The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a historic class, defined by a “Heisman-to-Pros” pipeline and a defensive group that scouts are calling the most athletic in a decade. With the 2025 college season in the books and the NFL order crystallizing, here is a detailed look at the projected Top 10.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders finally land their franchise pillar. Mendoza is the story of the year; after leading Indiana to an undefeated regular season and winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy, he has solidified himself as the clear #1. At 6’5″, he’s a traditional pocket surgeon with modern processing speed.
-
The Fit: Vegas has lacked a high-ceiling signal-caller for years. Mendoza’s “pro-ready” label and ability to command a huddle make him the perfect day-one starter for a team ready to win now.
2. New York Giants: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Despite having Jaxson Dart on the roster, the Giants can’t pass on the “highest ceiling” in the draft. Moore has been compared to C.J. Stroud for his effortless release and “drop-it-in-a-bucket” deep ball accuracy. He flourished at Oregon in 2025, showing elite poise in the College Football Playoff.
-
The Fit: The Giants need a playmaker who can make every throw on the field. Moore’s talent is too significant to ignore, setting up a fascinating training camp battle in New York.
3. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
The most terrifying defensive prospect in years. Reese is a 6’4″, 243-pound “unicorn” who plays like a hybrid of Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter. In 2025, he dominated the Big Ten, splitting time between a stand-up rusher and an off-ball linebacker.
-
The Fit: The Jets’ defense is already elite, but Reese gives them a chess piece that defensive coordinators dream about. His ability to drop into coverage or deliver a 6.5-sack season impact makes him a blue-chip lock.
4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Titans prioritize “violence in the trenches,” and Bain is the most violent hand-fighter in the class. A powerful 270-pound rusher with a non-stop motor, Bain consistently wins with a bull-rush that collapses pockets from the outside in.
-
The Fit: Pairing Bain with Jeffery Simmons creates a nightmare scenario for AFC South offensive lines. He’s a high-floor prospect who ensures the Titans’ defense remains physically dominant.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Cardinals must protect Kyler Murray, and Fano is the most technically refined tackle to come out of the Pac-12 (now Big 12) in years. He posted a historic 93.6 PFF run-blocking grade and has the “light feet” required to neutralize elite NFL speed rushers.
-
The Fit: Fano’s versatility (having started at both LT and RT) allows Arizona to shuffle their line to get the best five players on the field immediately.
6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Ohio State WR factory produces another Top-10 pick. While teammate Jeremiah Smith gets the headlines, Tate is the “pro’s pro.” He’s a master route runner with elite contested-catch ability who hauled in 9 touchdowns in 2025.
-
The Fit: Cleveland needs a reliable WR1 to grow alongside their young core. Tate’s ability to “box out” defenders in the red zone makes him a safety blanket for whoever is under center.
7. Washington Commanders: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyson’s “superpower” is being open even when he’s covered. Despite some injury concerns in his past, his 2025 campaign (1,100+ yards) proved he is the most electric playmaker in space.
-
The Fit: Washington is building a track team. Tyson’s YAC (yards after catch) ability fits perfectly into a modern, explosive offensive scheme, giving the Commanders a terrifying duo of deep threats.
8. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs is frequently called a “generational” safety. He is a coach on the field who reads route combinations like a veteran quarterback. At 205 pounds, he’s a punishing tackler who can also play slot corner or deep safety.
-
The Fit: With the Saints looking to get younger in the secondary, Downs is a “culture changer.” He is the safest pick in the draft—a multi-year Pro Bowler from the moment he puts on the jersey.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs rarely pick this high, but a projected trade-up or a late-season slide allows them to grab the Doak Walker Award winner. Love is a true three-down back with breakaway 4.3 speed and soft hands.
-
The Fit: Adding a “home-run” hitter like Love to Patrick Mahomes’ offense is unfair. He’s the most complete RB prospect since Saquon Barkley, capable of 1,300+ rushing yards and 50+ catches.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
A 315-pound athlete who has been clocked at a 4.75-second 40-yard dash. Woods is a “jumbo athlete” who Dabo Swinney used everywhere from nose tackle to edge rusher.
-
The Fit: The Bengals need to shore up the interior of their defense to compete with the run-heavy Ravens and Steelers. Woods is an unmovable object in the run game who provides surprising interior pressure.
