2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jordan Reid's Predictions for 257 Prospects The 2026 NFL draft, set to begin on Thursday from Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. ET, has prompted Jordan Reid to release his comprehensive seven-round mock draft. The exercise covers 257 prospects, reflecting his analysis of the class based on conversations with league insiders, scouting reports, and each team’s positional needs. While no trades are projected, Reid acknowledges the potential for surprises and intrigue as teams navigate their draft strategies. The Las Vegas Raiders, selecting first overall, are expected to prioritize a franchise quarterback. Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback from Indiana, is the top choice. Mendoza’s combination of size, arm strength, and decision-making ability positions him as a long-term starter. His resilience through adversity in 2025, culminating in an FBS-high 41 touchdown passes and a 16-0 season, solidifies his status as the No. 1 pick. The Raiders’ search for a quarterback has been ongoing, and Mendoza’s performance makes him an ideal fit. The New York Jets, selecting third, face a decision between defensive edge rushers Arvell Reese (Ohio State) and David Bailey (Texas Tech). Reid favors Reese for his upside despite Bailey’s current polish. Reese’s explosive power and versatility as a linebacker or edge rusher align with the Jets’ rebuild, offering a foundational player they can build a scheme around. The Arizona Cardinals, picking fourth, aim to address their offensive line struggles. Francis Mauigoa, an offensive tackle from Miami, is projected to fill the right side. His ability to protect the quarterback and improve the team’s run blocking, which ranked last in the NFL last season, makes him a critical addition.#las_vegas_raiders #new_york_jets #nfl_draft #fernando_mendoza #jordan_reid
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Kiper, Miller, Reid, Yates on Rounds 1-3 The 2026 NFL mock draft, featuring insights from Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates, highlights the strategic selections and reasoning behind the top 100 picks in the first three rounds. The exercise, conducted as a rotating mock draft, emphasizes the analysts’ personal preferences and rankings rather than projected outcomes, with no trades considered. Each analyst acted as a general manager, using their individual evaluations and the latest scouting trends to guide their choices. The results reflect a blend of need, potential, and team-specific priorities, offering a glimpse into how teams might approach the draft. The Las Vegas Raiders, needing a quarterback solution, selected Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback from Indiana, as their top pick. Kiper argued that Mendoza’s tools make him a franchise quarterback, despite the debate over early-pick quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals, having signed Elijah Wilkinson, opted for Francis Mauigoa, an offensive tackle from Miami, to address their long-term needs at right tackle. Reid emphasized Mauigoa’s readiness to start immediately, calling him the top tackle in the class. The Tennessee Titans, bolstered by their offseason pass-rush additions, chose David Bailey, an edge rusher from Texas Tech, for their 4th pick. Yates highlighted Bailey’s 14.5 sacks in 2025 as a key asset for a young roster. The New York Giants, despite Kiper’s skepticism about early-pick running backs, selected Jeremiyah Love, a dynamic runner from Notre Dame, to elevate their offense. Love’s versatility as a playmaker was cited as a critical upgrade for quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Cleveland Browns, focusing on youth at skill positions, took Makai Lemon, a wide receiver from USC, as their 6th pick.#las_vegas_raiders #field_yates #mel_kiper_jr #matt_miller #jordan_reid
