March 3, 2026, 2:15 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
This year’s edition of the “Underwear Olympics” is now in the books! And as always, our annual venture into Indianapolis, Ind. has given us a better look into the upcoming draft.<\/p>\n
So, which prospects improved on their stock most?<\/p>\n
Here is our latest first-round mock heading out of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine . . .<\/p>\n
Mendoza almost literally didn’t have to lift a finger at Lucas Oil Stadium this past week.<\/p>\n
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion is a lock to the Raiders here at No. 1.<\/p>\n 2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE\/LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n Reese registered the fastest 40-yard dash (4.46 seconds) amongst all edge defenders in Indy.<\/p>\n That might’ve woken up Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who would be able to use the versatile All-American as a dynamic chess piece on his defense.<\/p>\n 3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech<\/p>\n Right behind Reese in the 40 was Bailey, who clocked the second-fastest time at the position (4.50 seconds).<\/p>\n Arizona adds a ready-to-rush outside linebacker to pair with standout Josh Sweat.<\/p>\n 4. Tennessee Titans<\/a>: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami<\/p>\n Bain’s lack of arm length was one of the hot topics at the combine, and his measurements could take him out of the equation for some teams.<\/p>\n But that might not be the case for in Tennessee, where new Titans head coach Robert Saleh finds his three-down dog off the edge.<\/p>\n 5. New York Giants<\/a>: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami<\/p>\n Word is that the Giants are seeking to establish a ground-and-pound identity on offense under their new head coach, John Harbaugh.<\/p>\n If that’s the case, Mauigoa’s nastiness can help set the tone in the rushing game and provide some much-needed protection\u2014at right tackle or at guard\u2014for quarterback Jaxson Dart.<\/p>\n 6. Cleveland Browns<\/a>: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n Cleveland may be out on an offensive lineman with their first first-rounder after trading for<\/a> starting right tackle Tytus Howard on Monday.<\/p>\n That move could clear the way for the Browns to secure their potential No. 1 wideout in Tate.<\/p>\n The Commanders will look to maximize the talents of soon-to-be third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.<\/p>\n Love and his presence not only make Daniels an even greater threat as a rusher, but the unanimous All-American can also serve as a home-run threat in the passing game.<\/p>\n Styles may have been the biggest winner from the combine\u2014where he led the linebackers with the fastest 40-yard dash (4.46 seconds) and 10-yard split (1.56 seconds) as well as the highest vertical jump (43.5 inches) and longest broad jump (11 feet, two inches).<\/p>\n That athletic profile, especially for a 6-foot-5, 244-pounder, could be too much to pass up for Saints general manager Mickey Loomis.<\/p>\n 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah<\/p>\n The Chiefs have reportedly informed<\/a> right tackle right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the new league year.<\/p>\n Fano\u2014amongst all offensive linemen\u2014finished with the second-fastest 40-yard dash (4.91 seconds), the third-quickest 10-yard split (1.72 seconds), the top three-cone time (7.34 seconds) and the fourth-best 20-yard shuttle (4.67 seconds).<\/p>\n 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n