The collegiate football season has officially ended for the majority of prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, ushering in an important pre-draft period characterized by events such as the NFL Scouting Combine, medical evaluations, team interviews, and all-star games. With the draft declaration deadline looming on January 5 for most players and January 23 for those participating in the College Football Playoff, CBS Sports draft analysts Mike Renner, Ryan Wilson, and others have compared their rankings, highlighting significant differences among prospects.
One of the most debated players is Rueben Bain Jr., ranked No. 3 by Renner but No. 15 by Edwards. Renner argues Bain’s extraordinary play strength makes him a unique talent, capable of overpowering offensive tackles to reach the quarterback. Despite concerns regarding his height and arm length in comparison to typical edge rushers, Renner sees Bain as a mold-breaker in the league.
Conversely, Edwards echoes that Bain may cause contention through the pre-draft process, emphasizing that while Bain has demonstrated power, his consistency is questionable against top-tier competition. Edwards believes the league’s evolving view on edge rusher archetypes may score Bain some success but still questions his top-10 placement due to his physical attributes.
Jordyn Tyson, a wide receiver, also divides opinion; he is ranked No. 4 by Edwards but at No. 21 by Wilson. Edwards notes Tyson’s exceptional vertical threat combined with his ability to create yards after the catch, which is crucial for modern NFL offenses. However, Wilson emphasizes Tyson’s injury history, stating that while his skills are impressive, his availability could affect his draft stock significantly, suggesting that scouts want to see him play with more physicality.
On the offensive line, Trevor Goosby stands out as a highly ranked prospect, positioned as No. 7 by Renner versus No. 49 by Wilson. Renner praises Goosby’s impressive development over the season, showcasing his physicality and raw talent despite the need for refinement in technique. Wilson agrees on Goosby’s potential but highlights a tendency for inconsistency against more sophisticated defensive players, noting that his best traits may lead to a first-round selection.
Another name in the mix, Jermod McCoy, receives differing evaluations: No. 7 by Edwards and No. 19 by Wilson. Edwards suggests McCoy’s previous performance showed immense promise, but his current absence from play raises concerns in a draft class that isn’t overflowing with top talent. Wilson recognizes McCoy’s capabilities but cautions that injury and limited game tape could hinder how early he is picked.
Then there is Denzel Boston, viewed as a potential mid-first-round pick by Wilson but a second-round selection by Renner. Wilson highlights Boston’s versatility and reliability on the field, praising his after-catch abilities, while Renner notes his limitations as a downfield threat, suggesting Boston’s impact may not warrant a first-round selection.
As the pre-draft process unfolds, the prospects will be under the microscope, with their performances in upcoming evaluations likely to sway opinions further. The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, where teams will be eager to refine their rosters with the next generation of football talent. This growing anticipation and the dynamic competitiveness among draft analysts reflect the evolving nature of college football and its influence on professional prospects. Fans can stay updated with the latest insights and projections through CBSSports.com as the draft approaches.