Yates: 64 in two rounds; Raiders pick QB Mendoza
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- Yates predicts 64 prospects in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL draft, drawing on the recent combine, free agency, and trade activity.
- Broncos traded their first‑round pick to the Dolphins for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, leaving them without a first‑round selection but with a second‑round pick.
- Broncos join the Colts, Falcons, Jaguars and Packers in having traded away their first‑round picks while still retaining a Round 2 selection.
- Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza of Indiana with the No. 1 overall pick.
- New York Jets are projected to pick edge rusher David Bailey of Texas Tech at No. 2.
- Arizona Cardinals are projected to take edge rusher Arvell Reese of Ohio State at No. 3.
- Washington Commanders have only one pick in the first two rounds and are projected to select running back Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame.
Why it matters: The mock draft shows that five teams—Broncos, Colts, Falcons, Jaguars, and Packers—have traded away their first‑round selections yet still retain early‑round picks, while the Raiders' projected No. 1 pick of QB Fernando Mendoza signals a rare top‑draft quarterback in a league dominated by defensive talent.
