2026 NFL Draft Stock Up
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
After being a top recruit out of high school, Mauigoa was solid but not dominant in the early years of his career with Miami. Multiple evaluators had concerns about him blocking on the edge in the NFL and thought he might need to move inside as a pro. However, in speaking to those same sources, they have liked his tape with how he has closed out the 2025 season. They feel Mauigao could be a mid-first-round pick and go in the top-20. They think some teams will also believe that he can be a starting right tackle. “I think he goes top 20,” said an NFC general manager. “I would say he’s the best run blocking tackle in the draft.”
Carson Beck, QB, Miami
Prior to the National Championship Game against Indiana, a general manager texted me that Beck could be a late first-round candidate with a strong game against the Hoosiers. While Beck came up short of winning the National Championship, he improved his draft grade with his play in the College Football Playoff. Beck had clutch plays to get wins over Ohio State and Ole Miss. Beck has cannon for an arm, and can rip up a defense as a pocket passer when he gets protection and has open receivers. Beck’s strong end to the season could have him in second-round consideration next April.
Preston Stone, QB, Northwestern
Sources say that Stone was impressive at the Hulu Bowl in Orlando. Stone completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,400 yards with 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Stone (6-1, 215) has quality arm talent and showed that in the All-Star setting. He could be a late-round pick that sticks as a No. 3 quarterback in his rookie season.
J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia
Taylor was a tough runner the past two seasons, showing a nose for the end zone and an ability to serve in the passing attack. In 2024, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry for 1,146 yards with 15 touchdowns. In 2025, Taylor averaged 4.8 yards per carry for 1,062 yards with 14 touchdowns. He had 43 catches for 253 yards and a score. Taylor (5-9, 204) is not a big back but is built well for his frame. He could be a backup with upside to grow.
Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College
While Bill O’Brien’s Boston College team was awful last year, Bond was one of the few bright spots as he had a strong season for the Eagles. Bond hauled in 88 catches for 993 yards and a touchdown. Given his size, Bond (5-11, 190) is a slot receiver candidate for the NFL.
Vinny Anthony, WR, Wisconsin
Anthony did not have a huge season in 2025 with 31 catches for 391 yards and a touchdown, but he was impressive enough to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl. In 2024, Anthony had 39 catches for 672 yards with four scores. Anthony (6-0, 190) is a slot receiver candidate.
Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
Coleman was a solid contributor for the Tigers in 2025. He caught 66 passes for 732 yards with a touchdown. In 2024, he had 74 catches for 932 yards with six touchdowns with Mississippi State. Coleman (5-11, 180) is an undersized receiver who could be a slot receiver competitor, and also could be a punt returner.
Jordan Hudson, WR, SMU
Hudson had a solid season for the Mustangs in 2025, hauling in 61 passes for 766 yards and six touchdowns. Hudson (6-1, 200) could rise if he practices well at the Senior Bowl and runs well at the NFL Scouting Combine.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Simpson is a complicated evaluation, but multiple team sources were underwhelmed with how he finished the season. However, the decision of Oregon quarterback Dante Moore to go back to school really benefits Simpson, as he could be the favorite to be the second quarterback drafted next April. Simpson has some good tape from the 2025 season, is smart, and should interview well before the draft. But he struggled in games to close out the season and is a one-year starter. Thus, there are some significant flaws that hurt him, but in a weak quarterback class, Simpson still could be a riser through the process.
