The 2026 NFL Draft is essentially here, and it's almost time to dump the mock drafts, predictions, and hot takes and just enjoy the show.
With that being said, draft rumors have made the 1st round of the draft clearer in some aspects, but wildly more intriguing in others. Predicting the entire first 32 picks is impossible, especially with trades, but it's always fun to see how reality stacks up to projections.
In my last 2026 NFL Mock Draft, here's how I think the board could fall!
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Final pick projections on the night before the draft
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
A pick that needs no explanation and hasn't for months now, the Raiders go out and nab the future of their franchise in Mendoza. He's the Heisman Trophy winner for a reason and will be looked to as Las Vegas's savior moving forward. It's a tall order, but the Hoosier is up for the task.
No. 2: New York Jets – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The pendulum has continued to swing between Bailey and Arvell Reese, but I'm entering draft day with some confidence that the Texas Tech star ends up as the pick. New York canceled their late visit with him, a potential sign that their decision to take him is set in stone. Analysts seemed to be heavily predicting this move on Tuesday morning, with all indications pointing toward Bailey becoming a Jet.
No. 3: Dallas Cowboys via Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The first big trade of the draft, Dallas has been far from secretive about wanting to be aggressive and move up into the Top 10. With Bailey going at 2, Jerry Jones and company view this as a prime spot to trade into and catapult their defense upward by taking an absolute game-wrecker in the Ohio State product.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love looked like the unquestioned pick at No. 4, but rumors about either Arizona being a real player or the Titans looking elsewhere have been circulating recently. Still, I'm banking on Tennessee's desire to add a certified playmaker next to Cam Ward in the backfield and doing so by taking college football's most dynamic running back.
No. 5: New York Giants – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Sun Devils' wideout met and had dinner with the Giants' brass the night before his workout on April 17th, and the two sides have been connected at nauseum ever since. With multiple receiver-hungry teams in the back half of the Top 10, as well as the possibility of trades shaking up the board, they secure a high-end WR2 for Jaxson Dart to get cooking with.
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