Fernando Mendoza is almost a lock to be the first offensive player taken in the ’26 draft, but what about the first defensive pick? Mendoza has taken over the top spot from Arvell Reese on the consensus board, but I’m not confident Reese will be the first defensive player selected. Though the Ohio State standout could be an edge rusher in the NFL, some have him slotted as an off-ball linebacker — and that’s why he may slip behind some of his defensive counterparts. Some teams simply won’t want to invest a high draft pick on a player who may play off the ball. So, who is likeliest to jump Reese? I’m actually going to skip past the next defensive player on the consensus board, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, and land on David Bailey or Rueben Bain Jr. Those two are squarely penciled in as edge rushers, which would make it easier for a front office to pull the trigger. Reese and Downs may be the better prospects, but it’s hard not to factor in positional value when comparing them to Bailey or Bain. Feb 18, 2026 Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Austin Mock uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and rate performances in the NFL, college football, MLB and other sports. Follow Austin on Twitter @amock419.
