Overview
- Betting markets and multiple outlets have Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the overwhelming favorite to go No. 1 to the Raiders.
- The Jets are expected to use the No. 2 pick on defense, with Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith and betting odds pointing to Ohio State hybrid rusher Arvell Reese.
- The Chiefs, Newsweek reported Saturday citing NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, have vetted elite edge rushers and are considering trading up, with Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Miami’s Rueben Bain widely rated top-five talents and Kansas City short on sacks last season.
- ESPN’s Todd McShay and other analysts now see Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson slipping out of Round 1, and his visits with the Jets, Cardinals, Browns and Dolphins keep options open as teams eye the deeper 2027 quarterback class and a possible Round 2 run that could reach the Steelers at pick 53.
- Boards behind the top pick remain fluid, with reports that Arizona is weighing choices at No. 3 and mock simulations showing possible Raiders trade-downs, which are speculative but highlight active trade planning by teams with extra draft capital.