2026 NFL Mock Draft: Surprises Abound in Top 5 Picks

Quarterback, linebacker, and running back prospects shake up early selections

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:29am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting various football players and draft prospects in overlapping, fragmented shapes and planes, conveying the sense of uncertainty and excitement surrounding the 2026 NFL Draft.The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a chaotic and unpredictable event, with several top prospects jockeying for position in the early picks.Philadelphia Today

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an unpredictable affair, with several surprising picks projected in the top 5. While the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall, the rest of the early selections could feature some curveballs, including Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles going as high as No. 2 to the New York Giants and Clemson running back Jeremiyah Love potentially landing at No. 3 with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Why it matters

This year's draft class is filled with talented players who could be selected higher or lower than expected, adding an extra layer of excitement and uncertainty to the proceedings. The potential for polarizing prospects to rise up the draft board, especially among offensive linemen, could create a competitive race for the best talent.

The details

In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the author has aimed to highlight some of the potential surprises that could occur in the early picks. While the Raiders are expected to take Mendoza at No. 1, the Giants could opt for the versatile Styles at No. 2, and the Eagles might pounce on the speed and power of Love at No. 3. The Washington Commanders could also look to bolster their defense by selecting Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 4, despite concerns about his short arms. The New England Patriots, meanwhile, are projected to focus on strengthening their offensive line with multiple options available.

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

The players

Fernando Mendoza

A quarterback from Indiana University who is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Sonny Styles

A linebacker from Ohio State University who could be a top-3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his versatility and athleticism.

Jeremiyah Love

A running back from Clemson University who is a potential early selection in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his speed and power.

Rueben Bain Jr.

A defensive lineman from the University of Miami who might be overlooked in the 2026 NFL Draft due to concerns about his short arms, but could still be a valuable addition to the Washington Commanders' defense.

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What they’re saying

“This year's draft class is filled with talented players who could go higher or lower than expected, adding an extra layer of excitement and uncertainty.”

— Annamae Dooley, Author

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026, and the full results and analysis will be closely followed by fans and experts alike.

The takeaway

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an unpredictable and exciting event, with several potential surprises in the early picks. The depth and talent of this year's draft class could lead to some polarizing prospects rising up the board, creating a competitive race for the best talent and adding an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings.