MIAMI, April 22 (UPI) -- Quarterback Fernando Mendoza sits atop UPI senior sports writer Alex Butler's final first-round 2026 NFL mock draft, which features five trades.
Unlike my two previous mock drafts, when Arvell Reese went No. 2 overall, I project David Bailey to land there with the New York Jets. Reese is my projected pick at No. 3 to the Arizona Cardinals.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles round out the Top 5 picks of my final mock draft.
My projected first round has seven offensive linemen, seven edge rushers, six wide receivers, three cornerbacks, three safeties, two quarterbacks, two linebackers, a running back and a tight end.
The Jets, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys own two picks apiece in the first round. The Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons do not have first-round selections.
My projections are based on combine and pro day performances, free agency movement and trades and injuries and off-the-field concerns.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held from Thursday through Saturday in Pittsburgh. First-round coverage will air at 8 p.m. EDT Thursday on ESPN, NFL Network, NFL+, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
Second- and third-round coverage will air at 7 p.m. Friday on those same networks. The final four rounds will air at noon Saturday.
12. New Orleans Saints (traded from Dallas Cowboys)
23. Buffalo Bills (traded from Philadelphia Eagles)
26. Philadelphia Eagles (traded from Buffalo Bills)