- The Rams trade up and take care of their future: The Rams got a gift last year when they traded back with Atlanta and picked up a future first that now sits in the top 10, and there may be no better use of it than going all-in to secure their quarterback of the future. They’d likely need to part with at least their two first-round picks to move up to No. 1.
- Cowboys target star playmakers: Jeremiyah Love is a total-package, three-down back who brings difference-making ability as both a rusher and receiver. Romello Height is a late bloomer and more of a designated pass-rusher, but his 20.7% pass-rush win rate is one of the best marks in the class.
- Get PFF+ for 30% off: Use promo code HOLIDAY30 to unlock the PFF Player Prop Tool, Premium Stats, fantasy dashboards, the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, industry-leading fantasy rankings and much more — everything you need to win your season.
With Week 14 in the books, wins by the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints have shaken up the top of the draft order, creating a brand new landscape for 2026 NFL Draft projections. Here’s how a fresh mock draft could look come April if this order holds.
As you follow along, you can explore Trevor Sikkema’s full top-300 big board inside the PFF Big Board Tool, giving you every grade and data point you need on the class. Then build out your own rankings with the fully customizable Big Board Builder or run endless draft scenarios in the Mock Draft Simulator.
Through the holidays, get 30% off a PFF+ subscription with code HOLIDAY30.
1. *TRADE* LOS ANGELES RAMS (VIA NYG): QB FERNANDO MENDOZA, INDIANA
- Record (NYG): 2-11
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker (NYG): 0.534
- Potential 2026 Needs (LAR): QB, OL, WR
I have yet to do a mock draft with trades, but now that we’re into December, it’s hard to believe the New York Giants’ best plan for the 2026 NFL Draft involves staying at No. 1 overall — not with Mendoza playing like a quarterback who could command that spot from a team desperate for help under center.
The Rams got a gift last year when they traded back with Atlanta and picked up a future first that now sits in the top 10, and there may be no better use of it than going all-in to secure their quarterback of the future. They’d likely need to part with at least their two first-round picks to move up to No. 1.
2. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: QB DANTE MOORE, OREGON
- Record: 2-11
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.548
- Potential 2026 Needs: QB, DB, WR
Las Vegas must find a new quarterback option for 2026, whether Geno Smith is on the roster or not. Moore’s accuracy and ball placement have been outstanding for a quarterback in his first year as a full-time starter. He’s young and very promising, and with the Raiders now sitting at No. 2, they have a legitimate shot at landing him.
3. Tennessee Titans: EDGE ARVELL REESE, OHIO STATE
- Record: 2-11
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.573
- Potential 2026 Needs: EDGE, CB, OT
The Titans’ Week 14 win over the Browns might prove costly, as they not only fell out of the top spot but also dropped out of No. 2, which could eliminate their trade-down options.
Reese is a hybrid on-ball/off-ball linebacker, so his numbers and grades won’t jump off the screen because of how many roles he plays in a given game. But he’s explosive and twitchy with serious pound-for-pound strength, allowing him to stack and shed offensive linemen who often outweigh him by 60 or more pounds. His most impactful NFL role should come off the edge. His draft conversation will mirror last year’s discussion around Georgia’s Jalon Walker — and I like Reese more than I did Walker.
4. CLEVELAND BROWNS: WR JORDYN TYSON, ARIZONA STATE
- Record: 3-10
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.486
- Potential 2026 Needs: QB, OL, WR
Coming off a very promising game — albeit in a loss against the Titans — let’s say Shedeur Sanders shows the Browns enough to avoid a massive trade-up for a quarterback at No. 1 and instead explore a draft strategy that doesn’t involve taking one.
When healthy, Tyson is an absolute stud. He has a separation rate above the 80th percentile against both zone and man, and he would immediately step in as WR1 for the Browns. The concern, however, is that Tyson has been injured in all four years of his college career, and that will cloud his draft range.
5. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: ED RUEBEN BAIN JR., MIAMI
- Record: 3-10
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.498
- Potential 2026 Needs: EDGE, WR, IOL
With the Saints’ win over the Buccaneers, they drop a few spots in the draft order, but they still land a premium player here. Over a two-year sample, Bain has earned elite grades as both a run defender (90.7) and a pass rusher (90.6). At 6-foot-3 and between 270 and 280 pounds, he can play nearly every spot along the defensive line, and his high-percentile size is something the Saints have gravitated toward in the past with their defensive linemen.
6. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: ED CASHIUS HOWELL, TEXAS A&M
- Record: 3-10
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.511
- Potential 2026 Needs: EDGE, CB, LB
The Commanders defense is in a bad place right now, and it starts up front. Howell will face plenty of skepticism about his draft range, given his very short arms for the position, yet he has earned pass-rush grades above 90.0 in three straight seasons, with win rates above 19.0% over that same span.
7. NEW YORK JETS: WR MAKAI LEMON, USC
- Record: 3-10
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.541
- Potential 2026 Needs: QB, WR, DT
Even if Jordyn Tyson were still on the board, if the Jets were the team taking the first wide receiver in this draft, I bet it would be Lemon. What Lemon may lack in overall size and straight-line athleticism, he more than makes up for with quickness, football IQ and competitiveness in every area — contested catches, blocking, yards after the catch and more. He has the mentality of a receiver Aaron Glenn would pound the table for to complement Garrett Wilson.
8. ARIZONA CARDINALS: OT FRANCIS MAUIGOA, MIAMI
- Record: 3-10
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.570
- Potential 2026 Needs: QB, OT, IOL
Mauigoa plays right tackle for the Canes and carries strong grades in power run blocking, which fits exactly what the Cardinals need. Arizona must upgrade its offensive line from what it has seen in 2025, and Mauigoa can help at either tackle or guard.
9. *TRADE* NEW YORK GIANTS (VIA ATL, LAR): WR CARNELL TATE, OHIO STATE
- Record (ATL): 4-9
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker (ATL): 0.502
- Potential 2026 Needs (NYG): WR, CB, LB
Outside of limited snaps in the Grambling game early in the year, Tate doesn’t have a single-game receiving grade below 72.0. He’s as consistent as they come with refined route running and strong hands, and his addition would form an outstanding duo with Malik Nabers in New York.
10. CINCINNATI BENGALS: DT PETER WOODS, CLEMSON
- Record: 4-9
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.523
- Potential 2026 Needs: EDGE, DT, IOL
The Bengals have drafted a defensive lineman in the top 50 in each of the last three drafts, yet they still need more impact along the front. Woods didn’t deliver the season his potential suggests, but his ceiling remains very high. Safety Caleb Downs could also be a strong possibility here, depending on how Cincinnati views first-round value at the position.
11. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: S CALEB DOWNS, OHIO STATE
- Record: 5-8
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.523
- Potential 2026 Needs: RB, DB, DT
Downs is one of the best players in this draft class and will likely be a consensus top-five prospect on big boards. But how high do you draft a safety? Kyle Hamilton went No. 14 overall, and Antoine Winfield Jr. was a second-round pick — and both are among the best in the league.
Minnesota could easily covet a player like Downs, especially given how versatile he would be on the back end of a Brian Flores defense.
12. MIAMI DOLPHINS: TE KENYON SADIQ, OREGON
- Record: 6-7
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.482
- Potential 2026 Needs: CB, IOL, TE
Cornerback would be tempting here, especially with Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy still on the board. But with Tyreek Hill suffering a major knee injury, it has become clear the Dolphins don’t have enough around Jaylen Waddle in the passing game. Sadiq hasn’t stuffed the stat sheet this season, but his athletic potential and versatility should still be prioritized. He’s impressive as a blocker and has posted separation rates above the 90th percentile both overall and against single coverage, showing he’s getting open even if the Ducks’ offense doesn’t run through him.
13. BALTIMORE RAVENS: DT KAYDEN McDONALD, OHIO STATE
- Record: 6-7
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.509
- Potential 2026 Needs: EDGE, CB, DT
I don’t usually love using a top-20 first-round pick on a non-pass-rushing defensive tackle, but for the Ravens and McDonald, I’m making an exception. Baltimore’s issues on the interior of its defensive line need to be addressed, and the 6-foot-3, 330-pound McDonald has earned a 92.3 run-defense grade this season.
14 . KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: CB JERMOD McCOY, TENNESSEE
- Record: 6-7
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.511
- Potential 2026 Needs: RB, CB, TE
The Chiefs have struggled in the secondary this season, and Jaylen Watson and Josh Williams are set to hit free agency. They drafted Nohl Williams last year, and he could step into one of those outside spots, but if they have a chance to land a player with McCoy’s size-speed-talent profile, I could see them taking it.
McCoy hasn’t played this year due to an ACL tear, but if the medicals check out on his recovery (and if he declares), he brings true one-on-one coverage ability, highlighted by his 89.5 coverage grade as a sophomore in 2024. Running back — such as Jeremiyah Love — could also be an option, but Kansas City can address that later. It’s much tougher to do that at cornerback.
15. DALLAS COWBOYS: RB JEREMIYAH LOVE, NOTRE DAME
- Record: 6-6-1
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.447
- Potential 2026 Needs: RB, S, EDGE
Love is a total-package, three-down back who brings difference-making ability as both a rusher and receiver. He has earned rushing grades above 85.0 behind both man/gap and zone schemes and has forced an impressive 56 missed tackles this season. His draft range starts in the top 10, but if he makes it to the Cowboys, I can see them sprinting the card in.
16. CAROLINA PANTHERS: LB SONNY STYLES, OHIO STATE
- Record: 7-6
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.516
- Potential 2026 Needs: LB, IOL, S
Like safety, linebacker in the first round can be a touchy subject because plenty of starters across the league weren’t acquired with premium picks or salary-cap resources. You can make an exception for Sonny Styles. The former safety now sits around 245 pounds and has outstanding instincts in both run defense (90.3) and coverage (87.7). He has often been asked to operate as the lone second-level defender in Ohio State’s defense and has produced very few negative plays in that role. He’s worth a top-20 pick in this year’s class.
17. DETROIT LIONS: ED DAVID BAILEY, TEXAS TECH
- Record: 8-5
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: .498
- Potential 2026 Needs: EDGE, CB, IOL
Bailey might be in the Nik Bonitto mold, but let’s be honest — every team in the NFL would love a Bonitto-type player. Bailey brings that same designated pass-rush ability, posting a 95.0 pass-rush grade on true pass sets with a 21.6% pass-rush win rate this season.
18. NEW YORK JETS (VIA IND): DT CHRISTEN MILLER, GEORGIA
- Record (IND): 8-5
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker (IND): 0.518
- Potential 2026 Needs (NYJ): QB, WR, DT
After grabbing a wide receiver in the top 10, the Jets could turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball, specifically the interior, where they are still trying to fill the void left after the Quinnen Williams trade. Miller isn’t the pass rusher Williams was, but he is a stout, reliable run defender with an 88.3 run-defense grade this season. He also owns a pass-rush win rate above 11.0%.
19. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: WR DENZEL BOSTON, WASHINGTON
- Record: 7-6
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.511
- Potential 2026 Needs: QB, WR, CB
The Steelers need to figure out their 2026 quarterback situation first and foremost. But with Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore now off the board, and with it feeling increasingly likely that Arch Manning and Ty Simpson return to school, I’ll have them addressing another major offensive need at wide receiver. The Steelers have had no dependable option outside of D.K. Metcalf this season, and that’s exactly what the smooth-moving 6-foot-4, 210-pound Boston can be for them. He has earned an 87.1 receiving grade this season with an impressive 89.8 receiving grade against man coverage.
20. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: ED T.J. PARKER, CLEMSON
- Record: 7-6
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.514
- Potential 2026 Needs: LB, EDGE, CB
The Bucs would love to get their hands on linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State if he falls to them, but he didn’t in this scenario — and he’s likely the only first-round linebacker they’d consider. They also have a major need for a true one-on-one pass-rush winner off the edge. It hasn’t been the best year for Parker, but at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, with run-defense and pass-rush grades above 76.0 and a 15.4% pass-rush win rate, Tampa Bay will take that kind of all-around player.
21. HOUSTON TEXANS: OG VEGA IOANE, PENN STATE
- Record: 8-5
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.541
- Potential 2026 Needs: IOL, RB, DT
The Texans’ offensive line has looked better at times since the start of the season, but they shouldn’t take these past few games with a makeshift group and assume everything is fixed. Ioane was one of the best pass-protecting offensive linemen in college football this past season, earning a 90.9 pass-blocking grade on true pass sets.
22. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: OT KADYN PROCTOR, ALABAMA
- Record: 8-4
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.466
- Potential 2026 Needs (NYJ): IOL, DT, CB
The Chargers’ offensive line has been a letdown this season, even with the context of their two starting tackles missing most of the year. Proctor, the super-sized tackle for the Tide, plays left tackle in college, but I like him best as an interior player due to his potential as a people-mover and his ability to hold up when he can fight defenders in a phone booth.
23. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: CB MANSOOR DELANE, LSU
- Record: 8-4
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.489
- Potential 2026 Needs: TE, IOL CB
The Eagles have two stud cornerbacks in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, but whoever has filled the third cornerback spot has been picked on over the past two years. If they were able to snag Delane, who earned an 89.1 coverage grade in the SEC this past season, to complete their nickel cornerback trio, it would give them a top-tier unit.
24. CHICAGO BEARS: S A.J. HAULCY, LSU
- Record: 9-4
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.448
- Potential 2026 Needs: EDGE, S, CB
The Bears defense has been incredible this season with a league-best 27 takeaways. But their two starting safeties, Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, are set to hit free agency. If they don’t bring one or both back, they could look to that spot if a player like Haulcy is available. He delivers big hit power and has some of the best instincts at the position, highlighted by a 12.8% forced incompletion rate.
25. BUFFALO BILLS: EDGE JOSHUA JOSEPH, TENNESSEE
- Record: 9-4
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.468
- Potential 2026 Needs: WR, EDGE, LB
The Bills need a true WR1, but with those options off the board, they could pivot to the defensive line. Joseph has earned a 91.2 pass-rush grade on true pass sets this season with a 20.6% pass-rush win rate. That’s the kind of juice they need up front.
26. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: KC CONCEPCION, TEXAS A&M
- Record: 9-4
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.498
- Potential 2026 Needs (NYJ): WR, IOL, EDGE
Without Deebo Samuel, it feels like the 49ers are missing that go-to yards after catch receiver. They are using running back Christian McCaffrey a lot for that, but it’s not quite the same as scheming things up for a receiver. Concepcion is averaging more than 7.0 yards after the catch this year and has that kind of acceleration and athleticism.
27. CLEVELAND BROWNS (VIA JAX): OT CALEB LOMU, UTAH
- Record (JAX): 9-4
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker (JAX): 0.495
- Potential 2026 Needs (CLV): QB, OL, WR
After landing a difference-making wide receiver near the top of the draft, the Browns must shift their focus to the offensive line. Additions at either offensive tackle or the interior would be welcome. Lomu is a young, ascending tackle prospect with all the physical tools to develop into a starter.
28. DALLAS COWBOYS (VIA GB): EDGE ROMELLO HEIGHT, TEXAS TECH
- Record (GB): 9-3-1
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker (GB): 0.475
- Potential 2026 Needs (DAL): RB, S, EDGE
The Cowboys’ defensive line has improved as the season has progressed — adding Quinnen Williams certainly helps. Height is a late bloomer and more of a designated pass-rusher, but his 20.7% pass-rush win rate is one of the best marks in the class.
29. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: OG GENNINGS DUNKER, IOWA
- Record: 10-3
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.484
- Potential 2026 Needs: CB, IOL, WR
There aren’t many spots where I would put Dunker in the first round, especially since I believe he’ll need to move inside to guard to be an impact starter in the league. But he’d fit like a glove in Seattle’s zone-blocking scheme. He has an 86.0 run-blocking grade on zone concepts this season.
30. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: DT CALEB BANKS, FLORIDA
- Record: 11-2
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.376
- Potential 2026 Needs: EDGE, OT, DT
Banks was viewed as a top-20 player before the season began, but he has missed most of the year due to a foot injury. As long as that recovery checks out, the 6-foot-6, 330-pound defensive lineman should still be a top-32 pick thanks to his rare combination of explosiveness and power.
31. *TRADE* NEW YORK GIANTS (VIA LAR): CB AVEION TERRELL, CLEMSON
- Record (LAR): 10-3
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker (LAR): 0.518
- Potential 2026 Needs (NYG): WR, CB, LB
After landing a difference-making wide receiver with their first of two selections in Round 1 via their trade with the Rams, I have the Giants turning to cornerback. Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, is on the smaller side at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, but he’s feisty and physical, evidenced by his eight forced fumbles in college. He can play inside or outside, similar to Andru Phillips.
32. DENVER BRONCOS: C.J. ALLEN, GEORGIA
- Record: 11-2
- Strength of Schedule Tiebreaker: 0.436
- Potential 2026 Needs: LB, TE, OT
The Broncos are one of the most talented teams in the league, as evidenced by their league-best record right now. Linebacker could be an area for them to target at the back end of the first round, given how strong this 2026 linebacker group appears. C.J. Allen is a physical, true middle linebacker who has earned an elite 91.0 run-defense grade this season.
