The NFL Draft is traditionally a bit of a crapshoot.
The 2026 edition will be no different. There will be players drafted who look like no-brainers to excel in the NFL, only to flop in sensational fashion. And we’re not even talking about what these prospects will actually wear to the draft on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh.
Then there are other guys who exceed expectations and become stars in the league.
NFL.com draft guru Bucky Brooks has spotlighted seven players from this year’s draft that he believes will be magnificent.
As Brooks writes: “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 look at these seven potential wonders of the NFL world.
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2026 NFL Draft board rankings: No. 1 (Brooks), No. 2 (Mel Kiper)
Don’t underestimate the power of Love. There’s lots to love — OK, sorry — about this man, truly. Some evaluators compare him to three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs. Love is projected to land anywhere from fourth or fifth all the way down to eighth. It could all come down to money or Love.
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2026 NFL Draft board rankings: No. 2 (Brooks), No. 6 (Kiper)
Brooks is a big fan of Downs, citing his instincts, awareness, and versatility. The Commanders could be getting a steal if he slides to seventh or later. He’s been compared to former Seahawks stud safety Earl Thomas, a three-time first-team All-Pro.
2026 NFL Draft board rankings: No. 3 (Brooks), No. 3 (Kiper)
Reese is considered one of those freaks of nature. His explosiveness and agility will make him a major defensive disruptor for whichever team is lucky enough to draft him. In his mock draft, my colleague Jobe Morrison believes the Chiefs are going to move up to the No. 7 slot to pluck Reese. Kansas City fans would rejoice, but I don’t think he lasts past Arizona at No. 3. He’s my favorite player in this draft, and he compares favorably to Will Anderson.
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2026 NFL Draft board rankings: No. 4 (Brooks), No. 7 (Kiper)
One of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s draft. Tyson is a top-five talent, but his history of injuries during his two seasons at Arizona State makes him a serious risk. However, teams are naturally intrigued by his potential to be a standout WR1. Kiper has said during some of Tyson’s games that he was “uncoverable.” Strong stuff for a player who one assistant NFL general manager described as “Justin Jefferson Lite.” Whoa, there, anonymous evaluator. Some team will take a flier and will be either happy or sad about the choice; there will be no middle ground or mid-first-round pick. That’s why he’s projected to go somewhere between sixth and No. 20.
2026 NFL Draft board rankings: No. 5 (Brooks), No. 8 (Kiper)
If Tyson isn’t the best receiver prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, then Tate is. Brooks is impressed with Tate’s route-running skills and playmaking ability. He’s the latest in a long line of great Ohio State wideouts and compares to former Buckeye and Saints star Chris Olave. The Big Lead predicts Tate will go second overall (!) to the Jets. That seems insane, but NFL drafts are notoriously weird so who knows. However, I’m pretty sure Jets fans will boo if New York takes him this high. Risk/reward. It’s what NFL Drafts are all about, every year.
2026 NFL Draft board rankings: No. 6 (Brooks), No. 12 (Kiper)