Best prospects still available in the 2026 NFL Draft (Daniel Jeremiah) and ESPN

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Who are the best draft prospects still available?

Rank 15: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Toledo · S · Senior
McNeil-Warren is a tall, long safety prospect with fantastic production. He’s a fun player to study. Every game I examined was littered with big hits, plays on the ball and HIGH energy. He’s a very explosive player. He can range off the hash and makes plays on the sideline (SEE: his diving interception against Central Michigan). He drives on throws in front of him and runs through wideouts attempting to corral the ball between the hashes. He has very fluid/smooth change of direction in space. Against the run, he’s aggressive to the alley and explodes into ball-carriers. He can really unlock his hips on contact. Overall, McNeil-Warren is a bouncy, twitchy athlete with Pro Bowl potential.

Rank 19: Jermod McCoy
Tennessee · CB · Junior
McCoy had an outstanding 2024 season but missed the entire '25 campaign due to an ACL tear. He is at his best in press coverage, effectively landing his one-hand jam while maintaining balance to stay on the hip and mirror. He is always under control with his movement. In zone coverage, he will set traps, knowing he can sink back and recover to make plays on the ball. His ability to elevate and play the ball is impressive. He is a capable tackler in space, but he lacks the physicality and effort to be a force player against the run. He was consistently dominant in 2024, except in the playoff game against Ohio State, where Jeremiah Smith beat him for a touchdown on a fade and drew a penalty in the end zone. Overall, McCoy has the speed, movement and ball skills to start Day 1.

Rank 21: Colton Hood
Tennessee · CB · Sophomore (RS)
Hood has average size but excellent play speed and toughness. In press, he is patient, staying on balance before using his hands to redirect at the line of scrimmage. He is fluid to turn, open up and mirror underneath. He has plenty of speed to carry vertical routes. From off coverage, he trusts his eyes and is efficient with his plant-and-drive on balls in front. Hood is consistently in position down the field -- he can locate and play the ball -- but will get grabby at times when the ball is in the air. He is more than willing against the run, fighting through blockers and serving as a reliable tackler in space. Overall, Hood is a complete player and should be a very solid starter immediately at the next level.

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