The highly anticipated 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and this year's event promises to be filled with excitement and intrigue. As the 32 teams prepare to select the best college football players, several storylines are emerging that will shape the future of the league. One of the most significant narratives revolves around quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who is widely expected to be chosen by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick. Despite some doubts about his potential, Mendoza has been compared to former Pro Bowler Matt Ryan, and his ability to run when needed makes him an attractive prospect.
The Raiders' decision to pair Mendoza with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins could prove to be a shrewd move, giving the team a promising quarterback room. The real drama, however, is likely to unfold with the second pick, where the New York Jets are expected to upgrade their pass rush.
The Arizona Cardinals, who have the third pick, may attempt to convince the football world that they will select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a generational talent who has been compared to Saquon Barkley. Love's explosive ability to score from anywhere on the field makes him a highly coveted player, and several teams may be willing to trade up to secure his services.
Six teams, including the New York Jets, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Dallas Cowboys, are in a good position to grab talent early on, with each having two picks in the first round. However, these teams will also be under pressure to make their extra selections count, having traded away talented players to acquire additional picks. The Miami Dolphins, in particular, will be feeling the need to have a successful draft, having off-loaded several veterans, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and needing to rebuild their roster.
The team has 11 selections, including seven in the first three rounds, and must find impact players to begin their climb back to competitiveness. This year's draft class is not as strong as the 2024 class, which saw six quarterbacks chosen in the first 12 picks. If a second quarterback is to be taken, it will likely be late in the first round, with a needy team trading back in to secure the fifth-year option. Alabama's Ty Simpson is the heavy favorite to be the second quarterback off the board, but his limited college experience has raised concerns about his readiness for the NFL.
The trading of picks and veteran players is expected to spice up the draft, with Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach predicting a lively event. The New York Giants have already traded Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, and perennial 1,000-yard receiver AJ Brown is reportedly heading to the New England Patriots. Other players who could be on the trading block include quarterback Spencer Rattler, slot cornerback Kenny Moore, and pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. On the third day of the draft, a British tight end, Seydou Traore, could be selected, completing his journey from the NFL Academy to the National Football League.
Traore's success will be a testament to the NFL Academy's ability to identify and develop talent from around the world.