With the 2026 NFL Draft drawing closer, scouts, general managers, and fans are diving deep into prospect evaluations, and few voices carry as much weight in the process as draft analyst Michael Infante. Known for his precise scouting eye, detailed breakdowns, and knack for identifying NFL-ready talent before it becomes a trend, Infante has released his Top 50 Big Board—a comprehensive list that not only projects future stars but paints a picture of where the game is heading.
From dominant edge rushers to polished quarterbacks, game-breaking receivers to lockdown cornerbacks, this class boasts a blend of athleticism, football IQ, and leadership that could reshape the NFL landscape. Teams looking for franchise pillars or difference-makers in the trenches will find no shortage of options.
At the top of the board sits a quarterback who has drawn comparisons to generational talents. Infante ranks USC’s Jalen Ricks as the No. 1 overall prospect, a dual-threat sensation with elite arm strength, poise in the pocket, and the ability to make plays off-script. Ricks has the intangibles, the tape, and the leadership pedigree to be the face of a franchise. His 2025 campaign saw him throw for over 4,000 yards with 38 touchdowns and only five interceptions, while also rushing for 800 yards. His ability to read defenses, throw with anticipation, and deliver in the clutch has scouts across the league drooling.
Just behind him is a fierce edge rusher out of Georgia, Xavier Clay. At 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds with a wingspan that seems to stretch forever, Clay was a nightmare for SEC offenses. His blend of burst off the line, hand technique, and relentless motor makes him an immediate impact player at the next level. Infante describes him as “a cross between Myles Garrett and Nick Bosa,” praising his ability to wreck game plans.
Infante’s board places a premium on versatility, with several prospects showcasing the ability to impact multiple phases of the game. At No. 3 is offensive tackle Tyler Matthis from Alabama, a smooth-moving pass protector with the mean streak and anchor strength teams covet. His footwork, balance, and hand placement have been described as “pro-ready,” and he dominated the SEC’s best pass rushers on tape.
Wide receiver Drake Samuels from Texas checks in at No. 4, a 6-foot-2 speedster who led the nation in receiving yards and touchdowns. Samuels can stretch the field vertically, break tackles after the catch, and has the route-running polish that makes him a threat on every down. He is viewed as a player who could instantly elevate any offense.
Rounding out the top five is Ohio State cornerback Marcellus Grant, who brings size, speed, and elite instincts to the position. Grant’s ball skills, ability to mirror receivers, and physicality at the line of scrimmage give him shutdown potential. He also served as a team captain, reinforcing his character and leadership abilities.
The depth of talent in this class extends well beyond the top five. Infante includes several interior linemen in his Top 20, highlighting a renaissance in trench warfare. Michigan’s guard Kofi Adeyemi, ranked No. 12, is praised for his explosive first step, leverage, and finishing power in the run game. At No. 14, defensive tackle Jonah Reid from LSU is a gap-clogger with the agility to rush the passer, offering rare three-down versatility.
Another standout is UCLA linebacker Antonio Cross (No. 16), who flies around the field with a rare blend of speed and tackling efficiency. Cross is a modern-day linebacker built for today’s NFL—he can cover tight ends, spy mobile quarterbacks, and shoot gaps as a blitzer. Infante labels him a “defensive coordinator’s dream.”
Quarterback talent runs deep this year as well. Following Jalen Ricks, Infante ranks Notre Dame’s Cole Pennington at No. 7 and Florida State’s Malik Granger at No. 15. Pennington is a pocket technician with beautiful touch and a quick release, while Granger brings a Josh Allen-like ceiling with a cannon arm and imposing physicality. Each brings a unique style, but both are viewed as first-round locks with franchise potential.
The 2026 class also brings attention to tight ends and running backs. At No. 18, Washington tight end Eli Monroe is a matchup nightmare. At 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds, Monroe runs like a wideout but blocks like a lineman. He dominated in red-zone opportunities and showed incredible hands in traffic. Meanwhile, at No. 22, Oregon running back Treyvon Ellis has scouts buzzing with his home-run speed, vision, and pass-catching skills. Ellis is seen as the kind of back who can stay on the field all three downs and produce at a high level.
Infante’s Big Board also highlights small-school stars making a big impact. At No. 26 is Eastern Michigan’s cornerback Zion Harper, a long, athletic defender who dominated his level of competition and impressed during the Senior Bowl. Harper may not have faced SEC competition every week, but his tape shows lockdown ability and elite instincts.
Wide receiver depth is another strength. Behind Drake Samuels, we find USC’s KJ Reese (No. 9), who blends size and suddenness; Clemson’s Jaylen Blake (No. 20), a deep-ball threat with 4.3 speed; and Iowa State’s Marcus Dell (No. 29), a polished route technician with elite footwork. This receiver class could rival 2020’s historic group, offering plenty of Day 1 and Day 2 value.
Offensive line remains a premium position, and Infante reflects that in his rankings. Boston College’s Charles Ituka (No. 11) and Oklahoma’s Darnell Price (No. 19) offer high-floor, plug-and-play tackles. Both players combine raw power with technical refinement and excel in both pass protection and run-blocking.
Defensively, Alabama’s hybrid safety/linebacker Jaden Tyson (No. 23) and Penn State’s rangy safety Miles Corbett (No. 27) round out a strong group of secondary prospects. Tyson is a chess piece capable of playing in the box, covering the slot, or blitzing off the edge. Corbett, meanwhile, boasts sideline-to-sideline speed and a nose for turnovers.
Another major storyline is the rise of international prospects. German edge rusher Lukas Stein (No. 34) made waves after an impressive Pro Day in Berlin, displaying elite burst, bend, and explosiveness. He’s raw, but the upside is massive. Australian punter Max Trent (No. 50) even cracks the list, proving that special teams can matter on draft day too.
Infante’s Big Board doesn’t just forecast first-round picks; it reveals the evolving nature of the game. There’s a clear trend toward hybrid players who can adapt to the positionless demands of modern schemes. Linebackers who can cover, safeties who can blitz, tight ends who can run receiver routes—versatility is the name of the game.
It also spotlights leadership and character. Multiple players on the list served as captains, earned academic honors, or led community initiatives, signaling a new generation of not just great athletes, but high-character individuals who will represent their franchises off the field as well.
As we inch closer to the draft, Infante’s Top 50 is sure to generate buzz, spark debates, and shape war rooms across the league. Some names may rise or fall based on pro days and interviews, but the foundation has been laid. The 2026 class is deep, dynamic, and filled with players who could define the next decade of football.
For fans, scouts, and front office personnel alike, Infante’s Big Board is more than a ranking—it’s a window into the NFL’s future.
