It's almost time for the 2026 NFL Draft to get underway, and, as always, draft media is being hit with a flurry of reports from every corner of the league. How it will unfold is a question that's never fully answered before the picks are announced, and this year is no different.
This NFL mock draft sees the board fall uniquely as some players rise and others fall, while teams take advantage of a seller's market.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: QBs find their way into the first round with surprising selections
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Is there really that much more that needs to be said? Mendoza was the best quarterback in the country in 2025, and it would be foolish to predict any other selection here. After a failed short Geno Smith experience, Las Vegas turns to the draft for a stable QB solution.
No. 2: New York Jets – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Texas Tech edge rusher has undeniable pass-rushing talent, an area that New York will need to upgrade as they continue their rebuild. Uncertainty about where Arvell Reese will play best leads them to make this selection for me. Bailey has the potential to be a consistent 10+ sack defender, an outcome every member of the Jets' front office would be more than happy with from their top pick.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Arizona could snag one of the other top Ohio State defenders, but I have them opting to hammer down the other side of their offensive line. After cutting ties with Kyler Murray, 2027 looks to be when they attack the QB position. If that ends up being the case, attempting to lock in a second franchise offensive tackle would be a logical precursor.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love to Tennessee has been maybe the 2nd-most mocked pairing behind Mendoza and Las Vegas, and there shouldn't be any more questions why. College football's most dynamic playmaker gives the Titans such a dominant 1-2 backfield punch with Cam Ward, and he can elevate the entirety of their offense moving forward.
No. 5: New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Giants having their pick of Styles and Reese at #5 would be a dream scenario, and I think they would lean toward the former. They decided to move on from captain Bobby Okereke and need that commanding linebacker to lead their defense. Styles is the type of defender who can alter a franchise's direction and would be another foundational asset to a New York team that is building up for a playoff push soon.
No. 6: Cleveland Browns – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Wide receiver is a common pick here in mock drafts for Cleveland, but there is a world where they take arguably the most versatile offensive lineman available. Fano can enter the Browns' offense and play wherever they need him to from Day 1, with the peak outcome being a long-time tackle.
No. 7: Washington Commanders – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Commanders are entering the 2026 season with new uniforms, so why not add a big-time playmaker to wear them? Looking further down the line, Terry McLaurin could find his way out of Washington in the near future, and drafting Tate now could position him nicely to be a viable succession plan.
No. 8: New Orleans Saints – Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
With as much conversation that has been sparked from Bain Jr.'s arm length measurements, this is a Top-10 caliber prospect. The New Orleans defensive line needs some juice, especially when rushing the passer. The Miami product is a vicious, dominating defender when he gets going, possibly filling that hole instantly.
No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Man, what a steal this would be. Reese being available at 9th overall isn't a likely scenario, but with the way the board fell, the NFL's new Evil Empire gets its hands on a defensive monster. This is a cornerstone player who could fuel Kansas City's next Super Bowl run as much, if not more than, any prospect they could take in this year's draft.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Bengals have had decent play on the outside, but have lacked a true shutdown cornerback for far too long. I gave them Delane here as a way to remedy that, a proven SEC boundary defender who proved his worth time and time again. If he looks anything like how he did at LSU in 2025, this will be a pick Cincinnati fans will look back on fondly.
No. 11: Miami Dolphins – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
I'm not sure if I've seen anyone have the Dolphins picking anything other than a receiver at 11, and there's a reason for that. Malik Willis currently has, by all accounts, the worst receiver corps in the NFL, and they are simply paying him too much money for that to stay the case come Week 1. Lemon checks off a lot of boxes for Miami and would at least give Willis a reliable target to build a quick connection with.
No. 12: Dallas Cowboys – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
I think if Downs is available at this pick, Jerry Jones might sprint the draft card to the podium himself. For everything that Dallas needs on defense, Downs provides it and more. He's probably the best prospect on the board here, and also the best fit for the Cowboys, giving them an absolute weapon who can impact the game on seemingly every play.
No. 13: Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Rams' tackle situation isn't a dire need, but it could definitely use some improvements either now or down the line. They did their heavy lifting on defense in free agency, and have a roster complete enough to take somewhat of a luxury pick in Freeling. He needs some development, but the Georgia product just screams All-Pro upside, and Los Angeles has the time to groom him into a starting role.
No. 14: Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Interior offensive line remains a point of emphasis for Baltimore, and is one that extends further than just finding a replacement for Tyler Linderbaum. Ioane is a steady guard who projects to be a valuable piece both in 2026 and multiple years down the line. The Ravens' OL would benefit greatly from his services, making this a seamless fit.
No. 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
It's kind of a mix-and-match situation for Tampa Bay right now on their defensive line, and they might approach the draft with the goal of finding stability there. Mesidor is up there in age, but he's not a player who needs much development to be a starter at the next level. He should give them solid pass rush production from the jump, making him a worthy investment at #15.
No. 16: New York Jets (via IND) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Jets aren't in a franchise position to make luxury picks, but Sadiq can be much more than just your average tight end. Mason Taylor was decent in his rookie year, but wasn't exactly a top-end complementary piece. Sadiq can be that, with the ceiling capable of taking over a game on offense. Garrett Wilson already has the WR1 role locked up, and defenses will have headaches trying to stop them both, no matter who's throwing the ball.
No. 17: Detroit Lions – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Dan Campbell not doing everything in his power to ensure that Detroit has a top-of-the-line OL would be shocking, and they currently have a gap at tackle. Proctor could end up as one of the premier players in the draft if he's developed correctly, and no one is doubting the Lions' ability to bring out the best in offensive linemen.
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The interior of the Vikings' defensive line is thin and could become a legitimate issue if their current group of players doesn't perform far above expectations. Woods would not only add to their all-around pass rush production, but could also elevate the overall effectiveness of the rest of the front seven, simply by giving offenses another player to deal with.
No. 19: Carolina Panthers – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Tre'von Moehrig and Nick Scott are serviceable as a safety duo, but that could be exactly why Carolina goes after Thieneman at #19. The Oregon defensive back is a sideline-to-sideline playmaker, and the Panthers could unleash him however he wishes. Having that extra defender who can shut down the run and limit the pass would keep improving their defensive unit, especially as they look to combat a new-look NFC South.
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys (via GB) – Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Getting Downs was a phenomenal start at #12, and now I see Dallas taking Rodriguez to put the finishing touches on their linebacker room. He can force turnovers and has the instincts to clean up plays that the defensive line may miss, a trait that the Cowboys desperately need after an abysmal defensive showing in 2025.
No. 21: Philadelphia Eagles via Pittsburgh Steelers – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Wouldn't this just be the most Howie Roseman move ever? A player as uber-talented as Tyson falling into the Eagles' range because of injury concerns is exactly how they've built their core in recent years. Trading up 2 slots to jump the Los Angeles Chargers and any other team that might be vying for the Sun Devils' receiver here nets them one of the most gifted wideouts in the class.
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers – Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
If Los Angeles wants to make a Super Bowl run, Cole Strange and Trevor Penning starting on the interior isn't going to cut it. Getting healthy at offensive tackle will be a big boost to their protection scheme, regardless, but getting a fantastic pass blocker in Bisontis would be a smart move.
No. 23: Pittsburgh Steelers via Philadelphia Eagles – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
After moving back 2 spots, Pittsburgh still gets another crack at a developmental quarterback prospect to work with. Simpson continues to look like a clean fit for the Steelers as the draft approaches, especially in the late 1st round. He has the tools to be a franchise QB and could become the black and gold's next long-term signal caller.
No. 24: Cleveland Browns (via JAX) – Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Wide receiver and offensive tackle is the combination most analysts have pegged the Browns taking with their two 1st round picks, so it only makes sense that they go WR after taking Fano at 6. Brazzell II is an electrifying wideout who can stretch the field and make life much easier for their quarterback of choice, adding a wrinkle to their offense that hasn't been seen in years.
No. 25: Kansas City Chiefs via Chicago Bears – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
I promise I'm not purposefully giving the Chiefs steals, but with McCoy's medicals apparently being more concerning than initially thought, his being available in the 20s might not be out of the question. With draft capital available, they move up 4 picks to take the Tennessee corner. Getting his health straightened out will be priority No.1, but if he stays healthy, this is a pick that plenty of front offices will regret letting happen.
No. 26: Buffalo Bills – Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Banks is more flash than substance as a prospect, but unlocking his traits could result in a deadly pass-rusher. He's an athletic freak who can be justified as the best pass-rushing defensive lineman in the class, and Buffalo would certainly welcome his upside next to Deone Walker on their defensive front.
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers – Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
Injuries have been the biggest thing holding back San Francisco, and they have an extreme lack of depth on their offensive line. Plugging him in next to Trent Williams, assuming the veteran remains on the roster in 2026, would solidify the left side of their line. Pregnon is a proven performer who may not be the most exciting prospect, but would be a great addition in an area of need.
No. 28: Houston Texans – Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
The rich get richer here with Miller going to one of the league's most vaunted defensive units. This is a move that would just make the Texans' defense an utterly terrifying group, if it wasn't already. With realistic IOL options gone, the Georgia defender is a good alternative for a Houston team ready to take the next step.
No. 29: Chicago Bears via Kansas City Chiefs – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Chicago lost both of their starting safeties to free agency, and trading back while still getting McNeil-Warren would be a big win for its front office. The Toledo safety is a popular prospect among Bears fans, and it's no wonder why that is. He can flat-out play, giving them a piece who can provide reinforcements to both their run and pass defense.
No. 30: Miami Dolphins – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
The cornerback prospect pool is deep, and Miami is almost certain to address the position at some point during the draft. His athletic testing checked out, his film is solid, and the Dolphins reach just a little for a player who can help them significantly on the back end, and one who comes with a 5th year option.
No. 31: New England Patriots – Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Whether or not Stowers end up staying at tight end or making a transition to recceiver is still unknown, but New England could use him either way. Their system uses TEs at a high rate, and Hunter Henry isn't exactly the explosive player that Stowers is. They need as much receiving help as they can get, and getting another weapon for Drake Maye is hard to argue with.
No. 32: Seattle Seahawks – Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona
The impact Coby Bryant made on the Seattle safety room will need to be replaced, and they have the cushion to make a move like this. Safeties aren't hard to come by, but with a potential run on the position in the 2nd round, I can see the Seahawks taking their player of choice at the position to close out the 1st round.