NFL Draft intel: Five prospects on the rise, including Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love 

Tankathon's latest mock draft has the Minnesota Vikings taking Love with pick No. 12. It would be the second straight year an RB has gone in the top 15 of the draft. In 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty with pick No. 6.

The Raiders rookie has struggled to meet expectations this season, ranking 19th in the NFL in rushing yards (554 in 10 games). Love, however, has been slightly more efficient against elite competition than Jeanty was in 2024, signaling he may be better prepared for the pros. 

Per ESPN, Love has averaged 6.3 yards per carry (502 yards) against Associated Press Top 25 teams this season. Jeanty, meanwhile, logged 5.8 YPC (505 yards) against such squads in 2024.

Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields 

Fields has been on a tear over his past two games, averaging 98 receiving yards per game. Against Pittsburgh, the Virginia transfer had seven receptions for 99 yards and two TDs. 

"When I do my next Big Board update, Notre Dame's Malachi Fields will be on the top 10 wide receivers," wrote ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. on Sunday. "He's having a really good season, giving himself a chance to go on Day 2 in April."

The 2026 class looks stacked at WR. It includes top prospects in Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) and Ohio State WR Carnell Tate (6-foot-3, 195 pounds). With that in mind, Fields may not sneak into Round 1, but he could still interest multiple teams in the draft.

Listed at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds, his frame allows him to fight through coverage and make tough catches. Pro Football Focus credits him with 10 contested catches, tied for the 20th-best mark in the FBS.

Oklahoma QB John Mateer 

Mateer has the 8-2 Sooners in the thick of the College Football Playoff hunt following a 23-21 road win over Alabama in Week 12. Against the Crimson Tide, the QB had 161 yards (138 passing and 23 rushing) and rushed for one TD. 

Mateer (6-foot-1, 224 pounds) is considered a Day 2 prospect because of concerns about his size and reckless play. Through nine games, the QB has thrown eight TD passes but also seven interceptions. 

"Oklahoma, meanwhile, has a chance to make a run here, and it's probably not going to be its defense that stands in the way," wrote The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner on Sunday. "Mateer needs to be done with the careless decision-making that's gotten him into trouble and balance out."

The QB has admitted he and the offense can play better amid one of the most critical stretches of the season. If he finds his groove and leads the Sooners to the CFP, that should raise his draft stock. 

Navy WR Eli Heidenreich 

Heidenreich (6-foot, 206 pounds) had five receptions for 146 yards in a 41-38 Week 12 win over South Florida. With that performance, the junior is now the school's all-time leader in receiving yards (1,794). 

"Lining up at the 'snipe' position, Heidenreich is asked to do a little bit of everything, but he was a wide receiver in high school — and it shows," wrote The Athletic's Dane Brugler on Sunday. "With his route quickness, hands and toughness, he projects as a pass-catching running back in the NFL."

Navy runs a hybrid wing-T offense, which is considered outdated. Despite that, Heidenreich's explosiveness should translate to the league. He ranks eighth in the FBS in yards per reception (19.5).

Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Philadelphia Eagles second-year CB Quinyon Mitchell — who ranks third in the NFL in passes defended (12 in 10 games) — played for Toledo from 2020-23. McNeil-Warren may be the next star from the MAC program. 

"Something must be in Toledo's water, because the Rockets have another hard-hitting, multi-talented defensive back who is going to make an NFL impact," wrote Bleacher Report's Daniel Harms in his scouting report. "The safety is a physical tone-setter who knows how to put his stamp on a football game."  

McNeil-Warren (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) displays the combination of coverage skills and toughness that NFL teams want in their safeties. Through 10 games, he ranks second on the team in tackles (59) and is tied for third in passes defended (three).