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

Unless Tyler Shough impresses as a rookie, New Orleans will be looking for a true franchise quarterback.

Manning has flashed his excellent skill set in relief work for Quinn Ewers in 2024. Manning completed 68 percent of his passes for 939 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had two rushing touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder could be a riser for the 2026 NFL Draft after he takes over as the full-time starter in 2025.

The Titans could target more young talent for their defense.

Faulk was a beast for Auburn in 2024, with a big-time presence behind the line of scrimmage. He had seven sacks, 45 tackles, and one forced fumble. He has shown speed and power as a pass rusher while being a big-bodied lineman to defend the run. The 6-foot-6, 288-pounder has upside to develop as he gains experience.

The Browns grab a left tackle upgrade.

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 two seasons. The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder has an excellent skill set with size, quickness, athleticism, and strength.

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The Browns could be looking at some attrition at cornerback. Here’s a young talent to build around for the long-term.

In 2024, Jackson had 51 tackles with seven passes defended and two interceptions. Jackson (6-1, 190) has a good skill set and potential to rise. Jackson did not become the star he was expected to be at USC, but he could blossom at Alabama. He had 32 tackles with three passes defended in 2023.

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Carolina’s defense will likely get shredded again in 2025. They need some difference makers in each position group, and could go the route of taking the best defensive player available. That could lead them to taking Downs high in the first round as he is one of the best prospects in the 2026 draft class.

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) has the potential to be a star prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Giants grab a cornerback upgrade.

The 6-foot, 190-pound McCoy had an excellent sophomore season with 44 tackles, four interceptions, and seven passes broken up. He played well in 2023 with 31 tackles, two interceptions, and seven breakups. McCoy is an instinctive corner with good ball skills and a willing tackler.

The Bears add an edge rusher to go with Montez Sweat.

Parker has had a breakout sophomore season for the Tigers, accumulating 57 tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles in 2024. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound player possesses excellent size and impressive instincts for his age. In his freshman season, Parker recorded 5.5 sacks and 33 tackles.

The Raiders need a No. 1 receiver to pair with Brock Bowers.

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 fast with easy acceleration. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has adequate size and showed some serious speed and explosiveness in 2022 when he averaged 21.4 yards per reception (22-470-4)

The Cowboys could use a long-term answer at running back.

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.

The Dolphins add a long-term left tackle.

Overall, Proctor played well in 2023 as a freshman. Except for struggling against Michigan in the college football playoff, Proctor was generally reliable in protecting Jalen Milroe. Proctor (6-7, 360) is a massive lef tackle who could also be a right tackle candidate in the NFL. Sources from Alabama have said that Proctor has make-up and character concerns.

The Patriots could consider adding more young edge rush talent.

Uiagalelei was a beast for the Ducks in 2024, recording 10.5 sacks with two forced fumbles, one interception, one pass batted, and 38 tackles. The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder has good size, strength, and athleticism.

The Jets grab a franchise quarterback.

Sellers (6-3, 242) has a big-time skill set and could be a breakout star in 2024 or 2025. In 2024, Sellers completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,534 yards with 18 touchdown passes, seven interceptions, and seven rushing touchdowns.

The Colts grab some defensive tackle youth.

Woods got his season off to a strong start against Georgia, and he has been disruptive for Clemson. In 2024, he had three sacks and 26 tackles. Woods (6-3, 315) has upside to be better in 2025.

The Rams grab a quarterback to groom and prepare as Matthew Stafford is finishing out his career.

Gulbeau showed impressive coverage skills in 2024, blanketing receivers to keep them from getting open. In 2024, he had 58 tackles with three passes broken up. The 6-foot, 190-pounder

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The Vikings take a replacement for Harrison Smith.

Sabb has been a tough defender for Alabama in 2024. He had 39 tackles with two interceptions and four passes broken up. As a Michigan Wolverine in 2023, Sabb had 28 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes broken up.

The Seahawks grab more linebacker talent and upgrade for the middle of their defense.

Hill (6-3, 235) was impressive as a true freshman in 2023, and it looked like he was scratching the surface of his ability. He totaled 67 tackles with five sacks, one forced fumble, and two passes defended. In 2024, Hill had 113 tackles with eight sacks, one pass broken up, and an interception.