NFL Draft Projection - Early Top 10

This draft projection is only a top 10 because the needs of the teams will change after free agents agree with teams beginning March 9, so even this top 10 is likely to change. Everyone likes early predictions, so here's what I'm thinking as of February 26, 2026.

1) Raiders - QB Fernando Mendoza - Mendoza will be the first pick, and I'll be very surprised if any team can offer enough for the Raiders to trade away the pick.

2) Jets - LB Arvell Reese - This guy makes plays all over the field. He is a Micah Parsons type player. I'm not saying he will rush the passer as well as Parsons, but he has similar skills.

3) Cardinals - OT Francis Mauigoa - The Cardinals could go for a pass rusher here or might like OT Spencer Fano better, so I'm barely above 50% certainty on this pick.

4) Titans - EDGE David Bailey - I believe this pick will be a pass rusher.

5) Giants - WR Carnell Tate - I think Tate has separated himself as the first wide receiver to be taken in this draft. The other two wide receiver possibilities are Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon. I would not rule out a defensive player for the Giants.

6) Browns - OT Spencer Fano - Every player of the offensive line for the Browns is a free agent. They really need a wide receiver, too, but that should wait until the next round.

7) Commanders - DE Rueben Bain - The Commanders need defense. If the shorter arms of Bain scare them, they could go with a do it all player, like Sonny Styles.

8) Saints - RB Jeremiyah Love - The Saints will have a hard time deciding between Love and a wide receiver. The fans want Love. Will the Saints brass listen?

9) Chiefs - WR Makai Lemon - The Chiefs need playmakers on offense and a pass rusher on defense. If Love is there, I think he's the pick. If he's gone, then Bain or Tyson could be the pick. The Chiefs need a right tackle, too, so if Mauigoa or Fano slide, they could be the pick. Lemon is a lot like Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Lions. He has great hands, great separation and great run after the catch.

10) Bengals - S Caleb Downs - If Downs makes it this far, the Bengals will run over 10 pedestrians to get their pick turned in. They need defense, especially defensive backs. If Downs is gone, look for Bain or another pass rusher.

May God always be your number 1 draft pick!

Draftman Rick