2026 NFL Draft Landscape: Jeremiah, Edholm, and Rising Prospects

As free agency gains momentum, the focus remains firmly on the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts continue to refine their prospect rankings, offering valuable insights as teams prepare for the annual event, now just 44 days away.

Contrasting Expert Rankings

NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah has updated his Top 50 prospects list several times, factoring in performances from the Scouting Combine and Pro Days. Eric Edholm, NFL.com’s lead draft writer, recently released his first Top 100 list of the cycle. These rankings provide a fascinating comparison, as perspectives differ on player evaluations.

Whereas Jeremiah’s list begins with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Edholm places Ohio State linebacker/edge Arvell Reese at the top. Edholm’s Top 10 also includes Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 2 and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 3, before slotting Mendoza at No. 4. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and receiver Carnell Tate round out the top 10 at Nos. 7 and 9, respectively.

Players Gaining Momentum

Several players have consistently appeared in mock drafts and simulations as potential first-round picks for the Minnesota Vikings, who currently hold the No. 18 overall selection. These include:

• Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy
• Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell
• Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman
• Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
• Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks
• South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse

Sonny Styles significantly improved his draft stock with an “epic display” at the Scouting Combine, climbing to No. 3 in Jeremiah’s rankings. Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa also rose in Jeremiah’s rankings, moving up to No. 10, lauded for his potential as a “dominant run blocker” and “functional in pass protection.”

Dillon Thieneman, the Oregon safety, was projected to Minnesota in 14 out of 25 mock draft simulations.

The Jeremiyah Love Trade-Up Scenario

Despite running the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds at the Combine, some believed Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love’s draft stock might have fallen. However, Daniel Jeremiah has suggested the Vikings could trade up to select Love. He proposes a trade with Washington, currently picking at No. 7, potentially using two third-round picks and a second-round pick next year to move up. Jeremiah posits that a Vikings offense featuring Kyler Murray at quarterback, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Love would be a formidable force.