2026 NFL draft: 12 players with first-round grades

The Arizona Cardinals have the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which means they are guaranteed to have an opportunity to select one of the top prospects in the draft. While there are 32 picks in the first round, there aren’t always 32 players who would universally get a first-round grade.

ESPN’s Matt Miller believes there are only 12 true first-round prospects in this draft class.

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Who are they?

12 true 1st-round prospects in 2026 draft

These are Miller’s rankings below.

Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza

Ohio State LB Arvell Reese

Ohio State LB Sonny Styles

Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey

Ohio State WR Carnell Tate

Tennessee CB Jermond McCoy

The Cardinals have been connected to Reese, Bailey and Mauigoa regularly in mock drafts.

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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 12 players with first-round grades