Giants Could Land Elite RB
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published March 3, 2026, 10:59 AM
This my favorite time of year in the NFL. Scouts building confidence on who they’ll pound the table for. Coaches pretending, they don’t have favorites. General managers staring at depth charts like they’re unfinished crossword puzzles.
The board always looks clean in March. It never stays that way with upcoming Pro Days and private dinners on the agenda for all 32 teams in the National Football League.
Quarterbacks rise. Edge rushers get pushed up the ladder. Corners become necessities overnight. And somewhere between need and value, teams convince themselves this is the year they get it right.
It took me some time to fall in love with players in this draft, I found myself questioning more guys in their projected draft slots and usual. I’ll to be transparent in my own views and describe best what is leaning me towards a players evaluation.
Here’s how the top ten falls for now.
Pick 1
Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, 6’5 236
Hips are positioned in line with throws. Mechanically I think he is very poised and repeats the repetition with extreme consistency. Whips that right foot out upon release, reminds me of a unique batters’ swing. Fluid from top to bottom. Often clean in the pocket, it allows time to step into throws.
Leader, with toughness. Gains tough yards, not afraid to lay body on the line. Appears calm in height of chaos, remains flatlined and fluid. Runs with a bit of a hunched over approach, while not attractive, it’s effective. If he misfires over the head nothing falls short. Makes tough throws which only his receivers can make. We’ve seen times when his wideouts have made spectacular catches, coinciding with his confidence to get ball in tight spots.
Overall – His demeanor and winning attitude are nothing short of top notch. However, there is slight concern about watching the pocket in Indiana and the ability to step into throws that I think could hinder his game at the next level.
Pick 2
New York Jets
David Bailey, Texas Tech, Edge, 6’4 251
Good length has some bulk to him, rushes from right or left, displays a variety of tricks to get to quarterback, constant pressure, seldom takes plays off. Ability to detach quickly from his blocker is a great trait he possesses, one step, he is into his rhythm, dip-n-rip or spinning, he makes his way towards the ball.
Active feet, and is clean of traffic, won’t see him on the ground. He is able to avoid the chaos and pursue. A subtle bend in his gate when rushing, a slight dip in his hips and off he goes.
His one-armed bull rush on Kent State’s Garrett Masterson, was impressive, simply knocked this 6’6 and 315lb. tackle off his feet. Watching him stumble backwards as Bailey exceled towards the quarterback was impressive. That forearm is another tool used very well.
Overall – Watching him and Bain from Miami, I think these are two quality rushers that should make good on their draft status.
Pick 3
Arizona Cardinals
Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State, 6’4 243
I think what pops off immediately is the light frame. Opening game against Texas you just see him pushed off the ball and contained repeatedly. Abdul Carter had a little more bulk last year at this time and felt he didn’t deliver on the lofty draft slot by New York.
There is little question about his speed and athleticism. It’s very apparent when he must use it. Good burst and love his ability to really close in on the ball when the time is right. I just fear his size and lack of strength. He must be provided a clear path to the ball.
Overall – I cannot get Barkevious Mingo out of my mind when watching Reese in action. Gifted athletically, however I’m reluctant to go all in. Identical in size at 6’4 and 241 pounds during their measurements of the NFL Combine, Mingo running a 4.58 and Reese and blazing 4.46 forty. The Cardinals took Isaiah Simmons who was 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds and ran a 4.39 in Indy back in 2020 NFL Draft at eighth overall.
Pick 4
Tennessee Titans
Mansoor Delane, LSU, DB, 6’0 187
Durable, athletic looking body, looks the part of an high-end NFL defensive back, can Velcro himself to the target. His intricate ability to conduct himself in a manner where he it’s not noticeable to light and consistent contact in coverage, is outstanding.
Plays with great intensity. Appears to have eyes for QBs own eyes be able to track potential passes to his man or another. Watch Clemson tape in third quarter (8:21) and you’ll see his awareness in the secondary to drop off his coverage and break get interception.
Shows knack to dislodge ball at point of contact, balls looks secure, however he’ll work his way towards making what looked like a catch a drop. Head turned eyes on pocket, rarely is he running aimlessly blinded by what’s going on at the line of scrimmage.
Overall – With the rich history of LSU stars leaving Baton Rouge for the NFL, Delane is likely to take the baton. Derek Stingley Jr. was selected third overall by the Houston Texans in 2022 out of LSU. I feel comfortable saying Delane could flirt b between two and three overall in the NFL Draft.
Pick 5
New York Giants
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame, RB, 6’0 215
Let’s begin here, with his performance against Pitt, I was covering – Jeremiyah Love showed instantly why he is considered the best running back in college football. With patience, sharp vision, and a devastating spin move, he sliced through the Panthers defense on a touchdown run that made it 7–0 with 8:16 left in the first quarter. The Heisman hopeful finished with 158 rushing yards on 23 carries with two catches (20 yards) for good measure.
Thick hips/legs, and knows how to use it in pass pro, watch him against Texas A&M’s Taureen York, in 2Q, he delivers one hell of a blow to York, then stares him down afterwards. That’s a mental way to block, not an assignment, he gets after it. Plays with leverage and provides a pop in his blocking.
Terrific with the ball in his hands, he provides all the cliché qualities of an upper tier prospect at his position. Effortlessly seizes the gap, finds the hole, can maneuver through traffic, spin, remain balanced and churn legs for tough yards. I would be surprised if he doesn’t become a contributor quickly at the next level.
Overall – He dazzled us all with his athleticism during the drills at the NFL Combine, and it’s not out of the question for him to go as high at two to the Jets. He is a clear-cut elite talent at running back. Even the receivers in this class are strong but not elite like Love. His 4.36 forty was another block in the solid foundation of his overall game.
Pick 6
Cleveland Browns
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL) 6’5 329
Plays right tackle, the size and frame are ideal, he possesses that wide hip section along with thick thighs to leverage with success, consistently. Definitely can move the pile, seals the edge providing an open path for the ball carrier.
However, a couple plays in the title game, Hoosiers Mikail Kamara, jukes him off the snap and goes basically untouched. Another play two defenders coming at him the ball is being rushed of the left side, he’s indecisive and uses half-ass arm blocks. Once again, it’s Kamara with a tackle for loss from the right side of the line to the left side for the play.
Overall – A much wiser man told the worst offensive lineman plays right tackle because there is no speed rusher on the right. Now that’s something that can be debated, but it does make me pause for a second. With 42 consecutive starts at Miami at right tackle, he has proven durability.
Pick 7
Washington Commanders
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL) 6’2 between 263
The first prospect I truly like right off the bat when I began breaking it down. Thick mid-section provides lower body power. At 6’2 along with his base and athletic ability, Bain is explosive off the ball and has the power needed to be very effective.
Uses rip move naturally. Winning pad level and leverage. Good job at lowering that inside shoulder to reduce the strike zone on the tackle. Stays tight on his arc towards QB. Hustles and pursues play to whistle.
Overall – Bain is that battering ram off the edge, I’d like to think after the end of the game, whatever left tackle he faced, felt exhausted and defeated. Watching the hustle, along with brute force and explosiveness, I take him over Reese every day. Feel David Bailey and Bain Jr. should be top 5 selections.
Pick 8
New Orleans Saints
Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State 6’5 244
His dynamic performance at the NFL Combine was nothing short of spectacular. His size and athleticism is elite. Remember he arrived at Ohio State as a 5-star recruit and was rated as the No. 1 overall safety prospect in the country by 247Sports.
I feel his awareness and patience to attack a crease and get to the football is solid. It’s a consistent feeling you get watching him. His ability to close in space is special. When the combination of awareness and speed merges it’s a lethal combination. His use of nudging his elbow towards the ball carrier is effective in causing them to lose balance. It’s not a Sean Taylor mega-hit. It’s
Love the way he latches onto the ball carrier and drags his prey to the ground. He mirrors a big cat on the safari every time I watch it. Against Texas in Week 1 of this past season, I see a couple plays that stick in my mind. A lack of real pursuit on one play and another offensive tackle Brandon Baker pancakes Styles in the ground.
Overall – The Baker play I mention again because it’s also his negotiable mindset of Styles to take on blockers and apply his strength at the point of attack. Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win. He’s not going to back down. That demeanor is why I think along with his athleticism could create one hell of a prospect.
Pick 9
Kansas City Chiefs
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah, 6’5 311
A steady presence, Sound technique, great length. Can get movement on the hip. Shows good initial quickness. Excellent placement. Directs defender off the point of attack. Feel it’s one of his best qualities. Mirrors man and sustains block.
Once he locks in, he rarely loses a battle. Seldom gets pushed back, lower body technique helps his upper body subdue defenders. I don’t see an over athletic right tackle, however his discipline and technique I think dynamic. Carbon copy of dominate plays over and over again.
Overall – Patrick Mahomes was sacked in the 30-plus range over the course of the 2024-25 seasons. Since becoming the starter in 2018 his average per sack per season is 24.3 between 2018-23. Getting back to 2024-25, the average is 35 and he has missed four regular season games in that span. This team has lost it’s edge and needs to replenish the trenches. A pick where need supersedes all else.
Pick 10
Cincinnati Bengals
Caleb Downs, Ohio State, S, 6’0 206
Solid frame not overly muscled up but looks the part. His angle to the ball I feel are one of his best traits. It’s sort of the foundation for all the other qualities that come into play when watching Downs. Read and reaction, again with quick point-to-point attack radius, better TFL ability is needed to capitalize on this playmaking skills. To his credit I think it’s noticeable since he makes those types of play with such recurrence. He is a disciplined open field wrap up tackler, while not a punisher, he’ll make the contact to allow others to swarm to the football.
Times blitzes well, fluid natural athlete in secondary. Consistency and awareness are part of his football IQ, sound in all areas. Coverage abilities are very good. He can tuck into a defender tightly and deflect the pass, rarely out of position to make a play. His run game prowess is a huge asset to his game.
Overall – Downs is a player with the resume to go above the 10th overall selection with ease.
The reality? Leaving a wide receiver out of the top 10 feels almost irresponsible in a class this deep.
Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and USC’s Makai Lemon both carry top-tier traits. Tate is smooth, precise and competitive at the catch point. Lemon brings burst, polish and the ability to separate at all three levels. But that’s the tension of this board.
Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk is another name hovering in that top 10 airspace. He fits the premium-position profile teams covet early.
So, who comes off?
This is what makes this class compelling.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
