NFL Draft Notebook: Taylen Green’s upside and a DE fit to pair with Aidan Hutchinson

There’s no debate. The SEC runs college football. It’s been 18 straight years since another conference led the NFL Draft in total selections, and this fall should extend that streak. In this week’s NFL Draft Notebook, we spotlight a high-upside quarterback flying under the radar, a defensive end who could form a fearsome duo in Detroit, and more SEC prospects to watch in the 2026 class.

In addition to a look at some of the best players in the SEC, we also highlight a Big Ten offensive tackle who’s aiming for an even bigger season, a quarterback who found a fresh start in the American Conference, and another who’s looking to regain his old form in the ACC.

2026 NFL news and notes

Most upside in the 2026 quarterback class

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green may have the highest ceiling in the 2026 NFL Draft thanks to his rare combination of size, speed, and arm strength. At 6-foot-6 and 224 pounds, he's built like a prototypical pro passer and has the tools to hit the deep ball consistently and make plays on the move, including a 41-yard run last season against Louisiana Tech. He’s also a legitimate threat in the sprint-out game. However, despite the upside, Green enters the year with a fourth-round grade due to major concerns about ball security and accuracy. He turned the ball over 21 times last season, including 12 fumbles and 9 interceptions, and his inconsistent footwork continues to hold back his development.

What caused Jackson Arnold’s rough year

Last season was a major disappointment for former Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold, who was benched for three games and struggled to generate consistent offense. But the blame doesn’t fall squarely on his shoulders. Oklahoma’s offensive line was among the worst in the country, and the wide receiver group lacked any real consistency. Now at Auburn, Arnold has a chance to reset and prove why he still holds a fourth-round grade on my board. His ability to create when the play breaks down and keep his eyes downfield while on the move stands out, as does his arm strength. He needs to develop more touch in the mid-range passing game, but the tools are there. Former Oklahoma coach Brent Venables also vouched for his intangibles, saying, “He handled one of the toughest moments of his athletic life in an amazing first-class way.”

Would make a great tandem with Aidan Hutchinson

While Jackson Arnold is an intriguing draft prospect, there’s no question that defensive end Keldric Faulk is Auburn’s top NFL talent. At 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, he brings dominant strength to the edge, using his power to shut down the run and overwhelm blockers as a pass rusher. He totaled seven sacks last season, including three against Georgia, and consistently won with physicality. Faulk projects as a likely first-round pick and would be an ideal fit in Detroit alongside Aidan Hutchinson, giving the Lions two aggressive, power-based edge defenders who could anchor the defense for years.

Arkansas’s Xavian Sorey is being overlooked

One linebacker flying under the radar is Arkansas’s Xavian Sorey, who Austin Farmer of Razorbackers called one of the most underrated linebackers in the SEC. Sorey led the team with 99 tackles last season and tied for the team lead with 9.5 tackles for loss. As a pro prospect, he’s an impressive athlete for a middle linebacker and has the traits to become a core special teams contributor while backing up at the next level. With improved hand usage to shed blocks, he could even push for a starting role down the line.

Explosive slot receiver

One of the more dynamic slot receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft is Florida’s Eugene Wilson III. Wilson thrives at turning short throws into explosive plays, as shown by his 480 receiving yards and 18 forced missed tackles in 2023, along with an 85-yard touchdown on a jet sweep. His game is built on elite quickness and elusiveness in space, making him a constant threat after the catch. He also has elite hands, with zero drops over the past two seasons. If he stays healthy this year, he should be off the board by day two of the draft.

Carson Beck is ready to go

Miami quarterback Carson Beck says he’s back to feeling 100% after tearing his UCL late last season, and early signs out of camp are encouraging. Head coach Mario Cristobal praised Beck, saying, “He is ultra competitive, and his football IQ is off the charts. It didn’t take long to realize that he’s a team player, and that his work ethic is also through the roof.” That type of backing matters, especially after questions about his football character followed him out of Georgia. Beck carries a day three grade on my board heading into the season, but if he returns to his 2023 form, that stock could rise quickly.

More 2026 NFL Draft coverage:

High standard

Iowa tackle Gennings Dunker holds himself to a demanding standard. Despite being a second-team All-Big Ten pick and carrying a second-round draft grade on my board, he said he wasn’t satisfied with his play last season. He’s focused on improving his pass protection, particularly his first step off the ball. Dunker is expected to be ready for fall camp after missing spring with an ankle injury.

Jake Retzlaff’s new home

Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff will suit up for Tulane this season after transferring from BYU, where he was facing a suspension for off-the-field behavior that violated the school’s student code of conduct. Last year, he passed for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns while throwing 12 interceptions. He enters the 2025 season with a priority undrafted free agent grade on my board.