If you are rooting for the Las Vegas Raiders to end up with the first overall pick, then you were rooting for the New York Giants to beat them on Sunday, and the Giants delivered. Perhaps to their own detriment.

These are the only two teams still in the running for the No. 1 pick. A loss or tie against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 will secure the prize for the Raiders. Otherwise, the strength of schedule tiebreaker will determine who picks first.

Las Vegas’ strength of schedule is currently higher than the Giants, .553 to .535, and the tie goes to the team with the lower SOS.

The Raiders have selected first only once in their history, and it didn’t go so well. They took LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell with the first pick in 2007.

Russell spent less time in the NFL than he did in Baton Rouge.

This time around, they’d almost certainly take another QB with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore being the most likely candidates.

The G-Men have earned the first overall pick in the NFL draft just two times before. The Giants drafted SMU halfback Kyle Rote in 1951. Rote finished his career as a four-time Pro Bowler, and held several team records when he retired a decade later. They drafted Auburn running back Tucker Frederickson in 1965 with Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers on the board.

The Bears would select Butkus and Sayers with the third and fourth overall picks. Frederickson, a Heisman Trophy runner-up, made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, but missed his second season with a knee injury, and never fully regained his early form.

Notably, the last time New York selected at the top of the draft, it traded up with the San Diego Chargers in 2004, sending the No. 4 overall pick, a 2004 third-rounder, a 2005 first-rounder and a 2005 fifth-rounder to the Bolts for the right to draft Eli Manning.

The Giants would likely auction off the top pick if it ends up falling in their laps.

Cheers to good vibes, less stress and more joy in 2026. Happy New Year!

Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Pittsburgh (April 23-25):

— Jan. 5: FCS Showcase in Nashville, Tenn.

— Jan. 10: Hula Bowl in DeLand, Fla.

— Jan. 10-12: Wild-card weekend

— Jan. 14: Tentative deadline for players with remaining eligibility to make their draft intentions official.

— Jan. 17-18: Divisional playoffs

— Jan. 18: Tropical Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

— Jan. 23: Tentative deadline for players with remaining eligibility who participated in the CFP title game to make their draft intentions official.

— Jan. 25: AFC and NFC championship games

— Jan. 27: East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas

— Jan. 31: Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

— Feb. 8: Super Bowl LX in San Francisco

— Feb. 17-March 3: Franchise/transition player designation period

— Feb. 23-March 2: NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis

— Early March: Colleges can begin hosting pro days

— March 11: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)

MOCK PREAMBLE

This is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the current draft order courtesy of NFL.com. The closer we get to draft day, the more I’ll attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.

According to The Huddle Report, I was the second-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print last season. I tied for first overall (out of 172) covering a five-year period between 2019 and 2023.

Considering the NFL doesn’t have an offseason, the draft has become the Super Bowl of the league’s second season, and a mock version of said draft is meant to educate, perhaps even entertain. At very least, it helps you pass the time.

Follow me on X (formerly known as Twitter) @UTEddieBrown so we can continue the conversation.

Here’s an updated version of my 2026 NFL mock draft:

FIRST ROUND

— 1. Las Vegas (2-14) — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon, So.

Geno Smith wasn’t the short-term answer at quarterback let alone a long-term solution. Perhaps GM John Spytek would prefer to trade for Kyler Murray or Mac Jones and draft a QB to develop on day two or three. It’s hard to imagine them passing on a signal-caller if they end up with the first pick. Moore has trained with Tom House, a renowned quarterback guru who also worked extensively with Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders. Moore’s ceiling is the highest in a QB group that won’t include LaNorris Sellers or Arch Manning, assuming he decides to enter the draft after the Ducks’ playoff run is over. His offensive coordinator, Will Stein, leaving Oregon to become Kentucky’s head coach has created uncertainty. I was originally confident he’d stay in school. Moore is poised, accurate, throws a catchable deep ball, and has shown the ability to make plays outside of the pocket. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

— 2. N.Y. Giants (3-13) — Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State, Jr.

I don’t anticipate GM Joe Schoen investing one of the first two picks in the draft in an offensive lineman or receiver. This is simply too high for those positions in this class. In this scenario, trading down with the Cardinals or Browns so they could leapfrog the Jets for a QB almost makes too much sense. But it’s too early to predict trades. Reese has played off-ball linebacker, but I could easily see him as a full-time edge rusher in the pros. Drafting Reese would also allow Schoen to trade Kayvon Thibodeaux, who will be in the final year of his rookie deal next season. A matchup with Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa in the CFP quarterfinals will be a solid barometer of his pass-rush potential at the next level. Top needs: DL, G, CB

— 3. N.Y. Jets (3-13) — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, Jr.

After a busy trade deadline, GM Darren Mougey has enough draft capital to call his shot with a QB if he needs to move up. In this scenario, Mougey keeps his powder dry and still lands a potential franchise signal-caller. The Heisman Trophy-winner has the prototypical size (6-5, 225) scouts favor, good arm talent and functional athleticism. He’s not a finished product by any means — pressure can affect his footwork and his deep ball accuracy needs refinement — but he’s showcased his ability to step up in big moments for the undefeated Hoosiers this season. Top needs: QB, CB, DL

— 4. Tennessee (3-13) — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami, Jr.

Traditionally after drafting a franchise QB with the first overall pick in the previous draft, an organization would utilize the next draft to stockpile offensive talent in support of the QB. If the Titans don’t believe there are any offensive lineman or wide receivers worthy of a top-4 pick in this draft class, they’d likely focus on their pass rush here. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Bain doesn’t have prototypical length, but the ACC Defensive Player of the Year possesses raw power, first-step explosion and can anchor against the run when he’s not terrorizing quarterbacks. Comparisons to Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney are apt. I also see shades of longtime Eagles star Brandon Graham. Top needs: Edge, WR, CB

— 5. Arizona (3-13) — Spencer Fano, T, Utah, Jr.

The Cardinals will be in the market for a QB if they decide to move on from Kyler Murray. Also, almost every running back that has suited up for Arizona this season has ended up on injured reserve, so Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love might be in play here. However, tackle will also be a priority if Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum leave in free agency. There isn’t a Joe Alt or Penei Sewell in this draft class, but Fano is a big (6-6, 302), powerful, athletic anchor in the run game, and his footwork has improved in pass protection this season. The consensus All-American just became the first-ever Utes’ lineman to win the Outland Trophy after not allowing a sack, and only five QB pressures during the regular season. Top needs: OL, DL, WR

— 6. Washington (4-12) — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn, Jr.

The Commanders’ biggest problem is they can’t keep Jayden Daniels healthy. Their second biggest problem is they need more playmakers at all three levels of their defense. Faulk is a 6-foot-6, 285-pound edge who was the No. 9 player on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List,” reportedly squatting 700 pounds and benching 415. He’s a versatile chess piece on the D-line in odd or even fronts, and has even shown the ability to standup and play outside linebacker. Faulk doesn’t turn 21 until next September. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB

— 7. Cleveland (4-12) — Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami, Jr.

Shedeur Sanders should have been starting over Dillon Gabriel all along. Let’s say the Browns are impressed enough by Sanders to forgo drafting yet another QB in April. This pick would almost certainly come down to an offensive lineman or wide receiver. Mauigoa, a former five-star recruit, is big (6-6, 325), powerful, athletic and plays with a mauling mentality at the tackle position. There are scouts who believe he’d be even better on the interior, but he’s talented enough to stay at tackle. Top needs: QB, T, CB

— 8. New Orleans (6-10) — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State, Jr.

I’m thinking GM Mickey Loomis is fine with Tyler Shough being the starter next year after drafting him with the 40th overall pick in April’s draft, but if that’s the case, Loomis needs to surround Shough with more weapons on offense. Tate has shown immense growth in his technical skills, especially his route running, which has transformed him from an explosive deep threat to a more complete receiver who can threaten a defense at all three levels. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound playmaker would pair nicely with former Buckeye Chris Olave. Top needs: QB, Edge, WR

— 9. Cincinnati (6-10) — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State, Jr.

Outside of cornerback DJ Turner, and two talented rookie linebackers, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, going through growing pains, what part of the Bengals’ defense doesn’t need to be completely overhauled? Downs won the Thorpe Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy and earned consensus All-American honors this season. He’s the heart and soul of a Buckeyes defense that leads the nation in points (8.2) and yards allowed (213.5) per game, and he finished ninth in the Heisman voting. Downs is a fluid, explosive athlete who’s seemingly always a step ahead of everybody else on the football field. He’s ranked No. 2 on my big board, but I doubt he ends up going in the top-5 because safeties are usually undervalued in the draft. Top needs: Edge, CB, G

— 10. Kansas City (6-10) — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.

The Chiefs’ dynasty may be over, but the championship window will remain wide open as long as Patrick Mahomes is upright and healthy. Mahomes may not be ready by the start of next season after suffering a torn ACL and LCL in his left leg, but once he is, he’s going to need a running game to alleviate some pressure. Love features elite size (6-foot, 214 pounds), patience and balance on top of home run capability — he has TD runs of 98 and 94 yards the last two seasons. The Doak Walker Award-winner and Heisman Trophy finalist is explosive, elusive, powerful and versatile. Top needs: RB, DL, TE

— 11. Miami (7-9) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama, Jr.

Cornerback may be the biggest position of need for the Dolphins, depending how you feel about Tua Tagovailoa, but the pass rush needs to be addressed as well. If Mike McDaniel keeps his job, I can’t imagine he’ll want to run it back with Tagovailoa. Simpson only has 14 collegiate starts to go off of, but the small sample size shows he has the ability to process defenses quickly, and is accurate under pressure. He’d be perfect for any coach running a variation of Kyle Shanahan’s or Sean McVay’s offense. However, the list of QBs taken in the first round with fewer than 20 collegiate starts in the past decade is uninspiring to say the least: Trey Lance (17), Mac Jones (17), Kyler Murray (17), Dwayne Haskins (14), Anthony Richardson (13) and Mitchell Trubisky (13). Top needs: CB, OL, Edge

— 12. L.A. Rams from Atlanta (7-9) — Caleb Lomu, T, Utah, So.

GM Les Snead acquired this pick by trading out of the first round back in April. Snead has to plan for a future without Matthew Stafford at some point. The Rams are a true Super Bowl contender despite losing the last two weeks, so we’ll have to let the season play out before we have a better idea of what Stafford’s future plans are. Even if the future Hall of Famer returns, a QB could be the target in the first round. Otherwise, right tackle could be a top priority if veteran Rob Havenstein bolts in free agency. Lomu earned Freshman All-American honors in 2024, and possesses this draft class’ highest ceiling at offensive tackle. He’s already a technically proficient pass blocker with prototypical size (6-6, 305), elite athleticism and solid footwork. He’ll need to add strength to improve as a run blocker, and hold his own against powerful pass rushers in the pros. Top needs: T, DB, QB

— 13. Tampa Bay (7-9) — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech, Sr.

Veteran pass rusher Haason Reddick is a free agent after this season. Bailey is currently second in the FBS with 13 1/2 sacks, and he has rare speed for someone who is 6-3, 250, having hit 22.16 mph — he’s No. 43 on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List.” There’s still work to do, but the Stanford transfer has also improved as a run defender during his one season with the Red Raiders. Top needs: LB, G, Edge

— 14. Dallas (7-8-1) — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU, Sr.

Let’s assume the Joneses handle their business and resign wide receiver George Pickens and running back Javonte Williams to long-term extensions. Then next year’s draft will be all about improving the defense. In a surprising move, they just released oft-injured All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs. I figured they’d wait until the offseason. Delane doesn’t have elite size (5-11, 191) or deep speed, but he’s sticky, instinctual and can play multiple positions in the secondary. The Virginia Tech transfer was a unanimous All-American with 45 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions this season. He was also a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

— 15. Detroit (8-8) — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State, Sr.

Jack Campbell is the only linebacker on the Lions who won’t be a free agent after this season. Styles is the second freakishly athletic linebacker from the Buckeyes to appear in this mock — he’s No. 10 on Bruce Feldman’s list. The senior captain is rangy with rare speed and explosiveness for his frame (6-4, 240), and showcases his safety background in coverage with the ability to lock down tight ends and running backs in space. Top needs: Edge, LB, CB

— 16. Baltimore (8-8) — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State, Jr.

Securing Lamar Jackson another weapon on the outside makes sense when you consider DeAndre Hopkins was a short-term addition, and Rashod Bateman has proven to be better suited for a complimentary role. Tyson was hampered by a hamstring injury this season, but he pretty much picked up where he left off last year when he was on the field. He’s a route-technician with inside-out versatility and the ability to make plays at all three levels. Top needs: Edge, RB, C

— 17. Minnesota (8-8) — Caleb Banks, DL, Florida, Sr.

The Vikings brought in both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to shore up their defensive line, and the results have been mixed. Plus, Hargrave (33 years old next season) and Allen (31) are also on the wrong side of 30. Banks surprised everyone by returning to Gainesville for his senior season. The Louisville transfer features the size (6-6, 325), length and explosive traits NFL defensive coordinators covet and QBs usually lose sleep over. He tends to rely on athleticism over technique, so coaching will be required to unlock his full potential in the pros. Banks missed nine games with a foot injury that required surgery in September, but was able to return and play against Tennessee and Florida State. This is impressive considering the Gators’ season was over long ago. Top needs: CB, DL, LB

— 18. N.Y. Jets from Indianapolis (8-8) — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson, Jr.

I’m anticipating the Jets replenishing the defense with at least one of their two first-rounders, after trading their two best defenders away at the deadline. Woods needs a more diversified pass-rush plan to unlock his full potential, but he already possesses an elite combination of strength and athleticism for his size (6-3, 315) — he’s No. 5 on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List” — and has flashed disruptive capabilities. Violent hands and elite diagnostic instincts are his weapons of choice. Top needs: QB, CB, DL

— 19. Carolina (8-8) — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia, Jr.

The Panthers’ defense has improved from last season’s historically bad unit, but they’re still lacking a playmaker in the middle to bring it all together. Plus, Christian Rozeboom, their leading tackler, could leave in free agency. It’s hard not to see former Bulldog and current Ravens’ All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith when watching Allen. Both are 6-1, 235 pounds and are elite processors. Both are strong finishers against the run, and both are capable pass-rushers when called upon. Allen was also named a finalist for the Butkus Award, an honor Smith earned in 2017. Top needs: Edge, DB, LB

— 20. Pittsburgh (9-7) — Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Jr.

Aaron Rodgers could very well retire at the end of this season, but regardless of who is under center, the Steelers are severely lacking in playmakers at receiver. Lemon (5-11, 195) is a quick, efficient route runner who is a demon in the slot and capable of frustrating tacklers with his abilities after the catch. He had a tremendous junior year, earning the Biletnikoff Award with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs for the Trojans. Top needs: QB, WR, CB

— 21. Dallas from Green Bay (9-6-1) — TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson, Jr.

The Cowboys traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson at the deadline. Both are solid additions to a terrible defense, but there’s still work to do. Parker’s bull rush is devastating and he’s already a solid run defender. While this season hasn’t lived up to an eye-popping sophomore year where he had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles, his size (6-3, 265), advanced pass-rush repertoire, and ability to convert speed to power places him firmly in the first-round discussion. Top needs: Edge, S, LB

— 22. L.A. Chargers (11-5) — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State, Jr.

I anticipate the Chargers refurbishing the offensive and defensive line this offseason. Injuries and inconsistency has plagued guard Mekhi Becton once again. Ioane was one of the few bright spots for the Nittany Lions this season, earning second-team AP All-American recognition. He’s an elite pass-blocker and a strong anchor in the run game, while featuring impressive movement skills for a man his size (6-4, 335). Top needs: OL, Edge, DL

— 23. Chicago (11-5) — Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State, Jr.

The 49ers lost Trent Williams on the first play of the game, and was already without George Kittle, and still ran the ball down the Bears’ throat for the entirety of Sunday night’s NFC showdown. McDonald has been a game-wrecker for one of the most dominant defenses in the country, earning consensus All-American honors. Anchored by the 6-3, 330-pound devourer of double-teams, Ohio State’s run defense is fifth in rushing yards allowed per game (84.46) and sixth in yards allowed per carry (2.83). Top needs: T, Edge, S

— 24. Philadelphia (11-5) — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon, Jr.

Eagles tight ends Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra, Kylen Granson and Harrison Bryant are all facing free agency after this season. Sadiq isn’t in the same class as Brock Bowers or Tyler Warren as a prospect, but he’s an impressive athlete who has showcased downfield playmaking ability and has legit upside as a run-blocker in the pros. The 6-3 Sadiq came to Eugene two years ago at 220 pounds, but bulked up to 245. According to Bruce Feldman’s list (No. 11): “He vertical jumped 41.5 inches this summer, power cleaned 365 pounds and bench pressed 435.” He was also the Ducks’ first-ever finalist for the John Mackey Award. Top needs: T, TE, Edge

— 25. Buffalo (11-5) — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson, Jr.

Veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White will be 31 in January and a free agent after the season. Terrell could follow in his brother A.J.’s footsteps as a first-round cornerback from the Tigers. He’s a much better run defender than his brother, despite being a bit undersized (5-11, 180). His route-recognition and ball skills helped him earn second-team All-ACC honors as a sophomore, and he’s mastered the “Peanut Punch” with eight forced fumbles the last two seasons. He also had three sacks this season. Top needs: LB, WR, CB

— 26. Houston (11-5) — Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama, Jr.

The Texans’ overhaul of their offensive line that began last year isn’t over. Proctor took his lumps starting for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2023, but he showed legit improvement down the stretch and that carried over to his sophomore year. His junior season has been a grab bag of inconsistency, but it’s nearly impossible to find 360-pound athletes who are as powerful, explosive and surprisingly agile as he is (he’s No. 2 on Bruce Feldman’s list). Proctor was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, and he’d be an upgrade at tackle or guard for Houston. Top needs: DL, RB, CB

— 27. L.A. Rams (11-5) — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee, Jr.

Cornerbacks Ahkello Witherspoon, Roger McCreary and Cobie Durant are all unrestricted free agents after this season. McCoy earned first-team All-SEC recognition last season with four interceptions for the Vols after transferring from Oregon State before tearing his ACL during an offseason training session in January. His 2024 tape showed elite ball skills with fluid athleticism and explosive closing speed. The type of talent who usually goes in the top half of the first round. NFL teams will scrutinize his medicals at the Combine. Top needs: T, DB, QB

— 28. San Francisco (12-4) — Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M, Sr.

The 49ers will release or trade Brandon Aiyuk after the season, which means this pick could very well be a wide receiver come April. They also need to find a successor to groom behind future Hall of Famer Trent Williams at left tackle. Knowing the Niners though, they’ll focus on replenishing a pass rush that was nonexistent without Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, after both players tore their ACL this season. Howell’s (6-2, 248) length is a question mark headed into the draft process, but you can’t argue with his production or explosive traits. He produced 9 1/2 sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for loss in his final season at Bowling Green before joining the Aggies in 2024. After making the leap from the MAC to the SEC, he earned the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year with 11 1/2 sacks this season (tied for fifth in the FBS) and 14 tackles for loss for the No. 7 seed in the College Football Playoff. A good comp for Howell is 49ers’ edge Bryce Huff. Both are speed rushers with an exceptional first step and bend around the edge. Huff will have one year left on his contract after this season. Top needs: OL, DB, WR

— 29. Cleveland from Jacksonville (12-4) — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington, Jr.

The Browns look like they found building blocks on offense in this year’s draft with running back Quinshon Judkins (before he suffered a broken leg) and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. They’ll need to reinforce an aging offensive line and add more weapons at receiver if they have any hopes of their new franchise QB succeeding, whomever he may be. Boston’s size (6-4, 210) and physicality enable him to win more than his fair share of jump balls, but the Huskie wideout is also a polished route-runner, especially on slants and comebacks. Boston also features the versatility to lineup outside or become a mismatch in the slot. Top needs: QB, T, CB

— 30. New England (13-3) — Trevor Goosby, T, Texas, So.

With Will Campbell suffering a Grade 3 MCL sprain, which essentially means he tore his MCL, and Morgan Moses turning 35 in March, it would make sense for the Patriots to add another tackle early in April’s draft. The 6-foot-7, 312-pound Goosby could apprentice behind Moses for a season before taking over at right tackle. He started two games as a redshirt freshman, one at left tackle in the SEC championship and one at right tackle in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Goosby earned first-team All-SEC recognition in his first season as a full-time starter for the Longhorns. He was the No. 17 player on Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List,” reportedly clocking in with a max speed of 20 mph in the offseason. Top needs: Edge, LB, S

— 31. Denver (13-3) — Christen Miller, DL, Georgia, Jr.

The Broncos might have to address their stellar defensive line if John Franklin-Myers leaves in free agency. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Miller sheds blocks with ease. He unloads brute force upon an offensive line, and at very least will free up other defenders to make plays. Miller will be an impactful run defender on day one, but you don’t have to book a “darkness retreat” with Aaron Rodgers to envision him eventually becoming a disruptive pass-rusher in the pros. Top needs: LB, DL, C

— 32. Seattle (13-3) — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee, So.

Cornerbacks Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe and Derion Kendrick are all facing free agency after this season. Kendrick will be a restricted free agent. After transferring from Colorado, Hood helped the Volunteers fill the void created by the absence of Jermod McCoy. He’s a fiery, aggressive press corner who features the size (6-0, 195), speed and physicality to make plays in a man-heavy scheme. However, his instincts make him an ideal fit for the type of zone defense the Seahawks deploy under coach Mike Macdonald. Top needs: RB, CB, G

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