Part 2 of my 2026 NFL Draft Big Board series shifts to prospects 6-10, and this part of the board might say as much about how I see this class as the top five did.
The first five names on a board usually get all the attention.
That’s just how these things work. I know people want to argue about the number 1 quarterback, running backs, or which defender should be off the board first, but the next stretch matters too.
This is where you start seeing what a board is really built on.
For me, this group says a lot.
I’m betting on pass rush juice, franchise tackle upside, and two corners who have shot up the draft boards.
That’s where I land on prospects 6-10 right now.
6. David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
David Bailey is one of those players I like because he’s got some real speed on the edge.
He stresses tackles early in rep with his acceleration. I love a pass rusher who makes an offense feel hurried up before the quarterback gets into his set.
What I like about Bailey is that he doesn’t just have burst, he is a well-rounded player.
Who knows, David Bailey could be one of those players who looks good in theory, but I think he will be able to affect games at the next level.
Player comp: Danielle Hunter
The body type, the size-speed combo, closing burst, and production reminds me of Danielle Hunter. These two profile as pass rushers with speed, explosiveness, closing range, and pressure creation.
7. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
This is the kind of tackle prospect I’m not going to overthink like some of the big-time analysts.
Francis Mauigoa looks like the kind of player teams are going to talk themselves into more and more the closer the draft gets.
I think he has the size, movement ability, and the upside that makes you think you might be looking at a long-term answer at tackle. That’s a big deal, because players with real franchise tackle upside do not come around every year.
Player comp: Darnell Wright
Francis Mauigao’s consistency at right tackle, his physical run blocking, and steady pass protection reminds me of Darnell Wright coming out of college. Both could kick inside, but have the upside to stay at tackle in the NFL and play at a high level.
8. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
I think some people get nervous about putting safety in the top 10, but I’m not one of them.
Caleb Downs might be one of the best football players in this draft. He’s instinctive, smart, versatile, and is always around the ball.
I’m a firm believer that Caleb Downs could be the safest draft pick in this class. He just plays with the kind of feel and awareness that make everything look easy.
Player comp: A more violent Minkah Fitzpatrick
Caleb Downs is in the same ballpark as Minkah Fitzpatrick because they share the same type of instincts, intelligence, coverage value, and position flex teams covet. Downs is the type of player who can step in right away and be highly productive and match a Fitzpatrick stat line.
9. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
This is one of my favorite rankings on the draft board after he proved the doubters wrong at his pro day.
I have Jermod McCoy this high because I trust his kind of corner play. He looks calm, competitive, and comfortable in coverage.
I love a corner who has that easy coverage feel that stands out more the more you watch him play.
Player comp: Jaycee Horn
Jermod McCoy and Jaycee Horn are both long, confident outside corners who want to get their hands on people and challenge throws. Both players are physical in press, fluid in transition, and scheme-versatile enough to fit both man and zone systems.
10. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
I wanted Mansoor Delane right there with Jermod McCoy, and they may be 9a and 9b for me in the draft.
I like the edge Mansoor Delane plays with some physicality. He looks like the type of corner who wants to win the matchup instead of just trying to survive and that mentality matters at this position.
Player comp: Stephon Gilmore
I’m not saying he’s peak Stephon Gilmore, but Mansoor Delane won’t be far from it the moment he steps on the field. He is viewed as a top-tier man and zone coverage corner, much like Gilmore, and his size and athletic testing matchup pretty well too.
Prospects 6-10 On My Draft Board
This part of the draft board has players who could go in the top 5, but are just a minuscule step down and that should tell you a lot about the value in this range.
In this range, I see disruption off the edge, real tackle upside, top-end safety help, and two corners who are the best in the draft.
That’s what makes a board worth it in the first place. Not copying the consensus or trying to play it safe.
Just ranking the players the way you actually see them.
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