2026 NFL mock draft: Reid's predictions on first-round picks - ESPN

The 2025 NFL regular season concluded Sunday, which means the 2026 NFL draft order is set for the first 18 picks. We now know the Raiders will have the No. 1 selection. So let's project which prospect Las Vegas might take and how all 32 first-round picks could play out with a brand-new mock draft.

Keep in mind that we have three-plus months until the draft starts April 23 in Pittsburgh. There are still three games left in the 2025 college football season, too. Some players could decide to head back to school before declaration day later this month, while others could surprisingly leave early to join the class. We also have predraft events such as all-star games and the combine, which will shake up boards. And let's not forget that every NFL team's needs will continue to evolve as they take inventory of their rosters this offseason and sign players in free agency to fill voids. That all said, this is where things stand right now.

For this mock draft, we know the order for pick Nos. 1-18 but then used ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) to project the order for Nos. 19-32, covering slots for the 14 NFL playoff teams. Four teams also have multiple picks: the Rams (from the Falcons), Jets (from the Colts), Browns (from the Jaguars) and Cowboys (from the Packers).

Here are my projections for all 32 first-round picks in 2026, starting with a new QB in Las Vegas. (Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.)

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Position rankings

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*

The Raiders haven't drafted a QB in the first round since 2007 (JaMarcus Russell). They're in desperate need of a franchise quarterback after the Geno Smith trade didn't work out, and Mendoza provides a long-term solution for a franchise that has been looking for a QB