Five Burning Questions Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
As we barrel toward the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this April, the storylines are already heating up. From quarterback evaluations to roster reshaping and future star projections, there’s no shortage of intrigue. Let’s dive into five key questions that could define this year’s draft class-and reshape the NFL landscape in the process.
1. What Can the Jets Learn from Sam Darnold’s Resurgence in Seattle?
Sam Darnold’s path from Jets castoff to Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Seahawks is the kind of redemption arc that reminds teams just how delicate quarterback development can be. Drafted third overall in 2018, Darnold struggled through three rocky seasons in New York, going 13-25 as a starter. But now, at 28, he just led Seattle to its second Super Bowl title with a commanding 29-13 win over the Patriots.
So, what’s the takeaway for the Jets, who may once again be eyeing a quarterback in the first round?
According to one scout before Super Bowl LX, Darnold is “a great example of two things: how an organization can ruin a quarterback and why you don’t give up on talent.” Sometimes it really is about fit, coaching, and timing. Not every young QB is ready to be thrown into the fire.
That’s especially relevant considering the Jets are linked to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in several mock drafts. Simpson, a 6-foot-2, 208-pound passer, is projected to go No. 16 overall.
He’s coming off a strong 2025 campaign, finishing second in the SEC with 28 touchdown passes. But here’s the catch-he started just 15 games across four seasons at Alabama.
That’s even less experience than Darnold had coming out of USC.
If the Jets do take Simpson, the smart move would be to let him develop behind a veteran like Tyrod Taylor. Rushing him onto the field could risk repeating history. Darnold’s story should serve as both a cautionary tale and a reminder: talent needs time, structure, and support.
2. Who Should the Seahawks Target in the First Round?
With Darnold now firmly entrenched as Seattle’s starter and a Lombardi Trophy in the case, the Seahawks don’t have glaring holes-but that doesn’t mean they can’t get better. Giving Darnold another weapon might be the next chess move.
Mock drafts have Seattle eyeing Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion at pick No. 32.
Concepcion, listed at 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, brings a dynamic skill set to the table. He finished fifth in the SEC in receiving yards (919) and tied for the conference lead in touchdown catches (nine) in 2025.
What makes him particularly intriguing is his ability after the catch-he’s a YAC machine-and his potential as a punt returner. With Rashid Shaheed hitting free agency and Cooper Kupp turning 33 this summer, the Seahawks could use a fresh, explosive presence alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Concepcion wouldn’t just be a luxury pick-he could be the missing piece that helps Darnold take another leap.
3. What Should New Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak Prioritize in the Draft?
All signs point to the Raiders selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. The 2025 Heisman winner has the size (6-foot-5, 225 pounds), poise, and production to justify the selection. But here’s the reality: no quarterback can thrive behind a leaky offensive line.
Vegas allowed a league-worst 64 sacks last season. That’s not just a problem-it’s a red flag waving in neon lights.
That’s why the Raiders’ second-round pick (No. 36 overall) could be just as critical. Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling is a name to watch. At 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, Freeling earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2025 and gave up just two sacks on 747 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
Scouting reports point to some technical inconsistencies, but the upside is clear. If the Raiders want Mendoza to succeed, protecting him has to be priority No. 1B-right after drafting him.
4. How Does Jeremiyah Love Stack Up Against Past First-Round Running Backs?
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love isn’t just the top running back in this class-he’s drawing comparisons to some of the best to come out in recent years. Sports Info Solutions gave him a “seven” grade, which equates to an immediate starter with All-Pro potential.
That’s the same grade they gave Bijan Robinson in 2023. Robinson, of course, went on to be a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year in 2025.
Love fits the mold of a modern NFL back: 6-foot, 214 pounds, explosive, durable, and versatile. He racked up 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in just 12 games last season, winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back.
He’s the kind of player who could step in and elevate an offense from Day 1. One team that could really use him?
The Kansas City Chiefs. They ranked just 25th in rushing yards per game last year (106.6), and adding a dynamic back like Love could take pressure off Patrick Mahomes and open up even more of the playbook.
Think Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit or Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco-versatile backs who can flip a game with one touch. That’s the type of impact Love could have in the right system.
5. Is Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price Ready to Be an NFL Starter?
While Jeremiyah Love has been grabbing headlines, his Notre Dame teammate Jadarian Price is quietly building a strong case of his own. Sports Info Solutions gave him a 6.5 grade-just a notch below Love-projecting him as a lower-end NFL starter. But some scouts are even higher on him.
Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson praised Price’s vision and natural feel for the position, calling him “a nuanced, natural running back prospect.” At 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Price has the frame and the burst to handle a significant workload.
He didn’t get as many touches as Love last year-113 carries for 674 yards-but he made them count, averaging six yards per carry and scoring 11 touchdowns. That kind of efficiency pops off the stat sheet.
The one area where he’ll need to improve is as a receiver. In three seasons, he totaled just 15 catches for 162 yards and three scores. To become a true three-down back in today’s NFL, Price will need to expand that part of his game.
Still, the foundation is there. With the right coaching and opportunity, Price could be a steal for a team looking to add depth-and maybe more-to its backfield.
Bottom Line
The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a fascinating blend of quarterback questions, offensive firepower, and running back talent. Whether it’s the Jets learning from past mistakes, the Seahawks reloading for another run, or the Raiders rebuilding from the ground up, every pick will matter. And with talents like Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price waiting to make their mark, this draft could reshape more than just rosters-it could redefine the future of multiple franchises.