Field Yates Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders Pick First, Trade Predicted for Alabama QB Ty Simpson
ESPN's Field Yates released his final mock draft for all 32 first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the top spot. His predictions include one late-round trade for a team to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
ESPN draft experts Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. released their final predictions for Thursday night's 2026 NFL Draft first round, which starts at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN and ABC.
Yates projected all 32 picks with the Las Vegas Raiders officially on the clock at No. 1 overall. His mock draft includes one significant trade late in the first round, with a team moving up specifically to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson.
Kiper shared intel he's been hearing from NFL sources leading up to the draft. The two ESPN analysts have been tracking player movement and team needs throughout the college football season and draft process.
The full first-round draft order was set after the Super Bowl, giving teams and analysts a clear picture of how the picks will unfold. Mock drafts help fans and teams understand potential scenarios, though actual draft night often brings surprises with unexpected trades and picks.
The NFL Draft shapes team rosters for years and affects millions of fantasy football players. Draft predictions help fans understand which college stars might join their favorite teams and how trades could shake up the first round.
The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, with the Raiders making the first selection.
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