Well, NFL free agency was a wild wide. After a fury of signings, re-signings and a rescinded blockbuster Maxx Crosby trade, NFL Draft boards for all 32 NFL teams may have restructured.
With all the early winners and losers of free agency projections, the one thing we do know is the Las Vegas Raiders will select Fernando Mendoza with the top pick in the draft. Along with now having a suddenly rejuvenated Crosby back on the roster after the Baltimore Ravens shocked everyone with backing out of the deal, the Raiders still control the board by holding on to the top pick.
Will they get another first round pick by re-exploring a Crosby deal?
That is still on the table.
Furthermore, will the Philadelphia Eagles finally trade A.J. Brown? If so, will they get an additional first round pick out of that deal.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: A surprise pick shifts the entire draft board
With those two big questions still on the table, the other questions soon to be answered is where the top prospects of the 2026 NFL Draft land after the free agency extravaganza. This 2026 NFL Mock Draft explores projected picks with teams shifting their draft boards based on priority needs.
Will there be a suprise pick that shifts the entire draft board?
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders traded away Geno Smith which sets in stone the selection of Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now it’s about what they build around Mendoza beyond tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty.
No. 2: New York Jets – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
The Jets have had an active free agency period in which they added veterans like edge rusher Joseph Ossai and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. In taking care of some of their needs via free agency, there is still a need for an elite edge rusher who can disrupt the game. The Jets will mull over selecting Arvell Reese in this spot, but when it comes to pure edge rushers, they ultimately go with David Bailey, the nation’s top sack master in 2025.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals– Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Cardinals have other top needs like quarterback with the departure of Kyler Murray. But, with the No. 3 overall pick, they go with the best player available which is Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. A hybrid linebacker/edge rusher, Reese gives the Cardinals’ defense the cornerstone defender they are hungry for.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio
The Titans made moves during free agency that focused primarily on defense. They will use the draft and this slot to get a playmaker for Cam Ward. In signing Wan-Dale Robinson, they added a reliable wide receiver to the mix. But they still need that No. 1 “X” receiver. Is Carnell Tate that guy? The Titans will find out by selecting him at No. 4 over running back Jeremiyah Love which will spark debate. It will also spark noise surrounding the status of Calvin Ridley.
No. 5: New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame
The Giants lost Wan-Dale Robinson in free agency, so one would think the top need here would be wide receiver. But, as a luxury pick, the Giants won’t pass up the chance to select Jeremiyah Love to add to their running back group. An elite playmaker with the ball in his hand, Love suddenly makes the Giants’ offense in 2026 very intriguing with the return of Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo.
No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Okay, let’s stir the pot here at No. 6. Could we see another quarterback selected in the top 10? No one can rule that out and no one can rule out the Browns taking another stab at quarterback by adding Ty Simpson to the mix. While Shedeur Sanders shown flashes of what he can be, there is no sure bet he is the answer long-term. Can a QB with arm talent and untapped potential like Simpson finally be the answer for the Browns? If they believe he is, they don’t let him get past them at No. 6.
No. 7: Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Another Ohio State star goes off the board at No. 7. The Commanders get their game-changing safety in Caleb Downs at this spot. After releasing cornerback Marshon Lattimore, the Commanders are looking to reshape their secondary and Downs is a great building block. Not only is he a playmaking defender, he also has the versatility to play at the corner position.
No. 8: New Orleans Saints – Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami (FL)
This is a good spot for Rueben Bain Jr. The explosive edge will get an opportunity to shine down in the Big Easy playing opposite Chase Young and potentially replacing longtime edge rusher Cameron Jordan in a Saints’ uniform. The Saints can go in a few directions with this pick, but an opportunity to secure the edge with a player who will have a chip on his shoulder after sliding a bit in the draft will benefit the Saints’ defense in a big way.
No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Chiefs gained themselves an additional first round pick by trading All-Pro Trent McDuffie. They replace him at No. 9 with LSU’s Mansoor Delane who has positioned himself as the top cornerback in the draft and a high potential to be the top cornerback in a Chiefs’ uniform come 2026.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The fourth Ohio State star goes off the board at No. 10 as the Cincinnati Bengals select high-rising linebacker Sonny Styles. As a linebacker who can get after the passer and make an impact in coverage, Styles fits the bill for what the Bengals need in the second line of defense, especially after adding Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen in free agency to add juice upfront.
No. 11: Miami Dolphins – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
With the signing of Malik Willis at quarterback, the Dolphins get another playmaker in the mix with the selection of Kenyon Sadiq. As a playmaking tight end with speed and athleticism, Sadiq adds big target for Willis and a secondary option to Jaylen Waddle in the Dolphins’ offense.
No. 12: Dallas Cowboys – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Cowboys got some help at edge rusher via trade in obtaining Rashan Gary. While that is still a need, the more glaring need is at linebacker and safety. With both Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs off the board, the selection here is former Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman who has rocketed up draft boards after a stellar NFL Combine performance.
No. 13: Los Angeles Rams, via Atlanta – Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami (FL)
The Rams got their shutdown corner in Trent McDuffie via a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. With the No. 13 overall pick, they get their replacement for the retired Rob Havenstein with the selection of Miami’s Francis Mauigoa. The big tackle is elite in pass protection and versatile enough to move inside to guard if needed. He’ll take care of either tackle positions for the Rams.
No. 14: Baltimore Ravens – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Ravens’ offseason will be known for their “cold feet” when it comes to backing out of the Maxx Crosby trade. But they did restructure the deal of star quarterback Lamar Jackson to lower their 2026 cap hit before signing edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. With the No. 14 overall pick, they get Jackson some help at wide receiver with the selection of Makai Lemon who is a route running machine. He should add some explosion to the Ravens’ offense, especially after losing tight end Isaiah Likely.
No. 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Buccaneers take care of their off-ball linebacker needs with the selection of former Georgia star CJ Allen. Ranked as the second best off-ball linebacker behind Sonny Styles, Allen brings both leadership and elite run stopping ability to the Buccaneers’ defense. He is also an adequate successor to Lavonte David when he eventually moves on.
No. 16: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
After losing starters Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson in free agency, a bit area of need is taken care of with the selection of the big, powerful Olaivavega Ioane. The top guard in the draft will more than fulfill one of the guard positions.
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia
The Detroit Lions get their tackle in Georgia standout Monroe Freeling. With the Lions making a couple of free agent signings along the interior of the line, they select the talented Freeling to replace veteran Taylor Decker.
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings– Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
The Vikings nab athletic big man Caleb Banks to anchor down the middle of the defensive line after the release of both Jonathan Allen and Jason Hargrave. Despite a foot injury that slowed him a bit during his last season at Florida, Banks is noted as one of the top interior defensive lineman in the draft.
No. 19: Carolina Panthers– Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Panthers took care of some top needs vis free agency with the signings of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, linebacker Devin Lloyd and tackle Rasheed Walker. With the No. 19 overall pick, they get another weapon for Bryce Young with the selection of Jordyn Tyson. The former Arizona State star has seen his draft stock slip a bit, but there is no question he’s a top talent at the receiver spot when healthy. Pair him with 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan and the Panthers’ offense may be onto something special.
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys – Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami (FL)
The knock on Akheem Mesidor is that he will be an older rookie at the age of 25, but talent wise, he is NFL ready. The Cowboys add more explosion and depth to their pass rush with the selection of the former Miami star who was a nuisance for opposing quarterbacks in 2025.
No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennesse
The trade for Michael Pittman Jr. allows for the Steelers to shift their focus to the cornerback position where they are considered thin. With the selection of Jermod McCoy, Pittsburgh gets a cornerback who was considered the top corner in the nation before going down with a season-ending ACL injury that kept him out most of 2025.
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers – Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Chargers addressed some key needs in free agency, primarily key signings along the offensive line. This allows them to address another top area of need which is the interior of the defensive line. With the No. 22 overall pick, they select Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald who is an absolute menace against the run. He is also the fifth Ohio State star selected in the draft.
No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles – Keldrick Faulk, ED, Auburn
The Eagles may still be sniffing a Maxx Crosby trade, but until and if that happens, they will still look to add an edge rusher to the mix. After sliding down a bit in this draft, Keldrick Faulk is that guy. With his prototypical size at defensive end this is another one of those quality picks for the Eagles. He is a player who can come in and help right away.
No. 24: Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Browns shocked with the selection of Ty Simpson with their first pick in this draft. With their second first round pick they address their need at wide receiver with the selection of Denzel Boston out of the University of Washington. A big, sure-handed boundary receiver, Boston presents a big target for whoever the quarterback is in Cleveland.
No. 25: Chicago Bears – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Clemson’s Peter Woods slides down to the Bears at No. 25. A versatile defensive lineman who can anchor down the middle and provide some pressure off the edge is just what the Bears need as he addresses a need in both areas.
No. 26: Buffalo Bills – Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
The trade for D.J. Moore is not all the Bills do to get Josh Allen more weapons. With more on the outside, the Bills select Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. to work the middle of the field. As a physical, slot type receiver, the former Indiana star adds a dynamic to the offense that has been missing sense the days of Cole Beasley.
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers– Spencer Fano, T, Utah
Another top prospect that has fallen in this draft is tackle Spencer Fano. He doesn’t get past the 49ers at No. 27 as an eventual replacement for Trent Williams. Whether the veteran returns or not for 2026, the 49ers will invest a first-round pick at tackle. Fano is as good as they come, especially at this spot in the draft.
No. 28: Houston Texans – Blake Miller, T, Clemson
With the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Texans select their tackle of the future in Clemson’s Blake Miller. At 6-foot-7, 317 pounds, Miller has emerged as one of the top tackles in this draft. He’ll quickly compete with Trent Brown for the starting role at right tackle.
No. 29: Kansas City Chiefs – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Patrick Mahomes gets another playmaker and touchdown maker in former Texas A&M star KC Concepcion. With his elite YAC ability, Concepcion lands in just the right spot with the right quarterback and a head coach in Andy Reid who will find ways to utilize his talent.
No. 30: Denver Broncos – Christian Miller, DL, Georgia
The Broncos add to the interior of their defensive line with the selection of Georgia’s Christian Miller. This is not considered a top need, but they take the best player available here who fulfills a need. They will address tight end, wide receiver depth and linebacker depth later on Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft.
No. 31: New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, ED, Texas A&M
The Patriots address one of their top needs in this draft with the selection of Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell. Mike Vrabel and company lost K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency, but did add Dre’Mont Jones. Now they add Howell who gives them speed off the edge and a high-energy impact.
No. 32: Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Seahawks select Clemson’s Avieon Terrell with the No. 32 overall pick in the draft. This selection helps them replace the departure of Riq Woolen. With the talent Terrell brings to the table, this could be seen as an upgrade by the end of the season.