Peter Schrager’s Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders Nab Heisman QB Mendoza at No. 1 as Draft Chaos Looms
With just 36 hours until the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh, ESPN’s Peter Schrager has dropped his final first-round mock draft, predicting a whirlwind of surprises and trades in what he calls a particularly “wide open” year.[1][11]
Schrager, known for his accurate predictions and insider intel from the league meetings, emphasizes the unpredictability of this draft class. “No one has the firmest grasp on what is going to happen Thursday,” he writes, promising draft-night drama akin to reality TV.[1]
Raiders Select Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall
The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to kick things off by selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, with the first overall pick.[1][3]
Mendoza, a junior (RS) standing at 22 years old, brings a tough-minded, high-IQ game that aligns perfectly with the vision of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. Though he may redshirt behind Kirk Cousins in 2026, his traits make him the ideal franchise signal-caller for the Silver and Black.[3]
This consensus top pick appears in multiple mocks, including those from Bucky Brooks and Jordan Reid, underscoring Mendoza’s status as the draft’s premier prospect.[3][8]
Jets, Cardinals, and Titans Eye Early Impact Players
Schrager projects the New York Jets at No. 2, with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans rounding out the top four.[1][8][11]
One mock variant highlights the Jets potentially grabbing Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese early, passing on Texas Tech’s David Bailey, signaling a focus on defensive firepower.[2] Later picks for New York could include Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge at No. 44, bolstering the offensive line.[2]
Trades Shake Up the Top 10: Cowboys, Giants in the Mix
Schrager spices up his mock with trades, including the Dallas Cowboys swapping with the Kansas City Chiefs for the No. 9 pick to snag LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.[4]
Meanwhile, the New York Giants feature prominently in other projections. Bucky Brooks has them gifting top-10 selections at running back and receiver, while Mel Kiper Jr.’s updated mock accounts for the Dexter Lawrence II trade, adding a second top-10 pick.[10][13]
Quarterback Carousel and Sleeper Prospects
Quarterbacks dominate early discussions, with Mendoza leading a class that includes potential fits like those projected by Ben Solak across seven rounds.[12] Other notable QBs in the mix: Jaxson Dart, eyed by the Giants in some mocks.[3][13]
ESPN’s comprehensive coverage extends to seven-round mocks from Jordan Reid (257 picks) and two-round predictions from Mel Kiper Jr. (64 picks), both incorporating fresh intel on team needs and trades.[8][10]
Team-specific buzz abounds: The Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and others release their own mock watch reports, while Rich Eisen’s top-10 predictions add fan-favorite flair.[6][7][9]
Draft Schedule and Viewing Details
The 2026 NFL Draft starts Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh, airing on ESPN, ABC, and the ESPN App. Rounds 2-3 follow Friday, with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday.[1][8][10]
| Pick | Team | Player | Position/School |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas Raiders | Fernando Mendoza | QB, Indiana |
| 2 | New York Jets | TBD | – |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | TBD | – |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans | TBD | – |
As teams finalize boards and rumors swirl—from sleeper prospects to last-minute trades—Schrager’s mock captures the electric tension. Will the Raiders indeed coronate Mendoza as their future? Expect the unexpected.[1][5]
“It’s reality TV at its finest!” — Peter Schrager on draft night surprises.[1]
Broader Mock Draft Landscape
ESPN’s draft analysts, including Kiper, Miller, Reid, and Yates, collaborated on a three-round mock through the top 100 picks, showcasing diverse strategies.[14] Bucky Brooks’ 4.0 version doubles down on offensive weapons for needy teams.[3]
Projections from NFL.com and Bleacher Report align on key themes: QBs flying off the board early, defensive backs rising, and trade mania in the top 10.[3][4]
Fans can track all projections via ESPN’s draft hub, including starter benchmarks and All-Star potentials.[15]
This draft class promises to reshape rosters amid a wide-open talent pool. Tune in Thursday as predictions meet reality.
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