Last week I rolled out the first part of my December big board and broke down the top six players in the 2026 NFL Draft. This week it is players 7 through 12, a group that includes two elite defensive backs and the likely Heisman winner.
Top 7-12 players in the 2026 NFL Draft
7. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Going into the season, I was one of the few draft analysts who had Fernando Mendoza as the top quarterback in the class. I now have him as the second best, but he still has real franchise quarterback upside. He fits what the Raiders need, and it’s clear Geno Smith isn’t the long-term answer.
Fernando Mendoza is throwing DARTS on this drive @IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/S1qHT2AHGY
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 8, 2025
8. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Avieon Terrell might not be the biggest corner in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he’s the best all-around player at the position. In coverage he shows loose hips and sticks to his man, and his ball skills stand out with 23 pass breakups over the past two seasons. He’s also a force against the run, and his five forced fumbles this year show he can change games. The Dolphins need help in the secondary, and their corner play has been below average at best.
Take a look back at the top 6:
9. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
2025 might have been a down year for Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, but his potential still makes him a top-15 pick. He brings a rare mix of speed and power at 6-foot-3, 310 pounds, running a 4.86 in the 40 and putting up 34 reps of 225 on the bench. Baltimore has struggled to stop the run and needs young talent up front, and Woods fits that need
10. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Ohio State keeps producing top receivers, and the next one up is Carnell Tate. He’s a true deep threat with the speed and size to win downfield, averaging 18 yards per catch this season and scoring eight touchdowns. With John Lynch in the building for the Buckeyes’ win over Michigan and wide receiver being a major need, Tate makes perfect sense for San Francisco.
CARNELL TATE FOR THE TD 😤@OhioStateFB extends the lead@wendys pic.twitter.com/6ywG75jPKP
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 1, 2025
11. Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The top offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft is Utah’s Spencer Fano, who has All-Pro potential at right tackle. This past season he didn’t allow a single sack and gave up only five pressures. His game is built on being fundamentally sound, which lets him stay locked in on blocks snap after snap. He’s also one of the stronger players in the class, and when you pair that with his mobility, he’s worth a top-ten pick. He makes sense as a real fix for the Giants’ right tackle problem.
12. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Mansoor Delane is one of the biggest climbers in this draft cycle. He opened the year with a sixth-round grade on my board and played his way into the top 12. His coverage numbers are ridiculous. He stuck with every top SEC receiver he faced, gave up only 147 yards all season, and allowed just a 37% completion rate per PFF. The Rams need to address the cornerback spot, and Delane fits that need.