2026 NFL Draft First Round Preview: Team Needs, Mock Picks, Draft Selections

It's time for all of us to put our pencils down on our previews for the 2026 NFL Draft. 

After many days, weeks, months and even years of mock drafts, the 2026 draft has arrived. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will almost certainly hear his name called when the Las Vegas Raiders make the No. 1 overall pick, but after that, it seems like anyone's guess as to what might happen.

What we do know, though, is that all 32 teams have at least one pick in the first two rounds entering draft night. How should every team use those top selections? We determined the top needs for each time, while our draft expert, Rob Rang, mapped out how the first 64 picks should go in his most recent mock draft. 

So, let's dive in and share how we think each team should attack the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Arizona Cardinals

Team needs: QB, DL, OL, RB

Eric D. Williams: The Cardinals moved on from Kyler Murray. Last year’s starter, Jacoby Brissett, remains on the roster and Arizona signed Gardner Minshew in free agency. However, those two journeymen are considered stop gaps, with most NFL observers believing new head coach Mike LaFleur could be eying Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as the team’s quarterback of the future with a Day 1 or early Day 2 pick. Although incumbent starter James Conner reworked his contract to stay on the roster and the Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier in free agency, Arizona still could look to add a player who some consider the best in this year’s draft in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 if they do not trade down. With four straight losing seasons, the Cardinals are in desperate need of some sizzle on their roster. The Cardinals averaged 93 rushing yards a contest last season, which was 31st in the NFL.

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