Predicting Rounds 1-2 of the NFL draft: Yates finds landing spots for 64 top prospects
Why it matters: This mock draft offers a crucial early look at potential team strategies and top prospect destinations.
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana QB, is projected as the No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, a decision Yates considers "etched in stone" due to his Heisman-winning season and superior accuracy.
- The New York Jets are predicted to select David Bailey, Edge from Texas Tech, at No. 2, prioritizing value despite a busy free agency that improved their defense, as Bailey's 14.5 sacks tied for the FBS lead.
- The Arizona Cardinals are expected to draft Arvell Reese, Ohio State Edge, at No. 3, opting against reaching for a quarterback after releasing Kyler Murray and instead bolstering their front-seven with Reese's unique hybrid skills and high upside.
- Several teams, including the Broncos, Colts, Falcons, Jaguars, and Packers, will not pick in Round 1 due to trades but are expected to make significant moves in Round 2, according to Yates's predictions based on team needs and league intel.
ESPN's Yates unveils his comprehensive two-round NFL mock draft, offering predictions for 64 top prospects after a tumultuous offseason marked by the NFL combine, free agency, and blockbuster trades. He identifies key landing spots, including Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders at No. 1 and David Bailey to the Jets at No. 2, while also addressing the strategies for teams like the Broncos and Packers who traded away their first-round picks.
