2026 NFL Draft: PFF releases mock with blockbuster trade for first overall pick

by: Steve Samra 6 hours ago SamraSource

The 2026 NFL Draft landscape took a dramatic turn this week. In response, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus has released a new mock featuring a blockbuster trade for the No. 1 overall pick. 

The New York Giants have slid into pole position due to their prolonged losing-streak which coincided with Brian Daboll’s firing, and all eyes shifted to quarterback-needy contenders. Despite being the top seed in the NFC, Sikkema has the Los Angeles Rams wasting no time, predicting them to send both of their first-rounders to New York in a bold attempt to secure their quarterback of the future.

As you can tell, this 2026 Mock Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Check it out below, and see which big swings Sikkema took for your favorite team and players at the moment.

The Rams move aggressively to No. 1 overall in Sikkema’s projections, using their extra first-round capital to secure a long-term answer at quarterback. Mendoza has played like a true franchise-level signal-caller, showing the traits of a passer capable of justifying this type of trade-up.

With Matthew Stafford approaching the end and no clear successor in place, this kind of bold move makes structural sense for a team ready to reset. Los Angeles likely needed to part with both of its first-round picks to get this done, but the payoff could define the next decade of the franchise.

The Raiders must solve their quarterback situation, and picking at No. 2 gives them a rare opportunity to do so without a massive trade-up. Moore’s accuracy, touch and natural ball placement are advanced for a first-year starter, making him one of the class’s cleanest projections. 

His age and long-term ceiling only strengthen the argument for Las Vegas to pull the trigger here from Sikkema. Whether Geno Smith stays or not, Moore represents the organization’s best path forward.

Tennessee’s slide in the draft order hurts its flexibility, but it still lands an elite defensive weapon in Reese. His hybrid linebacker/edge skill set means his raw numbers don’t fully illustrate how disruptive Sikkema believes he can be. 

Reese’s explosiveness, leverage and shocking power for his size allow him to win against blockers 60+ pounds heavier. His projection mirrors last year’s Jalon Walker conversation, with some evaluators believing Reese is the better prospect.

The Browns may avoid chasing a quarterback with their first pick if Shedeur Sanders shows enough late in the season, opening the door to land a true WR1. Sikkema believes Tyson is a high-end separator both against man and zone, as he’s consistently sitting above the 80th percentile in separation metrics. 

When healthy, he can dominate a passing game as a dynamic, three-level receiver. The risk comes from his extensive injury history, which clouds his draft range but not his talent.

Sikkema has New Orleans landing one of the most productive and versatile defensive linemen in the class in Bain. Over a two-season sample, he’s posted elite grades as both a run defender and a pass rusher, making him a scheme-proof addition. 

His 6-foot-3, 270–280-pound frame allows him to play up and down the defensive line, something the Saints traditionally covet. Even after a slight slide in the draft order, New Orleans comes away with a premium value player.

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