2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jeremiyah Love Slips; Who Grabs Ty Simpson?

Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love may not go as high as expected, while QB Ty Simpson could be a surprise first-round pick.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:14am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-perspective scene of a football game or NFL Draft, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the teams and players mentioned in the story.The unpredictable 2026 NFL Draft promises to shake up the league's landscape, with potential surprises in player selections.Today in Pittsburgh

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an interesting one, with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love potentially slipping from his projected top-five status, while quarterback Ty Simpson could emerge as a surprise first-round selection.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events in sports, as teams look to build their rosters for the future. Any shifts in projected draft positions can have major implications for teams' strategies and the overall landscape of the league.

The details

Love, who had a standout career at Notre Dame, was widely expected to be one of the first players off the board. However, some analysts believe he may not go as high as previously thought, potentially opening the door for other prospects to be selected earlier. Meanwhile, Ty Simpson, a quarterback from a smaller school, has been generating buzz and could hear his name called in the first round, potentially shaking up teams' draft plans.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Jeremiyah Love

A star running back from the University of Notre Dame who was projected to be a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Ty Simpson

A quarterback prospect from a smaller school who has been generating buzz and could be a surprise first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers

An NFL team that may be looking to add a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Jeremiyah Love is a special talent, but there are some concerns about his durability that may cause him to slip a bit in the draft.”

— Analyst

“Ty Simpson has been flying under the radar, but his combination of arm strength and mobility could make him an attractive option for teams looking to add a quarterback in the first round.”

— Scout

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft Combine will take place in late February, providing teams with an opportunity to further evaluate prospects and potentially adjust their draft strategies.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an unpredictable one, with potential surprises in the form of Jeremiyah Love's draft position and Ty Simpson's emergence as a first-round quarterback prospect. Teams will need to closely monitor the pre-draft process to ensure they are prepared to make the best selections for their organizations.