2026 NFL Draft Stock Up
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Not only has Love proved he is a true first-round pick for the NFL Draft. During the 2025 season, Love has shown that he is an elite prospect and one of the best football players in next year’s draft. Love was dominant against Pitt, rolling over the Panthers and providing some changing plays for the Fighting Irish.
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Fields had an excellent game and produced a tape that is going to impress pro evaluators. The Clemson transfer made some incredible catches to help produce critical points that put away Pitt. In the first half, Fields made one of the best catches of the season when he ran a post down the middle of the field and made a leaping one-handed catch over a defensive back for a 35-yard gain. Later on, Fields made a leaping back shoulder catch along the sideline of the end zone for a 25-yard touchdown. In the third quarter, Fields got open on an out route to haul in his second touchdown from eight yards out. Fields finished with seven catches for 99 yards and two scores.
Fields could be a nice day-two prospect that ends up competing to be a No. 2 or 3 receiver in the NFL. The 6-foot-4 wideout is tall, long, and has a large catch radius thanks to his leaping ability. Fields high points the ball well, and he uses his large frame to box out defenders. He runs well enough for his size, and Fields could be a nice weapon in the red zone. This tape could help him to be a day-two pick next April.
Will Heldt, DE, Clemson
Team sources like Heldt and how he has played this year for the Tigers. Heldt has shown speed off the edge with good size and a steady motor. Thus far in 2025, Heldt has 33 tackles with five sacks and has played well for Clemson. He has played better than the numbers indicate. While teammate edge rusher T.J. Parker had more media hype, sources like Heldt more for the NFL. Heldt looks poised to be a second-round pick at worst, and might sneak into the late first round.
Keyron Crawford, DE, Auburn
Crawford has benefited from extra attention going towards Keldric Faulk. Crawford has 30 tackles with five sacks and a forced fumble. He was a potential late-round pick entering the season, but Crawford’s steady play has pushed him into a potential mid-round pick next April.
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Slaughter (6-5, 300) has had some good games and has been a solid blocker in 2025. Slaughter has upside and has gotten better as he gained experience. At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, Slaughter has quality size, strength, and athleticism. Slaughter took over as the starter for the Gators in 2023 and has been a reliable starter. Slaughter’s run blocking was ahead of his pass protection, but he has developed into a well-rounded player. On top of being able to play the middle, Slaughter has the ability to move to guard. He could be a potential second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
Louis was a tremendous playmaker for the Panthers in 2024, and while he has not been as prolific, Louis has provided some big plays in 2025 as well. Louis is a fast and instinctive linebacker who is very good in pass coverage. However, Louis is undersized, and that leads to concerns about him holding up as a run defender in the NFL. With a physical offensive line and an elite back in Jeremiyah Love, this tape was a good gauge for Louis regarding the pro level.
Overall, this was a disappointing game as Louis had some lowlights and was very quiet. Throughout the game, Louis was having issues getting off blocks and was being kept away from the ball. In the first half, Louis had a bad missed tackle on Jadarian Price. Early in the third quarter, on a fourth-and-2, Louis fired into the backfield and had a bead on Love for a tackle for a loss and big turnover on downs for his team, but Louis missed the tackle, and Love was able to explode to the perimeter to get 22 yards. This tape made Louis look more like a mid-rounder rather than an early-round prospect. He could be a rotational linebacker to help in pass coverage, but may not have the size and strength to be a three-down starter.
Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Faulk has not played poorly this season, but he has not been as dominant as expected. He has two sacks on the season, but has seen extra blocking attention. Faulk is still a first-round prospect and a future pro starter, but he has not had a season of domination to make him a top-five pick.
