2026 NFL mock draft: Latest first-round projections after free agency

The first couple of weeks of NFL free agency are in the books, which featured some big signings and trades that will have big implications heading into the 2026 season. But the fun has only just started, as we're about one month away from the 2026 NFL Draft, which is shaping up to be another intriguing one. With all of the big moves going down in free agency, things are starting to become more clear for several teams while others still have needs across the board.

Our NFL Wires editors are sharing their initial picks for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, where their respective teams fill some big holes left after the first couple of weeks of free agency. 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana This one has been in the books for a while now.

After years of being not quite terrible enough to do a proper rebuild, the Raiders get the Heisman Trophy winning National Champion as their hopeful franchise quarterback. – Levi Damien, Raiders Wire 2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State This spot could easily go to a Rueben Bain or a David Bailey, but Arvell Reese is the more finished product off of the edge.

The Jets pass rush is a priority, and Reese will provide more of an explosiveness for the immediate future, while Bailey and Bain would be more of a project pick. The Jets need upside off the edge now. – Josh Petry, Touchdown Wire 3.