Every week, Yardbarker displays the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
From an Indiana quarterback to a Penn State operating again, listed here are 5 gamers we’re monitoring:
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza
As of Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Mendoza — who leads the FBS in landing passes (32) — because the Heisman favourite (+160). Thriving in opposition to Ohio State within the Massive Ten Championship Sport on Saturday would enhance his possibilities of profitable the award and being the primary QB chosen within the draft.
Professional Soccer Focus’ Trevor Sikkema rates Mendoza as his second-best QB, behind Alabama’s Ty Simpson. Nevertheless, the Crimson Tide star is a first-year starter and will return to school.
“Mendoza seems the a part of an NFL quarterback, with above-average dimension [6-foot-5, 225 pounds] and ample arm power,” wrote Sikkema in a narrative revealed Monday. “He flashes good contact, notably on sideline throws.”
Ohio State’s elite protection — which ranks No. 1 within the FBS in factors allowed (7.8 PPG) — could give Mendoza his greatest check, however the QB is on a tear. Over his previous three video games, he has tossed seven TD passes and one interception.
Ohio State LB Arvell Reese
Reese stands out as the high participant on a stacked protection that options one other potential first-rounder in security Caleb Downs. After 12 video games, the LB ranks second on the staff in tackles (61) and sacks (6.5).
LBs sometimes do not go No. 1 general within the draft, however Reese can line up at edge-rusher, growing his possibilities of being the highest decide in April. Groups covet pass-rushing LBs within the mould of Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt, a four-time first-team All-Professional.
In a narrative revealed Monday, ESPN’s Jordan Reid named him as the highest prospect within the class, praising his pass-rushing abilities.
“At 6-foot-4 and 243 kilos, Reese has impressed this season together with his dominant first step off the sting, which he {couples} with energy in his palms to run via blockers,” wrote Reid. “Reese has the most effective pass-rush traits of any edge-rusher on this class regardless of by no means enjoying the place on a full-time foundation.”
Texas OT Trevor Goosby
Texas QB Arch Manning owes Goosby a thanks. Texas A&M DE Cashius Howell is tied for fourth within the FBS in sacks (11.5), however he had none in a 27-17 Aggies loss to Texas due to the OT’s wonderful blocking.
“Trevor Goosby was the star whereas dealing with the SEC’s sack chief in Cashius Howell,” wrote ESPN’s Matt Miller in a narrative revealed Sunday. “He performs with steadiness and mobility, however he is additionally a punisher within the run sport. He’s always searching for work when the ball strikes downfield. That each one confirmed up Friday evening in opposition to Texas A&M.”
Goosby (6-foot-7, 312 kilos) is a first-year starter however could also be tempted to declare after the 2026 season. Miller reported some scouts are already giving him first-round grades.
He actually seems pro-ready. According to PFF, Goosby has allowed 17 pressures this season, tied for 136th amongst 200 eligible tackles (min. 322 pass-block snaps).
Clemson DE T.J. Parker
Entering the season, Parker (6-foot-3, 265 kilos) was thought-about the highest pass-rusher within the class, however his inventory has since dipped. On Tankathon’s up to date massive board, he ranks because the No. 4 edge-rusher.
The Tigers star may nonetheless be a possible first-rounder. In Clemson’s 28-14 win over rival South Carolina in its regular-season finale, Parker logged a season-high three sacks.
“Parker hadn’t recorded a sack since Week 4 in opposition to Syracuse and badly wanted a powerful near the yr,” wrote The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner in a narrative revealed Monday. “He stays one of the vital proficient defenders within the class, although. His bend, twitch and explosion off the ball make him a particular prospect, and Saturday supplied a reminder of that.”
Penn State RB Kaytron Allen
A disappointing season for Penn State (6-6) has overshadowed a formidable yr from Allen (5-foot-11, 217 kilos). In 12 video games, the senior RB has profession highs in speeding yards (1,303) and speeding TDs (15).
He now has essentially the most speeding yards at school historical past (4,180). That is spectacular contemplating Penn State’s monitor document at RB. The Nittany Lions have produced many elite NFL RBs, together with Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Allen continues to be seen as a middle-round decide, however for groups that need to add a bodily runner to a committee, he will likely be a preferred choice,” wrote Reid in a narrative revealed Sunday.
