For some fans, they can’t wait for the regular season to end to see if their team can make a run at the Super Bowl. For others, they can’t wait for the season to end so they can figure out who their team will be drafting in April.

For those of you who fall into the latter, this one is for you (and for those of you who are a part of the former, you can stick around too). Today, I’ll be mocking the first 10 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft, and I started with a bang…

1. TRADE: New York Jets (2-7) via Tennessee Titans

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers

The New York Jets added so much draft capital that it’s hard to see them not using some of it to make a move for their desired quarterback. Justin Fields isn’t the answer in New York, so I have them moving up to select Fernando Mendoza. He didn’t play his best game this weekend, but that game-winning drive against Penn State is exactly what you want to see in a potential franchise quarterback.

The Tennessee Titans already have their franchise quarterback in place, so they move back four spots to acquire a future first in 2027 + some Day 2 and Day 3 picks.

Stats: 71.3 percent completion, 2,342 yards, 26 passing TDs, 5 INT, 240 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs

2. TRADE: Cleveland Browns (2-7) via New Orleans Saints

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

I have the Cleveland Browns also making a move to shore up the quarterback position. They move up two spots with the New Orleans Saints to select Ty Simpson from Alabama. The Crimson Tides’ QB1 has been one of the best QBs in college this season and has put himself in the conversation as the top overall signal caller. I do think Mendoza is better, but Simpson’s right on his tail.

The Saints seem to have something in Tyler Shough. I think they give him the rest of this year and all of 2026 to prove himself, and if he can’t, they go QB in 2027. For now, they collect future assets and move back just a couple of spots.

Stats: 66.9 percent completion, 2,461 yards, 21 passing TDs, INT, 87 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs

3. New York Giants (2-8)

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The New York Giants desperately need help on defense. They’re pretty set on the defensive line, so with the third overall pick, they turn to the secondary and select arguably the best player in the draft, Caleb Downs. The Ohio State standout has been fantastic since he stepped onto the field as a true freshman at Alabama. Take positional value out of the equation; this kid is a stud.

Stats: 43 tackles, 2 INT, 136 yards allowed, 49.9 passer rating allowed

4. New Orleans Saints (2-7) via Cleveland Browns

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

One pick later, Downs’ teammate, Arvell Reese, comes off the board to the Saints. I was tempted to go with Jordyn Tyson here, because the Saints need some receiver help, but Reese is too good a prospect to turn down. He’s a dynamic linebacker who can rush the passer, stop the run, and drop into coverage. Perfect Demario Davis replacement.

Stats: 55 tackles, 22 pressures, 28 run stops, 6.5 sacks, 2 PBUs, 179 yards allowed

5. Tennessee Titans (1-8) via New York Jets

Rueben Bain, DE, Miami

The Titans need just about everything but a quarterback right now, so they go with the best player available in Rueben Bain. He’s the highest-rated true pass rusher in the draft, and could very well end up being the best defensive player in the draft overall. He is super talented and would give the Titans some much-needed help off the edge.

Stats: 31 tackles, 50 pressures, 42 hurries, 3 sacks

6. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Las Vegas Raiders also need a ton of help at pretty much every position. They could use a quarterback, but I don’t think there are any others worthy of being a top 10 pick, so I have them taking the best defensive tackle on the board in Peter Woods. He can rush the passer and stop the run, and would do very well next to Maxx Crosby.

Stats: 27 tackles, 18 run stops, 13 pressures, 2 sacks

7. Miami Dolphins (3-7)

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Miami Dolphins are another team that needs help on the defensive side of the ball. They could also use a quarterback, but again, I don’t think there’s anyone else worth a top 10 pick. With some of the best defenders already off the board, I have the Dolphins looking to beef up their secondary with Mansoor Delane, who is easily the best corner in this draft.

Stats: 35.7 percent completion allowed, 119 yards allowed, INT, 7 PBUs

8. Washington Commanders (3-6)

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Jordyn Tyson is the clear WR1 in this draft, and with all of the top defenders gone, I have the Washington Commanders adding another weapon on the outside for Jayden Daniels. They might lose Deebo Samuel this offseason, and all these injuries to Terry McLaurin are worrisome. I don’t know if he can keep being a WR1, even though they just paid him like one.

Stats: 57 receptions, 628 yards, 8 TDs

9. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Cincinnati Bengals really need help on the defensive side of the football, but more importantly, they need to protect Joe Burrow. Their star quarterback has been injured far too many times in his young career, so if they want to do right by him, drafting the best tackle in the draft would be a good move.

Stats: 301 pass blocking snaps, 5 pressures allowed, 0 sacks allowed

10. Los Angeles Rams (7-2) via Atlanta Falcons

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Los Angeles Rams are going to be fighting for a Super Bowl this year, and could still end up with a top 10 pick thanks to the Atlanta Falcons. With Rob Havenstein’s contract expiring after this season, finding a rookie tackle could be the priority for the Rams this offseason, and Francis Mauigoa falls right into their laps.

Stats: 304 pass blocking snaps, 8 pressures allowed, 2 sacks allowed

Rest of the NFL Draft Order

11. Arizona Cardinals

12. Dallas Cowboys

13. Baltimore Ravens

14. Minnesota Vikings

15. Houston Texans

16. Carolina Panthers

17. Kansas City Chiefs

18. San Francisco 49ers

19. Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville Jaguars

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

21. Buffalo Bills

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22. Chicago Bears

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

24. Detroit Lions

25. Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay Packers

26. Los Angeles Chargers

27. Los Angeles Rams

28. New England Patriots

29. Philadelphia Eagles

30. Denver Broncos

31. Seattle Seahawks

32. New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts