The “Don’t Sleep on This Tier” Part of the 2026 NFL Draft Big Board

The next 10 players on my draft board sit in the 41–50 range, and I feel this is where people start missing how much value is still left.

By the time you get here, the easy names are mostly gone, and that is when I start caring more about how a player wins, not just where he gets mocked.

I like that this tier of the board is about production, traits, role value, and whether I think there’s still real starter upside once the first-round shine wears off.

41. Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

I know I’m going to get some hate for this one, but age is a big factor for me. Don’t get me wrong, the talent is real, but he’s a grown man playing against 18-and 19-year-olds.

He has had a six-year college career and that changes his value in my book.

I still think Mesidor can get to the quarterback, but when a player has spent six years in college you have to think about the runway. By the time his second contract comes around, he will be almost 30 years old and has had two surgeries on his feet.

Player comp: a lighter Cameron Jordan

I made this comp based on personality more than body type. Akheem Mesidor’s draft buzz keeps circling back to this rugged style and nonstop motor with the ability to kick inside and win early over guards.

42. D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

I think D’Angelo Ponds is a good player, I’m just not as high on him as others. He has the production and coverage resume that keeps him higher on other draft boards. I just trust other players over him.

I do like his ball production and instincts, but I think he brings better value in this range.

Player comp: Mike Hilton with better ball production

Ponds is a feisty cover corner with everything you would want from an outside corner. His height and weight may be the factor that moves him down the boards. If he shows the ability to play in the slot, he will be a Mike Hilton type player.

43. Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Zion Young, I think, is one of the better value bets in this section of the board.

His 2025 season gave you something real to work with as he had 16.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. That’s the production that makes this ranking easier to see, especially when you add in his size.

Player comp: Preston Smith

Young and Smith are about the same size and have the same type of projection for the NFL. Physically imposing, high-energy with strong run defense traits, not so much a twitchy end prospect.

44. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Brandon Cisse is another corner I like in this area of the board because his draft profile fits the high 40s range.

In 2025, he had 19 solo tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and five passes defended. Not a massive box score win, but when paired with his good size and movement ability, it works.

Player comp: Desmond Trufant

Brandon Cisse and Desmond Trufant just works as a comp. Cisse profiles as a sticky man-coverage boundary corner with strong closing speed and the size-speed combo to live outside. He also only allowed a 39.4% completion percentage in 2025.

45. Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

I like to think Ty Simpson‘s production speaks for itself. He threw for 3,567 yard, 28 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. After seeing this, I understand why some people rank him higher.

The arm is good enough, the background is good, and the numbers say he belongs.

Player comp: Brock Purdy

I think Ty Simpson is a rhythm-and-timing quarterback who can distribute, process, and keep an offense on schedule. Doesn’t that sound like Purdy? The only difference is Simpson has much less creativity when the play breaks down.

46. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

I think Chris Bell is one of the more overlooked receivers in this draft. In 2025, he had 72 catches for 917 yards and 6 touchdowns, averaging 12.7 yards per catch.

A torn ACL at the end of the year hurt his draft stock.

At 6’2” and 222 pounds, he is a big-bodied receiver capable of overpowering corners, with enough speed (4.44 forty) to stretch the field.

Player comp: Rashee Rice

Chris Bell’s game is built around strength, short-route explosiveness, and catch-and-run value. Being strong in his intermediate and deep work is where the Rashee Rice comp comes from, but hopefully with fewer off the field issues.

47. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Chris Johnson is one of the best small school prospects in this draft class. In 2025, he finished with 34 solo tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 8 passes defended.

Oh, and I forgot to mention. He only allowed 18 catches all season with a 20.6 passer rating against him.

Player comp: Marcus Peters

I think Chris Johnson gives off Marcus Peters vibes because of the instincts, route recognition, and ball hawk mentality that lets him flip possessions when quarterbacks test him. Of the four interceptions, Johnson returned two for touchdowns.

48. R Mason Thomas. EDGE, Oklahoma

R Mason Thomas is one of the cleanest pure speed-rushers in the draft. I’ve seen this firsthand in his games.

In 2025, he had 26 total tackles, 18 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass breakup. He may be a little lighter than some edge guys at 241 pounds, but he is twitched up.

If you want first-step quickness and quickness off the edge, this is your guy.

Player comp: Nick Herbig with a little more bend

R Mason Thomas is a high-energy pass rusher with a quick first step, strong rush instincts, and enough power to keep tackles honest despite his frame. Very similar to Nick Herbig, he can widen, swipe, rip, and keep working.

49. Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

Chase Bisontis might be the least flashy player in this tier of draft prospects, but I like him. He just gets the job done and sometimes that is what a team needs inside on the offensive line.

He didn’t have the greatest PFF grade overall, at 62.4. This is still the type of guard prospect teams will keep working on because of the tools and pedigree (4-star recruit).

Player comp: Connor Williams with more anchor

Chase Bisontis has mobility that matches Connor Williams, but Bisontis feels sturdier and more power-based than a pure movement guard. His best fit may be left guard after he has spent time at tackle and has the movement skills to help the blindside.

50. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

Mike Washington closes out this group of draft prospects because I believe he is the type of guy who will outperform his draft spot.

Washington has burst. He can hit creases, create chunk plays, and bring some athleticism to an offense without needing everything blocked perfectly.

Player comp: Jonathan Taylor-lite

Mike Washington has that Jonathan Taylor big-back acceleration where he can run through contact and still erase angles in space. Washington is one of the best at breaking tackles in this draft and has good hands, which helps the Taylor-style comp make more sense.

That’s my top 50, and this last tier is a good reminder that a draft board isn’t supposed to copy the consensus, but many do. It’s supposed to reflect why you believe and see from your perspective.

There are players in this range of my draft board I know people will disagree with. There are players I’m lower on than the draft world and others still fight for. That’s the point and a board without conviction is just a list.