2026 NFL Draft Headquarters: Scouting Reports, Position Rankings, Big Boards
Welcome to Draft Season
This is the central hub for all of my 2026 NFL Draft work, updated regularly to provide convenient access to read scouting reports, boards and the supporting podcasts with Jon Ledyard. At the end of the process, I’ll post boards as stand-alone pieces. If you want full breakdowns of the top players (the strengths, weaknesses, and, most importantly, schematic fits) or to go scouring for late-round gems, this is the place to be.
This season, I’ll be putting out scouting reports and writing articles for prospects. If there is anything else you want to see or read, let me know in the comments section below.
As always, thank you for supporting The Read Optional. Draft season is where the majority of subscribers join. Jon and I like to think we do things a little differently on the pod, and this season I’ll be returning to my scouting roots for full reports on hundreds of prospects. If you haven’t signed up for a premium subscription yet, there has never been a better time
Scouting Reports
Linebackers:
Safeties:
Podcasts
2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Linebackers — Part I
2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Linebackers — Part II
2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Safeties — Part I
2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Safeties — Part II
2026 NFL Draft Tiers & Evaluations: Safeties — Part III
Imagine it will be included already but a generic outline highlighting key attributes needed to succeed at each position.
And details on the scheme that the draft prospect currently plays within (square peg round hole for drafting team, Hello Cincy)
Oli it would be great in these scouting reports if you could add a line outlining three teams the prospects fits with most scheme wise, and three teams they don't - would help me as a fan understand potential landing spots/type of player I think