Yahoo Sports Mock Draft: Defense Dominates

It's March 31st.

Welcome to NFL News Today, powered by AI.

I'm Corey with the story.

Yahoo Sports dropped their latest 2026 NFL match draft for the first round, alternating

picks between Charles McDonald and Nate.

Tice.

It kicks off with the Las Vegas Raiders grabbing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at

number one after trading Geno Smith.

The New York Jets follow at two with Ohio State eddrusher Arbale Reese to boost their

revamped defense while Arizona snags linebacker Sonny Stiles at three for their rare elite

off-ball playmaker.

Earlier this week, teams like the Titans passed on running backbuzz for Texas Tech Edge

David Bailey at four, prioritizing trenches over backs amid, rebuilds.

The Giants shocked some at five with Notre Dame runner Jeremiah Love betting on a hardball

style ground game despite free agency ads.

Cleveland and Washington loaded up on offensive tackle, Monroe Freeling and safety Caleb Downes

to fix lines and secondaries.

Fans are buzzing about the defensive tilt early, with edges, corners and linebackers flying

off the board before wideouts like Ohio State's car now.

Tates of Baltimore at 14.

Rebuilding squads such as Miami and Dallas, I'd versatile linemen and intriguing edges

like Keldrick Falk to complement Vets while positional value.

The bait's rage over safety slipping to teams like the commanders.

Deeper in, the Bengals landed injury corner, Armand McCoy at 10 despite past rush dreams.

And the Lions had to grab Miami Edge, Aki Mesador at 17 just to fill a thin spot.

Picks like Florida DT, Caleb banks the Carolina Highlight size over Polish with tackling tweaks

needed and late rounds brought tackles galore to spots.

Like the Chargers and Texans, this mock underscores defenses

dictating drafts amid free agency patches, setting up intense combine battles ahead.