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- NFL Nation is made up of 32 team-specific reporters who cowl the NFL year-round throughout ESPN.com, ESPN tv reveals, ESPN Radio, ESPN+ and social media platforms. It was established forward of the 2013 season.
There are solely three video games left in the 2025 NFL season, then all eyes will flip to the offseason. So let’s verify in with groups which have a top-10 choose in the 2026 draft, which begins April 23 in Pittsburgh.
The Raiders have the No. 1 choose for the first time since 2007, they usually appear poised to pick a signal-caller. But may they be prepared to entertain a trade for the top choice? The remainder of the top 10 additionally presents intrigue. How can the Titans greatest assist quarterback Cam Ward — the No. 1 choose from 2025 — at No. 4? Would the Chiefs take into account making a splashy transfer with a uncommon top-10 choice? What sort of method is sensible for the Giants at No. 5?
We requested our NFL Nation reporters to reply one massive query about every workforce with a top-10 choice. Let’s dive in. (And for extra on these 10 picks, in addition to the remainder of Round 1, take a look at Mel Kiper Jr.’s new mock draft.)
Jump to a workforce:
ARI | CIN | CLE | KC | LV
NO | NYG | NYJ | TEN | WSH
(*1*)
Would the Raiders entertain a trade for the No. 1 choose?
I doubt it. It’s arduous to think about the Raiders passing on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, particularly after possession, together with Tom Brady, attended the College Football Playoff National Championship.
After Geno Smith’s tough 2025 season, the Raiders want to usher in a younger signal-caller who can develop with working again Ashton Jeanty and tight finish Brock Bowers. Mendoza has proven the toughness, accuracy and talent to ship in pressured conditions — traits that Las Vegas would covet from the quarterback place. Given the present state of the group, there is not any want for the Raiders to overthink this choice. — Ryan McFadden
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What is the almost certainly route that the Jets will absorb addressing QB?
They will not draft a quarterback right here until the Raiders someway cross on Mendoza. Chances are, the Jets may have an all-encompassing plan: purchase a veteran or two (maybe Malik Willis or Kirk Cousins), launch Justin Fields and draft a quarterback with the No. 16 or No. 33 choose.
The later draft choose could possibly be Alabama’s Ty Simpson or Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss. This would cowl their short- and long-term pursuits. And if the Jets cannot safe a quarterback of the future, they will look towards 2027 and begin a “March for Arch” marketing campaign. — Rich Cimini
(*10*)
Which aspect of the ball is the larger want this offseason?
Offense, unquestionably. The Cardinals spent lots in free company final offseason rebuilding the protection solely to see it underperform — it gave up 40 or extra factors 4 instances and 37 in two different video games. But the offense wants upgrades in a couple of areas to assist Arizona get again on observe after a 3-14 season, beginning with the offensive line.
There are not less than two line positions — guard and proper deal with — that must be addressed. Plus, getting one other receiver to enhance Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson could be helpful. — Josh Weinfuss
How can the Titans greatest assist Cam Ward with this choose?
Even although it is on the different aspect of the ball, the smartest thing to do is add an impactful cross rusher to workforce up with defensive deal with Jeffery Simmons and assist create favorable discipline place. A stout, turnover-generating protection would give Ward and the offense shorter fields to work with and extra alternatives to attain factors. The Titans completed fifteenth in cross rush win price in 2025, and Simmons’ 11 sacks had been six greater than the subsequent closest participant (Jihad Ward). — Turron Davenport
The Giants have lots of wants. Will they only take a “best player available” method with this choose?
The Giants may use one other offensive playmaker, offensive lineman, defensive lineman, linebacker, cornerback or security. They undoubtedly have choices. With new coach John Harbaugh now the greatest voice in the room, something is feasible. But one thing tells me he will construct from the trenches (the similar as he did in Baltimore 18 years in the past), particularly together with his want to make the Giants a “more physical team.” — Jordan Raanan
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Outside of QB, what different wants may the Browns fill with their two first-rounders?
Offensive line and extensive receiver. Cleveland’s offensive line is getting older and in decline. With just one Week 1 starter underneath contract for the 2026 season, common supervisor Andrew Berry acknowledged the place group may have a “fair amount of turnover” in the offseason.
The Browns may additionally use a dynamic playmaker on the exterior. Cleveland’s cross catchers accounted for the second-fewest yards in the NFL (3,152) in 2025, behind solely the Jets. — Daniel Oyefusi
After the Commanders had the NFL’s oldest roster in 2025, which place wants the greatest reboot?
Washington’s offense has a powerful basis, due to its line and quarterback Jayden Daniels. But the protection wants youth, pace and athleticism — particularly on the edge.
The Commanders have one rotational defensive lineman underneath 28 years outdated. Their top cross rusher, Dorance Armstrong, tore his ACL in October. But realistically, each space of the protection must be upgraded after the workforce finds a brand new coordinator. — John Keim
Are the Saints extra prone to choose a possible successor to linebacker Demario Davis or defensive finish Cameron Jordan with this choose?
The Saints in all probability will not put themselves in a single field, as offensive wants will take a excessive precedence. If they do take a defensive participant with a excessive choose, it is extra doubtless they might attempt to discover one other defensive finish to enhance Chase Young and Carl Granderson versus taking a linebacker.
New Orleans hasn’t drafted a linebacker in the first spherical since Stephone Anthony at No. 31 in 2015. They’ve taken 4 defensive linemen throughout that interval, together with defensive ends Payton Turner at No. 28 in 2021 and Marcus Davenport at No. 14 in 2018 (by way of a trade-up with the Packers). — Katherine Terrell
Let’s say Notre Dame working again Jeremiyah Love remains to be on the board. Could the Chiefs make a splashy transfer to repair their run recreation?
Boy, that is such an alluring choice. The Chiefs desperately have to improve their speeding assault, and Love has demonstrated dynamic playmaking capability.
The higher choice, although, is for Kansas City to prioritize whomever is the greatest cross rusher accessible with this choose. The Chiefs’ cross rush was a legal responsibility in 2025 (tied for twenty second with 35 whole sacks) and defensive deal with Chris Jones will flip 31 this summer season. Another succesful participant subsequent to Jones and George Karlaftis is extra needed than deciding on Love. — Nate Taylor
What does historical past inform us about which place Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor will lean towards in Round 1?
The Bengals have not used a top-10 choose on protection since 2010, after they drafted USC linebacker Keith Rivers with the No. 9 choose. But they cannot afford to comply with historical past this time.
The workforce wants playmakers on protection. Given the costly investments in Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on offense, discovering a cross rusher or elite defender is the logical transfer for a workforce that has been poor defensively lately. Cincinnati tied with Chicago for final in cross rush win price this season. — Ben Baby
