DRAFT NEWS

Entering the 2026 season, next spring's draft looked like it could be loaded at QB, WR, OT, EDGE, and CB. But football is a collision sport and injuries are always a factor. And injuries have depleted the depth at QB with season-ending injuries suffered to Julian Sayin (Ohio State) and Dante Moore (Oregon), and OT with the season-ending knee injury suffered by Trevor Goosby (Texas). But the WR class may be even better than advertised.

Usually there is drama with the first pick of the draft but not so much this year since there is only one franchise QB in this draft, the Heisman Trophy winner. Mendoza will be given time to develop behind veteran Kirk Cousins and will not be rushed into the lineup in Vegas. Mendoza is an athletic and highly intelligent leader who has the arm strength and intangibles to be developed into a long-term NFL starter.

The Jags deal up to get the second pick in the draft. But the cost was steep - pick #5, a second round pick (#36), a fourth round pick (#126), and a 2026 first round pick for the second pick, a fourth rounder (#104), and a sixth round pick (#200). Jacksonville uses the second selection on Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner who will try to play offense and defense in the NFL.