Every week, Yardbarker screens the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
We’re answering the most important questions in regards to the draft. With that in thoughts, listed here are 5:
Might Dan Orlovsky’s Fernando Mendoza-Ty Simpson take be a symptom of prospect fatigue?
Former NFL QB Orlovsky said Monday on ESPN’s “Get Up” that he prefers Alabama Crimson Tide QB Simpson to Indiana Hoosiers QB Mendoza, the presumptive No. 1 decide within the 2026 draft.
“In terms of moments of panic and large throws, actual NFL throws, I feel it is clearly Ty Simpson,” Orlovsky mentioned. “I might a lot somewhat have Ty. And I like Fernando Mendoza. This isn’t to slight Mendoza. I might somewhat have Ty Simpson on the 15-to-20 [pick] vary than Mendoza at one.”
Whereas replying to questions on Orlovsky’s tackle X, Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame QB Kurt Warner wrote he likes Simpson’s tape as a result of it showcases extra NFL throws. Nonetheless, that does not imply Mendoza’s incapable of constructing them.
“However, and this can be a massive however, simply because you did not have to point out one thing or could not present one thing in school due to the gamers round you doesn’t suggest you may’t do it,” wrote Warner.
Whereas Indiana used an offense that relied closely on fast passes, Mendoza (6-foot-5, 236 kilos) was extra correct than Simpson (6-foot-1, 211 kilos) when pushing the ball downfield in 2025. Per Pro Football Focus, 2025 Heisman winner Mendoza went 29-of-55 (52.7 %, No. 5 amongst 155 eligible QBs) on passes of 20-plus air yards, whereas Simpson went 26-of-62 (41.9 %, No. 33 ). Air yards tracks the gap the ball flies from the road of scrimmage by way of the air.
Tankathon’s latest mock draft has the Tennessee Titans taking Love (6-foot, 212 kilos) with decide No. 4, however league insiders aren’t certain he’ll go that top.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter instructed colleague Pat McAfee on Monday that he believes 2025 Heisman finalist Love will land with the Washington Commanders at decide No. 7. The Ringer’s Todd McShay, in the meantime, has the New York Giants taking him with decide No. 5 in his newest mock draft.
With opinions various, it is unclear how early Love will go within the draft, and it may keep that manner for some time. There’s loads of smoke at this level within the offseason. Regardless, the crew that grabs Love (1,372 dashing yards in 2025, No. 8 in FBS) might be getting an on the spot difference-maker.
“[Love’s] pace and body examine favorably to these of 2008 fourth decide Darren McFadden,” wrote Steve Muench in his scouting report for McShay’s massive board. “An even bigger model of [Detroit Lions star] Jahmyr Gibbs is one other comp.”
Will Indiana Hoosiers WR Omar Cooper Jr. sneak into first spherical?
In his new mock draft printed Tuesday, ESPN’s Field Yates had the Philadelphia Eagles grabbing Cooper (6-foot, 199 kilos) with decide No. 23 within the first spherical to bolster their receiving corps in the event that they commerce WR A.J. Brown.
“He is probably the greatest gamers in house from this class, averaging 7.3 yards after the catch in 2025,” wrote Yates. “Plus, he can block extraordinarily effectively downfield, which might fare effectively for operating again Saquon Barkley.”
2025 nationwide champion Cooper broke out this previous season, tying for third within the FBS in landing catches (13, a profession excessive). Pair his improved pass-catching together with his blocking, and that has many different draftniks believing that he is worthy of a first-round decide.
On the finish of February, NFL Mock Draft Database projected he can be decide No. 41 within the second spherical. As of Tuesday, the location forecasts him to go No. 26 total.
How does Miami Hurricanes CB Keionte Scott’s 40-yard sprint examine to the highest DB within the draft?
Scott (5-foot-11, 193 kilos) clocked a 4.33 40 at Miami professional day on Monday. That is sooner than CB Mansoor Delane (6-foot, 187 kilos) ran at LSU Tigers pro day (4.35).
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