NFL Draft 2026: Top Picks & Defensive Talent

It's March 23rd.

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With exactly one month into the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh, experts are projecting

a solid top of the first round.

The Las Vegas Raiders looks set to grab Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the number

one overall pick, capping off his standout national title.

Reason with the Hoosiers, early consensus holds for several spots in the top 10, but one

bowl trade could shake things up across all 32 selections.

Earlier this week, Mott-Traffs highlighted defensive reinforcements for struggling units.

The New York Jets cadado high-o-stay linebacker Arville Reese at number two to boost their

pass rush, while the Arizona Cardinals eye Texas Tech Edge, Russia, David Bailey, third.

Tennessee might surprise by taking another Buckeye, linebacker Sonny Stiles, fourth overall,

a high pick for an off-ball defender not seen since 2, 2009.

Fans and analysts are buzzing about how free agency shapes these choices.

Teams like the Jets and Cardinals loaded up on veterans, but still need young stars to

transform defenses.

The New York Giants Grabby Notre Dame, running back Jeremiah Love Fifth, has sparked debate,

especially after losing Sequan Barkley, yet it fits.

The rising offense under new leadership, deeper into the round, trends emerge with Ohio

State placing four players in the top 10 and a heavy focus on trenches.

Picks like Georgia, tackle Monroe Freeling to Cleveland Sixth, and versatile linemen later

on address ongoing linewows across the league, safeties and edge rushes round out needs

for squads like Washington and Kansas City.

As pro days wrap up, these projections could shift fast, but they underscore a draft rich

and defensive talent, ready to impact rosters right away.