Raiders Pick Fernando Mendoza, Steelers Secure Ty Simpson in 2026 NFL Mock Draft
The anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft is growing, especially after the conclusion of Super Bowl LX, which has set the first-round order. As teams begin to strategize, several key players have emerged as potential top picks. Among these, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana as their franchise future.
2026 NFL Draft Prospects
- Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
- New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
- Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
- New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
- Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
- Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- Los Angeles Rams: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
- New York Jets (via Colts): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
- Detroit Lions: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
- Minnesota Vikings: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
- Carolina Panthers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
- Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
- Buffalo Bills: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
- San Francisco 49ers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- Houston Texans: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
- Denver Broncos: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
- New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
- Seattle Seahawks: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Key Highlights
Fernando Mendoza’s impressive performance at Indiana has propelled him into the spotlight. Emerging as a contender for the Heisman Trophy in the previous season, he is viewed as a potential long-term solution for the Raiders’ quarterback dilemma.
On the East Coast, the New York Jets are set to bolster their defensive line with David Bailey, an edge rusher from Texas Tech, while the Cleveland Browns are eyeing wide receiver Carnell Tate from Ohio State to enhance their offense.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs have expressed interest in running back Jeremiyah Love, who amassed an impressive 1,000-yard season at Notre Dame.
Draft Implications
Teams are eyeing their selections carefully, considering not just immediate needs but also future potential. The 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 2026, promises to be a significant event in shaping NFL rosters.
As teams prepare for the draft, evaluations and strategies are bound to evolve. Key player performances combine with team needs to shape a dynamic landscape in professional football.
