(Above Image Credit: Detroit Sports Nation)

The 2026 NFL Draft is here, which means the future will start for the NFL’s stars of tomorrow.

The draft starts on Thursday night and will be held live from Pittsburgh, PA from April 23-25. It’s that time of the year where the biggest stars from college football gather in one place hoping to be drafted to an NFL team.

So many NFL analysts have figured or are still figuring out their picks for each team. But, hey, it’s the NFL Draft, right? If there’s one thing we all know is that anything can happen, anyone can be picked, and we might not see it coming. It’s also hard to predict who will be drafted to where, but it’s quite fun to take wild guesses.

So without further ado, here are my projected first five picks of the 2026 NFL Draft…

1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

I believe there is no doubt the Raiders will pick Heisman-winning QB Fernando Mendoza first chance they get.

It’s a no-brainer why Mendoza should be chosen as the first pick. Over 3,800 yards, 48 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in his college career? If you’re in desperate need of a great quarterback, why wouldn’t you get this man for your first pick?

He makes the smart plays that help him take care of the ball and limit turnovers. With his accuracy, he can pass the ball through the tightest of spaces and lead his teammates to the right areas within the field. Qualities like that are what the Raiders have been looking so long for. With the right guidance, Mendoza can become the franchise quarterback Vegas has been waiting for.

2. New York Jets – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Jets can focus on building their defense instead of looking for the next best available quarterback. This will be where David Bailey will enter the picture.

If I’m being honest here, Bailey is a good pick, but so is Arvell Reese. I’d pick any one of those men to be drafted to the Jets. But why pick Bailey over Reese?

It’s because he was one of the top three leaders in tackles for loss and sacks last season. Bailey transferred to Texas Tech from Stanford where he became one of the best defensive players of both the NCAA and Big 12 conference. He was unanimously voted Consensus All-American after recording 20 tackles for loss (1st in Big 12, 2nd in NCAA), 14.5 sacks (1st in NCAA and Big 12), and three forced fumbles (2nd in Big 12).

His speed makes up for his unusual size. If he gets caught, he will find a way to elude the opposition, and they won’t see it coming. My only warning to his future opponents is to come at him if they like, but doing so can result in yard loss when getting tackled.

The Jets have enabled themselves to be pressured the last few seasons. Let’s see if it will be their turn to put the pressure on someone else.

3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State

As mentioned before, Bailey or Reese would be perfect for the Jets. However, if they go with Bailey, then Reese is ripe for the picking, and the Arizona Cardinals will take him with no hesitation.

He’s a defensive hybrid, specializing as an edge and linebacker. While he doesn’t have bigger numbers like Bailey (13.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks), he has shown he can play both positions. Arizona needs someone who can build up pressure on their opponents, especially against elite QBs like Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold, and Brock Purdy.

When his speed turns into power, he can overwhelm offensive tackles. His speed lets him overpower running backs, and he can match up to certain backs and tight ends in coverage.

4. Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

I will be honest on this one, too. My first instinct was to pick Carnell Tate. But why should Tennessee go for Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love instead?

The 2025 Doak Walker Award winner was the top offensive player on the independent circuit. His performances managed to get the attention of the NCAA as he finished among the top 10 in the FBS in rushing yards, touchdowns, and more.

Love is as speedy as they come. He will find a running lane and create separation when he runs. He might miss one every now and then, but he when he does find an entry point, there is usually no stopping him once he starts running. His agility and quickness can even get him through the heaviest of players. Qualities like that are what the Titans have been looking for since drafting Derrick Henry.

5. New York Giants – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The fifth overall pick usually has mixed predictions. However, when the news about Dexter Lawrence being traded to the Bengals came out, I knew that I had to pick a defensive player for this one.

A new defensive tackle must be found, but the Giants need more defensive positions to fill a void they had for a while. Given the circumstances, I think they should start that with LSU’s Mansoor Delane.

I know this is a long shot, but Delane knows his press coverage. A transfer from Virginia Tech, he defended 11 passes last season (2nd in SEC) and had four interceptions in 2024 (3rd in ACC). He had an overall total of eight interceptions and 27 passes defended in his FBS career.

Delane will have to work on some things like turning when trying to get the football. He makes it up for it, however, with a level of focus and aggression that opposing players should fear. He’s not one for distractions and obliviousness and will neutralize anyone he finds as an important threat.