NFL Draft intel: Mendoza leads 5 must-track prospects
Every week, Yardbarker screens the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
From an Indiana quarterback to a Penn State operating again, listed below 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 towards Ohio State within the Massive Ten Championship Recreation on Saturday would enhance his possibilities of profitable the award and being the primary QB chosen within the draft.
Professional Soccer Focus’ Trevor Sikkema charges Mendoza as his second-best QB, behind Alabama’s Ty Simpson. Nonetheless, the Crimson Tide star is a first-year starter and will return to college.
“Mendoza seems the a part of an NFL quarterback, with above-average dimension [6-foot-5, 225 pounds] and enough arm energy,” 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 largest take a look at, 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 could be the prime 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 workforce in tackles (61) and sacks (6.5).
LBs usually 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 along with his dominant first step off the sting, which he {couples} with energy in his arms 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 stability and mobility, however he is additionally a punisher within the run recreation. He’s always on the lookout for work when the ball strikes downfield. That every one confirmed up Friday night time towards 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. In response 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
Coming into 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 might 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 towards Syracuse and badly wanted a powerful near the yr,” wrote The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner in a narrative revealed Monday. “He stays probably the most 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 powerful yr from Allen (5-foot-11, 217 kilos). In 12 video games, the senior RB has profession highs in dashing yards (1,303) and dashing TDs (15).
He now has essentially the most dashing yards at school historical past (4,180). That is spectacular contemplating Penn State’s observe file 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 can be a well-liked choice,” wrote Reid in a narrative revealed Sunday.
