New predictions reveal what the 2026 NFL Draft could look like
- Fernando Mendoza could be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders next season, says football predictor Alex Galbraith
- Notre Dame Running Back Jeremiyah Love is predicted to be selected within the first 10 picks at the 2026 NFL Draft – and set to become a Saint next season
- Arvell Reese’s versatility and high potential could see him selected by the Arizona Cardinals for next season
The 2026 NFL Combine came to a close at the start of March, which means that fans’ attention now turns to one of the most anticipated dates of the football calendar: the Draft. With the first round kicking off on April 23, many are already making predictions about who will be picked. But which college prospects will lead this year’s selections?
The team at Bovada Sportsbook partnered with football predictor and analyst Alex Galbraith, known as The Gridiron Expert, who has successfully predicted 76% of over 10,000 games, to find out where the class of 2026 could be heading next season.
Football predictor Alex Galbraith reveals which college football players are set to headline the 2026 NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Draft Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders
According to Galbraith, the Indiana Hoosiers’ quarterback Fernando Mendoza will fly across the country next season to join the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Many think of the Cleveland Browns when it comes to quarterback misfortune, but the Raiders aren’t far behind. They have had 27 different starting QBs since 2000, including seven since releasing Derek Carr before the 2023 season. With a new offensive-minded head coach in Klint Kubiak, the Raiders desperately need someone who can be the leader of the franchise and help them compete in a stacked AFC West. Mendoza has all the intangibles needed to be that guy.”
He adds, “A pure pocket-passer, Mendoza’s high football IQ and calm demeanor helped win him the Heisman Trophy and lead Indiana to their first National Championship. His strong arm and pinpoint accuracy (72% completion percentage last season) is exactly what the Raiders need as they continue to search for their first playoff berth since 2021.”
David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech
Draft Prediction: New York Jets
When it comes to who will join the Jets next season, Galbraith started more hesitant, but set his heart on Texas Tech’s Defensive End, David Bailey.
“It feels like a toss-up between David Bailey and Arvell Reese for who will go #2 overall to the Jets. I lean in favor of Bailey, who is the more proven player and the best pass rusher in this draft class. Bailey posted 14.5 sacks last season, tied for most in the country, thanks to his pure athleticism and blazing speed (4.5 40-yard dash at 6’3, 250 pounds). He will be a day 1 starter in New York and make an immediate impact for a Jets team that posted just 26 sacks in 2025, tied for their worst mark since 1999.”
Arvell Reese, DE, Ohio State
Draft Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
According to the football predictor, the Arizona Cardinals could definitely benefit from younger athletes, and Reese’s versatility and high potential could make the difference.
He comments, “The Cardinals need help just about everywhere, including QB and the offensive line, but it will be hard to pass up arguably the most athletic player in the draft at pick #3. Reese’s stats weren’t eye-popping at Ohio State last year (69 tackles and 6.5 sacks), but it’s his versatility and high potential that makes him special. Reese played both linebacker and defensive end, earning consensus All-American honors. The Cardinals ranked 29th in total defense last season and Reese could come in and immediately improve those numbers.”
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
Draft Prediction: Tennessee Titans
The arrival of new Head Coach Robert Saleh could be what makes Bain a Titan next season, according to Galbraith.
He says, “New Titans Head Coach Robert Saleh is one of the best defensive minds in the league. It only makes sense that he would want to build a defense to help his franchise compete in a newly competitive AFC South. Bain’s speed off the line, power, and strong hands make him a nightmare for his opponents, as evidenced by his 9.5 sacks at Miami last year. Pairing Bain with Jeffery Simmons and Jermaine Johnson, the Titans could quickly have one of the best pass rushes in the league.”
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Draft Prediction: New York Giants
Styles’ recent outstanding performance and overall game quality could be exactly what the New York Giants are missing on defense.
Galbraith explains, “Styles just delivered one of the best NFL Combine performances we’ve ever seen from a linebacker. The First-Team All-American selection out of Ohio State led the Buckeyes in tackles last season, and his large frame and blazing speed would be the perfect answer to fix a Giants rushing defense that ranked 31st in the NFL. Additionally, the Giants just released their leading tackler and co-captain, Bobby Okereke. There is a massive hole that needs to be filled in the middle of the defense and Styles is the perfect plug and play option to fix that.”
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Draft Prediction: New Orleans Saints
According to Galbraith, Jeremiyah Love could be the New Orleans Saints’ new Kamara, as the veteran running back approaches the end of his career with the team.
“After a stellar NFL Combine performance, including a 4.36 seconds 40-yard dash time, it feels like a foregone conclusion that Love will be selected within the first 10 picks. He would be a good fit with a handful of teams, but the Saints appear to be the most logical. New Orleans ranked 28th in the NFL, averaging just 94.3 rushing yards per game in 2025.
“Alvin Kamara turns 31 this offseason, is struggling to stay healthy, and is coming off a season where he posted career lows in yards per carry and yards per reception. Love, who rushed for 2,497 yards and 35 TDs the last two years at Notre Dame, in addition to averaging 9.4 yards per reception, has all the tools to be the next Kamara and to give this young Saints offense an elite playmaker.”
Methodology:
We collected insights from football predictor and analyst Alex Galbraith, The Gridiron Expert, who shared his predictions for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft picks.