Fernando Mendoza is projected as the top pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, addressing their quarterback need.
David Bailey is mocked to the New York Jets as an immediate upgrade at edge rusher to improve their pass rush.
Arvell Reese is selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the best available player, with versatility as a linebacker and pass rusher.
Jeremiyah Love is mentioned as a fourth overall pick, indicating high value in the draft.
📖 Full Retelling
We learned a lot from the NFL Combine. We saw some absolute studs shine in Indianapolis, and we also got a clearer picture of which players will be the best fits for different squads next season. And after the combine came a blockbuster trade, which saw the Chiefs send cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams. I've factored all of this into my projections for my first mock draft leading up to April. Let's take a look. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Super Bowl Odds: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total) The Raiders need a quarterback and Mendoza is the best one in this draft. This is a no-brainer draft pick and no need to discuss the reasoning. Mendoza will be a Raider. 2. New York Jets: David Bailey, Edge Rusher, Texas TechSuper Bowl Odds: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total) I was tempted to have New York draft Arvell Reese, but the Jets need a ready pass rusher. They traded Quinnen Williams during the 2025 season and just last week, traded pass rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Titans. The Jets were 31st in pressure generated per dropback and had zero defensive interceptions. Bailey is a twitched-up pass rusher who is rarely blocked by the opposing tackle. He’s instinctive and finishes strongly to the ball. This is an immediate upgrade for the Jets. 3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, (LB, Ohio StateSuper Bowl Odds: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total) I put the best player on the draft board into a Cardinals uniform. Reese is a physical freak who projects to rush the passer in the NFL. His on-the-field profile (not projection) is Micah Parsons. He enters this NFL Draft playing some off-the-ball linebacker and pass rusher before just keeping his hand in the dirt. Reese is a ball player. He’s fast in pursuit and plays with great instincts. He will make plays from a variety
David Royston Bailey (born 2 January 1938) is an English photographer and director, most known for his fashion photography and portraiture, and role in shaping the image of the Swinging Sixties. Bailey has also directed several television commercials and documentaries.
Fernando Gabriel Mendoza V (born October 1, 2003) is an American college football quarterback for the Indiana Hoosiers. Mendoza previously played for the California Golden Bears before transferring to Indiana in 2025, where he won the Heisman Trophy among other awards en route to a national champion...
Jeremiyah Darnell Love (born May 31, 2005) is an American college football running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In 2025, he won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back—becoming the first winner in program history—and was also a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
The NFL Scouting Combine is a week-long showcase occurring every February at Lucas Oil Stadium (and formerly at the RCA Dome until 2008) in Indianapolis, where college football players perform physical and mental tests in front of National Football League coaches, general managers, and scouts. With ...
- No Data Available - BROWSE BY SPORTS & TEAMS PLAYERS SHOWS PERSONALITIES TOPICS Built on National Football League National Football League 2026 NFL Mock Draft: David Bailey Goes After Mendoza; Jeremiyah Love Goes Fourth Published Mar. 5, 2026 2:47 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link Geoff Schwartz FOX Sports Betting Analyst We learned a lot from the NFL Combine. We saw some absolute studs shine in Indianapolis, and we also got a clearer picture of which players will be the best fits for different squads next season. And after the combine came a blockbuster trade, which saw the Chiefs send cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams. I've factored all of this into my projections for my first mock draft leading up to April. Let's take a look. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports . 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza , QB, Indiana Super Bowl Odds: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total) The Raiders need a quarterback and Mendoza is the best one in this draft. This is a no-brainer draft pick and no need to discuss the reasoning. Mendoza will be a Raider. 2. New York Jets: David Bailey , Edge Rusher, Texas Tech Super Bowl Odds: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total) I was tempted to have New York draft Arvell Reese, but the Jets need a ready pass rusher. They traded Quinnen Williams during the 2025 season and just last week, traded pass rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Titans. The Jets were 31st in pressure generated per dropback and had zero defensive interceptions. Bailey is a twitched-up pass rusher who is rarely blocked by the opposing tackle. He’s instinctive and finishes strongly to the ball. This is an immediate upgrade for the Jets. Colin’s 1.0 Mock Draft: Who will be drafted in the Top 15? | The Herd 3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese , (LB, Ohio State Super Bowl Odds: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total) I put the best player ...
