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2026 NFL Draft: Raiders Eye Mendoza, Jets Consider Edge Rushers

4/23/2026

47 10 Full Breakdown

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NFL Draft Preview

The 2026 NFL Draft starts April 23 at 8 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh.
Las Vegas Raiders hold the first overall pick and may select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana.
The New York Jets own the second pick and could choose between edge rushers David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Arvell Reese (Ohio State).
The draft runs three days, ending April 25, and airs on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.

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Raiders Select Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He is expected to outperform former No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell.
The Los Angeles Rams project Ty Simpson as Stafford's successor.
The draft could yield a record number of first-round offensive linemen.
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to draft tight end Kenyon Sadiq as a Travis Kelce replacement.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NFL Draft took place on February 8, 1936, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia, establishing a formal selection process for teams. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Jay Berwanger as the first overall pick, though he ultimately did not play in the NFL. This draft laid the groundwork for modern player recruitment, influencing strategies and team dynamics, as seen in today's emphasis on offensive positions.

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NFL Draft Preview

The 2026 NFL Draft starts April 23 at 8 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh.
Las Vegas Raiders hold the first overall pick and may select quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana.
The New York Jets own the second pick and could choose between edge rushers David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Arvell Reese (Ohio State).
The draft runs three days, ending April 25, and airs on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network.

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