The landscape of the 2026 NFL Draft is taking shape, with analysts refining their projections following a flurry of activity in free agency and recent trades. The Miami Dolphins’ surprising decision to trade wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos has significantly altered the draft order and team needs, prompting a re-evaluation of potential picks. NFL.com’s lead draft analyst, Eric Edholm, has released his second mock draft, reflecting these changes and offering insights into how the first round might unfold on April 23-25.
Edholm’s updated mock draft, published on March 19, 2026, highlights a draft class that, although perhaps lacking a clear-cut top tier of prospects, still offers considerable talent, particularly at wide receiver and offensive tackle. The draft will be covered live on NFL Network and NFL+, according to Edholm. The recent trades, including the Dolphins-Broncos deal involving Waddle, have created a dynamic situation with five teams – the Browns, Chiefs, Cowboys, Dolphins and Jets – now possessing multiple first-round selections. This increased bargaining power could lead to further trades as teams look to move up or down the draft board to secure their desired players.
Raiders Expected to Select Quarterback with the First Overall Pick
At the top of the draft, the Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. This expectation has been building for weeks, and Edholm confirms that this pick feels “locked in.” Mendoza capped a remarkable 2025 season by leading Indiana to its first-ever national championship, a performance witnessed by Raiders brass. He also secured the Heisman Trophy, further solidifying his position as the top quarterback prospect. Edholm notes that Mendoza will need a stronger supporting cast in Las Vegas, but the recent signing of center Tyler Linderbaum is a positive step towards building a solid offensive line.
Jets Address Edge Rusher Needs with Arvell Reese
The New York Jets, picking second are projected to select Ohio State linebacker/edge rusher Arvell Reese. Jets coach Aaron Glenn is entering his second season and is focused on bolstering the team’s defense. Reese is expected to primarily play as an edge rusher early in his career, benefiting from the depth and experience added to the Jets’ defense through free agency. According to On3, Reese has only 16 collegiate starts under his belt, indicating he is still developing, but possesses significant potential.
Dolphins’ Trade for Waddle Impacts Draft Strategy
The trade that sent Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos for the 30th overall pick has significantly altered the Dolphins’ draft strategy. Waddle, selected sixth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, was a key component of the Dolphins’ offense. The acquisition of the 30th pick gives the Dolphins additional flexibility to address other needs, potentially at wide receiver to fill the void left by Waddle’s departure. Edholm’s mock draft doesn’t yet reflect how the Dolphins will utilize this pick, but it’s clear that finding a replacement for Waddle will be a priority.
Chiefs Capitalize on Multiple First-Round Picks
The Kansas City Chiefs, now possessing multiple first-round selections, are in a strong position to address several needs. Edholm’s mock draft suggests the Chiefs will use one of their picks to select a highly touted prospect, though the specific player remains undisclosed in the available information. The Chiefs’ ability to acquire additional draft capital through trades and strategic roster management has positioned them as a team to watch during the draft.
The Importance of Offensive Line Play
Edholm emphasizes the importance of offensive tackle and the need for teams to protect their quarterbacks. The draft class is expected to feature several promising offensive tackle prospects, and teams with quarterback concerns will likely prioritize adding talent to their offensive lines. The Raiders’ signing of Tyler Linderbaum at center demonstrates this commitment to protecting Mendoza, their newly acquired quarterback.
Wide Receiver Depth in the 2026 Draft
Despite the loss of Jaylen Waddle, the wide receiver position remains strong in the 2026 NFL Draft. Edholm notes that there is “decent talent to be found throughout the class – especially at wide receiver.” This depth will allow teams like the Dolphins, who lost a key receiver in Waddle, to find suitable replacements through the draft. The availability of quality wide receiver prospects could also lead to teams trading down in the draft to acquire additional picks.
Looking Ahead to the Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an intriguing event, with several teams positioned to create significant moves. The trades that have already taken place, particularly the Dolphins-Broncos deal, have created a dynamic and unpredictable draft landscape. As teams continue to evaluate prospects and refine their draft strategies, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the first round unfolds. The draft will take place from April 23-25, with live coverage on NFL Network and NFL+.
The next key date for draft preparation is the NFL Scouting Combine, where prospects will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and impress team scouts. Following the Combine, teams will conduct pro days at various universities, allowing them to further evaluate potential draft picks. The final mock drafts and prospect rankings will emerge closer to the draft date, providing fans with a clearer picture of how the first round might play out.
Key Takeaways:
- Fernando Mendoza is widely projected to be the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
- The trade of Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos has reshaped the Dolphins’ draft strategy.
- The Kansas City Chiefs, with multiple first-round picks, are well-positioned to address several needs.
- The 2026 draft class is particularly strong at wide receiver and offensive tackle.
- The NFL Draft will be held from April 23-25, with live coverage on NFL Network and NFL+.
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