NFL Week 10 predictions: Fernando Mendoza's debut, rookie breakouts and 2027 NFL Draft needs

Week 10 of the NFL season features several intriguing storylines that could have major implications for the 2027 NFL Draft. The biggest spotlight will be on Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is set to make his first career start against a Seattle Seahawks defense that could make his debut a difficult one.

But Mendoza isn't the only rookie with something to prove. Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Lee Hunter and Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson have opportunities to deliver the best performances of their young careers.

Beyond the rookie storylines, this week's matchups could also expose some significant roster weaknesses that teams will need to address next April. New England's continued struggles at wide receiver could reinforce the need for another legitimate No. 1 target, while the New York Jets' defensive struggles could make the secondary a major priority in the 2027 NFL Draft. Which teams and rookies will have the most to prove in Week 10?

Here are five NFL Draft predictions to watch for in Week 10.

1. Fernando Mendoza faces a rough NFL debut

One of the biggest storylines in the NFL this week will be the Las Vegas Raiders' first overall pick Fernando Mendoza making his first career start. Mendoza is expected to take over as the Raiders' starting quarterback for the remainder of the season following the team's decision to move Kirk Cousins to Minnesota in exchange for a 2027 third-round draft pick.

While I have high expectations for Mendoza's long-term future, this is a difficult situation for any rookie quarterback. Seattle enters the week with one of the NFL's toughest pass defenses, allowing a league-low 5.5 yards per pass attempt. The challenge becomes even greater when considering the lack of support surrounding Mendoza.

According to CBS Sports, Las Vegas ranks 31st in the NFL in wide receiver production, while its rushing attack is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. That combination puts an enormous amount of pressure on a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start.

Look for Seattle's defense to take advantage of the matchup, forcing Mendoza into some difficult situations and making his NFL debut a challenging one. I expect the rookie to experience some growing pains as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.

2. Patriots' WR struggles expose a 2027 NFL Draft need

The Patriots thought they had found their go-to receiver when they traded a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for A.J. Brown. However, the move hasn't paid off as expected. Brown has appeared in just three games this season, recording only nine receptions, while the rest of New England's receiving corps has struggled to establish itself.

Look for the Patriots' lack of reliable weapons on the outside to become a problem against Detroit this week. If New England struggles to consistently move the football through the air, it will further highlight the need for a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Don't be surprised if wide receiver becomes a priority for the Patriots in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.

3. Lee Hunter delivers his best NFL performance

Coming out of Texas Tech, Lee Hunter was expected to provide Carolina with a dominant presence against the run. At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, Hunter possesses the size and strength to make an immediate impact in the middle of the defensive line. He earned Second-Team All-American honors last season while recording 10 tackles for loss. However, his playing time has been surprisingly limited, including just 13 snaps in last week's game against Denver.

Look for that to change this week. Interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash will make improving Carolina's run defense a top priority, especially with the Panthers currently ranking 29th in the NFL and allowing 133.4 rushing yards per game.

Hunter has the physical tools to help address that weakness, and this could be an opportunity for him to earn a larger role in the defensive rotation. Look for the rookie defensive tackle to deliver the best performance of his young career and help Carolina cut its average rushing yards allowed by at least 20 yards this week.

4. Jets' defense gives up 30-plus points again

When the Jets hired Aaron Glenn as their head coach, the expectation was that he would bring a defensive identity to New York. That hasn't happened. The Jets have surrendered an average of 32 points per game during their current four-game losing streak and have gone five consecutive games without recording an interception.

Things won't get any easier this week against the Buffalo Bills, who lead the NFL with an average of 32 points per game. Buffalo has the offensive firepower to expose New York's defensive weaknesses, particularly in the secondary.

Look for the Jets' defense, especially at cornerback, to become a major area of focus heading into the 2027 NFL Draft. If this trend continues, New York could be looking to make significant investments in its secondary next April.

5. Emmett Johnson proves he was a 2026 NFL Draft steal

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, I identified Emmett Johnson as the most underrated running back in the class. That assessment looks even better considering he somehow fell to the fifth round despite rushing for 1,451 yards and adding 46 receptions during his final collegiate season. Johnson also showcased excellent vision as a runner and exceptional contact balance, two traits that should translate well to the NFL.

Look for those abilities to be on full display against the Atlanta Falcons. With an opportunity for an expanded workload, Johnson could be in position to showcase what he can do when given more touches in Kansas City's offense.

Atlanta currently ranks 17th in the NFL against the run, creating a favorable matchup for the rookie. I could see Johnson recording the first 100-yard rushing performance of his career while also contributing at least three receptions out of the backfield.

If he delivers that type of performance, it will be another reminder of why Johnson was one of the biggest value picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Week 10 could reveal more than rookie potential

While Mendoza's debut and potential breakout performances from Hunter and Johnson will draw attention, Week 10 could also provide a clearer picture of what several teams need heading into the 2027 NFL Draft.

For the Patriots and Jets, another disappointing performance could make their draft priorities even harder to ignore. For the rookies, it's another opportunity to prove they belong. Which of these five predictions will have the biggest impact beyond Week 10?

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