Jeremiyah Love, a Notre Dame running back, is viewed as a premier back prospect with the potential to be a multi-year impact player. Some evaluators compare him to Jahmyr Gibbs, and his draft stock is widely projected to land somewhere in the mid-to-upper half of the first round, depending on teams’ valuation of the position and contract dynamics.
Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, stands out for his instincts, awareness, and versatility. He is seen as a potential steal if he slides, with comparisons to Earl Thomas fueling expectations of a high-impact defensive contributor who could be a cornerstone in the back end for years to come.
Arvell Reese, an Ohio State edge/linebacker, is described as a freak athlete whose explosiveness could make him a disruptive force at the next level. He figures prominently in early mock drafts, with some scenarios involving a team moving up to secure him, reflecting the perceived ceiling of a defensive playmaker.
Jordyn Tyson, a wide receiver from Arizona State, is among the most polarizing prospects in the class. Tyson is widely regarded as top-five talent, but his injury history adds significant risk. Some evaluators have called him “uncoverable” at times, and his draft range is broad, spanning mid-to-late first round to the early second.
Carnell Tate, another Ohio State receiver, is regarded as a top pass-catching prospect with standout route-running and playmaking ability. He draws comparisons to Chris Olave, and while some mocks project him high, the risk-reward balance remains a talking point as teams weigh his long-term potential against injury concerns.
The final two under consideration are Olaivavega Ioane, a Penn State offensive guard, and Spencer Fano, a Utah tackle. Ioane is praised for agility and elite pass protection on a big frame, drawing favorable comparisons to pro players who excel in the trenches. Fano is viewed as a prototypical mauler with the physical tools to anchor a line, with evaluators noting the possibility of him being available later in the first round. While not every prospect is guaranteed to reach All-Pro status, several figures in this group are projected to become Pro Bowl-caliber players.
The draft schedule is set to begin with Round 1 on April 23, and live coverage will be available across major networks and platforms. As teams build for the future, these seven prospects offer a mix of high ceiling and clear risk, highlighting why the draft remains as much about evaluation as it is about timing and opportunity.