AP says Raiders still set to draft Mendoza with first pick
NFL mock draft
Fernando Mendoza didn’t participate in on-field drills at the combine last month but plans to showcase his skills at Indiana’s pro day next week.
He doesn’t have to do anything else to improve his draft positioning.
The Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to its first national championship is an overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick when the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock on April 23.
The rest of the NFL draft isn’t that clear-cut. The only other quarterback expected to go in the first round is Alabama’s Ty Simpson, whose stock is rising among analysts.
Here’s the second edition of the AP’s 2026 mock draft in order of picks:
1. Raiders: FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANA
Mendoza is a precise pocket passer with prototypical size, poise and maturity. The Raiders need Mendoza to be a franchise QB.
2. Jets: ARVELL REESE, DE, OHIO STATE
Reese is a freak athlete — he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash — who played off-ball linebacker and standup edge. He has the talent to be an elite edge rusher.
3. CARDINALS FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OT, MIAMI
The Cardinals will rebuild through the draft. Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle who would instantly upgrade Arizona’s offensive line.
4. Titans: DAVID BAILEY, DE, TEXAS TECH
They have a tough choice here between running back Jeremiyah Love and two of the top edge rushers in the draft.
5. GIANTS: SONNY STYLES, LB, OHIO STATE
Styles’ impressive combine performance helped him soar into the top five on many draft boards.
6. BROWNS: CARNELL TATE, WR, OHIO STATE
Tate is a consistent route runner with excellent hands and enough speed to be a top playmaker.
7. Commanders: RUEBEN BAIN JR., DE, MIAMI
Bain is a versatile rusher who can line up on the edge or inside against guards, creating mismatches.
8. SAINTS: MANSOOR DELANE, CB, LSU
Delane is the best cover corner in the draft. He’ll provide a significant boost for a Saints defense.
9. Chiefs: SPENCER FANO, OT, UTAH
The Chiefs need to help Patrick Mahomes with better blocking. Fano has the natural talent to succeed.
10. BENGALS: CALEB DOWNS, S, OHIO STATE
Downs is an elite, versatile playmaker who strengthens a porous defense.
11. DOLPHINS: MAKAI LEMON, WR, USC
Lemon is an elite playmaker who creates matchup nightmares for defenses in the slot.
12. COWBOYS: JEREMIYAH LOVE, RB, NOTRE DAME
Love is a top five talent that gives an offense a playmaker who can go the distance every touch.
13. RAMS: JORDON TYSON, WR, ARIZONA STATE
He’s an exceptional route-runner with speed who catches the ball in traffic.
14. RAVENS: OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, GUARD, PENN STATE
Ioane fills a big need for the Ravens who fits their scheme nicely.
15. Buccaneers: KELDRIC FAULK, DE AUBURN
Scouts rave about Faulk’s leadership and he has obvious talent. The Buccaneers need a standout pass rusher.
16. JETS: TY SIMPSON, QB, ALABAMA
His stock has risen since the combine and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said he’s the best quarterback in the draft.
17. LIONS: KADYN PROCTOR, OT, ALABAMA
Proctor started at left tackle as a freshman and allowed just two sacks in his three seasons. He has great size — 6-foot-7, 352 pounds.
18. VIKINGS: DILLON THIENEMAN, S, OREGON
Thieneman had an impressive combine, running a 4.36 40-yard dash that was faster than some of the NFL’s best receivers..
19. PANTHERS: KENYON SADIQ, TE, OREGON
The best tight end in the draft at this spot.
20. COWBOYS: JERMOD MCCOY, CB, TENNESSEE
McCoy is a consistent player with outstanding ball skills who can anchor a secondary.
21. STEELERS: BLAKE MILLER, OT CLEMSON
Miller started 54 games in college and can step in right away and play for the Steelers.
22. Chargers: AKHEEM MESIDOR, DE, MIAMI
He’ll generate pressure from the outside and is solid against the run.
23. EAGLES: CALEB LOMU, OT, UTAH
Lomu is an eventual successor to Lane Johnson at right tackle.
24. BROWNS: DENZEL BOSTON, WR, WASHINGTON
Boston is strong, fast and has elite ball skills. He’ll be an excellent fit for whoever ends up at quarterback for Cleveland.
25. BEARS: CASHIUS HOWELL, DE, TEXAS A&M
A strong rusher who helps significantly. Howell has proven he gets to the quarterback and finishes.
26. BILLS: ZION YOUNG, DE, MISSOURI
Another playmaking receiver is an option. Edge also is a priority and Young is a disruptive force who brings energy and leadership.
27. 49ERS: MONROE FREELING, OT, GEORGIA
Freeling has elite athleticism and just needs more experience after starting just one season on the right side. He has the athletic ability to adapt to a new spot and potentially switch sides for San Francisco.
28. TEXANS: KAYDEN MCDONALD, DT OHIO STATE
McDonald is another Buckeyes player going in the first round. He’s a natural run defender who’ll clog the middle of the line.
29. CHIEFS: AVIEON TERRELL, CB, CLEMSON
Terrell is an athletic cornerback who is projected higher in the draft. He immediately gives the Chiefs a replacement for Trent McDuffie.
30. DOLPHINS: T.J. PARKER, DE, CLEMSON
Parker’s production dipped after big numbers in 2024 but he’s a strong, powerful edge with potential to flourish.
31. PATRIOTS: MAX IHEANACHOR, OT ARIZONA STATE
Iheanachor is an athletic former basketball player with ideal size who will need time to develop but projects as a potential starter right away.
32. SEAHAWKS: BRANDON CISSE, CB, SOUTH CAROLINA
The Super Bowl champions improve the league’s best defense by adding another defensive back from South Carolina after hitting the jackpot with Nick Emmanwori last year.





