2026 Northwestern NFL Draft Watch: Edge Rusher Expected To Explode in '25
A healthy dose of sacks on the menu for bust out candidate.
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2026 NFL Draft Rankings: S || CB || LB || ER || DT || C || OG || OT || TE || WR || RB || QB
TOP 10 NORTHWESTERN PROSPECTS FOR 2026
Location: Evanston, IL || Conference: B1G || Head Coach: David Braun (2 Years: 12-13) || NFL Draft Picks Under Braun: 0 (0/year) || NFL 1st Round Picks Under Braun: 0 || Wildcats in NFL: 12
1. Anto Saka, Northwestern, rJr, 6026, 247, 4.65e (photo: Northwestern Athletics)
Evaluation: Throughout all the highs and lows over the past two seasons for the Northwestern football program, one staple of consistency has been the performance of Saka, who oozes potential as a ‘Sack-Man.’ That is due to his sudden burst, first step explosiveness and bend around the edge that he has flashed early on in his career. However, the best is still to come for Saka. The Baltimore native is a twitched up athlete with rapid feet and relentless leg drive, which helps to offset some of the concerns about his lack of length and short arms. Instead, Saka must rely upon his speed and quickness, which enables him to blow by would-be defenders. In addition, he demonstrates excellent closing speed once he has the quarterback within range. Last season, Saka accounted for just 15 tackles but had five tackles for loss, including three and a half sacks. Entering 2025, he will look to expand his pass-rush counter moves and learn how to become more of a finisher. The ability is there due to his athleticism and natural play instincts. With a starting role and increased reps, Saka could become one of the true bust out players this year.
Background: Mature player who embraces coaching, according to staff. Has primarily served in a reserve role. Attended Loyola Blakefield High School, where he also ran track, posting an 11.5 second 100-meter dash time. Hails from Baltimore.
Caleb Tiernan, OT, rSr, 6060, 330, 5.20e
Griffin Wilde, WR, Jr, 6016, 200, 4.54e
Preston Stone, QB, rSr, 6010, 215, 4.80e
Aidan Hubbard, ER, rSr, 6032, 250, 4.80e
Martes Lewis, OG, rSr, 6060, 335, 5.35e
Cam Porter, RB, rSr, 5092, 215, 4.52e
Yanni Karlaftis, LB, rSr, 6022, 235, 4.72e
Evan Beernsten, OG, rSr, 6032, 300, 5.22e
Xavior Gray, OT, rSr, 6082, 340, 5.40e
2026 NFL Mock Draft: A look ahead at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
2026 NFL DRAFT WATCH
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