The College Football Playoff National Championship game serves as more than just a culmination of the college football season—it's a launching pad for the next generation of NFL talent. As the Indiana Hoosiers prepare to face the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium, scouts and general managers across the league will be watching with keen interest, knowing that several players on that field will soon become household names at the professional level. The 2026 NFL Draft may be three months away, but the picture is becoming increasingly clear, particularly at the very top of the first round.
Fernando Mendoza has separated himself from the pack in a way rarely seen this early in the draft process. While the championship stage will provide him one final opportunity to showcase his skills against elite competition, his body of work throughout the season has already convinced talent evaluators that he's the premier prospect in this cycle. The debate that typically rages about who deserves to be the first overall selection has been notably muted this year, with Mendoza's combination of physical tools, mental processing, and leadership qualities making him the obvious choice for a franchise in desperate need of a cornerstone player.
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the coveted first pick, and their decision appears straightforward. After years of instability at the quarterback position, the organization cannot afford to pass on a prospect of Mendoza's caliber. His ability to operate within structure while maintaining the athleticism to extend plays outside the pocket aligns perfectly with modern offensive philosophies. The Raiders' front office, led by Tom Brady in his football operations role, understands the value of a true franchise signal-caller better than most. While the team might entertain trade inquiries—standard procedure for any team holding the top selection—the likelihood of them actually moving off the pick seems remote. Mendoza represents not just a player, but a potential era-defining talent who could transform the trajectory of a franchise that has struggled to find its footing since relocating to Las Vegas.
The quarterback landscape behind Mendoza took an interesting turn when Dante Moore announced his decision to return to college for another season. This development significantly thinned an already shallow pool of top-tier quarterback prospects, creating a ripple effect throughout the top half of the first round. Teams like the New York Jets, who desperately need a long-term solution under center, now face a difficult decision. Do they reach for a developmental prospect, trade for a veteran bridge quarterback, or address other premium positions while postponing their search for a franchise passer? The latter option appears most prudent, especially when considering the alternative paths available to them.
This brings us to the Jets' selection at number two overall. Rather than forcing a quarterback pick in a weak class, New York appears poised to select Reese, a versatile defensive weapon who projects as a game-changing edge rusher. His background as a linebacker provides him with unique coverage skills and football intelligence that most pass rushers lack. If he can continue developing the explosive pass-rushing technique he displayed during his college career, Reese could become the type of foundational defensive piece that transforms an entire unit. For a Jets organization that has embraced a methodical rebuilding approach under their current leadership, adding a blue-chip defender makes more sense than gambling on a quarterback who might not be ready for the NFL level.
The Arizona Cardinals represent the biggest wild card in the top ten selections. With no permanent head coach currently in place and Kyler Murray's future with the franchise uncertain, the organization faces a period of significant transition. Their plan to accelerate a rebuild through aggressive free-agent spending failed to yield the desired results, leaving them once again picking near the top of the draft. In this scenario, they select Bailey, a young pass rusher who could form a devastating tandem with recently acquired Josh Sweat. This pairing would give Arizona's defense a formidable edge presence for years to come, providing the new coaching staff with a young cornerstone to build around. While quarterback remains a question mark, securing elite talent at premium positions like edge defender is never a bad strategy.
The Tennessee Titans find themselves in an interesting position after selecting Cam Ward in last year's draft. The rookie quarterback showed flashes of brilliance but also demonstrated a tendency to revert to "hero ball" when plays broke down. To help Ward develop more efficiently, the Titans select Tate, a wide receiver whose ability to high-point contested catches and create separation through precise route running would give his quarterback a reliable target in critical situations. By adding a weapon who can win one-on-one matchups consistently, Tennessee hopes to accelerate Ward's development and prevent him from developing bad habits. In a draft class somewhat light on elite prospects, finding a true difference-maker who can directly impact a young quarterback's growth represents excellent value.
The New York Giants round out our top five projections, and their selection reflects the new direction under head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh's arrival marks a significant cultural shift for a franchise that has struggled with consistency and proper roster construction. Recognizing the importance of building from the trenches, the Giants select an offensive tackle to pair with their established left tackle Andrew Thomas. This move addresses a potential free-agent departure—right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor could command a substantial contract on the open market—and demonstrates a commitment to protecting the quarterback and establishing a physical running game. In Harbaugh's system, offensive line play is paramount, and securing a young, cost-controlled tackle ensures continuity and cap flexibility moving forward.
Beyond the top five, this draft class presents challenges for teams seeking immediate impact players. The talent pool after the elite prospects becomes somewhat jumbled, with evaluators disagreeing on the relative merits of various players. This uncertainty could lead to significant movement on draft day, as teams trade up for specific targets or down to accumulate additional selections. The lack of quarterback depth may depress the value of picks in the middle of the first round, as teams without pressing needs at other positions might be content to wait for later rounds.
The defensive side of the ball appears stronger than the offensive skill positions in this cycle. Several linebackers and defensive backs have generated first-round buzz, while the wide receiver and running back classes are considered average. This imbalance could lead to a run on defensive players early, followed by teams reaching for offensive talent in the latter half of the first round. General managers will need to balance their boards carefully, weighing positional value against actual talent levels.
For the players participating in Monday's championship game, the stakes extend far beyond the college football landscape. A strong performance on national television could solidify their draft stock and potentially vault them into first-round consideration. Conversely, a poor showing might raise questions about their ability to handle pressure at the highest level. The scrutiny will be intense, but these athletes have reached this stage precisely because they thrive under pressure. Their journeys from college stars to professional prospects represent the natural evolution of the sport, where each generation gives way to the next.
As the draft process unfolds over the coming months, medical evaluations, combine performances, and individual pro days will further shape these projections. However, the foundation has been set, and Fernando Mendoza's position atop the draft board appears secure. For the Raiders and their fans, the promise of a franchise quarterback brings hope. For the other teams in the top ten, the challenge lies in finding value and addressing critical needs in a class that requires careful navigation. The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be a fascinating event, shaped by the stars who shine brightest on college football's biggest stage.