Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith’s case to get drafted No. 1 is undeniable — and sign of a changing NFL

Smith will at least give pause to quarterback-needy teams, a few scouts and executives surveyed by The Post agree.

By Ryan Dunleavy · NY Post

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 4:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Ryan Dunleavy argues Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith has a strong case to be selected No. 1 overall.
ESPN analyst Louis Riddick stated that many evaluators currently consider Smith the undisputed top overall prospect.
Smith's chances to go first depend partly on how quarterbacks like Drew Mestemaker and Darian Mensah perform.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Ryan Dunleavy examines Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith's case to be chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Although Smith presents an undeniable profile, Dunleavy and analyst Louis Riddick suggest his ultimate draft position will still heavily depend on how prominent college quarterbacks perform.

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick noted that while many evaluators view Smith as the undisputed top prospect, positional value typically favors quarterbacks such as Drew Mestemaker or Darian Mensah if they perform at a high level.

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Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith’s case to get drafted No. 1 is undeniable — and sign of a changing NFL

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