Over the next two weeks, NFL Mocks will break down the top 25 players in the 2026 NFL Draft. We’re starting at the top with the best six prospects in the class.
Top six players in the 2026 NFL Draft
1. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The best quarterback, and the player who has the best chance to be a true difference maker at the next level is Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. He can make all the throws, his accuracy shows up, and he has enough mobility to buy time in the pocket. He’s exactly the type of quarterback the Jets need, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they moved up to the first pick to get him.
2. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
While it’s tough to see a running back going second overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, Love is the second best player in the class. He brings a rare mix of speed and power, breaking off 23 runs of 15-plus yards this season and averaging 4.5 yards after contact. He’s also an underrated receiver who can help in the passing game. The Chiefs would love for him to slip, because they need more explosiveness and a real answer at running back.
JEREMIYAH LOVE DOING JEREMIYAH LOVE THINGS 🫶#GoIrish☘️ | @JeremiyahLove pic.twitter.com/GcKpSbIZHD
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 18, 2025
3. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Going into the season, I identified Reese as one of the best sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was overlooked, ranked 516th on NFL Mock Draft Database’s Consensus Big Board, but even I didn’t expect him to perform like he did. This year he’s shown elite versatility, playing both off-ball linebacker to stop the run and on the edge to rush the quarterback, finishing the regular season with 6.5 sacks. If the Titans keep the No. 1 pick, he’s a perfect fit for a defense that needs a complete overhaul.
4. Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
One of the more complete players in the 2026 NFL Draft is Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., who excels against both the pass and the run. As a pass rusher, he combines strength and explosiveness, recording 57 pressures according to Pro Football Focus, fifth best among FBS edge defenders. Against the run, he has the power to set the edge, earning an 88.4 run defense grade, sixth best among edge defenders. The Bengals need more pressure on the quarterback, and Bain could help fix that.
5. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The second Ohio State player on the list is safety Caleb Downs. What makes him so highly rated is his football IQ, which lets him play multiple positions, get the defense lined up, and make quick reads. I have Downs as the fifth best player in the class, but don’t be surprised if he slides since safeties aren’t usually drafted that high. If he falls, he’d be a perfect fit in Chicago as a potential replacement for Jaquan Brisker.
""To me, Caleb Downs is the man that makes it all happen. We all see what Caleb does on the field, but a big part of the success that we have is Caleb's presence on the field. Communicating, getting everybody on the same page and building confidence around him. That's probably one of the things that maybe has gone unrecognized a little bit"Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day
6. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The top wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft is Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, who has been the focal point of the Sun Devils’ passing game for two seasons. In that stretch he’s put up 136 catches for 1,342 yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s a physical, reliable target and exactly the type of receiver Jayden Daniels needs in Washington.