Maryland Produces Another Wave of NFL Draft Prospects

The state continues to be a pipeline for top defensive talent headed to the professional ranks.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:59pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting the abstract shapes and planes of a football game or match, capturing the energy and intensity of the sport without any recognizable faces or logos.A cubist interpretation of the next generation of Maryland football talent set to make their mark in the NFL.Baltimore Today

Maryland has long been a hotbed for high-level football talent, and this year's NFL Draft class is no exception. The state is sending several defensive standouts to the league, including a potential first-round cornerback, a pass-rushing specialist, and a hard-hitting linebacker. While the focus is on the defensive side of the ball, the state also has an offensive lineman who could hear his name called on draft day.

Why it matters

Maryland's ability to consistently produce NFL-caliber talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball, is a point of pride for the state and highlights the strength of its high school and college football programs. These prospects have the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level, further cementing Maryland's reputation as a football powerhouse.

The details

The headliner of this year's Maryland draft class is cornerback Mansor Delane, who is projected to be a top-10 pick. Delane, a Silver Spring native, dominated at LSU after transferring from Virginia Tech, earning unanimous first-team All-American honors. Edge rusher Derrick Moore, a product of Baltimore's St. Frances Academy, is expected to be a late second-round selection after a standout senior season at Michigan. Linebacker Jaishawn Barham, also from St. Frances, and offensive tackle Jude Bowry, from Germantown, are both projected to be fourth-round picks.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place next week in Pittsburgh.
  • Delane, Moore, Barham, and Bowry all had standout college careers leading up to this year's draft.

The players

Mansor Delane

A cornerback from Silver Spring, Delane is considered a top-10 prospect and the highest-rated cornerback in this year's draft. He dominated at LSU after transferring from Virginia Tech, earning unanimous first-team All-American honors.

Derrick Moore

An edge rusher from Baltimore's St. Frances Academy, Moore is expected to be a late second-round pick after a standout senior season at Michigan, where he was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

Jaishawn Barham

A linebacker from District Heights, Barham was a four-year starter at Michigan after beginning his college career at the University of Maryland. He is projected to be a fourth-round pick.

Jude Bowry

An offensive tackle from Germantown, Bowry was considered the top offensive lineman prospect from Maryland in high school. He played left tackle at Boston College and is expected to be a fourth-round pick, potentially moving to guard in the NFL.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place next week in Pittsburgh, where these Maryland prospects will look to hear their names called and begin their professional careers.

The takeaway

Maryland's continued ability to produce high-level NFL talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, is a testament to the strength of the state's football programs and the dedication of its players. These prospects have the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level, further cementing Maryland's reputation as a football powerhouse.