Tue Feb 24 21:20:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Kiper’s Mock Draft 2.0: Mendoza to Raiders a “Pretty Obvious” Choice

The Story:
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his second mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft, projecting the first-round selections. The draft is scheduled for April 23, 2026. Kiper emphasizes that while there hasn’t been significant movement since his January predictions, the upcoming combine workouts and free agency in March could drastically alter team needs and draft boards. A prominent projection is quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders, addressing their long-standing quarterback void.

Key Points:

  • Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is projected as the No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • The Raiders’ quarterback situation remains unresolved despite the Geno Smith trade.
  • The mock draft does not include any trades, but notes that four selections have already changed hands.
  • The combine workouts and free agency in March are expected to significantly impact team needs and draft prospects.
  • Kiper identifies several potential high-impact defensive players, including safety Caleb Downs, edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and T.J. Parker, and linebacker Arvell Reese.
  • The article notes that the Browns have 2 first round picks, as do the Jets.

Key Takeaways:

  • Quarterback remains a critical need for several NFL teams, notably the Raiders, leading to early draft projections for top prospects.
  • The NFL Combine and free agency period are crucial events that will shape the final draft selections.
  • Defensive talent is prominently featured in the projected first round, reflecting the league’s ongoing emphasis on defensive playmakers.
  • The draft is still very fluid, and team needs may shift significantly, especially after free agency.
  • Ohio State is poised to have a historic draft with potentially four players selected in the top seven picks.

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