Scout Notebook: John Mateer Aces Test; Plus 15 Prospects On The NFL Draft Radar

All Access Football 'Scout Notebook' brings you insider intel on top prospects eligible for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, provided by the NFL Draft Bible scouting department. Published every Monday.

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Welcome to the All Access Football ‘Scout Notebook,’ published every Monday. In this jam-packed edition, we highlight 15 prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, with insight and analysis from across the country, provided by the NFL Draft Bible scouting department.

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The welcoming site of San Jose State meant a big bounce back week for Texas signal-caller Arch Manning (6036, 225, 4.55e). The hyped prospect fared much better during the Longhorns 38-7 thumping of the Spartans, completing 19-of-30 passes, for 295 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He also added four rushes for 23 yards and another score via the ground. It was much needed for Manning, who was poised, sharp and appeared to be more comfortable after the Ohio State defense unnerved him a week ago. Texas will welcome UTEP this Saturday.

South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown (6030, 219, 4.65e) is off to a scorching start. After upending No.25 Boise State in Week 1, Brown once again rallied the Bulls to victory over No.13 Florida 18-16, knocking off a ranked opponent for the second consecutive week. The dual-threat quarterback was efficient passing the ball, completing 23-of-36 passes for 263 yards and one touchdown, while showcasing his scrambling abilities, adding 66 yards on 17 carries. Once considered a heralded pro prospect, Brown suffered a fractured left leg last season, which had somewhat diminished his draft stock. However, the senior signal-caller is once again on the NFL radar and appears to be back to his old forum. With his combination of size, athleticism and arm talent, Brown’s draft stock is trending up.

Speaking of hot starts, Monmouth pocket-passer Derek Robertson (6015, 200, 4.98e) added a six pack of touchdowns this weekend, as Monmouth rolled over Fordham 49-28. For Robertson, who completed 29-of-43 passes, for 342 yards, it was positive to see him cut down on the poor decisions. He managed to toss four touchdowns during his 491 passing yard performance in Week 1 against Colgate but it also came with four picks. This past Saturday, Robertson had just one interception but also added a rushing touchdown. The small school talent will now prepare for FBS opponent Charlotte this week, in what could be his most difficult matchup of the season. If he can continue to limit his turnovers, Robertson could very well receive an invitation to one of the all-star game showcases come January.

Over at Delaware State, the Hornets earned their first victory for new head coach DeSean Jackson on the back of workhorse running back Marquis Gillis (5112, 200, 4.63e), who exceeded the 100-yard rushing barrier for the second consecutive week. The senior has now compiled 225 rushing yards through his first two games, while showcasing his receiving prowess as well, catching three balls for 46 receiving yards and one touchdown during Week 1. After an injury-riddled season cost Gillis most of his 2024 campaign, he has shown the toughness to pound the rock up the gut, along with the ability to break tackles and versatility to do damage as a runner or receiver.

Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris (6062, 320, 5.15e) continues to show why he is considered to be one of the top prospects at his position. Once again, he anchored the Rebels defense during their 30-23 win over Kentucky, clogging the middle with six tackles, while also collecting a sack for the second consecutive week. His ability to be a factor against the run, while also adding an interior pass-rush skill-set is what makes Harris so appealing for the next level. His massive size, SEC experience and production makes him one of the fast-risers early on during the 2025 college football season.

A key interception made by Iowa State safety Jeremiah Cooper (5115, 190, 4.50e) was a decisive moment in the game, as the Cyclones held off Iowa in an inter-state defensive battle. For Cooper, who also added four tackles and one pass deflection, he continues to showcase his ball-hawk prowess, as he now has recorded eight interceptions dating back to 2023. His instincts and ability to jump routes is a big reason why head coach Matt Campbell opted to switch him from safety to cornerback this year. Thus far, Cooper has responded in a big way and he is setting himself up to be viewed as a solid mid-round selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

Keep reading for our full ‘Draft Insider’ report below. We have compiled a list of nine more prospect evaluations over the weekend from the NFL Draft Bible scouting department, including a report on Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer, who aced his big test against the Michigan defense during the Sooners convincing victory. In addition, we dive deep into one signal-caller who has a long ways to go in terms of NFL development, despite gaudy numbers, another small school quarterback posting video game-type stats, a wide receiver flying under the radar at Illinois, a pair of Oregon defenders on the ascension and more, for a grand total of nine additional in-depth player scouting reports, including verified measurements and draft projections. Buckle up.