Andrew Buller-Russ
With less than a week to go before the three-day event kicks off, it’s time for one of our final looks at Sportsnaut’s 2026 NFL mock draft, projecting each pick from 1-32. Starters can be had in the later rounds, but Day 1 is where stars and superstars are born. April 23 is approaching quickly, and here’s who we think could hear their name selected in the first round.
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1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
We’re still curious to see who he’ll be throwing to, but we like that the Raiders have found a great veteran mentor for Fernando Mendoza in Kirk Cousins. The four-time Pro Bowl QB’s presence allows the Raiders to be patient with the No. 1 overall pick, not throwing him to the wolves if the rest of the foundation isn’t in place.
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2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
If the Jets want a pass-rusher who they’re supremely confident in providing an immediate boost, then Bailey or Bain are the picks. If they want more long-term upside, they should turn to Reese. Since Aaron Glenn has to either win or get off the pot, we’re guessing the Jets take the player who’s more primed to make an impact right away.
Related: New York Jets ‘Think Highly’ of Prospect Flying Up Draft Boards
3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
Not expected to still be available at No. 3 just a couple weeks ago, the Cardinals have to be intrigued by Reese’s skillset and versatility. Perhaps more apt as a linebacker right now than as a pass-rusher, Reese has a superstar ceiling. Whether he actually reaches his Micah Parsons potential remains to be seen, but he’d be a great fit for a Cardinals team that has needs across the defense.
Related: Arizona Cardinals Could Twist Top of 2026 NFL Draft With Surprise Selection
4. Tennessee Titans: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Selecting Love or even Bain could be in play, but if we throw positional value out the window, Styles might have the highest ceiling and longevity potential than Love and Bain. Plus, one could argue that the Titans have a greater need at linebacker. Styles is an athletic freak who will be the tone-setter for Robert Saleh’s aggressive defense.
Related: Why The Tennessee Titans Shouldn’t Draft Jeremiyah Love with the No. 4 Pick
5. New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
While he may not be their top target (though he could be), the Giants won’t complain about arguably the top prospect in the draft class falling right into their laps at five. Love and Jaxson Dart will be hard to stop on the ground, especially when mixing in Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy. Yet, Love can also be Dart’s safety valve out of the backfield, breaking short passes for long gains.
Related: New York Giants GM Joe Schoen Raves About Top NFL Draft Prospect
6. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)
Landing the draft’s top offensive lineman at six is a big win for a Cleveland team desperate for improved play in the trenches. Plus, the Browns should still be able to find a starting receiver with pick No. 24. As for Mauigoa, he gives the Browns their best opportunity to upgrade this offense and give their group of quarterbacks a fighting chance.
Related: Cleveland Browns Have Long Been Planning to Address Specific Position Early in 2026 NFL Draft
7. Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
Is edge rusher a need after adding Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson? Not really, not for 2026 anyway. But Chaisson is only signed to a one-year deal, and Bain can be a more permanent replacement, plus he has a higher ceiling. Worst-case scenario, the Commanders aren’t sold on Bain after year one and they re-sign Chaisson. Best case scenario, Bain is an immediate superstar, pushing Chaisson into a rotational role where he can still have a high impact. Plus, getting Bain at seven is an absolute steal.
Related: Washington Commanders ‘Love’ Superstar NFL Draft Prospect
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
After trading Rashid Shaheed at last season’s deadline and not adding any free agents, the Saints really have no choice but to upgrade Tyler Shough‘s receiving corps in the 2026 NFL Draft. While there’s a chance the Commanders could snatch up Tate, if he falls to eight, the Saints shouldn’t hesitate to take the most polished and pro-ready receiver in the class.
Related: New Orleans Saints Connected to Speedy Weapon With No. 8 Pick
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is widely regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in the draft class, so him falling to nine is a dream scenario for a Chiefs team that could use more impact defenders, especially in the secondary. While the Chiefs may have a greater need for a cornerback, Downs is the best player available.
Related: Kansas City Chiefs Meeting with Potential Top-5 Draft Pick
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Bengals have several defensive needs, and Delane is the best prospect available. Regarded as the top cornerback in the class, Delane didn’t allow any touchdowns or commit any penalties in 2025. He’ll bring elite instincts and 4.38-speed to a Bengals secondary that needs a gamechanger.
Related: Cincinnati Bengals Insider Predicts Team’s First-Round Selection in 2026 NFL Draft
11. Miami Dolphins: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Dolphins have a plethora of needs. Yet, after investing in a new quarterback, they need to make sure Malik Willis has some capable pass-catchers to play with. Makai Lemon won’t be physically dominant, but he’ll be an excellent fit for a Dolphins team that will need a reliable playmaker who can win out of the slot and rack up YAC.
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12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Some NFL doctors have flagged Jermod McCoy for a degenerative knee condition, but assuming the Cowboys aren’t one of them, they’d have to consider the potential shutdown cornerback here. After missing the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL, McCoy should be ready to rock by Week 1. An athlete with 4.4 speed, McCoy isn’t afraid to show up in run defense and he can even help on punt returns in a pinch too.
Related: Dallas Cowboys Trying To Trade Ahead of Rival Team in 2026 NFL Draft?
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Rams could add another receiver with Davante Adams heading into the final year of his contract, but since Sean McVay used three tight ends more than any other team in 2025, why not get an elite playmaker at the position instead? After breaking the tight end combine record for 40 yard dashes, Sadiq is a special talent who can’t be found in most years.
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14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
While strengthening the interior is a must, the Ravens can address those needs later. Right now, it’s time to get a gamechanging weapon with their first-round pick. Jordyn Tyson has superstar potential, it’s just a matter of whether he can stay healthy. The 6-foot-2 receiver doesn’t possess elite speed, but he has the quickness to create separation, and the aggressiveness to win 50-50 balls.
Related: ‘Strong Chance’ Baltimore Ravens Target Specific Position At No. 14
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
After witnessing the Buccaneers’ offense fall apart at times last season, it’s time to address the holes in Tampa Bay’s offensive line. What better way than by adding the best guard prospect in the draft. While guards aren’t typically selected in the top half of the first round, this isn’t a reach with Ioane, who’s expected to dominate from Day 1.
Related: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Projected to Land Draft Prospect With ‘Wild Potential
16. New York Jets (via IND): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The Jets upgraded Aaron Glenn’s defense with the No. 2 pick. Now it’s time to get Geno Smith some more help. Garrett Wilson is a fine option as a No. 1 receiver, but the Jets won’t want opponents to constantly double their top receiver. Cooper will demand attention from defenses after showcasing his ability to haul in tough catches and consistently break tackles after the catch.
Related: New York Jets ‘Think Highly’ of Prospect Flying Up Draft Boards
17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Fano has been projected as a potential top-15 pick, so having him fall to 17 for a Lions team that needs a new starting right tackle is a huge win. We know Dan Campbell wants to strengthen the Lions in the trenches, and Fano would certainly do the trick as a run-blocking mauler.
Related: Detroit Lions Sending Signals of a Trade Up in 2026 NFL Draft
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Barring a trade or a surprise prospect slipping, it’s hard to envision another scenario for the Vikings at 18. Even if Harrison Smith returns, the Vikings could use another safety in a Brian Flores defense that typically uses three of them. Thieneman has more athleticism than Smith had but like the franchise icon, he can play multiple roles in Minnesota’s defense.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Linked to Trade for Pro Bowl Cornerback
19. Carolina Panthers: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Panthers’ defense made major strides last season, going from the worst unit to one that ranked above-average. Now it’s time to take the next step. Free agency signings will help, but the Panthers still need a playmaker in the secondary, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren will make plays all over the field.
Related: Carolina Panthers GM Offers Hint About Team’s Draft Plans
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Heading into draft day, there’s been a lot of focus on a Dallas defense that allowed the most points in the NFL last season. The Cowboys have needs at every level of the defense, and after getting a cornerback to buy their pass-rushers more time, how about taking some attention away from those DTs? Some scouts even like Mesidor more than Bain.
Related: Dallas Cowboys Urged to Trade for Pro Bowl Cornerback
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Steelers could add another pass-catcher to boost their quarterback’s efficiency and production, but offensive line is a bigger need, especially for a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers can find a complementary receiver later, but getting a new franchise left tackle is great value at 21.
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22. Los Angeles Chargers: Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
While a Dexter Lawrence trade could still be in play, if the Chargers retain their first-round pick, adding to the defensive front will likely be considered. Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh haven’t shown a strong inclination to reinforce the trenches, and Faulk is an intriguing athlete who clocked an impressive 4.67 40 yard dash at 6-foot-5, 276 pounds. He’ll help the Chargers on all three downs as a rookie.
Related: Los Angeles Chargers Connected to Potential ‘Surprise’ Draft Selection at No. 22 Pick
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
This depends on the potential for an A.J. Brown trade, if he’s gone, then perhaps Denzel Boston comes into play. Yet, the Eagles may like their depth for now. That could mean someone like Cashius Howell becomes a bigger priority. The twitchy athlete’s impressive burst was on full display at the combine where he clocked a 4.59-second 40 yard dash. He’ll have no trouble making an impact in a rotational role as a rook.
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24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
After buying their QBs more time to throw by selecting a left tackle at No. 6, how about getting Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders an agile speed mismatch at receiver? KC Concepcion is pure danger with the ball in his hands, the only reason he’s still available is because he sometimes struggles with concentration drops, but that’s something the rookie can work on in Cleveland.
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25. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Looking to improve their defensive front, the Bears add the best run-stuffing DT in the draft class. Kayden McDonald will make an immediate impact on rushing downs, but there’s potential for him to get after quarterbacks too. McDonald wins with power, and his thick, sturdy frame (6-foot-2, 327 pounds) surely helps create leverage at the line of scrimmage.
Related: Chicago Bears Urged to Trade for All-Pro Defensive Lineman
26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Bills could get another receiver to help bail out Josh Allen, but a strong case could be made for Buffalo improving their defense instead. Here they get one of the best linebacker prospects in the draft class. CJ Allen’s stock has been on the rise since clocking a 4.47-second 40 yard dash, and he’s a likely immediate upgrade in run defense and coverage.
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27. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
At some point, the 49ers have to start planning for life after Trent Williams. Kadyn Proctor started for three seasons at left tackle, and the 6-foot-7, 358-pounder’s agility may be good enough to stick there. Others think he could be an effective guard, boasting All-Pro potential at either position.
Related: San Francisco 49ers Draft Projection Targets Prospect With ‘All-Pro Potential’
28. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
After patching up the offensive line with short-term fixes, the Texans may be able to address those positions later on. Instead, it’s time to strengthen an already good defensive front by adding a potential superstar defensive tackle. An explosive athlete who flashed signs of being a top-15 pick after his sophomore season, Woods can be a standout as a pass-rusher or run-stopper, but consistency will be key.
Related: 5 Early Bold Predictions for the First Round of the 2026 NFL Draft
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
After solidifying their secondary early in the draft, the Chiefs circle back to boosting Patrick Mahomes‘ protection. Iheanachor may not be the best tackle out of the box, but he might develop into the top one in 2-3 years time. For someone who’s only been playing football since 2021, the fact that we’re already talking about him as a first-round pick is incredible. Someone who improved every year, allowing zero sacks as a senior, the sky is the limit for Iheanachor.
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30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
The Dolphins added a potential star receiver for their new QB earlier. It’s only fair for first-year head coach Jeff Hafley to get someone who can mirror receivers. Chris Johnson has been a rapid riser in the pre-draft process after the athletic numbers confirmed what was a strong senior season where he allowed zero touchdowns while recording four interceptions. The 6-foot corner clocked a 4.4-second 40 yard dash, he shows up in run defense, and has the natural instincts to be a CB1.
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31. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
After saying goodbye to Stefon Diggs, the Patriots could use an upgrade to their receiving corps. Romeo Doubs will certainly help, but the Patriots need to inject another potential WR1. At 6-foot-4, Boston gives Drake Maye a huge, sure-handed target who knows how to use size to his advantage.
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32. Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
After saying goodbye to Riq Woolen, the Seahawks may look to add another young cornerback prospect to their roster. Terrell is almost the opposite of Woolen, in that he’s a bit undersized at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds. However, the younger brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell plays much bigger than he looks, often playing with a competitive edge that shows up in all facets.
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