Prior to the 2026 NFL Combine, NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah spoke with the media about his expectations and outlook on the 2026 NFL Combine and Draft. He outlined which position groups he believed were the strongest, where he ranked players like Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr., his thoughts on projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and what he thinks the Colts may do without a first-round pick.
Most three-round draft projections currently have the Colts with the 47th overall pick and the 78th overall pick. And yet, even without a first-round pick, the Colts are certainly not in a bad spot for the 2026 NFL Draft. Jeremiah said he believes this year's draft class has "a good Day 2" with significant depth at positions like linebackers and cornerbacks.
"It's another exciting class, with some of the strengths of this draft really being along the defensive line, particularly the edge rushers," Jeremiah said Thursday. "Another great group of wide receivers, a linebacker group that runs deep and a corner group that runs really deep. So it's a good draft."
When asked about the depth of specifically defensive tackle, cornerback and wide receiver for teams without a first-round pick, Jeremiah said this:
"I would rank that wide receiver, corner, D-tackle in terms of depth," he said. "But it's not it's not in bad shape at defensive tackle, it's just much, much deeper at the other two. Wide receivers is really, really good. It's comparable to the last several years...I think I had 19 guys with grades that would put them in the top three-round range, so that's a really good group of wide receivers. Corners, we got a nice mix of outside guys and one of the really, really good group of slot corners that I've seen in the last few years. So good, not quite as deep as we've been in some other years, but really solid there with, again, a really nice mix of slot corners. And then the defensive tackles, it's not as deep as the edge rusher group in this draft, but there's some real intriguing guys...second round to fourth round I think is a nice little sweet spot there, you got some real big guys in there."
View photos of Daniel Jeremiah's ranking of the top 50 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft as prospects prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes against Miami during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) rushes for a touchdown against Southern California's Kamari Ramsey (7) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese drops back to defend against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey (31) gives chase as BYU running back LJ Martin (4) runs the ball in the second half of a Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against UCLA during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) during the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game against Mississippi, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Southern California s wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs the ball during the first half of NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) is seen before an NCAA football game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate State makes a diving touchdown reception as Northwestern defensive back Josh Fussell defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Wrigley Field, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs plays against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano (55) takes his stance during an NCAA football game against UCLA on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) catches an interception in the end zone during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against TCU Horned Frogs safety Bud Clark (21) during a NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) scores on a pick-six against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/James Pugh)
FILE - Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell (9) rushes Samford quarterback Quincy Crittendon (2) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft, File)
Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor rushes in on the Ohio State offense during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) pursues a play on defense against the Akron during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston reacts during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon State, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely)
Georgia inside linebacker CJ Allen (3) defends during the first half of an NCAA football game against Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Clemson offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) plays against Syracuse in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) sets up to block against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman calls to teammates during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Montana State, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely)
Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter (2) and defensive lineman Jayden Cofield (51) switch out during the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) runs a play against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) blocks against Eastern Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu (71) takes his stance during an NCAA football game against UCLA on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) plays during an NCAA college football game between Clemson and Troy, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
South Carolina defensive back Brandon Cisse (15) celebrates with defensive back Jalon Kilgore (24) during the first half against Kentucky in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion (7) catches a pass as South Carolina's Brandon Cisse (15) and Peyton Williams (31) defend during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) reacts during an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods (11) reacts during an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (32) blocks a pass by Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams (0) warms up before the second half of an NCAA college football game against Syracuse Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Florida offensive lineman Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson (65) blocks against Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) lines up against Syracuse in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
FILE - Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) sacks LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) rolls out during the first half of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Indiana Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Arizona State offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) looks to block BYU defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against San Jose State in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price (24) dives to the one yard line in front of Arkansas defensive back Kani Walker (13) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) catches a pass for a touchdown as he's defended by Alabama defensive back King Mack (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields (0) makes a catch for a touchdown with Pittsburgh defensive back Shawn Lee Jr. (28) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Oklahoma wide receiver Deion Burks (4) during an NCAA football game against Temple, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday (11) during an NCAA collage football game on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Texas A&M offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (71) sets to block during an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell (0) runs from the pursuit of Bowling Green wide receiver Allen Middleton (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Speaking of wide receivers, when asked about what the Colts may do with their second-round pick, Jeremiah pointed to wide receivers.
"There's wide receivers galore that are going to be there," he said. "There are really, really good players that I think – it's literally all shapes and sizes."
Of course, what the Colts choose to do in the draft will likely hinge on what happens with Alec Pierce; Pierce is an impending free agent who, if he hits the market on March 11 (the Colts could place a franchise or transition tag on him before then), Jeremiah believes will have a "robust market if he gets out of the building." With that in mind, Jeremiah projected Malachi Fields (Notre Dame) and Chris Brazzell (Tennessee) as two wideouts who could bring size, speed and big-play ability.
Jeremiah also pointed to Antonio Williams (Clemson) and Zachariah Branch (Georgia) as impressive undersized players, noting Branch "can fly", and Germie Bernard (Alabama) as someone who can "do a little bit of everything." And for a potential third-round option, Jeremiah suggested Oregon's Malik Benson as another fast and productive player.
Once again, though, these projections from Jeremiah are largely based on the idea that Pierce would not be with the Colts next season, and the Colts would be looking to replace him in some capacity – so take it with a grain of salt. If the Colts were to go for a linebacker or defensive end in the second round, like many mock drafts are projecting, they would have almost as many viable options.
Now, here's a broader, league-wide look at some intriguing (and relevant) names to keep an eye on:
Jeremiah said he believes Ohio State safety Caleb Downs – Colts wide receiver Josh Downs' younger brother – is one of the best players in the draft. Jeremiah's second mock draft, published on Feb. 17, has Downs as the No. 10 overall pick, going to the Cincinnati Bengals.
"Caleb Downs, everything he does he just kind of does right," Jeremiah said.
Jeremiah also projected Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds as a potential second or third-round pick and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. as a potential second-round pick and a great fit for the Cincinnati Bengals alongside Tee Higgins and Ja'marr Chase. As for another in-state school, Jeremiah believes Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, one of his favorite players in the draft, could be a missing piece for the Kansas City Chiefs (they hold the No. 9 overall pick) and that Love's teammate Jadarian Price could jump into the back of the first round, potential going to the Denver Broncos as the 30th overall pick.
"I think he could be a number one back – if he was playing anywhere else, he would have been," Jeremiah said. "Just happened to be playing with Jeremiyah Love...but he's someone that I think has got a chance to be three-down, complete back."
And finally, some perspective on Indiana's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. Mendoza is just about as secure as the No. 1 overall pick as possible, but Jeremiah added some insight into just how good he believes Mendoza could be:
"Comparing Mendoza with the Bryce Young, CJ Stroud draft, I would have him – just off of the college grades – just a tick above those guys, for me,"he said. "I would put (Mendoza) behind the group we had a couple years ago, those top three guys – for me it was Caleb (Williams) one, (Drake) Maye two, Jaden Daniels three. He would slot in behind those guys. But I think he's excelled, I think he's ready to go. He's incredibly tough...you look at him in the red zone and you look at him in key moments and big games, and I don't really know how you could have too much of a concern there."
Many, if not all, of the aforementioned players will be participating in the 2026 NFL Combine in some form next week. Click here for more information about the four days of free fan events taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium.
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