2026 NFL draft: Execs, scouts, players on top prospects

As the NFL combine kicks off in Indianapolis this week, it marks a crucial phase in the evaluation leading up to the 2026 NFL draft (April 23-25, ESPN and ABC).

Each spring, NFL teams seize opportunities to scout new talent at events like the all-star games (notably the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, and the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas), the combine, and individual pro days ahead of this year’s draft in Pittsburgh. Teams can also invite up to 30 players to their facilities in the spring. though each team approaches scouting differently, there are significant aspects they focus on at every venue.

“The football aspect is what resonates right now. We aim to confirm what we observe and then identify the players who are passionate about the game and committed to advancing their careers and helping the organization achieve its objectives,” stated New Orleans Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas, who managed the American team during the Senior Bowl in January.

During the combine, teams will interview players, conduct workouts, and exchange medical information. Pro days and top-30 visits enable teams to engage with players who opted out of the combine or were not invited.

An NFC executive revealed to ESPN that assessing players’ draft stocks post-season can be a challenge. “Most of the work following the season primarily validates or confirms your existing beliefs,” he mentioned.

What’s the current landscape? ESPN’s Jeff Legwold, Jeremy Fowler, and Roman Modrowski leveraged the Senior Bowl, Shrine Bowl, and Super Bowl to survey executives, coaches, and players on three pivotal questions regarding this year’s class. Will the Las Vegas Raiders retain the No. 1 pick and select quarterback Fernando Mendoza? Who do scouts deem the top prospect irrespective of position? And which prospects are most anticipated to watch on Sundays this fall? (Each reporter posed a unique question, leading to varying response counts.)

Jump to a question:
Will the Raiders keep the No. 1 pick?
Who is the best prospect in the class?
Who are NFL players most eager to watch?

Will the Raiders keep the No. 1 pick and select Fernando Mendoza?

Keep the pick: Eight votes
Trade the pick: Zero votes

The Raiders wisely maintain a noncommittal stance outwardly, yet many within the league understand otherwise. To executives and scouts, the consensus is unmistakable: There’s no way the Raiders will move from the top spot and forgo the chance to draft the Indiana quarterback.

“Never say never, but never,” remarked an AFC executive regarding the Raiders’ possibility of relinquishing their top pick, referencing a well-known line from former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Securing a reliable starting quarterback on a rookie contract is a coveted goal for many front offices. The Raiders’ situation offers them this opportunity — perhaps the singular chance in a draft featuring one standout passer at the top: Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who shone in his final college season, mirroring legendary performances from Joe Burrow (Cincinnati) and Jayden Daniels (Washington) during their concluding years at LSU.

“The Raiders’ roster is lacking, but Mendoza is the best passer available in the draft, and it’s not a close call,” opined an NFC executive. “You can’t overlook that. He’s accurate across all levels of the field, possesses a strong arm, is physically proficient, and has commendable character.”

Evaluators feel that Mendoza could fit seamlessly into a Raiders team that could use his energetic approach.

“That can be his superpower,” continued another NFC executive regarding the quarterback’s optimistic attitude. “… His focus is commendable, and I believe teammates will be drawn to that.”

Some voters contemplated the alternative: whether trading the first pick could secure a high-profile player like Burrow or Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson. but, such deals are perceived as highly unlikely.

The Raiders finished last in the NFL for total offense last season (245.3 yards per game). though Mendoza might not have much talent surrounding him in his first year in Vegas, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Raiders invest heavily in the offensive line and skill positions during free agency. Vegas boasts nearly $88 million in available cap space, second only to the Tennessee Titans. — Fowler

Who is the best prospect in the class, regardless of position?

Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State: Five votes
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame: Three votes
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State: One vote
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana: One vote

Since the selection of Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning with the No. 1 pick in the 1998 NFL draft, it seems teams typically have two distinct draft boards: one for quarterbacks and another for everyone else. Over the past 28 drafts, 21 quarterbacks have been chosen as No. 1 picks, including seven of the last eight years.

so, when asked who the best prospect in this year’s draft is, every scout and personnel executive surveyed quickly noted their belief that Mendoza would be the No. 1 pick. They unanimously agreed that Mendoza is the best quarterback on the board and certainly one of the top players overall in the draft.

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Why Fernando Mendoza is Field Yates’ top prospect in the 2026 draft

Field Yates and Ben Solak discuss what makes Fernando Mendoza the top overall player in the 2026 NFL draft.

“But it won’t be a Mario Williams-type year,” cautioned an NFC general manager. “I don’t foresee many, if any, situations where [Mendoza] isn’t selected No. 1, regardless of evaluations. There may be some higher grades.”

Williams was among the seven non-quarterback No. 1 picks over the previous 28 drafts when the Houston Texans selected him first overall in 2006. He later secured four Pro Bowl selections along with one first-team All-Pro honor in his 11-year career, with Vince Young (No. 3), Matt Leinart (No. 10), and Jay Cutler (No. 11) being the first-round quarterbacks chosen that year.

From the poll responses, Reese stands out as the best prospect regardless of position in the 2026 class. The Ohio State linebacker/edge rusher showcased versatility in the Buckeyes’ defense, demonstrating athleticism, physical strength, and immediate starter capability as a three-down player. His potential as an edge rusher, coupled with extensive off-ball skills, is immense.

Jeremiyah Love, who recorded 35 rushing touchdowns in the last two seasons, was the next highest vote-getter after Reese. In a league eager for explosive players, the Notre Dame running back has the potential to shine, and his adaptability makes him an attractive prospect for a variety of NFL teams. — Legwold

Which draft prospects are current NFL players most excited to watch on Sundays?

Two weeks prior to his key role in the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX victory, first-team All-Pro defensive end Leonard Williams witnessed Mendoza’s remarkable performance leading Indiana to the national championship. Mendoza’s unforgettable scramble to score remains etched as one of the championship game’s highlights; however, a different impression resonated with Williams.

“He just seems like a wonderful, humble kid,” Williams remarked during Super Bowl week. “He radiates positivity wherever he goes. I believe that kind of spirit, paired with his athletic skill and playmaking capabilities, will significantly impact any locker room he enters.”

Mendoza’s 27 red zone touchdowns (with no interceptions) were the highest in the FBS, and his 79.2% adjusted completion percentage ranked him second in the nation. besides, peripherally, he positively influenced those around him.

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Who will the Jets draft at No. 2?

Field Yates and Mina Kimes speculate on what the Jets could do with the No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL draft.

“In my 11 years in the league, having a quarterback who can influence the team is crucial, transcending just raw talent,” Williams noted. “His aura and essence, especially at quarterback, exhibit qualities that are distinctly visible.”

Patriots guard Mike Onwenu expressed his interest in Mendoza’s potential in the NFL as well.

“Observing his leadership throughout the season, how he engages with teammates and handles media moments, he demonstrates adaptability at each crossroads,” Onwenu stated.

Meanwhile, Patriots Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez is eager to see Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson transition into the NFL. even with enduring injuries over the last two seasons, ESPN’s Field Yates predicts he will be drafted No. 8 by the Saints.

Gonzalez’s interest in the 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver goes beyond stats.

“He hails from the same area as I do, near Dallas,” Gonzalez shared. “Plus, we share the same agent. I got to know him a bit. He’s a fantastic person and athlete. I’m eager to see what he accomplishes in the league, and I believe he’ll be a significant player.”

Patriots special-teamer Alex Austin also opted for Tyson after reviewing some of his video highlights online.

“He displays great athleticism,” Austin praised. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can do. I think he can be a valuable asset. He definitely has the goods.”

Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori had an impressive season, receiving first-team All-American honors at South Carolina. Unsurprisingly, many of the prospects he’s excited about have connections to South Carolina.

“I’m fond of [South Carolina CB] Brandon Cisse,” Emmanwori expressed, “and [Clemson WR] Antonio Williams. … I faced [Williams] in high school and saw him in college; he’s from Irmo, South Carolina, where I’m from. Hometown rival. He had a stellar college career. Those are the players I’ve been following closely as they enter the NFL.”

He also highlighted Ohio State’s Reese and LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane as prospects he looks forward to observing.

Mendoza wasn’t the sole standout in the championship game; Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. recorded a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss. “He’s an exciting prospect,” said Patriots linebacker Jack Gibbens. “I kept an eye on him during the playoffs, and he clearly figures to be someone to watch.”

Finally, Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed voiced enthusiasm for Alabama receiver Germie Bernard as the player he’s most eager to observe.

“Why? Because I attended Alabama,” Reed noted. — Modrowski

ESPN Saints reporter Katherine Terrell contributed to this story.