The annual NFL free agency frenzy is just about ready to commence, with the legal tampering period set to open at noon EST on Monday, March 9. Pre-free agency moves have already made the draft even more interesting, with the blockbuster Maxx Crosby trade to Baltimore on Friday night giving a major shakeup at the top of the draft, as well as the Los Angeles Rams trading their 1st-round selection to Kansas City for CB Trent McDuffie.
Before the major free agent dominoes begin to fall, let's take a look at how the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft could play out as it stands!
Without further ado, let's get right into it!
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big swings define NFC East selections
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Mendoza to Las Vegas is about as signed, sealed, and delivered as a draft pick can be, and it would be needless to project any other pick at the #1 spot. The Indiana product will have the weight of the Raiders' franchise placed directly on his shoulders, and he showed that he's more than capable of the responsibility. He will be one of the most interesting stories to watch in the near future as he looks to bring the silver and black back to the playoffs.
No. 2: New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Arvell Reese is the type of defensive player who can flip games on their head in an instant, and the Jets could certainly use what he can bring to a team. The Buckeye has the production, athletic profile, and upside to warrant a premier selection, and can impact the game all around the defense. This pick makes even more sense following the trade of EDGE Jermaine Johnson II, and can give a New York defense that desperately lacks star power a dominating presence they can rally around.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
After releasing longtime QB Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are seemingly fully committing to the rebuild. With a few impressive pieces scattered around their roster, taking a tackle at No. 3 overall might not be the flashiest move, but it could be one with substantial long-term benefits. Mauigoa is viewed by most as the top tackle available, and he can anchor the exterior of the Arizona offensive line alongside 2023 #6 overall pick Paris Johnson Jr. As they look to flesh out their roster with ceiling-raising players, this would be a move that fits that description.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love and the Titans have been a constant connection in recent weeks, and forming a backfield with him and 2025 No. 1 overall pick, QB Cam Ward, would make for an electrifying duo. The Tennessee offense was stagnant for much of the 2025 season, and adding college football's top rusher would address that need in a big way. The Fighting Irish RB is potentially on a collision course with the upper echelon of NFL backs, and infusing a talent like that into a young roster like the Titans' could have widespread effects on their team-wide development.
No. 5: New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Giants released team captain linebacker Bobby Okereke on Wednesday, and now are faced with a sizable gap in the middle of their defense. Sonny Styles is far and away the best LB in the 2026 draft class and is a player who can elevate an entire defensive unit with his skillset. With him, New York would be acquiring a three-level star, someone who can make plays virtually anywhere. He would anchor their defense for the next several years and could become an important piece in their rebuild.