2026 NFL mock draft: Cowboys double down with two big moves on defense

The 2026 NFL Draft is just over two weeks away, and in a class with plenty of depth and just one or two quarterbacks headlining, NFL teams will have a chance to build their roster from the inside-out this offseason. This year's draft may be different than most in recent history, while some could say it lacks superstar power, there are plenty of opportunities that could provided franchises with cornerstones, especially in the trenches. There are only two names at quarterback who are projected to hear their names called in Round 1, and only one of those are a certainty in Indiana's Fernando Mendoza.

Several offseason trades have shaken up the draft order for some teams, with multiple teams having more than one selection in the opening round, giving them opportunities to rebuild quickly. Here's our latest first-round projections: 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana No need to deep dive or complicate this pick, even after Las Vegas signed Kirk Cousins to a deal that appears to be in line with starting quarterback money.

Cousins could serve as a good mentor for Fernando Mendoza, who is special in his own right for his leadership capabilities and even more so, his ability to win, something that's been missing for the Raiders. 2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State Head coach Aaron Glenn needs to put his fingerprints all over this draft, and given the respect he earned as a defensive coordinator in Detroit, he'll need to find his first real shiny toy he can mold at the NFL level.

Arvell Reese is an absolute monster in every aspect, and would easily take over as the Jets top defender from Day 1. 3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech Arizona is in a tricky spot here, where they may just take the best player available on their respective board.