The final weekend in April marked the key date in the NFL offseason as attention turned to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft. Held over two sites connected by the Roberto Clemente Bridge, the first draft in Steel City since 1948 attracted a record 805,000 fans over the course of the three days.
Following weeks of analysis, mock drafts, and expert predictions, the No. 1 pick was as most expected. However, there were surprises elsewhere in the top five.
Pick 1: Fernando Mendoza to Las Vegas Raiders
Entering the draft with an obvious need at quarterback, the Raiders made their anticipated play in selecting 22-year-old Mendoza with the first overall pick. At 6ft5in tall and weighing in at 225 pounds, Mendoza possesses the physical attributes to excel under centre and backs up that frame with considerable talent.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Mendoza played college football for the California Golden Bears before transferring to the Indiana Hoosiers ahead of the 2025 season. Earning the starting job in Indiana, he led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 season and a first-ever National Championship. Throwing for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns, with only six interceptions, he became the first Hoosier in history to claim the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the top college football player.
More of a traditional pocket passer than a dual-threat quarterback, Mendoza was viewed as the clear standout among the 2026 crop of quarterbacks. On paper, his elite accuracy is an excellent fit for the play-action schemes of new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak, who arrives fresh from a Super Bowl win as the Seahawks offensive coordinator.
Despite his immense potential, Mendoza may not be thrown into the deep end immediately. Before the draft, the Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins on a one-year deal. Expected by many to start the season, Cousins has also been brought in to serve as a mentor to Mendoza. With Raiders part-owner Tom Brady also promising to take a hands-on role in the young quarterback’s development, Mendoza is well placed to succeed.
Pick 2: David Bailey to New York Jets
David Bailey 🤝 Jets Nation pic.twitter.com/xslBQZUw4r
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 24, 2026
Having ranked last in the NFL in terms of pressure rate, it was no surprise to see the Jets target an upgrade to their pass-rushing game with the second overall pick. However, most expected that player to be Arvell Reese, with the Ohio State man thought to have the highest athletic ceiling among the top-ranked pass-rushers.
Instead, the Jets selected David Bailey from the Texas Tech Red Raiders, with his readiness to slot straight in as a starter earning him the edge over Reese. At 6ft4in and 255 pounds with 34-inch arms and a 4.5-second time for the 40-yard dash, Bailey is a fearsome physical specimen. His college stats also stack up well, with his 14.5 sacks for the Red Raiders ranking joint-most in the country.
Pick 3: Jeremiyah Love to Arizona Cardinals
Coming off a season in which their 91.3 rushing yards per game ranked 31st in the NFL, the Cardinals sought to bolster a rushing arsenal headed by veterans James Conner and Tyler Allgeier.
Not only the standout running back in the draft, there is also a decent argument that Jeremiyah Love was the best player across all positions. Explosive yet light on his feet and boasting a signature spin and hurdle move, Love has the game-breaking ability the Cardinals so often lacked in 2025. The highest drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018 also excels in pass protection and is a legitimate threat as a receiver. Soon after his selection, the 20-year-old was installed as the early betting favourite to be crowned NFL Rookie of the Year.
Pick 4: Carnell Tate to Tennessee Titans
🗣️ @carnelltate pic.twitter.com/0ZpcJpaIsu
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) April 24, 2026
The first significant shock arrived with the fourth overall pick. With a clear weakness at running back, the Titans may have been disappointed to see Love go with the No. 3 pick. Nevertheless, Arvell Reese remained available and looked like an obvious pick, with his aggressive style seeming a perfect fit for Robert Saleh’s defensive systems.
Ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect by a selection of analysts, Reese was passed over again as the Titans targeted an offensive upgrade. Keen to surround second-year quarterback Cam Ward with as many weapons as possible, Tennessee turned to Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate. An excellent vertical route runner with outstanding hands – zero drops from 66 targets in 2025 – he should slot seamlessly into Brian Daboll’s offence.
Pick 5: Arvell Reese to New York Giants
Arvell Reese is a New York Giant 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/BvVL7qfk4I
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 26, 2026
On paper, the Giants had more pressing needs than linebacker when it came to the fifth overall pick. However, in the end, New York favoured outright talent over positional priorities. Speaking after the first round, both General Manager and Head Coach John Harbaugh revealed that, in their opinion, Reese was the best non-quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft. Surprised to see the former Ohio State Buckeye still available, the Giants couldn’t resist the opportunity.
Standing 6ft4in tall, Reese possesses elite speed, power, and a play style he describes as “fast and violent”. Predominantly used as an inside linebacker, he is expected to be used creatively by Harbaugh. If Reese meshes well with edge rushers Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants may have the makings of one of the most fearsome pass-rushing units in the NFL.