Every week, Yardbarker screens the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
As soon as once more, we’re answering a few of the largest questions in regards to the draft. With that in thoughts, listed here are 5:
How does Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza evaluate to previous Heisman-winning QBs?
Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 kilos) received the Heisman after guiding the No. 1 Hoosiers (13-0) to their second straight School Soccer Playoff look. He’s the first player in Indiana historical past to hoist the trophy.
Via 13 video games, Mendoza has accomplished 71.5 % of his passes for two,980 yards and an FBS-leading 33 landing passes. These numbers pale compared to previous Heisman-winning QBs.
2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams accomplished 66.6 % of his passes for 4,537 yards and 42 TDs in 14 video games at Southern California. 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels accomplished 72.2 % of his passes for 3,812 yards and 40 TDs in 12 video games for LSU. Within the 2024 draft, the Chicago Bears took Williams with choose No. 1, whereas the Washington Commanders chosen Daniels with choose No. 2.
Mendoza could also be QB1 within the 2026 class, but it surely seems he isn’t the identical caliber of prospect as Williams or Daniels.
“His ability set is harking back to [Detroit Lions QB] Jared Goff, who additionally did not have elite bodily traits, however his thoughts and passing expertise made him the highest choose in 2016,” wrote The Athletic’s Dane Brugler in a narrative revealed earlier than the Heisman ceremony on Dec. 13. “We might see an analogous state of affairs play out with Mendoza in 2026.”
What ought to New York Giants do with the No. 1 choose?
If the season ended Tuesday, the Giants (2-12) would personal the No. 1 choose within the draft. New York is dedicated to constructing round rookie QB Jaxson Dart, so it might commerce down and tackle different wants, maybe cornerback.
In a story published Tuesday, Brugler famous New York might goal LSU CB Mansoor Delane (6-foot, 190 kilos), a 2025 first-team All-American.
Buying and selling the highest choose, although, might price the Giants a shot at Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, one other first-team All-American. In a narrative revealed Monday, CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson wrote the 6-foot-4, 243-pound LB is “arguably the most effective participant in the whole draft class.”
After going 5-26 over its previous 31 video games, New York clearly wants a number of picks to rebuild efficiently. Buying and selling down can be the smarter transfer for the Giants.
Will Texas Tech LB David Bailey be considered one of draft’s largest risers after CFP?
Miami defensive finish Rueben Bain Jr. (6-foot-3, 275 kilos) and Auburn DE Keldric Faulk (6-foot-6, 285 kilos) are broadly thought of the highest pass-rushers within the 2026 class. To overhaul them, Bailey (6-foot-3, 250 kilos) wants a robust efficiency within the CFP. It would not be shocking if he delivers one for the No. 4 Purple Raiders (12-1).
The Texas Tech star ranks second within the FBS in sacks (13.5), and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. charges him as his No. 6 prospect on his up to date large board.
“A switch from Stanford, Bailey will get after the QB,” wrote Kiper. “He had 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinal, and he has notably change into extra of a finisher this season.”
Bailey’s fast first step ought to appeal to many scouts, because it helps him win matchups often. Pro Football Focus credits him with a 21.6 % pass-rush win fee, tied for the Thirteenth-best mark within the FBS.
What matchup do you have to watch carefully in first spherical of CFP?
On Saturday, No. 7 Texas A&M (11-1) hosts No. 10 Miami (10-2) within the first spherical of the CFP at midday ET (ESPN/ABC). The sport encompasses a battle between Hurricanes offensive sort out Francis Mauigoa (6-foot-6, 315 kilos) and Aggies DE Cashius Howell (6-foot-2, 248 kilos), potential first-round picks.
Mauigoa — who has allowed simply two sacks this season, per PFF — often is the second-best OT within the draft, behind Utah’s Spencer Fano (6-foot-6, 302 kilos).
“Mauigoa is a robust and durable offensive sort out prospect with lots to love,” wrote PFF’s Trevor Sikkema in a narrative revealed Dec. 1. “He does not shrink back from taking the combat to pass-rushers and dictating contact to throw them off their timing.”
Howell — tied for fourth within the FBS in sacks (11.5) — might have extra to realize. A stellar efficiency would mitigate issues about his struggles in opposition to Texas within the Aggies’ regular-season finale on Nov 28. Within the 27-17 Texas A&M loss, he had no sacks.
How far might Louisville WR Chris Bell fall in draft after harm?
Bell suffered a clear ACL tear in his left knee throughout a 38-6 loss to SMU on Nov. 22. It is a vital blow for the WR, who logged a career-high 917 receiving yards in 11 video games in 2025.
It might take as much as a 12 months to get well from an ACL tear, that means Bell might miss out on the 2026 NFL Scouting Mix in Indianapolis and his professional day. Earlier than the harm replace, ESPN’s Field Yates had the Denver Broncos deciding on the wideout with choose No. 32 in his newest mock draft.
“At 6-foot-2, 220 kilos, Bell has a few of the greatest dimension of any of the touted receivers within the class,” wrote Yates.
Now that the WR might miss a substantial portion of the predraft course of, do not anticipate him to go that top within the draft.
