2026 NFL Draft Stock Up
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
Mateer was very impressive in leading the Sooners to a win over Michigan. He finished completing 21-of-34 passes for 270 yards with one touchdown and one interception. On the ground, Mateer ran for 74 yards and two touchdowns. He was the Sooners’ leading rusher and threw some amazing passes for big plays. For the NFL, Mateer looks like a starter who could be a devastating passer. Mateer is an accurate passer with excellent ball placement overall. He has a few throws get away from him, but Mateer has impressive precision as a passer. Mateer is very mobile in the pocket and can hurt defenses on the ground. As a passer, Mateer is similar to Baker Mayfield, but Mateer is a better athlete and more dangerous with his feet. It would not surprise this analyst if Mateer ends up rising high for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jordan Faison, WR, Notre Dame
Faison had five catches for 33 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against Miami, and he showed some good speed, route-running, and shifty running with the ball in his hands. He had 30 catches for 356 yards and a touchdown. Faison is a quick and shifty receiver who can also contribute as a returner. Some team sources feel that Faison is a talented player and a sleeper who could become a nice prospect for the NFL this season.
Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
Last year at Alabama, running back Justice Haynes was buried on the depth chart, but he is enjoying a breakout year after transferring to the Wolverines. Haynes ran well in Week 1, and he showed his power and strength in the first half against Oklahoma, slugging through some narrow lanes. At the very start of the third quarter, Haynes exploded down the field on a cutback run and he took it to the house for a 75-yard touchdown. Haynes is known as a power back, but he showed impressive explosion and acceleration on the run. Haynes finished with 125 yards on 19 carries with a score. Haynes is an intriguing prospect as he is built strong, runs tough, and has very good instincts. Along with a quality skill set, Haynes is extremely smart, and he is very advanced at blitz protection diagnosis and being a contributor as a blocker. Haynes is really helping his draft grade with his play for Michigan this season.
Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois
Jacas could have been a day-two pick had he entered the 2025 NFL Draft, but Jacas decided to return to Illinois. That could prove to be a great decision as Jacas is off to a red-hot start, and if he stays consistent, he could rise to being an opening night pick. In the season opener, Jacas had two sacks, five tackles, and a forced fumble. Against Duke, he picked up where he left off with another strip-sack.
For the NFL, Jacas looks like he has the potential to be a starting edge rusher. In the ground game, Jacas has functional strength to hold his ground and get in on runs outside of his gap. Jacas is strong and quick in the pass rush, showing the ability to get after the quarterback as a versatile rusher. He can beat tackles with quickness off the edge, strength to fight through blocks, and second efforts. Jacas looks like he could be an early-round pick next April.
Vincent Anthony Jr, DE, Duke
The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Anthony was a monster in the first half against Illinois and had his way with left tackle J.C. Davis. Midway through the first quarter, Davis had Duke defensive end Vincent Anthony Jr. get upfield on him and dip underneath Davis to turn the corner and get to the quarterback for a third-down sack. Anthony added another sack shortly later at the expense of other blockers. Early in the second quarter, the same play repeated itself with Anthony dipping underneath Davis for another sack. This three-sack game was a great tape for Anthony, showing his ability to bend and get low when rushing around the corner. This tape will definitely help his draft grade.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois
Davis was beaten by Anthony for two sacks. Davis did a nice job as a run blocker, but he had ugly plays in pass protection, showing a lack of depth in his kick slide, bending at the waist, and reaching after defenders. This tape definitely won’t help his draft grade and is going to hurt him.
