Sportsnaut
We’re one week out from the conclusion of the 2025 NFL regular season and with the majority of playoff spots locked up, the focus now for a majority of the league shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft. Plenty will change during the pre-draft process, but it’s a worthwhile time to conduct an NFL mock draft near the end of the season.
Related: 2026 NFL Draft Order after Week 17, Picks by Team
Let’s dive into our penultimate 2026 NFL mock draft during the regular season. Stay tuned for our next 2026 NFL Draft mock a few days after Week 18.
The Las Vegas Raiders have positioned themselves to have the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As of now, while it is very subject to change, reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the favorite to be the top selection. Mendoza offers ideal size at 6-foot-5, and he is renowned for his leadership, maturity, and understanding of how to execute an offense. He might not have elite physical tools, putting him more on track for a Jared Goff-like career, but he can absolutely be an above-average starter. He would provide stability for the Raiders’ franchise, allowing them to focus their resources in NFL free agency on building the offensive line.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders Offseason Moves That Should Be Made
Since taking over as the starter, Shedeur Sanders has posted a 5.3 percent interception rate. For context, Tua Tagovailoa has the highest interception rate in the NFL (3.9 percent) among regular starters, and no other quarterback this season has an interception rate over 4 percent.
Sanders simply has not shown enough to warrant the Cleveland Browns’ investing in him long-term. Instead, the team should trade up for Dante Moore. He offers a higher ceiling than Mendoza, providing superior athleticism and arm strength. While he has less experience as a starter, his ability to make on-target throws to all areas of the field, combined with his poise under pressure, are traits that make him ready to be a Week 1 starter.
Related: Cleveland Browns Offseason Moves that Should be Made
With holes everywhere defensively, the New York Jets take arguably the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is out of the mold of Abdul Carter and Micah Parsons, in that he is a phenomenal athlete capable of dropping back in coverage or being deployed as an edge rusher. He is simply a versatile blue-chip talent whom New York can build its defense around.
Read More: 2026 NFL QB Carousel, Ranking Best Quarterbacks Available this Offseason
The Tennessee Titans are not looking at a...
