OutKick Mock Draft 3.0: Cowboys make big splash, Jets shore up shaky defense

The 2026 NFL Draft is upon us. Clay takes us through ALL things NFL Draft, are the Cardinals bluffing about wanting Jeremiyah Love?

With the 2026 NFL Draft kicking off on April 23 in Pittsburgh, it’s time to publish the final version of the OutKick Mock Draft.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to throw a pass during the school's NFL pro day in Bloomington, Indiana, on April 1, 2026. (AJ Mast/AP Photo)

The Raiders have tried to fill the Derek Carr-sized void at quarterback since they let the veteran quarterback walk after the 2022 NFL season. Rather than invest in the position through a high pick in the draft, the team has tried to patch the hole with several veterans (including Jimmy Garoppolo, Gardner Minshew, Geno Smith) and 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell. None of them worked. 

There are some rumblings that Mendoza might not go No. 1 overall, particularly when it was revealed that the Heisman Trophy and National Championship-winning quarterback wouldn't attend the draft in Pittsburgh. But attending the draft is becoming less and less common for players and I don't buy into that idea at all. Part of having the top pick isn't just about picking the right guy, but about winning the PR campaign. Teams want fans to be happy and Mendoza is the safest pick at the top of the board. There's just no way, in my opinion, that the Raiders don't select Mendoza.

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Obviously, the Jets need a long-term answer at quarterback, even after trading for veteran Geno Smith, but it just doesn't make sense to take one at No. 2 with Mendoza off the board. New York would be wise to try and trade out of this spot, but the Jets might not find a dance partner. If they stay here,