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FILE – Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza holds the trophy after Indiana defeated Miami in a College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami Gardens, Fla., Jan. 19, 2026,<\/p>\n
Lynne Sladky\/AP<\/p>\n
FILE – Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) gets past a tackle-attempt by Virginia linebacker Kam Robinson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend, Ind.<\/p>\n
Michael Caterina\/AP<\/p>\n
FILE – Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles plays against Penn State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.<\/p>\n
Jay LaPrete\/AP<\/p>\n
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey (31) watches a position drill during the school’s NFL football pro day, Thursday, March 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas.<\/p>\n
Annie Rice\/AP<\/p>\n
Fernando Mendoza will get a chance to learn from Kirk Cousins before the Las Vegas Raiders give him an opportunity to start.<\/p>\n
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The only question surrounding the Heisman Trophy winner is when he\u2019ll make his debut.<\/p>\n
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Mendoza, who led Indiana to its first national championship, is an overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1-overall pick in the NFL draft next Thursday. He won\u2019t be in Pittsburgh to hear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announce his name, choosing instead to celebrate his big night with family and friends in Miami.<\/p>\n
The intrigue starts with the second pick. Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese was widely considered the choice for the New York Jets but Texas Tech edge David Bailey has gained momentum.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the third 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 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. Cousins gives Mendoza a mentor in the QB room. Part-owner Tom Brady can provide Mendoza with valuable advice. 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
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2. New York Jets: ARVELL REESE, EDGE RUSHER, OHIO STATE<\/p>\n
We\u2019re sticking with Reese. He\u2019s 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 who can make an immediate impact for the Jets.<\/p>\n
3. Arizona Cardinals: DAVID BAILEY, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS TECH<\/p>\n
Bailey is another immensely athletic edge with elite upside. The Cardinals could trade down to add more draft assets or look at bolstering the offensive line. Bailey would join Josh Sweat to give Arizona two pass rushers who can create havoc.<\/p>\n
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4. Tennessee Titans: JEREMIYAH LOVE, RUNNING BACK, NOTRE DAME<\/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 Love or giving new coach Robert Saleh a star on defense: edge Rueben Bain Jr. and linebacker Sonny Styles. If general manager Mike Borgonzi sticks with the best available player, it\u2019s Love.<\/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 they\u2019d have their choice of best offensive lineman in the draft at this spot but Styles is a supremely gifted defensive player.<\/p>\n
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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 added three veteran offensive linemen but still could target a tackle. Tate gives them a No. 1 receiver that\u2019s hard to pass up.<\/p>\n
7. Washington Commanders: MANSOOR DELANE, CORNERBACK, LSU<\/p>\n
Delane is the best cover corner in the draft. He\u2019ll provide a significant boost for a defense that\u2019s thin in the secondary.<\/p>\n
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8. New Orleans Saints: 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 Saints.<\/p>\n
9. Kansas City Chiefs: FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, MIAMI<\/p>\n
Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle who would replace Jawaan Taylor and provide Patrick Mahomes more protection. Getting Mahomes a playmaking receiver is also an option. So is an edge rusher. But Mauigoa is strong value slipping to this spot.<\/p>\n
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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. Downs has top-five talent but only slips because of potential value.<\/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
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12. Dallas Cowboys: 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, which Jerry Jones emphasized last year after trading Micah Parsons.<\/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
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14. Baltimore Ravens: OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, GUARD, PENN STATE<\/p>\n
Ioane fills a big need for the Ravens on the interior of their offensive line 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. A trade down to add more picks also is a possibility.<\/p>\n
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16. New York Jets: DENZEL BOSTON, WIDE RECEIVER, WASHINGTON<\/p>\n
Boston is strong, fast and has elite ball skills. He has the frame (6-foot-4, 212) of receivers that new offensive coordinator Frank Reich has relied on in his system. The Jets could trade down and still get Boston or Omar Cooper Jr. and stockpile even more picks.<\/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
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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. If Sadiq is available, they\u2019d get the best tight end in the draft at this spot, giving Bryce Young a potential favorite target.<\/p>\n
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20. Dallas Cowboys: JERMOD MCCOY, CORNERBACK, TENNESSEE<\/p>\n
McCoy is a consistent corner with outstanding ball skills often mocked to the Cowboys at No. 12. Dallas gets a defensive back who can anchor the secondary.<\/p>\n
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: MONROE FREELING, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA<\/p>\n
Freeling has elite athleticism and is considered a potential top-10 pick. He just needs more experience after starting one season on the right side. Freeling has the athletic ability to adapt to a new spot.<\/p>\n
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22. Los Angeles Chargers: PETER WOODS, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSON<\/p>\n
Woods is a powerful, versatile defensive lineman who fits the type of player coach Jim Harbaugh wants on defense.<\/p>\n
23. Philadelphia Eagles: BLAKE MILLER, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSON<\/p>\n
Miller started 54 games in college and can step in right away and play if the Eagles need him. He provides an eventual successor to right tackle Lane Johnson.<\/p>\n
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24. Cleveland Browns: 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. He makes it three straight Clemson players in this mock.<\/p>\n
25. Chicago Bears: ZION YOUNG, EDGE RUSHER, MISSOURI<\/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. Young is a disruptive force who brings energy and leadership.<\/p>\n
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26. Buffalo Bills: CASHIUS HOWELL, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS A&M<\/p>\n
Despite acquiring D.J. Moore, another playmaking receiver is an option. Edge also is a priority and Howell has proven he gets to the quarterback and finishes.<\/p>\n
27. San Francisco 49ers: K.C. CONCEPCION, WIDE RECEIVER, TEXAS A&M<\/p>\n
Concepcion is a speedy, elusive wideout who gives Brock Purdy and the 49ers a top target and another playmaker on offense. Despite signing Mike Evans in free agency, San Francisco can\u2019t pass up a confident player who already declared he\u2019s the best receiver in the draft.<\/p>\n
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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: OMAR COOPER JR., WIDE RECEIVER, INDIANA<\/p>\n
After giving Mahomes a blocker with the ninth pick, the Chiefs add a potential top target late in the round. Cooper is a versatile playmaker who is known for getting yards after the catch.<\/p>\n
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30. Miami Dolphins: AVIEON TERRELL, CORNERBACK, CLEMSON<\/p>\n
Terrell is an athletic cornerback who is projected higher in the draft. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is a possibility if he\u2019s still available but the Dolphins signed Malik Willis.<\/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
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32. Seattle Seahawks: JADARIAN PRICE, RUNNING BACK, NOTRE DAME<\/p>\n
Price replaces the departed Super Bowl MVP and provides the Seahawks with a natural runner in the backfield. With Kenneth Walker III gone and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a knee injury, Price fills a need. Seattle could trade out of the first round, add more picks and potentially get Price early in the second.<\/p>\n
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