2026 NFL Mock Draft – Round 1 (1-16) – Charlie Campbell

Jeremiyah Love


* Walt taking 2014 and 2018
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst
Last update: Monday, March 16, 2026. Round 5 added.
Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell for updates.
Led all NFL media in draft rumor accuracy in ’15, ’16, ’17, ’18, ’20, ’21, and ’22
Led all NFL media in correct picks for the 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024 NFL Drafts.
2nd Place in all NFL media with correct picks for 2021

2026 NFL MOCK DRAFT – WALT’S | CHARLIE’S ROUND: 1
 | 4  | 5

NFL Draft Recent Links:
2026 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 3/17): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2026 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (3/16)
2027 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 2/7): Round 1 /Picks 17-32
Other 2027 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (2/14)
(More links to previous NFL mock drafts at the bottom of this page)


1. NFL Team Logo for Raiders Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Raiders grab their quarterback of the future. With Geno Smith traded, Mendoza is in line to start Week 1 for Las Vegas.

In 2025, Mendoza completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. He had seven rushing touchdowns as well. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder has a quality arm, reads the field well, makes good decisions, and has dangerous pocket passing ability. Mendoza played well for Cal in 2024. He completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Mendoza has good size, and it will be interesting to see how he develops at Indiana.


Click links to see the Raiders' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Raiders' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 3  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 2  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 17  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 34  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 39

2. NFL Team Logo for Jets New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

The Jets grab an upgrade for the middle of their defense that can also contribute as a pass rusher opposite Will McDonald.

In 2025, Reese had 69 tackles with 6.5 sacks, two passes broken up, zero forced fumbles, and zero interceptions. Team sources feel that Reese is a special player as they like his instincts in combination with him being big, athletic, and fast. Reese is a sideline-to-sideline run defender who is tough at the point of attack. He is also capable of dropping into coverage, moves well in zone, and is a dangerous pass rusher. At 6-foot-4. 238 pounds, Reese is a large linebacker with a versatile skill set. In 2024, Reese had 43 tackles with .5 sacks as a rotational backup.


Click links to see the Jets' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 16  |  Click here to jump to the Jets' first second-round pick.  |  Rd: 2 Pk: 12  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 3  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 40  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 43

3. NFL Team Logo for Cardinals Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Cardinals need an upgrade at right tackle. Here’s a bookend to go with Paris Johnson Jr.

The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Fano has a lot of talent and has played well at tackle for the Utes. He has been a versatile tackle with 11 starts at left tackle and 13 at right tackle heading into the 2025 season. For the most part, Fano played on the left side in 2023 and on the right side in 2024. Fano is fast, athletic, and plays with a mean streak. He is a force as a run blocker and shows a lot of athleticism to take away speed rushers. A lot of teams could fall in love with his tape.


Click links to see the Cardinals' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Cardinals' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 1  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 4  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 3

4. NFL Team Logo for Titans Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Tennessee grabs one of the elite talents in the 2026 NFL Draft and a game-changing back to help their young quarterback.

In 2025, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,372 yards with 18 touchdowns. He had 27 catches for 280 yards with three touchdowns receiving, and Love has blocked well in pass protection In 2024, Love had a breakout season for the Fighting Irish, producing a lot of clutch plays to help the Irish reach the National Championship. As a sophomore, Love averaged 6.9 yards per carry for 1,125 yards with 17 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 237 yards. Love has a strong build and is a physical downhill runner. Love is a talented runner with speed and instincts. He reminds me of Nick Chubb at Georgia.


Click links to see the Titans' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Titans' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 2  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 1  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 2  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 4

5. NFL Team Logo for Giants New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Especially with Malik Nabers coming off injury, the Giants could use more receiving talent for Jaxson Dart.

Tyson had 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns while missing some time with injuries. On top of being a good wideout, Tyson has blocked well. Tyson was a dangerous weapon for the Sun Devils in 2024 as he hauled in 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tyson is quick with easy acceleration. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has adequate size and showed big-play ability in 2022, averaging 21.4 yards per reception (22-470-4). Team sources have durability concerns with Tyson, as he missed time with injuries in each season in college.



Click links to see the Giants' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Giants' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 5  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 5

6. NFL Team Logo for Browns Cleveland Browns: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Browns go with best player available, and they could use more safety talent anyway. Cleveland is fortunate to have a shot at Downs.

In 2025, Downs had 68 tackles with two interceptions, two forced fumbles, three passes broken up, and one sack. In 2024, Downs had 76 tackles with six passes broken up and two interceptions. Downs was phenomenal for Alabama in 2023, recording 107 tackles, two interceptions, three passes broken up, and a forced fumble. After the season, he transferred to Ohio State. Downs (6-0, 205) could be a plug-and-play starter and could be a Pro Bowl safety early in his pro career.


Click links to see the Browns' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 24  |  Click here to jump to the Browns' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 6  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 7  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 1  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 6  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 9  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 27

7. NFL Team Logo for Commanders Washington Commanders: David Bailey, DE, Texas Tech

Washington needs some edge rush youth. Bailey would be a great fit for Dan Quinn.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Bailey is a fast edge rusher with serious speed off the ball and the ability to bend around the corner. In 2025, he had 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes batted, and 52 tackles. In 2024, he recorded 31 tackles with seven sacks and five forced fumbles with Stanford. Bailey has natural quarterback hunting ability and could be a riser in the pre-draft workouts.


Click links to see the Commanders' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 3 Pk: 7  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 7

8. NFL Team Logo for Saints New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Saints need more weapons for Tyler Shough. Here’s a receiver that could be a potential No. 1 for New Orleans.

With teammates like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jeremiah Smith, Tate went under the radar, but he is a talented receiver in his own right and showed that in 2025. The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder has good size, runs well enough, and has flashed big-play ability while never being the No. 1 featured receiver. In 2025, Tate had 51 receptions for 875 yards with nine touchdowns. In 2024, Tate had 50 receptions for 698 yards and four touchdowns. Tate flashed as a freshman in 2023, catching 18 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown. Tate has athletic upside and untapped potential.



Click links to see the Saints' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Saints' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 9  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 32  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 36  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 10  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 36

9. NFL Team Logo for Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

The Chiefs need defensive line help, and Bain could give them an edge rush that they have been missing.

Bain had 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. Bain had an excellent freshman season for Miami, totaling 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 44 tackles. At the point of attack, Bain (6-3, 275) is strong and violent. He is tough to set the edge in the ground game, and Bain battles hard on every snap with relentless effort. In the pass rush, he shows some quickness and power, but some team sources feel that Bain is a tweener tackle/end. Bain was injured to start 2024 and didn’t debut until early October. He totaled 23 tackles with 3.5 sacks.


Click links to see the Chiefs' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 29  |  Click here to jump to the Chiefs' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 10  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 9  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 8  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 29  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 40

10. NFL Team Logo for Bengals Cincinnati Bengals: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Bengals could consider a linebacker upgrade, and Styles

In 2025, Styles had 83 tackles, five passes defended, one interception, .5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Styles (6-4, 243) has a lot of talent and started to play up to his potential during the 2024 season. He finished with 100 tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, and five passes broken up. In 2023, he recorded 53 tackles, two sacks, and one pass batted, plus he has been very good in pass coverage. Styles started out as a safety, but was eventually moved to linebacker. Given his size, he fits best as a linebacker in the NFL. Styles is fast, athletic, and versatile. He could be a valuable zone coverage linebacker who is also a sideline-to-sideline run defender. He put his great skill set on display with an amazing NFL Scouting Combine performance.

Click links to see the Bengals' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Bengals' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 8  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 10

11. NFL Team Logo for Dolphins Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Dolphins need offensive line help. Mauigoa could start out at right guard and eventually take over at right tackle for Austin Jackson.

Mauigoa was a star recruit and one of the top players in the nation. After choosing the Hurricanes, Mauigoa has been a starting tackle the past three seasons. The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder has a quality skill set with upside. He is strong at the point of attack, showing the ability to push around defenders and protect on the edge. Some team sources felt he helped himself with good tape late in the season and during the college football playoff.

Click links to see the Dolphins' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 30  |  Click here to jump to the Dolphins' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 11  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 23  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 26  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 30  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 30  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 11

12. NFL Team Logo for Cowboys Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Trevon Diggs was a cap casualty, and the Cowboys could use more cornerback talent. They could target a corner to go with DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel.

Delane had 45 tackles with two interceptions and 11 passes broken up in 2025. Delane is an instinctive defender with a quality skill set for the next level. In 2024, he had four interceptions with seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, and 54 tackles with Virginia Tech. In 2023, he had one interception, one pass batted, and 54 tackles. He had eight breakups with an interception in 2022 as a freshman. The 6-foot-1, 188-pounder has good size to him with upside to continue to get better as he gains experience.


Click links to see the Cowboys' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 20  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 28  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 12  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 12  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 41  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 44

13. NFL Team Logo for Rams Los Angeles Rams: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Rams grab a slot receiver to go with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

In 2025, Lemon played well for the Trojans and was productive. Despite not being big, Lemon (5-11, 190) has done a nice job of winning contested catches. He had 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. Lemon contributed 52 receptions for 764 yards and three touchdowns to the Trojans’ offense in 2024. For the NFL, he might fit best as a slot receiver.



Click links to see the Rams' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Rams' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 29  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 33

14. NFL Team Logo for Ravens Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

The Ravens need help at guard and Ioane could be a plug-and-play ugprade for Baltimore.

The 6-foot-4, 334-pound Ioane is a strong blocker at the point of attack with the ability to generate movement in the ground game. He is also a reliable pass protector. Ioane is explosive, can mirror speed rushers, and plays with physicality with a nasty streak. Ioane looks like a guard for the NFL and probably does not have the length to kick outside to tackle.


Click links to see the Ravens' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Ravens' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 16  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 15  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 14  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 22  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 37  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 38

15. NFL Team Logo for Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zion Young, DE, Missouri

The Bucs need some edge rush youth. Young is a good fit to rush the passer and hep defend the run.

Young had 42 tackles with 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two passes batted, and was among the nation’s leaders in pressures. In 2024, Young had 41 tackles with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The 6-foot-6, 265-pound Young has good size, length, and upside to develop. While Young has good size, he is also quick to close and shows good instincts as a rusher. Young could be a riser throughout the 2026 draft process.


Click links to see the Buccaneers' picks across all rounds:
Click here to jump to the Buccaneers' second-round pick.  |  Rd: 3 Pk: 13  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 16  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 15

16. NFL Team Logo for Jets New York Jets: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Jets grab a replacement for Quinnen Williams.

Woods had 30 tackles with two sacks and a pass batted. Woods got his season off to a strong start against Georgia and was more disruptive than the numbers indicate for Clemson. In 2024, he had three sacks and 26 tackles. Woods (6-3, 315) has upside to be better as he gains experience. He is a quick defender at the point of attack who can fire a gap and create inside pass pressure.



Click links to see the Jets' picks across all rounds:
Rd: 1 Pk: 2  |  Click here to jump to the Jets' first second-round pick.  |  Rd: 2 Pk: 12  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 3  |  Rd: 4 Pk: 40  |  Rd: 5 Pk: 43