the new leader of its secondary if available.
8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
The Saints rank dead last in the NFL in PFF rushing grade and explosive run rate. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, whose 93.4 PFF rushing grade this season led the FBS, could fix that. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry and amassed 39 explosive runs across fewer than 200 carries. His game-breaking speed would bring balance to New Orleans’ pass-heavy offense.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: T Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
The Chiefs make it back-to-back years in which they select an offensive tackle in the first round. Current right tackle Jawaan Taylor may be a cap casualty, so Miami’s Francis Mauigoa could slot right into that spot. Mauigoa has allowed just 10 pressures and two sacks while recording a solid 78.9 PFF run-blocking grade this season.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
The Bengals’ lone elite pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, is likely playing elsewhere in 2026 and beyond. Cincinnati replaces his pass-rush production here with Texas Tech’s David Bailey, who leads the FBS with a 93.9 PFF pass-rush grade, 77 pressures and 14 sacks. Bailey could vault himself even further up the board with a big performance against Oregon’s top-ranked pass-blocking unit in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
11. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
While the Rams currently lead the NFL in PFF coverage grade, they have struggled to contain opposing passing games over the past month. With two first-round picks in hand, Los Angeles can afford to take a swing on a talent like Jermod McCoy, who did not play this season due to a knee injury. In 2024, McCoy earned an outstanding 89.6 PFF coverage grade while tallying four interceptions and six pass breakups.
12. Miami Dolphins: WR Makai Lemon, USC
Tyreek Hill could be playing elsewhere in 2026, considering his massive cap hit and his recovery from a severe injury that ended his 2025 season. The Dolphins may aim to replace his production with a natural separator like USC’s Makai Lemon. The Biletnikoff Award winner — the most outstanding receiver in college football — paced all qualified FBS wide receivers in PFF receiving grade (91.4) this season. He also reeled in 10 of his 15 contested targets and forced 20 missed tackles despite his middling stature.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
The Buccaneers need new talent for a linebacker unit that’s sorely lacking in top-end production and depth. Ohio State’s Sonny Styles would add elite athleticism as a former safety and a sure tackler. Styles’ 89.8 PFF overall grade ranks sixth among qualified linebackers this season, and he has yet to miss a tackle through the Buckeyes’ first 13 games.
14. Dallas Cowboys: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
No matter the order in which they do it, the Cowboys must improve the back seven of their defense to contend for the postseason in 2026. They start with LSU’s Mansoor Delane, who earned an elite 90.9 PFF coverage grade this season. Delane notched two interceptions and eight pass breakups while allowing a minuscule 26.7 passer rating as a primary coverage defender this season.
15. Detroit Lions: T Spencer Fano, Utah
The Lions’ offensive line has collapsed in recent weeks, particularly in the run game, so perhaps the front office will use the first round to shore things up. Utah’s Spencer Fano has ranked among the top 10 qualified tackles in PFF overall grade in each of the past two seasons. Whether he plays tackle or guard, Fano will add much-needed brand physicality and athleticism to Detroit’s offensive line.
16. Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Baltimore has struggled to disrupt quarterbacks in the pocket all season. Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell has made a living at the college level pressuring opposing quarterbacks, no more so than this season. Howell earned an elite 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade while accruing 41 pressures and 12 sacks in 2025.
17. Minnesota Vikings: DI Peter Woods, Clemson
The Vikings haven’t gotten what they were hoping for in run defense from veterans Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen in 2025. Both players are also in their early 30s, so the addition of someone like Clemson’s Peter Woods could be a smart long-term play. Woods endured a bit of a down year in 2025, but he earned PFF overall grades above 83.0 in each of his first two seasons, so the elite potential is there to be unlocked.
18. New York Jets (via Colts): EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
The Jets need help at all three levels of their defense. The highest-ranked remaining player on the PFF Big Board in this scenario is Auburn’s Keldric Faulk — an outstanding run defender who could stand to add some polish as a pass rusher. He did show off his pass-rush potential in 2024 with 45 pressures and nine sacks, so the Jets would be wise to inspect what unlocked that production to develop him into a well-rounded player.
19. Carolina Panthers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Carolina’s tight ends rank 31st in the NFL in PFF receiving grade and have produced the fourth-fewest receiving yards through Week 17. With the blocking foundation already in place, a versatile option such as Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq could add a dynamic element to the position group. Sadiq leads all FBS tight ends in touchdowns with eight while averaging an excellent 1.87 yards per route run.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
As their upset loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 showed, the Steelers need additional receiving options alongside D.K. Metcalf. Washington’s Denzel Boston would bring size and reliable hands to the receiving corps. Boston ranks sixth among qualified FBS receivers in PFF receiving grade (87.8) and has secured 10 of his 13 contested targets this season.
21. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers): LB CJ Allen, Georgia
With a cornerback already addressed, Dallas could turn to Georgia’s CJ Allen as a new leader at linebacker. Allen has emerged as a key figure in an elite Georgia run defense and ranks fourth among qualified FBS linebackers in PFF run-defense grade (90.9). He also brings added value as a blitzer, as he has recorded 13 pressures and four sacks this season.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Chargers’ tackle spots should be stabilized by the return to health of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, but the interior offensive line remains an area of need. Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane profiles as a first-round talent who could help immediately. If protecting Justin Herbert is the priority, Ioane fits the bill, ranking 12th among qualified guards in PFF pass-blocking grade (87.3) while allowing just four pressures all season.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
The Eagles have one weak spot at cornerback and several ways to address it. Drafting Clemson’s Aveion Terrell would give them flexibility, either keeping him on the outside or moving him inside and sliding current slot cornerback Cooper DeJean out wide. Terrell is an undersized playmaker who has broken up 15 passes over the past two seasons while earning a PFF run-defense grade of at least 86.0 in both years.
24. Buffalo Bills: DI Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Buffalo’s interior defensive line has struggled against the run throughout the season. There may be no better solution in college football than Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald. McDonald leads all qualified FBS defensive linemen in PFF run-defense grade (92.2) entering the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, and his 30 total defensive stops rank seventh among all defensive tackles.
25. Chicago Bears: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
Chicago struggles to generate pressure without the help of Dennis Allen’s blitz packages. Clemson’s T.J. Parker would add athleticism and physicality to the Bears’ edge defender group. Parker has totaled 127 pressures and 24 sacks over his three seasons at Clemson and has earned a run-defense grade above 80.0 in each of those years, giving him true three-down potential at the NFL level.
26. Houston Texans: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
The Texans need to continue adding offensive line talent. While Aireontae Ersery appears entrenched at left tackle, taking a swing on a talent such as Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor would make sense regardless of whether he ultimately plays tackle or guard in Houston. Proctor currently ranks seventh among qualified tackles in PFF grade (85.6) and has allowed just two sacks this season.
27. Los Angeles Rams: DI Christen Miller, Georgia
The Rams could continue to add defensive line depth with Georgia’s Christen Miller. While Poona Ford has been outstanding against the run this season, he is in his early 30s with essentially just one year of guaranteed money remaining on his contract. Miller would be an ideal heir, as he currently ranks third among qualified FBS defensive tackles in PFF run-defense grade (88.3).
28. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars): T Caleb Lomu, Utah
The Browns rank last in the NFL in pass-blocking grade through Week 17, making offensive line help a clear priority this offseason. Utah’s Caleb Lomu ranks 18th among qualified FBS tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade (82.1) and has not allowed a sack this season. Cleveland exiting the first round with a top-tier wide receiver and a starting-caliber offensive lineman would represent a major success.
29. San Francisco 49ers: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
The 49ers rank an uncharacteristically low 28th in yards after catch per completion this season. One player who could add an element of explosiveness to the offense is Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion. Concepcion earned an 81.2 PFF receiving grade while totaling 440 yards after the catch this season, both of which rank among the top 30 marks for FBS wide receivers.
30. New England Patriots: EDGE Romello Height, Texas Tech
New England could use additional pass-rush help off the edge. Texas Tech’s Romello Height would be a strong fit alongside Harold Landry III next season. Height’s 92.8 PFF pass-rush grade ranks fifth among qualified FBS edge defenders entering the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. He has also recorded 58 pressures, eight sacks and three forced fumbles this season.
31. Denver Broncos: LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Denver could be in a tight spot this offseason, with linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad both set to enter free agency. That could create a need for another starter alongside Dre Greenlaw, and Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. could be a candidate near the end of the first round. Hill is an outstanding athlete who has missed just three tackles this season and has earned a strong 79.7 PFF run-defense grade, following up an 80.1 run-defense grade posted in 2024.
32. Seattle Seahawks: T Gennings Dunker, Iowa
The Seahawks appear set at both tackle spots with Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, but some project Iowa’s Gennings Dunker as a guard at the NFL level, which would make him a strong fit in Seattle. Dunker earned an elite 90.2 PFF run-blocking grade in 2024 and followed it up with a 77.0 run-blocking grade this season. Those marks came primarily in outside-zone concepts, making him a natural fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense as a potential starting guard.