One of the biggest events in the NFL offseason just occurred, the NFL Draft. Over 250 players found new homes in the NFL after very successful seasons in the NCAA. Here is a recap of the draft and players to look out for in the upcoming 2026 season.
Of course, the prospect with the most hype, Fernando Mendoza. The #1 overall pick, QB, out of Indiana University.
He led the Hoosiers in his last season to a National Championship against Miami, 27-21, marking the first time it has been done in its program’s history. Alongside this, Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy. An award for the best player in a single season.
The Raiders absolutely need this talent on their roster, especially with them having terrible Quarterback play with Geno Smith, who led the league in interceptions in the 2025 season.
Another prospect with a lot of buzz who was just drafted is former Ohio State star Arvell Reese.
He was taken with the 5th pick of the NFL Draft by the New York Giants. And many people, especially Giants fans, are very happy with the pick.
He was a huge versatile threat during his stint at Ohio State. He could play edge rusher and attack the QB, or he could play coverage backer. But what really caught people’s eye is his NFL combine stats, more specifically his 4.46 40-yard dash.
His former Ohio State teammate, and now Washington Commander, Sonny Styles’ combine grade helped boost their draft stock by a huge amount.
Speaking of former Ohio State teammates of Arvell Reese, Caleb Downs is a very athletic and IQ filled safety taken by the Dallas Cowboys at pick number 11.
Coming from a football family, he was regarded by many as the steal of the draft. Although he skipped on the combine, his pure athleticism and IQ at the safety position makes up for it. You can see on his film how his patience and tackling differs from many others in this draft.
He will definitely be a huge difference maker for the Cowboys defense in the 2026 season. Especially with how mediocre their defense was last year.
This stacked first round just keeps on providing future talent. Ruben Bain Jr., the 2025 ACC player of the year and Ted Hendricks award winner, was selected at 15 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He was the nation’s top Defensive End according to Pro Football focus. He gained 20.5 sacks through the past three seasons in the NCAA. He is also a very athletic prospect with quick and powerful hands along with his lateral quickness and speed around the offensive line. Him, alongside Vita Vea, will be very exciting to watch.
The players named are just a few of the players drafted with a lot of potential. And maybe in a few years this draft class will be regarded as one of the best classes in years.