2026 NFL Draft Mock: Top Picks & Surprises

0:00On April 22nd, the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, April 23rd, and here's my final mock before it all goes down. Las Vegas Raiders snagged the top quarterback prospect, Fernando Mendoza from Indiana, at number one. It's a lock with their need even after signing Kirk. Cousins. Jets follow at two, with Ohio State's versatile linebacker, Arvel Reese, to rebuild their defense after trading away big names like Saas Gardner. Diving deeper, Arizona grabs Texas Tech-Edgerusher David Bailey at three for his size and speed, while Tennessee hopes to repeat history with Notra, Dame running back Jeremiah Love. At four, a decade after Derek Henry. New York Giants-level Ohio State's sunny styles at five, a rare top five offball linebacker, with insane athleticism, and Cleveland ad's Buckeye, wide-out carnaltate at six to boost their passing game. Fans are buzzing about Ohio State dominating early, with four first rounders already in

1:01this mock, highlighting their talent pipeline in mid-team. Overhauls like Washington's cornerback grab and New Orleans-Iing pass rush help. Trade shake things up too. Giants be a Cincinnati land safety, Caleb Downs, at 10 after their fifth pick, making them draft night winners. Later rounds focus on trenches and secondaries. Steve Secure Tackle, Frances Mauigua, at nine, dolphins double up on lineman, and Cowboys bolster there. Week defense with safes and corners, as boards finalize, expect runs on edges and wide-outs to fill key holes before the real selections drop. This mock sets the stage for surprises, but one thing's clear, these rookies could flip franchises fast, so stay locked in as Thursday unfolds. Stay locked in with NFL News Today, AI-powered updates.