Most NFL fans know the end of the regular season means mock draft season and for the teams out of playoff contention, the focus shifts from playoff positioning to player prospect positioning. With the season wrapped up, we can start setting the draft order for the 2026 NFL draft.
With the completion of the 18th and final week of the NFL regular season, we can now move onto the next step of the pre-draft process: finalizing the order of the first 18 picks of the draft, all of whom currently do not have playoff berths. Draft stock for players will continue to rise and fall as the college football playoff finishes and teams make coaching changes, so the board will continue changing.
With most of the first round order now set, we can make projections for the first 18 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft while explaining team needs and potential fitting quarterbacks.
First Round Las Vegas Raiders Take Mendoza
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Considering Mendoza as a pick for the Las Vegas Raiders is a safe bet. He is a reigning Heisman Trophy winner and though he likely won’t get looked at for any of the most recent first overall picks, he has the ability to lead, be accurate, and make great decisions. He may not seal the most creative runs, but he can be clutch.
To be stable or efficient is to build a franchise. Mendoza may have the cultural reset this organization desperately needs after his on-field skills. He would fix their quarterback needs.
2. New York Jets
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon Under Oregon, one of the most well-versed QBs that one can get is Dante Moore. He does not fall short in any regard and he has shown some elite level skill in placement, and is able to command the entire offense for as much time as he has been in the league. He does not fall to a consolation prize.
While Moore could opt to go back to school and set himself up for the 2027 NFL Draft, he is currently on a path to becoming one of the most sought after players for 2026. For the Jets, Moore is a long-term solution at quarterback who can provide an immediate boost to the offense.
Thoughts on the Outlook for the 2026 NFL Draft
With the completion of Week 18 and the finalization of draft spots, the conversation around the 2026 NFL Mock Draft is becoming relevant. With the end of the college football season and NFL teams finalizing their coaching staff and front office changes, draft boards are beginning to take shape.
Quarterbacks are the most important players at the top of the draft, and the Jets and Raiders are in a position to help shape the future of their franchises with these picks. As the offseason unfolds, expect to see all draft projections change drastically.
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