2026 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs Give Mahomes Much-Needed Help, Commanders Get Top WR

The NFL Scouting Combine hasn't even happened yet, but we already have a good feeling of who'll be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the other 256 selections seem up for debate as the football world descends upon Indianapolis next week.

Will a quarterback emerge as the clear second-best player at the position and turn into a top-10 pick? Is Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese the clear top non-quarterback prospect in this year's draft?

We'll have a better understanding of the answers to those questions soon enough. For now, though, let's predict how the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft will go before the fun gets going in Indy next week and free agency in a couple of weeks. 

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Geno Smith is 35 years old and coming off a season in which he threw 17 interceptions to just 19 touchdowns. Mendoza has exhibited all the tools you want to see in a top QB prospect: elite arm strength, the ability to throw into tight windows, and sneaky mobility for a 6-foot-5 signal caller. The Heisman winner leads all of FBS with 41 passing touchdowns this season, which is also the Indiana single-season record. He's a near lock to be a Raider.

With Dante Moore returning to Oregon, New York will likely take the best player available here. A big riser on draft boards over the past few months, Reese has cemented himself as the clear-cut best linebacker in this draft. Due to his elite speed for his size, he can drop back into coverage as an off-ball backer or line up on the edge and rush the passer. Reese had 6.5 sacks and two passes defended