The 2025-26 NFL season is over (early readers, enjoy the Super Bowl halftime show) and all 32 teams are now fully focused on the offseason and the 2026 NFL Draft. The Panini Senior Bowl has come and gone, with the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine only a couple of weeks away.
Let’s see how the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft could play out in our latest NFL mock draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders
There is no reason to get cute here. We all know who this pick will be, and there’s no use getting creative. Coming off a Heisman campaign and a dominant CFP run, Fernando Mendoza has checked every box required of a potential No. 1 overall pick. He operates with a level of calmness under pressure that the Raiders have desperately lacked. If Mark Davis and Tom Brady want to finally stabilize the most important position on the field, Mendoza is the only move that makes sense.
2. New York Jets
The Jets shouldn’t force a quarterback here. Instead, they add an instant-impact player who could help keep the current regime intact through 2027. Rueben Bain Jr.’s arm length and measurables have been—and will continue to be—discussed ad nauseam, but his draft stock shouldn’t suffer for it. He’s proven his worth with phenomenal performances in the College Football Playoff. Bain Jr. is explosive off the snap, plays with immense power, has a relentless motor, and offers plenty of upside. He should be the Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite.
3. Arizona Cardinals
All season long, draft analysts have been screaming that Francis Mauigoa is a guard at the NFL level. After a dominant showing throughout the College Football Playoff, those yells are more like whispers now. I believe Mauigoa can hold down the right tackle spot in the NFL just fine and provide a massive upgrade for the Cardinals. New head coach Mike LaFleur will be tasked with quickly elevating Arizona’s offense, and it starts by locking in his bookend tackles: Paris Johnson Jr. and Mauigoa.
4. Tennessee Titans
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
It feels like a lock that the Titans will go defense here with new head coach Robert Saleh in town. While Arvell Reese is still more of a projection as an edge rusher than you’d ideally prefer for a top-five pick, his ceiling is as high as any player in this class. Reese toggled between off-ball linebacker and edge rusher in 2025, but I expect his full pass-rushing capabilities to be unlocked at the NFL level. His blend of size and burst gives him the upside to be a very disruptive pass rusher.
5. New York Giants
Positional value be damned, Caleb Downs would be a perfect fit for the Giants here. New head coach John Harbaugh saw firsthand the impact a hybrid defensive back like Kyle Hamilton had on his defense in Baltimore, and Downs has the potential to provide that same type of influence in New York. He’s an incredibly instinctive player who can thrive anywhere on the field—whether patrolling deep as a center fielder, sliding into the nickel, or flying downhill in run support. Downs also brings the kind of leadership and football IQ that should earn him a captain’s role sooner rather than later, making him a foundational piece for this Giants defense.
6. Cleveland Browns
The Browns should stick to a true best-player-available approach here, with no clear quarterback or left tackle option on the board. David Bailey was a wrecking ball in 2025, leading the nation in pressures while piling up 14.5 sacks. While some will nitpick his frame, his ability to convert elite pass-rushing instincts into consistent sack production is undeniable. Bailey stands as the final top-tier EDGE defender in this class before a significant drop-off at the position.
7. Washington Commanders
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Positional value be damned… oh wait, I used that line already. Dan Quinn’s defense is in serious need of reinforcements, and Sonny Styles brings legitimate high-end potential to the second level. Styles offers a rare blend of energy, versatility, and pass-rush ability, giving Washington a true chess piece on defense. His experience wearing the green dot at Ohio State speaks volumes about his leadership, communication skills, and football IQ—traits that should allow him to step in as an instant starter for the Commanders. While there’s understandable concern about the positional and financial value of drafting a linebacker this high, roster building ultimately comes down to adding good football players. Styles checks every box and has the upside to become a cornerstone of Quinn’s defense.
8. New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough’s meteoric rise late in the season has completely shifted the outlook for Saints fans—and potentially the trajectory of the franchise. With the top-tier edge rushers already off the board, New Orleans would be wise to pivot toward adding a high-end receiving weapon. Makai Lemon looks ready to make an immediate impact. He’s quick out of his breaks, consistently finds soft spots against zone coverage, and plays with impressive physicality at the catch point, giving Shough a reliable target right away alongside Chris Olave.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Whether it’s injuries or off-field issues, there’s simply too much uncertainty in the Chiefs’ wide receiver room to ignore. Jordyn Tyson isn’t just a big-play threat; he’s a polished, precise route runner who can consistently beat any coverage. His ability to line up both outside and in the slot gives Kansas City immediate flexibility. He should produce right away in this offense.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals need an infusion of talent across the entire defense, and addressing the interior defensive line makes sense as a starting point. Peter Woods is already an excellent run defender, but what makes him especially intriguing is his upside as a pass rusher. His athleticism, power, and relentless motor give him the tools to develop into a legitimate interior disruptor on passing downs, adding much-needed versatility and long-term upside to Cincinnati’s defensive front.
11. Miami Dolphins
New Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley needs a true CB1, and the top corner in the class falls right into his lap here. Mansoor Delane was the most complete draft-eligible cornerback in college football this past season, consistently using his physicality and elite football IQ to neutralize receivers. He can excel in both man and zone coverage, stepping in immediately as a starter for Miami.
12. Dallas Cowboys
No matter where I mock Jeremiyah Love, that fanbase gets mad. I don’t expect that to change here. However, with multiple first-round picks, Jerry Jones could decide to take a big swing on a running back here before addressing the defense with pick No. 20. Love is the clear top running back prospect and a game-changer offensively. If the Cowboys don’t re-sign Javonte Williams, Love should be in play here.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)
With Matthew Stafford returning for one more season, the Rams have two clear first-round needs: cornerback and right tackle. Los Angeles addresses the latter here with Spencer Fano, who could slide out of the top 10 due to arm-length concerns. Fano has experience at both tackle spots and offers tremendous upside as a run blocker, along with strong ability in pass protection. Fun fact: he didn’t allow a single sack in 2025.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
The Ravens needed to address the interior of their offensive line, and the potential loss of Tyler Linderbaum in free agency only makes that need more urgent. Olaivavega Ioane is the top pure interior offensive line prospect in this draft and can provide an immediate upgrade at one of the guard spots. He’s a powerful, technically sound player who excels in pass protection and consistently creates running lanes.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jamel Dean is likely gone from Tampa Bay, and the cornerback room needs an influx of talent regardless. Selecting Jermod McCoy is a calculated risk—he missed the entire season recovering from a torn ACL suffered last January. However, when fully healthy, McCoy is arguably the top cover corner in this class. He combines size, athleticism, and ball skills at a very high level. If he regains his pre-injury explosiveness, McCoy has the potential to become a true CB1 in Todd Bowles’ secondary.
16. New York Jets (via IND)
The Jets’ leading receiver had 395 yards last season. Just chew on that for a moment. Garrett Wilson needs a running mate and Carnell Tate can be New York’s top outside receiver. Tate is a versatile, technically sound receiver who just knows how to get open in short-to-intermediate windows. He has that rare ability to pluck the ball out of the air from any angle and be a major asset for whoever is under center for the Jets in 2026.
17. Detroit Lions
Will Taylor Decker retire this offseason? If not, the end is near, and the Lions need a long-term replacement at left tackle. Caleb Lomu can step in immediately. He’s a young, high-ceiling prospect who made significant strides this season in both pass protection and run blocking. He’d be an ideal fit.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Vikings have a glaring need in the secondary, so snatching one of the top cornerbacks here is a no-brainer. Brandon Cisse absolutely dominated this season, showing off elite speed, a great knack for pass breakups, and a true willingness to stick with bigger wide receivers. He’s firmly in the first-round mix and has the talent and profile that could see him finish as the best corner in the entire class. He’s the instant upgrade Minnesota’s defense has been looking for.
19. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have a very weak group of off-ball linebackers, something they must address this offseason. Allen is smart, physical, instinctive in coverage, and a reliable tackler with sound technique. That combination of high-floor fundamentals has been severely missing in Carolina and is exactly what the defense needs to stabilize their linebacker group.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
With a couple more corners and LB2 off the board, it’s now an easy decision for the Cowboys to take the best pass rusher available. Yes, Cashius Howell’s arm length will be a major pre-draft talking point, but the production speaks for itself. He’s explosive off the snap, plays with a relentless motor, and has proven he can consistently produce double-digit sacks at the college level.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers desperately need more outside receiving weapons, regardless of who’s under center in 2026. Denzel Boston brings a large frame and fierce play strength to the outside. He can be a true X receiver—with the ability to play from different alignments as well—with reliable hands and thesize to consistently win jump balls and seal off corners.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers need to get more stout up front, and a Senior Bowl standout would be a great fit here. Caleb Banks can anchor against the run while still holding his own on passing downs. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he moves surprisingly well for his size, as he showed in Mobile.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Zion Young was another Senior Bowl standout and a strong fit for the Eagles’ defense. Philadelphia even met with Young during Senior Bowl week. Some evaluators have compared him to Jaelan Phillips, which would make Young an ideal replacement if Phillips isn’t re-signed. His physical, violent style of play fits perfectly with the identity of the Eagles’ defense. Senior Bowl executive director Drew Fabianich has also compared Young to DeMarcus Lawrence.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
The Browns need a more dynamic receiving corps, no matter who their starting quarterback is in 2026. The best wide receiver left on the board is Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion. Concepcion is supremely talented and really blossomed this season after transferring from NC State to Texas A&M. He’s a RAC monster who has also developed as a deep threat.
25. Chicago Bears
Keldric Faulk may slide a bit on draft day. I’m not entirely sure if his pass-rush upside is intriguing enough to go in the top half of the first round. He’s excellent in the run game, however, and that’s an area where the Chicago Bears need serious improvement. Faulk is a versatile defender who can line up anywhere along the defensive front—from the 5-tech to the 1—while using his size and physicality to win.
26. Buffalo Bills
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, SAF, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has generated a ton of first-round buzz lately. The Toledo safety was on everyone’s radar by mid-season, and given the weakness of the 2026 quarterback class—plus the impact of NIL keeping other late-round options in school—he has a legitimate chance to be a top-32 pick. The Bills need both short- and long-term help at safety. McNeil-Warren is physical over the middle and in run support, long-limbed, and a forced fumble connoisseur.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The future of the San Francisco 49ers’ left tackle position is uncertain, with Trent Williams now 37 and entering the final year of his deal. It’s time to start planning for his successor. Monroe Freeling’s decision to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft a year early adds a fresh name to the first-round conversation. The 21-year-old has the desired length and measurables for the position, and could benefit significantly from a year of mentorship under Williams before taking over the starting job.
28. Houston Texans
Protecting C.J. Stroud needs to be the Houston Texans’ No. 1 priority this offseason and no one’s job should be safe. Kadyn Proctor is solid in pass protection and a mauler in the run game with plenty of size and starting experience. His positives will only be accentuated should he move inside to guard, which I’m projecting here.
29. Los Angeles Rams
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
After addressing the right tackle spot earlier in this mock draft, it’s time to add to the cornerback room. Colton Hood makes up for his lack of size (6-foot, 195 pounds) with aggressiveness and pure “want-to.” Hood is instinctive and excels in zone coverage, but can also hold his own in man. If he can clean up some of his grabbiness (this showed up at the Senior Bowl, too), he has the potential to develop into a long-term starter.
30. Denver Broncos
The Evan Engram experiment simply did not work in 2025. Finding an all-around tight end in 2026 should be a high priority for Sean Payton. Kenyon Sadiq is an explosive, elite athlete who brings game-changing speed to the position. He can line up all over the formation and is a refined blocker in the run game. Sadiq has the potential to step in immediately as a primary pass-catching option while also helping clear running lanes for the Broncos’ backfield.
31. New England Patriots
T.J. Parker’s draft stock has been all over the place over the last six months. He was once considered a top-10 lock, but after a tough final season at Clemson, some thought he’d slip out of the first round altogether. However, following a strong Senior Bowl week, there is positive momentum on his side again. The Patriots need to bolster their EDGE group, and Parker’s ability to lock down the run and generate pressure with power moves makes him a potential high-floor addition.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Seahawks need fresh talent in their cornerback room, as only Devon Witherspoon and Nehemiah Pritchett are currently under contract for the 2026 season. Avieon Terrell—the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons standout A.J. Terrell—is a physical, sticky man-coverage corner who could step in as an immediate starter for Seattle.
What did you think of the latest version of Jaime Eisner’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft? Let us know what you think on Twitter and Instagram. Stay tuned next week for the next edition of TDN’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft series.
