COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio State continues to showcase its NFL talent pipeline, with four Buckeyes projected as first-round picks in the newest ESPN 2026 NFL mock draft.

Defensive back Caleb Downs is expected to go to the Miami Dolphins at No. 5 overall.

Mock drafter Jordan Reid describes Downs as a needed building block for the Dolphins’ defense.

QB or no QB? That will be a constant draft-related question for the Dolphins between now and April. They could part ways with Tua Tagovailoa, similar to what the Broncos did in 2024, when Denver cut Russell Wilson and drafted Bo Nix. After all, Miami is tied for the third-most interceptions (seven). But with Mendoza and Moore off the board here, we’ll take one of the top defensive players with this pick. The Dolphins desperately need secondary help, and Downs would provide a building block on the back end alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Linebacker Arvell Reese is projected to be selected by the New Orleans Saints at No. 6.

Reid says Reese is one of the best prospects in the draft.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis likes to address the trenches in Round 1, especially when picking in the top 10. Reese is one of the best prospects regardless of position, and there will be debates on whether he’s best suited as an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker at the next level. The Saints need help in both areas, and Reese is a versatile game wrecker to the point where he — not Downs — might be the first Buckeyes player drafted. I love the idea of him in the middle of that New Orleans defense.

Off-ball linebacker Sonny Styles is forecasted to join the Denver Broncos at No. 23.

Reid was excited by what Styles could bring

Off-ball linebacker is arguably the weakest part of an imposing Broncos defense that’s second in the NFL in yards (254.2) and points (15.8) allowed per game. Free agent signing Dre Greenlaw hasn’t played this season because of a thigh injury, while Alex Singleton is 31 and set to become an unrestricted free agent. Styles would provide Denver with a rangy, second-level defender who shows plenty of instincts in coverage. He is capable of rushing the passer on obvious passing downs, and his wrap-up-and-finish tackling ability would make him a reliable option immediately.

Rounding out the Buckeyes’ projected first-round class is receiver Carnell Tate, expected to go to the Cleveland Browns at No. 25.

Here’s what Reid had to say about Tate.

This team-prospect pairing makes too much sense. Tate is one of the most polished receiver prospects in this class, with dependable hands and the route-running ability of an experienced NFL veteran. His type of play can translate right away into the Browns’ offense, which could use more pass catchers alongside Jerry Jeudy. Tate is the next man up in the Ohio State receiver pipeline to the NFL, and he’d be a good fit with Dante Moore, whom we slotted to Cleveland at No. 3.

With Downs, Reese, Styles, and Tate, Ohio State could place four players in the first round, underscoring the program’s continued dominance in developing NFL-ready talent.