It's never too early to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft.
With the 2025 NFL and college football seasons on the horizon, The Athletic's Dane Brugler compiled his initial top 50 Big Board after reviewing over 400 draft-eligible players.
And the early indication in his scouting process is that the offense has a slight edge over the defensive players.
Brugler has 26 offensive players to 24 defensive players in his top 50, as offensive tackles lead the position groups with 10.
The draft analyst's top five rankings do have more players on defense, however, with Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods as his top ranked player.
Behind him is Texas quarterback Arch Manning at No. 2, Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at No. 3, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 4 and Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk at No. 5.
Brugler wrote:
A summer Big Board is based on past tape with projection built in, which means there will be natural fluctuation in the rankings once we get new tape throughout the season. Abdul Carter debuted at No. 2 in last year's preseason top 50 and stayed there through the process, but multiple other prospects (Carson Beck …) tumbled based on their play.
Check out the best photos from the twenty-third day of Training Camp 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo!
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice at Training Camp on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
Edge rusher has the second-most players in his top 50 rankings with nine, as quarterbacks follow closely behind with seven.
In terms of other trends, it's not a class heavy with offensive skill players as it stands in Brugler's rankings, as Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the highest placing member — and the only running back on the early list.
There are also only five receivers in the rankings, with the highest coming at No. 12, and two tight ends.
Of course, there is a whole college football season left in front of everyone and the rankings will surely change, but it's a starting point to keep an eye on the future of the NFL.
