The Seattle Seahawks just hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, but it’s never too early to look ahead. With the 2026 NFL Draft set to kick off in Pittsburgh on April 23rd, teams are already strategizing how to improve their rosters. But what about the Raiders, who are picking first, and the Jets who have multiple first round picks?
Key Takeaways
- The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, hoping to pair him with new head coach Klint Kubiak.
- The New York Jets, possessing the second and fourteenth overall picks, are expected to focus on bolstering their defense, particularly their pass rush, by selecting Ohio State Edge Arvell Reese and Florida DT Caleb Banks.
- Several mock drafts have the Giants linked to wide receiver or offensive tackle at pick #5, but this mock draft predicts they will select Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs to help build the defense in the John Harbaugh era.
- The Pittsburgh Steelers, picking at #21, are projected to take Alabama QB Ty Simpson, potentially signaling a succession plan behind veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
How Will Klint Kubiak Impact the Raiders’ Offense?
The Las Vegas Raiders, armed with the coveted No. 1 overall pick, are projected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This pick signals a new direction for the Raiders, especially with the arrival of Klint Kubiak as their new head coach. Mendoza, coming off a stellar 2025 season where he showcased elite accuracy and arm talent, seems like the perfect fit for Kubiak’s offensive scheme. Kubiak, known for his work with timing-based passing concepts, will likely try to emulate some of the success he had with quarterbacks in previous stops. According to ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky on NFL Live, “Ryan has a track record of developing timing-based passing concepts. That’s exactly what an aging quarterback needs.” This suggests that Kubiak will build an offense tailored to Mendoza’s strengths, emphasizing quick processing and in-pocket mobility. In 2025, Mendoza led the Hoosiers to their first undefeated record and a national championship.
The Raiders desperately need a spark on offense after ranking near the bottom of the league in scoring last season, averaging just 17.8 points per game, which ranked 28th in the NFL. With Mendoza at the helm, the Raiders are hoping to improve their offensive output and compete in the tough AFC West. The Raiders’ odds to win the Super Bowl are currently listed at +8000 on DraftKings.
Can the Jets Rebuild Their Defense Through the Draft?
The New York Jets, holding the No. 2 and No. 14 overall picks, are in a prime position to address their roster needs. According to this mock draft, the Jets are predicted to focus on defense, selecting Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese and Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. After finishing near the bottom of the league in sacks in 2025, with only Will McDonald IV tallying more than 6.5 sacks, the Jets clearly need to upgrade their pass rush. Reese, who transitioned to a primary edge role in 2025, posted 6.5 sacks, showcasing his potential as a disruptive force.
With their second first-round pick, the Jets are projected to select Caleb Banks, a dominant defensive tackle from Florida. Banks, limited to just three games this past season due to injury, showcased his upside at the Senior Bowl. His overwhelming size, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 330 pounds, should translate well to the NFL level. “The Jets will need to hit on these picks in order to help bolster their defense,” said NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. “The AFC is tough and you need to be able to stop the pass.” With these additions, the Jets are hoping to improve their defense and compete for a playoff spot.
Will the Steelers Gamble on a Quarterback?
The Pittsburgh Steelers, picking at No. 21, are projected to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Simpson’s draft stock experienced a slide in the latter half of the season, but his natural talent and potential make him an intriguing prospect. Despite the late-season struggles, the Steelers, now led by head coach Mike McCarthy, might see Simpson as a long-term project. McCarthy has praised current Steelers quarterback Will Howard, but there’s no guarantee he’s the future of the franchise.
According to PFF, Simpson finished the 2025 season with a pass grade of 78.4. The Steelers could bring back veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, the future Hall of Famer will be 43 years old entering the 2026 season and retirement is a possibility. The Steelers are taking a calculated risk, hoping that Simpson can develop into a franchise quarterback.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Las Vegas Raiders: Finished the 2025 season with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year.
- Fernando Mendoza: Led Indiana to an undefeated season and a national championship in 2025.
- New York Jets: Finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record, struggling on both offense and defense.
- Arvell Reese: Recorded 6.5 sacks in 2025 after transitioning to an edge role at Ohio State.
- Ty Simpson: Experienced a slide in his draft stock after a shaky second half of the 2025 season, but still possesses significant potential.
What This Means
- For the Raiders: Drafting Mendoza could be a franchise-altering move, but he needs time to develop. The Raiders’ success hinges on Mendoza’s ability to quickly adapt to the NFL and the effectiveness of Kubiak’s offensive scheme.
- For Jets fans: This draft strategy indicates a commitment to improving the defense, which ranked 25th in the NFL in points allowed per game (24.5) in 2025. Reese and Banks could be key pieces in a defensive resurgence.
- For Steelers fans: Drafting Simpson provides a potential succession plan at quarterback, especially with Rodgers’ future uncertain. However, Simpson’s development will be crucial for the team’s long-term success.
Source: www.espn.com
