2026 NFL Mock Draft: Ought to Raiders Take Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore No. 1 Total?

[ad_1] With the switch coverage and NIL income encouraging gamers to maximise their school eligibility, the 2026 NFL Draft lacks the bonanza of high-end expertise we’ve seen in earlier years. That stated, there are many future NFL starters — and even stars — at each place out there. Like all the time, the organizations whose scouting and training departments are aligned will doubtless enhance their rosters probably the most with their choices between April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

However therein lies the chilly actuality. Most of the groups whose seasons simply ended are dealing with huge selections inside their teaching and scouting departments. The Falcons simply dismissed their head coach and basic supervisor and personnel modifications are anticipated elsewhere within the coming days, which is able to trigger ripple results all through the league.

There's nonetheless a lot to kind out, however the conclusion of the NFL’s common season Sunday night time locked within the choice order for the primary 18 picks of the draft. And with the participant pool clarifying every day as the faculty season finishes, we at the moment are on the cusp of "draft season." With that, this is our newest 2026 mock draft.

1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana It guarantees to be an interesting offseason in Las Vegas, the place head coach Pete Carroll, basic supervisor John Spytek, interim offensive coordinator Greg Olson and definitely quarterback Geno Smith are all in peril of being changed. No matter whether or not the Raiders convey again Smith, getting a recent face on the recreation’s most essential place is crucial to conserving the fan base believing. Mendoza has appeared each bit the No. 1 total choose in incomes the Heisman Trophy and guiding Indiana to a doable nationwide championship.

Mendoza’s bodily traits — a prototypical body, lightning-quick launch, pocket mobility and accuracy to all ranges of the sector — warrant a primary spherical choice, but it surely's his decision-making and poise that has turned critics into believers this season, making him this 12 months’s surest factor on the recreation’s most essential place.

After buying and selling away the 2 finest gamers on their crew in Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams and arming themselves with 5 first-round picks over the 2026 and 2027 drafts, the Jets are unquestionably in a full rebuild. I consider that head coach Aaron Glenn goes to push for including a top quality veteran quarterback through the offseason — equivalent to Kyler Murray, Mac Jones or Malik Willis — but when that doesn't happen, the Jets could have little selection however to take the second QB on the board.

Moore is not any assure to enter this draft. He gained’t flip 21 till Could and could be giving up tens of millions in NIL income at Oregon, however his expertise is clear. Moore’s capability to string the needle on deep sideline and seam passes is producing a whole lot of comparisons to Houston Texans standout C.J. Stroud.

Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Geese seems to cross towards the Texas Tech Crimson Raiders through the second quarter of the 2025 School Soccer Playoff Quarterfinal on the Capital One Orange Bowl at Laborious Rock Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photograph by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Photos)

3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Losers of 9 consecutive video games to finish the season and seemingly prepared to maneuver on from Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are a darkish horse candidate for a splashy commerce up for a quarterback, however I can’t ignore the extra fast affect {that a} stellar operating again like Love might present. Present head coach Jonathan Gannon has all the time prioritized the operating recreation. Whoever is asking the photographs in Glendale subsequent season would have a greater likelihood at success with a runaway locomotive like Love, whose measurement, smooth palms and breakaway pace profile equally to Bijan Robinson.

4. Tennessee Titans (3-14): Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State Cam Ward confirmed sufficient to excite the Tennessee fan base, however having somebody apart from Jeffery Simmons to maintain opposing quarterbacks nervous needs to be the highest precedence now. Reese has skyrocketed up draft boards this season, showcasing the flexibility to play both as a standard off-ball linebacker or ultimately rising into an edge rusher position, much like Micah Parsons.

The Giants had been aggressive when wholesome and have vibrant younger stars on the talent positions and alongside the road of scrimmage. Normal supervisor Joe Schoen shouldn’t fear a lot about perceived worth and as a substitute add a big-time weapon to enhance Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers within the passing recreation. Tate entered the season as a borderline first-round prospect, however he’s taken his recreation to a different degree this 12 months, demonstrating the monitoring abilities, physique management and hand-eye coordination to rapidly turn into a quarterback’s downfield safety blanket.

6. Cleveland Browns (5-12): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah With two first-round picks to barter, the Browns might make an aggressive transfer as much as land a quarterback, however the membership undeniably performed higher with Shedeur Sanders, so an actual argument might be made that Cleveland ought to look elsewhere on this draft. The final word determination on that entrance might rely on who is asking the performs in Cleveland, with head coach Kevin Stefanski and basic supervisor Andrew Berry each on the recent seat. With the highest QBs (and WR) off the board, the Browns ought to tackle a shaky offensive line. The 6-foot-6, 309-pound Fano is surprisingly agile with NFL bloodlines and expertise enjoying each sort out spots.

Whereas most chalk up the Commanders’ disappointing season to accidents (particularly to quarterback Jayden Daniels), an growing older protection additionally deserves blame. Washington’s secondary allowed 33 touchdowns in 2025 whereas intercepting simply 8 passes. Downs is my favourite participant on this class. He’s an instinctive, bodily and versatile defender whose dependable open-field tackling abilities and consciousness in protection make him as near a "certain factor" as there's on this draft.

8. New Orleans Saints (6-11): Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn The stellar play of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough to wrap up the season ought to have Saints followers excited concerning the future and permit basic supervisor Mickey Loomis to give attention to the opposite facet of the ball along with his first choose. The ageless Cameron Jordan (36) led the crew in sacks once more this 12 months, however he’s a free agent. Selecting this excessive might be the proper alternative so as to add recent blood to the rotation, even when the plan is to convey Jordan again to cap a Corridor of Fame profession.

Faulk isn’t as polished as a few of the different edge rushers of this class, however his mix of size, power and mobility is uncommon, giving him an All-Professional ceiling. Plus, Loomis has all the time prioritized the road of scrimmage.

Most of the groups selecting this excessive should decide on their head coach earlier than figuring out what route to go on draft day. With the longer term Corridor of Famer Andy Reid, the Chiefs don’t have that downside, after all, however they may use the draft to assist change one other residing legend in Travis Kelce, who is likely to be hanging up his cleats. Sadiq isn’t as large or sure-handed as Kelce, however he’s a bowling ball with the rock in his palms and a ferocious blocker who might make Kansas Metropolis extra versatile on offense.

Kenyon Sadiq #18 of the Oregon Geese catches a cross towards the Washington Huskies through the first half at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photograph by Steph Chambers/Getty Photos)

10. Cincinnati Bengals (5-12): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee Like with the Commanders, the damage to star quarterback Joe Burrow performed an plain position within the Bengals’ disappointing 2025 season, however a leaky secondary deserves some blame as nicely. Duke Tobin has traditionally proven a willingness to gamble on draft day, and he could also be extra keen than most to miss the truth that McCoy missed the whole 2025 season with a torn ACL. When wholesome, McCoy has proven true man-to-man cowl abilities, demonstrating not solely elite change of route and acceleration however ball-hawking instincts and palms.

11. Miami Dolphins (7-10): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami A whole tear-down in Miami is feasible with head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa doubtlessly out. No matter these selections, Miami ought to contemplate an improve at proper sort out, the place former first-round choose Austin Jackson has struggled with sturdiness and is due a large increase. With arguably the draft’s high blocker, Mauigoa, starring so shut, the Dolphins shouldn’t let him depart city.

12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1): David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech Changing Micah Parsons can be a problem, however edge rusher would possibly simply be the deepest place this 12 months and the Cowboys gained’t should look far to judge the most effective out there. At 6-foot-3, 250 kilos, Bailey lacks very best measurement for the perimeter, however he’s the very best pure pass-rusher on this class, enjoying with a relentless motor and wonderful go off the sting.

Puka Nacua is likely one of the league’s elite pass-catchers and Davante Adams merely led the NFL in receiving touchdowns over the common season, however with the previous getting into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie deal and the latter’s base wage leaping from $8 million to 18 million, basic supervisor Les Snead is likely to be in search of cheaper options. Lemon, the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner because the nation’s high wideout, isn’t only a complementary risk like the remainder of the Rams’ present receivers — he’s an enormous play dynamo.

14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9): Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami Whereas Lamar Jackson’s well being definitely generated a lot of the criticism of the Ravens’ 2025 season, a disappointing protection was additionally responsible. Routinely one of many NFL’s fiercest defenses all through the John Harbaugh period, Baltimore was one of many league’s worst when it got here to sacking opposing quarterbacks in 2025, ending thirtieth within the NFL. The Ravens have lengthy capitalized on drafting falling stars that different golf equipment overthought. Bain’s stubby arms (reportedly 31 inches) threaten his draft inventory, however he performs with the violence and tenacity that the Ravens have all the time prioritized.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9): Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M The Buccaneers overcame a weak second half to win the NFC South, however an ineffective cross rush that featured simply two defenders producing greater than 3.5 sacks wants reinforcing. Although Howell started his school profession at Bowling Inexperienced previous to excelling at Texas A&M, he’s as confirmed because it will get, main the SEC with 11.5 sacks this 12 months — giving him an eye-popping 27 sacks over his profession. Beforehand an off-ball linebacker, Howell possesses the attention to make performs in house, in addition to the burst, bend and shutting pace to wreak havoc off the sting.

The New York Jets didn't file a single interception all season lengthy. In addition they surrendered 4 touchdowns to Mitch Trubisky and the Buffalo Payments in a 35-0 drubbing to mercifully finish their season. The Jets would little doubt worth Delane’s tenacity and ballhawking abilities. Whether or not at LSU or beforehand at Virginia Tech, Delane has stood out for his gritty, ball-hawking play, producing 27 cross breakups and eight interceptions and forcing 4 fumbles over a battle-tested 4 years as a starter.

17. Detroit Lions (9-8): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State Normal supervisor Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have prioritized brute measurement, power and physicality alongside the road of scrimmage, however that didn’t preserve the Lions from slipping to 14th within the NFL in dashing yards allowed in 2025 after rating fifth on this crucial class a 12 months in the past. With accidents and inconsistency plaguing Detroit’s center, the membership might see McDonald — this draft’s finest run-stuffer — as a direct improve.

Ohio State Buckeyes DL Kayden McDonald (98) recovers a fumble throughout a school soccer recreation between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Illinois Preventing Illini on October 11, 2025 at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IN (Photograph by James Black/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)

18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia Plenty of Vikings followers would fairly see Minnesota take a quarterback over any defensive participant with their first-round choose. However it will be a daring reversal if the membership admitted this a lot doubt this early in JJ McCarthy's profession, even when Alabama’s Ty Simpson is a enjoyable slot in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Sustaining the protection is one other concern, with present defensive coordinator Brian Flores a preferred head teaching candidate and free company looming for linebackers Eric Wilson and Ivan Tempo and Blake Cashman’s deal up a 12 months later. Allen is a modern-day three-down linebacker, nearly as good in protection as he's stuffing the run.

19. Carolina Panthers (8-9): Kevin "KC" Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M Tetairoa McMillan added a much-needed spark to the Carolina passing recreation in 2025, however he and Bryce Younger need assistance if the Panthers are going to make profitable the NFC South a practice. Relationship again to his time at North Carolina State, Concepcion scored an eye-popping 30 touchdowns in simply 38 school video games, together with main the SEC in landing receptions this previous season — his first with the Aggies. The 5-11, 190-pounder is a dynamic athlete with wonderful imaginative and prescient and shocking toughness in operating by way of site visitors.

With Corey Balletine, Reddy Steward and C.J. Goodwin pending free brokers, cornerback was already a place of want for the Cowboys earlier than the discharge of former All-Professional Trevon Diggs. Muhammad, only a third-year junior, is a bit lankier than scouts would favor at 6-0, 185 kilos. However he’s cat-quick and tenacious along with his finest soccer forward of him.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7): Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina Evidently, the Steelers’ high offseason precedence can be quarterback, however I believe Pittsburgh is extra more likely to take the veteran route once more in 2026, whether or not or not it's Aaron Rodgers or another person (Kyler Murray?). Assuming that want is stuffed, the Steelers might flip their consideration to the secondary, the place starters James Pierre and Kyle Dugger are amongst a handful of Pittsburgh cornerbacks and safeties getting into free company. Like Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey, Cisse is bodily and extremely aggressive in man protection.

22. Chicago Bears (11-6): Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State It isn’t tough to guess which place group the Bears will give attention to this offseason. Solely 4 groups allowed extra passing touchdowns in 2025 than the Bears (32), and with eight defensive backs on the roster set to hit free company — together with beginning safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker — basic supervisor Ryan Poles has an opportunity to reset the Chicago secondary. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Jones engulfs would-be receivers along with his size and lengthy strides.

23. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6): Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State Even should you consider (as I do) that season-ending accidents to offensive linemen Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are extra dangerous luck than physique breakdowns, everyone knows what Jim Harbaugh believes: The offensive line is all the time the precedence. Ioane is likely to be the proper mixture of following Harbaugh’s imaginative and prescient and defending Justin Herbert. The 6-foot-4, 328-pound Ioane is a human block of granite, wedging himself into the turf in cross safety and rolling downhill by way of opponents within the operating recreation.

Olaivavega Ioane #71 of the Penn State Nittany Lions seems on towards the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 40-36. (Photograph by Mitchell Leff/Getty Photos)

24. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6): Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon The Eagles routinely reload on the defensive position, and with Brandon Graham, Jaelan Phillips and Josh Uche all free brokers in March, anticipate Howie Roseman to benefit from this 12 months’s robust edge rusher class. At the least till a breakout efficiency within the Orange Bowl, Uiagalelei was higher generally known as the youthful, larger brother of QB DJ Uiagalelei (now a member of the Los Angeles Chargers). He’s extremely considered in NFL circles, nonetheless, as Uiagalelei strikes nicely for an enormous man and continues to be rising into his 6-foot-5, 270-pound body.

25. Buffalo Payments (12-5): Peter Woods, DT, Clemson The Payments are an apparent Tremendous Bowl contender by most metrics, however one important weak point is their battle to defend the run. Buffalo completed the common season ranked twenty ninth within the NFL in dashing yards allowed and thirty second in touchdowns. Thankfully, the 2026 draft affords a number of high quality nostril guards.

Woods entered the season as one of the celebrated prospects within the nation, and although his manufacturing (30 tackles, together with 3.5 for loss and two sacks in 2025) isn’t eye-popping, he’s a confirmed and dependable three-year standout whose bulk and energy simply interprets to the professional recreation.

26. San Francisco 49ers (12-5): Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama The 49ers have lengthy bullied opponents on each side of the road of scrimmage however age, accidents and free-agent defections have taken their toll. Scouts are cut up on whether or not Proctor finally suits finest at guard or sort out within the NFL, however his body and physicality scream decade-long starter. He’d be an intriguing candidate to play guard initially in San Francisco and be groomed to finally take over for Trent Williams at left sort out.

27. Houston Texans (12-5): Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon The Texans have properly invested high 50 picks on offensive tackles Aireontae Ersery and Tytus Howard. However to the detriment of each quarterback C.J. Stroud and Houston’s operating recreation, the membership hasn’t been as keen to make use of early picks on inside offensive linemen in recent times.

The 6-foot-5, 318-pound Pregnon is well-traveled and well-established, starting his 4 years as a starter at Wyoming again in 2022 earlier than two years at USC and this 12 months as a first-team All-American for Oregon. He performs with the physicality and orneriness DeMeco Ryans would admire.

28. Los Angeles Rams (12-5): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson The Rams have 4 cornerbacks set to hit free company, together with starter Cobie Durant in addition to main nickelbacks Derion Kendrick and Roger McCreary. The Rams worth grit and playmaking capability over measurement at nook, and Terrell, an NFL legacy who led the ACC with 5 pressured fumbles this season, definitely has these.

Frankly, it doesn’t matter who calls the performs or throws the ball for the Browns — in the event that they enter subsequent season with the identical receiving corps, Cleveland followers can anticipate extra of the identical frustrations on offense. When wholesome, Tyson is arguably the very best receiver on this class. He missed time on account of damage in every of his three seasons of faculty soccer, so medical evaluations would possibly play a major position in his eventual draft slot. With that stated, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound Tyson is a clean route-runner with the hand-eye coordination and physique management to win contested passes.

30. New England Patriots (14-3): Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State It isn’t typically {that a} membership ties for the league-high in wins and finishes among the many 10 worst groups in sacking opposing quarterbacks. Harold Landry and free agent Okay’Lavon Chaisson had been the one two Patriots to generate greater than 4 sacks through the common season. Lengthy-armed, highly effective and simply as tenacious towards the run because the cross, Dennis-Sutton certain seems like a match for Mike Vrabel.

Dani Dennis-Sutton #33 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after his second quarter sack towards the Clemson Tigers through the 2025 Unhealthy Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2025 in New York Metropolis. (Photograph by Evan Bernstein/Getty Photos)

31. Denver Broncos (14-3): Sonny Types, LB, Ohio State Although the Broncos boast one of many NFL’s elite defenses, sustaining it might be tough with beginning off-ball linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad every set to hit free company after this season. Types could be an intriguing different possibility. A former security, Types will doubtless be one of many extra polarizing prospects on this 12 months’s class, as some query his match within the NFL. The Broncos would possibly see worth in his capability to spy cell QBs, nonetheless, in addition to cowl the versatile and explosive backs and tight ends of the AFC West.

32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State Devon Witherspoon has been chosen to the Professional Bowl in every of his first three seasons within the NFL, however with fellow starters Riq Woolen, Josh Jobe and security Coby Bryant all pending free brokers, this secondary — whereas championship caliber — doubtless will not have the lasting energy of the legendary Legion of Increase. Johnson is likely one of the extra nationally underrated prospects within the nation, boasting a mixture of athleticism, instincts and approach that will match nicely with the Seahawks.

Rob Rang is an NFL Draft analyst for FOX Sports activities. He has been masking the NFL Draft for greater than 25 years. He additionally works as a scout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Soccer League. Comply with him on X @RobRang.

Need nice tales delivered proper to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports activities account, comply with leagues, groups and gamers to obtain a customized publication day by day.