NFL Draft Mock: Mendoza to Raiders, Bailey to Jets

0:00It's April 22nd. You're listening to NFL News today, AI-powered NFL coverage. Alex Butler dropped his final first round mock draft for the 2026 NFL draft and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza sits at number one. Heading to the Las Vegas Raiders. This version shakes things up with five trades baked in and the top five features David Bailey, Edge from Texas Tech, going number two to the new York Jets. Unlike Butler's earlier mocks, where Arbale Reese was number two, Bailey slides in there now while Reese drops to number three with the Arizona Cardinals. Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love goes forth to the Tennessee Titans in Ohio State linebacker, sunny styles caps the top five to the New York Giants. The boards loaded with defensive talent and blockers, seven offensive linemen, seven edge rushers and six wide receivers lead the way, plus three, cornerbacks and three safeties. Teams like the Jets, Giants, Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins and Cowboys each snag two first round

1:04picks, while the Bengals, Broncos, Colts, Jaguars, Packers and Falcons sit out the opening round entirely. Projections pull from combine showings, pro days, free agency shifts, trades, injuries and off-field noise giving a real snapshot of team needs. Meanwhile, the actual draft hits Pittsburgh from Thursday through Saturday, kicking off Thursday at APM Eastern on ESPN, NFL Network and more. As these mocks heat up the hype, Pittsburgh's about to crown the next wave of stars, stay locked in for the real fireworks.