With the 2026 NFL Draft getting closer, teams and fans are already locked in on which college stars could change the future of their favorite teams.
The draft, which is behind held for the first time in Pittsburgh on April 23, gives NFL teams a chance to improve their rosters in a loaded draft that many say is one of the most athletic of all time.
Every year, college players get picked by NFL teams through the draft. Leading up to it, there is always discussion about which players are the best and which teams need the most help. This year, some experts and fans are saying the top of the draft, especially the quarterbacks, is not as strong as in recent years, which could make the first round more unpredictable. The overall favorite to go No. 1 to the Las Vegas Raiders is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza won this year’s Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a national championship appearance.
Bengals fan Landon Olsen said the player he is most excited to watch in this year’s draft is Caleb Downs.
He’s the guy that I think will have the best career,” Landon said. “More so than Fernando Mendoza and Arvell Reese. He has the ability to play elite level safety and also shift down to linebacker in certain packages. His versatility is like no other in the class.”
Downs began his college career at Alabama and then transferred to Ohio State, where he helped the team win a National Championship in 2025.
Rams fan Jordyn Osorio said his most exciting player to watch is Rueben Bain.
“I think he is going to be really good and could play all over the field as a 3-tech, edge, or base defensive end,” Jordyn, a Williston senior on the football team, said.
Landon believes the teams with the most pressure on them in this year’s draft include, in no order,” the Chiefs, Lions, Bengals, Browns, and Ravens.
Jordyn feels differently, and expressed his opinion in one word: “Raiders.”
Both interviewees agreed that the 2026 draft class is solid but not elite compared to recent years.
Landon said, “It depends on the position. The wide receiver class isn’t elite while positions like defensive end have more depth. O-line is pretty on par overall. It’s a decent class. We’ve seen a lot better and worse.”
Jordyn agreed, saying, “It is kind of mid. Not too many exciting players.”
When discussing how quickly draft picks impact teams, Landon said player development matters most.
“It all depends on the pick and their development,” Landon said. “Some players may not take the next step until year three while others make an immediate impact.”
Landon agreed. “Usually it takes time,” he said.
