Fernando Mendoza will get a chance to learn from Kirk Cousins before the Las Vegas Raiders give him an opportunity to start.
The only question surrounding the Heisman Trophy winner is when he’ll make his debut.
Mendoza, who led Indiana to its first national championship, is an overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1-overall pick in the NFL draft next Thursday. He won’t be in Pittsburgh to hear NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announce his name, choosing instead to celebrate his big night with family and friends in Miami.
The intrigue starts with the second pick. Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese was widely considered the choice for the New York Jets but Texas Tech edge David Bailey has gained momentum.
Here’s the third edition of the AP’s 2026 mock draft in order of picks:
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 — and spent more than a quarter-billion in free agency. Cousins gives Mendoza a mentor in the QB room. Part-owner Tom Brady can provide Mendoza with valuable 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
We’re sticking with Reese. He’s 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 who can make an immediate impact for the Jets.
3. Arizona Cardinals: DAVID BAILEY, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS TECH
Bailey is another immensely athletic edge with elite upside. The Cardinals could trade down to add more draft assets or look at bolstering the offensive line. Bailey would join Josh Sweat to give Arizona two pass rushers who can create havoc.
4. Tennessee Titans: JEREMIYAH LOVE, RUNNING BACK, NOTRE DAME
The Titans reloaded in free agency, revamping the secondary and adding depth on defense along with another target for Cam Ward in wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. They have a tough choice here between Love or giving new coach Robert Saleh a star on defense: edge Rueben Bain Jr. and linebacker Sonny Styles. If general manager Mike Borgonzi sticks with the best available player, it’s Love.
5. New York Giants: SONNY STYLES, LINEBACKER, OHIO STATE
Styles’ impressive combine performance helped him soar into the top five on many draft boards. Protecting Jaxson Dart is a priority for the Giants so they’d have their choice of best offensive lineman in the draft at this spot but Styles is a supremely gifted defensive player.
6. Cleveland Browns: CARNELL TATE, WIDE RECEIVER, OHIO STATE
Tate is a consistent route runner with excellent hands and enough speed to be a top playmaker. The Browns added three veteran offensive linemen but still could target a tackle. Tate gives them a No. 1 receiver that’s hard to pass up.
7. Washington Commanders: MANSOOR DELANE, CORNERBACK, LSU
Delane is the best cover corner in the draft. He’ll provide a significant boost for a defense that’s thin in the secondary.
8. New Orleans Saints: 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 the Saints.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: FRANCIS MAUIGOA, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, MIAMI
Mauigoa is a three-year starter at right tackle who would replace Jawaan Taylor and provide Patrick Mahomes more protection. Getting Mahomes a playmaking receiver is also an option. So is an edge rusher. But Mauigoa is strong value slipping to this spot.
10. New York Giants: SPENCER FANO, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, UTAH
After getting this pick for Dexter Lawrence, the Giants get a blocker for Dart. Fano’s arm length became a topic after the Super Bowl but he has the natural talent to succeed.
11. Miami Dolphins: MAKAI LEMON, WIDE RECEIVER, USC
After trading Jaylen Waddle and releasing Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins need to get Malik Willis a top receiver. Lemon is an elite playmaker who creates matchup nightmares for defenses in the slot.
12. Dallas Cowboys: CALEB DOWNS, SAFETY, OHIO STATE
Downs is an elite, versatile playmaker who gives new Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker a potential superstar to anchor the secondary. Downs has top-five talent but only slips because of potential value.
13. Los Angeles Rams: JORDON TYSON, WIDE RECEIVER, ARIZONA STATE
He’s an exceptional route-runner with speed who catches the ball in traffic. The Rams were interested in some high-profile wideouts so drafting Tyson upgrades a dynamic group that includes All-Pro Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
14. Baltimore Ravens: OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, GUARD, PENN STATE
Ioane fills a big need for the Ravens on the interior of their offensive line and fits their run-blocking scheme nicely.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: KELDRIC FAULK, EDGE RUSHER, AUBURN
Scouts rave about Faulk’s leadership and he has obvious talent. The Buccaneers need a standout pass rusher and Faulk’s the type of player who fits general manager Jason Licht’s character criteria. A trade down to add more picks also is a possibility.
16. New York Jets: DENZEL BOSTON, WIDE RECEIVER, WASHINGTON
Boston is strong, fast and has elite ball skills. He has the frame (6-foot-4, 212) of receivers that new offensive coordinator Frank Reich has relied on in his system. The Jets could trade down and still get Boston or Omar Cooper Jr. and stockpile even more picks.
17. Detroit Lions: KADYN PROCTOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ALABAMA
Proctor started at left tackle as a freshman and allowed just two sacks in his three seasons. He has great size — 6-foot-7, 352 pounds — and plenty of athleticism. Proctor even had five runs for 16 yards.
18. Minnesota Vikings: DILLON THIENEMAN, SAFETY, OREGON
Thieneman had an impressive combine, running a 4.36 40-yard dash that was faster than some of the NFL’s best receivers. A three-year starter, he’ll step right into Brian Flores’ defense.
19. Carolina Panthers: KENYON SADIQ, TIGHT END, OREGON
The Panthers improved their defense in free agency by adding edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. If Sadiq is available, they’d get the best tight end in the draft at this spot, giving Bryce Young a potential favorite target.
20. Dallas Cowboys: JERMOD MCCOY, CORNERBACK, TENNESSEE
McCoy is a consistent corner with outstanding ball skills often mocked to the Cowboys at No. 12. Dallas gets a defensive back who can anchor the secondary.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: MONROE FREELING, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, GEORGIA
Freeling has elite athleticism and is considered a potential top-10 pick. He just needs more experience after starting one season on the right side. Freeling has the athletic ability to adapt to a new spot.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: PETER WOODS, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSON
Woods is a powerful, versatile defensive lineman who fits the type of player coach Jim Harbaugh wants on defense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: BLAKE MILLER, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, CLEMSON
Miller started 54 games in college and can step in right away and play if the Eagles need him. He provides an eventual successor to right tackle Lane Johnson.
24. Cleveland Browns: T.J. PARKER, EDGE RUSHER, CLEMSON
Parker’s production dipped after big numbers in 2024 but he’s a strong, powerful edge with potential to flourish. He makes it three straight Clemson players in this mock.
25. Chicago Bears: ZION YOUNG, EDGE RUSHER, MISSOURI
The Bears lost several starters in the secondary and adding a defensive back is an option but a strong rusher also helps significantly. Young is a disruptive force who brings energy and leadership.
26. Buffalo Bills: CASHIUS HOWELL, EDGE RUSHER, TEXAS A&M
Despite acquiring D.J. Moore, another playmaking receiver is an option. Edge also is a priority and Howell has proven he gets to the quarterback and finishes.
27. San Francisco 49ers: K.C. CONCEPCION, WIDE RECEIVER, TEXAS A&M
Concepcion is a speedy, elusive wideout who gives Brock Purdy and the 49ers a top target and another playmaker on offense. Despite signing Mike Evans in free agency, San Francisco can’t pass up a confident player who already declared he’s the best receiver in the draft.
28. Houston Texans: KAYDEN MCDONALD, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, OHIO STATE
McDonald is another Buckeyes player going in the first round. He’s a natural run defender who’ll clog the middle of the line.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: OMAR COOPER JR., WIDE RECEIVER, INDIANA
After giving Mahomes a blocker with the ninth pick, the Chiefs add a potential top target late in the round. Cooper is a versatile playmaker who is known for getting yards after the catch.
30. Miami Dolphins: AVIEON TERRELL, CORNERBACK, CLEMSON
Terrell is an athletic cornerback who is projected higher in the draft. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is a possibility if he’s still available but the Dolphins signed Malik Willis.
31. New England Patriots: MAX IHEANACHOR, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, ARIZONA STATE
Iheanachor is an athletic former basketball player with ideal size who will need time to develop but projects as a potential starter right away.
32. Seattle Seahawks: JADARIAN PRICE, RUNNING BACK, NOTRE DAME
Price replaces the departed Super Bowl MVP and provides the Seahawks with a natural runner in the backfield. With Kenneth Walker III gone and Zach Charbonnet recovering from a knee injury, Price fills a need. Seattle could trade out of the first round, add more picks and potentially get Price early in the second.
READ MORE:Data analyst Jeff Asher gives his Saints do’s and don’ts for 2026 NFL Draft
