NFL Mock Draft Live: Team Reporters Unveil Bold First-Round Predictions Ahead of Pittsburgh Spectacle
Los Angeles, CA – As the NFL Draft fever builds toward its historic debut in Pittsburgh, the Los Angeles Times has kicked off its annual beat-writer mock draft, delivering insider predictions straight from team reporters covering every franchise with a first-round pick.
The live event, which began at 9 a.m. PDT with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 overall selection, promises a window into how NFL insiders envision Thursday night’s opening round unfolding. For over two decades, this tradition has given fans and analysts a pulse on potential team strategies, drawing from reporters who follow their beats daily.[1]
Quarterback Rarity and Ohio State Dominance
One of the mock draft’s most striking narratives is the scarcity of quarterbacks. Only one signal-caller is projected to hear his name called in the first round, and it won’t be a long wait once the action starts. This reflects a draft class perceived as light on elite QB prospects, shifting focus to other positions amid teams’ varying needs.[1]
Contrasting this, Ohio State is set for a banner night, with five players mocked into the opening round, including three within the first seven picks. The Buckeyes’ haul underscores their talent pipeline, positioning them as the draft’s most represented school in this exercise.[1]
Edge Rushers Lead, Running Backs Bookend the Round
The mock is stacked with edge rushers, highlighting the premium on pass-rushing talent this year. Bookending the first round are running backs: one at the very top and another closing out the 32 picks. This setup signals teams prioritizing speed and explosiveness at skill positions despite a run-heavy class not dominating the middle.[1]
With the Raiders on the clock first, speculation swirls around whether they’ll opt for a game-changer at running back, edge, or elsewhere to address their rebuild. Reporters’ picks will reveal if trades are in play or if the board falls cleanly as projected.[1]
Broader Mock Draft Buzz Across Media
The excitement extends beyond the Times’ event. On SNY’s Jets Final Drive, NFL insider Connor Hughes and The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt assembled reporters from every team with first-round picks for their own 2026 mock. Focused on the New York Jets at Nos. 2 and 16, it offered a collaborative forecast mirroring the league-wide anticipation.[2]
ESPN’s draft tracker confirms the schedule: Round 1 kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh, followed by Rounds 2-3 on April 24 and Rounds 4-7 on April 25. Looking back, the 2024 draft saw the Chicago Bears snag USC’s Caleb Williams at No. 1, a move that reshaped their franchise.[5]
“This year’s version is heavy on edge rushers, light on quarterbacks, and has two running backs as bookends at the beginning and end of Thursday night’s first round.”
– Los Angeles Times Mock Draft Preview[1]
Expert Takes and Team Spotlights
Other outlets are chiming in with their projections. Bleacher Report notes mocks where the Jets, Eagles, and Steelers land quarterbacks outside the top two rounds, per The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. CBS Sports offers full pick-by-pick breakdowns, while Chiefs reporter Matt McMullen rounds up expert consensus on Kansas City’s potential first-rounder.[6][7][8]
| Position Group | Projection | Notable Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterbacks | 1 in Round 1 | Early selection expected; thin class overall |
| Ohio State Players | 5 total, 3 in top 7 | Dominating the projections |
| Edge Rushers | Heavy emphasis | Top priority for many teams |
| Running Backs | Picks 1 and 32 | Bookends of the round |
Pittsburgh’s Moment in the Spotlight
For the first time, Pittsburgh hosts the NFL Draft, infusing the Steel City with pageantry and drama. Fans flock to the Allegheny Riverfront, where stages, interactive zones, and team activations will amplify the hype leading into Round 1.[5]
While past drafts like 2024’s Bears-Williams pairing set precedents, 2026’s mock exercises hint at unpredictability. Will the Raiders surprise? How far do Ohio State’s stars climb? Team reporters’ live picks are providing early clues, blending insider knowledge with speculative flair.
As the real draft nears, these mocks serve as both entertainment and scouting tool, helping executives refine boards while thrilling a fanbase hungry for the next wave of stars. Stay tuned as selections roll in and the NFL’s future takes shape under Pittsburgh’s lights.