2026 Watch List

[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.

I forgot Caleb Downs. I don't love safety value in the top half of the first round but Downs is the type of guy I think Vrabel would love to run the defense if he's still on a football intelligence/character kick. Safety probably won't be our biggest need, but sometimes you have to go BPA. Being an Ohio State captain wouldn't hurt Vrabel's evaluation too I suspect.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I forgot Caleb Downs. I don't love safety value in the top half of the first round but Downs is the type of guy I think Vrabel would love to run the defense if he's still on a football intelligence/character kick. Safety probably won't be our biggest need, but sometimes you have to go BPA. Being an Ohio State captain wouldn't hurt Vrabel's evaluation too I suspect.

Did you say BPA?

 

[manxman2601]

Did you say BPA?

I also said "sometimes"

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I also said "sometimes"

RATS! I thought you are coming over to see the light.

Other than the OL and TE, I am not sure we have a lot of holes. A RB in the later rounds? A LB?

Hopefully we sign a OG in FA to replace Onwenu. EDGE or WR in mid round 1 as a BPA?

There are not a lot of holes for Vrabel in Y2 after 2 or 3 guys signed in FA. Add in the draft and we should be solid. It all hinges on Maye.

 

[manxman2601]

RATS! I thought you are coming over to see the light.

Other than the OL and TE, I am not sure we have a lot of holes. A RB in the later rounds? A LB?

Hopefully we sign a OG in FA to replace Onwenu. EDGE or WR in mid round 1 as a BPA?

There are not a lot of holes for Vrabel in Y2 after 2 or 3 guys signed in FA. Add in the draft and we should be solid. It all hinges on Maye.

This is why I'm more open to BPA this year. LT was such a huge hole last year, picking one was inevitable but any holes on the roster this year aren't as desperate as last. EDGE looks very strong potentially so that's what I'm thinking is most likely but if Caleb Downs or Peter Woods fall to us, I'd be fine with that.

As things stand right now, EDGE, OT seem to be the strengths in this draft. As for WR, I'm not sure I want another shorter one and there seems to be quite a few of them - someone who's 6'2 plus please. DT looks to be much weaker than last year so it's good that we look to be well situated there.

 

[Clonamery]

This is why I'm more open to BPA this year. LT was such a huge hole last year, picking one was inevitable but any holes on the roster this year aren't as desperate as last. EDGE looks very strong potentially so that's what I'm thinking is most likely but if Caleb Downs or Peter Woods fall to us, I'd be fine with that.

As things stand right now, EDGE, OT seem to be the strengths in this draft. As for WR, I'm not sure I want another shorter one and there seems to be quite a few of them - someone who's 6'2 plus please. DT looks to be much weaker than last year so it's good that we look to be well situated there.

Early days but think you’re right about DT. It looks like there are a decent number of safeties of different skill sets and size. G seems thin. C seems to have some depth.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

This is why I'm more open to BPA this year. LT was such a huge hole last year, picking one was inevitable but any holes on the roster this year aren't as desperate as last. EDGE looks very strong potentially so that's what I'm thinking is most likely but if Caleb Downs or Peter Woods fall to us, I'd be fine with that.

As things stand right now, EDGE, OT seem to be the strengths in this draft. As for WR, I'm not sure I want another shorter one and there seems to be quite a few of them - someone who's 6'2 plus please. DT looks to be much weaker than last year so it's good that we look to be well situated there.

Yes, PatsFans posters do not seem to appreciate Hollins at 6'4". I am sure Maye will look for Hollins constantly. A WR to replace Hollins would be great, I assume that has to be a 1st rounder. But EDGE is OK too.

The Pats schedule is so easy I think we will win a bunch leading to a lower draft pick. But it does not matter, after a good FA and a great draft, everything in 2026 will hinge on Maye.

 

[manxman2601]

Yes, PatsFans posters do not seem to appreciate Hollins at 6'4". I am sure Maye will look for Hollins constantly. A WR to replace Hollins would be great, I assume that has to be a 1st rounder. But EDGE is OK too.

The Pats schedule is so easy I think we will win a bunch leading to a lower draft pick. But it does not matter, after a good FA and a great draft, everything in 2026 will hinge on Maye.

I'm definitely part of the Hollins appreciation society, he was a binky of mine coming out. I think I'm less bullish on you about the coming season. I think we'll be picking in the 8-15 range but if everything goes perfectly and injury free, we might sneak into the playoffs. The depth on the roster concerns me.

 

[manxman2601]

Early days but think you’re right about DT. It looks like there are a decent number of safeties of different skill sets and size. G seems thin. C seems to have some depth.

Center looks quite interesting so let's hope Wilson locks down the LG role.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I'm definitely part of the Hollins appreciation society, he was a binky of mine coming out. I think I'm less bullish on you about the coming season. I think we'll be picking in the 8-15 range but if everything goes perfectly and injury free, we might sneak into the playoffs. The depth on the roster concerns me.

The schedule Is so weak I think we will do well. The defense will be quite strong.

 

[manxman2601]

The schedule Is so weak I think we will do well. The defense will be quite strong.

The defense will be key. It could certainly all come together: the defense, Henderson, a breakout season for Maye,Josh McDaniels wizadry and, as you say, the schedule. On the other side of the scale though you have an untested O/Line, an okay but not great WR corps, Maye looking less than stellar in pre-season, a heavy reliance on rookies doing well and concerns over depth. I hope you're right, but I have a tendency to be pessimistic when it comes to teams I support. A defence mechanism I suppose.

 

[borisman]

As mentioned the C position is pretty deep (while it doesn't seem like the IOL is that deep)
Bryce Foster, the center from Kansas, beasted on Fresno St last week. He's someone who could be had in the fourth round.
A good game will be Auburn center Connor Lew playing against Baylor this weekend.
Also, 'bama center Brailsford plays against Florida State and their big NT Jackson. Big size difference there.

 

[manxman2601]

Just a name to keep at the back of your mind is Keaten Wade, Colorado, EDGE
He had a foot injury last year that kept him out most of the season, but in only 105 snaps, he recorded 5 sacks with a low missed tackle percentage.

He's 6-4, 245lbs (although I'm also seeing him listed at 235lbs) so he's at the low end of ideal but his length is good. This kid is fast, listed as running a 4.45 forty. There's not a lot of video available but I did see one play where he ran a stunt across the length of the line to make the sack and that speed was very apparent.

He's raw and, to-date, doesn't have a great deal of production, so may never amount to more than a late round/UDFA type, but the tools are certainly there that might help go off this year.

I'm certainly taken with his strengths.

SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS​

• Freakish athleticism for an EDGE, with a jaw-dropping burst off the line that will have offensive tackles backpedaling from the snap
• Prototypical NFL frame with plus length and bulk, giving him the tools to set a strong edge and bull rush when needed
• Shows flashes of dominance against the run, consistently maintaining gap integrity and shedding blocks to make plays in the backfield
• Positional flexibility to play as a stand-up linebacker or with his hand in the dirt, fitting multiple defensive schemes at the next level
• High-motor player who never quits on a play, often making hustle tackles downfield and wearing down opposing linemen
• Reliable wrap-up tackler who rarely whiffs when he gets his hands on ball carriers, limiting yards after contact
• Brings added value on special teams with his ability to get skinny through gaps and block kicks, a coveted trait for rookies
• Quick processor who diagnoses plays rapidly, allowing him to react and disrupt before offenses can fully execute their designs

Keaten Wade Defensive End - EDGE Colorado | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 74.0 Rank: #63 Forty: 4.45 Raw talent with a sky-high ceiling, but currently more of a traits-based prospect than a polished product. His transfer to Colorado under Deion Sander...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

He certainly ticks my boxes there.

 

[borisman]

Just a name to keep at the back of your mind is Keaten Wade, Colorado, EDGE
He had a foot injury last year that kept him out most of the season, but in only 105 snaps, he recorded 5 sacks with a low missed tackle percentage.

He's 6-4, 245lbs (although I'm also seeing him listed at 235lbs) so he's at the low end of ideal but his length is good. This kid is fast, listed as running a 4.45 forty. There's not a lot of video available but I did see one play where he ran a stunt across the length of the line to make the sack and that speed was very apparent.

He's raw and, to-date, doesn't have a great deal of production, so may never amount to more than a late round/UDFA type, but the tools are certainly there that might help go off this year.

I'm certainly taken with his strengths.

SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS​

• Freakish athleticism for an EDGE, with a jaw-dropping burst off the line that will have offensive tackles backpedaling from the snap
• Prototypical NFL frame with plus length and bulk, giving him the tools to set a strong edge and bull rush when needed
• Shows flashes of dominance against the run, consistently maintaining gap integrity and shedding blocks to make plays in the backfield
• Positional flexibility to play as a stand-up linebacker or with his hand in the dirt, fitting multiple defensive schemes at the next level
• High-motor player who never quits on a play, often making hustle tackles downfield and wearing down opposing linemen
• Reliable wrap-up tackler who rarely whiffs when he gets his hands on ball carriers, limiting yards after contact
• Brings added value on special teams with his ability to get skinny through gaps and block kicks, a coveted trait for rookies
• Quick processor who diagnoses plays rapidly, allowing him to react and disrupt before offenses can fully execute their designs

Keaten Wade Defensive End - EDGE Colorado | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 74.0 Rank: #63 Forty: 4.45 Raw talent with a sky-high ceiling, but currently more of a traits-based prospect than a polished product. His transfer to Colorado under Deion Sander...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

He certainly ticks my boxes there.

Good stuff as usual. Didn't realize he transferred to Kentucky (but why would I have). I do know he was stuck as a back-up after spring behind Samuel Okunlola and Arden Walker (2 late round prospects), which likely led to his departure. It made sense for him to showcase his skills elsewhere as a starter.

 

[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.

The NFL Stock Exchange guys dropped their respective top 50s and both have Connor Lew in their top 30 picks. With him, Jake Slaughter and some others, this is shaping up to be a really good draft to pick up a center if Wilson sticks at OG.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

The NFL Stock Exchange guys dropped their respective top 50s and both have Connor Lew in their top 30 picks. With him, Jake Slaughter and some others, this is shaping up to be a really good draft to pick up a center if Wilson sticks at OG.

Having two guard/center combo guys is helpful when injuries occur.

 

[manxman2601]

Having two guard/center combo guys is helpful when injuries occur.

It seems to be a better draft for centers than guards this year.

 

[Clonamery]

It seems to be a better draft for centers than guards this year.

Especially in Day 1 & 2.

 

[manxman2601]

Kenyon Sadiq

 

[Clonamery]

Kenyon Sadiq

BPA TE's

Vanderbilt All-America tight end Eli Stowers adds element to game

Talented pass catcher showing much improved blocking ability heading into season

www.nashvillepost.com