Each week, Yardbarker monitors the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
We’re answering the biggest questions about the draft. With that in mind, here are five:
Are the Arvell Reese-Micah Parsons comparisons legit?
The Ringer’s Todd McShay and CBS Sports’ Mike Renner have compared
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Reese (6-foot-4, 243 pounds) to Green Bay Packers defensive end Parsons.
“I feel like the arc of Arvell Reese is going to be similar to that of Micah Parsons,” McShay said on his podcast on Feb. 11. “I think it was Year 2 [in the NFL] we saw almost exclusively that Micah Parsons was an edge. I could see something similar for that for Arvell Reese.”
“With the success of similar off-ball [LB] to edge converts in recent years like Micah Parsons, Jalon Walker and Abdul Carter, the Jets may bet on that upside,” wrote Renner in a mock draft after the Super Bowl. He has the New York Jets selecting Reese with pick No. 2.
The numbers suggest the comparisons may be legit. The Ohio State star logged more sacks (seven) in two seasons with the Buckeyes than the ex-Penn State Nittany Lions standout (6.5) did in two collegiate seasons. He also had more pressures (30) than Parsons (28) (via Pro Football Focus). (Note: Parsons skipped the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
That doesn’t mean Reese is guaranteed to be the next Parsons, a three-time first-team All-Pro. However, it should make teams feel even more comfortable about investing a high pick on him.
Would the Los Angeles Rams be perfect landing spot for Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson?
NFL Media insider Tom Pelissero has said he “wouldn’t rule out” the Los Angeles Rams taking Simpson (6-foot-2, 208 pounds) with pick No. 13 in the draft. That could be an ideal spot for the Alabama QB.
Simpson ranked second in the SEC in passing touchdowns (28) in 2025 but started just 15 games in four seasons with Alabama. NFL scouts typically want QBs to start 25-30 games in college before they turn pro. Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, for example, started 29 games for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 2014-16.
In Los Angeles, he could learn from Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who has confirmed he plans to return in 2026 after winning 2025 league MVP. He would also benefit from working with head coach Sean McVay, a QB guru.
“I’ll be honest: I want this for Simpson,” McShay wrote in a mock draft where the Rams grab the Alabama QB with pick No. 13. “Maybe it will be later in the first round at pick 29. Maybe it won’t happen at all. But I love this fit.”
Who’s QB3 in the draft after Ole Miss Rebels star Trinidad Chambliss received an extra year of eligibility?
Now that Chambliss is set to return to Ole Miss for the 2026 season, the class looks even weaker at QB. Sports Info Solutions lists
LSU Tigers QB Garrett Nussmeier (6-foot-1, 202 pounds) as the No. 3 passer in its positional rankings.
Even then, the site isn’t high on the QB after he tossed 12 TD passes and five interceptions in 2025. SIS scout Nathan Cooper gave him a 6.3 grade, which denotes a limited starter or multi-position backup.
“Nussmeier has the leadership qualities and deep passing ability to make it as a quality backup at the next level, but he’ll need to improve his decision-making and footwork if he wants to become a starting-level player,” wrote Cooper in his scouting report.
How high will Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs go in the draft?
No safety has gone in the top 10 of the draft since the Jets took Jamal Adams with pick No. 6 in 2017. Downs (6-foot, 205 pounds) may be the next one. NFL MockDraft Database projects the Washington Commanders will add him with pick No. 7.
ESPN’s Field Yates is even more bullish on the safety. In his latest mock, the New York Giants grab him with pick No. 5.
“Perhaps no current coach understands the value of top-flight safety play as [John Harbaugh], who coached Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore,” wrote Yates. “While the Giants have starters in Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin, Downs has the upside to change the entire defense as a force multiplier with his deep range and in-the-box skills.”
In layman’s terms, Downs is versatile, making him an asset for any defense. In 2025, he totaled 45 solo tackles and two interceptions.
What should the Tennessee Titans do with pick No. 4?
Tankathon’s latest mock draft has the Titans taking Miami Hurricanes DE Rueben Bain Jr. (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) with pick No. 4. But shouldn’t Tennessee prioritize helping QB Cam Ward after he went 3-14 in 17 starts as a rookie?
“I want to see them surround Cam Ward with as many weapons as possible,” ESPN’s Jordan Reid said Monday on “NFL Draft Daily.” “So, why not take Ohio State WR Carnell Tate at No. 4 overall?”
Tate and 2025 No. 1 pick Ward could make a solid tandem. This past season, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound wideout ranked second on the Buckeyes in receiving yards (875) behind Jeremiah Smith (1,243).
The Titans should also add Notre Dame Fighting Irish RB Jeremiyah Love (6-foot, 214 pounds) to their watch list. He was named a 2025 Heisman finalist after running for 1,372 yards, eighth in the FBS. The talented RB could help Tennessee improve a ground attack that ranked 30th in the league in rushing yards (93.5 per game) in 2025.
.webp?ssl=1 "The state of play at McLaren after three rounds of the 2026 season")
