As the National Football League (NFL) Draft gets closer, football fans look ahead to one of the most anticipated events of the offseason.
This year’s class holds a variety of high-profile players, highlighted by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, safety Caleb Downs, running back Jeremiyah Love and linebacker Arvell Reese. Each player brings a different skill set, and each has become a major talking point as fans try to predict how the first round will unfold.
Mendoza is one of the top quarterbacks in the class and is expected to be one of the most closely watched names on draft night.As quarterback is often the position that draws the most attention, Mendoza could become one of the first players selected if a team believes he can fit with their offense.
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Downs is another player expected to hear his name called early. He is known as one of the best all-around defensive players in the class due to his ability to make plays in multiple areas of the field. Love also stands out as one of the most exciting offensive players available, while Reese has become one of the most interesting defensive prospects due to his athleticism and upside.
“I think the Giants should take Caleb Downs because he feels like one of the safest players in the draft,” said freshman Jayden Miller. “He can come in right away and improve the defense, and I think that’s something they need.”
Another Giants fan, freshman Chris Leggett, thinks the team should look in another direction to spark a turnaround from their 2025-26 campaign, in which they went 4-13.
“I know the Giants already have a good running back, but Jeremiyah Love is just one of those players you cannot pass up on,” said Leggett.
While the two students support the same team, they view the draft in different ways. Miller wants the Giants to add a versatile defensive playmaker, while Leggett believes elite talent should outweigh positional concerns, if the right player is available.
Similarly to the Giants, the New York Jets also struggled, posting a 3-14 record that saw them at the pit of the American Football Conference (AFC) East.
“[Arvell Reese] just looks like the kind of athlete every defense wants,” said junior Tristen Pena. “If the Jets could get a guy like that, it could turn the team around.”
Love also drew support from students who believe he could become one of the most exciting players in the class, no matter where he lands.
Junior Shakeel Johnson, a Tennessee Titans fan, said Love is the player she hopes Tennessee lands.
“He’s explosive, and he feels like the type of player who can make our offense more dangerous immediately,” said Johnson.
As the night of April 23 draws closer, Mendoza, Downs, Love and Reese remain some of the biggest names to watch heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
