NFL Mock Draft: Raiders Grab Heisman Winner, Jets Boost Pass Rush

0:00It's March 23rd. This is NFL News Today, your AI-powered source for everything, NFL. Free agency has wrapped up its first couple weeks in the NFL, sparking fresh mock drafts for the 2026 first round. NFL wires editors projected picks based on roster holes, with the Las Vegas Raiders leading off by grabbing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman winner and national champ to finally land a franchise guy. Teams like the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals focused on edge rushers early, taking Ohio States R.V.R. and Texas Tex David Bailey too. Boost pass rushes hit hard by departures. The Tennessee Titans jumped on Notre Dame running back, Jeremiah Love, seen as the drafts top playmaker for an instant offense lift. Fans and analysts are buzzing about how free agency losses, especially in secondaries and lines, shaped these mocks. The New York Giants ignored positional value for Ohio State's sunny styles at linebacker, while wide receivers like USC's Carl Tate to Washington highlighted needs for explosive

1:04weapons amid thin rooms. Later picks showed offensive line death, with spots like the Cleveland Browns doubling down on trenches and receivers and edge rushers going to teams. Like the Bengals and Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs snagged two blue chip talents, a defensive back and wide out to rebuild key spots. As training camps near, these projections underscore a draft rich and edge talent in versatility, setting up intriguing battles for 2026, contenders.