With NFL general managers and scouts reigning down upon Indianapolis, Indiana, draft season is in full-swing and the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is officially upon us. 2026 NFL Draft prospects from across the country will take to Lucas Oil Stadium to show these front offices that they are worthy of a selection come April, and an early one at that.
Players such as Jeremiyah Love, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles aim to prove themselves as a top-five pick. Guys like Dillon Thieneman, Ty Simpson, and Zachariah Branch hope to crack the first-round conversation. Brenen Thompson, Genesis Smith, Mike Washington, and numerous other prospects look to bolster their draft stock with impressive showings at the Combine.
Top prospects aim to bolster their draft stock with strong performances at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
This two-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft highlights 64 prospects jockeying for position leading up to draft weekend. As much tape as teams watch and as many conversations as front offices have with these prospects, the NFL Combine always has a direct effect on the selections made in April. Before getting to see these elite players display their talents in the drills, here is my best guess for how things will play out in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Two-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft, with analysis for all 64 selections, with the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine upon us
No. 1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
No surprise here. While Fernando Mendoza may not be the perfect top-of-the-draft prospect (a "generational talent", as some may put it), he is clearly the top quarterback in the class with the Raiders, who are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, leading things off. I can't see the Raiders not taking their chances on Mendoza being that guy, especially given the other options currently available at the quarterback position
No 2: New York Jets- Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
I know... safeties don't go this early in the NFL Draft. However, the 2026 NFL Draft is not a typical draft. There are few top-tier talents, as I mentioned before, and the ones that appear to exist are not at the typical "desired" positions atop the draft. Teams might just have to acknowledge that fact and take the talent regardless of the position. Caleb Downs is an elite player who could certainly help reshape a defense that struggled mightily taking away the ball in 2025. If anyone may take a chance on a playmaking defensive back early in the draft, it could be the Aaron Glenn-led New York Jets, who still have an additional first-round pick in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals - Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Arvell Reese should impress at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. While some question where he will fit best, position-wise, at the next level, adding an athletic and dynamic playmaker on defense is never a bad idea. With an offensive head coach coming in with Mike LaFleur taking over, the Cardinals may want to address that side of the ball. However, Reese is arguably the top talent on the board and could help reshape a struggling defense.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans - Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
Speaking of new head coaches... the Tennessee Titans hired Robert Saleh. Rueben Bain Jr., despite the arm length concerns, is the type of player that Saleh will likely covet. His tenacity and power against both the run and the pass will be a perfect addition to the Titans defense alongside the likes of Jeffery Simmons on the front line.
No. 5: New York Giants - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The New York Giants could go in various directions at this point in the 2026 NFL Mock Draft. They could address the offensive line or the defense, but here they get a complementary weapon to go alongside Malik Nabers. Adding another playmaker to the arsenal of young quarterback Jaxson Dart should be a priority this offseason, and Carnell Tate, as he did with Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, could be an elite second option in the passing game at the next level.