With pro days just starting up around the country, predictions are being made for the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL draft. These predictions are based on team needs, personal rankings, and information from around the league. The Raiders, Colts, Falcons, Jaguars and Packers all traded away their first-round selections but will pick in Round 2.
Louis Riddick believes Ty Simpson has earned a spot as a top-15 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Raiders Expected to Pick Mendoza
The Raiders worked hard in free agency to beef up the roster around Mendoza, specifically landing the best available offensive lineman in centre Tyler Linderbaum. Mendoza’s Heisman-winning season displayed superior accuracy, arm strength, ability to scan the field, clutch production and good in-pocket mobility.
One area Mendoza will need to work on is being under center. He did that just 3% of the time in 2025; NFL teams played under center on 34.9% of snaps in 2025.
Jets Defence Could be Bolstered by Bailey
A busy free agency period has the Jets’ defense in an improved place compared to the end of last season, with the team adding linebacker Demario Davis and two edge rushers (Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai). It should still draft for value at this spot.
Bailey happens to thread the needle of taking a player with a grade commensurate with the No. 2 pick and at an area the team must continue to invest in. His 14.5 sacks in 2025 were tied for the most in the FBS, as he plays with a lightning quick first step and aggressive approach to pass rushing. No Jets player had over eight sacks last season.
Cardinals May Target Reese
After releasing Kyler Murray, Arizona’s offseason has signaled that drafting a quarterback is a logical outcome. However, the Cardinals are not going to reach for one here. Like the Jets, the Cardinals can add to their recent front-seven investments, which include edge rusher Josh Sweat from last free agency.
Reese is the most unique defensive player in this class, playing a hybrid position at Ohio State as an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher. He has massive length at 6-foot-4, explosive athletic traits and major upside if the Cardinals keep him at edge rusher. Reese said at the combine that he hasn’t “scratched the surface” as a pass rusher. He generated 19 pressures on a mere 97 pass-rush reps in 2025.
The Titans don’t have a glaring need at pass rusher.
The Broncos traded their first-round pick in a package to the Dolphins for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.