NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Quarterbacks Lead the Charge in 2026's First Round
The 2025 NFL season has concluded, and 18 teams have turned their full attention toward the future, culminating in the 2026 NFL Draft. This latest mock draft, with picks alternating between analysts Charles McDonald (odd-numbered selections) and Nate Tice (even-numbered), projects how the first round could unfold for teams looking to find their next franchise cornerstone.
The order is determined by the final 2025 standings, via Tankathon.
Top of the Board: The Quarterback Quest
The draft's narrative is set immediately by teams in desperate need of a franchise signal-caller. The Las Vegas Raiders, holding the first overall pick, are projected to select Fernando Mendoza, quarterback from Indiana. Described as the best quarterback in the class, Mendoza offers a strong arm, high-level offensive command, and adequate mobility to complement a pro-style skillset.
He is followed at No. 2 by the New York Jets, who take a chance on Dante Moore of Oregon. Moore, who has reportedly declared for the draft in this exercise, showcased improved accuracy and pocket prowess this season, presenting the Jets with a potential long-term building block. His selection could define the early draft flow, as the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 would then happily snag the draft's top defensive player, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, a violent and explosive defender.
Addressing Critical Needs Across the League
With the top quarterback prospects off the board, other teams focus on premium positions:
The Tennessee Titans (No. 4) provide quarterback Cam Ward with a weapon, selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, noted for his polished route-running and large catch radius.
Offensive line help arrives quickly. The New York Giants (No. 5) take Utah tackle Spencer Fano, while the Cleveland Browns (No. 6) bolster their front with versatile Miami lineman Francis Mauigoa.
Pass rush is a priority for the Washington Commanders (No. 7), who select Miami's explosive edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., and the Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10), who pick Texas Tech's David Bailey as a potential replacement for Trey Hendrickson.
Notable Picks & Team Strategies
Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9): In a "best player available" move, the Chiefs select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a versatile, ball-hawking defender who fits perfectly in Steve Spagnuolo's scheme.
Baltimore Ravens (No. 14): Breaking from their recent mold of smaller, speedy receivers, the Ravens select Washington's Denzel Boston, a 6-foot-4 outside ball-winner who offers a new red-zone dimension for Lamar Jackson.
Dallas Cowboys (No. 20): After addressing defense earlier, Jerry Jones gets his offensive playmaker, selecting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a home-run threat to supercharge the Cowboys' attack.
Seattle Seahawks (No. 32): The reigning Super Bowl champions add more firepower by picking Texas A&M's dynamic receiver KC Concepcion, a big-play threat who complements Offensive Player of the Year candidate Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
This projection underscores a draft class strong at defensive front-seven players and offensive line, with teams at the very top making franchise-altering decisions at the game's most important position.
