As the excitement builds for the 2026 NFL Draft, teams that have already concluded their seasons are strategically preparing for the future. Just four teams remain in contention for Super Bowl 60, while the rest are deeply focused on the upcoming draft, where the order for all but four picks is now established.
The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to use their No. 1 overall pick on Indiana quarterback Mendoza, who stands out with a 6.1% big-time throw rate and a low 2.5% rate of turnover-worthy plays. His performance draws favorable comparisons to Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward’s final college season, making Mendoza a strong candidate to lead the franchise into a new era.
For the New York Jets, news that top quarterback prospect Dante Moore will return to Oregon for another season is a setback. With Moore off the table, the Jets are likely to pivot and target top defensive talents, such as edge rusher Bailey, who excelled in college with an impressive 81 pressures in 2025. Bailey, while not as polished as Penn State’s Abdul Carter from last year’s draft, remains a strong candidate for a top-five selection.
Similarly, the Arizona Cardinals face uncertainty with Kyler Murray’s future as their starting quarterback. As the draft approaches, they too may look to bolster their defense, potentially selecting standout prospects who could greatly enhance their roster.
The New York Giants are looking to build around quarterback Jaxson Dart, and selecting wide receiver Carnell Tate from Ohio State could be a game-changing move. With his remarkable ability to make contested catches and his strong connection with fellow receiver Malik Nabers, Tate presents a promising addition to New York’s offensive lineup.
Teams like the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders are also scouting the draft for talent that can fill gaps in their rosters. For the Browns, the ideal choice seems to be wide receiver Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State, who has proven himself with an impressive catching capability and strong performance against man coverage. Meanwhile, the Commanders may pursue Texas A&M’s standout edge defender Howell to reinforce their pass rush.
As the draft continues to take shape, many franchises will look to fulfill specific needs. The Chicago Bears are expected to shore up their run defense with defensive tackle Christen Miller from Georgia, while the Philadelphia Eagles aim to tackle their tight end situation by exploring options like Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon.
This draft class boasts an array of defensive talent, from Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, who could replace aging linemen on the Lions’ roster, to cornerback Mansoor Delane of LSU, who excelled in coverage and will likely be a top selection.
With a myriad of potential selections and strategic maneuvering ahead, the 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for many teams as they reshape their futures. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming events, the prospect of new talent joining the league brings a renewed sense of hope for better seasons ahead.