Introduction

The NFL draft evaluation process reaches a critical juncture during the College Football Playoff (CFP), where some of the most talented prospects shine on the biggest stage. As teams prepare for the upcoming draft in April, standout performances can lead to skyrocketing stock, while disappointing outings can send players tumbling down draft boards.

Fernando Mendoza: A Lock for the Raiders

The biggest headline of the CFP was undoubtedly the performance of Indiana Hoosiers' quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner has transitioned from a probable top-1 pick to a near-certainty for the Las Vegas Raiders. His remarkable consistency throughout the season culminated in a historic national championship game, demonstrating an impressive ability to deliver under pressure.

Despite a crowded quarterback field, Mendoza’s clear triumph during playoff outings, coupled with Oregon's Dante Moore opting to return for another season, has solidified his position as the top quarterback prospect. Mendoza threw more touchdowns than incompletions in his playoff appearances, stifling any insecurities surrounding his draft status.

Ty Simpson: A Mixed Bag of Outcomes

At the opposite end of the spectrum lies Ty Simpson, who finds his draft stock fluctuating precariously. Once a top-15 prospect, Simpson's late-season performance—including a disheartening playoff showing—has left scouts uncertain of his potential. Simpson sustained multiple injuries this season: playing through a back disc issue, bursitis, and during the playoffs, he cracked a rib. Although these injuries showcase his toughness, they raise concerns regarding his long-term viability as a starting quarterback.

The convoluted quarterback landscape ahead of the 2026 draft leaves Simpson as a questionable second option, unable to rebound from a playoff performance riddled with mistakes.

A Rising Star: De'Zhaun Stribling

In contrast to the struggles faced by Simpson, De'Zhaun Stribling of Ole Miss has emerged as a key player who has significantly improved his draft stock. Over the final five games of the season, Stribling caught 25 passes for an impressive 420 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing dynamic playmaking abilities that fantasy football enthusiasts crave.

With a strong frame and the ability to make contested catches, Stribling now positions himself as a serious contender for an X-receiver role in the NFL. His transformation from a secondary option to a featured receiver highlights his readiness for the professional stage.

Max Klare: The Tight End Dilemma

The draft evaluation process can be unforgiving, especially for tight ends in Ohio State’s system. Max Klare fights against the trends established by previous tight ends who have not seen the spotlight in the Buckeyes' offense. After entering the season with high expectations, Klare's contributions dwindled as the season progressed.

His minimal production during the playoffs could damage his draft stock, demonstrating the struggles of tight ends in underutilized roles in college football. Klare remains a question mark heading into the draft process, needing to showcase his abilities outside of a limp offensive scheme.

Left Tackle Prospects: Contrasting Fates

The NFL draft landscape also features pivotal left tackle prospects, with a sharp distinction between success stories and cautionary tales. Miami's Markel Bell has seen his stock rise. At 6'9” and 345 pounds, he exhibits favorable movement skills and improved technique that justify a first-round consideration. His performances during the CFP only bolstered his appeal, displaying a solid foundation for success at the professional level.

On the contrary, Isaiah World of Oregon has endured a disappointing postseason, showcasing poor technique and struggles against speed rushers. Once a projected first-round pick, his lackluster showings demonstrated vulnerabilities that NFL teams may find concerning as they examine his prospects for development.

Defensive Standouts: Akheem Mesidor and Arvell Reese

Among defensive prospects, Akheem Mesidor’s performance during the CFP underscored his potential as one of the best pass-rushers in the draft class. The seasoned player displayed exemplary skills with a team-leading 12.5 sacks this season, further solidifying his candidacy for a prominent draft spot.

In contrast, linebacker Arvell Reese has showcased the potential for an elite prospect but faltered in high-stakes scenarios. While he enjoyed an impressive run earlier in the season, his underwhelming performance against top-tier opponents raised questions about his consistency, ultimately stalling his momentum as a top draft choice.

Conclusion

The College Football Playoff provided both a platform for emerging stars and didomsday scenarios for others as they eye the 2026 NFL Draft. As teams refine their evaluations leading up to April, performances from the CFP will undoubtedly shape the decisions made on draft day—solidifying some prospects while creating uncertainty for others.