NFL Mock Round 1: Mendoza Leads a QB-Heavy Class with Big-Name Fits Across the League
A laboring Round 1 mock draft features a clear emphasis on quarterbacks at the top, with Fernando Mendoza of Indiana projected as the top choice for Cleveland if they hold No. 1 overall. Mendoza, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound junior with a strong arm and quick, precise decisions, would slot into Kevin Stefanski’s offense and provide a big-stage testing ground for Indiana’s passer after transferring from Cal. Other throwing talents lead a crowded quarterback group that includes Garrett Nussmeier, LaNorris Sellers, and Cade Klubnik, each paired with teams in need of a long-term signal-caller.
Top picks and projections
1. Cleveland — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6’5″, 225 lbs, Jr)
Projected to be the No. 1 pick if Cleveland lands the top spot. Mendoza combines a plus NFL arm with rapid decision-making and tight-window accuracy, and he’ll showcase his development on a bigger stage this season after starring at Cal previously.
2. New Orleans — Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (6’1″, 205 lbs, Sr)
With Doug Nussmeier in the building as offensive coordinator, New Orleans could be tempted to pull the trigger if Nussmeier shows progress this fall. He has NFL-caliber pocket presence and understands the position’s demands, aided by his football lineage.
3. New York Jets — LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina (6’3″, 240 lbs, Soph)
Sellers’ blend of elite running ability and arm talent makes him an intriguing fit for a run-first attack in a city that values dual-threat capabilities. His development will hinge on whether he declares early and who’s willing to buy into his traits.
4. New York Giants — Peter Woods, DL, Clemson (6’3″, 310 lbs, Jr)
An interior disruptor with versatility, Woods could form the backbone of a formidable front. His size and power make him a plug-and-play presence on a line that benefits from pressure without blitzing.
5. Tennessee — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6’2″, 200 lbs, Jr)
A No. 1-type receiver in a class short on elite wideouts, Tyson projects as a dynamic target to pair with a young quarterback and accelerate growth for a developing passing game.
6. Las Vegas — Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6’6″, 308 lbs, Jr)
A versatile run blocker and premier right tackle option, Fano is a building block for an offensive line that could pivot around his versatility in Chip Kelly’s system.
7. Carolina — Keldric Faulk, DT, Auburn (6’6″, 285 lbs, Jr)
Faulk’s hybrid, inside-outside presence fits the modern defensive front, offering鬥n versatility for a Panthers defense that values adaptable linemen.
8. Miami — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6’0″, 193 lbs, Jr)
With cornerback depth a concern around the league, McCoy presents a high-ceiling option with coverage skills that could grow into a top-tier starter.
9. New England — T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6’3″, 260 lbs, Jr)
An NFL-ready edge with three-down ability, Parker could be a natural fit for a defense that wants a consistent, disruptive presence on the line.
10. Indianapolis — Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson (6’2″, 210 lbs, Sr)
Even in a quarterback-rich class, Klubnik’s experience and leadership could keep him in the mix for an organization seeking steady, long-term play at the position.
11. Cleveland — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6’0″, 205 lbs, Jr)
Downs projects as one of the best overall players in the class, though safety value can affect draft position. His presence would help anchor a Browns secondary next to Grant Delpit.
12. Los Angeles Rams — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5’11”, 180 lbs, Jr)
Terrell brings a compact, sticky cover skill set and family pedigree in a Rams defense that values versatility and man coverage ability.
13. Pittsburgh — John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma (6’1″, 224 lbs, Jr)
Mateer has drawn praise for arm talent and growth in his time as a starter, entering a division that rewards a strong passer with growth potential in the Sooners’ system.
14. Seattle — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6’6″, 308 lbs, Soph)
With Seattle weighing its options on the line, Lomu offers prototypical left-tackle tools and a potential long-term answer at a crucial position.
15. Dallas — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6’7″, 366 lbs, Jr)
Proctor’s size and power would help complete a dominant run game, pairing with a recent Alabama teammate to form a formidable wall.
16. Arizona — Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas (6’7″, 312 lbs, Soph)
Goosby provides promising pass protection and development potential for a team that’s searching for consistency at tackle.
17. Chicago — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6’0″, 214 lbs, Jr)
Love is a dynamic change-of-pace back with big-play ability, reminiscent of other high-end NFL-ready backs who can handle a heavy workload.
18. Los Angeles Chargers — Connor Lew, IOL, Auburn (6’3″, 303 lbs, Jr)
A high-floor center prospect who could anchor the interior and stabilize the line for Justin Herbert in the years ahead.
19. Tampa Bay — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia (6’1″, 235 lbs, Jr)
Allen’s rugged style and instincts make him an immediate impact linebacker who can become a cornerstone of a defensive front.
20. Denver — Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (Fla.) (6’3″, 275 lbs, Jr)
An inside/outside rusher with length and get-after-it ability, Bain would fit Vance Joseph’s hybrid defensive fronts.
21. Cincinnati — Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6’5″, 330 lbs, Sr)
Banks’ combination of mass and explosiveness makes him a disruptive run-stopper in the interior at the next level.
22. Houston — Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn (6’7″, 348 lbs, Jr)
Chaplin adds a powerful presence at left tackle to protect young quarterbacks and open lanes in the run game.
23. Minnesota — David Bailey, LB, Texas Tech (6’3″, 250 lbs, Sr)
Bailey’s quick first step and instincts could bolster a linebacking corps with pass-rush and run-defending versatility.
24. Los Angeles Rams — Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5’11”, 195 lbs, Jr)
Lemon’s versatility and playmaking ability fit a Rams scheme that relies on precision routes and yards after the catch.
25. Washington — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6’3″, 195 lbs, Jr)
A smooth, catch-radius receiver who can stretch the field and add a reliable target for a developing quarterback room.
26. San Francisco — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.) (6’6″, 315 lbs, Jr)
Mauigoa’s consistency as a starter gives him a ceiling as a plug-and-play right tackle option for a line in transition.
27. Green Bay — Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon (6’5″, 272 lbs, Jr)
A physically imposing edge with strong traits, Uiagalelei would align with the Packers’ emphasis on a stout pass rush.
28. Detroit — LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6’5″, 278 lbs, Sr)
Overton’s interior versatility and run-stopping ability would bolster Detroit’s defense and provide depth on the edge.
29. Kansas City — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6’3″, 245 lbs, Jr)
Sadiq presents as a high-yield tight end with YAC potential, offering a dynamic receiving option to complement Kelce-like impact plays.
30. Buffalo — Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn (5’10”, 180 lbs, Jr)
Singleton brings vertical speed and a game-breaking element to a Bills offense that values stretch plays and quick hitters.
31. Philadelphia — Isaiah World, OT, Oregon (6’8″, 318 lbs, Sr)
World’s length and frame could anchor the Eagles’ line as they prepare for sustained competitive cycles.
What this mock draft suggests
– Quarterback market: Mendoza, Nussmeier, Sellers, and Klubnik are the notable signal-callers in the opening slate, each with distinct strengths. Teams like Cleveland, New Orleans, Jets, Giants, and Colts are shown prioritizing the position, reflecting a league-wide emphasis on sustaining success through the QB position.
– Offensive and defensive line emphasis: Multiple notable tackles and edge players (Fano, Lomu, Proctor, Goosby, Bain, Uiagalelei, Overton) populate the early-to-mid first round, signaling teams’ focus on protecting young quarterbacks and building pressure from the front.
– Skill-position impact: High-end receivers like Tyson and Lemon, plus versatile backs and tight ends, highlight the importance of dynamic playmakers who can accelerate offenses and create mismatches.
Potential takeaways for readers and teams
– If you’re a Browns fan, Mendoza’s upside and leadership could be a foundational pillar for a long era of competition at the quarterback position.
– The Saints appear poised to leverage a familiar coaching staff’s insight to maximize Nussmeier’s development, potentially paying dividends if his mechanics and decision-making continue to improve.
– The Jets and Giants both have intriguing quarterback prospects paired with strong defensive or offensive line talent, suggesting a two-pronged approach to strengthening the roster around a young passer.
Summary and outlook
This Round 1 projection underscores a quarterback-focused draft landscape, balanced by a wealth of high-upside trench players and playmakers. The choices point to a league intent on addressing core foundational positions early while adding immediate impact pieces elsewhere. As college seasons unfold and evaluation phases deepen, teams will refine these assessments, but the trend remains clear: top teams are prioritizing smart quarterback development, robust offensive lines, and disruptive defensive fronts to sustain long-term success.
If you’d like, I can tailor a shorter summary for a sidebar, add player bios and quick scouting notes for the top 5 picks, or provide a ranked quick-glance table suitable for a WP post.