How projected NFL draft first-round picks ranked as high school recruits
Before their possible rise to stardom, see how the NFL draft's projected first-round picks were ranked as high school prospects.
The 2026 NFL draft has arrived, with the spotlight turning on Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the first round that will kick off on Thursday. As far as talent, this year's draft has plenty at the forefront, with Indiana 's Jordan Mendoza leading the way. Like the Hoosiers QB, many of the projected first-round picks had an interesting journey from the high school football recruiting trail to draft night.
Just how good were they back in their high school days? Here's how each of the possible selections from Christian D'Andrea's mock draft were ranked as high school prospects. 1.
Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana High School: Miami Columbus (FL) Class: 2022 Ranking: No. 134 quarterback 2. New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech High School: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) Class: 2022 Ranking: No.
34 overall, No. 3 edge 3. Arizona Cardinals: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State High School: Glenville (Cleveland, OH) Class: 2023 Ranking: No.
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