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2026 NFL mock draft 8.0: Ty Simpson goes late first round after trade back in, while 4 Buckeyes are gone by pick No. 10
In the penultimate edition of Nate Tice and Charles McDonald's mock draft, two QBs go Round 1 while the Giants grab another offensive weapon and two hopeful AFC contenders shore up their defense.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:22pm
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The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a showcase of the league's next generation of talent, with teams strategically maneuvering to secure their future stars.New Orleans TodayWith March Madness come and gone, attention is turning formally toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Five teams have multiple first-round selections, but in the eighth edition of Nate Tice and Charles McDonald's mock, it's a team that trades back into the late first round that makes the most noise.
Why it matters
The 2026 NFL Draft is a highly anticipated event, with several teams holding multiple first-round picks. This mock draft provides insights into how the draft might unfold, with teams addressing key needs and making strategic moves to improve their rosters for the upcoming season.
The details
In this mock draft, Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald makes the odd-numbered picks, and Nate Tice makes the even. The draft features several notable selections, including the Raiders taking Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, the Jets adding Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese, and the Titans selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. The Giants also grab Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, while the Bengals select Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and the Cowboys add Auburn edge Keldric Faulk.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.
The players
Fernando Mendoza
A quarterback from Indiana who was selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Arvell Reese
An edge/linebacker from Ohio State who was selected by the New York Jets.
Sonny Styles
A linebacker from Ohio State who was selected by the Tennessee Titans.
Jeremiyah Love
A running back from Notre Dame who was selected by the New York Giants.
Rueben Bain Jr.
An edge rusher from Miami who was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Keldric Faulk
An edge rusher from Auburn who was selected by the Dallas Cowboys.
What they’re saying
“NFL's newest buddy cop film, 'Kirk & Fernando,' will begin filming at the end of the month when the Raiders take Mendoza to be their new franchise quarterback.”
— Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports Writer
“Defenses, and the roles they ask players to fill, have become more varied in today's NFL. Reese is a modern day weapon that every defensive play caller would love to get their hands on.”
— Nate Tice, Yahoo Sports Writer
“The thought of Styles flying around behind Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers has me giddy.”
— Nate Tice, Yahoo Sports Writer
What’s next
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in April 2026, with teams finalizing their draft boards and making their selections.
The takeaway
This mock draft highlights the depth and talent of the 2026 NFL Draft class, with several teams making strategic moves to address key needs and position themselves for success in the upcoming season. The inclusion of players like Mendoza, Reese, and Styles showcases the diverse skill sets and potential impact of this year's top prospects.
