Draft Nation’s “Best of the Rest” Big Board: The Top 10 Non-Quarterbacks of the 2026 NFL Draft

As the college football season hits its late-year stride, the quarterback conversation tends to dominate every draft cycle. And while several headline passers are making noise ahead of the 2026 draft, the staff here at Draft Nation wanted to shift the spotlight to the players who too often get overshadowed. This list is dedicated to the trench warriors, game-breaking defenders, and elite skill-position talents who shape the draft just as much as the quarterbacks do — even if they don’t always get the same airtime.

What follows is our in-season Top 10 Non-Quarterback Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, built using film study, production trends, athletic traits, and consensus public boards across the industry. These rankings highlight the blue-chip defenders, cornerstone linemen, and dynamic playmakers whose impact will be felt immediately at the next level.

If quarterbacks run the draft, these are the players who define it.

1. Rueben Bain Jr. — EDGE, Miami (FL)

Comparable: Haason Reddick with more power

Bain is the most disruptive pass rusher in the class. He has an explosive first step, natural leverage, and hand usage far ahead of typical underclassmen. His ability to convert speed to power flashes on nearly every series. He’s compact but violent, with enough versatility to slide inside on passing downs. Bain’s flexibility, active hands, and finishing ability project him as an immediate NFL contributor with Pro Bowl upside.

2. Caleb Downs — S, Ohio State

Comparable: Derwin James with slightly less size

Downs is the most complete defensive back in the class: elite range, instincts, and versatility. He can play single-high, two-high, nickel, or even in the box. His processing is elite — he triggers instantly on breaking routes and takes away throwing windows with angles most safeties can’t match. Downs has the temperament of a field general and the explosiveness of a corner. He’ll anchor a secondary from day one.

3. Francis Mauigoa — OT, Miami (FL)

Comparable: Trent Williams-style frame and movement

Mauigoa has all the traits: size, length, and elite athleticism for a blindside protector. His pass protection is smooth and light-footed, consistently neutralizing speed rushers with quick sets and an effective punch. He’s powerful enough to handle bull rushes and polished enough to fit any scheme. His run-blocking technique continues to improve — already showing road-grader flashes. He projects as a franchise LT.

4. T.J. Parker — EDGE, Clemson

Comparable: A longer Josh Sweat

Parker combines length, burst, and power in a way that makes offensive tackles uncomfortable from the first snap. His edge-setting is advanced for his age, and when he pins his ears back he shows a violent, long-armed pass-rush style that plays well at the next level. He still has room to develop a deeper counter repertoire, but many plays already look like Sundays.

5. Jordyn Tyson — WR, Arizona State

Comparable: Jerry Jeudy with more vertical juice

Tyson’s route running is nuanced and dynamic — he sets up defenders at the stem, accelerates out of breaks, and snaps off routes with precision. What elevates him is his ability to track the deep ball and generate yards after the catch. He’s a smooth, elastic mover with true WR1 upside. Adding a bit more play strength will make him nearly complete.

6. Anthony Hill Jr. — LB, Ohio State

Comparable: De’Vondre Campbell with more speed

Hill brings hybrid linebacker versatility — excellent range, strong instincts, and natural coverage ability. He moves like a big safety and hits like a true MIKE. His ability to blitz, scrape through traffic, and run down mobile quarterbacks makes him a modern defensive centerpiece. With added mass, he can become one of the league’s rare three-down, matchup-proof linebackers.

7. Peter Woods — DT, Clemson

Comparable: A stronger, stockier Quinnen Williams

Woods is a force inside: powerful base, elite leverage, and violent hands. He consistently pushes guards backward and disrupts the timing of opposing offenses. He flashes surprising quickness for a big man, slipping through gaps and forcing chaos in run and pass downs alike. If he adds more polish as a pass rusher, he could end up the most valuable defensive lineman in the class.

8. Keldric Faulk — EDGE, Auburn

Comparable: Daniell Hunter with more rawness

Faulk is one of the most exciting traits-based prospects in the class. Long, fast, and explosive, he flashes elite potential—especially as a backside run defender and in long-arm pass rush situations. His bend is better than expected for his frame, and his motor runs hot. If his technique catches up to his body, he could jump into the top-5 discussion.

9. Spencer Fano — OT, Utah

Comparable: Rashawn Slater with more length

Fano’s best feature is his mobility. He moves laterally with ease, climbs to the second level like a tight end, and handles speed edge rushers with clean footwork. His hand placement is solid but still developing, and he’ll benefit from adding more functional strength. His versatility allows him to play either tackle spot, and he projects as a high-upside long-term starter.

10. Makhi Hughes — RB, Oregon

Comparable: Aaron Jones with more power

Hughes is a complete running back — vision, balance, and lateral quickness. He thrives in zone concepts, pressing the line before finding cutback lanes with excellent timing. Once he gets to the second level, he has enough burst to create chunk plays. He’s also a capable receiver who can win against linebackers. While RB value fluctuates, Hughes’ skill set is first-round caliber.