NFL Draft First Round: Top Picks and Surprises

0:00On April 17th, the 2026 NFL Draft first round kicks off exactly one week from today with teams buried in final scouting and deliberations. Fernando Mendoza looks locked in as the number one overall pick to Las Vegas after Kirk Cousins all but confirmed it. Beyond that, the board's wide open for surprises as rumors swirl league-wide. The New York Jets just canceled a top 30 visit with Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey even after meeting him at Pro Day and digging deep into his tape. Signs still point to them grabbing a linebacker at number two with Bailey favored over Ohio State's Avril Reese for his proven production, 19, 0.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last year. Meanwhile, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson met with the Arizona Cardinals on the last day for 30 visits linked to them more than any other squad. At number three overall, Arizona probably won't take him there. Mox have them trading up to the 30s or grabbing him in round two behind Jacobi.

1:01Brissett for some seasoning. Tennessee corner bag Jermad McCoy is another name heating up with one GM calling him a top five talent off last season's film before torn ACL. Sidelined his junior year, teams weighing that elite skill against injury risk could see him anywhere from top 10 to mid first round. As front offices crunch these final calls, expect trades and shocks the shake things up next Thursday. Keep your eyes peeled for how these prospects. Land and flip defenses around the league.