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The 2026 NFL Draft has just about arrived, giving us one last chance to get a word in between the blizzard of picks, trades, and post-draft signings bound to bury the rest of the offseason.
And while it's not going to be on us to pound the table for certain players in war rooms, it's worth taking a stand on certain players, if for no other reason than to gloat later on if we get things right.
'My guys' from the 2026 NFL Draft
Day 1: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
I just can't quit Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Peter Woods. Yes, he's removed from his most productive season. And yes, the Tigers' defense as a whole took a step back in 2025.
Even so, Woods' combination of ceiling and floor has me entranced. He's been an NFL-level run defender for multiple years at this point. His burst is special, his per-pound strength is as good as any defensive lineman in this class, and his violent hands will play well against the veterans waiting for him across the line of scrimmage.
Woods has the size to play on every down and all the ingredients to be a high-level pass rusher at the next level. The best football is ahead of Woods, and his stock slipping might allow him to be weaponized on an elite defense, not unlike Byron Murphy II. He's the best defensive tackle in this class.
Honorable Mention: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Day 2: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Trotter is not the highest Mizzou defender on my board (that's Zion Young). But Young is generally seen as a fringe first-round prospect, so there isn't as much of a need to plant a flag.
In a deep linebacker class, Trotter's pedigree and consistency stand out. I'd take him over Jacob Rodriguez, Jake Golday, and every linebacker on the consensus board below Georgia's CJ Allen. Much of that comes from his value on early downs. Trotter's processing is an easy strength, and he moves laterally very well.
MORE: 5 increasingly bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft
When he triggers downhill against the run, he gets to his spot quickly and packs as much of a punch as any defender in this class -- even at 237 pounds. There are questions he'll have to answer in coverage at the next level, but his instincts look the part of his NFL bloodlines, and there's signal in his redshirt sophomore declaration.
Honorable Mention: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Day 3: Jake Slaughter, iOL, Florida
Slaughter was a personal favorite among the interior linemen I watched this summer. While I no longer feel that he's an easy Day 2 prospect, I'd be happy to take him early on Day 3 as a potential starter.
A three-year starter at center, Slaughter has the athletic chops to pivot to guard if necessary. He'll likely need to take a stride in pass protection to stick -- the grades are more favorable than the tape -- but he's a high-floor lineman who played well against SEC competition. At the top-100 turn, he should return decent value on the interior, especially in a class that isn't particularly deep.
Honorable Mention: Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
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