Kiper new top 10. I hope he's right aboutt Mauigoa, we need an O lineman or two to go top 10. I disagree with the Love-Reggie Bush analogy that he and Matt Miller like to make and I know I am not alone in that disagreement. I would go Tate over Tyson.
Mel Kiper Jr. is stacking the top 25 players in the NFL draft class, starting with Fernando Mendoza. Who rose at the combine?
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Height: 6-0 |
Weight: 214 |
Prev. rank: 3
2025 stats over 12 games: 199 carries, 1,372 rushing yards, 18 rushing TDs, 27 catches, 280 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
Love reminds me a lot of Reggie Bush. The 20-year-old has vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside, and he can break tackles with ease (60 forced missed tackles on the season). Once he gets into space, he can take it to the house with his breakaway speed too. But Love isn't only an outstanding runner. He also is a high-impact pass catcher. An NFL team will be able to flank him out wide and create a whole other dimension of the offense.
Height: 6-4 |
Weight: 243 |
Prev. rank: 4
2025 stats over 13 games: 62 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 9 run stops, 2 pass breakups
This is a complete football player. Reese jumps off the Ohio State tape, playing the game like a veteran. I see natural instincts at the linebacker position that allow him to make plays most guys just can't make, and he has the burst to get home when turned loose as a pass rusher. Reese has been a big riser in this class.
Height: 6-6 |
Weight: 315 |
Prev. rank: 9
2025 stats over 12 games: 12 starts, 1 sack allowed
Here's a true mauler. Mauigoa is fun to watch for the way he just destroys pass rushers at the point of attack. He has more than 2,400 snaps at right tackle and has the pass protection skill to stick there, but he could absolutely slide inside and become a Pro Bowl-caliber guard at the next level. Mauigoa has allowed one sack and blown only nine run blocks since the start of last season.
Height: 6-3 |
Weight: 250 |
Prev. rank: 11
2025 stats over 13 games: 65 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 65 pressures, 7 run stops, 3 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups
A transfer from Stanford, Bailey gets after the quarterback. He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he has notably become more of a finisher this season. His 19.9% pressure rate is the best in the nation, and he is up to 13.5 sacks in 13 games with the Red Raiders, unlocking another level of his game.
Height: 6-2 |
Weight: 200 |
Prev. rank: 5
2025 stats over nine games: 61 catches, 711 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
The Colorado transfer has lit up defenses for two seasons with the Sun Devils. Tyson's superpower is being open even when it looks like he's completely blanketed. It makes him essentially uncoverable in the red zone. He wins on 50-50 balls and outmuscles defensive backs. A
hamstring injury cost him time this season, but he still posted solid numbers.
Height: 6-3 |
Weight: 245 |
Prev. rank: 10
2025 stats over 11 games: 40 catches, 490 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Sadiq is loaded with physical traits. He has the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field. He has the vision and speed to cause conflict after the catch, with almost half his 2025 yardage coming after the ball is in his hands. And he's nearly impossible to match against because of his quickness and size. Sadiq has been consistent this season, and he should be the first tight end off the board.
Height: 6-3 |
Weight: 195 |
Prev. rank: 6
2025 stats over 10 games: 48 catches, 838 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs
Ohio State has turned into Wide Receiver U, with
Emeka Egbuka being the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. And while most of the college football world focuses on
Jeremiah Smith (who isn't eligible for the 2026 draft), Tate is putting up some serious numbers and showing why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate has produced big plays on a regular basis, averaging 17.5 yards per catch this season. He is a precise route runner, has great hands and displays outstanding body control. And he'll also happily block for ball carriers, which NFL coaches love to see. Tate had a
lower-body injury earlier this season and missed a little time.
Height: 5-11 |
Weight: 195 |
Prev. rank: 7
2025 stats over 12 games: 79 catches, 1,156 receiving yards, 11 receiving TDs
This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I'd want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he currently ranks fourth in the nation in receiving yards.