2026 NFL Mock Draft: Early Predictions on Where the Chicago Bears and QBs Go

FOX Sports' Bucky Brooks shares his latest mock draft ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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As the NFL offseason approaches, FOX Sports' Bucky Brooks shares his early predictions on where the top prospects, including quarterbacks and the Chicago Bears, will go in the 2026 NFL Draft. The mock draft covers the first round, with the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals among the teams making key selections.

Why it matters

The 2026 NFL Draft will be a crucial event for teams looking to add young talent and build for the future. With several quarterback-needy teams in the top picks, the draft order and selections could have a major impact on the league's landscape in the coming years.

The details

In Brooks' mock draft, the Las Vegas Raiders select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, while the New York Jets take Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 2. The Arizona Cardinals bolster their offensive line by selecting Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 3. The Chicago Bears, picking 25th, are projected to take Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald to help improve their run defense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in the spring of 2026.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A quarterback from Indiana University who is projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Arvell Reese

An outside linebacker from Ohio State University who is projected to be selected second overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Francis Mauigoa

An offensive tackle from the University of Miami who is projected to be selected third overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Kayden McDonald

A defensive tackle from Ohio State University who is projected to be selected 25th overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“As we transition from the college all-star games to the upcoming offseason following this Sunday's Super Bowl, here's how I see things going in my latest mock draft.”

— Bucky Brooks (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft order will be finalized after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season. Teams will then have the opportunity to sign free agents and make trades ahead of the draft, which could impact their draft strategies and the overall draft order.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event, with several quarterback-needy teams at the top of the order and the Chicago Bears looking to address their defensive needs. The selections made in the first round will have a significant impact on the league's landscape in the coming years.