The 2026 NFL Draft will be here before you know it. As we have said for months now, this class just does not have the desired top-end talent that other classes have had, as there doesn't seem to be many slam-dunk first-round picks, especially at the QB position.
It's not an ideal reality for some of these teams that simply need more talented players. We could see a more aggressive free agency period because of this, and that could make for an exciting month of March, when free agency officially begins.
Let's get into an updated first-round mock draft that has a quarterback shock near the top.
Updated first-round mock draft predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza is the only logical choice here for the Las Vegas Raiders. Moving on.
2. New York Jets - Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Arvell Reese should be the pick. He has some of the highest upside of any player in the NFL Draft class.
3. Arizona Cardinals - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs might be the best non-quarterback prospect in the class. Yes, he plays safety, but that just goes to show you how good of a prospect he truly is.
4. Tennessee Titans - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Giving Cam Ward a potentially elite rushing attack, now with Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator, is going to to wonders for his development.
5. New York Giants - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson can eventually pair up with Malik Nabers to form one of the best WR duos in the NFL.
6. Cleveland Browns - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Cleveland Browns snatch an Ohio State wide receiver at pick six to restock the offensive side of the ball.
7. Washington Commanders - Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Rueben Bain Jr is a bit undersized, but he's a good player and can get into the backfield.
8. New Orleans Saints - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
David Bailey is an insanely productive collegiate player, so that could absolutely translate into the NFL.