2026 NFL mock draft: Yates' first-round pick predictions - ESPN

The NFL offseason is underway after the Seahawks dominated the Patriots to win Super Bowl LX. Now we can really start looking forward to the draft, which begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh.

I did my last mock draft after Week 14, but the draft order is now completely set. The Raiders will start us off in the first round, and the Seahawks will wrap it up at No. 32. We also know where the four teams with two Day 1 picks will select — the Browns at Nos. 6 and 24; the Cowboys at Nos. 12 and 20; the Jets at Nos. 2 and 14; and the Rams at Nos. 13 and 29. I'm not projecting any more pick swaps today, either.

We still have a long road ahead, with the combine in two weeks and pro days coming in the weeks after that. But for now, this is how I see Round 1 playing out based on current team needs, my personal rankings and what I'm hearing from people around the league.

Let's begin with the Raiders at No. 1. And for more on these predictions, check out our new show «NFL Draft Daily» at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

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Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

As the Raiders embark upon a new era with Klint Kubiak at head coach, Mendoza is the ideal partner to pair with him. He had a remarkable season in 2025, displaying elite accuracy and overall arm talent to throw to all levels of the field. He improved his pocket awareness and was fantastic in clutch moments, leading the Hoosiers to their first undefeated record and a national championship. Mendoza brings a strong frame and in-pocket mobility with enough creativity to handle duress out of structure. And his quick-processing skills point to a successful starting NFL QB.

Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

A quarterback is unlikely at this