NFL Draft 2026: Raiders Pick Mendoza, Jets Stock Up

0:00On April 22, the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Pittsburgh, and the Las Vegas Raiders hold the number one pick. They're expected to grab Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman winner who led his team to a national title. This is just the Raider's second time picking first overall since taking Jamarcus Russell back in 2007, and with Kirk Cousins already on. The roster, Mendoza steps into a solid spot to learn from a vet. Fans like the New York Jets are loaded with picks after trading stars, sauce gardener and Quinten Williams giving them four in the top 50 and the most draft capital overall. The Miami Dolphins aren't far behind with seven in the top 100 from shipping Jalen Waddle to Denver. On the flip side, the Atlanta Falcons have the fewest, just five total picks including two in the top 100, which hurts for a squad missing. Playoffs since 2017. Fans and scouts are buzzing about freaks like Ohio State's sunny styles, a six foot five

1:01linebacker who blazed the 4.4640 at the Combine or Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, the top back prospect who can do it all on three downs. Safety, Caleb Downs from Ohio State shines as a tackler and tied in Kenyans to Deek for Morgan is another athletic unicorn with crazy speed and jumps. Fans could shake things up, especially for defensive studs or offensive tackles, though Mendoza locks down the top spot with few other quarterbacks, worthy of round one. Look for moving around guys like Alabama's Ty Simpson or LSU's Garrett Nussmeyer later on, and the full round one order runs from Raiders at one. Jets at two, Cardinals at three, down to Seahawks at 32. As pickstar flying, keep eyes on how these rookies reshape rosters, Raiders rebuilding, Jets restocking and contenders hunting gems. This class has depth to deliver instant impact that's your NFL news today update AI powered

2:01and always on.