Who will be the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? It’s pretty much known that the Las Vegas Raiders will select reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. After that, it’s anyone’s guess what’ll happen when the 2026 NFL Draft begins. This year’s class is particularly intriguing, especially since it’s light on quarterbacks at a time when so many clubs need a starter.
Ahead of the NFL Combine this coming week, which should have a significant impact on some first-round prospects, let’s dive into our latest 2026 NFL mock draft.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza is tailor-made to fit into Klint Kubiak’s system and his intangibles check every box that Tom Brady wants from his franchise quarterback. Yes, there’ll be growing pains for Mendoza as he adjusts to playing under center and he doesn’t have elite physical tools. What matters is he does so many things right and quickly, all the while bringing leadership and a work ethic that the Las Vegas Raiders need. Build a quality receiving corps and offensive line around him, Mendoza can be a high-end starter.
2. New York Jets: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
The New York Jets had one of the league’s worst defenses in the last five years in 2025 under head coach Aaron Glenn. NFL free agency will help in some regard, but the heaviest spending may go toward the secondary and linebacker corps. So, a pass rusher is still necessary. Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. dominated throughout the College Football Playoff, showcasing the high-end disruptor ability he brings to the table. He’s a blue-chip talent and just the first step to rebuilding New York defensively.
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3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Arizona Cardinals won’t find their quarterback in the first round 2026 NFL Draft. As a result, the goal for general manager Monti Ossenfort must become strengthening the offensive line to create a better infrastructure for the eventual face of the franchise. All-American offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa can play guard or right tackle at the next level, filling a need at either spot for Arizona. Mauigoa will be an anchor in pass protection on the right side and his playing style will elevate the Cardinals’ ground game.
4. Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, LB, EDGE, Ohio State
The Tennessee Titans‘ strategy here is simply taking the best defensive player on the board. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese could stick at the off-ball position at the next level, but edge rusher could be his future home because of the long-term upside. In Tennessee, Reese would be coached up by Robert Saleh, a defensive-minded head coach who can make the most out of Reese’s versatility. Plus, with Jeffrey Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat on the interior, Reese would have an even better opportunity to be effective immediately.
5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Back when he was in Baltimore, John Harbaugh saw the impact a versatile safety like Kyle Hamilton could have on a defense. Having a jack-of-all-trades defensive back roaming the field transformed the unit. Maybe Caleb Downs will not become a perennial All-Pro safety like Hamilton, but his versatility, football IQ, and intangibles are reminiscent of what the Ravens star brings to the table. Downs can be a high-end starter immediately for the New York Giants, providing defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson with a chess piece that can be moved all around the field.
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6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
There’s a temptation here to snag Carnell Tate, who we view as the best wide receiver in the class. However, need triumphs BPA when comparing positional values. The Cleveland Browns offensive line needs to be made the top priority this offseason. Spencer Fano is the top left tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft class and he’d provide Cleveland with a Week 1 starter who has the chance to become an above-average left tackle for the next decade. With all the changover happening to the Browns offensive line, it would also be wise to pair Fano with some veterans on the interior.
7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Of the Washington Commanders‘ draft needs this year, pass rusher is the top priority. Dan Quinn attempted to make it work with short-term fixes and veterans he liked but the 2025 season showed the issues with that approach. All-American edge rusher David Bailey would immediately be Washington’s No. 1 edge defender. He also improved this past season against the run. He’ll be the first true building block the Commanders’ defense has had at edge rusher in years.
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Grabbing an Ohio State wide receiver in Round 1 (Chris Olave) certainly worked out for the New Orleans Saints a few years ago. We certainly believe that Carnell Tate is an even better prospect, with route-running, strong hands and a smoothness to his game that can position him to challenge for 1,000 receiving yards quickly. Tate would complement Olave nicely and this move would do wonders for helping Tyler Shough reach the next level as a quarterback.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
There are some really intriguing running backs available in NFL free agency that might prove enticing to the Kansas City Chiefs. With that said, Jeremiyah Love is a top-three prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, and this offense needs an explosive playmaker as Patrick Mahomes recovers from an ACL tear. Love is out of the Jahmyr Gibbs mold as an all-purpose running back, and that can raise both the floor and ceiling of Kansas City’s offense considerably for the next five years.
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10. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
With the pass rushers worthy of a top-10 pick off the board, the Cincinnati Bengals pivot to the secondary. Jermod McCoy is coming off an ACL tear that cost him all of last season, but he’ll be more than a year removed from surgery at the NFL Combine. We expect a clean bill of health coming out of that, which should help him restore the draft projection he had coming into the year. The ball skills, instincts and athleticism that he brings to the table are just a few of the reasons why he can become a high-end CB1 at the next level.
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
With head coach Jeff Hafley now in place and a first-year general manager who shares his vision for team building, the Miami Dolphins should use their first-round pick on their most glaring need defensively. Mansoor Delane was the best corner at his level in 2025, skyrocketing his draft range from a top-50 pick to a likely top-15 lock. Delane possesses all the physical tools to become a No. 1 corner in Miami, and Hafley’s background in coaching defensive backs makes this an even better fit.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Linebacker has been a glaring hole on this Dallas Cowboys defense for years, so why not address it with the consensus top prospect at the position? A former safety, Ohio State star Sonny Styles thrived in his transition to off-ball linebacker. He brings elite athleticism for his position and size, with instincts and discipline that are gradually improving. Styles is precisely the caliber of versatile defender that Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker needs in the middle of his group.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The top offensive tackles and cornerbacks are off the board here in our 2026 NFL mock draft, so the Los Angeles Rams pivot. Jordyn Tyson slips a bit because of durability issues throughout his college career, but he was viewed as a top-10 prospect when healthy. Tyson would provide Los Angeles with the league’s best receiver trio in 2026; when Davante Adams walks away, the Rams will already have the 1B receiver to pair with Puka Nacua. Plus, this is an all-in move to help out Matthew Stafford.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
With a first-time offensive play-caller and tight end Isaiah Likely departing in NFL free agency, it’d be wise for the Baltimore Ravens to bring in more weapons for Lamar Jackson. Makai Lemon isn’t flashy nor a big-bodied wideout, but his catch radius for his frame’s absurd and he’s capable of making plays after the catch. Plus, his route-running should help him contribute immediately.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed a linebacker last year but opted to take Emeka Egbuka. If CJ Allen is on the board, they can’t pass on him. Allen’s football IQ and instincts position him him, when paired with his athleticism, to potentially become a multi-time Pro Bowl selection. Plus, if Lavonte David is re-signed, he’d have the perfect mentor to help him in his rookie season.
16. New York Jets (via IND): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Even with potential offseason investments into the secondary from free agency, cornerback can still be addressed early in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Jets. Avieon Terrell is a bit undersized for the position, but he’s a willing tackler with good instincts and even better ball skills. Maybe he’ll have to be moved to the slot at some point, but the Jets need all the corner help they can get.
17. Detroit Lions: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed a linebacker last year but opted to take Emeka Egbuka. If CJ Allen is on the board, they can’t pass on him. Allen’s football IQ and instincts position him him, when paired with his athleticism, to potentially become a multi-time Pro Bowl selection. Plus, if Lavonte David is re-signed, he’d have the perfect mentor to help him in his rookie season.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Harrison Smith’s retirement and the previous departure of Cam Bynum in free agency have left the Minnesota Vikings with big holes to fill. While defensive play-caller Brian Flores emphasizes his pass rushers, this unit needs help in the secondary. Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, standing at 6-foot-2, is a playmaker with the ball skills to snag three to five interceptions per season and disrupt even more plays with PDs. He brings some of the length and range that Minnesota’s lacked since Bynum left.
19. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
This would be a dream scenario for the Carolina Panthers. Keldric Faulk, arguably a top-15 prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, falls into the team’s lap. He’s NFL-ready as a run defender, and he’s just scratching the surface of what he can develop into as a pass rusher. Plus, his alignment versatility provides Ejiro Evero even more options to help complement Derrick Brown and Nic Scourton.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
After snagging their off-ball linebacker earlier in Round 1, the Cowboys now add one of the most impactful defenders from the College Football Playoff. Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor demonstrated why he should be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft during the team’s playoff run, vaulting himself into the Round 1 mix. He is on the older side at 25 years old, but Dallas needs defensive help right now.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
It now seems increasingly likely that Aaron Rodgers will be the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback in 2026. If that happens, the organization must put him in the familiar position of mentoring a first-round pick who will succeed him. Ty Simpson is at least a year away from being ready to step in as a starting quarterback, but the peaks he showed this past season at Alabama looked like a passer you take with a top-10 pick. In Pittsburgh, he can learn from a future Hall of Famer and then take over in 2027 with the Steelers offensive line being in a great spot to protect him.
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22. Los Angeles Chargers: Vega Ioane, iOL, Penn State
We considered adding to the Los Angeles Chargers defense here, in part because of Jesse Minter’s departure, but protecting Justin Herbert remains the priority. Los Angeles is already in a great spot with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater returning for the 2026 season. However, the interior offensive line is still a weakness. Vega Ioane is a plug-and-play starter at guard who could be that piece that gives Los Angeles an above-average offensive line if everyone stays healthy.
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23. Philadelphia Eagles: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Lane Johnson is nearing retirement, and we saw how badly the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense deteriorated without their All-Pro right tackle. Monroe Freeling isn’t a pro-ready tackle, but he showed remarkable signs of improvement this past season with the Georgia Bulldogs. Given Howie Roseman’s penchant for using first-round picks on linemen, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if he grabbed a developmental player like Freeling.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
We’re double-dipping here on the offensive line for the Cleveland Browns. It’s not a common approach to use a pair of first-round picks on offensive tackles, but this is laying the groundwork for the future. Blake Miller made 54 starts at right tackle for the Clemson Tigers, and the Ohio native boasts the size (6-foot-6), arm length, and feet to stick there at the next level. These two picks lay the foundation for Cleveland to potentially one day have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Chicago Bears attempted to make it work with veterans on the interior this past season and it didn’t quite work out. Fortunately, defensive tackle Peter Woods is available in this spot. He isn’t exactly coming off a banner 2025 campaign with the Clemson Tigers, but you can’t teach the explosiveness he brings to the table. A few years from now, there’s a chance that Woods is one of the 10 best players from the 2026 NFL Draft class.
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
It’s on Brandon Beane, fresh off being promoted to president of football operations, to make the necessary investments into the Buffalo Bills receiving corps. Denzel Boston, standing at 6-foot-4, is a smooth route runner with ball skills that are almost unmatched in this class. Pair that with some solid YAC ability and a big catch radius, and he could be a high-end No. 2 wideout for Buffalo.
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27. San Francisco 49ers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Brandon Aiyuk isn’t coming back, Ricky Pearsall has played just 20 games in his first two seasons, and Jauan Jennings could be departing in NFL free agency. The San Francisco 49ers clearly need help at wide receiver. KC Concepcion had some real issues with drops, but he’s absolutely electric with the football in his hands, and he has the explosiveness to get open early. With Kyle Shanahan scheming him looks, Concepcion could thrive.
28. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
C.J. Stroud’s disastrous performances in the playoffs rightfully raised alarm bells, but the Houston Texans‘ offense is an even bigger problem. It wasn’t adequately addressed last offseason, and it’s not like there are a ton of high-end guards available worthy of a first-round pick here. However, Kadyn Proctor could be worthy of a gamble. It’s rare to find an offensive lineman who stands at 6-foot-7 and 366 pounds and can move the way that Proctor does. He’s just not very good at handling NFL-caliber athletes on the edge. A move inside to guard might be the best thing for him, and there’s a clear opening in Houston.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
After not landing a corner earlier, the Los Angeles Rams use their later pick in Round 1 to snag the other Tennessee cornerback. Colton Hood isn’t quite on the McCoy-tier of cornerback prospects, but he filled in admirably as a CB1 for the Volunteers this past season. Hood, standing at 5-foot-11, doesn’t have elite size, but he does bring a physicality that Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula’ll like. Long-term, Hood could be a very good No. 2 corner for Los Angeles.
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30. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
This is BPA at this point for the Denver Broncos. Kenyon Sadiq might be a top-20 prospect in 2026, but there are some more pressing needs for teams picking ahead of Denver. So, Sean Payton gets the excellent athlete at tight end who is a mismatch the moment he steps on the NFL field. Payton can find ways to get creative with Sadiq and, given the trend of rookie tight ends having more success immediately, Sadiq could be a very productive part of the Broncos offense in 2026.
31. New England Patriots: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
If the New England Patriots can re-sign K’Lavon Chaisson, maybe they can go in a different direction with this selection. For now, Mizzou edge rusher Zion Young’s the top option. Young falls to the end of Round 1 because he’s lacking when it comes to burst, but he’s been a star of the pre-draft process after winning Senior Bowl Defensive MVP. Mike Vrabel’ve fallen in love with the tenacity and motor Young brings to the table, and his physical tools bode well for him becoming a productive edge rusher in the NFL.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
There now seems to be a real chance Rashid Shaheed departs in NFL free agency. That leaves Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tory Horton with very little behind them. Standing at 6-foot-4, Notre Dame wideout Malachi Fields possesses enticing ball skills, especially for someone with his size. Not only can he make contested catches and adjust his body for difficult grabs, but he can also break through the initial arm tackle after the catch. Plus, as the new offensive coordinator emphasizes the run game, Fields can bring it as a run blocker.
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