Experts’ NFL Mock Draft Projections Shape Up Weeks Before First Round

Filmogaz.com’s Chris Bumbaca recently spoke with quarterback Fernando Mendoza about the approaching NFL Draft. Mendoza also discussed his new partnership with U.S. Bank.

Draft timing and expert chatter

The 2026 NFL Draft is now just weeks away. Free agency mostly wrapped in March, and teams finished major roster work.

Experts are already producing NFL mock draft projections. Those projections are starting to shape up weeks before the first round.

Consensus No. 1 pick

Three prominent mock drafts — Filmogaz.com’s Nate Davis, ESPN’s Peter Schrager and CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco — align at the top. All three project Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to be the Silver and Black’s choice.

Mendoza is a Heisman Trophy winner and a national champion. Filmogaz.com’s projection notes he may not need to start immediately, after Kirk Cousins joined the Raiders.

Key positional battles in projections

Edge rusher is a contested spot. Filmogaz.com and CBS favor Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. ESPN leans toward Texas Tech’s David Bailey.

Other disagreements include interior offensive line and secondary picks. Filmogaz.com lists Caleb Downs at safety and Francis Mauigoa appears in other outlets.

Notable prospects and measurements

• T.J. Parker recorded 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2024, per mock analysis.
• Jermod McCoy ran a 4.37 40 at his pro day after missing 2025 with a torn ACL.
• Kenyon Sadiq posted a sub-4.4 40 and a 43.5-inch vertical, a rare athletic showing for a tight end.
• Kadyn Proctor weighed 358 pounds at his pro day but showed mobility in drills.

Mock trades and roster maneuvers

Several mock scenarios include mid- and first-round trades. Filmogaz.com models a Cardinals–Cowboys trade and a Saints–Cardinals swap to land tackles.

Those hypothetical moves aim to address clear team needs, like pass rush and right tackle help. Mock trades reflect teams trying to accelerate rebuilds.

Team-specific highlights from recent mocks

The Kansas City Chiefs were shown targeting an offensive tackle in one projection. Other outlets offered receiver or cornerback alternatives.

The Miami Dolphins and Kansas City both face cornerback questions. Filmogaz.com and ESPN differ on which defensive backs will go first.

The New York Jets were pegged to add a wide receiver with a pick acquired in a past trade. The pick aims to surround emerging quarterbacks with pass-catchers.

What to watch next

Mock drafts will evolve as pre-draft visits and workouts continue. Experts will update their NFL mock draft projections as new information arrives.

Mendoza’s stock appears strong across major projections. Filmogaz.com’s coverage will track his pre-draft process and his U.S. Bank partnership ahead of the first round.