Every week, Yardbarker screens the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
From an Ohio State security to a Penn State quarterback, listed here are 5 gamers we’re monitoring:
Ohio State security Caleb Downs
In his Monday scouting report, The Ringer’s Todd McShay in contrast Downs (6-foot, 205 kilos) to former Baltimore Ravens security Ed Reed, a Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer.
“Ed was the perfect of all time at understanding what was occurring upfront,” McShay wrote. “He picked up on each minor tendency and performed with a sixth sense, of kinds. He tripped up the perfect of the perfect, together with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Caleb is the closest factor I’ve seen since Ed in that regard. There’s some next-level stuff on his tape.”
Downs, a switch from Alabama, helped the Buckeyes win their ninth nationwide championship final season. In 16 video games, he had two interceptions and 6 passes defended and earned a first-team All-American nod.
This offseason, Ohio State employed new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who received two Tremendous Bowls as New England Patriots DC from 2012-17. The coach could assist Downs maintain establishing himself as, maybe, the perfect security within the draft.
South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers
The thrill surrounding Sellers (6-foot-3, 242 kilos) continues to get louder. In a narrative revealed Thursday, The Athletic’s Manny Navarro ranked the QB because the No. 1 participant within the SEC in 2025.
Final season, Sellers threw for two,534 yards with 18 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The three-star recruit additionally rushed for 674 yards and 7 TDs.
Notably, Sellers — the 2024 SEC Freshman of the Yr — appears to be like the a part of an NFL QB. In his June 1 scouting report, McShay wrote, “Sellers has the mix of dimension, mobility and arm power that NFL groups covet in a quarterback.”
South Carolina promoted offensive analyst Mike Shula to quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator this offseason. Former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton received 2015 NFL MVP when Shula was his OC. Fittingly, Sellers fashions his recreation after the previous Panthers star, per The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman.
Pairing Sellers with Shula could assist him proceed to cement himself as a possible first-rounder. In Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts take him with decide No. 8.
Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love
Love announced on his X account Monday that he is releasing an anime-style comedian e-book, “Jeremonstar,” as a part of an NIL (title, picture and likeness) deal.
The comic book’s website noted it is “electrifying,” which may additionally describe Love’s play final season. In 16 video games, the 6-foot, 206-pound RB rushed for 17 touchdowns, together with a 98-yarder within the first spherical of the School Soccer Playoff towards Indiana.
