With teams meeting at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine over the past week, the emphasis is not only evaluating top talent, but possible big moves that could send shockwaves throughout the NFL.
Could those shockwaves include potential deals for players like Maxx Crosby or A.J. Brown? Or perhaps there are some draft day blockbuster moves brewing that no one saw coming.
With the new league year just around the corner, owners and general managers of all 32 teams are looking for ways to improve their teams beyond the evaluation of talent. With top of the board talent on display like Rueben Bain Jr, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs and Jeremiyah Love, there could be teams outside of the top 10 looking to move up and snag one of those players.
This NFL Mock Draft looks at a couple of possibilities that could not only shift the 2026 NFL Draft board but put some teams in position to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026 and/or set themselves up for a quicker rebuild.
Let’s do this!
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big moves shock top 10
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza knows “anything can happen” at the 2026 NFL Draft, but at this point it would be foolish for the Las Vegas Raiders to pass on him with the No. 1 overall pick overall. The team needs a QB and Mendoza is the top option in this draft. An offensive minded head coach like Klint Kubiak combined with the mentorship of Raiders part owner Tom Brady. Sounds like the perfect opportunity for both sides to me.
No. 2: New York Jets– Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Arvell Reese solidified himself at the NFL Combine with a dynamite performance. The hybrid linebacker/edge rusher wowed with a 4.46 40-yard dash with a 1.58-second 10-yard split. If he wasn’t already on the radar for the Jets with the No. 2 overall pick, he should be a lock now. Jets get their cornerstone defensive player in Reese, who is one of the top prospects in the draft.
Sheeeeeesh.@OhioStateFB LB Arvell Reese with a 4.47u
— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2026
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/j74Yd3XQCw
No. 3: Dallas Cowboys, via Arizona– Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami
The Cowboys have the trade capital to pull off this type of move. How about including two picks acquired in the trade with Green Bay for Micah Parsons headlining this deal with brings Rueben Bain Jr. to Dallas. The top pass rusher in the draft will bring high energy to the Cowboys’ defense in a trade that sets the Arizona Cardinals up nicely.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The draft stock for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is high. With all the love flying around for the outstanding running back, the Tennessee Titans decide at this spot to continue adding firepower around 2025 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. Depending on what else the Titans pull off in the offseason and the draft, the Ward/Love tandem has high ceiling the Titans can rise with.
No. 5: New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Giants decide to add another option for Jaxon Dart with the selection of Carnell Tate with the No. 5 overall pick. John Harbaugh and company will entertain offers for this pick, but ultimately loves with the Ohio State product brings to the table along with the fascination of pairing him with a healthy Malik Nabers.