by As the 2026 NFL postseason moves into the Divisional Round, the attention of the “league of the left behind” has shifted entirely toward the scouting trail. With the initial draft order now solidified for the bottom eighteen teams, the first wave of elite evaluations has hit the wire, offering a tantalizing glimpse into how the next generation of stars will be distributed. In this NFL Mock Draft Breakdown, we dive into the quarterback shuffle at the top, the defensive anchors set to reshape the NFC, and the high-profile trades that could define the first round this April.
The Raiders’ New Era: Fernando Mendoza at No. 1
The most consistent storyline in every recent NFL Mock Draft Breakdown is the Las Vegas Raiders’ desperate need for a franchise signal-caller. After a disastrous one-year experiment with Geno Smith and the subsequent firing of Pete Carroll, the Raiders hold the first overall pick and are widely expected to select Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana standout has been a revelation, throwing for 41 touchdowns and leading the Hoosiers to the brink of a national title. With part-owner Tom Brady reportedly having a major say in the search for a new head coach, Mendoza’s elite poise and prototypical frame make him the “no-brainer” selection to lead the Silver and Black into 2026.
The Jets and the Dante Moore Dilemma
Sitting just behind Las Vegas, the New York Jets find themselves in a fascinating position that requires a careful NFL Mock Draft Breakdown of their long-term strategy. Having traded away cornerstones Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams to accumulate draft capital, the Jets are in a total rebuild. Oregon’s Dante Moore is the consensus pick here, boasting arguably the highest ceiling of any passer in the class. While Moore has toyed with the idea of returning to school for NIL opportunities, the allure of being a top-two pick in the Big Apple—and the chance to pair with Garrett Wilson—is likely too strong to pass up.
Defensive Dominance: Arvell Reese and the Cardinals
Transitioning to the defensive side of the ball, any NFL Mock Draft Breakdown of the top five must include Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. The Arizona Cardinals, moving on from the Jonathan Gannon era, are in desperate need of a defensive identity after losing nine consecutive games to close the 2025 season. Reese is a “unicorn” prospect, a 6-foot-4 linebacker with the explosive speed to drop into coverage or moonlighting as a dominant edge rusher. Comparisons to Micah Parsons are already surfacing, and for a Cardinals unit that ranked near the bottom of the league in almost every category, Reese is the “tone-setter” they need to start their new chapter.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10 Projections
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
| 1 | Las Vegas Raiders | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
| 2 | New York Jets | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | Miami |
| 5 | New York Giants | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama |
| 7 | Washington Commanders | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | Peter Woods | DT | Clemson |
| 9 | Kansas City Chiefs | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals | David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech |
Playmakers for the Giants: Carnell Tate Joins Dart
The New York Giants are looking to maximize their investment in Jaxson Dart, and our NFL Mock Draft Breakdown sees them landing the premier wideout in the class. Carnell Tate of Ohio State has skyrocketed up boards, showcasing the body control and “X-receiver” traits that would perfectly complement Malik Nabers. With Nabers currently recovering from a serious knee injury, adding a reliable, pro-ready target like Tate ensures that the Giants’ offense doesn’t skip a beat. This move would signal a clear shift in East Rutherford toward a high-octane, pass-heavy identity under their new leadership.
The Biggest Surprise: Jeremiyah Love to the Chiefs
One of the most shocking developments in the latest NFL Mock Draft Breakdown is the Kansas City Chiefs targeting a running back inside the top ten. With both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt hitting unrestricted free agency, the Chiefs may look to reset the clock at the position with Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. Love is a “matchup nightmare” who fits the Patrick Mahomes era perfectly, offering elite receiving skills out of the backfield and breakaway speed. While top-ten running backs are rare in the modern NFL, the prospect of adding a legitimate home-run threat to an aging Chiefs roster is a luxury that Brett Veach might not be able to resist.
Trench Warfare: The Browns and Eagles Reload
Further down the board, the NFL Mock Draft Breakdown focuses on the vital battle for the trenches. The Cleveland Browns, holding two first-round picks, are expected to use their later selection (via Jacksonville) on offensive line help like Kadyn Proctor to protect their new investment in Alabama’s Ty Simpson. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are already preparing for life after Lane Johnson by eyeing Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. For both franchises, the goal is simple: ensure the offensive line remains a pillar of strength as they navigate competitive divisions in 2026.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Class
As we conclude this NFL Mock Draft Breakdown, it’s clear that the 2026 class is defined by a “Big Three” at quarterback and an incredibly deep group of defensive playmakers. While the combine and pro days will undoubtedly shift these rankings, the foundations are laid for a draft that could see as many as five quarterbacks and four wide receivers go in the first twenty picks. For the teams at the top, the pressure is on—getting these selections right isn’t just about the upcoming season; it’s about securing the next decade of franchise success.
