We’re one week out from the conclusion of the 2025 NFL regular season and with the majority of playoff spots locked up, the focus now for a majority of the league shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft. Plenty will change during the pre-draft process, but it’s a worthwhile time to conduct an NFL mock draft near the end of the season.
Related: 2026 NFL Draft Order after Week 17, Picks by Team
Let’s dive into our penultimate 2026 NFL mock draft during the regular season. Stay tuned for our next 2026 NFL Draft mock a few days after Week 18.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Las Vegas Raiders have positioned themselves to have the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As of now, while it is very subject to change, reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is the favorite to be the top selection. Mendoza offers ideal size at 6-foot-5, and he is renowned for his leadership, maturity, and understanding of how to execute an offense. He might not have elite physical tools, putting him more on track for a Jared Goff-like career, but he can absolutely be an above-average starter. He would provide stability for the Raiders’ franchise, allowing them to focus their resources in NFL free agency on building the offensive line.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders Offseason Moves That Should Be Made
2. Cleveland Browns (via NYG): Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Since taking over as the starter, Shedeur Sanders has posted a 5.3 percent interception rate. For context, Tua Tagovailoa has the highest interception rate in the NFL (3.9 percent) among regular starters, and no other quarterback this season has an interception rate over 4 percent.
- TRADE: Cleveland Browns trade 6th and 27th overall picks and a 2027 2nd-round pick to move up to the 2nd overall pick.
Sanders simply has not shown enough to warrant the Cleveland Browns’ investing in him long-term. Instead, the team should trade up for Dante Moore. He offers a higher ceiling than Mendoza, providing superior athleticism and arm strength. While he has less experience as a starter, his ability to make on-target throws to all areas of the field, combined with his poise under pressure, are traits that make him ready to be a Week 1 starter.
Related: Cleveland Browns Offseason Moves that Should be Made
3. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
With holes everywhere defensively, the New York Jets take arguably the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is out of the mold of Abdul Carter and Micah Parsons, in that he is a phenomenal athlete capable of dropping back in coverage or being deployed as an edge rusher. He is simply a versatile blue-chip talent whom New York can build its defense around.
Read More: 2026 NFL QB Carousel, Ranking Best Quarterbacks Available this Offseason
4. Tennessee TItans: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
The Tennessee Titans are not looking at a complete rebuild defensively, but they are very close to it. Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat are two great pieces to have in the trenches, but great defenses need a premier edge rusher. Coming off a dominant performance in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. offers the strength, motor, hands, and burst to become an excellent edge rusher. Furthermore, he would have a better chance of producing immediately by playing on a line alongside Simmons and Sweat.
Related: Tennessee Titans Offseason Moves that Should be Made
5. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
With the top quarterbacks off the board, the Arizona Cardinals can select offensive lineman Spencer Fano to continue building a supporting cast for their next franchise signal-caller. Fano has played both tackle spots at Utah but would likely be holding it down on the right side of the Cardinals’ offensive line. With his refined technique and great frame, he could quickly ascend to become a Pro Bowl tackle within his first four years.
6. New York Giants (via CLE): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
After trading down, the New York Giants give themselves more flexibility in the top 10. Jeremiyah Love is likely a higher-rated player, but the emergence of Cam Skattebo might push running back to a Day 2 selection. Consequently, New York finds a great complement at wide receiver to Malik Nabers. Jordyn Tyson, who stands 6-foot-2, adds another playmaker to this Giants offense and offers the ability to align at multiple spots. Another positive: he is a willing blocker. This pick is also an investment in Jaxson Dart as the quarterback of the future.
Related: 4 Offseason Moves the New York Giants Should Make
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Washington Commanders bring in more help for Jayden Daniels, pairing him with the most pro-ready receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. Everything Carnell Tate does puts him in a position to make an impact immediately, as his route-running resembles that of veteran wideouts and he knows how to position his body to make tough catches. He can be the No. 2 receiver next season and potentially overtake Terry McLaurin as the go-to weapon in this passing game by 2027.
Related: NFL Teams with the Most Cap Space in 2026, including the Commanders
8. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The New Orleans Saints won’t have a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but Caleb Downs is that good of a talent. An All-American safety who has looked just as good as a playmaking center fielder as he does playing closer to the box. Downs has a path to become an All-Pro safety, as long as he lands with the right defensive coordinator and Brandon Staley is that guy.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
There is too much work to be done with this defense for the Kansas City Chiefs to go with a luxury pick like Jeremiyah Love. George Karlaftis is a perfectly fine starting edge rusher, but he isn’t the caliber of disruptor who can take over a game. Consequently, Kansas City pairs him with David Bailey. The Texas Tech edge defender made strides against the run this fall, but his calling card remains his elite ability as a pass rusher.
Related: Kansas City Offseason Moves to Create Cap Space
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
With Trey Hendrickson likely leaving the team this offseason, the most pressing need for the Cincinnati Bengals is the defensive line. Peter Woods would immediately improve Cincinnati’s run defense, which has been one of the worst units in football this season. He can also serve as an interior disruptor, helping to improve the Bengals’ ability to generate consistent pressure.
11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has done everything possible to make this defense respectable in the second half of the season. However, there is only so much that can be done with one of the worst cornerback rooms in football. Enter Jermod McCoy. He will be fully recovered from the knee surgery he underwent before the 2025 season. With his ball skills, instincts, athleticism, and length, McCoy checks all the boxes of a premier CB1.
12. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Mansoor DeLane, CB, LSU
The Los Angeles Rams find their CB1 with the first-round pick acquired from Atlanta. LSU’s Mansoor Delane put it all together in Baton Rouge this season, playing at a Unanimous All-American level. With great length and athleticism, he offers the physicality common among the elite young corners in the game today. Furthermore, with the help of an outstanding pass rush in front of him, Delane would have the luxury of being a true playmaker in the secondary.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
After passing on a linebacker in Round 1 last offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should not repeat that mistake here. Sonny Styles moves like a safety—a position he used to play—despite being 6-foot-4, and his instincts have made significant strides this year. He will likely have some learning moments during his rookie season, but if mentored by Lavonte David, he could become an outstanding off-ball linebacker.
Related: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Candidates
14. Dallas Cowboys: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Jeremiyah Love, while a top-five talent, would be a luxury addition that the Dallas Cowboys can’t make given theirs tate of the defense. Improving this unit must be the entire focus in Round 1. Cashius Howell might be a pure pass rusher, in the mold of a James Pearce Jr, but just ask the Falcons how much of a difference-maker that can be for a single-year turnaround of a defense.
15. Detroit Lions: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line is as responsible for this disappointing season as the injuries on defense. Fortunately, Francis Mauigoa is available in this spot. He offers the traits and size to play offensive tackle, but Detroit would also have the option of kicking him inside if Taylor Decker returns for the 2026 season.
16. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, iOL, Penn State
The interior of the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line, outside of Tyler Linderbaum, has been an abject disaster this season. It is bad enough that even the need for a pass rusher has been pushed behind the necessity of adding a guard. Olaivavega Ioane is the best interior lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft class, and he would be a massive addition to Baltimore’s offensive line for next season and beyond.
17. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
This would be some good fortune for the Minnesota Vikings, as many view Jeremiyah Love as a top-three talent in this class. He might not quite be as good as Bijan Robinson, but they do have similar skill sets and that’s exactly the kind of all-purpose back that’s been missing from Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Love could become an All-Pro offensive weapon in his prime, just another piece to try and elevate J.J. McCarthy.
18. New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
With their additional first-round pick, the New York Jets provide help for their eventual quarterback of the future. Makai Lemon is only 5-foot-11, but he plays much bigger and offers an elite ability to make plays after the catch. He would function as a 1B wide receiver in the Jets’ offense, pairing with Garrett Wilson to give New York a receiving tandem that could serve as the centerpieces of this offense for the next five-plus years.
Related: New York Jets Offseason Moves That Should be Made
19. Carolina Panthers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Carolina Panthers have been seeking a standout off-ball linebacker for a few years now; C.J. Allen is that guy. He is not only a very good athlete for his size, but he also brings a great sense of awareness that he uses to both defend the run effectively and hold his own in coverage.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Ideally, the Pittsburgh Steelers would use a first-round pick on Ty Simpson and bring in a bridge starter for the 2026 season. The Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback has shown flashes this season as a passer worthy of a top-10 pick, but he is also a first-year starter who is still learning how to diagnose and react to what he sees. If the Steelers are patient with him, Simpson could become the best quarterback from this class.
21. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Dallas Cowboys keep adding to the defense, bringing in the best cornerback prospect on the board. Aieon Terrell, the younger brother of standout corner A.J. Terrell, has made a name for himself in the ACC. He’s been excellent in man coverage over the last few seasons and could develop into a very nice CB2 for Dallas.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh are both free agents this offseason. If the Los Angeles Chargers bring both back, then Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald is a great option. For the time being, the pick is Keldric Faulk. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk could quickly step in as a three-down player who helps Los Angeles both at sealing the edge against the run and generating pressure.
23. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Brandon Beane needs to find pass-catching help for Josh Allen, especially with Keon Coleman already reaching the point in his young career where he’s a healthy scratch. At 6-foot-4, Denzel Boston would provide Allen with someone who can turn 50-50 balls into 70-30 throws and Boston knows how to use that size to his advantage in tight coverage.
27. Los Angeles Rams: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
While the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line for the 2026 season might be set, there is plenty of uncertainty beyond that. Rob Havenstein likely won’t be playing for much longer, and Alaric Jackson has only two years remaining on his contract after this season. Kadyn Proctor could serve as a swing tackle for Los Angeles during his rookie year or even provide depth at guard while waiting in the wings for a starting spot to open up.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Dallas Goedert is in a contract year and on the wrong side of 30. Even if he’s brought back for another season, the Philadelphia Eagles need a long-term plan at the position. Kenyon Sadiq is by far the best prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft and while he might have some shortcomings in the short-term as a blocker, he’s a dynamic offensive weapon at 6-foot-3 who would add another viable receiving threat to this Eagles’ passing game.
26. Houston Texans: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
With no viable options at this spot to address running back or the interior offensive line, the Houston Texans wind up going BPA. Caleb Banks might’ve been a top-15 pick if not for requiring season-ending foot surgery early in his final season. If he can return to form, the Texans defensive line would be adding an incredibly strong presence on the interior who can also tap into some of his athleticism. Plus, he brings alignment versatility so DeMeco Ryans can move him around a bit.
27. New York Giants*: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
Thanks to trading down, the New York Giants get to address a pair of needs and help out Jaxson Dart twice in Round 1. Gennings Dunker was a three-year starter for the Iowa Hawkeyes, playing with the kind of physicality you’d expect from that program. New York could try him at right tackle, but his long-term home is probably at guard as a physical force on the inside.
28. San Francisco 49ers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
With Brandon Aiyuk not returning to the team next season, there’s an opening in the San Francisco 49ers receiving corps. KC Concepcion did have some issues with drops at Texas A&M, but he’s absolutely electric with the football in his hands. Give him to an offensive architect like Kyle Shanahan and you’ll get to see the absolute best out of Concepcion.
29. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The slide ends here for T.J. Parker. If the Clemson edge rusher had been more productive this season, we might be looking at a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While he did fall short of some expectations, it is his athleticism and frame that make him highly projectable at the next level. The Chicago Bears could ease him in, and if all goes well, they will have a high-quality No. 2 edge rusher for the next four-plus years.
30. New England Patrots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The New England Patriots have their standout left tackle of the future, but there are still other long-term issues on this offensive line. Caleb Lomu doesn’t have a ton of starting experience, but he handles himself well despite that and the size is enticing. New England could bring him along slowly, developing him to be the right tackle of the future.
31. Denver Broncos: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
John Franklin-Myers is a free agent after the season, so there could every quickly be an opening on the interior for the Denver Broncos. Kayden McDonald didn’t get much national attention at Ohio State, but he is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year who is explosive at his stance for a player standing at 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds. With the talent already boasted on Denver’s defensive line, McDonald could have an even greater impact early on because of the help around him.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
With Riq Woolen likely departing in free agency this offseason, there’ll be an opening at cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks. Given some of the durability issues experienced in the secondary this year, this should be a position that Mike Macdonald prioritizes. Colton Hood emerged as the top corner at Tennessee this season, playing at an All-SEC level. Between his physicality and ball skills, we feel like he’d be an excellent fit for Seattle in the years to come, and there’s not a better place for him to develop and grow into his top form.
