The 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin April 23 in Pittsburgh and with free agency now complete, teams are finalizing their draft boards. As the league prepares for what promises to be one of the most unpredictable first rounds in recent memory, analysts are weighing in on the prospects most likely to hear their names called on night one.
According to Adam Rank of NFL.com, the Las Vegas Raiders should select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. Rank, who writes NFL.com’s annual “Mock Draft with a Twist” series, emphasized that Mendoza is a “perfect fit” for Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system. The publication noted that Mendoza has already visited Las Vegas and spent time studying film with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, signaling early rapport with the franchise.
For the New York Jets at pick two, Rank recommends Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. The Jets, who already have star receivers Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall on their roster, would add another playmaker to help second-year quarterback Geno Smith develop. Rank explicitly advised against drafting a safety at this position, referencing past misses in the top ten by Gang Green.
Mike Renner of CBS Sports released his own three-round mock draft on April 13, projecting a different top two. Renner similarly has Fernando Mendoza going first to the Las Vegas Raiders, citing his 3,535 passing yards, 276 rushing yards, 48 touchdowns, and only six interceptions as a junior at Indiana. Renner described the selection as “a no-brainer” for Kubiak’s offense.
However, Renner diverges at pick two, projecting the Jets to select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey instead of a wide receiver. Bailey, a senior, led the FBS with 14.5 sacks last season. Renner noted that while Bailey may not have the same ceiling as some other pass rushers, he is “far more technically advanced” and would immediately address New York’s need for a premier pass rusher under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Both mock drafts highlight the unusual fluidity at the top of this year’s class. Renner stated that “as many as 20 players could realistically end up among the top-10 picks” when the draft begins, calling it a “real-time test of how teams value positions.” He specifically pointed to prospects like Jeremiyah Love, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs—players whose positions (running back, safety, and safety, respectively) are not traditionally prioritized in the top ten—as examples of how positional value is being reevaluated.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be broadcast live on NFL Network and NFL+ from April 23-25, with the first round beginning on April 23. As teams navigate a class filled with elite talent at non-traditional premium positions, the decisions made in the top ten could redefine how franchises evaluate value in future drafts.
For continued coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft process, including updates on prospect visits, team needs, and evolving mock drafts, fans can follow Archysport’s ongoing draft hub.
The next official checkpoint in the draft process is the start of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh, where the first round will commence at 8:00 p.m. ET.
What are your thoughts on who should proceed first overall? Share your predictions in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #NFLMockDraft2026.
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