Andrew Buller-Russ
The first wave of free agency has changed the 2026 NFL mock draft landscape, with teams already making several impact signings. With team needs and weaknesses becoming clearer by the day, it’s time for a revised look at projecting the first round of the NFL draft.
Related: NFL Free Agency Day 1: Biggest Winners & Losers
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Nothing changes here. If anything, the Raiders’ likely decision to select Mendoza becomes even more obvious after strengthening the offensive line and the receiving corps by signing Tyler Linderbaum and Jalen Nailor. The Raiders are setting up the foundation for Mendoza to thrive in Klint Kubiak’s offense, but finding a veteran backup will be key for the rookie, and they have one in mind.
Related: NFL Insider Updates Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Trade Price After Failed Physical
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
After trading Jermaine Johnson, the Jets have a huge pass-rush void. Joseph Ossai won’t fix it, but he can be part of the solution. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-4 Arvell Reese has special upside as a player who could become a Pro Bowler as a middle linebacker or playing on the outside, where he can drop into coverage and showcase his elite pass-rush moves.
Related: New York Jets ‘Absolutely’ Will Discuss Trade For No. 1 Pick
3. Arizona Cardinals: Rueben Bain Jr., EGDE, Miami (FL)
We could go offensive tackle here, but is getting a right tackle with the third overall pick really the best value? It certainly wouldn’t be taking the best player available. Even though they have a pass-rush stalwart in Josh Sweat, we’re going to add another potential game-wrecker into the mix with the selection of Bain, who was coached by Jason Taylor in college.
Related: Arizona Cardinals Urged to Target 4x Pro Bowl Quarterback
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
If there was a left tackle worthy of a top-five selection, then he’d be my pick for Tennessee, who must improve the line ahead of Cam Ward‘s second season. However, the Titans go best-player-available here with Love, who has the potential to transform the Titans’ offense from day one. Tony Pollard is coming off his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season, but the soon-to-be 29-year-old is nothing special. This is exactly like the Vikings making Adrian Peterson the seventh pick despite having a 1,000-yard back in Chester Taylor. Like Peterson, Love has a chance to be great.
5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Giants have already invested a lot into their safety tandem, drafting Tyler Nubin in the second round in 2024 and signing Jevon Holland to a $45 million contract last offseason. Yet, both are only under contract through 2027, and Downs has the potential to be the best of the trio. He’s a freakish, yet versatile chess piece that can move all over the field, whether it’s disguised as a safety, linebacker, or cornerback. Downs can do it all.
6. Cleveland Browns: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Imagine Myles Garrett commanding double, sometimes triple coverage on one edge, and Bailey eating up 1-on-1 opportunities on the other? The Browns have struggled to find a partner in crime opposite of Garrett, who’s now 30 years old. Bailey not only boasts tantalizing athleticism, but he’s also already extremely polished and productive.
Related: Possible 1st-Round QB Admits Cleveland Browns Are ‘Dream’ Destination
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Deebo Samuel is set for free agency. While the Commanders could bring in Jayden Daniels‘ former college teammate Brandon Aiyuk, there’s no guaranteeing he’ll return to top form after missing the entire 2025 season. Washington undoubtedly needs to add to the position this offseason, and Tate would be a good fit. He may have run slower than expected with a 4.53-second 40 Yard Dash, but the eye test suggests he’s plenty quick when getting open. Moreso, Tate has proven to be a polished receiver who should make an immediate impact in Washington, much like former Buckeyes receiver Terry McLaurin.
Related: 5 Best Stefon Diggs Landing Spots After Patriots Release
8. New Orleans Saints: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
It’s hard to pass up on one of the most freakish prospects in recent memory. The 6-foot-5 linebacker clocked a blistering 4.46 40 Yard Dash, and his speed is on full display when he’s locking down defenders in coverage. He’s the type of player who transcends a defense.
Related: New Orleans Saints Could Lose All-Pro Player
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)
The Chiefs already have their left tackle in Josh Simmons, but they could still use more help up front. Kingsley Suamataia could flip back to right tackle, but the Chiefs may not want to move their left guard. They could find an even better fit with Mauigoa, who has an immediately high floor as a run blocker who could grow into an above-average pass blocker at right tackle or guard too.
Related: 5 Best Stefon Diggs Landing Spots After Patriots Release
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
This is a situation where the Bengals would probably try to trade down or hope a blue-chip pass-rusher falls. But if not, selecting a possible Pro Bowl left guard could be an extremely valuable selection, even at 10. Projecting Joe Burrow is Cincinnati’s most important job, and Ioane is a strong bulldozer who will bully defenders in the trenches. Good luck beating up on Burrow with Ioane lurking nearby.
Related: Cincinnati Bengals Express Interest in Re-Signing Pro Bowl Player
11. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Now that the Dolphins have a new $67 million quarterback, they need to make sure they can protect Malik Willis. Left tackle may be shored up with Patrick Paul, but there are a lot of other question marks along Miami’s line. Spencer Fano could be a right tackle; he may end up at guard. Fano even worked at center during the NFL Scouting Combine. No matter what, he’ll be one of the Dolphins’ best five linemen as a rookie, and he’ll help keep Willis clean.
Related: Dallas Cowboys Discuss Trade for Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowler
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
After allowing the NFL’s most points a season ago, the Cowboys have no choice but to upgrade their defense. Boasting two first-round picks, the Cowboys begin with a new cornerback who can start opposite DaRon Bland. Delane is a sticky corner who excels in press coverage, and he never shies away from contact in run support either. He’d help the Cowboys change their fortunes.
Related: Dallas Cowboys ‘Thought’ They Had Trade For Pro Bowl Pass-Rusher
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
While some believe the Rams could consider an eventual replacement for Davante Adams, we love the idea of further weaponizing Sean McVay’s offense with the fastest tight end in NFL Scouting Combine history. Sadiq is a freakish athlete who will get plenty of 1-on-1 opportunities playing between Puka Nacua and Adams.
Related: Los Angeles Rams May Make Big Investment in Future Franchise QB
14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
After a wacky series of events, the Ravens have the 14th pick again, and this time, they don’t need an edge rusher right away. While improving the interior offensive line is a must, the Ravens could also benefit from improving the weaponry around Lamar Jackson. Enter Tyson, a 6-foot-2 deep threat who has a knack for getting open.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Buccaneers managed to sign Alex Anzalone, and Lavonte David could return too. That shifts our focus to the best player available in Thieneman. He lit up the combine with a blistering 4.35 40 Yard Dash after covering what felt like the entire field at Oregon. He’s smart and athletic enough to play all three safety positions, making him any defensive coordinator’s dream.
16. New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
In a perfect world, the Jets would add a receiver with more size to their starting lineup, but when building a team, one can’t get too picky. Lemon works best from the slot, where his sudden route-running often leaves him wide open. Yet, he also wins a lot of 50/50 balls for someone who’s just 5-foot-11. He’ll help Geno Smith look good in New York.
17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
After releasing Taylor Decker, we’re making Penei Sewell flip to left tackle, paving the way for Freeling to play his natural position at right tackle. It’s a bit of a shift for Sewell, but he has great feet and should be able to adjust with an offseason of practice. As for Freeling, he can be a physical, dominant presence up front in his first year in Detroit, and coach Dan Campbell will love the edge he plays with.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Even if Harrison Smith doesn’t retire, the Vikings could still add an impact safety this offseason as defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves to use three-safety looks. McNeil-Warren would fit the bill, as he’s a versatile, high-energy athlete who flies to the football through the air and on the ground.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign Kyler Murray
19. Carolina Panthers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Panthers have already made multiple impact upgrades on a defense that made huge strides last season. The work continues here in the first round with the selection of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell’s brother, Avieon. The younger Terrell profiles best as a nickelback, which is where the Panthers could use the most help. An energetic athlete that plays bigger than his 5-foot-11 frame would suggest, Terrell won’t back down from anyone.
Related: Dallas Cowboys Could Reportedly Trade All-Pro Player After Career Year
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Slowly but surely, the Cowboys keep adding pieces to their defense. We continued that with the selection of cornerback Mansoor Delane with their top pick in the first round. Now it’s time to add the new leader of the Dallas defense, inside linebacker CJ Allen. A strong run defender who boasts above-average awareness, it shouldn’t take long for him to make an impact at the next level.
Related: Waiting on Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers Considering New QB
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The Steelers already added another big body in Michael Pittman. However, getting another playmaker to take more pressure off Aaron Rodgers is never a bad idea either. Plus, Cooper is one who will be better across the middle of the field, using his strength and quickness to overpower smaller defenders and continue running right past them.
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers Met With QB Once Hyped as First-Round Pick
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Chargers have to reinforce the trenches this offseason. We’ve already seen some additions along the offensive line, now it’s time to get a blue-chip player on defense. McDonald is a stout run defender at 6-foot-2, 326 pounds. He’ll help the Chargers against the run right away, but he’ll need some more refinement as a pass-rusher.
Related: Philadelphia Eagles ‘In Contact’ About Trade for Pro Bowl Pass-Rusher
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Eagles have been sniffing around the pass-rush market this offseason, so they’re clearly ready to add at the position. They may have to wait until the draft, where the class is deep and rich. Philadelphia’s wait could end by plucking Mesidor at 23, who boasts a high motor that seemingly never stops.
Related: NFL Insider Reveals Potential Trade Cost for Philadelphia Eagles QB
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
After spending a first-round pick on a cornerback earlier in the draft, now it’s time to get first-year head coach Todd Monken another weapon for his toolbox. At 6-foot-4, Boston presents a big red zone target who knows how to use his body to his advantage to win most 50/50 ball situations. While Boston is clearly capable of being an outside receiver, he’s handled himself well in the slot too. He’d make life a lot easier for Cleveland’s messy QB situation heading into 2026.
Related: 6 Best Derek Carr Landing Spots as QB Nears NFL Return
25. Chicago Bears: Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
It never hurts to add more pass-rushers. Here, the Bears add a versatile defender who can help along the interior, but his main contributions will come along the edge. Faulk is a huge 6-foot-6, 276-pound defender who won’t turn 21 until the season gets underway. Yet, he already boasts an impressively diverse array of pass-rush moves that will only become more refined with experience.
26. Buffalo Bills: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Buffalo allowed the NFL’s fifth-most rushing yards per game last season. New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will make it a point to change that, but he’ll need some help. Hunter can provide it, as a 6-foot-3, 318-pound nose tackle who boasts a monstrous 6-foot-9 wingspan. Good luck shutting him down.
Related: San Francisco 49ers Set ‘Astronomical’ Trade Price for Pro Bowler
27. San Francisco 49ers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
A team can never have too many cornerbacks, but a case could be made that the 49ers’ current group has room for improvement. McCoy enters the NFL as a hungry athlete who missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL, but he’ll be ready to go in Week 1. A physicaly player who shows up in run support, McCoy can also be San Francisco’s best cover corner.
Related: San Francisco 49ers Admit They’re Willing to Trade Coveted Pro Bowler
28. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Getting Sheldon Rankins back will help with consistency for an elite defense, but the Texans could use another impact player here. Woods flashes star potential as a powerful pass-rusher with explosiveness. However, he’s still working to put it all together with consistency. Though, with Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter alongside him, Woods will have plenty of help.
Related: Houston Texans Interested in Acquiring 3x Pro Bowl Lineman
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
We can’t imagine a better scenario for a Chiefs team that has a hole at the pass-rusher position after recording just 35 sacks in 2025. Parker may have slipped after his production dropped from 11 sacks in 2024 to five in 2025. Yet, he’ll be a valuable versatile piece who can slide inside on obvious pass-rush downs and help set the edge on the outside against the run too.
30. Denver Broncos: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
A defensive lineman could be an option after Franklin-Myers was allowed to leave. Yet, it never hurts to further weaponize Denver’s young quarterback. Concepcion is a fit for any offense, but his quickness will especially shine in Denver’s short-game passing attack. While his hands could use some work, Concepcion is a star after the catch thanks to his elite explosiveness.
Related: Denver Broncos Considering Hiring Former NFL Head Coach
31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Patriots just shelled out a $36.5 million contract to Dre’Mont Jones, but they may not be done at the edge rusher position, and he’s 29. Plus, Harold Landry is only under contract through 2027. Either way, the Patriots could use another sackmaster sprinkled into the mix, and Howell has the type of burst who can make an impact, even in a situational role for now.
Related: 5 Best WR Targets for the New England Patriots After Releasing Stefon Diggs
32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
While he had been involved in frequent trade rumors, the Seahawks saw Riq Woolen leave in free agency. Now it’s time to find a replacement. Mike Macdonald will love Hood, who not only is a strong tackler in run support, he’s also quick enough to stick with the game’s top talents. Effective at tracking the ball, he should get his hands on a few interceptions, even as a rookie.
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