2026 NFL Mock Draft: A new franchise QB sets off the AFC West
Las Vegas Raiders (3-14) – Last in AFC West
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
There isn't much else to say about this pick at this stage in the pre-draft process. The Heisman winner is essentially already on a flight to Las Vegas, and he will look to clean up the mess that failed high-priced veteran acquisition Geno Smith made in a disastrous 2025 campaign.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-11) – 3rd in AFC West
Round 1, No. 9: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
It was a massive down season for a Chiefs team that, 13 months ago, was on the doorstep of completing a three-peat, and they find themselves picking in the Top 10. With a defense that ended 2025 tied for 22nd in the NFL for total sack production, Bailey seems like a clean fit to bolster their pass-rushing unit. His athleticism and collegiate production have "NFL impact player" written all over, and he could help bring the Chiefs back into the playoffs in 2026.
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) – 2nd in AFC West
Round 1, No. 22: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Effective pass rusher Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are expected to hit the free agent market and could find homes elsewhere, leaving a sizeable gap in the Chargers' front seven. Woods, an undersized interior defensive lineman, can replace some of that production that Los Angeles is expected to lose. A big riser in 2024, he saw a decline in effectiveness during 2025, but he definitely has the capability to be a valuable piece for Jim Harbaugh's defense.
Denver Broncos (14-3) – 1st in AFC West
Round 1, No. 30: Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana
There's not much that Denver needs on the defensive side, although a pass rusher could be useful, but why not go out and get Bo Nix another weapon? Cooper's after-the-catch abilities would work wonders alongside Courtland Sutton and give the Broncos another body to work with on offense. They invested in the running back position last season, and snagging a wideout early could help push Nix to another level in his development.