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 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.
No.6: Dallas Cowboys (from CLE)- David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Dallas Cowboys will need to overhaul every level of their defense this offseason. If a player of David Bailey's caliber falls to this point in the draft, they could be aggressive and make a move to get him. Opinions seem to be split on Bailey and how effective he will be, particularly as an every-down player at the next level. But what cannot be questioned is his production. Bailey can, no doubt, get after the quarterback. Using one piece from the trade that sent Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers to move up for Bailey could help replace at least some of his production, while allowing Dallas to keep another first-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as their own first-round pick next year.
No. 7: Washington Commanders - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Consensus 2026 NFL Mock Draft articles have been coming around to making this selection more and more of a possibility. After the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Sonny Styles could make it a reality. A converted safety, Styles is still learning the ins and outs of the linebacker position. There is no question that he has all the tools and instincts to succeed at linebacker, and with NFL coaching, Styles could develop into one of the best in the league for a Washington defense, led by Dan Quinn, that could use another dynamic playmaker.
No. 8:. New Orleans Saints - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The medical will largely determine where Jordyn Tyson will come off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft. The fact that he will not be participating in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will not help his draft stock.
Sources: Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson won't be doing any on-field workouts or testing at the NFL Combine.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 24, 2026
He continues to work his way back from his in-season hamstring injury.
When healthy, though, Tyson is a dynamic athlete at the wide receiver position. He would be a great complement to Chris Olave as an added weapon for quarterback Tyler Shough, head coach Kellen Moore, and the young, developing New Orleans Saints offense.
No. 9: Kansas City Chiefs - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Like Caleb Downs, especially after the Combine, Jeremiyah Love could come off the board very early in the 2026 NFL Draft despite the position that he plays. The Kansas City Chiefs offense isn't what it once was, so adding a truly dynamic weapon at the running back position could help get them back into shape, along with the reunion with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, especially with Patrick Mahomes on the mend.
No. 10: Cincinnati Bengals - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Like I mentioned before with the Cowboys, the Cincinnati Bengals need to address every level of their defense this offseason. What they do in free agency and via trade remains to be seen, but starting the 2026 NFL Draft with a lockdown corner like Mansoor Delane should certainly help.
No. 11: Miami Dolphins - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Back-to-back cover corners off the board in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft as the Miami Dolphins go with one of two highly-touted Tennessee cornerbacks in this class. Jermod McCoy, despite missing the entire 2025 season due to injury, is a legit top-five talent in the 2026 NFL Draft class and could prove to be so at the next level, when healthy.
No. 12: Cleveland Browns (from DAL) - Makai Lemon, WR, USC
After trading down from the sixth overall pick in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Cleveland Browns still manage to add a top weapon to add to their abysmal offense. The Browns will need, pretty much, an entire new offensive line heading into 2026, but they also need a true number one wide receiver if the offense is going to take a step forward under new head coach Todd Monken. Makai Lemon, despite being slightly undersized, is the exact type of player that should succeed in Monken's offense. His ability to separate and then to make plays down the field with the ball in his hands is second-to-none in this class and could very well be the most productive receiver from this draft at the next level, just as he was in college football in 2025.
No. 13: Los Angeles Rams - Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
I highly doubt that Francis Maugioa will fall out of the top 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, in this scenario, he falls right into the lap of the Los Angeles Rams, who could use a right tackle after the retirement of Rob Havenstein.
No. 14: Baltimore Ravens - Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
While Cashius Howell may not have the traits and physical upside of some other edge prospects in the class, Howell was as productive as anyone throughout his college career. The Baltimore Ravens have taken swings at some of the more "toolsy" edge prospects in the past without much return on the investment. An experienced and productive player like Howell could be just what the Ravens defense needs under new head coach Jesse Minter.
No. 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Here we go with the exact opposite edge prospect with Keldric Faulk, who has the ideal size, athleticism, and age that teams look for, but severely lacks the collegiate production to solidify himself towards the top of this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
No. 16: New York Jets - Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
After addressing the secondary with Caleb Downs with the second overall pick in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the New York Jets shift their attention to the trenches and select Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. Woods didn't have an overly impressive 2025 season, but he has the talent and skillset to fill the Quinnen Williams role in the Jets defense.
No. 17: Detroit Lions - Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Even with Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker announcing his return for his 11th season, it would be smart to think ahead and stay ahead of the game at such an important position. Many expected Monroe Freeling to head back to Georgia for another season for more growth and development at the position, but after declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, a destination like Detroit could be perfect for Freeling, allowing him to learn and grow from one of the best in the game before he hangs up his cleats.
No. 18: Minnesota Vikings- Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
With Brian Flores coming back for another season as defensive coordinator, the Minnesota Vikings would be wise to target a versatile defensive back to go along with Byron Murphy in Flores's secondary. Avieon Terrell, brother of NFL cornerback A.J. Terrell, can play in the slot or on the boundary and is a top talent in the class.
No. 19: Carolina Panthers - C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
With Christian Rozeboom and Krys Barnes pending free agents, the Carolina Panthers could use a linebacker to pair with Trevin Wallace. C.J. Allen is a great complement and could immediately become the centerpiece of the Carolina defense led by perennial head coach candidate Ejiro Evero.
No. 20: Dallas Cowboys - Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
After trading up for edge rusher, David Bailey, earlier in the first round of this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Cowboys address the secondary here with Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. McNeil-Warren should light up the Combine and solidify his spot in the first round as a versatile defensive back, capable of playing in the slot, in the box, or deep down the field, which would be a welcome skillset in Dallas.
No.22: Pittsburgh Steelers - Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Unless they target a quarterback here, the Pittsburgh Steelers will desperately need to add to their wide receiver room. While I am not sure that Denzel Boston necessarily "complements" D.K, Metcalf well with similar size and skillset, Boston (like Metcalf) is a big-body, athletic wideout who can win at all levels of the field and is outstanding at the catch point.
No. 22: Los Angeles Chargers- Olaivavega Ione, OL, Penn State
This pick seems like it is written in pen in nearly every 2026 NFL Mock Draft. Despite having an outstanding tackle duo in Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, injuries exposed the Los Angeles Chargers' lack of depth on the offensive line. Olaivavega Ione will slot in immediately at left guard and could become an all-pro stalwart at the position.
No. 23: Philadelphia Eagles- Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Another popular pick, if Dallas Goedert moves on in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles could target someone like Kenyon Sadiq. Even if they retain Goedery, Sadiq can fill more of a big-slot, third wide receiver role in the Eagles offense.
No. 24: Cleveland Browns - Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Like Mauigoa, Spencer Fano could come off the board as early as third overall, so I doubt he falls this far in the 2026 NFL Draft. Though there are some concerns with Fano's power and filling out his frame to succeed against NFL defensive ends, the Browns are desperate for offensive line help and would love to add this level of talent at right tackle.
No. 25: Chicago Bears - Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Caleb Banks to the Chicago Bears is yet another popular pick in any 2026 NFL Mock Draft. He has tremendous upside with his blend of size, power, and athleticism and fills a big need in the Bears defense.
No. 26: Buffalo Bills - Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
With this pick, we go against the consensus of penciling in the top wide receiver to the Buffalo Bills. Instead, like the Lions earlier, the Bills think ahead to the future at left tackle. Kadyn Proctor could develop into a talented tackle at the next level with proper coaching and weight training, and could contribute inside at guard right away for the Bills, protecting Josh Allen.
No. 27: San Francisco 49ers - KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Right now, it's looking like the wide receivers on the San Francisco 49ers roster heading into 2026 will be Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing. Not exactly a top-tier bunch. KC Concepcion could be utilized as a dynamic weapon in Kyle Shanahan's offense, as well as a returner on special teams.
No. 28: Houston Texans - Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald is an elite run defender with enough upside to optimize an already elite defensive unit for the Houston Texans. Between Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, McDonald could make a difference on all three downs at the next level.
No. 29: Los Angeles Rams - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Having already utilized the extra first-round pick from the Atlanta Falcons on a starting right tackle, the Rams shift their focus to the future of the quarterback position. With Matthew Stafford playing at an MVP level, Ty Simpson could come in and truly learn from one of the best. Both gunslinger-type quarterbacks, this could be a perfect pairing and make for a seamless transition whenever Stafford does decide to retire.
No. 30: Denver Broncos - Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech
If John Frankin-Myers leaves the Denver Broncos in free agency, the team could look to the draft to fill that role. Lee Hunter lived in the backfield throughout his college career, racking up 31 tackles for loss in his last three collegiate seasons at UCF and Texas Tech, and could have similar production as part of an impressive Denver defense.
No. 31: New England Patriots - Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
Watching the New England Patriots throughout the playoffs made it evident that they need to further address the offensive line. They used their first round pick on Will Campbell last year, who the team asserts is their left tackle moving forward, but adding another option wouldn't hurt. Whether he plays left tackle, right tackle, or bumps inside to guard, Caleb Lomu has all the traits to develop into an elite lineman in the NFL.
No. 32: Seattle Seahawks - Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
With Tariq Woolen set to hit free agency, the Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks could use another talented corner to pair with Devon Witherspoon.
2026 NFL Draft Round 2 Picks
33. NYJ - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
The Jets continue to revamp their defense, now adding Caleb Downs, Peter Woods, and Akheem Mesidor.
34. AZ - Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
After passing on right tackle in the first round of this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Cardinals snag one early in the second with Blake Miller.
35. TEN - Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The other Tennessee corner mentioned when McCoy came off the board, Colton Hood would be a versatile defensive back for Robert Saleh's defense.
36. LV - Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
After taking quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders add a nasty, versatile offensive lineman in Gennings Dunker.
37. NYG - Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Copy and paste from the Cardinals, as the Giants now add a wide receiver and a starting right tackle.
38. HOU - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Another pick making a strength a strength, adding versatile defensive back Dillon Thieneman to an elite defense.
39. CLE - D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
I know... the Browns need to address the offense. But not every single pick is going to be on that side of the ball, and there are some needs on defense, too. Slot corner tops the list, at this point, and D'Angelo Ponds may just be the best in the draft, despite his size.
40. KC - T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
After adding a running back to the offense, the Chiefs add a highly-touted edge rusher to the defense in T.J. Parker.
41. CIN - R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Adding a starting cornerback in Mansoor Delane and a player like R Mason Thomas to compete for a starting spot on the edge of the defensive line could really help reshape the struggling Cincinnati defense.
42. NO - Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Alontae Taylor is set to be a free agent, so the Saints could add a young corner to the fold in Keith Abney II.
43. MIA - Zachariah Branch, WR, Miami
With Tyreek Hill having been cut, Zachariah Branch could become the next dynamic weapon for the Dolphins offense.
44. NYJ - Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
After going defense-heavy early in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Jets add an offensive guard in Emmanuel Pregnon, with Alijah Vera-Tucker potentially leaving via free agency.
45. BAL - Connor Lew, C, Auburn
If the Baltimore Ravens are unable to retain Tyler Linderbaum, they could be in the market for a new center. Connor Lew is regarding as the best in the class.
46. TB - Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Anthony Hill could come into the Bucs defense and be a dynamic linebacker, carrying on the legacy of Lavonte David.
47. IND - Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
With Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, and Samson Ebukam all pending free agents, it leaves the Indianapolis Colts with just Laiatu Latu and JT Tuimoloau at defensive end. Adding a player like Gabe Jacas could help the edge rotation right away, while the Colts are in a "win-now" window, of sorts, following the big trade for Sauce Gardner.
48. ATL - Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
After trading back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and giving up their first-rounder this year, the Atlanta Falcons continue to address the defensive front, this time adding to the interior and keeping Christen Miller in the state of Georgia.
49. MIN - Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
The Minnesota Vikings desperately need a bell cow, workhorse running back to rely upon to help out whoever ends up under center in 2026. Jadarian Price's running style should be perfect to do that at the next level, especially is spelled by someone like Aaron Jones.
50. DET - Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
Contuing the address the offensive line that struggled quite a bit in 2025, the Lions add a starting left guard in Chase Bisontis. Alongside Freeling, Detroit may have an elite left side of the offensive line for years to come, to go with their NFL-best right tackle in Penei Sewell.
51. CAR - Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. is one of the biggest risers heading into the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. His prowess with the ball in his hands makes his a great complement to 2025 first rounder and Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan.
52. GB - Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
With their first selection in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the Packers address a secondary that struggled at times throughout the 2025 season, adding cornerback Chris Johnson.
53. PIT - A.J. Haulcey, S, LSU
A.J. Haulcey is a very impressive box safety that could be an important piece of a likely nearly fully rebuilt safety room and secondary for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
54. PHI - Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Zion Young has been getting some first-round buzz lately, so it would just make sense that he would fall to the Philadelphia Eagles in the second.
55. LAC - Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
After addressing the offensive line in the first round, the Chargers add a centerpiece for their defense with Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday.
56. JAC - Keionte Scott, DB, Miami
After selecting Travis Hunter in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and trading up to do so, the Jacksonville Jaguars still have a pretty glaring need at cornerback. Even with their plan to have Hunter play primarily on defense in 2026, after adding wide receiver Jakobi Myers last year, Keionte Scott could still start in the slot right away.
57. CHI - LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Having selected defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the first round, the Bears continue to bloster the defensive front, this time with edge rusher LT Overton.
58. SF - Brian Parker II, OL, Duke
After adding a wide receiver in round one, the Niners continue to add to the offense, bringing in Brian Parker II who could truly play at any spot on the offensive line.
59. HOU - Keylan Rutledge, OL, Georgia Tech
The Texans turn their attention to the interior offensive line after adding to the interior defensive line in round one. Keylan Rutledge could start right away at right guard to protect C.J. Stroud.
60. BUF - Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Even after passing on a receiver in round one, the Bills still get a wideout that, in my opinion, is a first-round talent. Chris Brazzell has all the makings of becoming what Buffalo likely had hoped Keon Coleman would be.
61. LAR - Devin Moore, CB, Florida
Going offense with a tackle and quarterback in round one, the Rams add a big cornerback in Devin Moore to bolster their secondary.
62. DEN - Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
The Broncos are still looking for their "JOKER" role, and Eli Stowers could take over as the starting tight end for Evan Engram.
63. NE - Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Romello Height is a very talented, but undersized, edge rusher who could step into a very important role early in his career if the New England Patriots do not retain K'Lavon Chaisson.
64. SEA - Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
If the Seahawks lose Rashid Shaheed to free agency, Chris Bell could fill that down-the-field receiver, and potentially even returner, role when healthy.