2026 NFL mock draft: First round projections after free agency

There is just one month until the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off, and after the first wave of free agency has taken place, there is quite a change in projections for teams across the first round. There has not been much of a change at the top of the draft, where the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick, and given the high-drama around the Las Vegas Raiders getting superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby back from their rescinded trade with the Baltimore Ravens, the dominos continue to fall.

Recent trades in the NFL have given multiple teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins with multiple first-round picks, joining the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets as franchises who hold multiple picks this year. With an opportunity for several teams to reload in this year's draft, there will be no shortage of intriguing picks throughout the first round. After the first round of free agency, here's our latest first-round mock draft: 1.

Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana After all the drama and chaos that surrounded the Raiders with Maxx Crosby, they will finally get to settle in and focus on welcoming their hopeful answer at quarterback. Fernando Mendoza has all the qualities that a team like Las Vegas needs to change their attitude, and hopefully their success, for the better. A national champion and Heisman winner, Mendoza is exactly what they need in silver and black.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio St. Speaking of perfect fits, Arvell Reese is just that for the New York Jets and head coach Aaron Glenn, who needs to establish a more dominant defense in Year 2.