Cover photograph per NFL.com / Videos per TikTok
On Thursday April 23, the National Football League’s 91st draft will take place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Seven rounds and 257 picks over the course of three days. Many of the nation’s brightest, fiercest and most talented young players will attend in hopes of hearing their name called. Some might do it from the comfort of their home, others from the green room backstage.
Regardless, this year’s draft features the best talent top to bottom that I’ve seen in the past five years. Four Buckeyes projected inside the top 10, a surefire number one overall pick, and the most athletic class I’ve seen are reason enough to give this year’s draft a watch.
Here are my predictions for the top ten picks in the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza – QB, Indiana (6’5” – 225 lbs)
No surprise here, Vegas sorely needs a QB and Mendoza is one of the most pro-ready quarterback prospects I’ve seen in the last 5 years. Mendoza’s class-act has captured this nation’s attention, earning him “fan-favorite” treatment before he’s set foot on an NFL field. Though he attended the NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis, Mendoza did not participate in any on-field drills.
Instead, Mendoza opted to showcase his skills at Indiana’s pro-day completing 53 of his 56 attempted passes. A national champion and Heisman winner, the Indiana quarterback has done more than enough to be first out of the green room on draft night.
- New York Jets – Arvelle Reese – LB, Ohio State (6’4” – 243 lbs)
An awful year on the defensive side of the ball places head coach Aaron Glenn in a less than ideal yet simple position on draft night. The Jets will look to add a leader in their front seven after losing key contributors Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson II, and Sauce Gardner. 31st in sacks during the 2025 season, Reese (6.5 sacks) would bring much needed pressure to an otherwise weak defensive unit.
If general manager Darren Mougey’s decision wasn’t already clear before this year’s combine, Reese went out and made it for him, running a 2026 linebacker best, 4.46 second 40 yard dash.
- Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiyah Love – RB, Notre Dame (6’0” – 214 lbs)
A bit of a shocker here, I have the Cardinals taking a “reach” on Love at 3. Head coach Mike Lafleur and general manager Monti Ossenfort are in a precarious position with their main position of need being quarterback. With the next best prospect being Ty Simpson who has consistently been mocked in the late first to early second rounds, the Cardinals will likely not opt for the Alabama QB’s services.
I have the Cardinals taking the best available prospect — in the draft — with the third overall pick. I expect Love to bring new life to a dormant Arizona offense that consists of a versatile passing attack, but no running attack of substance.
- Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr. – EDGE, Miami (6’3” – 275 lbs)
With defensive minded head coach Robert Saleh joining in the fray, I predict that the Tennessee Titans will use the fourth overall pick on defense. Worthy of note, wide receiver Wandale Robinson inked a four year $70 million deal this offseason with the Titans, eliminating their need for a true wide receiver one. Though Saleh has already traded for Jermaine Johnson II, a familiar face from his stint with the Jets, this should not deter him from grabbing the best true edge rusher in this class.
Gaps in the Titans’ front seven at defensive end and outside linebacker leave ample room for the addition of Bain Jr., who was the consensus best defender before his decision not to participate in this year’s combine. Look out for the Titans to take the best available trenchman at 4.
- New York Giants – Carnell Tate – WR, Ohio State (6’3” – 195 lbs)
With the 25th pick in the 2025 draft, the Giants selected Jaxson Dart, a pro-ready quarterback and franchise cornerstone. Unfortunately, Dart’s rookie season was headlined by general manager Joe Schoen’s decision to abruptly fire head coach Brian Daboll.
New hire head coach John Harbaugh has his work cut out for him, and it starts with getting his young quarterback another star wide receiver. The Giants ranked 21st in passing offense during the past season, connecting on a near league worst 61.4% of passes. Tate caught 77.3% of eligible passes during the 2025 campaign, also catching 85.7% of contested passes. Watch out for the Giants to take the first wide receiver off the board at pick five.
- Cleveland Browns – Francis Mauigoa – OT, Miami (6’6” – 315 lbs)
With the notable additions of free agent offensive linemen, Teven Jenkins, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson it would appear that the Browns are all but set on the offensive line. However, if the Browns hope to install Todd Monken’s run and gun playbook to maximize pro bowler Shedeur Sanders’ arm talent and rookie sensation Quinshon Judkins’ explosiveness; they will need another reinforcement.
In three years under Monken, the Ravens offensive line allowed sacks on an average of just 6.2% of total offensive plays. If the Browns expect this protection to transpose itself into their culture, Mauigoa is not just the right pick, rather the necessary one. The 6’6” tackle’s quickness and torque, rarities at the tackle position, have many NFL scouts under the assumption that a switch to guard may be in the 20 year old’s near future. Don’t be surprised if the Browns take the first offensive lineman off the board.
- Washington Commanders – David Bailey – EDGE, Texas Tech (6’3” – 250 lbs)
Though his 40 yard dash (4.50 second) propelled the young edge up many analyst’s draft boards, I have David Bailey falling all the way to 7 and getting picked up by the Commanders. It just makes sense for a team that struggled defensively all of this past season (27th overall in total defense). Bailey accounted for 14.5 sacks and 19.5 TFL’s over the course of this past season for the Red Raiders.
Coupling this vicious young edge with the experience of defensive tackle Daron Payne, the Commanders could once again assert themselves as a formidable opponent. Be ready for the Commanders to take the Red Raiders’ star edge, David Bailey, to shore up a defense best described as lost this past year.
- New Orleans Saints – Jordyn Tyson – WR, Arizona State (6’2” – 200 lbs)
Many question marks revolve around the 21 year old two time all-big twelve first team winner’s injury history. Tyson suffered a devastating knee injury in his freshman year, broke his collarbone in his sophomore year, and most recently strained both his hamstrings in the same season.
Despite this, Tyson is viewed as the highest upside receiver in the 2026 class, drawing comparisons to NFL stars Ceedee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Jakobi Meyers. The Saints stumbled upon their future at quarterback in 2025’s second round, selecting Tyler Shough. He went 5-4 as a starter this past season, shocking to many, as the Saints finished with a 6-11 record.
Although star wide receiver Chris Olave had a career year, it was painfully obvious Shough needed more help than Ja’Lynn Polk, Devaughn Vele, and an aging Alvin Kamara. I predict that the Saints will take a chance on the explosive slot receiver with their first round pick.
- Kansas City Chiefs – Kenyon Sadiq – TE, Oregon (6’3” – 245 lbs)
Certainly a swing from myself here, I see the Chiefs reaching on an unsure thing with the ninth overall pick, Kenyon Sadiq.
NFL and Taylor Swift fans have been put on notice over the last year that Travis Kelce’s career is nearing its end, as such I find it increasingly likely that Andy Reid will select his heir using the first of the Chiefs two first round picks. Sadiq ran a 4.39 second 40 yard dash, redefining the tight end position before our eyes. His hands, size and playmaking ability prime him to be Andy Reid’s next project.
Sadiq’s game is reminiscent of HOF’er Vernon Davis, as his ability to burst up the seam, sit down on a button hook, or just go get a ball are unrivaled in this class. Don’t say I didn’t tell you so if the Chiefs take the league’s next electric player.
- New York Giants – Sonny Styles – LB, Ohio State (6’5” – 243 lbs)
Following their selection of Carnell Tate, many might expect the Giants to select his star safety teammate Caleb Downs,but I see them going the linebacker route. When examining the past five years at linebacker for the Giants names like McFadden, Okereke, Ward and Martinez come to mind, at best these guys were middle of the pack.
Styles brings a poise and athleticism that is unique to the linebacker position, a former safety who can play the MIKE and WILL is certain to draw attention from general manager Joe Schoen. Styles ranks in the 99th percentile of linebackers in broad jump (11’2”), 40 yard dash (4.46 seconds), and vertical jump (43.5”).
Aside from the measurables, Styles is known to be an intelligent player with the propensity to inherit any franchise’s “green dot” responsibilities. Sonny Styles is a no-brainer for the Giants at 10.
Notables:
Jacob Rodriguez – LB, Texas Tech (6’1” – 231 lbs)
Rodriguez, a Heisman hopeful for much of the year, logged 128 tackles, seven forced fumbles, and four interceptions during this past year. Rodriguez presents the league’s general managers with an obvious value proposition, if you pick this kid he will make plays.
Jadarian Price – RB, Notre Dame (5’11” – 209 lbs)
Price’s reputation as “Love’s backup” precedes him, but it is far from encapsulating. Love’s 2025 season was highlighted by eleven touchdowns, six yards per carry, and a two touchdown explosion against Texas A&M. Price will slot in nicely behind any competitive team’s RB1, and I’d imagine he could effectively compete for RB1 on any bottomfeeder.
Chase Bisontis – OG, Texas A&M (6’5” – 315 lbs)
A strong center of mass, good frame, and high-level footwork headline Bisontis’ game. Though his pass protection could use quite a bit of work, teams like the Texans, Chargers, and Steelers could all use Bisontis’ services. If your team struggles with run-blocking they should absolutely look into grabbing Bisontis in the late first to early second rounds.
Ty Simpson – QB, Alabama (6’2” – 208 lbs)
Likely the second quarterback off the board, Simpson had an impressive junior campaign at Alabama this past season recording 28 touchdowns, 3567 passing yards, all while possessing a QBR of 145.2. I expect Simpson to go in the late first to early second rounds with the Jets, Steelers, and Browns being possible landing spots.
Zane Durant – DT, Penn State (6’1” – 294 lbs)
Despite an impressive combine performance including a 4.75 second 40 yard dash (96th percentile), 33.5” vertical jump (91st percentile), and a 9’4” broad jump (81st percentile) Durant is mocked in the fourth to fifth rounds. While I understand that lack of production has contributed to Durant’s slide down many analyst’s boards, personally I see incredible athletic upside here and a player worth an early risk.
Kadyn Proctor – OT, Alabama (6’7” – 352 lbs)
Alabama head coach Kalen Daboer used Proctor in a Trent Williams esc role this past year, often utilizing the 20 year old as a lead blocker and in some cases a fullback. Proctor’s willingness to play out of position is a reflection of his innate desire to win ball-games. Watch out for the Chargers, 49ers, and Chiefs to select Proctor in the late first round.
Eli Stowers – TE, Vanderbilt (6’4” – 240 lbs)
In 12 games, Stowers recorded 62 receptions, 769 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. Stowers measures incredibly with a 4.51 40 yard dash (96th percentile), 45.5” vertical jump (99th percentile), and an 11’3” broad jump (99th percentile). Despite his second to third round grade, I could see Stowers being a quarterback’s favorite target for many years to come in the NFL.
Germie Bernard – WR, Alabama (6’1” – 206 lbs)
In Alabama’s biggest games of the season, Bernard was consistently called on to make plays. A six catch 62 yard and one touchdown performance against SEC rival Georgia let me know everything I needed to know about this young man. If your franchise is looking for some consistency at WR2 or the slot, this is your guy, Bernard is an outstanding blocker and zone-beater.
Chris Bell – WR, Louisville (6’2” – 227 lbs)
In just 11 games before his season ending knee injury, Bell recorded 72 receptions, 917 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. This kid is an unbelievable blocker, is incredibly physical, and can beat your favorite defensive back inside ten yards. I see Bell going as early as 27th to the 49ers, but more reasonably in the second round.
Connor Lew – OC, Auburn (6’4” – 302 lbs)
After suffering an ACL injury late in the season, Lew’s stock has tanked from a mid-late first to a day two pick. Named the starter during the course of his freshman season, Lew is incredibly mature at the center position for his age (20 years old). Should he put on some NFL weight and get some experience in camp, I see Lew becoming a contributor on a contender by week 1.
T.J. Parker – EDGE, Clemson (6’4” – 258 lbs)
A “mighty fall from grace” best describes many of Clemson’s draft eligible talent for the 2026 NFL Draft, T.J. Parker is one of those names. Many question marks surround Parker’s contributions to winning football, as Clemson recorded a 7-6 record during this past season. In spite of this, I still believe that Parker can be a disruptive force off the edge for any franchise.
Avieon Terrell – CB, Clemson (5’11” – 186 lbs)
Brother of NFL star, A.J. Terrell, Avieon knows exactly what it takes to cut it on an NFL roster. Terrell will likely find himself in the slot or nickel role for his first year, befitting of his abilities as an off coverage defensive back. I see the Chiefs and Seahawks as the most probable suitors for Terrell’s services.
Genesis Smith – S, Arizona State (6’2” – 202 lbs)
A presence in the secondary, Smith recorded an interception and eight pass breakups this year at Arizona State. In addition to his coverage abilities, Smith can assist in the run game, making many key tackles throughout the course of the year. A second round grade and a thin class at safety position Smith to end up on a contending team that can pay the safety premium.
Sleepers:
Lewis Bond – WR, Boston College (5’11” – 199 lbs)
Tyreak Sapp – EDGE, Florida (6’2” – 273 lbs)
Jalen Huskey – S, Maryland (6’1” – 196 lbs)
Noah Whittington – RB, Oregon (5’8” – 205 lbs)
Trey Zuhn III – OC, Texas A&M (6’6” – 312 lbs)
Domani Jackson – CB, Alabama (6’1” – 194 lbs)
