One quarterback will go in the first round of the NFL draft, but he won’t have to wait long to hear his name.
And five Ohio State players will go in the opening round, including three in the first seven picks.
That’s how this year’s beat-writer draft unfolds, at least. For more than two decades, the Los Angeles Times has turned to reporters who cover NFL teams on a daily basis to make their selections.
This year’s version is heavy on edge rushers, light on quarterbacks, and has two running backs as bookends at the beginning and end of Thursday night’s first round, which for the first time is taking place in Pittsburgh.
🚨 The NFL reporters’ mock draft is in progress. The New York Giants are on the clock at No. 5.
1. Las Vegas Raiders | Fernando Mendoza, QB (Indiana)
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza smiles after a win over Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.
(Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)
“No surprises here. There are still legitimate questions about whether he is a truly elite quarterback prospect at the next level, but the organization’s thirst for a face of the franchise at the position makes this a relatively easy call. General manager John Spytek has done a good job of starting to build a decent foundation around Mendoza, and the signing of Kirk Cousins will further ease his transition.”
— Adam Hill, Las Vegas Review-Journal
2. New York Jets | Arvell Reese, LB/Edge (Ohio State)
Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese plays against Penn State on Nov. 1.
(Jay LaPrete / Associated Press)
“This is a decision between Reese and David Bailey. There is an argument that Bailey can have a more immediate impact, but the Jets need to worry about who the best player will be in the long-term and that is Reese, who can play both off-ball linebacker and edge rusher in the Micah Parsons mold.”
— Brian Costello, New York Post
3. Arizona Cardinals | David Bailey, Edge (Texas Tech)
Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey plays against Arizona State on Oct. 18.
(Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)
“Drafting a player who led the FBS in pressure rate and tied for the lead in sacks (14.5) and pairing him with last year’s prized free-agent addition, Josh Sweat, would give the Cardinals some much-needed punch and help them navigate a brutally tough division that is the NFC West.”
— Bob McManaman, Arizona Republic
4. Tennessee Titans | Jeremiyah Love, RB (Notre Dame)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love carries the ball against Pittsburgh on Nov. 15.
(Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press)
“The Titans’ offense gets a jolt from Love, who recorded 49 plays of 10-plus yards in 2025, which ranked as the third-most in the FBS. It’s all about making things more Cam Ward friendly. What better way to do so than adding Love, who’s not just a running back, he’s a game-changing offensive weapon.”
