Although the talent pool in the upcoming draft is not as stacked as in previous drafts, this draft is still shaping up to be a great one. Many teams have opportunities to fill very needed holes. For the first time in a long time, the top ten will not be flooded with quarterbacks.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23–25, marking the city’s first time hosting since 1948.
At the top of the draft, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who led his team to a national championship. His selection is considered a near‑certainty, making the real decisions begin at pick No. 2.
The New York Jets follow, reportedly torn between top defensive prospects Arvell Reese of Ohio State and David Bailey of Texas Tech. Their decision could set off a chain reaction, influencing how other teams approach the early first round. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 are linked to Jeremiah Love, but could be a prime candidate to trade back.
Beyond the top picks, teams across the league are preparing for many challenging decisions. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for example, hold seven total selections, including the 15th overall pick, and are expected to target help across the offensive and defensive line. Their draft position rotates through the middle of each round due to their 8–9 finish last season.
Some prospects carry both high upside and notable risk. Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, once projected as a top‑ten talent, may slip into the second round due to medical concerns surrounding a knee injury. Despite this, scouts still praise his athleticism and potential, making him one of the most closely watched players outside the top tier.
As always, trades are expected to play a major role. Analysts predict this could be one of the most trade‑heavy drafts in recent memory, with teams fighting for position to secure their next huge talent.
With much uncertainty heading into this year’s draft, draft day is proving to be highly anticipated. Many things could change in the draft as the countdown to draft day begins.
