2026 NFL Draft Intel: Latest league info on Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and more first-round prospects ahead of CFP
See what league sources are saying about some of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The regular season for college football is over, championship weekend is behind us, and now all eyes move to the College Football Playoff. The biggest games of the year are here, and there are plenty of potential first-rounders who will suit up for the most important tests of their collegiate careers.
But before we get to those matchups, this idle week feels like a good time to check the stock of some first-round prospects. To do so, our team at A to Z Sports NFL Draft consulted sources around the NFL and added some analysis to the players being discussed.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
What sources are telling us: “A bit socially awkward, but everywhere he’s gone, teammates love him. Don’t overthink it. He will be a good starter.”
“His personality won’t mesh with everyone, but every person we’ve talked to that’s been around him raves about his leadership. He reminds me of Andrew Luck’s personality.”
Analysis: I think the best parts of Mendoza’s game are between the ears and how he sees the field— but he’s got plenty to like from a physical standpoint as well. He’s tough, which has never been more apparent than the body shot he took early against Ohio State. He’s willing to take big hits in the pocket in order to deliver throws and has the frame to survive enduring a few pops. I wish he had a little bit more juice to any element of his game, be it his mobility, quick twitch skills, or his arm strength. As is, I think he projects as a quality NFL starter in an offense that gives him control at the line of scrimmage in due time to allow him to problem-solve defenses in real time. – Kyle Crabbs
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
What sources are telling us: “Saturday [SEC Championship] definitely didn’t help him. Could be an Ewers/Arch situation, which was not the case a few weeks ago.”
“Such an interesting study, has moments where he looks like the top QB in this class but also has moments where he looks like a prospect that could get everyone fired if you use a first-rounder on him.”
Analysis: I’ve been a big fan of Simpson for most of the year, and while I still believe he has the potential to be a great NFL starter, it is now clear that he is at least a year away from being ready for the league. If he decides to go pro, I would expect his team to want him to sit and learn for a year. Therefore, it makes more sense for him to return to school, gain more experience while playing, and put himself in a better position for the 2027 NFL Draft.. With his talent, he could be a serious contender for the top QB in 2027 if he shows the league an improved feel for the game and ability under pressure. – Destin Adams
Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama
What sources are telling us: “One of the better rushers to come out of there. Could be a first-rounder by the end of the process, but might go back to school.”
Analysis: Pierre was stuck behind the likes of Jah-Marien Latham, Qua Russaw, and LT Overton when the season started for the Alabama Crimson Tide, yet the best pass rusher for the Tide has been Pierre. He’s got bend and twitch, he can corner and close, and he’s held his own against the run for athe majority of the year. He wrecked the game against the Tennessee Volunteers, but he might be better off going back to school for a little more seasoning. – Rob Gregson
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
What sources are telling us: “Kid is a first-rounder all day. Legit returner. Does everything you want in a modern-day WR. What a get for Texas A&M. Get the ball in his hands, and he will score.”
“He was, of course, already on our radar thanks to what he showed at NC State, but watching him show he could be the same player against SEC competition was a big deal.”
Analysis: Concepcion was a good player at NC State, but he has become an outstanding one so far during his one season with the Aggies. He isn’t the biggest wide receiver of all time, so the majority of his reps are going to come inside of the slot. Concepcion does, however, have enough explosiveness to threaten as a Z receiver as well. When Concepcion is able to get the football in space, that’s where he does his best work. With outstanding quickness and change of direction, Concepcion understands how to navigate space to create some big plays. He is also a good overall rote runner, creating some easy separation out of his breaks. There is some Zay Flowers to Concepcion’s game, but you can argue he even has a higher upside as an all-around wide receiver.” – Ryan Roberts
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
What sources are telling us: “Not as good a prospect as Warren or Loveland, but he’s going to be a really good starter. Can actually block and very consistent pass catcher.”
“His tape is still the best among TEs in this class, but I honestly believe that Oregon doesn’t fully utilize his skill set as a pass catcher.I think he has a higher ceiling at the NFL level than most people realize, with genuine potential to be an elite pass catcher.”
Analysis: Look across the league this year. Admire the expansion of heavy packages and multi-tight end sets across the league and understand this is the key for teams that are looking to find the fool-proof solution to the “match situation, not personnel” debate we saw run through coaching circles across the NFL earlier this season. Tight ends who can block and catch give you the ability to do it all — and Sadiq is that. He’s not Tyler Warren in part because he’s more of a space weapon in the run game. But this is someone who can help an offense command control of the edges white also thriving on the second level on inserts and off of double teams. Sadiq has the DNA of a game changer for an offense with where the league is heading. – Kyle Crabbs
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
What sources are telling us: “Really underperformed this year, will still go round one if he declares, but he should consider going back with a weak OT class next year.”
“Not the year he or Bama was hoping to see from him. Has a really solid foundation of skills though that will excite teams. If a team has a solid teacher type as their O-line coach I could still see them betting on Proctor’s potential and believing he’s still worth using a first rounder on. Especially in this class where multiple teams will already feel they are reaching on players come pick 15 or so.”
Analysis: “The biggest selling point for Proctor might also actually be his biggest deterrent as well. At around 6-7 and 365 pounds, Proctor possesses an impressive blend of explosiveness and raw power. The issue is that the offensive tackle position is one dependent on the ability to redirect and recover. Proctor is a limited player in those departments, struggling at times against pass rushers who can win the outside track or who can also cross face. If Proctor is going to survive on an island on pass protection, getting some bad weight off of his frame and increasing his flexibility is needed. There’s a chance he could see a move inside to guard similar to Mekhi Becton. His raw size and pedigree could make Proctor go considerably higher than his current tape suggests, but it isn’t without major risk.”
– Ryan Roberts
Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
What sources are telling us: “Big, strong, pressure creator with good lateral quickness, young dude with a young game, would like to see him finish more, but he is stout up front. Good player to watch for sure.”
Analysis: Miller has a violent game that shows off his quickness, even at his size. I think that separates him from a lot of the prospects at his stature. Miller can play different roles along the defensive line and possesses the upside to do so at a high level down the road. He’s got one of the best anchors in the entire class, as the Georgia lineman rarely gets beat on a rep due to leverage or lower body strength. Even as a young player, his strength has popped consistently. Miller’s production has not backed up his impact quite as much as you would hope – needs to find ways to finish plays in the backfield and prevent escapes from quarterbacks. Motor is consistent as well. Deserves to go sometime early on day two. – Adam Holt
For more intel, mock drafts, prospect profiles, and everything else NFL Draft, keep this page bookmarked as we close in on April!
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