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ESPN Ranks Top 10 Best Picks, Steals & Fits From the 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

10) LB Arvell Reese, New York Giants (Pick 1-5)
New York is getting creative with Arvell Reese, and that’s where this pick gets interesting. His versatility allows the defense to deploy him in multiple roles, keeping offenses guessing while maximizing his athletic traits. It may not be conventional, but it could be dangerous.

"Reese offers rare versatility as a linebacker who can impact both coverage and the pass rush." - Matt Miller
1) S Caleb Downs, Dallas Cowboys (Pick 1-11)
The fit for Caleb Downs in Dallas feels almost too clean. He walks into a defense that values instincts and versatility, and his feel for the game should translate immediately as a tone-setter on the back end. This is the kind of plug-and-play safety who elevates everyone around him from Day 1.

"Downs is the rare safety prospect who can control the game from multiple alignments, and that’s exactly what Dallas needs to unlock its defense." - Matt Miller
2) CB Jermod McCoy, Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 4-101)
If healthy, Jermod McCoy could end up being one of the defining steals of this class. Las Vegas took a calculated swing on elite traits, and his speed and coverage skills make him a much-needed difference-maker in the secondary. This is a high-risk move, but the payoff could reshape their defense.

"McCoy falling this far is all about medicals, not talent, because on tape he’s a top-tier corner with true CB1 upside." - Matt Miller
3) CB Mansoor Delane, Kansas City Chiefs (Pick 1-6)
The Chiefs didn’t hesitate, and that aggression says everything about how they view Mansoor Delane. He fits their mold perfectly with physicality, ball skills, and the ability to thrive in big moments. In a roster built to contend every year, this is a long-term answer at a premium position.

"Delane brings the kind of competitive toughness and playmaking Kansas City demands from its corners." - Matt Miller
4) WR Makai Lemon, Philadelphia Eagles (Pick 1-20)
Philadelphia played the board to perfection, landing Makai Lemon, and the fit is explosive. He gives the Eagles another dynamic weapon with the polish to contribute early and the ceiling to become a true No. 1 option. Pairing him with an already-strong receiving corps keeps this offense dangerous for years.

"Lemon is a complete receiver prospect with the route running and explosiveness to make an instant impact." - Matt Miller
5) WR Omar Cooper Jr., New York Jets (Pick 1-30)
The Jets finding a way to land Omar Cooper Jr. late in Round 1 feels like a heist. His ability to separate and win downfield complements their existing weapons and adds another layer to the passing game. This is a value pick that could outperform its draft slot in a hurry.

"Cooper’s polish as a route runner makes him one of the safest wideouts in this class." - Matt Miller
6) EDGE David Bailey, New York Jets (Pick 1-2)
There’s a level of readiness that comes with David Bailey, and the Jets are clearly betting on it. He steps into the league with a refined pass-rush plan and the strength to contribute immediately off the edge. For a team looking to turn the corner, this is a win-now type of addition.

"Bailey is one of the most pro-ready pass rushers in this draft, and his impact should come early." - Matt Miller
7) RB Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals (Pick 1-3)
Arizona didn’t overthink it with Jeremiyah Love, and that’s what makes this fit so compelling. He brings game-breaking ability and immediate star power to an offense that needs a centerpiece. The expectations are massive, but so is the talent.

"Love has rare explosiveness and vision, the kind that can change an offense overnight." - Matt Miller
8) CB D'Angelo Ponds, New York Jets (Pick 2-50)
Few players bring the edge and urgency that D'Angelo Ponds does, and the Jets landed him in a perfect spot. His toughness and ability to impact the game in multiple ways should quickly make him a fan favorite. This is as much a culture fit as it is a football fit.

"Ponds plays bigger than his size and brings a fearless mentality that coaches love." - Matt Miller
9) QB Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 1-1)
The Raiders are betting the future on Fernando Mendoza, and the tools are all there. His poise and decision-making give him a chance to stabilize the franchise quickly, especially with the right pieces developing around him. This is the kind of quarterback selection that defines an era.

"Mendoza has the makeup of a franchise quarterback with the accuracy and leadership teams build around." - Matt Miller
10) LB Arvell Reese, New York Giants (Pick 1-5)
New York is getting creative with Arvell Reese, and that’s where this pick gets interesting. His versatility allows the defense to deploy him in multiple roles, keeping offenses guessing while maximizing his athletic traits. It may not be conventional, but it could be dangerous.

"Reese offers rare versatility as a linebacker who can impact both coverage and the pass rush." - Matt Miller
1) S Caleb Downs, Dallas Cowboys (Pick 1-11)
The fit for Caleb Downs in Dallas feels almost too clean. He walks into a defense that values instincts and versatility, and his feel for the game should translate immediately as a tone-setter on the back end. This is the kind of plug-and-play safety who elevates everyone around him from Day 1.

"Downs is the rare safety prospect who can control the game from multiple alignments, and that’s exactly what Dallas needs to unlock its defense." - Matt Miller

ESPN Ranks Top 10 Best Picks, Steals & Fits From the 2026 NFL Draft

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