Rich’s Power Rankings: the Top 10 2026 NFL Draftees Who Will Live Up to the Hype

Rich pulled out the SoFi-presented power rankings on The Rich Eisen Show with a twist. Instead of ranking the best players in the 2026 NFL Draft, Rich ranked the rookies he believes will most live up to their billing.

This is, in his words, his power ranking. There are many like it, but this one is his.

Number 10 was Eagles wide receiver Mai Lemon. Rich's read is that the pick confirms Philadelphia is moving on from AJ Brown, and Lemon has the height, weight and speed to slot in opposite Devonta Smith with Hollywood Brown stretching the field and Dallas Goedert working underneath. TJ Jefferson, an Eagles fan, took it personally that Philadelphia keeps unearthing receiver talent.

Number nine was Jets edge rusher David Bailey. Rich noted the Stanford-to-Texas Tech path and the rare company Bailey now keeps as one of only five players this century selected in the top 10 after leading the FBS in sacks. The other names on that list are Will Anderson Jr., Chase Young, Von Miller, Terrell Suggs and Julius Peppers. The catch, Rich added, is that Bailey is a Jet.

Number eight was Bears wide receiver Carnell Tate, the first Ohio State player off the board on Thursday night. Rich said Brian Daboll will know what to do with him.

Number seven went to Bears safety Dylan Thieman, the player Minnesota passed on. Rich pointed to Chicago's defensive coordinator and a glaring need at safety as the reason Thieman steps in immediately.

Number six was Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Rich believes Mendoza will live up to the billing eventually, even if 2026 is not the year.

Number five was Ravens interior offensive lineman Wegner Yani out of Penn State. Rich admitted Baltimore fans wanted Lemon or Reuben Bain, but he kept turning to Daniel Jeremiah at the combine asking how good this kid was.

Number four was Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane. Rich credited Steve Spagnuolo and the Kansas City staff for cooking corners and predicted Delane starts week one.

Number three was Cowboys defender Sonny Styles. Rich teed up Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, who joins the show, as the polar opposite of Mr. Grumpy.

Number two was Cowboys defensive lineman Caleb DS, picked at number two and pegged by TJ as the biggest defensive get since Micah Parsons. Chris Brockman, ever loyal to the Giants, threw in a barb about a future trade in three years.

Number one was Bears running back Jeremiah Love, picked by an NFC West team that already had its backfield sorted. Rich quoted Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, who told the show he will never be upset about having too many good football players.

A brief debate broke out at the end. Caleb DS, Chris and TJ argued, was the safer bet for number one. Rich conceded the experts had been pounding the table for DS for months. He flipped the flag down.

Heavy lies the crown.