Rams, Cowboys spark top-10 chaos in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

With teams meeting at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine over the past week, the emphasis is not only evaluating top talent, but possible big moves that could send shockwaves throughout the NFL.

Could those shockwaves include potential deals for players like Maxx Crosby or A.J. Brown? Or perhaps there are some draft day blockbuster moves brewing that no one saw coming.

With the new league year just around the corner, owners and general managers of all 32 teams are looking for ways to improve their teams beyond the evaluation of talent.  With top of the board talent on display like Rueben Bain Jr, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs and Jeremiyah Love, there could be teams outside of the top 10 looking to move up and snag one of those players.

This NFL Mock Draft looks at a couple of possibilities that could not only shift the 2026 NFL Draft board but put some teams in position to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026 and/or set themselves up for a quicker rebuild.

Let’s do this!

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big moves shock top 10

No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Fernando Mendoza knows “anything can happen” at the 2026 NFL Draft, but at this point it would be foolish for the Las Vegas Raiders to pass on him with the No. 1 overall pick overall.  The team needs a QB and Mendoza is the top option in this draft.  An offensive minded head coach like Klint Kubiak combined with the mentorship of Raiders part owner Tom Brady.  Sounds like the perfect opportunity for both sides to me.

No. 2: New York Jets– Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

Arvell Reese solidified himself at the NFL Combine with a dynamite performance.  The hybrid linebacker/edge rusher wowed with a 4.46 40-yard dash with a 1.58-second 10-yard split.  If he wasn’t already on the radar for the Jets with the No. 2 overall pick, he should be a lock now.  Jets get their cornerstone defensive player in Reese, who is one of the top prospects in the draft.

No. 3: Dallas Cowboys, via Arizona– Rueben Bain Jr, ED, Miami

The Cowboys have the trade capital to pull off this type of move.  How about including two picks acquired in the trade with Green Bay for Micah Parsons headlining this deal with brings Rueben Bain Jr. to Dallas.  The top pass rusher in the draft will bring high energy to the Cowboys’ defense in a trade that sets the Arizona Cardinals up nicely.

No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The draft stock for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is high.  With all the love flying around for the outstanding running back, the Tennessee Titans decide at this spot to continue adding firepower around 2025 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.  Depending on what else the Titans pull off in the offseason and the draft, the Ward/Love tandem has high ceiling the Titans can rise with.

No. 5: New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Giants decide to add another option for Jaxon Dart with the selection of Carnell Tate with the No. 5 overall pick.  John Harbaugh and company will entertain offers for this pick, but ultimately loves with the Ohio State product brings to the table along with the fascination of pairing him with a healthy Malik Nabers.

No. 6: Los Angeles Rams, via Cleveland – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Los Angeles Rams are sniffing Super Bowl and will be aggressive in the offseason to add pieces to get them over the hump.  With an aggressive trade into the top 10, the Rams land the top defensive back in the draft in Caleb Downs.  An outstanding safety and playmaker, Downs gives the Rams that defensive backfield stud they have been looking for, plus he offers the versatility to play corner.

No. 7: Washington Commanders – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Back-to-back-to back Ohio State products go off the board with the Commanders falling in love with what Sonny Styles brings to the table at the linebacker position.  The team’s top need is at edge rusher which many will be surprised they pass on David Bailey, but Styles’ showing at the NFL combine along with the versatility at linebacker he brings, does solve one of their bigger needs defensively.

No. 8: New Orleans Saints – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech

The Saints have a couple of aging edge rushers in Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis.  With David Bailey still on the board, the team scores a slam dunk in the draft by adding youth, explosiveness and skillset off the edge Bailey provides. 

No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs– Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Patrick Mahomes is expected to be back to start the 2026 NFL season.  With a rare top 10 pick, the Chiefs get their star quarterback an elite talent in USC prospect Makai Lemon.  With this route-running skills, quickness and reliable hands, the Mahomes-to-Lemon connection will be a horror for AFC West teams for years to come.

No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals – Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami (FL)

The Bengals need to protect Joe Burrow, and they find just the right offensive lineman to help accomplish that in Francis Mauigoa.  No team in need of offensive line help can let this big boy slide past them.  An outstanding pass protector, Mauigoa doesn’t let many pass rushers get by him.

No. 11: Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The first cornerback off the board goes to the Miami Dolphins with the No. 11 overall pick.  With the selection of LSU’s Mansoor Delane, the Dolphins get a player who can grow into a shutdown corner with his press coverage skills.

No. 12: Arizona Cardinals, via Dallas – Spencer Fano, T, Utah

The Cardinals have desperate needs along the offensive line, and they address that with the first of two first round picks they now have in this draft.  Spencer Fano not only brings athleticism to the line at the tackle position, but he is also a great run blocker and will be an upgrade as a pass protector whether Kyler Murray is behind center or another QB.  Getting Fano here makes the big trade with the Cowboys make sense.

No. 13: Cleveland Browns, via L.A. Rams– Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Browns continue to add draft capital with smart trades.  In selecting Jordyn Tyson at No. 13, via a trade with the Rams, the Browns get a player they could’ve possibly taken at No. 6.  In Tyson, they get that big outside receiver who has a ceiling to become the team’s No. 1 receiver…as long as he’s healthy.

No. 14: Baltimore Ravens – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Peter Woods to the Baltimore Ravens is a match made in NFL heaven for both sides.  Woods will have something to prove at the NFL level as he does have the talent to be a game wrecker along the defensive line.  A projected top 5 pick prior to the 2025 college football season, Woods’ stock has fallen a bit, but he falls into the right situation here.

No. 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Buccaneers take care of their linebacker needs with the selection of CJ Allen.  As a player who was considered the heartbeat of the Bulldogs defense is in line to become that same type of player down in Tampa, especially playing for a defensive minded coach like Todd Bowles.

No. 16: New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

A team that recorded no interceptions in 2026 and traded away their best cornerback in Sauce Gardner use that pick to add a talented cornerback in Jermod Mcoy with the No. 16 overall pick.  There will be some pressure on the Jets to take Ty Simpson, but with other options at QB out there, the Jets nab the best player available. 

No. 17: Detroit Lions – Monroe Freeling, T, Georgia

The Detroit Lions focus on solidifying the offense line with the selection of Monroe Freeling with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft.  While the Lions will look to tweak the defense, the top area to address is protecting Jared Goff.  Freeling does that and adds run blocking for Jahmyr Gibbs.

No. 18: Minnesota Vikings– Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Vikings get their safety of the future with the selection of Dillon Thieneman with the No. 18 overall pick in the draft.  This high-rising prospect not only offers the Vikings secondary with versatility but also is a natural leader with a contagious work ethic.

No. 19: Carolina Panthers– Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Kenyon Sadiq makes it back-to-back Oregon players off the board.  In selecting Sadiq with the No. 19 overall pick in the draft, the Panthers get another big, athletic target for Bryce Young.  While Sadiq didn’t have the top numbers at the tight end position, he has the talent to be special at the next level and make the Panthers’ offense a little bit more explosive.

No. 20: Arizona Cardinals via Dallas – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Cardinals shock the draft board with the selection of Ty Simpson with the No. 20 overall pick.  What does this mean for Kyler Murray?  Simpson is considered a project due to his limited experience as a starter.  This move by Arizona sets up a storyline over the summer and through training camp as the two QBs battle it out.

No. 21: Pittsburgh Steelers – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

In watching Ty Simpson unexpectedly fall off the board just a slot before them, the Pittsburgh Steelers turn their attention to the wide receiver position with the selection of Denzel Boston.  Another big, outside receiver, Boston will form a physical duo on the outside with D.K. Metcalf.  Now, who will get them the ball?

No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

The Chargers are looking to fortify the trenches on both sides of the ball.  They address the defensive side with the selection of Caleb Banks.  This big body wrecker in the middle of the line will be a force against the run and a player with the power and quickness to add pass rush up the middle.

No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles – Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn

Auburn’s Keldric Faulk falls right into the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 23.  Talk about value, the outstanding defensive end brings prototypical size at defensive end and will benefit from playing on the same line as Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. 

No. 24: Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

With the Browns entire starting offensive line is hitting free agency, they go with the best interior offensive lineman here with the selection of Olaivavega Ioane.  The big, powerful interior lineman provides the Browns with a young talent they can rebuild the line around.

No. 25: Chicago Bears – Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald is a natural fit for the Chicago Bears here.  They need an inside defensive presence and McDonald is exactly that.  A run stuffing machine, the Ohio State product will be an instant upgrade in the middle.

No. 26:  Buffalo Bills – Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami (FL)

As pressed as the Bills will be to add a top receiving option for Josh Allen, they address a bigger need with the selection of Akheem Mesidor with the No. 26 overall pick.  Allen and the offense will be fine, but defensively, the Bills face a situation where they can lose two of their top edge defenders in free agency.  If A.J. Epenesa and Joey Bosa do not return, edge rusher becomes top priority.

No. 27: San Francisco 49ers– Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

A player impressing at the NFL Combine is Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. With his draft stock already rising prior to the Combine, McNeil-Warren catapults into the first round and gives the 49ers the safety who could serve as a replacement for Jason Pinnock if he leaves in free agency.

No. 28: Houston Texans – Kadyn Proctor, T, Alabama

Kadyn Proctor to the Houston Texans at No. 28 gives then more help along the offensive line and that blindside protection CJ Stroud needs.  He is also versatile enough where his size can be used in other areas like an occasional full back.

No. 29: Los Angeles Rams – Caleb Lomu, T, Utah

With the big move to land Caleb Downs, the Rams use their second first round pick to address the offensive line.  With Rob Havenstein retiring, they add his replacement with the selection of Utah’s Caleb Lomu, a 6-foot-6, 308-pound athletic tackle who didn’t allow a single sack in the 2025 college football season.

No. 30: Denver Broncos – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

With Sadiq off the board, the Broncos look towards the wide receiver position to land another weapon for Bo Nix and the offense.  With the selection of KC Concepcion, they get an explosive playmaker who is also a lethal punt returner.  In a deep TE class, the Broncos can address that need later in the draft.

No. 31: New England Patriots – T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson

The Patriots address edge rusher with a player who was once projected as a top 10 pick. Can Mike Vrabel get the best out of Clemson product T.J. Parker?  Getting him at No. 31 could be considered a steal if he showcases the player he was in 2024 and during the 2026 Senior Bowl.

No. 32: Seattle Seahawks – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Super Bowl champions get a steal here as Clemson’s Avieon Terrell slides down the board.  With key players in the secondary hitting free agency, the idea here is that the Seahawks will need to at least replace one of them.  Terrell can fit the bill while also giving them another player who finds ways to create turnovers.