He doesn\u2019t have to do anything else to improve his draft positioning.<\/p>\n
The Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship is an overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick when the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock on April 23.<\/p>\n
The rest of the NFL draft isn\u2019t that clear-cut. The only other quarterback expected to go in the first round is Alabama\u2019s Ty Simpson, whose stock is rising among analysts.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the second edition of the AP\u2019s 2026 mock draft in order of picks:<\/p>\n
1. Las Vegas Raiders: FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANA<\/p>\n
Mendoza<\/a> is a precise pocket passer with prototypical size, poise and maturity. The Raiders have some playmakers \u2014 Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty \u2014 and spent more than a quarter-billion in free agency. Having part-owner Tom Brady around for advice should help Mendoza. The Raiders haven\u2019t won a playoff game since losing the Super Bowl following the 2002 season and have only reached the postseason twice in that span. They need Mendoza to be a franchise QB.<\/p>\n 2. New York Jets: ARVELL REESE, EDGE RUSHER, OHIO STATE<\/p>\n Reese is a freak athlete \u2014 he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash \u2014 who played off-ball linebacker and standup edge. He has the talent to be an elite edge rusher and the Jets need a can\u2019t-miss prospect. New York added defensive help in free agency and via trade. Reese should make an immediate impact.<\/p>\n 3. Arizona Cardinals: FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, MIAMI<\/p>\n The Cardinals under first-year coach Mike LaFleur didn\u2019t make a big splash in free agency other than releasing Kyler Murray. They\u2019ll rebuild through the draft. Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle who would instantly upgrade Arizona\u2019s offensive line if the Cardinals stay at this spot and don\u2019t trade down to add draft capital.<\/p>\n 4. Tennessee Titans: DAVID BAILEY, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS TECH<\/p>\n The Titans reloaded in free agency, revamping the secondary and adding depth on defense along with another target for Cam Ward in wide receiver Wan\u2019Dale Robinson. They have a tough choice here between running back Jeremiyah Love and two of the top edge rushers in the draft. Bailey is another immensely athletic edge with elite upside. New coach Robert Saleh can\u2019t pass him up.<\/p>\n 5. New York Giants: SONNY STYLES, LINEBACKER, OHIO STATE<\/p>\n Styles\u2019 impressive combine performance helped him soar into the top five on many draft boards. Protecting Jaxson Dart is a priority for the Giants so offensive line is an option at this spot but Styles is a supremely gifted defensive player.<\/p>\n 6. Cleveland Browns: CARNELL TATE, WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATE<\/p>\n Tate is a consistent route runner with excellent hands and enough speed to be a top playmaker. The Browns need offensive line help and a trade down makes sense for a team that needs assets. Tate gives them a No. 1 receiver.<\/p>\n 7. Washington Commanders: RUEBEN BAIN JR., EDGE RUSHER, MIAMI<\/p>\n Bain is a versatile rusher who can line up on the edge or inside against guards, creating mismatches. He\u2019ll be a huge asset for the Commanders.<\/p>\n 8. New Orleans Saints: MANSOOR DELANE, CORNERBACK, LSU<\/p>\n Delane is the best cover corner in the draft. He\u2019ll provide a significant boost for a Saints defense that lost starting cornerback Alontae Taylor in free agency.<\/p>\n 9. Kansas City Chiefs: SPENCER FANO, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAH<\/p>\n The Chiefs need to help Patrick Mahomes with better blocking and more receivers. Adding Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in free agency improves the run game. Fano\u2019s arm length became a topic after the Super Bowl but he has the natural talent to succeed.<\/p>\n 10. Cincinnati Bengals: CALEB DOWNS, SAFETY, OHIO STATE<\/p>\n Downs is an elite, versatile playmaker who strengthens a porous defense that has held the Bengals back in recent years.<\/p>\n 11. Miami Dolphins: MAKAI LEMON, WIDE RECEIVER, USC<\/p>\n After trading Jaylen Waddle and releasing Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins need to get Malik Willis a top receiver. Lemon is an elite playmaker who creates matchup nightmares for defenses in the slot.<\/p>\n 12. Dallas Cowboys: JEREMIYAH LOVE, RUNNING BACK, NOTRE DAME<\/p>\n Love is a top five talent but if he somehow slips, Jerry Jones can\u2019t pass up giving the offense a playmaker who can go the distance every touch.<\/p>\n 13. Los Angeles Rams: JORDON TYSON, WIDE RECEIVER, ARIZONA STATE<\/p>\n He\u2019s an exceptional route-runner with speed who catches the ball in traffic. The Rams were interested in some high-profile wideouts so drafting Tyson upgrades a dynamic group that includes All-Pro Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.<\/p>\n 14. Baltimore Ravens: OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, GUARD, PENN STATE<\/p>\n Ioane, who starred at Graham-Kapowsin High School, fills a big need for the Ravens and fits their run-blocking scheme nicely.<\/p>\n 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: KELDRIC FAULK, EDGE RUSHER, AUBURN<\/p>\n Scouts rave about Faulk\u2019s leadership and he has obvious talent. The Buccaneers need a standout pass rusher and Faulk\u2019s the type of player who fits general manager Jason Licht\u2019s character criteria.<\/p>\n 16. New York Jets: TY SIMPSON, QUARTERBACK, ALABAMA<\/p>\n Simpson could finally be New York\u2019s long-term answer at quarterback. His stock has risen since the combine and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said he\u2019s the best quarterback in the draft. Simpson said: \u201cI\u2019m a program changer.\u201d The Jets need that.<\/p>\n 17. Detroit Lions: KADYN PROCTOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ALABAMA<\/p>\n Proctor started at left tackle as a freshman and allowed just two sacks in his three seasons. He has great size \u2014 6-foot-7, 352 pounds \u2014 and plenty of athleticism. Proctor even had five runs for 16 yards.<\/p>\n 18. Minnesota Vikings: DILLON THIENEMAN, SAFETY, OREGON<\/p>\n Thieneman had an impressive combine, running a 4.36 40-yard dash that was faster than some of the NFL\u2019s best receivers. A three-year starter, he\u2019ll step right into Brian Flores\u2019 defense.<\/p>\n 19. Carolina Panthers: KENYON SADIQ, TIGHT END, OREGON<\/p>\n The Panthers improved their defense in free agency by adding edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. They get the best tight end in the draft at this spot, giving Bryce Young a potential favorite target.<\/p>\n 20. Dallas Cowboys: JERMOD MCCOY, CORNERBACK, TENNESSEE<\/p>\n McCoy is a consistent player with outstanding ball skills often mocked to the Cowboys at No. 12. If he\u2019s around this late, Dallas gets a player who can anchor the secondary.<\/p>\n 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: BLAKE MILLER, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSON<\/p>\n Miller started 54 games in college and can step in right away and play for the Steelers, who need to strengthen their line.<\/p>\n 22. Los Angeles Chargers: AKHEEM MESIDOR, EDGE RUSHER, MIAMI<\/p>\n Mesidor is an older prospect at age 25 but his talent is clear on video. He\u2019ll generate pressure from the outside and is solid against the run.<\/p>\n 23. Philadelphia Eagles: CALEB LOMU, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAH<\/p>\n The Eagles often take offensive or defensive linemen in the first round and have a need. Lomu is an eventual successor to Lane Johnson at right tackle.<\/p>\n 24. Cleveland Browns: DENZEL BOSTON, WIDE RECEIVER, UW HUSKIES<\/p>\n Boston, an Emerald Ridge High School product, is strong, fast and has elite ball skills. He\u2019ll be an excellent fit for whoever ends up at quarterback for Cleveland.<\/p>\n 25. Chicago Bears: CASHIUS HOWELL, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS A&M<\/p>\n The Bears lost several starters in the secondary and adding a defensive back is an option but a strong rusher also helps significantly. Howell has proven he gets to the quarterback and finishes.<\/p>\n 26. Buffalo Bills: ZION YOUNG, EDGE RUSHER, MISSOURI<\/p>\n Despite acquiring D.J. Moore, another playmaking receiver is an option. Edge also is a priority and Young is a disruptive force who brings energy and leadership.<\/p>\n 27. San Francisco 49ers: MONROE FREELING, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA<\/p>\n Freeling has elite athleticism and just needs more experience after starting just one season on the right side. He has the athletic ability to adapt to a new spot and potentially switch sides for San Francisco.<\/p>\n 28. Houston Texans: KAYDEN MCDONALD, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, OHIO STATE<\/p>\n McDonald is another Buckeyes player going in the first round. He\u2019s a natural run defender who\u2019ll clog the middle of the line.<\/p>\n 29. Kansas City Chiefs: AVIEON TERRELL, CORNERBACK, CLEMSON<\/p>\n Terrell is an athletic cornerback who is projected higher in the draft. He immediately gives the Chiefs a replacement for Trent McDuffie.<\/p>\n 30. Miami Dolphins: T.J. PARKER, EDGE RUSHER, CLEMSON<\/p>\n Parker\u2019s production dipped after big numbers in 2024 but he\u2019s a strong, powerful edge with potential to flourish.<\/p>\n 31. New England Patriots: MAX IHEANACHOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ARIZONA STATE<\/p>\n Iheanachor is an athletic former basketball player with ideal size who will need time to develop but projects as a potential starter right away.<\/p>\n 32. Seattle Seahawks: BRANDON CISSE, CORNERBACK, SOUTH CAROLINA<\/p>\n The Super Bowl champions improve the league\u2019s best defense by adding another defensive back from South Carolina after hitting the jackpot with Nick Emmanwori last year.<\/p>\n Who will Seattle Seahawks draft in 1st round? 6 prospects to know<\/a><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774500452_954_Seattle-Seahawks_830x100.jpg\")
\t