Senior Bowl Highlights: Complete First-Round Draft Projection Unveiled

The Senior Bowl, set for Saturday, serves as an important event for NFL Draft evaluators, although practice sessions throughout the week in Mobile hold the most significance for scouting prospects. As teams finalize their assessments, the landscape for the 2026 NFL Draft class is beginning to take shape. Key positions are becoming increasingly clear, but player evaluations could shift dramatically depending on performances at the Senior Bowl. This article outlines a preliminary mock draft based on insights gained from recent practices and player assessments.

2026 NFL Draft: Top Picks Analysis

1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza

The Raiders are projected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana. Mendoza, a redshirt junior and Heisman Trophy winner, led the Hoosiers to a perfect 15-0 season and a National Championship Game appearance. Remarkably, he recorded more touchdown passes than incompletions in the College Football Playoff.

2. New York Jets – LB Arvell Reese

The Jets are likely to pick linebacker Arvell Reese from Ohio State. A versatile player with the ability to play both off-ball and edge roles, Reese tallied 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss this past season. His hybrid skill set makes him an appealing choice for New York.

3. Arizona Cardinals – OT Francis Mauigoa

Offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa from Miami is projected to be the Cardinals’ top pick. Mauigoa is regarded as a robust right tackle who excels in pass protection. The Cardinals are expected to completely overhaul their offense, aiming to support their future quarterback.

4. Tennessee Titans – OT Spencer Fano

The Titans may prioritize offensive line depth with Spencer Fano from Utah. Fano has allowed only one sack over two seasons, showcasing his reliability. Strengthening their protection would greatly benefit the team’s offensive strategy moving forward.

5. New York Giants – WR Carnell Tate

Receiver Carnell Tate from Ohio State could be an enticing addition for the Giants. Coming off a breakout year with 875 yards and nine touchdowns, Tate’s versatility and route-running capabilities would enhance New York’s offensive options.

6. Cleveland Browns – EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

In this mock draft, the Browns are expected to select edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami. Despite concerns over arm length, Bain is an explosive player with a strong track record, accumulating 12 sacks and 68 hurries in the previous season.

7. Washington Commanders – EDGE David Bailey

Bailey from Texas Tech is projected as a potential game-changer for the Commanders’ defense. With a staggering 15 sacks and 43 hurries as a senior, Bailey’s exceptional first step and intensity would inject youth into Washington’s aging defense.

8. New Orleans Saints – WR Jordyn Tyson

The Saints might opt for wide receiver Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State. With over 1,800 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in his last 21 games, Tyson can provide dynamic support for quarterback Tyler Shough.

9. Kansas City Chiefs – RB Jeremiyah Love

Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame is slated as a potential first-round running back pick for the Chiefs. With 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns at a remarkable 6.9 yards per carry, his explosive offensive capabilities could rejuvenate Kansas City’s ground game.

10. Cincinnati Bengals – S Caleb Downs

The Bengals may fill a defensive gap with safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State. A two-time All-American, Downs possesses exceptional versatility and could bolster Cincinnati’s secondary alongside their defensive playmakers.

These selections anticipate how each team’s needs may evolve leading to the draft day. As the Senior Bowl approaches, team strategies will continue to develop based on upcoming player performances.

Summary of Top Prospects