"This list of projections is far from locked, though. Prospects from the Senior Bowl (and the Shrine Bowl before it) will join hundreds of others at the combine later this month. That will shuffle draft boards, and NFL free agency in March will alter the needs of each team. Pro days and interviews come after that as we count down to Round 1."
"Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana This is a very easy decision for the Raiders -- draft the quarterback. The Geno Smith trade did not work out, and the 2026 class features only one passer with a first-round grade. My No. 4 overall player, Mendoza gives the Raiders a franchise-caliber quarterback with excellent poise, decision-making, accuracy and toughness both in and out of the pocket, which he showed in winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to the national championship."
"Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State Reese split time at linebacker and edge rusher. He is built in the Micah Parsons/ Abdul Carter mold, with elite speed and powerful hands off the edge and high potential once he settles in as a full-time edge rusher. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami Mauigoa to the Cardinals is one of the most seamless fits in the first round. Arizona must shore up its offensive line and needs a long-term starter at right tackle opposite Paris Johnson Jr."
Current draft projections place the top 30 picks and use ESPN FPI to estimate Nos. 31-32. Evaluations will change after Senior Bowl, Shrine Bowl, the NFL Combine, March free agency, pro days, and team interviews. The Raiders are projected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman winner and national champion noted for poise, decision-making, accuracy, and toughness. Arvell Reese projects as a hybrid edge/linebacker with elite speed, powerful hands, and high long-term pass-rush upside. Francis Mauigoa projects as a seamless fit at right tackle for Arizona, offering size, consistency, and minimal allowed sacks over multiple seasons.
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