DRAFT TRACKER 2026

Delane is one of the top cornerbacks in a CB-rich draft. He excels in press coverage, altering release timing with punches and slides. Smooth hips and efficient footwork keep him connected in man coverage, while his processing allows for quick transitions in off-man and short zone looks. He has good top-end speed for vertical phasing but is inconsistent turning to find the football. While he locks in on the route at times, he’s rarely oblivious to the quarterback’s actions, allowing him to slam catch windows shut and play the football. He played through a core muscle injury for much of the 2025 season and still performed at an elite level. Delane’s emergence over the past two years might be indicative of what’s to come, as he’s shown lockdown potential.

Haulcy, aka Mr. Give Me That, is a throwback safety with a compact, densely muscled frame and a pro feel for reading the field. He’s a rare blend of ballhawk and enforcer who can scurry into passing lanes for takeaways or run through a receiver to break up a pass. His pattern recognition and instincts are top-notch and he’s decisive in his reactions. A lack of sustained top-end speed could create mismatches in man coverage. He’s more effective playing forward than he is at guarding large spaces in deeper coverages. He’s rock-steady as a finisher but sees the missed tackle total tick higher as an open-field tackler. Haulcy’s frame and game are pro-ready, though. He projects as a good NFL starter in a zone-heavy scheme.

Undersized pocket passer with legitimate arm talent that has not been able to make up for some flaws in his game. Nussmeier is inconsistent diagnosing coverages and working through progressions, which limits his ability to counter what defenses show him. He plays with a gunslinger’s mindset and doesn’t consistently prioritize ball security. He has a compact release and can spin impressive throws from off-platform angles when needed. He will make a throw that makes you a believer in one series, but he often follows that up with a turnover that reignites the doubt. He has adequate mobility in the pocket and limits his sack count. Teams will need to balance Nussmeier’s mistakes and durability concerns against his potential to improve on his LSU output.

Slightly undersized off-ball linebacker with solid 2025 production but less in-game impact than he showed in 2022 and 2023 before his ACL tear in 2024. Perkins is decisive against the run and knifes into the backfield when lanes open. He’s adequate in block take-ons and finishes tackles near the line with good physicality. He can still run but lacks his previous explosiveness in close-outs and pursuit. His instincts in space are average and he can get lost in coverage, but he has the athletic ability coverage requires. Perkins is at his best when deployed in a scheme that allows him to play free and attack the line as often as possible.

Pyburn is a muscular outside linebacker with short arms and unremarkable athleticism. He’s been a non-factor as a pass rusher during his career, but he gets after it as a run defender. Pyburn has some heat in his hands, jarring blockers and playing off of them to make tackles in his vicinity, but his lack of length will make it tougher to set edges against longer NFL tackles. As a backup with a lack of rush and cover talent, special teams will need to become his money-maker to stay in the league.

Thomas lacks gaudy production as a receiver, but his athleticism, versatility and return talent could bolster his roster value. He has average size with enough vertical speed to stress defenses downfield. He’s average in beating man coverage underneath and struggles finishing catches through contact. His vision, burst and elusiveness as a runner makes the evaluation more interesting. Thomas is likely to be viewed as a WR5 candidate with value as a return man, but teams could dig a little deeper on his potential as a running back.

Field-stretching flanker who is light on route and catch fundamentals but heavy on kick-return talent. Teams will need to factor in Brown’s ability to operate as a functional backup against his potential contributions on kickoffs, with league rules enhancing value in that area. A linear route tree might be needed to take advantage of his potential to get open deep or run free after the catch. His speed and return value make him worthy of selection on Day 3.

Fifth-year senior with three years of starting experience between Florida State and LSU. Payton is a linear mover with long limbs and adequate foot quickness. He lacks decisiveness at the point of attack and will struggle to stand firm against NFL drive blockers. Payton has enough burst to create opportunities at the corners, provided he continues to refine his hand work. His inside rush transitions are fluid and will be even more effective if he brings his edge rush to greater life. Payton’s traits give him a chance to become a backup with average upside.

Hilton has build-up speed to take the top off defenses, averaging 19 yards per catch during his career. He had a troubling lack of production, though, making just 41 catches in five seasons. There are basic route corrections he can make to better open underneath throws. He has adequate ball skills downfield but comes up empty when contested. When you combine his sparse production with his injury history, it doesn’t inspire confidence, but speed sells, giving Hilton a chance to outplay his draft slotting.

Off-ball linebacker with average size and one season as a full-time starter over five years. Weeks is an average athlete, but he has pretty good linear speed. He has adequate reaction time in his diagnosis. He’s a thumper when he catches runners cleanly but struggles to alter pursuit paths and change direction fluidly in space. Issues in coverage and with tackle consistency could linger, which might work against him as teams weigh his special teams value.

Anderson is a short but stocky slot receiver with good speed but below-average hands. Injuries and quarterback play slowed his production in 2025, so a heavier dose of 2024 tape is needed for his evaluation. His routes are rhythmic and fairly disciplined, but he fails to create enough separation from his break points. He has the play strength to compete for the contested throws he’s likely to see against tight press man. Anderson has the talent and toughness NFL teams like to see, but his lack of size/explosiveness could make it challenging for him to earn a spot as a backup.

Sharp converted from quarterback to tight end at Southeastern Louisiana in 2022 before heading to Oklahoma (2024) and then to LSU (2025). He has some separation burst underneath but tends to fight the football and lacks consistency finishing through contact. He’s short-armed and slow to snap his hands into run blocks, allowing defenders to land first and quickly separate. He’s willing at the point but lacks core strength and is better suited to block on the move. He will have to shine in camp to have a chance to stick on a roster.