{"id":543654,"date":"2026-04-06T11:36:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T11:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/543654\/"},"modified":"2026-04-06T11:36:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T11:36:30","slug":"predicting-2026-nfl-draft-picks-1-100-starting-with-fernando-mendoza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/543654\/","title":{"rendered":"Predicting 2026 NFL Draft picks 1-100, starting with Fernando Mendoza"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026 NFL Draft<\/a> won\u2019t likely be remembered for its quarterback strength or an overflow of offensive skill talent, but rather for its impact on the modern game. This class lacks firepower in the traditional sense, but its depth at tight end, linebacker and safety, specifically, should provide opportunities for teams to level up their X-factor departments.<\/p>\n

There are big linebackers who can run like safeties, safeties who can hit like big linebackers and tight ends who can outrun all of those defenders. As always, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our latest look at a three-round mock for the 2026 NFL Draft:<\/p>\n

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana<\/p>\n

Not only does this pairing feel like a lock, but Las Vegas\u2019 addition of Kirk Cousins<\/a> makes the situation Mendoza is about to enter that much better. Mendoza still will have a chance to start as a rookie, but either way, he\u2019ll be able to pick the brain of a proven veteran \u2014 one who will be more than gracious with sharing knowledge.<\/p>\n

This was a good fit before; it feels like a great one now.<\/p>\n

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB\/edge, Ohio State<\/p>\n

The Jets didn\u2019t trade off all their valuable assets last year to save up for a future quarterback. They did it to rebuild a broken roster. New York needs to be in best-player-available mode throughout the 2026 draft. At No. 2, that\u2019s Reese, a front-seven terror who can perform in any system.<\/p>\n

3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

The Cardinals could do just about anything here (including taking an offensive tackle or Sonny Styles). But it\u2019s pretty impossible to ignore everything Bailey puts on the table as a twitched-up, savvy and productive edge rusher. His bag of tricks is deep, and he could produce a bunch of sacks sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n

4. Tennessee Titans: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State<\/p>\n

All gas, no brakes. Starting the Robert Saleh era with the 2026 NFL Draft\u2019s most versatile defensive piece \u2014 and one of the best front seven athletes we\u2019ve ever seen \u2014 would be a bit of a gamble, based on Styles\u2019 position. But Styles\u2019 ceiling and potential fit with Saleh could be too much to pass up.<\/p>\n

5. New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

Throughout John Harbaugh\u2019s run with Lamar Jackson, the head coach generally made sure his quarterback\u2019s best friend was a powerful and dynamic run game. Love is my top-ranked player in this class<\/a> \u2014 a true three-down weapon and an offensive coordinator\u2019s dream. I believe he\u2019s a better prospect than Ashton Jeanty was a year ago and belongs in the Bijan Robinson-Jahmyr Gibbs tier.<\/p>\n

6. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami<\/p>\n

The Browns could have their choice of tackles this year, even if that\u2019s not a guarantee. If the board falls as it did here, though, we could find out if Cleveland prefers Mauigoa or Utah\u2019s Spencer Fano. Either way, Cleveland would be in a great spot to fill a big need at tackle.<\/p>\n

7. Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami<\/p>\n

Bain is a jackhammer. His underwhelming arm length isn\u2019t irrelevant, but jackhammers find a way to make it work. His hands are lethal, his power is tremendous and \u2014 if he\u2019s motivated to prove people wrong \u2014 this could be a steal.<\/p>\n

8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State<\/p>\n

The Saints also could go in a few different directions, and despite the recent addition of Travis Etienne Jr., their list probably should include Love \u2014 GM Mickey Loomis could be looking for an Alvin Kamara replacement.<\/p>\n

As with Tet McMillan a year ago, Tate\u2019s 40 time didn\u2019t wow anyone \u2014 and no one should really care. He\u2019s an ascending weapon.<\/p>\n

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State<\/p>\n

Tackle could be an option for Kansas City, depending on how the board shakes out. But Downs has the potential to help transform a defensive culture and give a D-coordinator new wrinkles almost immediately. He\u2019s not Kyle Hamilton, but he\u2019s the smartest defender \u2014 and best tackler \u2014 in this class.<\/p>\n

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU<\/p>\n

Delane was one of college football\u2019s best man-coverage defenders for a few years running. His patience, confidence and burst out of his backpedal are as consistent as the day is long.<\/p>\n

11. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

This feels like the floor for whoever\u2019s left of the Fano-Mauigoa duo. Fano\u2019s blend of athleticism and power makes him a very intriguing run blocker, and he probably could play right or left tackle in the NFL, despite some length concerns.<\/p>\n

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee<\/p>\n

If McCoy is healthy and at the level he played as a sophomore in 2024, he\u2019s probably CB1 in this class. There\u2019s still some mystery here, though, as we haven\u2019t seen McCoy play a game since his knee injury more than a year ago.<\/p>\n

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia<\/p>\n

It wouldn\u2019t be surprising if Freeling were to jump into the top 10 \u2014 his combination of size and athleticism is off the charts. He\u2019s still very unproven as a true junior and has limited starting experience with flashes of inconsistency, but his ceiling is outstanding.<\/p>\n

14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State<\/p>\n

The Ravens\u2019 top order of business has to be fixing the Tyler Linderbaum-sized hole directly in front of Jackson. Ioane is not a center, of course, but his presence as a powerhouse run blocker with a great anchor in pass pro could be exactly what the Ravens need.<\/p>\n

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn<\/p>\n

Faulk is 2025 first-rounder Mykel Williams without the injury history. One of the youngest players in the class, Faulk\u2019s potential (at 6 feet 6 and 276 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms) is pretty wild. Todd Bowles could have fun with this pick.<\/p>\n

16. New York Jets (from IND): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon<\/p>\n

The Jets need help everywhere, including at receiver, so this would kill two birds with one stone \u2014 Sadiq runs like a wideout and blocks like a tight end. This also might be too low for the Oregon star, who is the prototype of a modern tight end prospect and the best of a great 2026 TE class.<\/p>\n

17. Detroit Lions: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah<\/p>\n

The Lions likely will move Penei Sewell to left tackle next season, potentially opening the door for either veteran Larry Borom or a rookie to take over at RT. Lomu (like Fano, his linemate at Utah) is athletic enough to play on either side \u2014 and he\u2019s young enough to benefit from a situation like this.<\/p>\n

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon<\/p>\n

A complete athlete with a nose for the ball and enough versatility to play either safety spot (and a bit in the slot), Thieneman feels like almost too good a fit for the Vikings for it to come true. He\u2019s exactly what they\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n

19. Carolina Panthers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson<\/p>\n

A former high-level wrestler, four-year starter and team captain, Miller plays with great consistency and has the football IQ to make up for his penchant for playing tall. He may never dominate, but he could start for a decade.<\/p>\n

20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia<\/p>\n

Kirby Smart\u2019s prototype for what a Georgia linebacker should be, Allen is not only a dynamic playmaker all over the box, but also a coach on the field who could wear the green dot as a rookie.<\/p>\n

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State<\/p>\n

When healthy, Tyson is the most complete receiver in this class. He blocks, he runs clean and precise routes and he\u2019s great in the air. He can wear multiple hats within a WR room \u2014 but his injury history is a concern.<\/p>\n

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami<\/p>\n

Mesidor also comes with some injury baggage, especially for an older player. But he\u2019s going to arrive in the NFL ready to roll as a three-down edge who is terrific versus the run, while mixing power and savvy as a pass rusher. He\u2019ll compete for time on day one.<\/p>\n

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State<\/p>\n

Iheanachor is more tools and traits than he is a polished product right now, but his athletic potential (as a right or left tackle) is tremendous. Late to football (he didn\u2019t play in high school), Iheanachor is an ascending talent who could grow into a long-term starter.<\/p>\n

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Makai Lemon, WR, USC<\/p>\n

One of the most QB-friendly targets in this class, Lemon is a terrific route runner with great control and burst at the top of routes. He\u2019s probably quicker than fast, but the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder consistently plays bigger than his frame, especially in the air.<\/p>\n

25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo<\/p>\n

A dynamic athlete, not only is McNeil-Warren (6-3, 209) ripping with hybrid potential, but he\u2019s also capable of playing either safety spot. DT is also a need for the Bears, but McNeil-Warren \u2014 and his tremendous instincts against the run \u2014 would be hard to pass up at No. 25.<\/p>\n

26. Buffalo Bills: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n

A former dual-threat quarterback, Rodriguez is another ascending talent who hasn\u2019t been at his position long. However, he\u2019s extremely instinctive and a natural fit inside the middle of a defense. He\u2019s a bit light, but his eyes are like tractor beams for the ball.<\/p>\n

27. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama<\/p>\n

The most physically impressive human in this draft class, Proctor (6-7, 352) has rare body control for his size. Physically, he has All-Pro potential. On the field, however, he can be inconsistent in protection and might need a year on the bench (or some time at guard) before being trusted as a blindside protector.<\/p>\n

28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State<\/p>\n

The Texans have done a great job on the edge up front, pairing young star Will Anderson Jr. with Danielle Hunter. Up next: adding to their interior. McDonald is a big, powerful, ascending three-down defensive tackle.<\/p>\n

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington<\/p>\n

This might be the floor for Boston, but it\u2019s also a good illustration of how far the \u201926 receivers could slide based on team needs. Boston would give the Chiefs a downfield threat savvy enough to work across the formation.<\/p>\n

30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson<\/p>\n

As far as draft range this year, corners and receivers are in the same boat. Terrell is a top-20 talent in this class, but there\u2019s a real chance someone at the bottom of the first winds up with a bit of a steal. Here, it\u2019s Miami.<\/p>\n

31. New England Patriots: Zion Young, edge, Missouri<\/p>\n

Young saved his best for last at Missouri. Though he can be a bit stiff on the edge, his length (at 6-5, 255) and powerful hands are problematic for offensive tackles. He\u2019s also a very smart defender who always finds the ball.<\/p>\n

32. Seattle Seahawks: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

This might be too early for RB2, but if Seattle falls in love with a playmaker such as Notre Dame\u2019s Jadarian Price and wants to pull the trigger, it would not be a shock.<\/p>\n

In this mock, though, they add Howell. Despite some size concerns, he is all gas off the edge and could be a terror on third down.<\/p>\n

Round 233. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama<\/p>\n

Simpson hearing his name in the back half of Round 1 wouldn\u2019t surprise anyone; I just have a hard time stamping him as a first-rounder based on the little evidence we have. He has NFL starting-caliber traits, but whether or not he puts them together remains a guess at best.<\/p>\n

34. Arizona Cardinals: Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCF35. Tennessee Titans: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon36. Las Vegas Raiders: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana37. New York Giants: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M38. Houston Texans (from WAS): Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M39. Cleveland Browns: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech40. Kansas City Chiefs: R Mason Thomas, edge, Oklahoma41. Cincinnati Bengals: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson42. New Orleans Saints: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson43. Miami Dolphins: Dani Dennis-Sutton, edge, Penn State44. New York Jets (from DAL): Gabe Jacas, edge, Illinois45. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida<\/p>\n

Two foot injuries in less than a year will bump Banks down the board, but how far? When healthy, he is DT1 in this class and an easy first-round pick. He could be a steal for someone, depending on his medicals.<\/p>\n

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee47. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas48. Atlanta Falcons: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia49. Minnesota Vikings: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a non-zero chance they\u2019ll be writing books one day about the time Price somehow backed up Love in college. Do not sleep on the former \u2014 he\u2019ll earn starting touches somewhere as a rookie.<\/p>\n

50. Detroit Lions: Derrick Moore, edge, Michigan51. Carolina Panthers: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt52. Green Bay Packers: D\u2019Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina54. Philadelphia Eagles: Keyron Crawford, edge, Auburn55. Los Angeles Chargers: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati57. Chicago Bears: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State58. San Francisco 49ers: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama59. Houston Texans: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State60. Chicago Bears (from BUF): Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee61. Los Angeles Rams: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State62. Denver Broncos: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State63. New England Patriots: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame64. Seattle Seahawks: Emmett Johnson, RB, NebraskaRound 365. Arizona Cardinals: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU<\/p>\n

When he\u2019s healthy, Nussmeier probably doesn\u2019t rate much lower than Simpson. He has terrific arm talent and is a smart player, but he also comes with size and consistency concerns. I believe he can turn into a high-level backup and a capable spot starter.<\/p>\n

66. Tennessee Titans: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State67. Las Vegas Raiders: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern68. Philadelphia Eagles (from NYJ): Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson69. Houston Texans (from NYG): Austin Barber, OT, Florida70. Cleveland Browns: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State71. Washington Commanders: Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona72. Cincinnati Bengals: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri73. New Orleans Saints: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville74. Kansas City Chiefs: Devin Moore, CB, Florida75. Miami Dolphins: Gennings Dunker, G\/T, Iowa76. Pittsburgh Steelers (from DAL): A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU77. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh78. Indianapolis Colts: LT Overton, edge, Alabama79. Atlanta Falcons: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia<\/p>\n

A bulldog in college, Branch is my favorite Georgia receiver prospect since Ladd McConkey. And though the two are different players, they provide a similar service: being extremely dependable and crafty after the catch.<\/p>\n

80. Baltimore Ravens: Keionte Scott, S, Miami81. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET): Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke82. Minnesota Vikings: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State83. Carolina Panthers: Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky84. Green Bay Packers: Romello Height, edge, Texas Tech85. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State<\/p>\n

A big quarterback with elite rushing skills, Payton is an unproven passer who had just one year of starting experience on the FCS level. He plays with more poise than he has business owning, however. His mechanics need work, but there\u2019s interesting potential.<\/p>\n

86. Los Angeles Chargers: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida87. Miami Dolphins (from PHI): Sam Roush, TE, Stanford88. Jacksonville Jaguars: Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State89. Chicago Bears: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri90. Miami Dolphins (from HOU): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State91. Buffalo Bills: Joshua Josephs, edge, Tennessee92. Dallas Cowboys (from SF): Anthony Lucas, edge, USC93. Los Angeles Rams: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana94. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State95. New England Patriots: Markel Bell, OT, Miami96. Seattle Seahawks: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas97. Minnesota Vikings: Connor Lew, C, Auburn98. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina State99. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kage Casey, OT, Boise State100. Jacksonville Jaguars (from DET): Jaishawn Barham, edge, Michigan<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2026 NFL Draft won\u2019t likely be remembered for its quarterback strength or an overflow of offensive skill…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":543655,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[462],"tags":[916,4813,2078,2077,4443,13109,14332,1558,354,6832,20142,2079,5045,5,17255,32281,13107,2075,17351,40216,17990,10548,5046,4814,40449,7908,920,1812,4,465,466,2076,14758,18710,17256,10654,6127,919],"class_list":{"0":"post-543654","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nhl-draft","8":"tag-arizona-cardinals","9":"tag-atlanta-falcons","10":"tag-baltimore-ravens","11":"tag-buffalo-bills","12":"tag-carolina-panthers","13":"tag-chicago-bears","14":"tag-cincinnati-bengals","15":"tag-cleveland-browns","16":"tag-college-football","17":"tag-dallas-cowboys","18":"tag-denver-broncos","19":"tag-detroit-lions","20":"tag-green-bay-packers","21":"tag-hockey","22":"tag-houston-texans","23":"tag-indianapolis-colts","24":"tag-jacksonville-jaguars","25":"tag-kansas-city-chiefs","26":"tag-las-vegas-raiders","27":"tag-los-angeles-chargers","28":"tag-los-angeles-rams","29":"tag-miami-dolphins","30":"tag-minnesota-vikings","31":"tag-new-england-patriots","32":"tag-new-orleans-saints","33":"tag-new-york-giants","34":"tag-new-york-jets","35":"tag-nfl","36":"tag-nhl","37":"tag-nhl-draft","38":"tag-nhl-entry-draft","39":"tag-philadelphia-eagles","40":"tag-pittsburgh-steelers","41":"tag-san-francisco-49ers","42":"tag-seattle-seahawks","43":"tag-tampa-bay-buccaneers","44":"tag-tennessee-titans","45":"tag-washington-commanders"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/543654","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=543654"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/543654\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/543655"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=543654"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=543654"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=543654"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}