The NFL Divisional Round has concluded, and with just three games left in the NFL season, it’s time for my first 2026 NFL mock draft of the year. Let’s go.
2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana)
The Raiders are picking No. 1 for a reason, and the clear-cut QB1 in this class is Fernando Mendoza. He doesn’t have elite tools such as a massive arm or eye-popping speed, but he’ll win above the shoulders. It’ll be intriguing to see who his head coach will be in Las Vegas.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese (LB – Ohio State)
Without Dante Moore, the quarterback-needy Jets opt for perhaps the best defensive player in the draft in the versatile Arvell Reese. In college, he came off the edge and played off-ball, and the Jets have needs in both areas.
The Aaron Glenn-led football Jets were last in the NFL in pressures with 164. The Jets used their first-round pick last year on an offensive lineman. Glenn gets a defensive player to work with this year.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Arvell Reese
3. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano (OL – Utah)
This is a prime trade-down spot for the Cardinals, but since I’m not doing trades in this mock draft, I’ll pick an offensive lineman for the Cardinals in Spencer Fano. Ideally, the Cardinals would trade down a few spots, get some more capital and draft him a bit later, though.
As for Fano as a prospect, he moves extremely well, but he’s a bit slender, build-wise, for an offensive lineman. Worst-case scenario, Fano is a “set-it-and-forget-it” guard for years to come.
4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE – Miami)
The conversation around Rueben Bain Jr. is his arm length, but he is simply a destructive force off the edge who will help add power to the Titans’ pass rush.
5. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson (WR – Arizona State)
This spot, like the Cardinals, is another potential trade-down spot where I’d target Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa, but I’m taking the best receiver in the draft in Jordyn Tyson.
Tyson does have the two injuries in 2022 and 2024 that ended his seasons, but if those medicals come back clean, Tyson will be a perfect No. 2 WR alongside Malik Nabers in an offense with Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, under new head coach John Harbaugh.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jordyn Tyson
6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate (WR – Ohio State)
Carnell Tate has often been overshadowed by other excellent Ohio State wide receivers like Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith, but he’ll bring an immediate “high-floor” presence to the Browns’ offense in a season that appears to be headed toward Shedeur Sanders as the full-time starting quarterback.
The team might as well give Sanders another weapon.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Carnell Tate
7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs (S – Ohio State)
While safety may not be the most alluring position to take in the top 10, Caleb Downs may very well be the best overall player from this class. The Commanders get an easy win here at pick No. 7.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Downs
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon (WR – USC)
Makai Lemon is reminiscent of former USC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Alongside Chris Olave, this would be an excellent duo for a Saints team that appears to have found some potential in quarterback Tyler Shough.
Another option here is running back Jeremiyah Love.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Makai Lemon
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love (RB – Notre Dame)
The Chiefs’ running game was borderline unwatchable in 2025. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL, handing the ball or dumping it off to one of the best running back prospects in recent memory is a great move.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jeremiyah Love
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Francis Mauigoa (OT – Miami)
The Bengals’ offensive line needs to keep throwing darts at top prospects until something hits. The No. 1 priority is keeping quarterback Joe Burrow upright.
11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy (CB – Tennessee)
The Dolphins desperately need some answers in the secondary, and while Jermod McCoy didn’t play in 2025 due to a torn ACL, he may be healthy enough to compete at the NFL Scouting Combine, where, if healthy, he’ll show how excellent an athlete he is. In 2024, McCoy showed excellent ball skills, and the Dolphins could use someone like that.
12. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey (EDGE – Texas Tech)
David Bailey played at Stanford from 2022 to 2024. While he flashed in a more limited role, he had a fantastic 2025 campaign with the College Football Playoff-bound Red Raiders. He recorded 81 pressures and 14.5 sacks. He’s a bit undersized, having been listed at 238 pounds by Stanford in 2024, but perhaps he’s bulked up since then.
Still, Bailey is an excellent athlete and will be great at getting after the passer.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Mansoor Delane (CB – LSU)
I’d like to see the Rams get a bigger cornerback to complement their current room. However, Mansoor Delane brings so much positional versatility that he’d be excellent under head coach Sean McVay in a defense that needs more defensive back talent.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Kadyn Proctor (OL – Alabama)
Kadyn Proctor seemingly makes perfect sense for the Ravens, especially with Derrick Henry coming out of the backfield. He’s an absolute monster at 6-foot-7 and nearly 370 pounds.
I see Proctor eventually taking over for Ronnie Stanley at left tackle someday.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles (LB – Ohio State)
With Lavonte David set to be a free agent and turning 36 later this month, the Buccaneers could look for a linebacker replacement in Sonny Styles. A Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List alum, Styles started his career at Ohio State as a safety, so he’ll offer positional versatility and fit the modern game.
I’d bring back David, so long as he wants to continue playing, and have him mentor Styles as he learns the position further. I also considered offensive line in this spot.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Sonny Styles
16. New York Jets: Peter Woods (DL – Clemson)
After trading Quinnen Williams, the Jets reload with Peter Woods, a player who didn’t have the best season, but who has all the tools to help replace some of the production lost in the Williams trade.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Peter Woods
17. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk (EDGE – Auburn)
The Lions need a Robin to go with their Batman in Aidan Hutchinson. Keldrick Faulk can play in various spots along the defensive line. For a Lions team that needs more pass-rushing help, Faulk feels safe.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell (CB – Clemonson)
The Vikings have two cornerbacks ready to go for next season in Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr., but neither (more so Murphy) played exceptionally well this season.
Avieon Terrell would be perfect in a Brian Flores-led defense due to his aggressive play style. He’d platoon as a rookie, but could take over an outside spot full-time with Rodgers a free agent in the 2026-27 season.
19. Carolina Panthers: Kayden McDonald (iDL – Ohio State)
Kayden McDonald, in the middle of the defensive line next to Derrick Brown, would be fantastic. He’ll step in on Day 1 and be a fantastic run defender, which is needed for a Panthers defense that ranked 21st in rushing defense, allowing 122.9 rushing yards per game.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kayden McDonald
20. Dallas Cowboys: KC Concepcion (WR – Texas A&M)
If the Cowboys are unable to retain George Pickens, KC Concepcion would be a fantastic backup plan to complement CeeDee Lamb. He had some drop issues in college, but if he works out those kinks, he’ll be incredible against man coverage and electric with the ball in his hands.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Caleb Lomu (OT – Utah)
Broderick Jones just hasn’t worked out in Pittsburgh, and it’s time to take someone like Caleb Lomu, who may have a bit more development ahead of him. He’s an excellent athlete; however, and should shine as a pass protector under the right coaching.
While Mike Tomlin may no longer be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach, the organization has a long track record of bringing in strong coaching candidates, which will be great for Lomu.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane (OG – Penn State)
The Chargers need offensive line help. Yes, losing both Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater didn’t help, but if they stay healthy and Olaivavega Ioane is also in there as a guard, this should be a fantastic offensive line protecting quarterback Justin Herbert for years to come.
Ioane was excellent against Ohio State this season, allowing zero sacks or pressure on 34 snaps.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: T.J. Parker (EDGE – Clemson)
The Eagles could bring back Jaelan Phillips, but in the event they don’t, T.J. Parker could be an option for them. That said, it’s also possible Parker goes much higher than this.
Parker took a step back in production this season with five sacks compared to 11 in 2024, but he would thrive on an Eagles defensive line where multiple other players will demand attention. He has a skill set that should immediately translate to the NFL.
24. Cleveland Browns: Gennings Dunker (OL – Iowa)
Gennings Dunker may need some refining at the NFL level, but he’s so powerful that I feel he fits the AFC North brand of football.
25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks (iDL – Florida)
Andrew Billings and Chris Williams are free agents, and not only that, but Billings had a terrible season. Caleb Banks can line up anywhere along the defensive line, and his explosiveness should help the Bears’ interior.
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston (WR – Washington)
The Bills need, need, need a true alpha No. 1 WR-like presence, and Denzel Boston is that and then some at 6-foot-4. He’s in the mold of a Drake London or Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Allen desperately needs someone like him.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Cashius Howell (EDGE – Texas A&M)
Cashius Howell played at Texas A&M over the past two seasons and had excellent production this year, recording 14 sacks. He recorded 8.5 in 2024 and 10.5 in 2023 with Bowling Green.
Howell has a high motor and should be an excellent addition opposite Nick Bosa on a 49ers defensive line that, after losing him, couldn’t generate much pressure.
28. Houston Texans: Christen Miller (DL – Georgia)
The Texans have numerous defensive linemen hitting free agency, such as Sheldon Rankins and Tim Settle. Adding Christen Miller helps replenish those losses. At the moment, though, he’s a limited pass-rusher.
That said, Miller would be heading to a great spot to develop under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Colton Hood (CB – Tennessee)
Yes, the Rams took Mansoor Delane earlier, but I’d double up if I’m the Rams, as you can never have too many defensive backs. Colton Hood is 6-foot-0, and he makes plays on the football, breaking up five passes and picking off one this past season.
With Delane’s versatility and Hood’s presence outside, these are two great assets for the Rams’ weakest area.
30. New England Patriots: Mason Thomas (EDGE – Oklahoma)
The Patriots were middle of the pack in pressures this season, and K’Lavon Chaisson is set to hit the open market after having a career year. Assuming they’re unable to bring him back, Mason Thomas’ explosiveness could be a nice way to make up for it.
That said, we’ll see if Thomas’ ankle injuries are cleared. It remains to be seen if his size will be a detriment to his draft stock.
31. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq (TE – Oregon)
Kenyon Sadiq will likely go far earlier than this. However, Sadiq in a Sean Payton-led offense could be something beautiful to watch — especially alongside former Oregon teammate Bo Nix.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kenyon Sadiq
32. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Bell (WR – Louisville)
Chris Bell’s torn ACL in November will likely hold him back from being a first-round pick. Understandably so. However, his rare combination of height, weight and speed opposite Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be fantastic to watch.
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