NFL Draft Mock: Top Picks, Trades, and Surprises

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The 2026 NFL Draft is just over a month away, kicking off on April 24th.

With free agency mostly wrapped up, ESPN analyst Mel Kuiper Jr. dropped his latest first-round

mock draft.

There's growing agreement at the top, like the Las Vegas Raiders grabbing quarterback

Fernando Mendoza first overall.

The New York Jets go defense at number two, with explosive edge rusher David Bailey from

Texas Tech and the Tennessee Titans pick-running back.

Jeremiah Love, fourth overall from Notre Dame.

Meanwhile, the Jets make another big move later in the round.

They select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at number 16.

Kuiper sees him as a high upside guy who can sit and learn behind veteran Geno Smith, while

the team builds around him on defense early.

Fans and analysts are buzzing about these projections, especially with recent trades shaking

things up.

The Jets' plan echoes what the Giants did last year, prioritizing top defenders before

circling back for a quarterback.

Teams like the Titans aim to boost their offense around Young Cam Ward and Love could transform

their run game right away.

On the lines, Georgia Tackle Monroe Freeling is rising fast after a strong combine.

Kuiper sends him six overall to the Cleveland Browns as their franchise left Tackle.

The Miami Dolphins, fresh off trading wide receiver Jalen Waddle, now target a new number

one receiver at 11 and an edge rusher at 30 to fill.

Other gaps.

Overall, wide receivers have fallen further than expected, with just four going in round

one, and USC's Mackay Limon sliding to the Browns at.

24.

As more mocks roll in, the draft picture sharpens, but plenty can still shift before draft

night.

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