2026 NFL Mock Draft 6-10: Raiders take a shot at quarterback, Cardinals get another elite receiver
No. 6: New York Giants– Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Giants are taking the best player available with the selection of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Compared to the great Ed Reed, Downs has a high level of football instincts as a defender who can showcase his skillsets and versatility in multiple coverages. A great pick for a Giants team that is strong upfront. The addition of Downs strengthens their secondary tremendously.
No. 7: Baltimore Ravens– Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Ravens at this spot upgrade their defensive line by adding a player in Peter Woods with the assets to be one of the most dominate defensive linemen in the NFL. With his size, explosiveness, versatility and high motor, Woods in a Ravens’ uniform will be a match made in heaven for Ravens fans and a nightmare for the rest of the AFC North. As an elite run defender, what will capture the intrigue of team’s drafting this high is his ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt opposing offensive lines.
No. 8: Las Vegas Raiders – Jaydan Maiava, QB, USC
The Raiders need a quarterback, and they get one in USC’s Jaydan Maiava who becomes the fourth quarterback off the board. In emerging as one of the top prospects in the draft, Maiava possess a powerful arm, athleticism and an ability to extend plays. He won’t start right away as a rookie, but he can develop playing behind Geno Smith and eventually take over as the Raiders starter by Week 4 in 2026. So far this season with USC, Maiava has thrown for 2,180 yards and 15 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions.
No. 9: Arizona Cardinals – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Cardinals pounce on the opportunity to select Arizona State star Jordyn Tyson with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The selection gives the Cardinals two top 10 wide receivers selected in the last three drafts. With already over 1,000 yards receiving in 2025, Tyson has established himself as the top wide receiver in the draft mostly due to his route running and ability to create yards after the catch. In forming a duo with Marvin Harrison Jr., Jordyn will help give the Cardinals a set of big wide receivers who will be yard for any secondary to defend. The question is whether Kyler Murray is the right quarterback to lead the offense.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals– T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson
The Bengals need offensive line help and will need an edge rusher as it seems unlikely Trey Hendrickson will be on the team in 2026. One of the best edge rush talents in the draft is Clemson’s T.J. Parker. He may not immediately fill the shoes of Hendrickson, but his technique in power rushing the quarterback as well as his play against the run will make him an effective asset to the Bengals defense along with 2025 NFL Draft first round pick Shemar Stewart.