Sportsnaut
Who will be the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? While there are still playoff spots up for grab, the attention for many fans and front offices has turned toward the offseason and the incoming wave of talent from the NFL Draft. What makes this year particularly intriguing is that there’s no surefire No. 1 prospect and several of the teams picking near the top of the NFL Draft already have their quarterbacks for the future.
Let’s dive into our latest 2026 NFL mock draft ahead of Sunday’s Week 15 action. The 2026 NFL Draft order used is reflective of the NFL standings ahead of Thursday Night Football.
If the New York Giants have the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they’ll trade down. We’re excluding mocks initially for this exercise, but Caleb Downs is likely the player New York would target if it moves down a few spots. The All-American safety has arguably been the best defensive player in college football this season. He is uniquely versatile, offering the ability to cover tight ends or wide receivers, serve as a playmaker as a centerfielder in the secondary, or come down against the run. He’s a do-it-all defensive back who New York needs on its defense.
Does quarterback Fernando Mendoza offer the ceiling of a quarterback worth a top-two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? This also isn’t necessarily the ideal landing spot for the signal-caller, as he would be at his best behind a strong offensive line with receivers who can create separation. The Las Vegas Raiders have Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. Mendoza would make those around him better, and the desperation for the face of the franchise in Las Vegas makes using a top pick on a QB inevitable; we just wish the fit was better for Mendoza.
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If the Tennessee Titans have the third overall pick with the Giants and a quarterback-needy team picking ahead of them, there’s a chance they could get the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Arvell Reese played linebacker at Ohio State, but his future is at edge rusher. The explosiveness and length can make him an excellent pass rusher, and a unique defensive mind will also see the ability to drop Reese back in coverage. Plus, Reese would play in a front seven that already has two disruptors in Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat.
Nothing Shedeur Sanders does over the remainder of the season will realistically be enough to convince the Cleveland Browns to pass on taking a quarterback at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. Besides, Oregon signal-caller Dante Moore offers superior physical tools to Sanders, and he already handles pressure better. Cleveland would still need to build...
