The 2026 NFL draft landscape is crystallizing with updated mock projections released by analysts, highlighting top prospects like Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the potential No. 1 overall pick. These forecasts, emerging after the Senior Bowl, offer a glimpse into team needs and player evaluations for the draft scheduled in April, with insights from multiple reliable sources shaping the narrative.
Following the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, ESPN’s Matt Miller published a two-round mock draft, noting that close observation of over 100 prospects has refined projections. Miller emphasizes that draft boards remain fluid with the combine, free agency, and pro days ahead, but current standings provide a snapshot. The Raiders, holding the first pick, are projected to select Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, as a franchise quarterback to revitalize their offense, given the team’s struggles after the Geno Smith trade.
At No. 2, the New York Jets are forecasted to pick Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, addressing a pass rush that ranked 31st in sacks last season. Analysts from CBS Sports echo this top selection, with Josh Edwards’s first-round mock also placing Mendoza and Reese in the same spots, underscoring consensus on these elite prospects. The Arizona Cardinals follow at No. 3 with Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, aiming to bolster their line amid questions about quarterback Kyler Murray’s future.
Key risers from the Senior Bowl, such as Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood, have climbed boards due to impressive performances, with Hood projected to the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13 in Miller’s mock. The draft class features limited quarterback depth beyond Mendoza, with only one other passer, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, appearing in first-round projections, highlighting a trend toward defensive and offensive line talent in early rounds.
Differences between sources emerge in later picks; for instance, CBS Sports projects Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to the Saints at No. 8, while Miller has Love going earlier, reflecting varying team assessments. Both mocks agree on the importance of trench players, with Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr. and Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods receiving attention, indicating a focus on bolstering defenses across the league.
The context of team needs is critical, with franchises like the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants targeting receivers and linemen to support young quarterbacks. Miller’s mock includes Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate to the Giants at No. 5, while CBS Sports has Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson to the Browns at No. 6, illustrating the priority on offensive weapons. These projections consider upcoming free agency and coaching changes, which could shift priorities before draft day.
Looking ahead, the NFL combine in late February will further shuffle rankings, and free agency starting in March will alter team rosters, making these mocks preliminary. Analysts caution that trades are likely, especially for teams seeking to move up for specific prospects, though the lack of elite quarterback depth may limit major swings. The draft, set for April 23 in Pittsburgh, will ultimately test these predictions, but current insights provide a foundation for understanding the 2026 class’s dynamics and potential impact on the league.
