The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, and it all starts with a college football season that delivered legends in the making. From Heisman Trophy winners to game-changing defenders, this year’s draft class is packed with talent that could redefine the league. But here’s where it gets controversial: with so many elite prospects, which teams will make the right picks to secure their future? Let’s dive into Bucky Brooks’ Mock Draft 1.0 for NFL.com and explore the picks that could shake up the league.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The Raiders land the undisputed crown jewel of the draft: Fernando Mendoza. As the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and national championship quarterback, Mendoza is more than just a player—he’s a franchise-changer. At Indiana, he threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with just six interceptions, while adding 276 rushing yards and seven scores. If you’re looking for a quarterback to turn your team around, Mendoza is your guy. But is he really worth the No. 1 pick, or are teams overvaluing his college success?
2. New York Jets – LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
The Jets bolster their defense with Arvell Reese, a linebacker who dominated college football in 2025. With 69 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, Reese was a force to be reckoned with. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass game makes him an instant impact player. But will he live up to the hype in the pros, or is he just a product of Ohio State’s powerhouse defense?
3. Arizona Cardinals – OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Arizona addresses their offensive line woes with Spencer Fano, a versatile tackle who started 35 games at both right and left tackle. As an Outland Trophy finalist and Lombardi Award semifinalist, Fano is the kind of player who can anchor a line for years. But with so many needs, was this the right pick for the Cardinals, or should they have gone for a more immediate impact player?
4. Tennessee Titans – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Titans give quarterback Cam Ward a new weapon in Carnell Tate, a wide receiver who caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Tate’s big-play ability makes him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s offense. But in a draft deep with receivers, was Tate the best choice, or did the Titans miss out on a more polished prospect?
5. New York Giants – OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
The Giants continue the offensive line trend with Francis Mauigoa, a 6-foot-6, 335-pound tackle who helped Miami reach the national title game. His size and strength make him a prototypical NFL lineman. But with so much pressure on the Giants to improve, is Mauigoa the game-changer they need, or just another piece of the puzzle?
6. Cleveland Browns – OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
The Browns double down on offensive line help with Caleb Lomu, a first-team All-Big 12 selection who started all 12 games at left tackle for Utah in 2025. But with so many other positions needing attention, are the Browns focusing too much on one area?
7. Washington Commanders – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Washington adds a dynamic playmaker in Jordyn Tyson, who caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. Tyson’s ability to demand double teams makes him a game-changer. But can he translate his college success to the NFL, or will he struggle against tougher competition?
8. New Orleans Saints – EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
The Saints address their aging defense with David Bailey, a first-team AP All-American who recorded 13.5 sacks and 18.0 tackles for loss in 2025. But with Cameron Jordan’s future uncertain, is Bailey enough to revitalize the Saints’ pass rush?
9. Kansas City Chiefs – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
The Chiefs finally address their running back need with Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025. But in today’s pass-heavy NFL, is drafting a running back in the first round still a smart move?
10. Cincinnati Bengals – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The Bengals close out the top 10 with Caleb Downs, a versatile safety who won a national title at Ohio State after transferring from Alabama. But with so many offensive needs, was this the right pick for Cincinnati?
The rest of Brooks’ mock draft includes notable picks like Kenyon Sadiq to the Miami Dolphins and Sonny Styles to the Dallas Cowboys. But the real question is: which of these picks will pan out, and which will be remembered as misses? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—who do you think was the biggest steal, and who was the biggest reach?
