Now that the 2026 NFL Draft is approaching, all eyes are on Pittsburgh, where 32 teams have the chance to reform their rosters when the draft starts on April 23. With hundreds of players hoping to hear their name called across the seven rounds of the draft, the main focus falls on the few prospects who have the talent to redefine a franchise. These are the five players who make the cut.
#5: David Bailey EDGE (Texas Tech)
David Bailey made a big impact in his first season with the Red Raiders, attracting the attention of many NFL general managers. Bailey led the FBS (College Football Division) with 14.5 sacks and an impressive 21.3% pressure rate, earning a unanimous All-American spot after his dominant campaign with a total of 172 pressures over his career, 81 of which were from 2025. At 6’4” and 251 pounds, he can use both his explosive first step and size to beat tackles before they can even set their feet. Bailey’s production, athleticism and versatility earn him a spot among the best of the 2026 draft.
#4: Fernando Mendoza QB (Indiana)
Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is a precision-based pocket passer who stays calm in high-stakes situations. What he lacks in improvisational skills is made up for by mental toughness and the ability to make pre- and post-snap decisions. In 2026, Mendoza led the FBS in touchdown passes, with a total of 41, and in quarterback rating with 90.3. Mendoza’s team-centered attitude, pinpoint accuracy and ability to lead the offense make him easily the best quarterback in the 2026 draft and one of the best prospects overall.
#3: Caleb Downs FS (Ohio State)
Caleb Downs is a safety prospect who plays the position like no other. Measuring in at 6 feet and 206 pounds, with a 4.45 40-yard dash, Downs recorded 68 tackles, two interceptions and one pass defended in 2025, but these stats barely scratch the surface of his true impact. Downs brings incredible instincts and high-IQ decisions to the field, with the ability to read opposing offenses well enough to deter quarterbacks from throwing his way. In his final year, Downs earned the Lott Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award, cementing him as the best defensive back in college football and adding to his resume that makes him arguably the highest-floor player in the entire 2026 class.
#2: Sonny Styles LB (Ohio State)
Sonny Styles is a former safety turned linebacker who had more interceptions than attributed missed tackles last season. Styles is an explosive off-ball linebacker who leads the Buckeyes in total tackles, with 82, along with one interception and a forced fumble. His combine performance showcased his athleticism, with the highest vertical jump among off-ball linebackers since 2003 at 43.5 inches. Style’s unique safety experience, athleticism and perfect form make him among the best prospects in the 2026 draft.
#1: Arvell Reese LB/EDGE (Ohio State)
Arvell Reese can play both off-ball linebacker and stand-up edge, with the skill to disrupt the offense from both positions. His versatility allows defenses to have variety and disguise the play. His stats reflect this, as he is tied for the second most sacks on the Buckeyes, with 6.5, and ranks second behind Sonny Styles in total tackles with 69, earning him consensus all-American status in the process. Standing at 6’4” and 241 pounds with a 4.46 40 yd dash, Reese has proven himself to be a true hybrid defender capable of filling whatever role his defensive coordinator needs him to. Reese has the speed to beat blockers, the football IQ to lead a defense and the capacity to serve as a defensive anchor. This combination of physicality, technique and versatility places him among the best prospects in the 2026 draft.
