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ESPN Predicts Top 10 Picks in 2026 NFL Draft Based on Free Agency

John Canady

Host · Writer

10) Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275

Cincinnati addressed the defense in free agency, but the pass rush still needs reinforcements after finishing tied for last in pass rush win rate in 2025. Rueben Bain Jr. could help change that quickly. The Miami edge rusher delivered a dominant campaign with 9.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss and 71 pressures, showcasing the power and relentlessness that make him one of the most disruptive defenders in the class.

"Bain is a tenacious and powerful player who overcomes his lack of length with brute force at the point of attack." - Field Yates
ESPN Predicts Top 10 Picks in 2026 NFL Draft Based on Free Agency
As the NFL offseason continues, both Free Agency and the Draft will be used as key tools to revamp rosters around the league. With teams making signings to fill their weaknesses, priorities could change ahead of draft day. That said, here's a look at how the top 10 picks could unfold based on early results from free agency.
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225

The top pick has felt inevitable for months. Fernando Mendoza separated himself from the rest of the quarterback class while leading Indiana to a national championship run, showcasing elite accuracy and a powerful arm in the biggest moments. With Las Vegas already investing $81 million over three years in center Tyler Linderbaum, the Raiders appear to be laying the groundwork for their next franchise quarterback.

"Mendoza will be the No. 1 selection and provides the Raiders a beacon of hope around whom to build their franchise going forward." - Field Yates
2) New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250

New York added several veterans in free agency, but the pass rush still needs a young centerpiece. David Bailey fits the bill after a dominant season at Texas Tech, where he led the FBS with 14.5 sacks. His disruptive style also shows up in the turnover column, forcing eight fumbles over the past two seasons.

"No FBS player had more sacks in 2025 than Bailey (14.5)." - Field Yates
3) Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243

Arizona could address the offensive line here, but elite pass-rush talent is hard to pass up. Arvell Reese brings massive upside after emerging as one of the most explosive defenders at Ohio State. Adding Reese would give the Cardinals a long-term building block in their defensive front.

"Reese has as much upside as any defensive player in this class." - Field Yates
4) Tennessee Titans: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195

Tennessee continues building around quarterback Cam Ward, and adding Carnell Tate would give the offense another dynamic weapon. The Ohio State receiver averaged over 17 yards per catch in his final college season, combining polished route running with big play ability downfield.

"Tate is among the most pro-ready prospects and would carve out a significant role in Tennessee from the jump." - Field Yates
5) New York Giants: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205

After addressing linebacker in free agency, the Giants could turn their attention to the secondary. Caleb Downs developed into one of the most versatile defensive backs in college football, showing leadership and the ability to impact the game all over the field.

"Downs' three-year run in college handling all sorts of responsibilities and communication reinforces why his upside could be so significant." - Field Yates
6) Cleveland Browns: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315

Cleveland already invested heavily in the offensive line this offseason, but the long-term outlook could still use another cornerstone. Monroe Freeling offers intriguing upside at six-foot-seven with 34¾ inch arms, using his length and agility to stay in front of pass rushers.

"Freeling has as much upside as any offensive tackle in this class." - Field Yates
7) Washington Commanders: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214

With their biggest defensive need addressed in free agency, Washington could turn to pure playmaking ability here. Jeremiyah Love was one of the most electric players in college football at Notre Dame, bringing explosive speed and receiving ability that would pair well with quarterback Jayden Daniels.

"Love is a dynamic dual threat player who would instantly supercharge what was a middle-of-the-road backfield last season." - Field Yates
8) New Orleans Saints: WR Makai Lemon, USC
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195

New Orleans still needs another weapon across from Chris Olave, making Makai Lemon an intriguing fit. The USC standout was one of the most productive receivers in college football last season, averaging 96.3 receiving yards per game, the third most in the FBS. Lemon thrives after the catch and consistently makes plays in traffic, giving the Saints a dynamic option in the middle of the field.

"Lemon had a dominant 2025 season, averaging the third most receiving yards per game in the FBS (96.3)." - Field Yates
9) Kansas City Chiefs: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315

With Jawaan Taylor expected to move on, Kansas City could look to plug the hole at right tackle with Francis Mauigoa. The Miami product started three seasons protecting the edge and developed a reputation as one of the most reliable tackles in the class. His balance and footwork make him effective in pass protection, while his strength in the run game could help power the Chiefs’ revamped backfield.

"Mauigoa is one of the steadiest players in the class, showing great balance, nimble footwork and overall body control." - Field Yates
10) Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275

Cincinnati addressed the defense in free agency, but the pass rush still needs reinforcements after finishing tied for last in pass rush win rate in 2025. Rueben Bain Jr. could help change that quickly. The Miami edge rusher delivered a dominant campaign with 9.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss and 71 pressures, showcasing the power and relentlessness that make him one of the most disruptive defenders in the class.

"Bain is a tenacious and powerful player who overcomes his lack of length with brute force at the point of attack." - Field Yates
ESPN Predicts Top 10 Picks in 2026 NFL Draft Based on Free Agency
As the NFL offseason continues, both Free Agency and the Draft will be used as key tools to revamp rosters around the league. With teams making signings to fill their weaknesses, priorities could change ahead of draft day. That said, here's a look at how the top 10 picks could unfold based on early results from free agency.