NFL Draft intel: GM's comment about Notre Dame RB will raise eyebrows

Each week, Yardbarker monitors the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. 

From a Notre Dame running back to an Ohio State pass-rusher, here are five players we're tracking: 

Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love

During Notre Dame's 56-13 Week 5 blowout win against Arkansas, an NFL general manager texted ESPN's Matt Miller that Love is "what a first-round running back looks like."

Against the Razorbacks, the Fighting Irish star scored four touchdowns (two receiving and two rushing) and had 127 yards (57 rushing and 70 receiving). 

"We've been waiting for the true breakout game as he ramps up after ending last season with a knee injury. And if Saturday was any indication, Love is warm now," wrote Miller in a story published Sunday. "His ability as a home run hitter, plus what the 6-foot, 214-pound back brings to the table as a pass-catcher, makes him a potential top-10 talent."

Teams have recently been more willing to use first-round picks on RBs. In the 2025 draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty with pick No. 6. 

They may be willing to do the same for Love. In Tankathon's latest mock draft, the Chicago Bears take him with pick No. 15.

Oregon QB Dante Moore

Moore (6-foot-3, 206 pounds) has been one of the bigger surprises in a QB class that has struggled to meet preseason expectations.

Through five games, he has completed 100-of-134 passes (74.6 percent) for 1,210 yards and 14 TDs and has tossed one interception. After leading the Ducks to a 30-24 double-overtime Week 5 win at Penn State, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said, "I think we have the best quarterback in college football."  

In a story published Tuesday, The Athletic's Bruce Feldman reported he expects Moore — who has attempted just 355 passes in three seasons at UCLA and Oregon — to return next season. Still, that won't stop scouts from eyeing him closely. 

"I do think he'd benefit from more time," a scouting director told Feldman. "I was encouraged by what I saw from him. I still want to see a lot more from him this year, but he's a guy who will be at the top of the conversation with our scouts." 

Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson

On its updated big board, Tankathon lists Tyson (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) as WR1 in the draft. He showed why in a 27-24 Week 5 win over TCU, recording eight receptions for 126 yards and two TDs. 

Tyson could be a top-10 pick. In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports' Blake Brockermeyer, a former NFL offensive tackle, has the New England Patriots grabbing him with pick No. 10. 

"He's exceptional at tracking the ball in the air and shows great contact balance after the catch to maximize [yards after the catch]," wrote Brockermeyer. "He's a dynamic player who looks like a future superstar."

USC WR Makai Lemon

Lemon (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) may be the draft's WR2 behind Tyson. In a 34-32 Week 5 loss to Illinois, he had a season-high 11 receptions for 151 yards and two TDs. 

"I think it's fair to say Lemon is WR2 right now," wrote The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner in a story published Sunday. "He's not very big, but on a pound-for-pound basis, he flirts with Tyson as the most complete receiver in the class."

Lemon's size will scare some teams, but smaller WRs who have played for Trojans HC Lincoln Riley have lasted in the NFL, such as Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (5-foot-9, 180 pounds). The former Oklahoma star has played seven seasons for the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs.

Ohio State DE Caden Curry 

The Senior Bowl named Curry Defensive Stock Up Player of the Week after logging five tackles for loss in a 24-6 Week 5 rout over Washington. That tied the school record for TFLs in a game. 

Curry (6-foot-3, 260 pounds) can get lost in the shuffle on the Buckeyes' stacked defense, which features potential first-rounders in safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Sonny Styles. However, the DE is a key piece of the talented unit. 

Through four games, Curry leads the Buckeyes in sacks (five) and is tied with LB Arvell Reese for the team lead in tackles (25). 

"Curry can drop in coverage. And he is versatile enough along the line that he can generate pressure no matter where he is lined up," wrote ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. on Sunday. "Watch him as a Day 3 prospect with plenty of potential to rise before April."