2026 Alfie Dog Top 10

This list will be somewhat controversial because my prospect rankings are a drastic departure from the prevailing consensus. However, I see what I see.

1.

#4 Rueben Bain, DE, Miami

Power, power, power.
Ignore his arm length—his strength makes it mostly irrelevant. I didn’t see a single instance in which a long-armed tackle was able to punch, extend, and leverage length against Bain. He simply snaps extensions and powers through the chest or shoulder. His strength makes it almost impossible for a tackle to extend and use length to neutralize him.
He collapses lines and is an agent of chaos, consistently breaking the dam created by an offensive line. If he isn’t a top-10 pick, it’s a gross miscalculation.

2.

#31 David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech

I debated whether he should be my top prospect. Bailey is long, explosive, and an advanced pass rusher. He’ll beat you with tactics and then attack with power. Exceptional tackler with no hesitation in pursuit.
My only negative note: he needs to get a bit stronger to be a better edge setter.

3.

#75 Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

A silky-smooth tactician. He layers multiple blocks effortlessly—so much so that one may forget he’s a behemoth at 6’5”, 315 lbs. He moves in space with incredible balance and never seems to lose leverage or stumble. Also an excellent pulling guard.

4.

#61 Francis Mauigoa, T/G, Miami, FL

My nickname for him since I first saw his high school reel: “The Unicorn.” A violent, aggressive blocker with exceptional body control—and an Iron Man.
In three years, he tallied 2,814 snaps. Never missed a game. Never even missed a practice. Unicorn.

5.

#31 Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Why not Caleb Downs? Well, beyond the tape, metrically he’s better across the board: more athletic, more range, longer.
Thieneman had more tackles than Downs, even though Downs played closer to the line of scrimmage. He also had a lower missed tackle percentage and a lower completion percentage allowed.
Thieneman is a true free safety with the range to play on an island. Downs is not.

6.

#12 Denzel Boston, WR, Washington State

What I found most compelling—beyond his size, route running, and exceptional hands—is his positional versatility. It’s rare to see a 6’4” receiver play every alignment with equal effectiveness.
He’s one of the most unique receivers I’ve evaluated—not necessarily for elite athleticism, but for his ability to execute any route concept from any area of the field.

7.

#1 Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

His athleticism is seductive, but what stands out is his advanced anticipation on downhill pursuits. He tracks both receiver and ball simultaneously, and when you combine that with his length and elite explosiveness, this small-school corner has the tools to be a long-term starter.

8.

#97 Michael Heldman, DE, Central Michigan

If you’re not familiar with this player, fix that immediately. If he played at a bigger program, he’d be widely considered the most physically talented DE in the class.
A relentless attacker—pure Viking football. At 6’4”, 270 lbs with a 40” vertical, and it shows. Elite pass rusher. Violent. Intimidating.
His tape is FUN to watch. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up the best DE in the class.

9.

#79 Kiegan Trost, RT, Missouri

Solid as a rock—the oatmeal of offensive line play. Nothing flashy, just drop the anchor and this boat isn’t moving.
A great player. Consistent and reliable.

10.

#10 Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Why is this player being overlooked? A prodigious tackler with great pass coverage and recognition. Strong RAS score.
And I’m sorry—his tape is better than Sonny Styles. Not trying to be controversial—it just is.
Rodriguez knows how to play the middle linebacker position and has the athleticism to be exceptional in the NFL. What am I missing?