2026 NFL Mock Draft

Fernando Mendoza

QB | Indiana

Las Vegas needs a new quarterback to lead their franchise to the promised land. Signing Kirk Cousins as veteran presence is an excellent move. By signing many guys in free agency, the Raiders are looking to be in the right direction. If they decide to sit Mendoza for a year (or half, depending how Kirk does), they will likely be in a playoff push next season.

David Bailey

EDGE | Texas Tech

I think the Jets may do the best thing possible here and take David Bailey out of Texas Tech. It's someone a lot of teams have their eyes on. I think he is a better overall player than Arvell Reese.

Jeremiyah Love

RB | Notre Dame

Arizona may very well traded this pick down with other teams looking to move up. I think sticking here and taking the draft's best player is a wise choice. James Conner is aging and Tyler Allgeier isn't a starter. Jeremiyah Love can be the NFC's best back in a season or two.

Arvell Reese

LB | Ohio State

TRADE! Arvell Reese is sliding and the Cowboys really like him enough to trade for. Tennessee trading back makes sense since their targeted players can be acquired later. Also something to consider, I had Jeremiyah Love going to Arizona—somebody Tennessee really likes.

Sonny Styles

LB | Ohio State

The Cowboys really like Sonny Styles and absolutely get a steal here. Since Dallas traded above them, it prevents John Harbaugh from taking Reese. Instead, they get Ohio State's second best defensive player.

Caleb Downs

S | Ohio State

I think the Cleveland Browns want to make some noise in this draft, taking a player that nobody expects them to. Caleb Downs will be the third consecutive Ohio State Buckeye taken off the board. Grant Delpit is a free agent in 2027, and the Browns really have no depth here at safety. Caleb Downs will be a wonderful addition to a Tim Monken led-team.

Jordyn Tyson

WR | Arizona State

TRADE! The Giants recently received this pick via the Dexter Lawrence trade with the Bengals. However, I think the Giants will need to move up to get their offensive weapon for Jaxson Dart. Pairing up Tyson & Malik Nabers will be a deadly force in the NFC East.

Mansoor Delane

CB | LSU

The Saints for a long time have receiver here, but I am starting to lean more towards defense. This draft is full of wideouts that New Orleans can get later. Not to mention some trade candidates for veterans. Mansoor Delane can stay in Louisiana and join Kool-AId McKinstry and Quincy Riley on defense.

Jermod McCoy

CB | Tennessee

TRADE! The Jets moving into the 1st round seems likely given that they have some leverage with two first round picks. The Chiefs have nothing to lose, while picking at No. 9 and later at No. 29.

Carnell Tate

WR | Ohio State

via NYG The Washington Commanders get very likely while my mock has them trading back to No. 10. Still on the board, Carnell Tate lands in Washington.

Francis Mauigoa

OT | Miami

I have the Miami Dolphins picking local prospect, Francis Mauigoa. His slide to No. 11 may be too crazy to some readers, but I think the depth of tackles in this year's draft can pave the way for that to happen.

Rueben Bain Jr.

EDGE | Miami

via DAL Another Miami player in consecutive picks. Rueben Bain's arm size will inflict a bit of a draft slide for him. While that is unfortunate, Tennessee didn't have to pay much to land this star player.

Makai Lemon

WR | USC

Kind of a local to the Rams, Makai Lemon is a player the Rams seem to be connected to. His play is outmatched and his presence will be known quickly. After losing Tutu Atwell, I think Lemon can fit into the slot while Davante Adams remains WR2. Right now, their slot is Konata Mumpfield...

Kenyon Sadiq

TE | Oregon

The Ravens are hoping to get an offensive weapon for Lamar Jackson. Mark Andrews is close to retirement, and the Giants snagged Isaiah Likely from Baltimore. Kenyon Sadiq is a top-tier tight end, and I see no reason the Ravens should pass him up.

Colton Hood

CB | Tennessee

I think cornerback is their best obtainable positon here while tight end can be addressed later. Defense is what Tampa Bay needs to fix.

Spencer Fano

OT | Utah

via NYJ After Jawan Taylor going to Atlanta, the Kansas City Chiefs are in big need of a replacement. Spencer Fano can easily do that for the Chiefs. After Patrick Mahomes went down late in the season to miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade, Kansas City can't afford any more holes on the offensive line.

Monroe Freeling

OT | Georgia

Georgia standout, Monroe Freeling will need to be his best in Detroit while protecting Jared Goff and making lanes for Jahmyr Gibbs.

Dillon Thieneman

S | Oregon

Replacing Harrison Smith is a must for the Vikings. Most would assume their pick would be traded up for a cornerback, but not me. They have Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers along with a few depth pieces. I think safety is the important choice here.

Caleb Lomu

OT | Utah

TRADE! The Eagles really need to draft an offensive linemen while Lane Johnson inches closer towards retirement. Caleb Lomu fits the bill. While this trade means nothing to Dallas, it's always fun to notice the Eagles taking a player off the board right before Dallas picks.

Keldric Faulk

EDGE | Auburn

Keldric Faulk is heavily connected to Dallas. They are in need of a bigger defense in 2026. While I had them taking Sonny Styles earlier, it's best to double up when in doubt.

Olaivavega Ioane

IOL | Penn State

The Steelers are commonly mocked to take a receiver here, but I do not see the need. After trading for Michael Pittman, whilst still holding onto DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson, I'd say receiver is more of a 3-4th round need for Pittsburgh. With the draft being in Pittsburgh, they will want to get fans going. Take local Penn State, Olaivavega Ioane? Or take a BIG player like Kayden McDonald? I'd say the local prospect.

Kadyn Proctor

OT | Alabama

The Chargers still need offensive line help even while drafting Joe Alt out of Notre Dame in 2024.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

S | Toledo

via PHI After missing out on Dillon Thieneman to Minnesota earlier in my mock, the Panthers will need a safety. It's too soon for them to take a tight end. While Omar Cooper Jr. is still on the board, I don't think they take him anymore.

KC Concepcion

WR | Texas A&M

TRADE! I think the 49ers need to trade up to get Concepcion especially before Buffalo picks. I think San Francisco could package Brandon Aiyuk in this trade, as well.

T.J. Parker

EDGE | Clemson

From a Tiger to a Bear, I have Clemson's T.J. Parker going to the Chicago Bears.

Max Iheanachor

OT | Arizona State

An unexpected draft choice for the Bills, but Iheanachor is a terrific player for this price and someone capable of being a day 1 starter in the NFL.

Omar Cooper Jr.

WR | Indiana

via SF The Browns need more receiver help for Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson. While in my mock, I stated that the Browns will receive Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers. Jerry Jeudy is already on their depth chart, but that is about it. Todd Monken will need a lot of weapons to compete in the AFC North.

Ty Simpson

QB | Alabama

TRADE! The Texans don't really need to draft here; at least not pay too much attention to this spot. However, the Arizona Cardinals really like Ty Simpson, but so do the New York Jets. In order to get before the Jets in the 2nd round, they will need to trade up.

Avieon Terrell

CB | Clemson

The Chiefs need a new cornerback after trading away Trent McDuffie to the Rams earlier this offseason.

Kayden McDonald

DT | Ohio State

The Dolphins take one of the bigger tackles in the draft here late in the opening round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Zion Young

EDGE | Missouri

The Patriots need an edge rusher and Zion Young could be one of the best available. While Akheem Mesidor is available, I think he is more of a night 2 prospect.

Brandon Cisse

CB | South Carolina

To close out the first round of my mock draft, I have the Seattle Seahawks taking Brandon Cisse out of South Carolina to boost their already winning defensive squad.