Seven NFL Draft Prospects Set to Become All-Pros by 2026—One Shocking Name Will Leave You Speechless!

The NFL Draft is often described as a bit of a crapshoot, and the 2026 edition will be no different. History shows that some players look like surefire stars but flop spectacularly in the league. Others, meanwhile, surprise everyone and become standout performers. As fans prepare for the draft on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh, the anticipation is palpable.

NFL.com draft expert Bucky Brooks has identified seven players from this year's draft class whom he believes will become significant contributors in the NFL. He asserts that “these are the elite prospects in the class — they should rank among the top five players at their respective positions in two to three years.” Let's delve into these seven potential stars.

Top Prospects to Watch

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Brooks ranks Jeremiyah Love as the top prospect on his board, with notable backing from analyst Mel Kiper, who places him second. Love's skill set includes impressive speed and agility, earning him comparisons to three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs. Projected to be drafted anywhere from fourth to eighth, how teams evaluate him could come down to finances.

Caleb Downs, S, Alabama

Ranked second by Brooks and sixth by Kiper, Downs is praised for his instincts and versatility. He draws comparisons to former Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas, a three-time first-team All-Pro. If he slides to seventh or later, he could be an exceptional value pick for teams needing a defensive boost.

Arvell Reese, OLB/Edge, Ohio State

Brooks ranks Reese third overall, also reflecting Kiper's assessment. Known for his explosiveness, Reese is seen as a potential game-changer on defense. The Kansas City Chiefs are rumored to be considering moving up to the seventh pick to secure him, and it's unlikely he lasts beyond the third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals.

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson is one of the most polarizing prospects this year, ranked fourth by Brooks and seventh by Kiper. His injury history raises concerns, yet his potential as a standout WR1 is intriguing. Kiper has likened him to “uncoverable” at times, and some insiders see him as a “Justin Jefferson Lite.” His draft range is projected between sixth and twentieth overall.

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Another Ohio State product, Tate is ranked fifth by Brooks and eighth by Kiper. His route-running and playmaking abilities are drawing comparisons to former Buckeye Chris Olave. Some mock drafts suggest he could go as high as second overall to the New York Jets, but such a high pick could elicit boos from fans, reflecting the unpredictable nature of NFL drafts.

Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

Ranked sixth by Brooks and twelfth by Kiper, Ioane is noted for his pass protection skills, having allowed just two sacks in 32 games at Penn State. This agile 6-foot-4, 320-pound guard mirrors the playstyle of former All-Pro Kelechi Osemele.

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Fano, who Brooks ranks as the sixth-best prospect and Kiper as tenth, is seen as a strong contributor capable of bolstering the offensive line. At 6-foot-5½ and 311 pounds, he may be undervalued and is projected to be drafted by the Baltimore Ravens at the fourteenth pick. His potential parallels that of two-time Pro Bowler Brian O’Neill of the Vikings.

While it’s unlikely that all seven of these prospects will achieve All-Pro status, their potential to become impactful players is enormous. Brooks himself has tempered expectations for Mendoza, labeling him as a player with Pro Bowl potential but not necessarily All-Pro caliber.

As the draft approaches, fans can catch the live coverage of Round 1 starting at 8 p.m. ET on April 23 on NFL Network, NFL+, the NFL Channel, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes. For NFL enthusiasts, this is a pivotal time as teams make decisions that will shape their futures. Only time will tell if Brooks' predictions hold true, but excitement is undeniably building.