2026 NFL Nation mock draft: First-round predictions - ESPN

It's the season for mock drafts, so what's one more? Our NFL Nation reporters shared their expertise by making first-round selections for their teams as we close in on the opening pick of the 2026 NFL draft Thursday (8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) in Pittsburgh.

There was no surprise who would go No. 1, but how things unfolded thereafter is the mystery NFL fans have been waiting for — especially with six teams now holding two first-round picks after the Cincinnati Bengals traded the No. 10 pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II over the weekend.

So, how many quarterbacks went in the first round? Which pass rusher ultimately came off the board? Stay tuned to find out.

You can watch the full mock draft here, but without further ado, here are the picks:

Ryan McFadden's pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Las Vegas is ushering in a new era with coach Klint Kubiak and second-year general manager John Spytek. There's no better way to do that than by taking the Heisman Trophy winner who can solidify the future of the quarterback position. Mendoza's accuracy and decision-making will mesh well with Kubiak's system. More importantly, the coach wants winners on his team, and Mendoza is fresh off leading Indiana to the national championship. Time will tell whether Mendoza will be the Week 1 starter or if that role will go to Kirk Cousins. One thing is certain: The Raiders will have a short- and long-term answer at quarterback, something they haven't had in quite some time.

Rich Cimini's pick: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

The Jets spent most of their free agent money on their defense, but they still need a dynamic presence in the front seven. Bailey, with 14.5 sacks last season, can be that player.