NFL Draft Scouting Notebook Week of May 5, 2025
Tackled a handful of players and positions and ended my notebook discussing the hottest topic on draft twitter this past week courtesy of Sam Monson.
I understand the NFL Draft has come to a close, but if you are someone like me who has to wear two hats to cover two teams full-time, you must start early on the next class. I started preparing for the 2026 class at the beginning of April, and in hindsight, I am glad I did.
The 2025 class had some fun positions with some special players, but from what I see on paper and in early viewing of the 2026 class, it will be much better.
Like any class, the Summer is all about projections and expectations. The quarterbacks are always seen as “better,” and they don’t always pan out that way. We have seen that for several years, but of course, sometimes they hit. Other positions like wide receiver have been consistent and 2026 looks to be that once again, while edge rusher and linebacker appear to rebound nicely after down years.
With all those things in mind, here are my notes from my first scouting notebook of the year on the 2026 NFL Draft.
Edge Rushers Talent Pool is DEEP
The 2025 class of edge rushers was talented enough to have 11 edge rushers selected in the first three rounds of the draft. When I was gathering my list of players to watch by position, I told myself I was going to keep it to 15 players at each position. Regarding 2026 eligible edge rushers, I have 24 on my list who are worth watching. I did narrow it down to 15 for now, but if I have the time towards the end, I would like to get eyes on all 24 of them because they are all deserving.
So far, just last week, I watched and studied Keldric Faulk of Auburn and Dani Dennis-Sutton of Penn State. Both of them graded very well for me and have traits that excited me when watching them, which made me think they deserved to be in the top end of the first round next year. Faulk, especially, his speed off the ball is something to behold. He bends the edge extremely well, but also possesses elite run support for such an elite pass rusher.
Questions Already for the Top Cornerback in the Class
It’s not ideal whenever anyone suffers a torn ACL, but its recovery time has drastically reduced in recent years. Despite that, we just saw a cornerback class be hampered by their best talent dropping way down the draft board as a result. Players like Will Johnson, Shavon Revel, and Benjamin Morrison all went from being top 15 locks to not being anything better than the 47th pick between them.
That brings us to who many people see as the top cornerback in the class, Jermod McCoy out of Tennessee.
The Oregon State transfer had a very successful first year with the Volunteers. He was named first-team All-SEC and recorded four interceptions and 44 tackles. He has the size you want from a corner and the man coverage skills to be able to handle NFL receivers. The only issue he is facing is that he will now be coming off a torn ACL after suffering the injury in January. On a positive note, there are reports that he could play this season despite suffering the injury after the season.
While the odds of him returning during the season are good, the NFL just showed that they are going to be very wary of how they approach cornerbacks coming off injuries. Of course, every player and their injury are unique, but seeing three of them all fall in the draft isn’t a great sign for the fourth guy who is coming down the same trail next.
Something to keep in mind as we approach the season and go through it.
Arizona State Remains Loaded on Offense
It is always fun when we have a combination of players to watch on one side of the ball who can help each other on and off the field. On the field, they can make plays, off the field, it makes them money by improving their draft stock.
Arizona State has one of those unique pairings in quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Both men transferred to Arizona State after starting at different schools and found their peak with head coach Kenny Dillingham. Leavitt could be one of the day two quarterbacks who turn into a first-round pick by the end of the year. He really impressed me when I watched Arizona State live during the Big 12 title game and their playoff game against Texas. He never blinks, can rise to the level of the moment, and the pressure it brings on him and the Sun Devil offense.
Jordyn Tyson was equally impressive in those same games, and I am queued up to watch him and Leavitt more closely this week. Tyson can be the top wide receiver in 2026 with his size (6-1, 195 lbs.) and his movement skills. With Leavitt throwing him the ball and him being on the receiving end, they have a chance to be the top players drafted at their positions in April.
Of course, we are nearly a year away from that, but the Summer is all about projecting.
If Jaxson Dart had Fans, Drew Allar Should Have Groupies
This week, Sam Monson tweeted a clip of Drew Allar's plays and told draft Twitter to discuss it. He knew that was equivalent to saying “solve the United States budget problem” and expecting civil discussion. That being said, the last time the budget was balanced was when George W. Bush was President, so we have an example to follow in that area, just as we have an example to follow for how Drew Allar can work: Jaxson Dart.
Did I just compare George W. Bush to Jaxson Dart? Yes. Do I have your attention now? I would sure hope so.
Everyone focuses on the good or bad with Allar instead of balancing them. The playoff games were bad for Drew Allar, and I am not defending them. The Florida game was bad for Jaxson Dart and made him look like a day-three pick. Despite that game, the New York Giants took him in the first round of the NFL Draft.
It will only take one team for Drew Allar to be gone in the first round next April. Compared to Dart, Allar has much better physical traits, is more mobile, and has shown more development each year of his college career. NFL teams want that piece of clay that can continue to be molded. He fits that billing and then some, so remember that if the NFL liked Jaxson Dart, it will love Drew Allar.
I will remember that as I go through the Summer and into the Fall.