Top 10 Projected Picks In the 2026 NFL Draft: A Definitive Early Board After the Regular Season
The 2026 NFL Draft picture is coming into focus now that the regular season is over, and the teams at the top of the board are already facing franchise-shaping decisions. Quarterback need is the focus of much of the conversation, but this class isn’t only about passers.
Several teams are looking to fix issues up front or add defensive cornerstones. Here is an early look at the top 10 projected picks, based on team direction, roster holes, and how the board is trending right now.
Let’s Dive into the 2026 NFL Draft Top 10 Projected Picks
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This is long overdue for Las Vegas. The Raiders haven’t taken a first-round quarterback since 2007, and the Geno Smith experiment never truly stabilized the position. Mendoza brings calm, accuracy, and leadership after a Heisman-winning, undefeated season at Indiana. With Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty already in place, this is a rare top-pick landing spot that isn’t completely broken.
2. New York Jets – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
If Moore declares, the Jets are ready. New York has the patience to take a developmental quarterback with real upside. After moving on from short-term fixes, Moore gives the Jets a chance to reset and build properly, even if his best football comes a year or two down the line.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Arizona’s quarterback future is unclear, but the offensive line problems are not. Mauigoa is one of the safest prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class: big, steady, and ready to play right away. With protection breaking down too often, this pick is about stabilizing the offense regardless of who’s under center.
4. Tennessee Titans – Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State
After drafting Cam Ward last year, the Titans can focus on impact talent. Reese is explosive and versatile, capable of rushing off the edge or playing in space. Pairing him with Jeffery Simmons gives Tennessee a defensive front that can start controlling games again.
5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Giants’ priority is helping Jaxson Dart. With injuries and free agency thinning the receiver corps, Tate fills an immediate need. He is a polished route runner with downfield ability, giving New York a reliable target who can grow with its quarterback.
Several Teams Are Building Around Young Quarterbacks In 2026 NFL Draft
6. Cleveland Browns – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Quarterback may be out of reach, but Cleveland still needs offensive playmakers. Tyson offers strong hands, creativity, and yards-after-catch ability. Health may be a concern, but when available, he gives the Browns another legitimate weapon.
7. Washington Commanders – David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Washington needs pass-rush help fast. Bailey was one of the most productive defenders in college football, and his burst off the line is as impressive as any. This is a pressure-driven pick aimed at fixing a glaring weakness.
8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
With Alvin Kamara nearing the end of his run, the Saints look ahead. Love brings explosiveness and versatility and fits naturally into Kellen Moore’s offense. New Orleans struggled to generate big plays on the ground, and this directly addresses that.
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr., DL, Miami
Kansas City rarely drafts this high, but Bain fits perfectly. He’s powerful, flexible across the line, and aligns with what Steve Spagnuolo prefers. This pick helps rejuvenate a pass rush that quietly slipped.
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs is a rare talent at safety. He’s instinctive, dependable, and consistently in the right spot. With Cincinnati’s defense leaking big yards, this is a talent-over-position pick that cleans up issues on the back end immediately.
Closing Thoughts
This early 2026 NFL Draft top 10 is quarterback-heavy up top, but the middle rounds of the board are all about stabilizing rosters with blue-chip starters.
