With the National Football League (NFL) draft on April 23, 2026, it may seem far away now, but it is slowly but surely approaching. Nobody can truly ever predict the perfect draft and where each prospect will be selected. But why not give it a shot anyway? Here is my prediction for the first eight picks.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (Quarterback), Indiana
Mendoza is simply a no-brainer for Las Vegas at number one. The reigning Heisman trophy winner led a historic season, contributing 41 passing touchdowns and 3,535 passing yards in his lone season with the Hoosiers. His stats do not say enough about his incredible skills, as his ability to read in the pocket with his intriguing 6’5 frame is going to be something special in the NFL. He will immediately fill the biggest weakness of the Raiders and hopes to translate his elite skill set with an offensive full of young stars such as running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese (Edge Rusher), Ohio State
Arvell Reese may not be the biggest need of the Jets. But with so many needed pieces on the team, why not go after a player like Reese at two? He can easily make an instant impact for the Jets’ defense that struggled a good amount of last season, providing them not only an elite pass rusher but also a solid off-ball linebacker. Along with this, he has an elite speed for his size at six foot four two hundred forty one frame for whatever position he is used at in the NFL. Reese has a huge upside and took big steps as not only an off ball linebacker, but as a pass rusher, recording six and a half sacks this past season at Ohio State.
3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey (Edge Rusher), Texas Tech
The Cardinals, similar to the Jets, had an underwhelming season of their own. Although they have many needs, a good place to start is their defense. Bailey had a stellar season with Texas Tech, posting 14 and a half sacks along with forcing three fumbles. He would fit nicely with Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat, who is coming off a 12-sack season. Adding Bailey to this defense can help possibly add pressure to quarterbacks in the Cardinals’ stacked division with high-powered offenses like the Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks. With his unique speed, athleticism, and elusiveness, David Bailey will surely provide this Cardinals defense some help.
4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate (Wide Receiver), Ohio State
The Titans have been doing damage in free agency so far, already acquiring four immediate impact players in Wan’Dale Robinson, Cor’Dale Flott, Alontae Taylor, and John Franklin-Myers. With new head coach Robert Saleh and his experience as a proven defensive mastermind, it is not a surprise that Tennessee would bolster its defense even more at pick four. However, with second-year quarterback Cam Ward, the need to acquire him with more offensive weapons is a must. Acquiring Carnell Tate, who I believe is the best wide receiver in the draft with crisp route running and great hands, will immediately help Tennessee next season.
5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs (Safety), Ohio State
Caleb Downs, besides Mendoza, is my favorite player in this entire draft. He is an elite playmaker with amazing explosiveness and speed. Any defense would greatly benefit from his play, as he can immediately light a spark for a defense. As this past season with Ohio State, he was able to haul in two interceptions, along with forcing two fumbles. He is a physical player with a high level of football intelligence quotient (IQ) that is able to read the run and pass extremely well. For a Giants team with a new head coach and a bright future, Downs will most definitely do his part to strengthen this defense.
6. Cleveland Browns: Jordyn Tyson (Wide Receiver), Arizona State
Despite an injury-riddled past season, Jordyn Tyson is easily the second-best receiver in the draft class, just behind Tate. With Shedeur Sanders likely returning for the Browns as their starting quarterback, they need to get him another target to help him succeed. They already have running back Quinshon Judkins, who is coming off a stellar rookie season, tight end Harold Fannin Jr., and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Adding Tyson to this offense can make it even more lethal. So far in free agency, the Browns have addressed the offensive line as they prepare for Shedeur’s sophomore campaign. In 2024, Tyson put up 75 catches for 1,101 yards plus 11 touchdowns.
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles (Linebacker), Ohio State
After a fantastic combine performance and the desperate need for defensive help, Styles fits exactly into what the Commanders are looking for. He has great versatility and athleticism, and will most definitely make a big impact for a defense that was not at its best last season. Although Jeremiyah Love is still on the board and would make this offense intriguing, I believe their defense should be the main focus. The Commanders’ offense is still solid with wide receiver Terry McLaurin, young running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and, of course, quarterback Jayden Daniels. Styles will likely need to develop and can do so, especially with head coach Dan Quinn as his mentor.
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon (Wide Receiver), University of Southern California (USC)
Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough started his career off rough as the Saints’ starting quarterback as he looked to find his groove. But after he led the Saints to four wins in their last five games, and he himself looked great, it’s time for the Saints to strengthen their offense. They already acquired running back Travis Etienne Jr. to bolster their running game. Now, adding Makai Lemon to the draft can be the next step. Lemon had a phenomenal junior season, winning the Biletnikoff award with USC and proving to be one of the best receivers in the country. His elite contested catch ability and route running will surely be put on display with quarterback Tyler Shough if New Orleans makes the call.
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Overall, trades can still happen, and teams can look to shock the world by selecting other players at each pick. The draft is unpredictable, but it will surely be interesting to compare my mock draft now to the real deal.
