Now that the Super Bowl confetti has stopped flying, the parade is over and all head coaching vacancies have been filled, its officially NFL draft season!
With the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine around the corner, it’s time to take a deeper dive into the top prospect entering the 2026 NFL Draft. As we start to look at these players, big questions will arise like who will emerge as top quarterback options behind Fernando Mendoza. Which players will raise their NFL draft stock, and which players will fall in the draft due to concerns that arise over the next few weeks.
While NFL Mock Drafts are heating up with wild trades and bold predictions, there are a few NFL offseason storylines that could change the entire board. One big trade rumor to watch is Maxx Crosby. The outstanding edge rusher has been vocal about wanting to move on from the Las Vegas Raiders but has also recently refused to throw fuel on the rumors. As we know with these sort of rumblings, where there is smoke, there is fire.
New Raiders head coach Klink Kubiak would love to make the star defensive player happy, but there are some benefits in trading Crosby, which includes additional first round picks. Will Vegas entertain the idea?
All eyes are on the Raiders and the impact of impending decisions in this version of the 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft : Raiders shock at the top and bottom of the draft board
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Raiders shock the top of the NFL Draft board by passing on Fernando Mendoza and instead selecting the best defensive player on the board in Arvell Reese with the No. 1 overall pick. With this move the Raiders put into question whether they believe Mendoza is a franchise quarterback. Kubiak believe in Mendoza will be more of the question.
With some veteran options out there and quarterbacks who were once considered top draft prospects available later in the draft, the Raiders go with a transcending type of defensive player in Reese who will serve as the cornerstone for the defense. This snub at No. 1 will be questioned if the Raiders don’t have a plan at the position. Most likely, they will have a plan which would result in passing on the best QB prospect in this year’s draft.
- Second round pick (No. 36): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
- Third round pick (No. 67): Carson Beck, QB, Miami (FL)
No. 2: New York Jets– Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Will Fernando Mendoza falling to the New York Jets change their luck at the quarterback position. In a year in which former first-round pick Sam Darnold won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, the Jets’ fortunes at the position might just change with the shocking availability of Mendoza who is coming off an outstanding season at Indiana in which he took home the Heisman Trophy and hoisted a national championship with the Hoosiers. Will this snub at No. 1 motivate Mendoza in his pro career? If the Jets put the right pieces around him, this could be another quick turnaround in the NFL.
- Second round pick (No. 33): Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
- Second round pick (No. 44): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals– Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami (FL)
New head coach Mike LaFleur will have a decision to make when it comes to quarterback Kyler Murray in the offseason. With Fernando Mendoza off the board, the Cardinals will take another route in obtaining a QB if they do move on from Murray. At No. 3, they address their biggest need with the selection of tackle Francis Mauigoa. At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, Mauigoa is as solid as they come at the position. His power, athleticism and experience at the position will help improve a Cardinals’ offensive line that ranked 27th in pressure rate in 2025.
- Second round pick (No. 34): Gabe Jacas, ED, Illinois
- Third round pick (No. 65): Emmett Johnson
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami
The Titans land Rueben Bain Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite some concerns with his arm length, Bain Jr brings other intangibles to the table that makes him an elite pass rusher. Playing alongside a force like Jeffery Simmons will only help Bain Jr get better at the next level, especially with the power and speed he brings off the edge. Robert Saleh and the Titans get a foundational piece on defense with the addition of the Miami Hurricanes star.
- Second round pick (No. 35): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- Third round pick (No. 66): D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
No. 5: New York Giants – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
With Francis Mauigoa off the board, the Giants go with the best player available which is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. With both Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin struggling in 2025, the Giants add an elite safety in Downs who will help stabilize the position and add an element of impact the secondary has been missing over the last few seasons. With a stout front seven, John Harbaugh’s goal will be to complement that with a solid defensive backfield. It starts with Downs.
- Second round pick (No. 37): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
- Third round pick (No. 69): Traded to the Houston Texans
No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Carnell Tate stays in the state of Ohio as he is selected by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As a lethal route runner who finds ways to take the cover off the top of the defense despite his lack of elite speed, Tate gives Shedeur Sanders or whoever is under center for the Browns in 2026 a big target down the field and a player who is a big play waiting to happen on any snap.
YOU CANNOT COVER CARNELL TATE.
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 18, 2025
TOUCHDOWN BUCKEYES 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WznkZRNToC
- Second round pick (No. 39): Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
- Third round pick (No. 70): Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
No. 7: Washington Commanders – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
The Commanders take care of their biggest need in a big way with the selection of David Bailey with the No. 7 overall pick. The nation’s top sack master in 2025, brings youth and explosiveness to a Commanders’ defense that is aging and/or recovering from season-ending injuries. While Bailey brings a consistent pass rush, he also impacts the line of scrimmage when he does not get to the QB either by getting his hands up and swatting the pass or forcing turnovers. The Commanders need a defender who can impact the game, and they get one in Bailey.
- Second round pick (No. 38): Traded to the Houston Texans
- Third round pick (No. 71): Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
No. 8: New Orleans Saints – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyler Shough gets another weapon in Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. In forming a dynamic duo at wide receiver alongside Chris Olave, Tyson does provide that secondary option in the Saints’ offense and takes some of the pressure off Olave. While his durability is considered a concern, when healthy, Tyson is a great route-runner who excels on contested catches. With 61 catches for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns, the Arizona State wide receiver proved how productive and impactful he can be when he is on the field.
- Second round pick (No. 42): Romello Height, ED, Texas Tech
- Third round pick (No. 73): Derrick Moore, ED, Michigan
No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs– Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame
This may seem unfair, especially if Patrick Mahomes is ready to go by the start of the 2026 NFL season, but with the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, the Chiefs get their lead back in Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. As the top running back in the nation, Love brings explosiveness in the running game to Kansas City as well as another playmaker for Mahomes to get the ball to in open space. With this pick, the Chiefs will be back as an AFC contender depending on what they are able to add on defense and preferably another receiver.
- Second round pick (No. 40): Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
- Third round pick (No. 74): Jack Endries, TE, Texas
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn
The Bengals likely be moving on from veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson. A great replacement will be Auburn’s Keldric Faulk who has the classic size for a defensive end at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds with room to grow. Along with his prototypical size at the position, Faulk is long, powerful and has excellent scheme versatility. In 2025, Faulk recorded just 2 sacks, but his high motor and length will allow him to get consistent pressure on the quarterback.
- Second round pick (No. 43): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
- Third round pick (No. 72): Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
No. 11: Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Dolphins need a major overhaul in the defensive secondary. They need a player with the skillset and attitude to be the top corner on defense. They find that in LSU’s Mansoor Delane who has skyrocketed up the draft big board at the position due to his ability to diagnose routes and his aggressive in mirroring receivers and limiting their production. Most notably, he is a discipline defender with zero penalties in 200-plus snaps. He also gets physical down in the box in run support.
- Second round pick (No. 43): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
- Third round pick (No. 75): CJ Daniels, WR, Miami (FL)
No. 12: Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Cowboys address their need at linebacker with the selection of Ohio State’s Sonny Styles. This has been a favorite at this spot for the Cowboys as in Styles they get the sideline-to-sideline defender they have been looking for. Styles also brings a level of versatility and skill to the position that will help the defensive overhaul the Cowboys are expected to make in the offseason.
- Second round pick (No. 44): Traded to the New York Jets
- Third round pick (No. 76): Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers
No. 13: Los Angeles Rams– Spencer Fano, T, Utah
The Rams go offensive line with their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with the selection of Utah’s Spencer Fano. Noted as one of the top tackles in the nation, Fano is the ideal replacement for the now retired right tackle Rob Havenstein. At 6-foot-6, 302 pounds, Fano is noted for his elite run blocking, but has the toughness and technique to emerge as a top pass protector at the next level.
- Second round pick (No. 61): Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
No. 14: Baltimore Ravens – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Ravens do have a huge need at edge rusher, but with Peter Woods still on the board, they take the versatile defensive lineman with their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Standing at 6-foot-3, 310 pounds, Woods is an explosive force in the middle but has the quickness and athleticism to play edge and get after the passer much like a Jeffrey Simmons. Woods racked up 5.0 sacks in 2025 and could be more of a pocket collapsar playing alongside Pro Bowler Justin Madubuike and Travis Jones in a 3-4 scheme.
- Second round pick (No. 45): Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia
- Third round pick (No. 80): Joshua Josephs
No. 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Cashius Howell, ED, Texas A&M
With Hasson Reddick unlikely to return, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers add another edge rusher to the mix with the selection of Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell. With great burst and technique as an edge rusher, Howell brings a consistent pass rush to the Buccaneers’ defense along with Yaya Diaby. Howell racked up 11.5 sacks in 2025 which led the SEC. While he does need to improve on his run defense, he has the ceiling to be an All-Pro caliber pass rusher in the NFL.
- Second round pick (No. 46): Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
- Third round pick (No. 77): Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State
No. 16: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
In a shocking turn of events at the top of the draft, the New York Jets got their quarterback. The board continues to flow their way with USC’s Makai Lemon falling into their laps at No. 16. One of the more dynamic playmakers in college football in 2025, Lemon brings versatility and strong route running to the Jets’ offense and gives Mendoza a duo in Lemon and Garrett Wilson. Lemon, who is the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, hauled in 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final year at USC. The reliable hands and shiftiness as a route runner will help Mendoza in Year 1.
- Second round pick (No. 33): Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
- Second round pick (No. 44): Emmanuel McNiel-Warren, S, Toledo
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Detroit Lions flow with the draft board here and select Jermod McCoy to strengthen the secondary. The irony here is that the Lions add a player who is recovering from a season-ending injury just like Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. The Lions will also have key defensive backs hitting free agency so cornerback could emerge as a top need come draft time. Although he missed the entire 2025 college football season, McCoy is one of the best cornerbacks in the nation when healthy. Is it a risk taking him at No. 17 since he hasn’t played since 2024? As the reason why he slipped down this far, the Lions are in a high-reward situation here if they get the McCoy who dominated as a corner in 2024.
- Second round pick (No. 50): Blake Miller, T, Clemson
- Third round pick (No. 81): Traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings– Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Minnesota Vikings need a young, elite run-stuffer to lead them into the future and they get that with the selection of Kayden McDonald at 18. The big defensive tackle is an anchor in the middle who moves along the defensive line with great agility and power. In drawing comparisons to former NFL defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, the Ohio State product is a force against the run with the athleticism to get pressure up the middle on the QB.
- Second round pick (No. 49): Jadarian Price, HB, Notre Dame
- Third round pick (No. 82): Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
- Third round pick (No. 97 – compensatory): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
No. 19: Carolina Panthers– T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson
The Panthers get their edge rusher with the selection of Clemson’s T.J. Parker. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end has seen his draft stock fall a bit due to an underwhelming season for the Tigers, but don’t underestimate the talent this man possesses. Following a strong 2026 Senior Bowl, Parker has put himself back on the radar as one of the top pass rush prospects in the draft due to his power, use of hands when shedding blockers and his run defense. He should pair nicely with Panthers 2025 NFL Draft pick Nic Scourton.
- Second round pick (No. 51): Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
- Third round pick (No. 83): Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay – Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami (FL)
The Dallas Cowboys double dip on defense in the first round with the selection of Akheem Mesidor with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. In selecting Sonny Styles with their first pick and now Mesidor later in the round, the Cowboys add two players who dominated at their position during the 2025 college football season. In Mesidor, they get a NFL-ready edge rusher who is eruptive off the edge and disruptive along the line, which will help the defense rebound from the potential departures of veterans Jadeveon Clowney, Sam Williams, and Dante Fowler Jr.
- Second round pick (No. 44): Traded to the New York Jets
- Third round pick (No. 76): Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers
No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
With Mike McCarthy at the helm, there is a chance Aaron Rodgers returns, or the Steelers will turn to another veteran to play under center in 2026. However, the team still needs a long-term plan, and that plan is Alabama’s Ty Simpson who enters the draft with just one year of starting experience. He showed he can be a leader in the pocket and make plays with both his arms and legs. With time to develop, Simpson could be the answer at quarterback the Steelers have been searching for.
- Second round pick (No. 53): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
- Third round pick (No. 76): Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
- Third round pick (No. 85): Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
- Third round pick (Compensatory): Keyron Crawford, ED, Auburn
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Chargers will get key pieces back along the offensive line with the returns of both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. However, they will still need help in the interior of the offensive line with left guard Zion Johnson as a pending free agent. To sure up the interior of the line, the Chargers select Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane who is considered one of the top guards in the draft. Along with this size and power, Ioane brings a mean streak to the line that will make life much more pleasant for Justin Herbert in the pocket.
- Second round pick (No. 55): Dontay Corleone, DL, Cincinnati
- Third round pick (No. 86): Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles – Zion Young, ED, Missouri
The Eagles will be rumored to be a landing spot for Maxx Crosby but ultimately add at the position with the selection of Missouri star Zion Young. At 6-foot-5, 262 pounds, Young has been a riser on the draft board due to his elite frame and high motor off the edge. In earning First-team All-SEC honors, Young recorded 42 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss.
- Second round pick (No. 54): LT Overton, ED, Alabama
- Third round pick (No. 68): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
- Third round pick (No.98 – Compensatory): Justin Joly, TE, North Carolina State
No. 24: Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville – Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama
The Browns beef up the offensive line in a big way with the selection of Kadyn Proctor with the No. 24 overall pick in the draft. In adding another skill player on offense with their first pick, the Browns will use the next few picks on building up the offensive line after key departures and adding another option to the QB room.
- Second round pick (No. 39): Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
- Third round pick (No. 70): Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
No. 25: Chicago Bears – Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
Another riser on draft boards is Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter who is selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 25 overall pick. With nose tackle Andrew Billings entering free agency, the Bears will have a big need at the position even if they re-sign the veteran. The Bears ranked near the bottom of the league in run defense in 2025 and Hunter is elite in that area.
- Second round pick (No. 57): Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
- Third round pick (No. 89): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
No. 26: Buffalo Bills – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Bills get youth on defense with the selection of CJ Allen with the No. 26 overall pick in the draft. Allen, who was known as the heartbeat of the Georgia Bulldogs defense, will bring that same leadership and production to a Bills’ defense that could see an overhaul throughout the offseason especially with key free agents at the position like Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson.
- Second round pick (No. 60): Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
- Third round pick (No. 91): Anthony Lucas, ED, USC
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers– R Mason Thomas, ED, Oklahoma
Although both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams will be back in 2026, the 49ers still want to add depth to their pass rush rotation. With the selection of R Mason Thomas, they get a player who can fill that role, especially while Bosa and Williams get back to full strength. In his last season at Oklahoma, Mason Thomas compiled 36 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 10 games with the Sooners.
- Second round pick (No. 58): Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
- Third round pick (No. 92): Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
No. 28: Houston Texans – Caleb Lomu, T, Utah
Keeping CJ Stroud upright with time to throw will be a major focus for the Texans in the offseason. In revamping the offensive line, they select Utah’s Caleb Lomu with the No. 28 overall pick. At 6-foot-6, 308 pounds, Lomu brings athleticism to the offensive line along with pass protection. He also has the ability to get out into the second level as a blocker which will benefit the Texans on zone-runs and in the screen game.
- Second round pick (No. 38): Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
- Second round pick (No. 59): Jonah Coleman, HB, Washington
No. 29: Los Angeles Rams – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Rams use their second-round pick to address the secondary. In selecting Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, they get a player who can fill the Rams need for a top outside cornerback with the ability to play slot. With elite speed and great ball skills, Terrell will look to be just as good as his brother, A.J. Terrell, at the next level. If he is, he might just be the piece to get the Rams to the Super Bowl in 2026.
- Second round pick (No. 61): Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
- Third round pick (No. 93): Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
No. 30: Denver Broncos – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Bo Nix and the Broncos get their playmaking tight end as Kenyon Sadiq lands in Denver with the No. 30 overall pick in the draft. Could this be the addition that gets the Broncos into the Super Bowl in 2026? Given his athleticism in the open field and ability to break tackles, Sadiq creates mismatches for defenders both bigger and smaller than he is. Playing in Sean Payton’s system sky is the limit for how good Sadiq could be at the next level.
- Second round pick (No. 62): Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
- Third round pick (No. 94): Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
No. 31: Las Vegas Raiders – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The selection of Arvell Reese at No. 1 makes more sense now. In a late first round shocker, the Raiders trade Maxx Crosby to the New England Patriots for No. 31 overall, a fourth-round pick later in the draft and a 2027 second-round pick. With other team’s calling, the Raiders ultimately trade Crosby to the Patriots given the additional draft compensation they can provide. With the No. 31 overall pick, the Raiders select Denzel Boston to add to their offense. With Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty holding it down at their positions, the Raiders get a player in Boston who is big, physical and can benefit as a top receiver with Bowers on the field.
- Second round pick (No. 36): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
- Third round pick (No. 67): Carson Beck, QB, Miami (FL)
No. 32: Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
After winning Super Bowl LX, there’s a good chance the Seahawks retain a couple of their pending free agents in the secondary if the team is committed to running it back. Even so, the Seahawks will be smart to add another corner to the mix. They do that with the selection of Brandon Cisse who will help that Darkside defense get even faster with his speed and more physical with the way he mirrors receivers.
- Second round pick (No. 64): Connor Lew, C, Auburn
- Third round pick (No. 96): Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State