2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Surprise With QB Pick, Eagles and Rams Bolster WR Corps

Nick Wright projects the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, including unexpected selections and teams addressing key needs.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:09pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting an NFL draft scene, with players, coaches, and draft boards broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, breaking down the action into fragmented geometric shapes and bold colors.San Francisco Today

In his first 2026 NFL mock draft, FOX Sports' Nick Wright makes some bold predictions, including the Jets taking a quarterback many believe is being overdrafted and the Eagles and Rams adding wide receiver talent. Wright also weighs in on potential top-10 picks, the run on Ohio State players, and teams looking to shore up their offensive and defensive lines.

Why it matters

With the 2026 NFL Draft just weeks away, Wright's early projections offer insights into how the first round could unfold, highlighting potential surprises, team needs, and the top prospects generating buzz leading up to the big event.

The details

Wright's mock draft has the Jets selecting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, a pick he believes is a massive overdraft. The analyst also projects the Eagles and Rams to address wide receiver needs, with the Rams potentially targeting USC's Makai Lemon. Other notable picks include the Ravens bolstering their offensive line and the Buccaneers seeking edge rush help.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Ty Simpson

A quarterback from the University of Alabama who has generated significant pre-draft buzz despite concerns that he may be overdrafted in the first round.

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver prospect from the University of Southern California who could be a target for the Los Angeles Rams, a team in need of receiving talent.

Fernando Mendoza

Widely projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Reese

A defensive player from Ohio State University who is considered one of the best defensive prospects in the draft.

David Bailey

A pass rusher who Wright believes could be the best pure pass rusher in the draft, despite concerns about his ability to be a three-down player.

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What they’re saying

“No shocker at all. We all know where [Mendoza] is going.”

— Nick Wright, Analyst

“You'll see a lot of Ohio State kids in the top 10. [Reese] is maybe the best defensive player in this draft. I feel Aaron Glenn looks at him and says, 'Is there a little Micah Parsons there?'”

— Nick Wright, Analyst

“The pick that everyone now seems to think is happening. … Is it smart to draft a running back that high before your offensive line has been fully built? Maybe ask the Raiders that.”

— Nick Wright, Analyst

“A move that I would not support, which is why I think the Bengals might do it. Most of the things they do, I don't support. You know what would be fun? More offense. The no. 1 tight end and a guy who has, in a good way, gotten some Kyle Pitts comps.”

— Nick Wright, Analyst

“What I think would be a massive overdraft, but the Jets are kind of known to massively overdraft [players]. The Jets are one of the top picks for, 'Team Most Likely To Have Their Owner Completely Reshuffle Their Board The Day Before The Draft.'”

— Nick Wright, Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026, providing further clarity on how teams address their needs and which prospects rise or fall on draft boards.

The takeaway

Nick Wright's early 2026 NFL mock draft highlights the unpredictability of the draft process, with potential surprises like the Jets overdrafting a quarterback and teams like the Eagles and Rams looking to bolster their receiving corps. As the draft approaches, the focus will shift to how teams navigate their needs and which prospects emerge as top talents.