It is entering week 4 in the first pml season, so you know what time it is. Time to look at possible top prospects coming out in our first draft. Some of these prospects might not come out in the draft as it’s too early to tell but the below players would have all a chance to be top ten picks if they do. We have future iterations of this planned as our college season progresses.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Nussmeier has one of the liveliest arms in college football, capable of driving the ball into tight windows and pushing defenses vertically. His quick release and natural playmaking instincts allow him to thrive in up-tempo and spread systems, where he can dissect coverages with timing routes. Nussmeier’s leadership and ability to perform in big moments have given LSU’s offense consistent energy.
However, he can be prone to forcing throws, relying too much on his arm talent rather than decision-making. His footwork under pressure also needs refinement, as his mechanics can break down when the pocket collapses. If he irons out consistency issues, his blend of arm talent and moxie gives him top-10 quarterback upside.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs is the prototype of a modern NFL safety: rangy, physical, and highly instinctive. He reads quarterbacks exceptionally well, often getting a head start on routes and providing eraser-type support over the top. Against the run, he closes downhill with aggression and reliable tackling technique, making him a true three-down defender. His football IQ and ability to line up anywhere in the secondary elevate his stock. The Eric Berry comps are real.
His primary concern is elite speed—while fast enough, he may not possess true cornerback-level recovery gear, which could limit him against top deep threats. Additionally, some scouts want to see him generate more turnovers in coverage. Even so, Downs’ versatility and reliability make him one of the safest and most impactful top-10 picks in any draft.
Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Manning brings polished mechanics, poise, and an NFL pedigree that scouts love. He excels at processing defenses pre-snap and delivering throws with timing and anticipation. His ability to operate within structure while still showing creativity outside the pocket makes him a balanced prospect. Manning rarely looks rattled, showing maturity beyond his years in handling pressure.
The knock on him is ceiling—he’s good at many things, but not yet elite at one. His arm strength is strong but not overpowering, and his athleticism is functional but not dynamic. Still, his combination of high floor, leadership qualities, and pro-ready skill set makes him a safe bet for a top-10 team seeking a franchise quarterback.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Fano is an athletic tackle with excellent lateral quickness and balance, making him ideal for modern NFL offenses that rely on zone blocking and pass protection in space. His footwork allows him to mirror speed rushers, and his hand placement is advanced for a young lineman. At Utah, he’s shown toughness and consistency, projecting as a long-term left tackle.
That said, Fano still needs to add functional strength to handle NFL-caliber power rushers. His anchor can give way against bigger defensive linemen, and he must improve his ability to finish blocks at the second level. If he develops more power, his blend of athleticism and technique could push him firmly into top-10 contention.
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Sellers is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback with excellent size and athleticism, making him dangerous both in the pocket and on designed runs. His arm strength allows him to attack all areas of the field, and he thrives when improvising outside of structure. Sellers’ playmaking ability has drawn comparisons to modern NFL QBs who can win with both their legs and their arm.
The questions revolve around polish: his accuracy on intermediate throws is inconsistent, and his decision-making under pressure can be raw. He will need to refine his mechanics and field vision to thrive against NFL defenses. Still, his ceiling is enormous, and teams drafting in the top 10 may be drawn to his rare tools and upside.
Harold Perkins Jr., MLB, LSU
Perkins is an explosive, sideline-to-sideline linebacker who wreaks havoc in both run defense and pass rushing. His speed and burst are elite, allowing him to track down ball carriers and pressure quarterbacks from multiple alignments. He has the versatility to play inside or as an edge blitzer, making him a defensive coordinator’s dream.
His weaknesses stem from refinement—Perkins sometimes relies too much on raw athleticism, leading to overpursuit or misreads in coverage. He must develop more consistent instincts in diagnosing complex NFL offenses. Nevertheless, his athleticism, versatility, and disruptive ability make him a likely top-10 pick and potential defensive cornerstone.
Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
Harbor is one of the most unique prospects in football, blending sprinter speed with a 6’5” frame. He can stretch defenses vertically with ease, forcing safeties to back off and opening lanes for teammates. His size-speed combination gives him a mismatch against nearly any cornerback, and his potential as a red-zone threat is enormous.
The concern is polish: Harbor is still raw as a route runner, needing sharper breaks and improved timing to fully utilize his gifts. His hands can also be inconsistent, with occasional drops. If he continues to refine technique, his rare physical profile could make him a top-10 pick and a nightmare matchup at the next level. Harbor is a perennial top pick in our drafts, and do not expect that to change. Depending on who ends up with pick 1, Harbor might be that selection.
