Mock Draft season is in full swing and this is our first real stab at the top 10 for this year. Since this is not a full first round mock, I will not call it Mock Draft 1.0. Instead, let’s go with Mock Draft 0.5 as we are focusing exclusively on the top 10 selections.
While there is not a ton of intrigue at the very top of the draft, since we all know what the Raiders are going to do, things get interesting immediately after that first selection. In reality, the draft truly starts once the Raiders are off the clock.
Due to the lack of true super blue chippers in this class, I believe the top of the draft will include at least two trades, with teams attempting to move out of the top 10 to collect additional draft capital. With a much stronger 2027 draft class on the horizon, do not be surprised if a team moves completely out of the first round in exchange for future assets. In this mock, however, I only included one trade, and I believe it is the most realistic scenario given the lack of elite talent at that specific position.
So without further ado, here is Mock Draft 0.5, with the top spot solidified and no Dante Moore, the quarterback from Oregon, in the pool.
Pick 1: Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This is a no brainer.
Once Dante Moore chose to leave millions on the table and return to college, this pick was solidified. Even if Moore had decided to come out, I cannot see this selection being seriously challenged after the run Mendoza went on in the College Football Playoff.
Mendoza elevated his play when the stakes were highest and showed command, confidence, and composure throughout the postseason. Quarterback need meets momentum, and the Raiders do not overthink it.
The draft starts at Pick 2.
Pick 2: Jets
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Jets would love to draft a quarterback here, but Donta Moore went back to Oregon. This feels far too high to select Ty Simpson, even though the Jets have surprised people at this spot before with a quarterback reach.
I do not think they make that mistake this year.
The Jets lost two major young stars on defense during the season, and this is the perfect spot to replenish the cupboard. Reese brings speed, physicality, and immediate impact to the second level.
That said, the Jets could disrupt the entire draft if Trinidad Chambliss declares or if Ty Simpson absolutely wows during the pre draft process.
Pick 3: Saints
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis showed tremendous patience last season, holding all nine of his picks. That restraint paid off as he produced his best draft class since 2017.
He will not do that twice.
New Orleans gets aggressive here and goes after the best skill player in the draft. Late last season, the Saints backfield was led by Audric Estime and Taysom Hill. They started the year with Alvin Kamara, Devin Neal, and Kendre Miller, but injuries decimated the group. Even before that, it was not an effective unit.
Prime Kamara would make this pick ridiculous. Those days are behind us.
This has Reggie Bush vibes.
Pick 4: Titans
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Titans have answered their biggest question at quarterback.
Cam Ward showed last season that he has the tools to be a franchise quarterback, and even if doubts remain, there are no better options in this draft. It is time to build around him.
Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike were a solid pairing, and Dike earned Pro Bowl recognition. Still, a true number one receiver would significantly accelerate Ward’s development. Tyson gives Tennessee that presence.
Pick 5: Giants
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Like the Titans, the Giants believe they have their quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart, the apple of Brian Daboll’s eye. Yes, it is painful to watch them part ways.
Unlike Tennessee, the Giants already have a true number one receiver in Malik Nabers.
What they need is a finishing piece. With Dart, Skattebo, Nabers, and Tate, the Giants would have one of the most dangerous offensive foursomes in the NFC East and all the firepower needed to kick off the Harbaugh era in style.
Pick 6: Browns
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Yes, this is three wide receivers in a row, because wide receiver is the top need for all three teams.
Some will argue quarterback is still Cleveland’s biggest issue, but with Shedeur Sanders in tow, that argument loses conviction. If you want to debate that, go find Mel Kiper. I am not prepared for that conversation today.
If Sanders is the guy, he already has weapons in Harold Fannin Jr. and Quinshon Judkins, both of whom came up big last season. Still, Jerry Jeudy is not enough, and neither is Isaiah Bond.
Lemon brings serious Jarvis Landry vibes. Tough, dependable, vocal. Once he is established as the true number one receiver, every other piece fits naturally into place.
Pick 7: Commanders
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
Washington could use help at running back after trading away Brian Robinson Jr., and the race for Love would be on. It is one of the more intriguing subplots of this draft, along with the lack of top end quarterback talent in this class.
In this scenario, Love is gone.
The Commanders do not need a quarterback, and the value here points to defense. They load up the defensive line with Bain, adding power, effort, and disruption up front.
Pick 8: Cardinals (via trade with Saints)
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Cardinals originally held the number three pick but trade down with New Orleans, who aggressively moves up to secure a premium offensive piece earlier in the draft. Arizona slides back to eight, collects additional capital, and still lands a high impact defender.
Bailey is one of the best pass rushers in this class. The Cardinals need a consistent way to affect quarterbacks in a division loaded with capable passers. Bailey helps solve that problem immediately.
Pick 9: Chiefs
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Chiefs miss having a player like “The Landlord” roaming the secondary. For years, elite safety play spoiled them.
That swagger disappeared during a disappointing season that ended with Kansas City missing the playoffs and landing in the top ten.
Downs brings it back. His presence could be monumental in restoring the identity of a defense that has long been the backbone of a proud Chiefs organization.
Pick 10: Bengals
Peter Woods, DI, Clemson
Cincinnati has to get better on the defensive side of the ball. Their defensive line took a noticeable step back.
The situation with Shemar Stewart was messy, and Trey Hendrickson did not look like himself, appearing in seven games and recording four sacks after posting double digit sacks in four of the previous five seasons. Stewart appeared in eight games and recorded one sack.
They need help.
Building from the inside out might be the smartest move. If the Bengals decide to move on from B.J. Hill, Woods would be a strong replacement and a foundational piece for a defensive reset in Cincinnati.
