Where NC State Players Rank on Mel Kiper’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, and several NC State players will be hoping to hear their names called.

So where do they stand heading into draft week?

According to Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, multiple Wolfpack prospects are on his latest Big Board.

Tight end Justin Joly leads the way, checking in at No. 105 overall and ranking as the No. 3 tight end in the class.

Here’s how the rest of NC State’s draft-eligible prospects stack up:

• Wesley Grimes – No. 65 wide receiver
• Cian Slone – No. 28 EDGE rusher
• Brandon Cleveland – No. 23 defensive tackle
• Caden Fordham – No. 27 linebacker
• Devon Marshall – No. 46 cornerback

Looking back at last year, Anthony Belton was the lone NC State player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Historically, the high-water mark for the program came in 2018 under Dave Doeren, when seven Wolfpack players were selected, which is the most in a single draft in school history.

Personally, I think 4 NC State players will be drafted: Joly, Cleveland, Marshall and Slone.