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A full three-round NFL Mock Draft for 2026 projects major trades and a quarterback-heavy first round sparked by the NFL Combine, with the Raiders sticking at No. 1 to select Fernando Mendoza and a slate of top prospects filling needs across the league.
NFL Network analyst Gennaro Filice's 1.0 mock for the 2026 draft has RB Jeremiyah Love cracking the top five and WR Jordyn Tyson landing with the Kansas City Chiefs at pick No. 9, with the rest of the first round filled by teams addressing quarterback, offensive line, defense and pass-catching needs.
The Kansas City Chiefs restructured Patrick Mahomes' contract, converting about $54.45 million of his 2026 salary into a signing bonus to drop his 2026 cap hit from $78.2 million to $34.65 million and create roughly $43.56 million in cap space, though the team remains about $11 million over the cap. The move is the first in a busy offseason that could include further restructures (potentially for Chris Jones) and adjustments as KC eyes needed upgrades and potential departures (Chenal, Watson) with questions about Mahomes’ 2026 availability and Kelce’s retirement looming.
In the latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders surprise by taking Arvell Reese No. 1, snubbing Fernando Mendoza; Mendoza lands at No. 2 with the New York Jets as Crosby trade rumors swirl, followed by Francis Mauigoa to the Cardinals, Rueben Bain Jr. to the Titans and Caleb Downs to the Giants.
Trade chatter swirls around Las Vegas pass rusher Maxx Crosby after reports he’s unhappy with last season’s shutdown decision; the Raiders could trade him to accelerate a rebuild, aided by Crosby’s four-year, $118M contract with about $59M guaranteed and only $5M dead cap if moved, though his knee rehab may delay an entry physical. The piece outlines 10 plausible suitors—Buffalo, Cincinnati, Seattle, New England, Dallas, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Chicago and Detroit—each with different cap and draft-price considerations, suggesting a deal could fetch multiple first-round picks and a premium return, depending on timing around the draft.
Ahead of a Super Bowl LX rematch with the Patriots, Seahawks veterans—including Doug Baldwin—revisit the heartbreak of Super Bowl XLIX: the infamous goal‑line call, Russell Wilson’s final‑minute interception, and Malcolm Butler’s clinching play, using the moment to reflect, heal, and bridge the franchise’s dynastic past with its present as they prepare for the showdown.
Buffalo appointed Joe Brady as head coach on a five-year deal after firing Sean McDermott following an AFC Divisional Round loss to Denver; Brady, who has been the Bills’ offensive coordinator and helped LSU win a national title, is expected to install a new leadership structure and may hire Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator, with Josh Allen at quarterback as the Bills pursue a Super Bowl.
Denver ruled out running back J.K. Dobbins for the AFC Championship against New England after activating him from IR and noting limited practice this week due to a foot injury. With Dobbins out, Denver will lean on a backfield of RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie, while Jarrett Stidham starts at quarterback after Bo Nix’s season-ending ankle injury. The Broncos also placed tight end Lucas Krull and linebacker Drew Sanders in their 21-day return windows, keeping their statuses uncertain.
Buffalo Bills, after firing Sean McDermott, are interviewing Philip Rivers for their vacant head-coach position. Rivers, who returned from retirement to start three games for the Colts in 2025, is among a group of candidates that includes Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, and Lou Anarumo as Buffalo and several other teams pursue new coaches.
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch indicated Brandon Aiyuk is unlikely to remain with the team, citing an unresolved situation and Aiyuk’s ACL injury; the club reportedly voided his 2026 guaranteed money, and coach Kyle Shanahan had said Aiyuk wasn’t showing up for rehab. With Aiyuk seemingly out, the 49ers are prioritizing re-signing WR Jauan Jennings, who led San Francisco in catches, yards, and TDs in 2025.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton are considering their options for the upcoming NFL draft, including the possibility of drafting a quarterback at No. 12 overall. While acknowledging the team's need for a quarterback, Payton emphasized the importance of finding the right fit and not drafting a quarterback just for the sake of it. The Broncos are open to various scenarios, including potential trades, but are also prepared to stand pat at No. 12 and select a quality player.
The Green Bay Packers' defensive line is undergoing changes with the switch to a 4-3 scheme under new coordinator Jeff Hafley. While the team has a solid foundation, there is a need for reinforcements, particularly at the edge due to injuries and aging players. The interior defensive line is deep, anchored by Kenny Clark, but the team remains open to adding potential draft picks that fit the defensive front vision.
Peyton Manning expresses curiosity about the Denver Broncos' draft strategy and the potential impact on the team's future, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming draft for the team's direction. While not revealing his preference, Manning believes each prospect has unique qualities that could benefit the Broncos' quarterback position. With uncertainty surrounding the team's first-round selection and potential changes, the former quarterback is eager to see how it all unfolds on April 25.
The Athletic's roster ranking places the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 22 in the NFL, highlighting significant deficiencies in offensive tackle and wide receiver positions. The team's pursuit of talent in the upcoming draft reflects a pressing need to bolster these areas, particularly with the future of their quarterback position in question. Despite interest in potential trades for veteran wide receivers, the Steelers are also eyeing prospects in the draft to address these shortcomings and remain competitive within the AFC North.
The Las Vegas Raiders are considering three draft scenarios to secure a rookie quarterback, with the team's offseason program underway at the Intermountain Health Performance Center.