2026 Watch List

[manxman2601]

From Field Yates:

2026 NFL mock draft: Preseason pick predictions for Round 1

Could Arch Manning go No. 1? Will QBs dominate the first round? Which teams could land playmakers? Field Yates projects next year's opening 32 picks.

www.espn.com

I certainly hope 4 or 5 QBs going before we end up picking remains a thing next April.

 

[manxman2601]

"Por qué?

Yup. Backup TE seems like one of the least difficult positions to find in a draft.

 

[manxman2601]

For those of you with an NYT or Athletic subscription, Dane Brugler has just released his top 50.



He has Peter Woods at 1 with Kadyn Proctor his top OT at 3. His top TE, is Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon at 17. Jordan Tyson is his top WR at 12. At this early stage it’s looking like a good class at OT ( 10 in his top 50) and edge rusher (9).

 

[manxman2601]

 

[manxman2601]

 

[manxman2601]

That should keep you going for a while.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[manxman2601]

Eugene Wilson III, Florida WR

The son of former Patriot safety Eugene Wilson. He clearly has electric NFL explosion and pace but this is the stat that intrigues me. ZERO dropped passes on 100 targets! Will we need another undersized WR? Probably not but I do like guys who do the important things right.

Connor Rogers calls him a "special special talent" whilst Trevor Sikkema just calls him "a stud" and has him graded as his No 3 WR.

 

[manxman2601]

Mike Renner’s top 50. Today seems to be the day for them.

 

[Clonamery]

Mike Renner’s top 50. Today seems to be the day for them.

Funny....Iowa could possibly have 2 eventual NFL Centers drafted by the 3rd round (Logan Jones & Pieper)

 

[manxman2601]

Funny....Iowa could possibly have 2 eventual NFL Centers drafted by the 3rd round (Logan Jones & Pieper)

If only there was a team possibly in need of a center. I suppose Iowa games may be on the radar this year.

 

[manxman2601]

Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana 6-2, 209lbs.

So this guy might be my early favourite for a day two pick.

As I see it, the one thing our WR corps lacks moving forward is that outside the numbers guy who can catch the ball in traffic whether it's jump balls, back shoulder catches or redzone/3rd down receptions. Sarratt could be that guy. Consider: A drop % of only 7% and a 60% contested catch rate. He leads CFB returning WRs in total yards the last two seasons with over 2000 yards. The knock on him is that he's not fast, his forty is listed at 4.6, but there's a reason his nickname is 'Waffle House', he's always open. For context, I see him as; a quicker Pat Bryant, Elic Ayomanor with good hands or a shorter Tet McMillan. This is my type of receiver.

From his scouting report:

SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS​

• Exceptional hands catcher who plucks the ball away from his frame with natural confidence - consistently shows up repeatedly on critical third downs when the ball has to be thrown into tight windows.
• Outstanding body control allows him to make impressive adjustments to the ball in flight - watch the Michigan game where he twists mid-air for a 36-yard TD while maintaining positioning against the defender.
• Absolute monster on intermediate routes - knows exactly where the sticks are and possesses that sixth sense for finding soft spots in zone coverage that comes from intense film study.
• Deceptively effective deep threat despite average timed speed - shows superb tracking ability and timing on contested catches downfield that belies his testing numbers.
• Chains mover extraordinaire - converted 43 of 53 catches into first downs or touchdowns in 2024, displaying a unique feel for spacing and leverage against defenders.
• Crafty route runner who sets up defenders with subtle head fakes and shoulder dips - creates separation through technique rather than pure athleticism.
• Brings that dog mentality to the blocking game - consistently willing to get physical in the run game and shows good technique in sustaining blocks on the perimeter.
• Championship pedigree with production across all levels of competition - has proven he can adapt quickly to new offenses and still produce at a high level.

(My highlights)

SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY​

When I watch Sarratt's tape, I see shades of Nico Collins with less explosiveness but more route polish. He's going to make his money at the next level as a dependable X-receiver who thrives in the intermediate passing game and converts critical third downs. That reliable "always open" trait has earned him the nickname "Waffle House" among teammates - and it's precisely what will endear him to NFL quarterbacks who need a security blanket outside the numbers.
...
Ultimately, Sarratt projects as a high-floor prospect who should hear his name called in the Day 2 range of the 2026 draft. His combination of size, hands and intermediate route prowess gives him immediate contributor potential, with the ceiling of developing into a reliable WR2 who commands respect in critical situations. If he can add a touch more explosiveness and refine his release package against press coverage during his senior season, don't be surprised if he climbs into the late first-round conversation.

Elijah Sarratt Wide Receiver Indiana | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 85.8 Rank: #12 Forty: 4.60 When I watch Sarratt's tape, I see shades of Nico Collins with less explosiveness but more route polish. He's going to make his money at the next level as ...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

 

[manxman2601]

Highlight Video

 

[Clonamery]

If only there was a team possibly in need of a center. I suppose Iowa games may be on the radar this year.

Yes. Like the OT Dunker (move to guard?) too.

 

[manxman2601]

Alabama RG Jaeden Roberts. Is that strong?

 

[manxman2601]

Don't take the fact that this is a mock draft too seriously, it's often the tool I use to learn about prospects but here are some early prospects that intrigue me.

/user-mock-drafts/2026/user-mock-9931487?date=2025-08-21

 

[manxman2601]

Connor Lew, Center, Auburn

His comp on Draft Buzz is Jared Wilson.

About him:

"Connor Lew arrived on The Plains as a four-star recruit with a perfect 4.0 GPA"

SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS​

• Elite pass protection technician who showcases phenomenal hand placement and reset ability -
• surrendered just one sack and nine pressures across 442 pass-blocking snaps as a sophomore, putting him among the elite tier of SEC centers.
• Moves like a pulling guard in space with exceptional lateral quickness and balance - gets to the second level with ease and can stick on linebackers without overextending his base.
• Shows tremendous football IQ making protection calls - consistently identifies stunts and blitzes pre-snap, directing traffic for an inexperienced line that desperately needed his leadership.
• Anchor strength significantly improved from freshman to sophomore year, now capable of absorbing bull rushes from much larger SEC nose tackles without giving ground.
• Plays with controlled aggression and nasty finishing mentality - drives defenders into the turf and looks to pile drive when he senses weakness, showing some serious dog in him at the point of attack.
• Exceptional leverage fighter who consistently gets under taller defenders' pads - uses natural center-of-gravity advantage to win crucial battles against massive SEC interior linemen.
• Showcases next-level awareness and processing speed - consistently picks up late blitzers and stunts while maintaining proper positioning in Auburn's complex protection schemes.
• Rare three-year starter at center in the SEC who's battle-tested against NFL-caliber competition weekly - experience against elite competition is undeniable and translates directly to Sunday readiness.

SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY​

With Connor Lew, what jumps off the screen is a center with exceptional movement skills who can execute in space - the athleticism shows up consistently on pulls, screens and climbing blocks. The wrestling background translates directly to his leverage understanding and hand usage. Yet while his lateral quickness excels, he'll encounter problems against powerful NFL nose tackles who can overwhelm his average frame with pure strength - he'll need to add functional mass without sacrificing his mobility advantage.

Watching Lew diagnose stunts and blitzes showcases football intelligence beyond his years,

Connor Lew Center Auburn | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 84.9 Rank: #13 Forty: 5.00 Lew's sophomore pass protection tape is what sells you on this player. He looked like a polished veteran reading pressure and keeping his quarterback uprig...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

Connor Lew and Elijah Sarratt sure seem like Vrabel type guys.

 

[borisman]

For those of you with an NYT or Athletic subscription, Dane Brugler has just released his top 50.



He has Peter Woods at 1 with Kadyn Proctor his top OT at 3. His top TE, is Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon at 17. Jordan Tyson is his top WR at 12. At this early stage it’s looking like a good class at OT ( 10 in his top 50) and edge rusher (9).

Let's not forget QB is deep as well, only if Manning comes out, which is not a given partly because of family history in staying the full 4 years and this being his first year as starter. A lot of them could once again go in the top 10-12 picks, like 2 years ago.

 

[manxman2601]

RT, WR1 and TE are clear targets based on the age of the predicted 2025 incumbants: Moses, Diggs, Henry/Hooper. Drafting their successors in 2026 to take over in 2027 would make sense.

In a year we will know:

1. If Barmore is recovered or done from his blood clot issues.

2. Whether Polk and Baker are busts or just had a rough rookie year, and whether Douglas or Boutte are long-term pieces or fillers.

3. Whether Duggar and Peppers are on the tail end (or gone), whether Mapu has a fit and if Woodson is starter material.

Plus lots more.

I think we've had answers to a number of your questions earlier than expected

 

[manxman2601]

If we're picking in the top half of the draft, I would prioritise these three in this order.

1. Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

The perfect Vrabel/Williams pick. Violent hands, A+ effort, tremendous positional versatility. I think Vrabel would run the card up for this pick.

2. Spencer Fano, RT, Utah

He's getting a lot of love as a top 5 pick right now but he's a RT that's a little undersized (304lbs) so he may fall by the time the draft rolls around. He's a fantastic run blocker and very athletic. Lock him in at RT or shift him to LG.

3. Keldric Faulk. EDGE/DL, Auburn

Freakish length and size for the position. Still a little raw and he'll only be 20 on draft day but he has the ability to be one of the best D linemen in the league either on the edge or inside. One comparison I saw was "an athletic Calais Campbell" potentially.

Unless Peter Woods or TJ Parker are still available, I don't think I'd consider anyone else for our pick other than these three as things stand. In fact, I'm almost ready to call my shot on Bain Jr right now as I think he's that perfect for Vrabel.