The stage is set for Super Bowl LX with Drake Maye and the New England Patriots battling for the Lombardi Trophy against Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks.
this matchup is headlined by two quarterbacks who were taken third overall in their respective draft classes. Each has taken different paths, but both symbolize reasons why teams need to bring top talent quarterbacks into supportive systems and why they need to be patient.
As the Las Vegas Raiders embark on their next journey at the quarterback position, presuming they select Fernando Mendoza with the top pick, they need to look at both quarterbacks as to what works. Both Darnold and Maye entered the league in similar situations, the difference between the two is that Maye got the system and support he needed in Year 2, While Darnold fell victim to New York Jets team that didn’t surround him with what he needed to succeed and didn’t have the patience.
After becoming somewhat of a journeyman, Darnold’s redemption now has Jets fans wondering what if as the team once again is on the market for a quarterback. If they just stuck with Darnold, if they stuck to the blueprint they had in place, perhaps the Jets are in a better position than they will be entering the 2026 NFL Draft.
While the quarterback position will be a headline come draft time, another top offensive performer to watch is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Is he a top 10 pick?
Talent wise, absolutely and with the re-emergence of the running back position in the NFL, there will be a team who looks at him as a major part of their offensive plans in 2026. The question is how high he will go.
All that and more is answered in this Senior Bowl edition of the 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Top 10: Raiders stick to the script at No. 1; Ohio State stars dominate top 5
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Raiders fans, get ready for a Fernando Mendoza to Brock Bowers connection that should put the franchise back in the mix as a contender in the AFC West. The Heisman Trophy winner, national champion and No. 1 overall all pick in the 2026 NFL Draft has showcased the type of clutch ability that will help the Raiders win some games. As a great pocket passer with a PFF grade of 92.2 in the intermediate passing game, Mendoza should flourish getting the ball to Bowers. Also, don’t underestimate Ashton Jeanty in Year 2 lining up behind Mendoza as he is a QB who excels when the passing game feeds off a strong run game.
No. 2: New Yor Jets– Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
What will the New York Jets do with the No. 2 overall pick? With a second first-round pick in their back pocket, they must go with the best player available given their many needs on both sides of the ball. The Jets will have a few players to pick from who can upgrade their roster in various positions but select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs to help rebuild their secondary. As a team that recorded no interceptions in 2025, Downs is the type of defender in coverage who can create some turnovers and emerge as a team leader on the defensive side of the ball.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals– Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Arizona Cardinals may have their Kyler Murray conundrum figured out by draft time. Whether they keep him or move on, the pick at No. 3 is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love who gives Arizona a lead running back and a player who can catch the ball out of the backfield. Along with his 1,372 rushing yards in 2025, Love also hauled in 34 passes for 280 yards. He demonstrated his ability to take over on offense and should help the offense whether its Murray under center or another quarterback option.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
What direction will the Tennessee Titans go in under the direction of new head coach Robert Saleh? Given his defensive mindset, adding more talent on the defensive side of the ball will sway the Titans into selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese. As a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher, Reese is an athletic, disruptive defender who excels playing close to and around the line. With edge rusher considered a top priority, Reese satisfies that need while also checking off the box for their need at linebacker. With Reese the top option, look for the Titans to address offense on Day 2 and continue to build around Cam Ward.
No. 5: New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Giants could opt to move back here, but with the No. 5 overall pick they grab their No. 2 receiver with the selection of Carnell Tate. As the new John Harbaugh era begins for the Giants, the team will look to add more weapons around Jaxson Dart. Along with the return of star receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo, the Giants need another playmaker or two on offense who could take some of the pressure off Nabers. The Ohio State star fits the bill as a receiver who has the ability of becoming a 1A alongside Nabers due to his route running, prototypical size for a receiver and his ability to take the top off defenses despite not having top end speed.
No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Browns get their No. 1 receiver with the selection of Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. Assuming the team, under new head coach Todd Monken, will ride with Shedeur Sanders as quarterback, securing a top-tier wide receiver talent with the first of their two first round picks will be high priority. Tyson wasn’t the top receiver as far as overall production in 2025, but he has the size and attributes of a gamebreaker. At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Tyson Is an excellent route runner who excels in his ability to win on contested catches. Given the young talent the Browns already have on offense with Sanders, running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., the addition of Tyson gives another talented piece to the puzzle.
No. 7: Washington Commanders – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
The Commanders take care of their need at edge with the selection of Texas Tech’s David Bailey. This selection will be scrutinized a bit with them passing on Rueben Bain Jr., but both edge rushers were so elite in 2025, that it’s hard to get down on selecting either one if both are available. Ultimately, Bailey’s sack production in 2025 will win them over as well as his overall ability to disrupt the pocket with his elite first step and the array of pass rush moves, he brings to the table. What stands out about Bailey is even if he can’t get home and sack the QB, he still finds ways disrupt the passer by getting his hands up and batting down balls.
No. 8: New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
With the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints add another impact wide receiver with the selection of USC’s Makai Lemon. In adding the 2025 Biletnikoff Award-winner gives Tyler Shough and the Saints the perfect complement to Chris Olave. At 5-11, 195 pounds, Lemon is not known for his physicality as a receiver but can dominate on the field with his route-running, yards after the catch (YAC) and toughness as he is not afraid to work the middle of the field. This could be high for Lemon, but with what he brings to the table as a slot receiver, the Saints make him a top 10 pick.
No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs– Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami (FL)
The Chiefs have needs offensively, but with a player like Rueben Bain Jr still on the board, they bolster their pass rush in a big way by taking the sack master out of Miami. With both Charles Omenihu and Janarius Robinson hitting free agency, the Chiefs will need help at defensive end. Bain Jr. who is lethal pass rusher who is also strong against the run, not only fills the void, but brings potential star power to the position off the edge. The Chiefs fill a big need with this selection.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Bengals were hoping Bain Jr. slid another spot, but Peter Woods is not a bad consolation prize at all for the Bengals, especially with the No. 10 overall pick. The Bengals need interior defensive line help, Woods provides that. He also has the versatility to rush the passer either up the middle or as a defensive end. In previous Mock Drafts we have him landing in the AFC North. He just has the feel of that type of player. This time he lands with the Bengals.