2026 NFL Mock Draft: Flipping Everything Upside Down
Sports Illustrated • • general
Key Points:
- The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a month away, with many teams focusing on key positional needs and prospects emerging through pro days and private workouts, leading to an unpredictable draft landscape.
- The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select QB Fernando Mendoza from Indiana first overall, aiming to build around him with new coach Klint Kubiak and key free-agent signings like center Tyler Linderbaum.
- Defensive players dominate early picks, with linebackers Arvell Reese (Jets) and Sonny Styles (Commanders), edge rushers David Bailey (Cardinals) and Rueben Bain Jr. (Titans), and others filling critical defensive gaps for their teams.
- Several teams address offensive needs with notable selections such as running back Jeremiyah Love (Giants), offensive tackle Monroe Freeling (Browns), and wide receivers Carnell Tate (Chiefs) and Makai Lemon (Rams).
- Teams without first-round picks are also making strategic moves in later rounds, targeting athletic linebackers, wide receivers, and defensive tackles to bolster their rosters and address positional weaknesses.
