During each NFL draft cycle, prospects rise from the unknown abyss and fall from the heightened pedestal built by preseason expectations.
In the summer of 2024, quarterback prospects such as Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe each received top-10 buzz. Beck stayed in college and transferred to Miami. None of the others went in the first two rounds of the ’25 draft. Milroe, whom the Seattle Seahawks chose with the No. 96 pick, was the only one who went in the first two days.
With just over 11 months before the 2026 draft begins, the first two to three rounds of talent are becoming clear for this stage of the process. Rankings will change as prospects navigate the ’25 season, but here’s ’s early top 50 rankings.
1. T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson
A true junior who had 32 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in his first two seasons, Parker is a nuanced pass rusher and potent run stopper. At 6' 3" and 265 pounds, he has experience playing in both two- and three-point stances. Parker is strong—he brings a heavy dose of power off the edge and routinely resets the line of scrimmage in run defense—and is effective with his hands, leading to quick wins. He blends rush timing, plays with an impressively high motor and has quality instincts. Parker’s hands are violent, and he rushes with quality leverage. He also has experience dropping into short zones. He occasionally loses contain of the edge and lacks the elite athleticism and twitch to pursue highly mobile quarterbacks. But Parker is a productive, refined and encouraging young talent.
