Image Source: Jacob Camenker
Key Takeaways:
- Dante Moore, a top quarterback prospect, has decided to return to Oregon for the 2026 season, shaking up the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, is now considered the top quarterback prospect in the class.
- The top of the 2026 NFL Draft has been significantly altered, with teams adjusting their strategies in response to Moore’s decision.
- The draft is expected to be deep at positions such as edge rusher, wide receiver, and cornerback.
- Several teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals, are expected to target top prospects at these positions.
Introduction to the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft has taken a surprising turn with the announcement that Dante Moore, a top quarterback prospect, will return to Oregon for the 2026 season. This decision has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL, with teams adjusting their strategies in response. As noted by USA TODAY Sports, "Moore had been a staple atop 2026 NFL mock drafts, with some even opining the Oregon product could emerge as the class’ No. 1 signal-caller." However, after a rocky showing in Oregon’s 56-22 College Football Playoff loss to Indiana, Moore has opted to return to the Ducks to continue his development.
Impact on the Top of the Draft
The top of the 2026 NFL Draft has been significantly altered by Moore’s decision. Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, is now considered the top quarterback prospect in the class. As stated by USA TODAY Sports, "Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner, offers the highest floor of any passer in the class with his processing, accuracy, timing and NFL-level arm talent in a prototypical frame." The Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the first overall pick, are expected to select Mendoza. The New York Jets, who hold the second overall pick, are expected to target Arvell Reese, a highly touted linebacker/edge rusher from Ohio State. According to The Athletic, "Though it’s disappointing for the Jets that Moore isn’t on the board, it gives them an opportunity to select whomever they see as the best non-quarterback in the class – and Reese is a prime candidate."
Mock Draft Roundup
A mock draft roundup by USA TODAY Sports, The Athletic, CBS Sports, and Pro Football Network provides insight into how the top of the draft may play out. The Arizona Cardinals, who hold the third overall pick, are expected to target Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, or Spencer Fano, an offensive tackle from Utah. The Tennessee Titans, who hold the fourth overall pick, are expected to target Keldric Faulk, an edge rusher from Auburn, or Carnell Tate, a wide receiver from Ohio State. As Pro Football Network notes, "[Tate] brings an enticing combination of raw size and high speed that makes him a valuable vertical threat, and his body control attacking the ball in the air is tremendous."
Mid-Round Picks
The middle of the first round is expected to be filled with talented players at positions such as edge rusher, wide receiver, and cornerback. The Kansas City Chiefs, who hold the ninth overall pick, are expected to target Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, or Kenyon Sadiq, a tight end from Oregon. The Cincinnati Bengals, who hold the tenth overall pick, are expected to target David Bailey, an edge rusher from Texas Tech, or Rueben Bain Jr., an edge rusher from Miami (FL). According to CBS Sports, "Bailey brings a mix of power and athleticism off the edge, pairing a strong long-arm move and a nasty bull rush with the burst to win around the corner."
Late-Round Picks
The late rounds of the first round are expected to feature a mix of talented players and teams filling specific needs. The Los Angeles Rams, who hold the thirteenth overall pick, are expected to target Ty Simpson, a quarterback from Alabama, or Mansoor Delane, a cornerback from LSU. The Baltimore Ravens, who hold the fifteenth overall pick, are expected to target Olaivavega Ioane, a guard from Penn State, or Peter Woods, a defensive tackle from Clemson. As The Athletic notes, "Like last year when the Cowboys drafted Tyler Booker at No. 12, the Ravens selecting a guard wouldn’t get major headlines and might be unpopular with the fan base. But Ioane is a high-floor prospect and should be mentioned among the better players in this class."
Conclusion
The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to be a highly anticipated event, with teams looking to fill specific needs and talented players looking to make an impact at the next level. With Moore’s decision to return to Oregon, the top of the draft has been significantly altered, and teams will need to adjust their strategies accordingly. As the draft approaches, fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how the top prospects are selected and how teams choose to address their needs.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/01/16/nfl-mock-draft-roundup-expert-picks-2026/88197583007/