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Fernando Mendoza is the consensus top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, opinions on the best player vary widely. A recent poll by FOX Sports reveals Mendoza and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs each receive three votes as the top overall prospects. Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love closely follow with two votes each.
NFL executives emphasize positional value in their assessments. An NFC scout suggests Mendoza, while impactful, may not be the best prospect. A general manager notes that five players could contend for the title of best player, depending on team needs.
Notably, several top prospects play positions considered less valuable in the draft. Downs aims to be the first safety in the top five since 2010, while Love seeks to be just the eighth running back in that range since 2005.
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