Andrew Buller-Russ
With less than 48 hours to go before the three-day event kicks off, it’s time for our final take at Sportsnaut’s 2026 NFL mock draft, projecting each pick from 1-32. While starters and impact role players will be found later on, the first round is where stars are born. Here’s who we think could hear their names selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Related: 5 Bold NFL Draft Predictions for Round 1, including Jeremiyah Love and a Trade
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Building the rest of the foundation will be key, but the Raiders don’t hesitate to take a chance on Fernando Mendoza developing into their next franchise QB. Kirk Cousins is an incredible addition who will show the rookie how to prepare his mind and body for a full 17-game season.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders Expected to Boost Fernando Mendoza’s Supporting Cast Early in NFL Draft
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
After winning just three games last season, the Jets really can’t afford to fail. While Arvell Reese has more upside, Bailey has a higher floor, and a better chance to make an immediate impact. With Bailey, the Jets will have a star pass-rusher again, and the T’Vondre Sweat trade should help take attention away from Bailey early on.
Related: ‘Consensus’ Points to New York Jets’ Selection with No. 2 Pick
3. Kansas City Chiefs* (Trade w/AZ): Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
Chiefs trade: No. 9 + No. 29
Cardinals trade: No. 3
Aggressively moving up the board to land who many have ranked as the best prospect in the draft class, the Chiefs are taking a chance on Reese’s superstar potential. Kansas City can afford a miss or two, but if Reese can put it all together at the next level, they’ll have an annual Defensive Player of the Year candidate, which is scary considering they still have Patrick Mahomes to lead the offense.
Related: Kansas City Chiefs Working on Big Trade in 2026 NFL Draft
4. Tennessee Titans: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Jeremiyah Love is a very realistic option here. Yet, first-year head coach Robert Saleh may pound the table for the freak 6-foot-5 linebacker instead. Styles is one of, if not the best, linebacker prospects the NFL has seen since Patrick Willis, and he’s worth taking a chance on for a team still searching for their defensive identity.
Related: Tennessee Titans Coach Robert Saleh Reportedly Covets Specific ‘Game-Changing’ Prospect at No. 4
5. New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Let’s do this. By adding Love, the Giants are building a super backfield with Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Tyrone Tracy. Love gives the Giants’ franchise QB a safety valve out of the backfield, while also bringing true home run potential to New York. Who wouldn’t want to add an MVP candidate at No. 5? The irony here is that the Giants did recently have an MVP-caliber running back, but their GM let him sign with a division rival, essentially handing them a Super Bowl in the process.
Related: 2026 New York Giants Mock Draft, From No. 5 to 193
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Francis Mauigoa had been projected here, but a recent back flare-up could cause concern. Meanwhile, Spencer Fano has experience at tackle, and if for some reason he can’t stick there, he’d be willing to play literally any other position along the line. With the Browns needing long-term help at multiple spots, Fano seems like the perfect fit in Cleveland.
Related: Cleveland Browns Have Long Been Planning to Address Specific Position Early in 2026 NFL Draft
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Commanders can’t afford not to get Jayden Daniels some more help. So, they cross off their checklist early with the best receiver prospect in the draft. Tate clocked a 4.4. 40-yard dash, and he’s extremely polished after a college career at Ohio State, which has been producing some of the best pass-catchers in the nation.
Related: Washington Commanders ‘Love’ Superstar NFL Draft Prospect
8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
Since Tate is gone, the Saints turn to the best player available, and that unquestionably leads them to Rueben Bain Jr. The short-armed pass-rusher is uber-productive, and New Orleans can’t afford to overlook superstar potential.
Related: New Orleans Saints Connected to Speedy Weapon With No. 8 Pick
9. Arizona Cardinals* (Trade w/KC): Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)
Cardinals trade: No. 3
Chiefs trade: No. 9 + No. 29
The Cardinals win here by adding the late-first-round pick needed to also secure their potential franchise quarterback. For now, they boost their foundation with Mauigoa, who had been viewed as the best lineman in the class before a recent medical check turned up a potential back issue. But the Cardinals are in this for the long haul, not to compete in 2026.
Related: Arizona Cardinals ‘Want’ Specific Target With No. 3 Pick in 2026 NFL Draft
10. New York Giants (via CIN): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Giants would have to feel great about their first-round haul, boosting their rushing attack, and now adding a game-changing weapon to pair with Malik Nabers. Tyson is a large, explosive option, and a big play waiting to happen. He, along with Love, would drastically upgrade this offense’s scoring potential.
Related: New York Giants ‘Believed’ to be Targeting Specific Position at No. 10
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Dolphins have several needs, but they can’t overlook a prospect with shutdown cornerback potential. Mansoor Delane is widely considered the best CB in the draft class, and he’d bring quickness and physicality to Miami’s secondary.
Related: Miami Dolphins May Now Be Open to Trading Team’s ‘Pillars’
12. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
A dream scenario plays out for a Cowboys team that’s open to moving up for a blue-chip prospect. The Cowboys may have other needs that are greater, but getting a top-10 talent at 12 is a big win. Plus, Caleb Downs is the type of football mind who will quickly develop into a team captain and defensive leader.
Related: Dallas Cowboys Draft Rumors: Trade Updates + Key Prospect Watch
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
I just love the idea of further weaponizing Sean McVay’s offense. That could be done with a receiver, but why not give the offense that uses the most tight ends an elite option who will be a mismatch nightmare on any given snap? Good luck stopping the fastest tight end in combine history, plus Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Matthew Stafford.
Related: Predicting Landing Spots for 5 Best NFL Quarterbacks Available
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Maybe it’s a bit early to pluck a guard, but that can be said about a lot of prospects/positions in this draft class. Olaivavega Ioane will be coming off the draft board in the teens (if not higher), and the Ravens ensure their woeful interior offensive line gets a significant upgrade.
Related: ‘Strong Chance’ Baltimore Ravens Target Specific Position At No. 14
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
The Buccaneers would likely prefer to stabilize their offensive line, but it never hurts to reinforce the defensive trenches either. Keldric Faulk will be a defensive coordinator’s dream, capable of rushing off the edge or occasionally as a down lineman with his 6-foot-5, 275-pound frame.
Related: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Projected to Land Draft Prospect With ‘Wild Potential
16. New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Omar Cooper Jr. is reportedly high on the Jets’ draft board, but New York may not have expected Makai Lemon to slip this far. The 6-foot-2 receiver is a matchup nightmare in the slot, and he’ll make life easier on Jets QBs for years to come.
Related: New York Jets ‘Think Highly’ of Prospect Flying Up Draft Boards
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The 6-foot-7 Kadyn Proctor is the exact type of prospect that Dan Campbell loves. He plays with grit, bringing a unique level of physicality to the trenches. Projected to be the Lions’ starting right tackle, Proctor may even be able to switch to guard if life as a tackle doesn’t work out, but he has All-Pro potential at either spot.
Related: Detroit Lions Sending Signals of a Trade Up in 2026 NFL Draft
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
It’s a common scenario that’s been overplayed in mock drafts, but there’s a reason Dillon Thieneman is so commonly projected to land in Minnesota. Brian Flores loves to employ three safeties, and the Vikings only have one starter at the position right now. Thieneman will be more athletic than Harrison Smith was, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some growing pains in coverage.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Urged to Trade J.J. McCarthy Soon
19. Carolina Panthers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Carolina isn’t afraid to draft a wide receiver in the first round three years in a row. They wouldn’t have to if Xavier Legette developed properly. Yet, there’s a strong belief that Omar Cooper can make life easier on Bryce Young, taking short passes for long gains on a regular basis.
Related: Carolina Panthers GM Offers Hint About Team’s Draft Plans
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Upgrading the secondary while boosting the pass-rush? That checks off two important boxes for the Dallas defense. They’ll have to get a middle linebacker later, but getting a potential star pass-rusher is more important for a defense that won’t ever replace Micah Parsons’ production.
Related: Dallas Cowboys Could Pull ‘Round 1 Shocker’ in 2026 NFL Draft
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Broderick Jones has not only not been good enough at left tackle, but he also went down with a serious neck injury late last season, and there have been questions about how quickly he’ll be ready for 2026. Monroe Freeling would allow Jones to compete at right tackle, possibly moving Troy Fautanu to guard to strengthen Pittsburgh’s trenches as a whole.
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers Insider Reveals Which QB Team ‘Likely Favors’ in 2026 NFL Draft
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Derwin James is elite, but the Chargers tend to employ him as a nickelback. Meanwhile, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would get a crash course from one of the NFL’s best safeties, and the 6-foot-3 presence brings a similar skillset that the Chargers could certainly utilize.
Related: Los Angeles Chargers Connected to Potential ‘Surprise’ Draft Selection at No. 22 Pick
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Howie Roseman is always a year ahead. Here, the Eagles land their right tackle of the future in Max Iheanachor, who has only been playing football for four years. Yet, he has great feet and a tough mentality that won’t get him bullied in the trenches. He could develop into the best tackle in the class.
Related: Philadelphia Eagles Could Actively Pursue Trades During 2026 NFL Draft
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Browns upgraded their offensive line early; now they need to give their quarterbacks a fighting chance by adding a weapon. KC Concepcion is a matchup nightmare, burning defenders with ease and making them look silly with his moves after the catch. He’ll be a godsend for a Cleveland team that needs more playmakers.
Related: NFL Insider Casts Extreme Doubt on Cleveland Browns’ Interest in Highly-Touted Draft Prospect
25. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald is not a three-down player for now. But he’s the best run-stopper in the draft class, and you can bet the Bears will find a way to get him on the field for early downs. He’ll be a significant upgrade for this defensive front.
Related: 5 Most Improved NFL Teams in NFL Free Agency
26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Bills have done an insane amount of work on inside linebacker prospects this year. With only two selections in the top 100 picks, they address one of their most urgent needs without having to worry about how the draft board falls later.
Related: NFL Exec Criticizes Buffalo Bills’ Offseason Tactics
27. San Francisco 49ers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The 49ers benefit from Jermod McCoy’s medical check coming back with red flags. Coming off a torn ACL, some docs believe McCoy has a degenerative knee condition, but the 49ers can afford to take a chance on a prospect with CB1 potential at the end of the first round.
Related: San Francisco 49ers Admit They Could Trade All-Pro Player Soon
28. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Texans don’t have many immediate needs. They could trade down and collect more draft capital. Trading up could also be an option for a team with eight picks and four in the top 100. If they stick and pick, a defensive tackle could be in play, and Woods offers star potential; he just needs more consistency. But he’d have a better chance to succeed playing next to Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter.
Related: 5 Early Bold Predictions for the First Round of the 2026 NFL Draft
29. Arizona Cardinals* (via KC): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Cardinals trade: No. 3
Chiefs trade: No. 9 + No. 29
There’s been a lot of smoke connecting Ty Simpson to the Cardinals, especially near the end of the first round. We’d prefer Simpson in the second, but we also understand the importance of securing a QB for a team without one. Of the QBs left, Simpson has the best chance to produce early on.
Related: Arizona Cardinals Targeting Specific Position at 3 + Trade Into Late First-Round
30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Now the Dolphins have added a potential CB1 and WR1. The 6-foot-4 Denzel Boston gives Malik Willis a huge, sure-handed target near the red zone. He’s even handled some punt returns and will be a willing blocker.
Related: 5 NFL Teams Seemingly Poised to Tank in 2026
31. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
With Morgan Moses recently turning 35, the Patriots need to start thinking about the long-term upside of their offensive line. Caleb Lomu may need a year of seasoning before he’s ready to thrive, yet the Patriots will be pleased with his athletic ability early on.
Related: New England Patriots ‘Likely’ To Trade for Pro Bowl Receiver
32. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
With just four selections across three days, the Seahawks will be desperate to trade down. If they’re forced to stick and pick, don’t be surprised if they target a cornerback with upside. Chris Johnson may be a small-school prospect, but the 6-foot-1 cornerback is uber-instinctive, and he isn’t afraid to show up in run defense either.
Related: Seattle Seahawks ‘Think Highly’ of Offensive Line Prospect in 2026 NFL Draft
