The depth of the 2026 NFL Draft class begins at receiver, cornerback and defensive line, said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. Those positions will be stuffed with quality players this week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Players reported Monday and will take the field Thursday.
"It's a good draft," Jeremiah said. "It's interesting doing some of the homework and looking back on last year's Combine, and seeing some of the stars from that Combine have success throughout their rookie years, all the way to the Super Bowl."
Receiver-needy teams likely will be able to find help early.
"Wide receiver is really, really good. It's comparable to the last several years," Jeremiah said. "I counted it up the other day: I think I had 19 guys with grades that would put them in the top three-round range. That's a really good group of wide receivers."
"We're going to be talking a lot about the wide receiver depth into Day 3 and beyond, maybe undrafted free agents come out of that position," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said, via The Rich Eisen Show. "It's a little top-heavy but there's depth throughout."
Whether the New Orleans Saints are in that mix remains to be seen; the Saints historically have filled needs in free agency, which funnels the best-player-available principle when the draft arises.
But New Orleans will enter the season with a second-year quarterback (Tyler Shough) coming off a strong nine-game showing as a rookie starter, whose receiving corps underwent major changes during the '25 season.
Chris Olave had the best season of his career — the second-team All-Pro came off a concussion-shortened 2024 season to post career highs in receptions (100), yards (1,163) and touchdowns (nine). But New Orleans' projected second, third and fourth receivers — Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks and Devaughn Vele – were traded (Shaheed), released (Cooks) or injured (Vele) by the end of the year.
Also, the running back room was ravaged by injuries to Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller and Devin Neal.
Adding skill position help for Shough may be a draft priority, Jeremiah said.
"I like the young tackles that they have," Jeremiah said of the Saints. "That would be a great decision to have, if you have a guy like (USC receiver) Makai Lemon there and then (Notre Dame running back) Jeremiyah Love. (Lemon) would give you easy completions for a young quarterback, he can work in the middle of the field. He's tough – he can help you out if you need him to dig out a linebacker in the run game as well. I don't know that there's a wrong answer. Jeremiyah Love is someone who can impact the passing game as well as a true home run hitter."
Kiper, too, loves Love.
"I've always said don't take a running back in the first (round)," Kiper said. "But I keep screaming to people: You don't grade a player based on a philosophy, you grade them on ability. Well, on ability, (Love) is the second-best player in this draft.
"He can do so many things — you could put him out in the slot, wide, great hands, great receiver. He's kind of like (former Saints running back) Reggie Bush was, only bigger. You think about where we are right now in terms of a (Falcons running back) Bijan Robinson and that grade. Very similar. This kid can do so many things, he's an explosive play waiting to happen."
The defensive line depth could be helpful for New Orleans, too. The Saints' switch to a 3-4 scheme under coordinator Brandon Staley means they're looking for a different measurable when it comes to edge rushers.
"You're looking at a different prototype of player," Saints Senior Vice President/Assistant General Manager Jeff Ireland said. "We're looking at a different length and size. With (former coach) Sean (Payton) and (former defensive line coach Ryan) Nielson and those guys, we wanted big, power guys. Power rushers. We're looking for a little different athlete — size isn't as much of a premium as much as the athleticism is."
Jeremiah said the edge rusher group is impressive.
"I will be a little surprised if we don't see one of them go (in the top four)," he said. "At the top there's this debate with three guys: (Ohio State linebacker) Arvell Reese and how you evaluate him — I like him on the edge. (Texas Tech linebacker) David Bailey provides a little more certainty just in terms of you've seen him play out there, you've seen the production.
"And then (Miami defensive end) Rueben Bain is just more kind of an identity pick who just played so hard and so physical. The dimensions aren't going to be ideal in terms of the length, but there's more that he brings than just what shows up on the stat sheet, just the overall physicality and toughness that he plays with."
A previous concern that Shough helped minimize is the age of incoming rookies. Shough turned 26 shortly after the season began, but New Orleans viewed his maturity and experience as assets.
"I think the age thing in years past maybe was a bigger issue," Jeremiah said. "In this particular draft, we have a lot of 24- and 25-year-olds and I think teams are going to look beyond that."
Check out photos from Day 3 at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana on Saturday, March 1, 2025 ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Florida running back Montrell Johnson Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden is measured at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Miami running back Damien Martinez runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers watches at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Virginia Tech wide receiver Da'Quan Felton participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida wide receiver Elijhah Badger runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton does a backflip as wide receiver prospects run to the end zone to celebrate after running drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders laughs with Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Maryland wide receiver Kaden Prather participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe tosses a ball at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Miami quarterback Cam Ward watches a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Nebraska wide receiver Isaiah Neyor runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Georgia wide receiver Dominic Lovett runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders watches a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Colorado wide receiver LaJohntay Wester runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Mississippi wide receiver Antwane Wells Jr. participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Nebraska wide receiver Isaiah Neyor participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
UNLV wide receiver Ricky White participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU wide receiver Savion Williams runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UNLV wide receiver Ricky White runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska wide receiver Isaiah Neyor participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Memphis wide receiver Roc Taylor runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Nebraska wide receiver Isaiah Neyor runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
UNLV wide receiver Ricky White runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Memphis wide receiver Roc Taylor runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Washington State wide receiver Kyle Williams runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith does a backflip as prospects runs to the end zone to celebrate after running drills at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
LSU offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers watches at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Florida wide receiver Elijhah Badger runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Central Florida wide receiver Kobe Hudson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
LSU offensive lineman Miles Frazier speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Texas Tech wide receiver Josh Kelly runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Colorado State wide receiver Tory Horton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas Tech wide receiver Josh Kelly runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Central Florida wide receiver Kobe Hudson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Texas Tech wide receiver Josh Kelly runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Missouri quarterback Brady Cook warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Colorado State wide receiver Tory Horton runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Central Florida wide receiver Kobe Hudson runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart warms up at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Miami running back Damien Martinez runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Memphis wide receiver Roc Taylor runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Stanford wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (WO02), of Canada, participates in a drill at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Arkansas running back Ja'Quinden Jackson participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten participates in a drill at the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
