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 concerning 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 decide, which it may use to take a quarterback to switch 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 deciding on Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore (6-foot-3, 206 kilos) as an alternative of Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza (6-foot-5, 225 kilos).
“If the Raiders brass is in search of essentially the most NFL-ready man who may also help win video games proper now, it is Mendoza,” wrote McShay. “But when [minority owner] Tom Brady and folks within the group have persistence, the right infrastructure in place, and play the lengthy recreation, I believe Moore has the larger 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 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 stated whether or not he is coming into the draft. He has till Jan. 14 to decide. That deadline might be prolonged to Jan. 23 if the Geese (13-1) beat the Hoosiers (14-0) within the Faculty 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 essentially the most consideration, however he isn’t the one NFL prospect on Indiana’s stacked roster. That features the QB’s No. 1 extensive receiver, Elijah Sarratt (6-foot-2, 209 kilos).
“[Sarratt’s] a high-energy participant who does all the large receiver belongings you need to see — dominates on the catch factors, stays by contact and does his half as a blocker,” wrote Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema on his up to date massive board. “His separation charges are low, and that will not change within the NFL, however it’s laborious to look at this man and never need him in your soccer workforce.”
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 may break the mould. 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 Yr’s Eve. “That is as a result of he has one trump-card trait that is arguably the perfect I’ve ever scouted for a defensive finish: play energy. Bain will not be the largest or the quickest, however he is the strongest.”
Bain makes use of his energy to beat offensive linemen constantly. Pro Football Focus credits him with a 23.7 % 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 harm.
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 highschool, he might need to think about transferring, maybe to Miami or Oregon.
Alabama may ditch Simpson for five-star freshman QB Keelon Russell after the QB didn’t 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 selection. He may gain advantage significantly from one other yr in school.
“Mendoza and Moore have established themselves as the perfect quarterbacks within the 2026 NFL Draft,” wrote The Draft Network’s Justin Melo in a narrative printed Jan. 2. “If Simpson declares, he may doubtlessly slide out of first-round projections.”
What’s 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 undertaking 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 perfect measurement, however he has a monitor background and is lightning fast,” wrote Kiper on his up to date massive board. “Department performs the sport at a special velocity than everybody else, and it is why he is so efficient in area.”
