The Top Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft
The Highlights
|
The 2026 NFL Draft class might be light on the quarterbacks (for once!), but there are a ton of explosive athletes waiting in the wings this year.
What are our top picks for the 2026 NFL Draft? Find out with this quick Giant Sports Cards guide.
Our Top Picks
Fernando Mendoza - Indiana (QB)
PFF and the NFL Network’s very own Daniel Jeremiah, among others, seem to unanimously agree on Mendoza securing the top spot here.
It’s hard to argue otherwise.
This 2026 NFL prospect might just grace your next big Topps sports card, coming off a 2025 Heisman Trophy victory leading Indiana to a national title. He’s been compared to Matt Ryan, and he fits right in this year as a franchise starter with this elite accuracy and mobility.
Arvell Reese - Ohio State (Edge)
Reese is one of this season’s biggest and fastest players, a deadly combination that puts him in the top echelon of edge rushers as far as this draft’s concerned.
His 6.7% missed tackle rate for 2025 puts him at the top of an already stacked Ohio State arsenal, making him a common top 5 early draft pick.
Rueben Bain Jr. - Miami (Edge)
As far as 2026 NFL prospects go, Bain Jr. is a lock-in for a front-row seat on new sports card releases.
He’s already made a name for himself as a disruptive and dominant force on the field, even as a junior. He can throw off nasty offensive tackles and stands as a worthy challenge to the legacy QBs still playing this year.
Despite being a top 2026 NFL Draft pick, Bain Jr. will have to improve on his speed for effective long-term performance, but that shouldn’t stop this ACC Defensive Player of the Year from being a top 5 this year.
Jeremiyah Love - Notre Dame (RB)
Jeremiyah Love is one of the more dynamic players in the fray this year. This 2026 NFL prospect has shown a formidable mix of receiving skills, contact balance, and vision, a quality that frequently lands him on most top spot predictions.
Naturally, the 199 carries don’t hurt either.
Carnell Tate - Ohio State (WR)
Another Ohio State pick! They’re known for producing some world-class WRs, but Tate’s 51 catches in 2025 put him right up there with the best. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. commends not just Tate’s individual skill, but his ability to produce high-impact plays in a flash.
Collect The Biggest NFL Prospects of 2026
All set for the big draft? Be the first to unbox upcoming sports card releases with Giant Sports Cards. Our sports card store puts you in the driver’s seat for the draft, giving you direct access to football card boxes at unbelievably competitive prices. Unbox Your Love Of The Game™ today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top 2026 NFL Draft pick?
Most experts agree on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as the season’s top pick. The QB’s accuracy and ability to extend plays are a tier above the competition.
Is 2026 a good NFL Draft class?
Yes. These prospects might not be QB-centric, but they offer a ton of value in terms of WRs, ERs, and linebackers.
What’s the best way to collect 2026 NFL prospects?
Panini still holds the NFL license until early April 2026. You’ll likely see Panini cards featuring the top drafts mentioned here, until Topps comes out with their Chrome lineup later in the year.