The NFL offseason is officially upons us, as the free agency "legal tampering" window opened Wednesday, for teams to begin discussing deals with free agents and their agents. This is always a tumultuous time across the NFL landscape and, with the latest news, this year has not disappointed.
After news surfaced of a trade that would send Las Vegas Raiders defensive end to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks, it seemed like Crosby was destined for Maryland. Now, after some medical issues have arisen, the trade has been called off!
After being one of the more active teams thus far in free agency, the Raiders now find themselves in a bit of a predicament. Will they decide to hold onto Crosby heading into the 2026 season, even after he was vocal about leaving Vegas when the trade was still imminent? Or will they find another suitor? If so, what sort of return can they expect given the medical concerns with Crosby and his knee?
In this latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Crosby finds yet another home, with a team moving a first-round pick to acquire the "dominant game wrecker".
Dominant game wrecker Maxx Crosby on the move yet again in latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Even with all of the drama surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders, there should be no drama with the first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Especially after trading quarterback Geno Smith to the New York Jets, the Raiders need a quarterback and there is no reason that Fernando Mendoza is not the guy.
No. 2: New York Jets - Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
So far, the New York Jets have focused heavily on the defense through free agency, bringing back linebacker Demario Davis, signing edge rusher Joseph Ossai, and previously trading for nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat. Even with the Ossai signing and with Will McDonald IV still in the fold, the Jets will likely continue adding to their pass rush. Arvell Reese is a raw, talented player who can develop his pass rush arsenal while also contributing off the ball alongside the veteran Davis and Jamien Sherwood.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Arizona Cardinals re-signed James Conner and added Tyler Allgaier to a running back room that already had Trey Benson, so a potential early Jeremiyah Love landing spot seems less likely. Arizona could opt for a long and athletic linebacker towards the top of the draft again, as they did in the 2020 NFL Draft with Isaiah Simmons, but instead add a productive edge rusher in David Bailey to get some pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Tennessee Titans have been one of the more active teams in free agency. After adding wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, cornerbacks Alontae Taylor and Cor'Dale Flott, and defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson (via trade), the Titans might be feeling a little crazy! Crazy enough to make a "luxury pick" and add a dynamic running back to help their young quarterback. New head coach Robert Saleh saw firsthand the impact a versatile and reliable running back can be with Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco, and Jeremiyah Love truly has a similar skillset entering the NFL.
No. 5: New York Giants - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The New York Giants acquired linebacker Tremaine Edmunds from the Bears, but Sonny Styles could be a perfect running mate in the middle of John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson's defense. Two long, athletic and rangy linebackers are exactly what teams are looking for in today's game and Styles has solidified his place towards the top of any 2026 NFL Mock Draft with his Comine performance.
No. 6: Cleveland Browns - Monroe Freeling, LT, Georgia
The Cleveland Browns would have quite the decision to make if things shake out as they did in this 2026 NFL Draft. With wide receiver and offensive line being the team's two biggest positions of need, and having their choice of whoever they prefer at either position, which way would they go? After bulking up the other spots on the offensive line thus far in free agency, left tackle remains a gaping hole. Monroe Freeling has the makings to develop into a true franchise left tackle, making him too good to pass up for Cleveland.
No. 7: Washington Commanders - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
After starting free agency rather defensive-heavy, the Washington Commanders, with Deebo Samuel and Noah Brown as pending free agents, add a weapon for Jayden Daniels. Carnell Tate is a true downfield threat who should pair well with, and learn a lot from, another former Buckeye in Terry McLaurin.
No. 8: New Orleans Saints - Rueben Bain Jr., DL, Miami
New Orleans Saints legend Cameron Jordan will potentially play elsewhere in 2026, leaving a gap on the edge of the defense. Teams may pass over Rueben Bain Jr. due to his arm length and overall size, but I'm sure defensive coordinator Brandon Staley would love to have a tenacious player like Bain on his defense and would figure out the best way to deploy the All-American.
No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs - Francis Mauigoa, RT, Miami
Back-to-back Miami Hurricanes off the board as the Kansas City Chiefs opt for the mauling right tackle in Francis Mauigoa. Some view Mauigoa as a guard at the next level, but he should start right away over Jaylon Moore at right tackle for the Chiefs.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Cincinnati Bengals signed former Chiefs safety Bryan Cook to a three-year deal in free agency. But I do not believe for a second that will prevent them from drafting a player like Caleb Downs. Downs would likely immediately come in and be the center and the captain of the Cincinnati defense that desperately needs that sort of leadership. Geno Stone is a free agent now and Jordan Battle is set to hit the open market next year, so Downs should be utilized early and often in Cincy, despite the signing of Cook.
No. 11: Miami Dolphins - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Aside from adding quarterback Malik Willis, the Miami Dolphins have had many more departures than arrivals this offseason, leaving vacanies scattered across the roster. A wide receiver would make a lot of sense, but snagging the top corner in the 2026 NFL Draft would as well. That could've been Jermod McCoy if not for the medical concerns, but now seems to be LSU's Mansoor Delane as the top cover corner available.
No. 12: Dallas Cowboys - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
This is an incredibly tough pick to predict. The board fell very poorly for Dallas, leaving them with limited options at positions of need. As of now, I think a top-tier cornerback is need number one and Jermod McCoy has the talent to be just that in the NFL. Most evaluators don't question that. The only question with McCoy is the medical. Something that may turn the Dallas Cowboys off of McCoy completely. However, if his medical clears and he works out and looks good at his Pro Day, McCoy could rocket right back up every 2026 NFL Mock Draft. As a top-five talent in the class, picking him at 12 could be a steal for the Cowboys, if he stays on the field.
No. 13: Los Angeles Rams - Spencer Fano, RT, Utah
The Los Angeles Rams rarely pick this high in the NFL Draft, and rarely at all in the first round, to be frank. The Rams offensive line played well last year, but they don't have a true top talent up front. Especially with the retirement of Rob Havenstein, an influx of youth and upside would be welcome on the offensive front. There are a couple offensive weapons still on the board that the Rams could go with, but Spencer Fano impressed at the Combine and could start right away at right tackle in LA.
No. 14: Baltimore Ravens - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Baltimore Ravens fans, welcome back to the first round of the 2026 NFL Mock Draft! With the Maxx Crosby trade falling through, the Ravens got their picks back. With this one, after Isaiah Likely followed John Harbaugh to the New York Giants and Charlie Kolar joined the other Harbaugh with the Chargers, Baltimore adds Kenyon Sadiq to fill that role in the offense. Sadiq is another player who wowed at the Combine and would join Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers as top weapons for Lamar Jackson.
No. 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn
With Logan Hall and Haason Reddick set to depart Tampa in free agency, the Buccaneers will likely look to beef up their defensive front through the draft. Keldric Faulk will step in and immediately be an impact player against the run while developing his pass rush skills under defensive-minded head coach Todd Bowles.
No. 16: New York Jets - Makai Lemon, WR, USC
With their second pick in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets go to the offensive side of the ball and add a weapon for new (old) quarterback... Geno Smith. Makai Lemon is an outstanding player and as productive at the highest level as any prospect could be. With his ability and toughness with the ball in his hands, he and Garrett Wilson would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
No. 17: Detroit Lions - Vega Ioane, LG, Penn State
With the release of long-time left tackle Taylor Decker, that position has been thrust into focus as the biggest position of need for the Detroit Lions. However, the Lions still need to address the other spot on the left side of the line. Vega Ioane has the makings of a perennial All-Pro left guard and should be a perfect fit with Dan Campbell in Detroit.
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
With the end of Harrison Smith's illustrious Minnesota Vikings career potentially iminent, this pick could be a little cliche. However, I believe it is truly a perfect fit for Brian Flores' defense, filling a huge need in Minnesota. Dillon Thieneman is a Swiss-Army knife that can play deep in center field, down in the box, or in man coverage in the slot.
No. 19: Carolina Panthers - Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Carolina Panthers signed two big-name free agents on defense in Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. However, after releasing A'Shawn Robinson, they could use another big body in the middle of the defensive line alongside superstar Derrick Brown. Caleb Banks is an athletic freak at his size and could be a great complement to Brown in Ejiro Evero's defense.
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys - Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
The Dallas Cowboys have proven over the years that they are not afraid to draft "their guy" in the first round, even if it is slightly unexpected or even viewed as a "reach". After addressing need number 1A with a top-tier corner, the Cowboys address need number 1B at linebacker. C.J. Allen could very well be the second true off-ball linebacker off the board come April, but Jacob Rodriguez has everything you want in a linebacker, produced at the highest level of college football, and showed he has plenty of athleticism to compete at the next level with his performance at the Combine. There are always a few surprise picks in the draft and Rodriguez going on night one could be one of them.
No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers - Caleb Lomu, LT/LG, Utah
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a couple of key moves already this offseason, acquiring Michael Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts, and signing running back Rico Dowdle and cornerback Jamel Dean. In the first round of this 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers address the trenches, adding Utah's Caleb Lomu. Whether it is at left tackle eventually replacing Broderick Jones or sliding in right away starting at left guard, Lomu could help protect Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, or whoever is under center in 2026 and beyond.
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers - C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
C.J. Allen is the type of downhill, physical player that a guy like John Harbaugh might covet. With Denzel Perryman set to hit free agency, Allen could slide in alongside Daiyan Henley and former Michigan linebacker Junior Colson in the middle of the Chargers defense.
No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles - Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
With numerous players leaving Philadelphia in free agency, the Eagles may have to reload a bit, particularly on defense. Reed Blankenship is heading to Houston, so in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft the Eagles go back to the Toledo secondary, adding dynamic safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren to a defensive backfield already containing Quinyon Mitchell.
No. 24: Cleveland Browns - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
After passing on a wide receiver at pick 6 in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Cleveland Browns still land a top target at pick 24. Jordyn Tyson is truly a top talent at the position, and was once in the discussion to be the pick at 6. However, some medical concerns have caused him to drop down boards. Here he lands with the Browns where he can join his brother, Cavaliers breakout player Jaylon Tyson, in Cleveland.
No. 25: Las Vegas Raiders - Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
After moving on, once again, from Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders use their newfound second pick in the first round to provide a familiar face to their new quarterback. Fernando Mendoza already has a relationship with Omar Cooper Jr., who has vaulted himself into first round discussions throughout the pre-draft process. While the Raiders added Jalen Nailor to a young wide receiver room already existing of Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Donte Thornton, Cooper could immediately be the best of the bunch, with being a familiar face for the quarterback as an added bonus.
No. 26: Buffalo Bills - Kadyn Proctor, LG/LT, Alabama
While all the focus for the Buffalo Bills has been on adding to the wide receiver room, they also need to ensure that they can protect Josh Allen. The offensive line play, particularly with pass protection, has declined a bit over the past couple years, so adding a player like Kadyn Proctor could help immensely. He could immediately slot in as the starting left guard, while developing alongside Dion Dawkins with the potential to one day take over at left tackle, if Buffalo so desires.
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers - KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Niners made a big splash by signing future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And while they have Ricky Pearsall, a former first-round pick as well, already in the fold, they could still look to add another weapon early in the 2026 NFL Draft. KC Concepcion has a knack for the end zone, is a great returner, and could fill the role in Kyle Shanahan's offense previously occupied by Deebo Samuel.
Mike Evans’ decision to leave Tampa was not about money; the Bucs were aggressive in their pursuit and presented what was said to be a “very strong offer”. It came down to a desire for a new challenge as Evans enters the last years of his career. https://t.co/QUE7gp1hoz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
No. 28: Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Peter Woods was once regarded as a potential top ten, or even five, pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. An underwhelming 2025 season at Clemson has lowered his stock quite a bit, but he is still an incredibly talented player. In a defensive tackle class full of run-stuffing nose tackles, Woods brings a little more to the table, making him a great complement for what Houston already has on their defensive front in Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai.
No. 29: Kansas City Chiefs: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
If the draft falls like this in April, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach would be praised as genius, even more than he already is. After acquiring this pick by trading away cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, the Chiefs land the perfect replacement in Avieon Terrell. Another inside/outside versatile corner, Terrell could certainly come off the board earlier than this, but strange things happen in the NFL Draft and this played right into the hands of the Chiefs.
TRADE: Chiefs expected to trade CB Trent McDuffie to Rams in exchange for the Rams first-round pick (No. 29), fifth-round pick, sixth-round pick and 2027 third-round pick. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/0EX8rsFbvU
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2026
No. 30: Denver Broncos - Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Denver Broncos made an impressive run in 2025 and have retained most of their roster from last season. Adding another option at nose tackle to the center of their impressive defense could strengthen a strength and Kayden McDonald has the potential to develop into a truly well-rounded defensive tackle under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
No. 31: New England Patriots - Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
Blake Miller is a player that could find himself being selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. His size, athleticism, and experience should be exactly what NFL teams look for in a tackle prospect. The New England Patriots clearly need some help on the offensive line after their disappointing showing in the 2025 playoffs and Miller could start right away at right tackle at the next level.
No. 32: Seattle Seahawks - Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Joining his fellow Volunteer in the first round, Colton Hood sneaks into night one of the 2026 NFL Draft as the last pick of round one to the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle's secondary has been decimated already in free agency, with Tariq Woolen, Coby Bryant, and Bryan Cook all signing elsewhere. A versatile corner like Colton Hood could help stop the bleeding and could be a great complement to Devon Witherspoon.