Don’t expect teams to wait around on selecting wide receivers or the best player available in the first round. The likelihood is that teams will care less about positional value than in previous years.

Draft Landscape: A Shift in Priorities

There might be only 10 to 12 elite prospects in this draft, with a running back, an off-ball linebacker, and a safety considered among that group. However, most teams usually don’t steer too far away from the norm. Just because the better players at the top of the draft happen to play defense doesn’t mean teams will begin to overlook offensive players.

Don’t expect them to wait around on a wide receiver despite draft experts saying this group lacks a Ja’Marr Chase-like prospect. It’s also tough to tell whether NFL teams care much about Rueben Bain Jr. not having ideal arm length to play edge rusher at the next level. Some were making a big deal about Arvell Reese’s pro-day performances, but we’ve reached peak draft season when people are making a big deal out of such things.

Mock Draft First Round Picks

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Mendoza (QB, Indiana)

The Raiders and their fan base should be thrilled about grabbing a quarterback who’s very accurate and has a proven track record of delivering in the biggest moments. Mendoza doesn’t have the strongest arm, but his accuracy and clutch plays will make him a top-15 signal-caller for many years to come. That kind of stability is what this franchise has needed for nearly 25 years.

2. New York Jets: Jalen Bailey (Edge, N/A)

The Jets can’t get caught up in which edge rusher has the most upside or versatility. They need to play it safe because this organization doesn’t have a reputation for unlocking potential and putting players in ideal positions to succeed. As a polished prospect, Bailey can overcome bad coaching and surroundings because he wins his matchups at a frequent rate, evident from his 19.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Malik Tate (WR, N/A)

I can certainly see the Cardinals taking a tackle to fill their need on the right side, but new coach Mike LaFleur just spent the past three years watching Rams coach Sean McVay value wide receivers more than offensive linemen. The Cardinals’ future long-term QB, who will probably come from the first round of the 2027 draft, could hit the ground running with a receiving trio of Tate, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson.

4. Tennessee Titans: Jalen Love (RB, N/A)

Adding Love would give the Titans the perfect offseason. New coach Robert Saleh gained a surplus of defensive talent through free agency, and with his reputation, he’s probably going to deliver a top-12 defense in Year 1. Landing Love here would drastically help with the development of Cam Ward, last year’s No. 1 pick in the draft. The dynamic running back can extend plays as a runner and a pass catcher, recording 1,372 rushing yards with 18 touchdowns, along with 27 catches for 280 yards and three touchdowns last year.

5. New York Giants: DeShawn Styles (LB, N/A)

Don’t expect positional value to matter much at the top of this draft. There are maybe 10 to 12 players who are regarded as blue-chip prospects, and Styles is definitely one of them. New coach John Harbaugh had plenty of success with off-ball linebackers in his 18 years in Baltimore. Landing in New York would help Styles’s development in multiple ways because he wouldn’t be needed to provide fast results with the team recently signing veteran Tremaine Edmunds.

6. Cleveland Browns: Alama Mauigoa (OT, Miami)

Mauigoa is viewed as a right tackle prospect, but he’s also considered the best tackle in this class. The Browns could either have him fill their left tackle vacancy or place him on the right side and give newcomer veteran Tytus Howard a shot on the opposite side. The best tackles can play on either side of the line, so playing left tackle shouldn't be a problem for the Miami product if he’s the real deal.

7. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr. (DL, Miami)

Bain, with a mini draft slide due to his lack of arm length, would be beneficial for the Chiefs, who lack depth at pass rusher. George Karlaftis is coming off a down season, and Chris Jones is in the back end of his career. Bain’s high motor will make his new team forget that he doesn’t have ideal arm length for the position.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: Cam Downs (DB, N/A)

The Bengals won’t be thrilled if Bain, Reese, Styles and Bailey are all off the board by the time they’re on the clock. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say Cincinnati has the worst defensive front in the league, especially after losing Trey Hendrickson in free agency. On the bright side, Downs is the rare kind of defensive back who can help a team at every level of the defense. A special Swiss-Army knife is exactly what this defense has needed for years.

9. Miami Dolphins: Jalen Delane (CB, LSU)

Adding the best cornerback prospect would be a massive get for the rebuilding Dolphins, who desperately need help in the secondary. Delane would immediately be Miami’s best defensive back. He proved at LSU that he’s capable of defending the best wide receivers on a weekly basis, with impressive athleticism and fluid movement.

10. Dallas Cowboys: Isaiah McCoy (CB, N/A)

If McCoy didn’t miss the bulk of the 2025 season due to injury, he might have gotten the same attention as Delane as the best cornerback in this draft. Still, teams won’t overlook what McCoy did in 2024, displaying ball skills and enticing speed. With dreadful defense last season, the Cowboys can’t afford to bet on potential. They need immediate help, and McCoy can provide that if he’s truly healthy heading into the season.