By Cooper Girolamo
The 2026 NFL Draft will be headlined with the top-end quarterback talent, but there are many generational prospects at other positions that will make major impacts on NFL teams for years to come. The top three will be complete game changers for whichever team selects them next April.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Downs, the standout safety from Ohio State, is widely regarded as one of the most complete defensive prospects at any position in recent memory. At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Downs has elite football instincts along with superb athleticism. This past season, he recorded 82 tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections, showing off his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Caleb Downs is my number 1 overall prospect in next years class. I understand that the term “generational” has been getting thrown around a lot recently, but I believe this is a real generational prospect. I’ve never seen a guy make so many open field tackling at a full downhill… pic.twitter.com/E1tHKGolIp
— Mark Kinley (@ONLYSPORTSMK) May 21, 2025
Downs’ has drawn comparisons to legendary safeties like Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, with his play-making ability and being able to be a leader that can cover the entire field. His ability to read offenses, cover ground quickly, and deliver impactful tackles makes him a valuable asset in both pass coverage and run support. Downs is expected to be a game-changer at the next level.
TJ Parker, Clemson
Parker has emerged as a dominant force on the defensive line for the Tigers for the EDGE. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Parker combines strength, speed, and perfect technique to disrupt opposing offenses. In the 2024 season, he had 57 tackles, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, showcasing his elite ability to pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers and chaos for opposing offenses.
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Clemson EDGE TJ Parker is an early 2026 favorite of mine. One of the best finishers in the class because he can accelerate so quickly pic.twitter.com/DHP7NA071G
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) April 29, 2025
Parker’s relentless motor and pass-rushing prowess have positioned him as one of the top defensive prospects in next year’s draft. His knack for getting into the backfield and affecting plays makes him very valuable for NFL teams seeking to get a top end edge rusher next year. If he can put together another elite season for the Tigers, Parker has the potential to become a cornerstone defender at the NFL level and make one fanbase ecstatic on Sundays.
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Proctor is a dominant force on the offensive line for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He is known for his imposing size and athleticism coming in at 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, the Crimson Tide tackle has been a main contributor to his team’s offensive success. Proctor’s ability to neutralize pass rushers and open lanes in the running game has made him a standout prospect.
This past season quarterback Jalen Milroe was able to have so many explosive plays in both the pass and run games because of Proctor being able to shut down the SEC’s top edge rushers. Scouts highlight Proctor’s elite footwork, hand placement and understanding of the different blocking schemes as key strengths. If he can continue this performance he will solidify his place as the top offensive linemen in the draft, with the potential to be the next great offensive linemen to join the NFL. Whichever team selects him in 2026, their quarterback will be ecstatic that they will have a clean pocket with tons of time to make plays.
© Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
These three players are cornerstone pieces that will be the talk of the town in next year’s draft cycle. If they have a solid 2025 season, they will solidify themselves as top selections in next year’s draft and as perennial All-Pros at the game’s highest level.
