The college football playoffs are underway and top 2026 NFL Draft talent will be in the spotlight, including 2026 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. The question is will he be the only QB to select from at the top of the draft.
While Oregon’s Dante Moore and Alabama’s Ty Simpson hasn’t declared for the draft, NFL teams may have to shift their attention to the 2027 NFL Draft which will feature players like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Ohio State’s Justin Sayin. That does put some focus on veteran NFL QB’s who could be on the move.
That list of QBs includes Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Kirk Cousins and potentially Deshawn Watson. Movement of any of those players will impact the draft.
Aside from quarterbacks, the wide receiver position is something to watch as notable wideouts like A.J. Brown, Brandon Aiyuk and George Pickens (via free agency) can have some impact on the draft. The big one to watch is Brown who has been rumored in trades the past couple of seasons. Will he find a landing spot in the draft and if he does, what would be the draft compensation?
The Week 16 edition of the 2026 NFL Mock Draft explores the draft with some big trades sprinkled in.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Top 5: 3 QBs land in top 5; Cardinals reshape the draft board with blockbuster deal
In a draft order determined by current record and the projected trade, the Cardinals start it off with the No. 1 overall pick.
Projected trade: Cardinals move on from Kyler Murray with huge trade gamble
The Cardinals wager future draft capital by trading up to the No. 1 spot by sending the No. 6 overall pick, a second-round pick and a 2027 first to the New York Giants.
No. 1: Arizona Cardinals (via New York Giants)– Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
In a bold move, the Arizona Cardinals are the team that entices the New York Giants to trade the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. With clear indication that they are moving on from Kyler Murray, the Cardinals trade No. 6, their 2026 second round pick and a 2027 NFL draft first round pick to select Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner has been consistently the best QB in college football and the Cardinals add him to the mix. The question now is can they find a suitor for Murray?
No. 2: Las Vegas Raiders – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Assuming he declares for the draft, Oregon’s Dante Moore instantly becomes the future of the Las Vegas Raiders at the quarterback position. After watching a team leapfrog them for the No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders are very content to take Moore, who possess elite arm talent and tremendous touch on deep ball passes. With his composure on the football field, he would be a great building block for the Raiders’ offense.
No. 3: Tennessee Titans– Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Titans add one of the most exciting defensive players in college football with the No. 3 overall pick. They will have their choice between Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese but ultimately goes with Reese for the versatility and speed he brings to the defense. With the ability to get after the quarterback, but also drop back in coverage, the overall athleticism and impact of Resse makes him the top non-quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 4: Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Back-to-back Ohio State Buckeyes players go off the board as the Cleveland Browns add another offensive weapon to the mix in Carnell Tate. Shedeur Sanders will show enough promise for the Browns to give him a longer look in 2026 and with the selection of Tate, they give him another down-the-field option with reliable hands who can burn defenders with is route-running and body control.
No. 5: New York Jets – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Jets will be urged to trade up to select either Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore, but they stay put and take Alabama’s Ty Simpson with the No. 5 overall pick. Simpson has fallen a bit as far as draft stock, but after a strong performance in round 1 of the college football playoffs, that stock will rise again. If he declares for the draft, he will be one of the top 3 quarterbacks in the draft. The Jets, who have an addition No. 1 overall pick and two second round picks in this draft, can take this type of wager with their top pick.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 6-10: Saints form dynamic receiver duo; Giants land talented linebacker
No. 6: New York Giants (via Arizona Cardinals)– Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles becomes the third Ohio State Buckeyes player off the board as he goes No. 6 to the New York Giants. The temptation here would be wide receiver, but linebacker is a big need for the Giants, and they jump on the opportunity to land Styles who has been one of the top linebackers in the nation in 2026. As a do-it-all linebacker with great athleticism and physical presence, Styles on the field with Abdul Carter gives the Giants’ defense a boost of youth and impact playmakers for years to come.
No. 7: New Orleans Saints – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Saints will ride with Tyler Shough in 2026. With that, they add another weapon to the mix in Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson who projects at the top receiver prospect in the draft. There is some concerns about his durability, but when on the field, Tyson is a dynamic playmaker who would form a lethal duo with Chris Olave.
No. 8: Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami (FL)
The Commanders get their edge rusher with the selection of Rueben Bain Jr, who falls right into their lap. With great power and a high motor, the 6-foot-3, 275-pound edge rusher is a defensive big play ready to happen given his explosion off the snap and ability to make any QB uneasy in the pocket. Commanders’ defense gets a spark instantly with this tremendous pass rusher.
No. 9: Cincinnati Bengals– David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
Back-to-back edge rushers go off the board with David Bailey going to the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 9 overall pick. With 13.5 sacks in 2025 with Texas Tech, Bailey has been one of the top pass rushers in college football. Drawing comparisons to Jaelan Phillips, Bailey gives the Bengals another young pass rusher to go along with 2025 NFL Draft first round pick Shemar Stewart.
No. 10: Los Angeles Rams via Atlanta – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs becomes the fourth Ohio State player off the board in the top 10. It’s almost unfair, but the Rams trade with the Falcons to get this pick is playing out greatly for a Rams team that has Super Bowl aspirations. In Downs, they get their safety and can possibly save some cap space as both Kam Curl and Quentin Lake will be free agents at the end of the season. Downs is a generational type of defender who makes plays all over the field. Rams strike gold here.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 11-15: Chiefs get some much-needed love offensively; Ravens luck into top defender
No. 11: Kansas City Chiefs– Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs begin their roster revamp with the selection of Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love with the No. 11 overall pick in the draft. The best running back in college football, Love gives the Chiefs that top running back they have been looking for. With Patrick Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL, adding a do-it-all running back to the mix may be ideal to take the pressure off Mahomes at the start of the season if he returns or whoever is in his place in 2026.
No. 12: Minnesota Vikings – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
After just missing out on Jeremiyah Love, the Vikings take care of their secondary with the selection of Jermod McCoy. Although he has been recovering from a torn ACL, McCoy is one of the top (if not the top) cornerback prospects in the nation when healthy. With his elite ball skills and instincts, McCoy will be an instant upgrade to the Vikings’ secondary.
No. 13: Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Miami Dolphins will have other needs to address with the benching of Tua Tagovailoa, but they use their top pick to address their need at corner. In selecting LSU’s Mansoor Delane they get a player who can excel in both man and zone coverage. That scheme versatility makes him a great fit for a Dolphins team that will be in transition in 2026.
No. 14: Dallas Cowboys– Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn
The Cowboys add an edge rusher with the first of their two first round picks. A defense that has been better since adding Quinnen Williams to the mix, the Cowboys front seven gets better with the addition of Auburn’s Keldric Faulk who has top 10 potential. As a player not getting the national attention, Faulk is viewed as an “NFL-ready” defender with great size (6-foot-6, 285 pounds) who is outstanding in run defense. His power makes him a player who can collapse the pocket off the edge or the interior of the line.
No. 15: Baltimore Ravens– Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Another top 10 talent sliding a bit in this first round is Clemson’s Peter Woods. He slides to the Baltimore Ravens which will prove to be the perfect landing spot for a player who can impact the game from the interior of the line with his size and power or get after the quarterback with his versatility. The Clemson product will look outstanding in purple and black.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 16-20: Steelers add another big wideout; Lions get a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson
No. 16: Carolina Panthers – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Panthers get Bryce Young another reliable weapon in USC’s Makai Lemon. The standout wide receiver took home the 2025 Biletnikoff award after a fantastic season at USC. With 79 receptions for 1,156 yards, Lemon not only proved to be the top pass catcher in college football, but a player who brings toughness to the field. Line him up next to Tetairoa McMillan and the Panthers’ offense will have something special brewing.
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Cashius Howell, ED, Texas A&M
The Lions get a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson with the selection of Texas A&M edge Cashius Howell. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Howell is explosive off the edge and has an array of pass-rushing moves that makes him tough for blockers. With Hutchinson coming from the other side, the Lions’ defense will have the ability to speed up the game for opposing QBs.
No. 18: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
The Jets traded Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline and now replace him with outstanding Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, Banks has the combination of size, power and quickness that makes him a disrupter in the middle of the line. With his ability to bull rush from the interior of the line, Banks gives the Jets an anchor in the middle of the line who could prove to be a steal at No. 18 given he was hampered with a foot injury for most of 2025.
No. 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers– Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The top tight end in college football, Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq brings athleticism and tackle breaking ability to the field. Scouted as a coverage mismatch, Sadiq makes Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense that much more dynamic given their talent at wide receiver and what Bucky Irving adds as a pass-catching running back.
No. 20: Pittsburgh Steelers – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Steelers biggest need is quarterback, but with how the draft board has flowed, they will take a shot at one of the remaining prospects on Day 2 of the draft. With this pick, they find their No. 2 receiver in Washington’s Denzel Boston who is another big target who can outmaneuver defenders down the field. With Boston and D.K. Metcalf on the field, the Steelers will have to outside threats who can dominate the boundaries with their size and strength.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 21-25: Bears land powerful DT; Bills find their edge
No. 21: Philadelphia Eagles – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Eagles select Clemson’s Avieon Terrell with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This selection allows for the Eagles to take care of their need for a No. 2 cornerback behind Quinyon Mitchell while keeping Cooper DeJean in the slot. With the ball-hawking ability Terrell brings to the table, the Eagles’ secondary would be set for the future.
No. 22: Houston Texans – Spencer Fano, T, Utah
The Texans find their left tackle with the selection of Spencer Fano. The big man out of Utah will help with the Texans’ ground attack and establish the line in giving C.J. Stroud more time to work his magic from the pocket. A perfect fit for the player and the team.
No. 23: Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Cowboys take care of another need on defense with what will be known as the Micah Parsons pick. With the No. 23 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cowboys select Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Allen is an inside linebacker who is instinctive and a physical tackler. He excels as a coverage linebacker who also can bring the heat as a blitzer.
No. 24: Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson
The idea here is that the Buffalo Bills will sway a top receiver in either free agency or trade. With players like George Pickens available via free agency and Brandon Ayuk via trade, the Bills can add around Josh Allen. On defense, they have a need at edge rusher, and they add a young, talented one in Clemson’s T.J. Parker. At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, Parker has great pass rushing skills and gives the Bills that young, athletic defender of the edge they have been looking for.
No. 25: Chicago Bears– Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
Ohio State continues to dominate the first round of the draft as Kayden McDonald becomes the fifth Buckeyes player off the board. The Chicago Bears snag him with the No. 25 overall pick, which gives them a solid player in the middle of their defensive line. At 6-foot-3, 326 pounds, McDonald is an elite run defender who plays the game with attitude and great tenacity. Great fit for the Bears in the NFC North.
2026 NFL Mock Draft 26-32: Blockbuster deal sends A.J. Brown to Patriots; 49ers, Broncos take gamble on playmakers
No. 26: Los Angeles Chargers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Chargers get stronger along the offensive line with the selection of Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With both tackles (Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt) returning in 2026, the Chargers take an opportunity to add more beef and power to the line with Ioane at the guard position. With great size and power, Ioane is fantastic in pass protection and will help keep Justin Herbert on his feet.
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers– Ian Strong, WR, Rutgers
The 49ers indeed part ways with Brandon Ayuk by trading him to the Bills for a mid-round pick. They use the No. 27 overall pick on a similar type of receiver with a high upside. With the selection of Rutgers wideout Ian Strong, the 49ers get a big receiver who is strong in contested catch situations and has no problem putting his body on the line in helping in run blocking. Not a receiver getting much attention due to the team he plays for, but a receiver who will emerge as one of the top X receivers (if he declares).
No. 28: Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville – Francis Mauigoa, QB, LSU
The Browns use their second first rounder on Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa. One of the top offensive linemen in the draft, Mauigoa can be an instant starter at either tackle position or be moved inside as a guard depending on who is back for the Browns and which position is of greater need. Great versatility as an offensive line man and a player who will be impactful wherever he lines up on the O-line.
Projected trade: Eagles send A.J. Brown and a third-round pick to the Patriots for No. 29 overall and a fourth-round pick
No. 29: Philadelphia Eagles (via New England Patriots) – Romello Height, ED, Texas Tech
In a trade everyone saw coming, the Philadelphia trade A.J. Brown and a 2026 third-round pick to the New England Patriots for the No. 29 overall pick and a future fourth-round pick. With the salary the Patriots are taking on for Brown, the Eagles do offer up a Day 2 pick to get Brown off the books. With the No. 29 overall pick the Eagles select edge rusher Romello Height, who addresses their need at edge rusher. They will use their second-round pick on a receiver.
No. 30: Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Seahawks address potential needs at cornerback with the selection of Colton Hood with the No. 30 overall pick. The Eagles should be able to keep one or two of Coby Bryant, Josh Jobe, Derion Kendrick, Ty Okada or Riq Woolen who are all entering free agency. Hodd with Deven Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori holding down the secondary gives a nice foundation to build around even if they lose all those players in free agency.
No. 31: Los Angeles Rams – Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
The Rams will look towards Day 2 of the draft to select a quarterback. With the second of their two first round picks, they select Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor. The big tackle replaces Rob Havenstein who will be a free agent after the season. At 6-foot-7, 366 pounds, Proctor is a day-one starter who is great as a run blocker and a lineman who has shown he can be used in different ways as an offensive player. Sean McVay will tap into that.
No. 32: Denver Broncos – Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
This could be a reach for the Broncos, but with tight end as a top need, they grab a dynamic pass catching tight end in Eli Stowers two took home the John Mackey Award for the most outstanding tight end in college football. Can he follow the footsteps of Tyler Warren and Brock Bowers who took home the award the past three seasons? Sean Payton will find a way to exploit his talent in Denver.