The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday night in Pittsburgh with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the first overall pick. Everyone expects them to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a national championship winner compared to former Pro Bowler Matt Ryan for his accuracy. The Raiders have been in quarterback purgatory since Derek Carr departed four years ago, pairing Mendoza with veteran Kirk Cousins gives them what the article calls "the nicest quarterback room in the NFL."

The real intrigue centers on the third pick where the Arizona Cardinals hold a crucial decision. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who scored 40 touchdowns over his final two college seasons and draws comparisons to Saquon Barkley, could be selected or used as trade bait. Six teams possess two first-round selections, including the Miami Dolphins with 11 total picks after trading away key players like Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa, making them desperate to rebuild their roster.

Beyond the draft picks, veteran trades are already reshaping rosters. The Giants sent Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati for the 10th overall pick, while AJ Brown appears headed from Philadelphia to New England. A second quarterback might not go until late in the first round, with Alabama's Ty Simpson—having started only 15 college games—being the top remaining option. British interest adds another layer, as Arkansas State tight end Seydou Traore could become the first NFL Academy product drafted, completing a journey from the London Warriors to the professional ranks.