The 7 safest picks in 2026 NFL Draft, from Caleb Downs to Jeremiyah Love
The NFL Draft is always a gamble, but who are the sure bets in this year's class? Bill Bender identifies seven prospects who project well for the pros.
The 7 safest picks in 2026 NFL Draft, from Caleb Downs to Jeremiyah Love originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Don't overthink it.
Sometimes that's the best approach in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza – the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner – with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a national championship and was considered the best player in college football. It's a safe bet. Who are the other safe picks in the first round?
Two players who were in that "best player in college football" conversation are at the top of that list. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs – a two-time first-team Sporting News All-America selection – is one of those players. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the other.
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