ESPN analyst Matt Miller gathered ten anonymous league scouts to draft the top ten picks for the 2026 NFL Draft, which kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh. Each scout acted as the decision‑maker for a different franchise, evaluating roster needs without trading. The Las Vegas Raiders, represented by an AFC East scout, selected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick.

With Mendoza gone, the New York Jets relied on an AFC South scout who took Ohio State edge/linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 2, praising his first‑step quickness for the 3‑4 defense. The Arizona Cardinals, advised by an NFC general manager, selected Texas Tech’s sack leader David Bailey at No. 3. Tennessee’s NFC West scout opted for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 4 to bolster Cam Ward’s offense.

The New York Giants, guided by an AFC college scouting director, drafted Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate at No. 5, valuing his route‑running to complement Malik Nabers. Cleveland selected Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 6, solving a right‑tackle need. Miller’s anonymous scout mock shows franchises leaning heavily on positional urgency rather than pure talent rankings as the draft looms.