The Countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in just a couple of weeks. With that date approaching, the rumor mill is really starting to spin. Is the buzz around certain players genuine, or just smoke and mirrors? Let’s sift through the latest draft rumors to figure out what’s credible and what might be just noise.

What’s Next for Fernando Mendoza?

As of now, it seems the draft will officially open with the No. 2 pick.

The Las Vegas Raiders are eyeing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their top pick. So, effectively, the draft will begin with the New York Jets at No. 2.

Now, let’s explore the top five teams and their potential strategies.

Could the Jets Go for David Bailey?

For a while now, Arvel Reese has been the name associated with the Jets at the No. 2 spot.

But is there a chance they might favor another defender?

On a recent podcast, analysts Peter Schrager and Daniel Jeremiah suggested that the Jets could actually lean towards Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey. While Reese is an interesting prospect, he might need some time to develop, whereas Bailey is seen as more immediate-impact-ready—though perhaps not as high-upside as Reese. Given that the Jets are looking to overhaul their defense quickly, this might influence their choice.

What’s Arizona Planning at No. 3?

What will the Arizona Cardinals do with the third pick?

Many believe they need to bolster their offensive line. Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa have been consistently linked to Arizona in recent mock drafts. They’ve made some moves in free agency, acquiring Isaac Seumalo and Elijah Wilkinson, but the consensus is that more work is needed upfront.

But wait—could they pivot to defense instead?

Analyst Matt Miller thinks that could be the case, especially since either Bailey or Reese might still be available by the time the Cardinals pick. One source noted that Arizona should be selective, based on whom the Jets choose at No. 2.

Furthermore, some reports suggest it’s not entirely out of the question for the Cardinals to trade quarterback Ty Simpson for a first-round pick, although that scenario feels a bit unlikely. Another option could be to trade down and gain more draft capital, potentially allowing them to grab Simpson later in the draft.

Is Jeremiah Love the Next Big Thing for Tennessee?

One rising star before the draft is Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love. Honestly, he seems worthy of a top-five pick.

Initially, it appeared that running backs might be heading to Kansas City, especially with them picking in the ninth spot. But with the addition of Kenneth Walker III to KC, there were some conundrums about where Love might land. We decided to elevate him to the fourth pick, earmarked for Tennessee.

Tennessee made several acquisitions during free agency to strengthen their defense. Even with those moves, adding a pass rusher remains a priority, but drafting Love could be a strong possibility for the Titans. It makes sense to add a playmaker who can help elevate their offense, especially since Love could be a three-down back, much like Lions’ Jahmil Gibbs.

But don’t overlook the potential for Tennessee to focus on Ohio State’s Sonny Stiles, who fits a defensive mold under Robert Saleh’s coaching.

The Giants’ Dilemma at No. 5

The New York Giants have several positions that need attention, including wide receiver, linebacker, and safety. So what direction will they take with the fifth pick?

The right guard position might be their biggest need. Personally, I think Penn State’s Olaiba Vega-Ioane is a solid option, but it’s rare for an interior lineman to go that high. Historically, top guards have often slid down the board.

According to league insiders, the Giants wouldn’t shy away from choosing an off-ball linebacker either. Stiles is certainly in play; new manager John Harbaugh is known for valuing the middle linebacker role, and Stiles would fit right in.

Although they really need to solidify their offensive line, it’s a question whether they’d actually draft a guard at such a high pick. Instead, they might choose to go with the best player available at that moment, which could very well be a linebacker.

Cowboys Considering a Trade Up?

This happens every year as teams eye the draft, and it’s shaping up again.

Rumors about potential trades in the first round are heating up.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently stirred things up with a post suggesting the Cowboys might be looking to move up. Jerry Jones is keen to add a defensive playmaker, and with two first-round picks at his disposal, it’s a possibility if he sees a defender he likes.

Reed mentioned that trading up could be a viable option, especially if a top prospect slips a bit. Both safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Reuben Bayne Jr. are seen as game-changers that Dallas views as immediate-impact players.

Interestingly, both Downs and Bayne could potentially drop out of the top five, which might set the stage for the Cowboys to pounce.

The Patriots Eyeing a Move Up

The New England Patriots are another team looking to trade up in the draft.

With eight picks on day three, the Patriots have the most in the league, tied with the Ravens. Some speculate they might trade a few of these picks to move up into Day 2 or even back into the first round.

Patriots insiders hint that the team needs to focus on strengthening both offensive and defensive lines, making a tackle a strong possibility. Players like Kayden McDonald from Ohio State and interior defender Nick Barrett from South Carolina are among those to watch.