NFL Draft Insider Breaks Down Top 10 Picks

Albert Breer shares his insights on the likely selections in the first 10 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the complex interplay of football players and team strategies in the early rounds of the NFL Draft.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the strategic maneuvering and dynamic action of the 2026 NFL Draft's top picks.New Orleans Today

Senior NFL writer Albert Breer provides his analysis on how he expects the first 10 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft to unfold. He discusses potential selections for teams like the Raiders, Jets, Cardinals, Titans, Giants, Browns, Commanders, Saints, Chiefs, and Bengals, highlighting key prospects and team needs.

Why it matters

The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events of the offseason, as teams look to add top talent to improve their rosters. Breer's insider insights offer valuable foresight into how the early picks could shape up, giving fans and analysts a preview of the potential direction teams may take as they look to build championship-caliber squads.

The details

Breer believes the Raiders will select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the 1st overall pick, while the Jets are likely to take edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech at #2. The Cardinals, Titans, and Giants are all seen as potential trade-down candidates at picks 3-5, with prospects like Arvel Reese, Jeremiah Love, and Sonny Styles in the mix. The Browns (6th pick), Commanders (7th), Saints (8th), Chiefs (9th), and Bengals (10th) are all expected to target a variety of positions, including receiver, offensive line, and defense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in 6 days.

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A highly touted quarterback prospect who is expected to be the 1st overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.

David Bailey

A top edge rusher from Texas Tech who could be selected 2nd overall by the New York Jets.

Arvel Reese

A versatile linebacker who is being considered by teams like the Cardinals and Titans in the top 5 picks.

Jeremiah Love

A talented running back who could provide an immediate impact for teams like the Cardinals or Titans in the top 5.

Sonny Styles

A highly athletic linebacker who is drawing interest from teams like the Giants and Commanders in the top 10.

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What they’re saying

“David Bailey is a guy who can have an impact right away, and I think he will come in and have an impact right away.”

— Albert Breer, Senior NFL Writer

“Jeremiah Love is very much under consideration with the Titans. He can do for you what Zeke Elliott did for Dak Prescott, what Todd Gurley did for Jared Goff.”

— Albert Breer, Senior NFL Writer

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in 6 days, and teams will finalize their plans and make their selections. Breer will continue to provide updates and analysis leading up to the draft.

The takeaway

With the top of the 2026 NFL Draft lacking in elite, blue-chip prospects at premium positions, teams picking in the top 10 may be more inclined to trade down and accumulate additional picks. However, impact players like David Bailey, Jeremiah Love, and Sonny Styles could still be targeted to fill key needs for these franchises.