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Don't overthink it.
Sometimes that's the best approach in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza – the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner – with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a national championship and was considered the best player in college football. It's a safe bet.
Who are the other safe picks in the first round? Two players who were in that "best player in college football" conversation are at the top of that list. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs – a two-time first-team Sporting News All-America selection – is one of those players. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is the other. At that point, an NFL player is getting the best player on the board who will deliver high-level production for several years. That qualifies as a “safe pick.”
Who are the seven safest picks for the 2026 NFL Draft this year? Here's a closer look:
MORE 2026 NFL DRAFT:
- Complete 7-round mock draft
- Trade predictions for the first round
- Where will each quarterback go in 2026 draft?
Safest NFL Draft picks 2026
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs (6-0, 206) had 68 tackles, five tackles for loss and two interceptions for the Buckeyes last season. Downs can play either free safety or strong safety. He's not just a game-changer near the line of scrimmage – he excels in coverage and allowed just 92 yards after the catch and did not allow a TD in coverage last season. Downs proved he was one of the best all-around defensive players in college the last two seasons. He's a great bet for multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections at the next level.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love (6-0, 212) dominated at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash – which was second among running backs – and a 10-yard split of 1.55 – which ranked fourth. He had consistent elite production with the Irish. He totaled 2,497 yards on 6.9 yards per carry the last two seasons with 35 rushing TDs. Love averaged 258.5 receiving yards per game the last two seasons. He had 39 runs of 10 yards or more in 199 carries. A total of 10 NFL running backs had 1,500 yards from scrimmage last season. Love can be that type of player.
Spencer Fano, T, Utah
Fano (6-5, 312) – the Outland Trophy winner – did not allow a sack in 357 opportunities last season. He started as a left tackle as a freshman and moved to right tackle the next two seasons, and he developed into an imposing run blocker. Fano allowed just five quarterback hurries and no hits last season for the Utes. He should continue that success at the next level. Fano is a classic no-frills pick that makes for an easy selection in the top 10 of the first round.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Delane (6-0, 187) remained a bright spot for the Tigers last season as an All-American cornerback. The Virginia Tech transfer averaged three interceptions and nine pass breakups in his final two college seasons. He ran a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash at LSU's Pro Day – which would have been the second-fastest time among cornerbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine. According to PFF, he allowed just 14 receptions on 35 targets in 2025. He will be the fifth LSU cornerback to be selected in the first round, a line that includes Patrick Peterson (2011), Morris Claiborne (2012), Tre'Davious White (2017) and Derek Stingley Jr. (2022).
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026: QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Styles (6-5, 244) saw his stock soar after a fantastic NFL Scouting Combine performance where he ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 43.5 inches. Styles didn't miss a tackle in the regular season – and he finished 82 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. The athleticism is off the charts, and Styles could be used at multiple defensive positions. He played defensive back in high school – and is the next pro from the pipeline in Pickerington, Ohio.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Ioane (6-4, 320 pounds) is not a flashy pick – interior linemen rarely are — but the Penn State guard flashed at the NFL Scouting Combine and was an anchor at left guard for the Nittany Lions the last two seasons with 27 starts. Ioane allowed no sacks and four quarterback hurries in 298 snaps, according to PFF.com. He also emerged as a dominant run blocker and had just one penalty last season. Dallas' Tyler Booker, Seattle's Grey Zabel and Minnesota's Donovan Jackson were first-round guards last season – and all three had success as rookies. Ioane is that caliber of player.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Allen (6-1, 230) was the captain for a Georgia defense that allowed 2.9 yards per carry last season. He had 88 total tackles, eight tackles, 3.5 sacks and four pass breakups. He's a standard inside-the-box linebacker who should land in the back half of the first round with a playoff contender. He will be a solid run stopper and will need to develop in coverage. Allen ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash at a private workout, which likely clinches his spot in the first round.
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