Well, NFL free agency was a wild wide. After a fury of signings, re-signings and a rescinded blockbuster Maxx Crosby trade, NFL Draft boards for all 32 NFL teams may have restructured.
With all the early winners and losers of free agency projections, the one thing we do know is the Las Vegas Raiders will select Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in the draft. Along with now having a suddenly rejuvenated Crosby back on the roster after the Baltimore Ravens shocked everyone with backing out of the deal, the Raiders still control the board by holding on to the top pick.
Will they get another first round pick by re-exploring a Crosby deal?
That is still on the table.
Furthermore, will the Philadelphia Eagles finally trade A.J. Brown? If so, will they get an additional first round pick out of that deal.
With those two big questions still on the table, the other questions soon to be answered is where the top prospects of the 2026 NFL Draft land after the free agency extravaganza. This 2026 NFL Mock Draft explores projected picks with teams shifting their draft boards based on priority needs.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: A surprise pick shifts the entire draft board
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders traded away Geno Smith which sets in stone the selection of Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now it’s about what they build around Mendoza beyond tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty.
No. 2: New York Jets– David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
The Jets have had an active free agency period in which they added veterans like edge rusher Joseph Ossai and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. In taking care of some of their needs via free agency, there is still a need for an elite edge rusher who can disrupt the game. The Jets will mull over selecting Arvell Reese in this spot, but when it comes to pure edge rushers, they ultimately go with David Bailey, the nation’s top sack master in 2025.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals– Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Cardinals have other top needs like quarterback with the departure of Kyler Murray. But, with the No. 3 overall pick, they go with the best player available which is Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. A hybrid linebacker/edge rusher, Reese gives the Cardinals’ defense the cornerstone defender they are hungry for.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio
The Titans made moves during free agency that focused primarily on defense. They will use the draft and this slot to get a playmaker for Cam Ward. In signing Wan-Dale Robinson, they added a reliable wide receiver to the mix. But they still need that No. 1 “X” receiver. Is Carnell Tate that guy? The Titans will find out by selecting him at No. 4 over running back Jeremiyah Love which will spark debate. It will also spark noise surrounding the status of Calvin Ridley.
No. 5: New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame
The Giants lost Wan-Dale Robinson in free agency, so one would think the top need here would be wide receiver. But, as a luxury pick, the Giants won’t pass up the chance to select Jeremiyah Love to add to their running back group. An elite playmaker with the ball in his hand, Love suddenly makes the Giants’ offense in 2026 very intriguing with the return of Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo.