2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest 2026 NFL Draft Projections for Round 1 before NFL Combine

will have the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Raiders, coming off a dismal 2025 season with a record of 2-14, are in desperate need of a franchise-changing player to turn their fortunes around. With a new head coach and general manager in place, the Raiders are looking to make a splash with their top pick and set the tone for the future of the franchise.

Speculation has been rampant as to who the Raiders will select with the number one overall pick. Will they go with a quarterback to lead their offense for years to come, or will they opt for a defensive stalwart to anchor their defense? With the draft class being touted as one of the deepest in recent memory, the Raiders have a plethora of options to choose from.

One name that has been frequently mentioned as a potential top pick is quarterback Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson. Lawrence, widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in recent memory, has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL. Standing at 6’6” and possessing a strong arm and excellent decision-making skills, Lawrence has the potential to be the face of the Raiders’ franchise for years to come.

Another name that has been thrown around as a potential top pick is edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux out of Oregon. Thibodeaux, a dominant force off the edge with exceptional speed and athleticism, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Raiders’ defense. With the ability to disrupt opposing offenses and put pressure on the quarterback, Thibodeaux could be the missing piece that the Raiders’ defense needs to take the next step.

Other names that have been mentioned as potential top picks for the Raiders include wide receiver Garrett Wilson out of Ohio State, offensive tackle Evan Neal out of Alabama, and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. out of LSU. All of these players have the potential to be impact players in the NFL and could help the Raiders turn their fortunes around.

As the draft approaches, the Raiders’ front office will be conducting extensive scouting and evaluation of all the top prospects to determine who will be the best fit for their team. With so many talented players available, the decision of who to select with the number one overall pick will be a difficult one.

The Raiders’ fan base is eagerly anticipating the draft, hoping that their team will select a player who can help lead them back to the promised land. With the pressure of being the number one overall pick, whoever the Raiders select will be expected to come in and make an immediate impact on the team.

In addition to the top pick, the Raiders also have a number of other draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft that they will need to hit on in order to improve their roster. With a new coaching staff in place and a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the team, the Raiders are looking to build a competitive roster that can compete in the tough AFC West division.

The 2026 NFL Draft will be a pivotal moment for the Raiders as they look to build a team that can compete for a playoff spot and ultimately a Super Bowl championship. With the first overall pick, the Raiders have the opportunity to set the tone for the future of their franchise and bring in a player who can help turn their fortunes around.

As the draft approaches, speculation will continue to mount as to who the Raiders will select with the first overall pick. Will it be Trevor Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, or another top prospect? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the Raiders are in need of a game-changing player who can help lead them back to the top of the NFL.

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Source: Sportsnaut