NFL Draft 2026: Top Picks & Trades

2026 NFL Draft: Top Picks and Trades Shake Up the First Round

The 2026 NFL Draft kicked off with a bang, as the Las Vegas Raiders selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall. The New York Jets followed suit, choosing Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese second. Arizona Cardinals grabbed Texas Tech edge David Bailey third, addressing a significant need.

Notable picks included Tennessee Titans selection of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love fourth, New York Giants choice of Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles fifth, and Cleveland Browns pick of Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate sixth. Washington Commanders selected Ohio State safety Caleb Downs seventh.

Ohio State players dominated the early rounds, with four in the top seven, showcasing their talent pipeline. Teams prioritized edge rushers, linebackers, and weapons, such as New Orleans Saints edge Rueben Bain Junior eighth and Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane ninth.

Trades added excitement to the draft, with the Chiefs swapping with the Pittsburgh Steelers at twenty-one for Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller. In a late move, the Arizona Cardinals traded up from Seattle at thirty-two for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, securing their future signal-caller.

This mock draft effectively addressed pressing needs across the board, from quarterbacks to the trenches, setting the stage for thrilling drama as the draft unfolded.

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