Andrew Buller-Russ
Now that the NFL Scouting Combine has wrapped up, teams are starting to get a clearer picture of the upcoming prospects available. Before free agency kicks off on March 9, let’s take a refreshed look at a new 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
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1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders’ search for their next franchise quarterback could finally be over with Mendoza, the reigning Heisman winner. Mendoza helped a small-school Indiana program win the College Football National Championship. What can he do with the Raiders?
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2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
The Jets’ trading Jermaine Johnson for NT T’Vondre Sweat makes this an obvious choice. Reese isn’t just possibly the draft’s best pass-rusher; he can also drop into coverage and play outside linebacker if needed. He’s a chess piece Aaron Glenn will love using to keep quarterbacks guessing.
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3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)
The Cardinals appear to already have their franchise left tackle in Paris Johnson Jr. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t still prioritize upgrading what’s been one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines. Francis Mauigoa may be a better fit for right tackle anyway. If not, he’ll be a day one starter at guard, where he could become a Pro Bowler in no time.
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4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., EGDE, Miami (FL)
The Titans did trade for a Pro Bowl pass-rusher last week, but they may not be done adding to the front seven. Robert Saleh could create one of the most feared defensive fronts by adding another elite rusher in Bain, who could emerge as a superstar at the next level too.
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5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Inside linebackers don’t typically land in the top five. Devin White was the last MLB drafted fifth overall in 2019. Yet, Sonny Styles is far from average. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound specimen stole the show at the scouting combine, clocking a blistering (for his size) 4.46 40 Yard Dash while having a ridiculous 43.5-inch vertical leap. Good luck getting past him at the next level.
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6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
It won’t matter who the Browns’ quarterback is next season if they can’t get a capable left tackle in Cleveland. Fano may be the best left tackle in the draft class, so snagging him at six here feels like a steal. Fano does have experience playing both tackle spots, but with his feet, he belongs on the blindside.
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7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Commanders have to fix a defense that ranked 27th in points allowed, otherwise Dan Quinn might not be invited back for another year. Addressing a pass-rush that featured a 36-year-old Von Miller as its leading sack artist is a must. Meanwhile, Bailey’s coming off a season where he took a huge step forward, improving as a run defender while recording 14.5 sacks too.
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8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Tate is regarded as the best wide receiver in the draft class, but he may not make it this far. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound receiver isn’t the quickest pass-catcher in the talent pool (4.53 40 time), so he’s probably not a No. 1 option. However, he’s quite polished, which could help make him an immediate star in New Orleans.
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9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
This would be a dream pairing for Love and the Chiefs. Kansas City’s offense would really take off with a playmaking rusher/receiver like Love, who’s easily the best running back in the draft. Love is a three-down rusher who proved he has elite speed with a 4.36-second 40 Yard Dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’d be a superstar in Kansas City.
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10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Safeties aren’t typically selected in the top ten either, but Caleb Downs could buck the trend. It would be a surprise if he fell right into the Bengals’ laps at 10, but he’s the type of defensive leader who will make plays all over the field, helping negate the expected loss of Trey Hendrickson.
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11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Dolphins have been losing cornerbacks at a ridiculous rate as of late. That could continue if Kader Kohou leaves in free agency too. Meanwhile, Delane is viewed as the best cornerback in the draft class, potentially giving the Dolphins a lockdown specialist for years to come.
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12. Dallas Cowboys: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Cowboys definitely need an edge-rusher this offseason, but they could chase an All-Pro in free agency. Another sore spot is at the cornerback position after Trevon Diggs’ star flamed out quickly in Dallas. Meanwhile, Avieon Terrell is the brother of Falcons second-team All-Pro cornerback A.J. Like his brother, Avieon could develop into one of the NFL’s best coverage defenders.
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13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Rams made Terrance Ferguson their first selection in last year’s draft, but Sadiq is of a different mold. He’ll help stretch the seams. While the Rams could target a receiver for an eventual replacement to Davante Adams, Sadiq can be weaponized in Sean McVay’s offense.
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14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Ravens could go in a number of directions, but it never hurts to get Lamar Jackson more help. There was talk that Tyson could be the best receiver in this class. Yet, choosing not to participate in most combine events didn’t give him a chance to boost stock. Still, the 6-foot-2 receiver is capable of playing all three receiver spots, and he’s a smooth route runner.
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Buccaneers need a new leader of their defense, and Allen is an ideal solution. He wore the green dot for the Bulldogs defense, showing he’s capable of being a three-down defender at the next level too. While Allen doesn’t do anything flashy, he’s tough as nails.
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16. New York Jets (via IND): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Another QB desperate team could always leap ahead, but for now, this feels like the ceiling for Ty Simpson, depending on what the Jets do in free agency. Simpson nailed the NFL Scouting Combine process by impressing coaches and coordinators. Yet, a one-year starter who’s just 6-foot-1, he’ll also bring plenty of questions to the next level too.
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17. Detroit Lions: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
The Lions revamped their offensive line last year, and they’re poised to do so again this year. They’ve already traded for Juice Scruggs, but that won’t be the only change after releasing Graham Glasgow. We could see Dan Campbell pound the table for someone like Ioane on day one. Ioane is a physical presence that the Lions coach would love.
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18. Minnesota Vikings: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Vikings are set to move on from two Pro Bowl defensive tackles this offseason. Jalen Redmond will fill in for one, and Caleb Banks could develop into a star next to him. He’s a mountain of a man at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, but Peter Woods could be the better overall player who ends up getting taken here instead.
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19. Carolina Panthers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
While Mesidor will be a 25-year-old rookie, he definitely made the right decision to come back for another season, recording a career-high 12.5 sacks. Mesidor is also a bit on the smaller side at 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, but his production and burst cannot be denied.
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20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Cowboys could target a pass-rusher here, but bolstering the secondary could receive consideration too. Thieneman is a freakish safety prospect that may be too enticing to overlook after clocking a 4.35-second 40 Yard Dash. But he’s not just fast. Thieneman’s IQ allows him to play all over the field, making him a defensive coordinator’s dream.
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21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Steelers could go in a number of directions here, but this offense needs more playmakers. Lemon fits the bill as a slot-type receiver who can win 1-on-1 battles with ease. Lemon is an excellent route-runner who can help Aaron Rodgers shine in 2026.
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22. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Woods could be the best pass-rushing defensive tackle to emerge from the draft class. Woods didn’t have as strong a senior season as some would like, but the explosive athlete should still wind up as a first-round pick.
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23. Philadelphia Eagles: Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is always a step ahead, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see someone like receiver Denzel Boston here, especially if A.J. Brown is available. However, the Eagles could still add more pass-rushing juice with Jaelan Phillips, Azeez Ojulari, and Brandon Graham all set for free agency. Faulk measured in at 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, and he has the ability to slide inside in obvious pass-rush situations too.
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24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana
Cleveland already added an offensive tackle with their first selection. If an interior lineman is available here, they shouldn’t rule it out. Nor should another receiver. Cooper won’t wow anyone with his size or athleticism, but he plays without fear, routinely winning with his strength, speed, and explosiveness.
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25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Adding to the defensive front could be in play, but strengthening the secondary may be prioritized, depending on who’s available. In this scenario, we like McNeil-Warren, an explosive athlete who can make splashy plays against the run or in pass defense.
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26. Buffalo Bills: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Bills could help their first-year head coach with a piece for Josh Allen‘s offense, yet replenishing the defense is a must. Had Parker’s production not slipped in 2025, he’d be off the board by now. Parker wins with power as a pass-rusher and against the run. He’d certainly help strengthen the Bills’ defense.
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27. San Francisco 49ers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The 49ers are saying goodbye to Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings is a free agent. Kyle Shanahan can never have enough receivers, especially with how the 49ers always seem to be battling injuries. At 6-foot-4, Boston would give Brock Purdy a big target, and he’s often drawn comparisons to Puka Nacua, though those are lofty.
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28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Texans have it figured out along the edge, but they need to reinforce the defensive interior. McDonald is especially stout against the run, but Houston could find some untapped potential as a pass-rusher too. He’s a high-floor player who could grow into having an even higher ceiling.
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29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Chiefs once again developed and traded a cornerback for premium draft compensation. But now they need to find another capable replacement. Although he missed last season while recovering from a torn ACL, McCoy will be chomping at the bit to get back out there in 2026. A player with strong ball skills, he’d be an excellent replacement for Trent McDuffie.
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30. Denver Broncos: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
A twitchy athlete who will burn defenders downfield, Concepcion is a dynamic playmaker who Denver will want to feed often. Concepcion still needs to become a bit more consistent, but the potential is there for him to be a star right away.
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31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
He may not have ideal length, but Howell proved to be plenty productive in college, recording 11.5 sacks in his final season and 27.5 sacks in his college career. Howell could still improve as a run stopper, but Mike Vrabel can help iron out the kinks.
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32. Seattle Seahawks: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Seahawks don’t need a starting left tackle, yet Freeling has the feet to do so if they need to make changes should injuries occur. While he started on the left side in college, Freeling can be a mauler at right tackle too. Especially with his size at 6-foot-7, 315 pounds.
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