With the 2026 NFL Draft set for April 23, teams will soon be on the clock to select their talent of the future. For fans, waiting can be dreadful — so for many, now is the time to mock. Here is how I believe the top 10 picks could pan out.

Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The easiest of the Day 1 selections belongs to the Raiders, who will hope to land their franchise quarterback. Not only has the QB-needy team felt like a perfect pairing for some time, but the signing of Kirk Cousins makes the landing spot even better. Las Vegas splashed its cash in free agency — it even appointed a new, young, offense-oriented head coach. It’s only a matter of time before Mendoza is a Raider.

New York Jets, Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

New York, which at one time anticipated drafting Oregon QB Dante Moore, instead lands the safest player in the class. Reese is the best football player in the class, plain and simple. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound edge can line up anywhere on the line or off the ball, all while consistently putting on the best tape in the country — an easy selection for the Jets.

Arizona Cardinals, David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

Another edge, Bailey follows Reese as Arizona selects a defensive lineman in consecutive drafts. The Cardinals could go in a lot of directions with the pick, but a good young edge is a valuable asset in this league. The Red Raiders edge racked up 14.5 sacks and would make a strong addition to a weaker Cardinals defense.

Tennessee Titans, Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles lands in Tennessee in a “take the best player available” manner. Like Arizona, Tennessee has a few glaring holes worth addressing with this pick — Styles simply seems the most qualified player available. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound linebacker was a difference-maker all season on an outstanding Buckeyes defense.

New York Giants, Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

If not for positional value, Downs is another player who could climb the board. Early mocks had Downs going No. 1, which speaks to the caliber of player he is. The lockdown safety would join Sean Taylor and Eric Berry as the only No. 5 overall picks at the position — not bad for the Giants, who desperately need defensive backs.

Cleveland Browns, Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Tate makes it three Buckeyes in a row and four out of the top six picks. The standout receiver resembles previous wideouts to come out of Columbus in the past decade. Shades of Chris Olave, but more so Garrett Wilson, appear when watching Tate — a skill set Cleveland has needed for some time.

Washington Commanders, Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Washington addresses its gap at running back with the selection of Jeremiyah Love. The Notre Dame back is a true all-around weapon — a three-down back whose potential warrants the high pick. Additionally, Love and Jayden Daniels would be a threatening pairing — think Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore.

New Orleans Saints, Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

New Orleans feels like a very solid landing spot for Bain Jr. The Miami defensive lineman would be a versatile piece for an aging Saints defense. Bain Jr. isn’t a perfect prospect, but he was an absolute game-wrecker for a dominant Miami team last season — a risk worth taking for the Saints.

Kansas City Chiefs, Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Very few teams are in more need of a cornerback than the Chiefs, which McCoy could help address. The Tennessee corner has struggled with injury but shows Patrick Surtain II- and Derek Stingley Jr.-level potential. Mansoor Delane would also be a respectable pick, but McCoy’s upside can’t be ignored.

Cincinnati Bengals, Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Cincinnati has had a problem protecting Joe Burrow since drafting him first overall in 2020. Burrow has shown what he can do when in control, leading the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI — Fano feels like solid support in a system that isn’t broken yet. Francis Mauigoa out of Miami could also work, but the nod goes to Fano.