Daniel Jeremiah 2026 NFL mock draft 1.0: Raiders pick QB at No. 1; Jets among 4 teams to go WR

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Now that the final deadline for underclassmen to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft has passed, it’s officially Mock Draft Season!

After getting a chance to dig into the game tape, I feel that there are some highly enticing players at the top of the draft. The group might not have quite as many blue-chip prospects as some other recent classes, but there’s great depth at edge rusher and a talented collection of receivers. Also, there is an overwhelming need for offensive linemen around the league, which could push some blockers up the board a bit.

We are very early in the process, though. With more film study, all-star games, the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency still to come, a lot will change between now and the draft.

I tend to base my mock drafts on what I’m hearing around the league, whereas my Top 50 prospect rankings reflect what I’m seeing during my own evaluations. Keep an eye out for those rankings on Tuesday, but for now, here is my first look at how the top 32 selections could play out when the draft gets underway on April 23 in Pittsburgh.

NOTES:

Pick Nos. 31 and 32 will be determined by the outcome of Super Bowl LX.

Tune in for live coverage of Panini Senior Bowl practice Jan. 27-29 beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network and NFL+.

NFL Network and NFL+ will have live coverage of the East-West Shrine Bowl beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Jan. 27.

NFL Network and NFL+ will have live coverage of the Senior Bowl game beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 31.

Mendoza clearly distanced himself from the rest of the field at quarterback this past season, culminating in Indiana’s first ever national title. With 39 touchdowns and no interceptions in the red zone since 2024, the Heisman Trophy winner offers the kind of rare production the Raiders can’t pass up.

The Jets have needs all over their defense. Reese is versatile and athletic. I think he’ll benefit from working off the edge full time after also playing off-ball linebacker during his Buckeyes career.

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