2026 NFL Draft Thread

#203      
aaeismacgychel
IlliniFaninHoosierLand said:
Here's the NFL.com draft analysis on Davis:

Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

Overview
Durable four-year starter with ideal size and length who needs to become more of an impediment on each snap. Davis possesses good play strength but issues with footwork and body control limit his consistency in sustaining blocks. He has adequate lateral/second-level range for move blocks and surprising drive power when he finishes his block. Davis has had some impressive reps against pro-caliber rushers over his last two seasons, but developing better timing, accuracy and placement with his hands will be critical as he competes for a role as an NFL swing tackle.

Strengths
Carries good size with massive wingspan and big hands.
Good timing and consistency on his pin-and-climb combos.
Power to torque and turn defender out of run gaps.
Drives feet and looks to finish blocks when he has the advantage.
Uses vertical sets with awareness to the B-gap against T/E twists.
Patience and independent hands allow him to gather spin counters.
Good athleticism to mirror inside moves and find targets in space on screens.

Weaknesses
Leads with his helmet and upper body far too often.
Body control and contact balance are below average.
Poor hand placement limits block sustain/consistency in both phases.
Opens outside hip way too early against speed rushers.
Allows rushers into his chest without popping and gathering.
Lethargic hands allow rushers to counter and eliminate the punch.
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Congrats to JC Davis! And not trying to make it a thing, but hard not to read many of those weaknesses as things that could be improved with better coaching.
 
#207      
IlliniFaninHoosierLand
Here's the NFL.com draft analysis on van den Berg:

Draft Projection
Round 7

Overview
Jordan van den Berg began to hit his stride at Georgia Tech in 2024 after three quiet years as a backup at Penn State. Elite testing numbers at his pro day will send scouts back to the tape for further evaluation. He possesses disruptive first-step quickness and heavy hands to beat blocks. He carries average mass and below-average length. He needs to prove he can take on NFL blockers at the point of attack. The career production looks a little light on paper, but van den Berg appears to possess translatable traits that could entice a team with a one-gapping defensive front to draft him on Day 3.

Strengths
Displayed rare blend of quickness, explosiveness and power at pro day.
Plays with consistent effort on every snap.
Good conversion of weight-room power into functional football strength.
Uses active hands to improve his positioning against run blocks.
Quick first step creates opportunities to beat guards around the edge.
Agility/burst to track and close on QBs/ball-carriers.

Weaknesses
Needs to improve block take-on consistency.
Has shed strength but lack of length can slow the execution.
Needs to develop his hand-fighting to unlock more rush potential.
Short arms allow sacks/tackles to slip from his grasp on occasion.
 
#210      
RockfordIllini
Congrats to JC.

I know there have been conversations about a mismatch between personnel and scheme the last few years, but we have to get to the point where we are regularly putting O Lineman in the league. We’ve underachieved both on the field and in the draft room by Bielema’s standards.

If Iowa can take a kid from Lena (thoughts with them after the awful tornados) and turn him into a day 2 or day 3 pick or whatever he was, we can do that too.
 
#217      
Oracle21
Kaliakmanis being drafted before Luke is ridiculous. But at least he’s not Nussmeier. I think before last season started he was on a lot of NFL boards as a top 20 pick. May not even get drafted
 
#220      
Mr. Tibbs
IlliniFaninHoosierLand said:
With the 223rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders select Athan Kaliakmanis, QB, Rutgers.
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Come On What GIF by MOODMAN
 
#221      
TheChief4Life
Another QB rated lower than Altmyer just went to the patriots. I don’t think it’s in the cards for Luke this year…
 
#224      
IlliniFaninHoosierLand
With the 238th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Max Llewelyn, DE, Iowa.

With the 242nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Deven Eastern, DT, Minnesota.

With the 243rd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana.
 
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