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Fernando Mendoza won a Heisman Trophy, led Indiana to its first national championship and will be the No. 1 overall pick when the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock next month.
The rest of the NFL draft isn’t that clear-cut. It’s not even a certainty another quarterback will be selected in the first round after Mendoza, though Ty Simpson made a strong case at the scouting combine.
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Here’s the first edition of the AP’s 2026 mock draft in order of picks without any projected trades:
1. Las Vegas Raiders: FERNANDO MENDOZA, QB, INDIANA
Mendoza is a precise pocket passer with prototypical size, poise and maturity. The Raiders have some playmakers — Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty — but must build around Mendoza and protect him. Mendoza should benefit from having part-owner Tom Brady around for advice. The Raiders haven’t won a playoff game since losing the Super Bowl following the 2002 season and have only reached the postseason twice in that span. They need Mendoza to be a franchise QB.
2. New York Jets: ARVELL REESE, EDGE RUSHER, OHIO STATE
Reese is a freak athlete — he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash — who played off-ball linebacker and standup edge. He has the talent to be an elite edge rusher and the Jets need a can’t-miss prospect.
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3. Arizona Cardinals: DAVID BAILEY, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS TECH
Bailey is mocked as high as No. 2 on many draft boards. He’s another immensely athletic edge with elite upside. If the Cardinals don’t trade down to add more draft capital, he’s an ideal fit.
4. Tennessee Titans: RUEBEN BAIN JR., EDGE RUSHER, MIAMI
Bain is a versatile rusher who can line up on the edge or inside against guards, creating mismatches. He’ll be a huge asset for new coach Robert Saleh.
5. New York Giants: FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, MIAMI
Protecting Jaxson Dart is a priority for the Giants. Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle who would instantly upgrade New York’s offensive line.
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6. Cleveland Browns: KADYN PROCTOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ALABAMA
Proctor started at left tackle as a true freshman and allowed just two sacks in his three seasons. The Browns…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ap-mock-draft-1-0-183738192.html
Author : ROB MAADDI
Publish date : 2026-03-05 18:37:00
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