NFL · 11 hours ago

ESPN’s Matt Miller Gives 12 Prospects First-Round NFL Draft Grades | Plus Comps!

John Canady

Host · Writer

Safety: Caleb Downs, Ohio State (No. 3)
Comp: Budda Baker

Caleb Downs is a complete safety prospect with elite tackling ability, range, and instincts. With four interceptions over the past two seasons, he has proven to be both a playmaker and a defender that offenses actively avoid.

"One rival offensive coach told me that they identify Downs on pre-snaps... he's that impactful." – Matt Miller
Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (No. 2)
Comp: Joe Burrow

Fernando Mendoza is the lone quarterback in this class with a true first-round grade, showcasing elite poise and accuracy from the pocket. After transferring to Indiana, he exploded into a Heisman Trophy winner, throwing for 41 touchdowns to six interceptions, proving himself as a reliable decision-maker and high-level distributor who thrives in big moments.

"One year after zero quarterbacks had a true first-round grade, there is one in this class... Mendoza protects the ball and is a great distributor." – Matt Miller

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Running Back: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (No. 1)
Comp: Reggie Bush

Jeremiyah Love stands out as the top overall prospect thanks to his elite three-down ability and explosive playmaking. The 1,372 rushing yards, 6.9 yards per carry, and 18 touchdowns highlight his big-play ability, while his speed and vision make him a constant threat to break long runs.

"With elite speed and vision, plus a build that can handle consistent carries, he's the ideal NFL running back prospect." – Matt Miller
Wide Receiver: Makai Lemon, USC (No. 8)
Comp: Amon-Ra St. Brown

Makai Lemon is a polished and reliable receiver who thrives with precision and toughness, consistently winning underneath and after the catch. With just three drops over the past two seasons, he pairs strong hands with quickness and route-running ability that make him a high-level target in any offense.

"The 2025 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner... is a precise route runner with excellent hands and the quickness to generate yards after the catch." – Matt Miller
Wide Receiver: Carnell Tate, Ohio State (No. 9)
Comp: Cooper Kupp

Carnell Tate emerged as one of the most productive and reliable receivers in the country, putting together 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games. His route-running, body control, and ability to win in contested situations make him a complete receiver ready to contribute early.

"Tate is a polished, crisp route runner with the body control to adjust mid-route or attack the ball in the air." – Matt Miller
Tight End: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (No. 11)
Comp: Vernon Davis

Kenyon Sadiq is a dynamic tight end who creates mismatches with his athleticism and ability to attack the ball in the air. His production of 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns reflects his impact, while his movement skills and leaping ability make him a dangerous weapon in space.

"Sadiq is a high-end mover with the speed, strength, and leaping ability to be a matchup nightmare." – Matt Miller
Offensive Tackle: Francis Mauigoa, Miami (No. 7)
Comp: Darnell Wright

Francis Mauigoa brings power and consistency to the offensive line as a three-year starter with proven production in pass protection. Allowing just six pressures last season and only two sacks over the past two years, he has established himself as a reliable presence with the strength to anchor against defenders.

"His tape shows a consistent performer with awesome strength... Mauigoa allowed only six pressures last season." – Matt Miller
Edge Rusher: David Bailey, Texas Tech (No. 6)
Comp: Nik Bonitto

David Bailey is one of the most productive edge rushers in the country, combining speed and disruption off the edge. His breakout campaign included 69 pressures, 14.5 sacks, and a 21.3% pressure rate, showcasing his ability to impact the quarterback.

"His production matches it... Bailey is among the nation's most improved players and has become a top-10 prospect." – Matt Miller
Linebacker: Arvell Reese, Ohio State (No. 4)
Comp: Abdul Carter

Arvell Reese quickly rose into one of the most intriguing defensive prospects after a breakout season showcasing his versatility. With 69 tackles, 18 pressures, and 6.5 sacks, he proved capable of impacting the game both as a linebacker and pass rusher.

"Reese is still a work in progress, but his production and impact last season point to a player with the talent to quickly be an NFL difference-maker." – Matt Miller
Linebacker: Sonny Styles, Ohio State (No. 5)
Comp: Fred Warner

Sonny Styles is a rare linebacker prospect with elite size, range, and instincts, backed by consistent production. His 83 tackles, one interception, and one sack highlight his all-around impact, while his physical traits make him one of the safest projections in the class.

"Styles' player profile and consistent production... make him one of the easiest evaluations in this class." – Matt Miller
Cornerback: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee (No. 10)
Comp: Christian Gonzalez

Jermod McCoy is a talented cornerback with proven ball skills, recording six interceptions over the past two seasons. Despite missing time due to injury, his overall ability and strong showing during the pre-draft process reinforce his status as a high-upside defensive back.

"McCoy looked like a future top-10 pick... his showing at the Tennessee pro day emphatically answered them." – Matt Miller
Cornerback: Mansoor Delane, LSU (No. 12)
Comp: Trent McDuffie

Mansoor Delane emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the country thanks to his lockdown coverage ability. Allowing just 10 completions last season with two interceptions, he consistently shut down opposing receivers and made plays on the ball.

"Delane emerged as the best cornerback in the FBS... a lockdown presence allowing only 10 completions." – Matt Miller
Safety: Caleb Downs, Ohio State (No. 3)
Comp: Budda Baker

Caleb Downs is a complete safety prospect with elite tackling ability, range, and instincts. With four interceptions over the past two seasons, he has proven to be both a playmaker and a defender that offenses actively avoid.

"One rival offensive coach told me that they identify Downs on pre-snaps... he's that impactful." – Matt Miller
Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (No. 2)
Comp: Joe Burrow

Fernando Mendoza is the lone quarterback in this class with a true first-round grade, showcasing elite poise and accuracy from the pocket. After transferring to Indiana, he exploded into a Heisman Trophy winner, throwing for 41 touchdowns to six interceptions, proving himself as a reliable decision-maker and high-level distributor who thrives in big moments.

"One year after zero quarterbacks had a true first-round grade, there is one in this class... Mendoza protects the ball and is a great distributor." – Matt Miller

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

ESPN’s Matt Miller Gives 12 Prospects First-Round NFL Draft Grades | Plus Comps!

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