INDIANAPOLIS — As teams prepare for the NFL Draft, the speculation surrounding potential picks intensifies, especially following free agency, which begins next week. Insights gathered from league executives, including a general manager, two assistant GMs, and a vice president of player personnel, have led to projected selections for the top 10 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Last year’s predictions were notably accurate, with executives correctly identifying five of the first nine selections, such as Cam Ward going first overall to the Tennessee Titans and Abdul Carter landing with the New York Giants at No. 3. This year, the consensus has emerged around Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is exclusively projected to be the first pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Mendoza, who brings leadership and resilience to the quarterback position, has drawn praise from Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. While some executives see Mendoza as a strong choice, others express reservations about his potential as a franchise-altering player. Speculation arises around the Raiders possibly trading down, although one executive noted uncertainty about significant gain in doing so.
Following Mendoza, the New York Jets are projected to select Arvell Reese, an edge linebacker from Ohio State. Although the Jets are in need of a quarterback, the demand-supply mismatch may see them opt for Reese, who has been described as a “freakish athlete.” Other prospects like Texas Tech’s David Bailey are also mentioned in discussions.
At No. 3, the Arizona Cardinals aim to enhance their defense with David Bailey, an edge rusher from Texas Tech. Despite previous investments in defense, injuries have limited effectiveness, prompting the need for robust front-line support. Their selection process is expected to remain dynamic, depending on various factors in the weeks leading up to the draft.
The Tennessee Titans have two projections at the fourth spot, both favoring wide receiver Carnell Tate of Ohio State. As Tennessee continues to build around second-year quarterback Cam Ward, Tate’s skills as a deep-ball threat could significantly enhance their offensive capabilities.
The New York Giants are anticipated to choose Francis Mauigoa, an offensive tackle from Miami, to fortify their offensive line at the fifth pick. This aligns with their long-term strategy under new head coach John Harbaugh, while some executives suggest they could also focus on acquiring additional weapons for their offense.
Cleveland Browns executives suggest Spencer Fano, another offensive tackle from Utah, for their sixth pick. With many key offensive linemen approaching free agency, bolstering the O-line appears to be a strategic priority.
At No. 7, the Washington Commanders may opt for Rueben Bain, an edge rusher out of Miami. Bain’s physical style of play could be a significant addition to their defense, while an interest in other prospects like Sonny Styles adds to the intrigue of their pick.
Projected eighth are the New Orleans Saints, with Makai Lemon, a wide receiver from USC, likely to be their selection. With the future of current receiver Chris Olave uncertain, Lemon offers an explosive option for their offense.
The Kansas City Chiefs, at ninth, are expected to focus on adding depth to their running game by selecting Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame. This aligns with the need to balance their offensive strategy, particularly following Patrick Mahomes’ injury.
Lastly, the Cincinnati Bengals round out the top ten with a projected pick of Peter Woods, a defensive tackle from Clemson. The organization faces a challenging decision between enhancing their offensive line to protect star quarterback Joe Burrow or addressing defensive needs to fortify their struggling unit.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the complexity of team strategies and player evaluations continues to unfold, promising an exciting and unpredictable selection process.