A Guide to the NFL 2026 Mock Draft

Following the end of Super Bowl LX, the 2026 NFL draft order is officially set. The Las Vegas Raiders hold the number 1 overall pick, while the Seattle Seahawks will pick last in the first round after their 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots.

The 2026 NFL mock draft landscape is currently led by Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, projected as the number 1 overall pick for the Las Vegas Raiders. Following an amazing 2025 season where he led the Hoosiers to an undefeated record and a National Championship, Mendoza is known by scouts for his elite accuracy, 72% completion rate, and “Joe Burrow-like” pocket presence. His status as the premier signal-caller in a relatively thin quarterback class remains firm.

Defensive dominance defines the top of the board immediately following the Raiders’ pick, with Ohio State and Miami having the elite tier of prospects. The New York Jets, holding the number 2 selection, are widely expected to pass on a quarterback in favor of a 4-5 star edge. A defender like Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr would be a perfect fit for the Jets defense. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, in particular, is frequently cited as the best overall athlete in the draft, having a rare “sideline-to-sideline” range that has earned him comparisons to Micah Parsons (the best edge in the NFL). Other high-impact defensive names currently mocked in the top ten include Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Texas Tech sack specialist David Bailey.

The 2026 class also showcases significant talent in the trenches and at the skill positions, which could see early runs during draft weekend. Offensive tackles Francis Mauigoa (Miami) and Spencer Fano (Utah) are projected as immediate starters for teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns, who are desperate for offensive line stability. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love has proved himself as the top-rated running back, with many people placing him in the top five due to his explosive speed. As the battle for “Wide Receiver 1” remains a tight race, it is between Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson.

The 2026 NFL Draft is going to be stacked. Since the Raiders have the first pick, they’ll probably take Fernando Mendoza to be their new star. But there are also a ton of other beasts in this draft, like Arvell Reese and Jeremiyah Love, who can totally change a team. It’s going to be interesting to see if these new players can help their teams win a Super Bowl.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Projections