2026 NFL Draft First Round Predictions

A side profile view of the center of the NFL Draft Stage, with the backdrop of the stage featuring a depiction of the Fort Pitt Bridge Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from outside Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. | Ethan Morrison / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here and while in past drafts making solid predictions was fun and pretty attainable, predicting this draft feels like trying to pick the next lottery numbers. So, let’s peer into the crystal ball and see what could happen in the first round tonight.

Let’s start with the obvious to get warmed up. QB Fernando Mendoza will be drafted first overall. This way, at least one thing in this article will be correct. There has been a lot of news floating around that the Arizona Cardinals are looking to trade and that the New Orleans Saints could be the team to make that move. The prediction here is that the Cardinals will keep their pick and select RB Jeremiah Love third overall.

Next, LB Sonny Styles falls out of the top five. The fall wouldn’t be too far, but because of the trade that took place with the Giants and the Cardinals not being able to make one, it could affect his draft stock. He should still be selected within the top ten. The furthest he could potentially fall is to the Cowboys at No. 12. If he’s there at No. 7, it would be hard to believe the Washington Commanders would pass on him. But once again, this is a difficult draft to predict.

Next, the New York Giants select guard Olaivavega Ioane at pick No. 10. The only way this comes into play is if WR Jordyn Tyson is not available. Considering the Giants’ needs along the offensive line and the depth at wide receiver in this class, it is very conceivable to see this selection being made.

For my final prediction, QB Ty Simpson gets drafted in the first round. For something like this to happen, a team like the Cardinals, who are reportedly very high on him, would need to trade back into the first round. Many scouts feel that Ty Simpson is a late first-round quarterback in this draft, and the Cardinals could be in need of a quarterback if Kyler Murray is no longer in their plans.