The 2025 NFL season concluded with the Seattle Seahawks securing a decisive 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60. As the roar of the stadium fades, fans now face a period without professional football on Sundays. Attention is already turning towards the various NFL events that will punctuate the 2026 offseason.
Among these highly anticipated events, the 2026 NFL Draft stands out as the ultimate spectacle. This annual allocation of new talent offers a vital lifeline for franchises aiming to acquire elite prospects and orchestrate rapid turnarounds, a strategy successfully demonstrated by teams like the New England Patriots and Washington Commanders in recent campaigns.
Navigating the Offseason Landscape
Predicting the exact outcome of the 2026 NFL Draft remains premature at this juncture. Key pre-draft activities, such as the 2026 NFL Combine, will significantly influence team evaluations and prospect rankings. Furthermore, the fluidity of free agency will shape which positions teams prioritize with their draft selections.
Despite these variables, USA TODAY Sports has released its initial projections for the first round. These early forecasts offer a glimpse into potential pairings between top collegiate athletes and NFL franchises, setting the stage for an intriguing offseason.
First-Round Draft Projections: Key Selections Emerge
The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana with the first overall pick. Mendoza's stellar collegiate career, which includes leading Indiana to a national championship and earning the Heisman Trophy, showcased his elite accuracy, anticipation, and ball-placement abilities. His skill set as a pocket passer suggests he could thrive under the guidance of Klint Kubiak.
The New York Jets, holding the second pick, are projected to target linebacker Arvell Reese out of Ohio State. With quarterback Dante Moore returning to school, the Jets are poised to bolster their roster with a premier defensive talent. Reese enjoyed a breakout season, recording 6.5 sacks and displaying exceptional versatility as both an edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker, making him a valuable asset for Aaron Glenn's defensive scheme.
Defensive Talent Dominates Early Picks
Following the Jets' selection, the Arizona Cardinals are eyeing David Bailey, an edge rusher from Texas Tech. While a top-tier offensive tackle might appeal to Mike LaFleur, adding a formidable pass-rushing partner for Josh Sweat is a high priority. Bailey led the FBS with 14.5 sacks last season, showcasing an explosive burst off the edge, and is considered exceptionally pro-ready.
The Tennessee Titans are also expected to reinforce their pass rush by drafting Rueben Bain Jr., an edge defender from Miami (FL). Despite an unconventional build for his position, Bain was a pivotal force during Miami's national championship run. His pro-ready physicality and power would be welcomed by coach Robert Saleh, significantly improving Tennessee's run defense.
