Our top three NFL Draft picks

The GIST: Cue the chime because the 2026 NFL Draft begins tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From the coveted No. 1 pick to the selection of Mr. Irrelevant at No. 257, the picks keep comin’ and they don’t stop comin’ for seven rounds spanning tomorrow through Saturday.

• Before the bear hugs take center stage, let’s discuss the trio of college stars that could be taken in the top three. Hut, hut, here we go.

🏴‍☠️ No. 1 pick, Las Vegas Raiders — quarterback (QB) Fernando Mendoza: The consensus No. 1 selection, reigning NCAA champ Mendoza is exactly what the Raiders need: a franchise QB. And the Heisman Trophy winner will be set up for success. Vegas recently signed veteran signal caller Kirk Cousins, who’ll mentor the Raiders’ anticipated top pick alongside a certain minority owner.

✈️ No. 2 pick, NY Jets — defensive end David Bailey: The Texas Tech product is the best pass rusher in the draft, making him the perfect addition to a team that recorded the second-fewest sacks in the league last season. The perennially down-bad Jets need a defensive disrupter ASAP, and Bailey fits the mold perfectly.

❤️ No. 3 pick, Arizona Cardinals — linebacker Arvell Reese: Rumor has it the Cards might swap picks with Kansas City (who have the No. 9 selection), but whoever ends up with the No. 3 pick should take Reese. The former Ohio State Buckeye is explosive, versatile, and has a penchant for big plays, the perfect addition to a pair of defenses that struggled to force turnovers last season.