The 2026 NFL Draft is starting to take shape (we know where 28 of the teams will be slotted), and the quarterback position once again sits at the center of the conversation. As teams continue to search for long-term answers under center, this mock draft is built around the idea that the next wave of franchise quarterbacks could reshape the league. That said, with Oregon quarterback Dante Moore staying in school, we may not have very many quarterbacks on day one.
At the top of that group is Fernando Mendoza, whose development and production have put him firmly in the early No. 1 pick discussion. With multiple QB-needy teams likely picking near the top, the early portion of the draft will be tough to project as teams will have to pivot to secondary needs or simply “best player available” with few QBs worth reaching for.
Nov 15, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn ImagesThis 2026 NFL mock draft takes a big-picture view of how the first round could unfold if the draft were held today. Team needs, positional value, and long-term roster construction all play a role, especially for rebuilding franchises looking for foundational pieces. While Mendoza headlines the class, he is far from the only quarterback expected to draw heavy interest, and the depth of the position could push elite defensive and offensive prospects into intriguing landing spots. I personally don’t know if he’s the savior they need in the desert, but for now, the hype seems justified, and I think he’s going to be a Raider in 3 months.
2026 NFL Mock Draft v1.0
Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Jets – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State Cardinals – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State Titans – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech Giants – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State Browns – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL) Saints – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Chiefs – Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee Dolphins – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Cowboys – Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M Rams (via Falcons) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC Ravens – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson Buccaneers – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Jets (via Colts) – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida Lions – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State Vikings – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M Panthers – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington Packers (via Cowboys) – Christen Miller, DT, Georgia Steelers – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU Chargers – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson Eagles – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah Jaguars – R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma Bears – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State Bills – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL) 49ers – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas Texans – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia Rams – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon Patriots – Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia Seahawks – A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU Oct 17, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) escapes coverage against Louisville Cardinals offensive lineman Trevonte Sylvester (70) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesBetting on the Top Overall Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Betting markets are already sending a loud signal about how the top of the 2026 NFL Draft is expected to unfold, and the odds at DraftKings leave little room for debate. Fernando Mendoza sits as an overwhelming favorite to be selected first overall at −8000, a number that implies near certainty this far out from draft night. That price reflects both Mendoza’s trajectory as a franchise-caliber quarterback and the reality that QB-needy teams are once again likely to dominate the top of the board. In a market where uncertainty usually rules, this is one of the strongest “chalk” favorites you’ll ever see for a No. 1 pick.
Behind Mendoza, the field opens up quickly with longshot territory. Trinidad Chambliss (+3000) and Rueben Bain Jr. (+4000) lead the non-quarterback challengers, followed by Arvell Reese (+6000) and Ty Simpson (+9000). Everyone else sits at five figures or longer, underscoring how unlikely it is for a defensive player or skill-position prospect to crash the top spot barring a dramatic shift in team needs or late-cycle evaluations. From a betting perspective, the odds suggest this market is more about identifying value further down the board or timing a hedge than fading Mendoza outright. As things stand, DraftKings is pricing the 2026 No. 1 pick as Mendoza’s job to lose.
Oct 18, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) runs the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the third quarter of the game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesNew users must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Responsible Gaming Resources
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