Every week, Yardbarker displays the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
As soon as once more, we’re answering the largest questions in regards to the draft. With that in thoughts, listed below are 5:
The first 18 picks of the 2026 draft are set. Vegas (3-14) owns the No. 1 choose, which it might use to take a quarterback to exchange Geno Smith. The previous Seattle Seahawks star threw a league-leading 17 interceptions in 15 begins in 2025.
In his latest mock draft, The Ringer’s Todd McShay has the Raiders choosing Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore (6-foot-3, 206 kilos) as a substitute of Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 kilos).
“If the Raiders brass is in search of probably the most NFL-ready man who may help win video games proper now, it is Mendoza,” wrote McShay. “But when [minority owner] Tom Brady and other people within the group have persistence, the proper infrastructure in place, and play the lengthy sport, I feel Moore has the higher upside as an NFL QB.”
After going 7-27 over their previous 34 video games, although, the Raiders ought to goal the extra pro-ready prospect in Mendoza. By means of 14 video games, the 2025 Heisman winner has an FBS-leading 36 landing passes. Moore, in the meantime, has 28 TD passes.
Moore — a sophomore — hasn’t mentioned whether or not he is getting into the draft. He has till Jan. 14 to decide. That deadline will probably be prolonged to Jan. 23 if the Geese (13-1) beat the Hoosiers (14-0) within the School Soccer Playoff semifinals on the Peach Bowl on Friday (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). Brady and Co. ought to maintain a detailed eye on each QBs in that matchup.
Who else stands out for the Indiana Hoosiers?
Mendoza has obtained probably the most consideration, however he is not the one NFL prospect on Indiana’s stacked roster. That features the QB’s No. 1 large receiver, Elijah Sarratt (6-foot-2, 209 kilos).
“[Sarratt’s] a high-energy participant who does all the large receiver belongings you wish to see — dominates on the catch factors, stays by means of contact and does his half as a blocker,” wrote Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema on his up to date huge board. “His separation charges are low, and that will not change within the NFL, but it surely’s arduous to observe this man and never need him in your soccer crew.”
Sarratt is tied for second within the nation in TD catches (13). The WR may very well be much more productive when he learns find out how to separate higher.
Is it time to cease worrying about Miami Hurricanes DE Rueben Bain Jr.’s body?
Listed at 6-foot-3, 275 kilos, Bain might not look the a part of an elite NFL edge-rusher. For context, Raiders DE Maxx Crosby is listed at 6-foot-5, 255 kilos. Bain’s arm size (30 3/4 inches), supposedly brief by NFL requirements, is already a speaking level amongst draft followers.
However activate his tape within the CFP, and it turns into obvious that Bain might break the mildew. In two CFP video games, the DE has 4 sacks and eight tackles.
“Rueben Bain Jr. is the definition of a mold-breaker,” wrote CBS Sports’ Mike Renner earlier than the Hurricanes beat the Ohio State Buckeyes 24-14 within the Cotton Bowl on New 12 months’s Eve. “That is as a result of he has one trump-card trait that is arguably the very best I’ve ever scouted for a defensive finish: play power. Bain might not be the largest or the quickest, however he is the strongest.”
Bain makes use of his power to beat offensive linemen persistently. Pro Football Focus credits him with a 23.7 p.c pass-rush win charge, the eighth-best mark within the FBS (min. 266 pass-rush snaps). The Hurricanes (12-2) want him to proceed creating havoc within the Sugar Bowl in opposition to the Ole Miss Rebels (13-1) on Thursday (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
What ought to Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson do after CFP flop?
Simpson (6-foot-2, 208 kilos) accomplished 12-of-16 passes for simply 67 yards in a 38-3 loss to Indiana within the Rose Bowl. He was pulled in favor of Austin Mack within the third quarter after struggling a rib damage.
The QB’s agent, Peter Webb, has said Simpson hasn’t determined whether or not he’ll declare for the draft. If Simpson returns to high school, he might wish to take into account transferring, maybe to Miami or Oregon.
Alabama may ditch Simpson for five-star freshman QB Keelon Russell after the QB did not whole greater than 232 passing yards in his final 5 video games. However Simpson, who earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2025, should not let that affect his alternative. He may benefit significantly from one other 12 months in school.
“Mendoza and Moore have established themselves as the very best quarterbacks within the 2026 NFL Draft,” wrote The Draft Network’s Justin Melo in a narrative revealed Jan. 2. “If Simpson declares, he might probably slide out of first-round projections.”
What is going to Georgia Bulldogs WR Zachariah Department’s position be within the NFL?
On Monday, Department (5-foot-10, 180 kilos) declared for the draft. Contemplating his measurement, the Bulldogs star might mission as a gadget man within the NFL. Nevertheless, Department reminds ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. of Baltimore Ravens standout WR Zay Flowers (5-foot-9, 183 kilos), who ranked seventh within the league in receiving yards (1,211) in 2025.
“Department would not have the best measurement, however he has a monitor background and is lightning fast,” wrote Kiper on his up to date huge board. “Department performs the sport at a distinct velocity than everybody else, and it is why he is so efficient in area.”
