The 2026 NFL draft picture is coming into focus after the combine and the opening week of free agency. With the Raiders holding the No. 1 overall pick, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the clear favorite to hear his name called first.
Raiders general manager John Spytek said he is “always listening” to trade offers, but it’s uncertain if any team is willing to pay the price to move up for Mendoza. If Las Vegas stays put, Mendoza becomes the face of the franchise.
The New York Jets, picking second, are expected to target Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey after trading away Jermaine Johnson and struggling to pressure the quarterback last season.
At No. 3, the Arizona Cardinals need a tackle badly, and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa leads a deep group of offensive linemen. The Tennessee Titans, at No. 4, could go with Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, a game-changing playmaker.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a Heisman finalist, is projected to the New York Giants at No. 5, giving quarterback Jaxson Dart a dynamic weapon. Love’s combine workout impressed scouts and he likely won’t fall past pick seven.
Other notable picks include Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate to the Cleveland Browns at No. 6, Washington Commanders taking safety Caleb Downs at No. 7, and the New Orleans Saints selecting linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 8.
The Kansas City Chiefs, at No. 9, address their cornerback need with LSU’s Mansoor Delane, while the Cincinnati Bengals take a chance on Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 10 despite concerns about his arm length.
The Dallas Cowboys, with two first-round picks (Nos. 12 and 20), grab Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy and Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. The Baltimore Ravens, at No. 14, select Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq — a pick that originally belonged to the Raiders before Baltimore exercised a “no take-backs” clause.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who thought they had an extra first-rounder, will watch the Ravens pick at No. 14 with several potential targets still on the board.
