NFL Free Agency has slowed down substantially as the offseason has progressed, and all eyes turn to the 2026 NFL Draft. There's always a level of mystique and chaos during the first round, and this draft shouldn't be any different. Tons of players could rise further than expected, or even fall out of the first round entirely.
As it stands, here's my latest NFL mock draft with some surprise moves and bold predictions!
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Eye-popping selections, major risers, and big-time splash moves
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders is as much of a "lock" as draft picks come, and it has been since they locked up the No. 1 overall selection. The Heisman winner will be tasked with commanding the Las Vegas offense and will take the reins of a new-look roster as they begin their rebuild back toward contention.
No. 2: New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
New York will likely be taking their pick of Ohio State defenders when they're on the clock at pick No. 2, and Arvell Reese fits much of what they're looking to add. Both EDGE and LB are areas they have addressed in free agency, and they might be swayed toward him because of his versatility and ability to be a game-changer wherever he lines up.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
If Sonny Styles doesn't hear his name called by the Jets, he could wind up off the board as early as the following pick. Arizona has a decent amount of linebackers on the roster, but none come even remotely close to the caliber of player that Ohio State's defensive captain is and can become. He's a bona fide future star and would give them a stalwart in the middle of their defense for years.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The best running back in college football has consistently been a popular name at No. 4, and it continues to make more sense as time passes. Tennessee, for good reason, has invested heavily in building a much-improved supporting cast for Cam Ward. Jeremiyah Love is an unbelievable RB prospect, and would inject a level of life into the Titans' offense that very few players are capable of.
No. 5: New York Giants – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
A third Buckeye defender in the first 5 picks? At this point, it shouldn't be considered an impossibility. Caleb Downs has remained one of the premier prospects in the class since his phenomenal entrance to college football with Alabama, and is such a technically sound football player. Some might view this as a reach, but New York could look to bring on a definitive floor-raiser into the back end of their defensive alignment in Downs.