2026 NFL Mock Draft V1

Prospect Rank: 4th
Position Rank: 1st

The Raiders finally hold the No. 1 pick after years of quarterback instability, and in a thin class they’re poised to bet on Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. The Cal-to-Indiana transfer erupted in 2025, showcasing sharp field vision, precision in the short and intermediate game, and one of the most catchable balls in college football. His 41 touchdowns and 133.2 NFL passer rating led all FBS quarterbacks and appears to be a lock atop the draft.

Prospect Rank: 5th
Position Rank: 2nd

With the Jets in complete rebuild mode – once again – they shouldn’t force a reach on a quarterback here. Arvell Reese is amongst the most gifted players in this class irrespective of position. He has enormous upside as an explosive hybrid defender who can play off-ball LB, or rush off the edge. In this writer’s opinion, another year in college might have helped his game as he’s a one-year breakout whose production dipped late, but he still profiles as a top-5 pick in a weak class. Reese could follow a Micah Parsons-style path as a disruptive hybrid edge/off-ball playmaker.

Prospect Rank: 1st
Position Rank: 1st
Blue-Chip Prospect

The Cardinals fielded one of the league’s weakest rushing attacks last season, failing to produce a single 400-yard rusher. They’ve leaned on James Conner’s physicality for years, but he’s aging, injury-prone, and offers little explosiveness. What this offense has lacked is a true home-run threat — and Jeremiyah Love brings exactly that. Love is this class’s premier blue-chip running back and arguably the most complete prospect at the position since Saquon Barkley. NFL evaluators, per Charlie Campbell, even grade him above Ashton Jeanty. He’s powerfully built, runs with downhill violence, and pairs that with rare acceleration, sharp vision, and scheme-versatile instincts in both zone and gap concepts. He’s electric in the outside zone, slippery in space, and brings real value as a receiver. No prospect is a sure thing, but Love profiles to be a superstar at the next level. In a weak class, positional value can mean so much.

Prospect Rank: 3rd
Position Rank: 1st
Blue-Chip Prospect

The Titans have holes everywhere, but fixing the pass rush sits at the top of the list. David Bailey is exactly the kind of tone-setter they need. After transferring from Stanford to Texas Tech, he absolutely wrecked opposing offenses in his senior season—leading the FBS in pressures (81), sacks (14.5), pass-rush grade (93.9), and overall PFF grade (93.1). He’s built to thrive in a 3-4, but his frame mirrors Micah Parsons almost exactly, and his physicality for his build should allow him to play in a 4-3 as well. He’s been a top-two edge rusher in college football for two straight years and, in this writer’s view, is a blue-chip prospect better than the more hyped Arvell Reese with perennial double-digit sack potential.

Prospect Rank: 12th
Position Rank: 1st

The Giants need offensive line and receiver support badly and is partly dependent on whether they re-sign Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle (of note – the Ravens waived and then traded him away under Harbaugh’s watch at Baltimore). In this writer’s view, the top-10 is too early for either Mauigoa or Fano – on paper – but if the Giants are convinced Mauigoa or Fano will fix their right tackle position for the next ten years, then either would be a forgivable pick at this juncture. In an underwhelming offensive line class, Mauigoa offers as much NFL readiness as any prospect, bringing strong pass protection and run-blocking traits. He may never be a perennial Pro Bowler, but he projects as a powerful, tone-setting right tackle with the upside to anchor a line for the next decade.

Prospect Rank: 13th
Position Rank: 2nd

The Browns could apply similar logic to New York. The Browns are poised to lose multiple offensive line starters in free agency, and they barely have a single starter along the offensive line entering the 2026 off-season. Fano frustrated some evaluators in 2025 — Charlie Campbell even reported that several teams believed he should return for his senior season — but the traits and ability are there. He has an overall strong body of tape, clear developmental upside, and the versatility to thrive in both gap and zone schemes. Fano is ideally a right tackle but does also have blindside and inside versatility in a pinch.

Prospect Rank: 2nd
Position Rank: 1st
Blue-Chip Prospect

The final blue-chip prospect is off the board. Washington desperately needs help along the defensive line and at receiver, but no unit was more problematic in 2026 than its secondary. With a rare talent sitting at a position of glaring need, it’s difficult to imagine the Commanders letting this opportunity slip. The word generational gets thrown around far too often, but Caleb Downs is truly generational – the best safety prospect since Eric Berry over a decade ago, offering a complete skill set. Whether he’s patrolling deep, in the box, or working in zone, Downs displays outstanding field vision, instincts, ball skills, and tracking ability. His tape is as clean as it gets for a defensive back, and his versatility gives him the ceiling of an elite NFL defender.

Prospect Rank: 9th
Position Rank: 1st

The Buckeye-Saints connection at receiver continues. Tyler Shough has shown enough promise to warrant a second shot at the starting job next season, but for him to thrive, Kellen Moore must elevate the Saints’ offensive weaponry. Jeremiyah Love would be a no-brainer if available at this point, as Alvin Kamara is nearing the end of his tremendous career. Otherwise, the Saints desperately need receiving help. They traded away Rashid Shaheed, and Chris Olave has had significant concussion issues in the NFL and may not have the longest career. Tate began the year viewed as a fringe first-round prospect, but he delivered a breakout campaign at Ohio State, flashing true X-receiver traits, week-to-week reliability, and the kind of explosive playmaking that translates immediately to the NFL. I worry about taking a career WR2 in the top-10, but he has the upside and ability to become a No. 1 wide-out in the pros.

Prospect Rank: 16th
Position Rank: 2nd

The Chiefs enter the offseason with several roster holes after finally coming back to earth in 2025. Up front, Reuben Bain offers plenty to like: a relentless motor, real toughness, and the kind of play style Steve Spagnuolo gravitates toward. That said, there’s a reason this writer is more cautious on Bain than the consensus. His physical limitations — especially his unusually short arms — raise legitimate questions about whether he can hold up as a full-time edge defender, and his production at Miami fluctuated more than you’d expect from a supposed top-tier prospect. He’s a strong candidate to slide in the 2026 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, in a weaker class, Bain profiles as a high-floor player who should carve out a solid NFL career as a strong complementary base end with the versatility to kick inside and attack the B-gap when needed.

Prospect Rank: 8th
Position Rank: 2nd

The Bengals need reinforcements at every level of their defense, but there is more value in corner with the prospects remaining on the board than along the defensive line. Here is an immediate starter opposite DJ Turner. Delane entered last season as a projected top-50 pick, but his transfer to LSU took his game to another level. He delivered a 90.7 PFF grade for the Tigers and consistently displayed the instincts, fluidity, and discipline of a future CB1. Quarterbacks posted a miserable 26.7 passer rating when targeting him this year, underscoring just how dominant he was in coverage.

Prospect Rank: 6th
Position Rank: 1st

The Dolphins lack long-term stability across the roster and desperately need cornerback help. Keldric Faulk could tempt them, as he seems to be a quality fit for Jeff Hafley’s scheme, but the Dolphins are devoid of starting caliber talent at cornerback. While Mansoor Delane is an excellent prospect, McCoy’s 2024 tape stands out as one of the most impressive cornerback seasons since Sauce Gardner entered the league in 2022. He’s disruptive, productive, and instinctive, finishing his last healthy season with four interceptions and consistent shutdown play. Though he missed all of 2024 due to injury, McCoy is the slightly superior prospect heading into the draft, albeit with both graded closely.

Prospect Rank: 7th
Position Rank: 1st

Whether it’s here or at pick 20, this pairing is going to show up in countless mock drafts — and for good reason. Sonny Styles was one of the most impressive players in college football in 2025, showcasing rare traits for an inside linebacker. Taking an off-ball linebacker at No. 12 might raise some eyebrows, but the Cowboys already set the precedent last year by prioritizing a high-end talent over positional value with Tyler Booker, who rewarded them with a terrific rookie season. Styles offer an elite blend of range, instincts, and command in the heart of a defense. He’s a true tone-setter — a high-level zone defender thanks to his background at safety, and a violent, authoritative tackler. He may not play what the league currently labels a “premium position,” but he brings the kind of seismic defensive impact this unit needs.

Prospect Rank: 10th
Position Rank: 2nd

OL is a popular projection here, but with Warren McClendon playing at such a high level in 2025 and being cheap, it’s hard to imagine the Rams not handing him the starting right tackle job next season (in this mock both Francis Mauioga and Spencer Fano are off the board, anyway). The Rams have few real needs, so using this rare high first-round pick on the best player available could make the most sense. Davante Adams is in the final year of his deal and battled injuries in 2025, and their remaining slot options are uninspiring. Lemon stands out as one of my absolute favourites in the class — firmly one of “my guys.” His slot-only projection at the next level may cause a minor slide, but the talent is impossible to ignore. He’s sure-handed, explosive, and the cleanest pure receiver on tape in 2025 — a season that earned him the Biletnikoff Award. One has him graded ahead of Tyson, and it wouldn’t shock me if he ultimately cracks the top 10.

Prospect Rank: 11th
Position Rank: 3rd

The Ravens badly need pass-rushing help — both at outside linebacker and along their odd-front defensive line — which makes Keldric Faulk a fit as a 3-4 defensive end I’m struggling to pass on. However, it’s even more difficult to overlook the upside staring them in the face with Jordyn Tyson. Zay Flowers is a terrific player, yet he’s primarily a slot weapon, and Baltimore has lacked a true outside X receiver for years. Tyson comes with some durability concerns, but he’s the last legitimate WR1-caliber prospect on the board: a polished route runner who can separate, win physically, and create mismatches on the perimeter. Pairing him with Flowers and Mark Andrews would give Lamar Jackson the most complete receiving trio he’s thrown to at a pivotal point in his career.

Prospect Rank: 14th
Position Rank: 1st

Tampa Bay’s skill-position group is entering a transitional phase, with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin no longer clear long-term starters at this stage of their accomplished careers. With Cade Otton approaching free agency there is a vacant gap at tight end, and adding a true difference-making tight end becomes an appealing option. Sadiq stands alone as the premier talent at that archetype in this class. While some label Sadiq as raw, his physical gifts are undeniable: he’s explosive, powerful, and — in this writer’s view — a far more polished route runner than he’s given credit for. Combine that with his willingness as an in-line blocker and his ability to create mismatches from the slot, and you have a prospect who could quickly emerge as one of the league’s top tight ends.

Prospect Rank: 19th
Position Rank: 2nd

Although Ty Simpson’s final month at Alabama fell short of expectations, he spent most of 2025 firmly in the No. 1 overall conversation and delivered several marquee wins against top competition. His deep ball is effortless, and he can fit throws into tight windows with rare touch and confidence. Simpson pairs that arm talent with poise, quick processing, and smooth pocket navigation. Yes, his late-season regression and limited starting experience raise fair questions, but the Jets need a full reset — and Simpson offers the kind of high-end traits worth building a franchise around.

Prospect Rank: 15th
Position Rank: 1st

Aidan Hutchinson is a premier edge defender, but Detroit has spent years searching for a true long-term counterpart. Al-Quadin Muhammad has given them quality snaps, yet the Lions still lack a reliable, high-ceiling bookend who can elevate the entire front. Keldric Faulk is similar to Mykel Williams in that he brings a high floor as a stout, technically sound run defender with the frame and strength to hold up immediately. Faulk’s physical traits are outstanding, and his power-based style translates cleanly to the next level. Placed alongside Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and last year’s first-rounder Tyliek Williams, Faulk would walk into one of the league’s most talented young defensive fronts which could unlock more pass-rush production than he showed in college.

Prospect Rank: 17th
Position Rank: 1st

The Vikings’ veteran additions at defensive tackle — Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave — were adequate stopgaps, but this defense still lacks young, high-end talent up front who can defend the run adequately. Kayden McDonald was the toprun-defending defensive lineman in college football last season, earning an elite 91.2 PFF run-defense grade. He also took a step forward as a pass rusher with 3.5 sacks, though there’s still room for growth in that area only earning a 4% pass rush win rate. Still, in a division featuring elite running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs and Josh Jacobs, McDonald’s power, leverage, and consistency would be a welcome addition. He projects as a long-term, high-end starting nose tackle, and I’m a strong believer in his value in the middle of Round 1.

Prospect Rank: 18th
Position Rank: 2nd

The Panthers took a meaningful step forward in 2025, but it’s clear their defense needs another offseason of reinforcements before it can become a true force. One of the most glaring holes has been the lack of a dependable, tone-setting presence in the middle of the unit. CJ Allen fits that need perfectly. He’s an old-school, no-nonsense off-ball linebacker — physical, disciplined, and instinctive. Allen diagnoses plays quickly, tackles with conviction, and brings a calming, stabilizing presence to the heart of a defense. He may not be an elite athlete or a prototype measurables standout, but he projects as a rock-solid MIKE who can anchor a front and set the tone from day one.

Prospect Rank: 21st
Position Rank: 3rd

Despite his ball-hawking ability, Trevon Diggs was a liability in coverage for most of his Dallas tenure, and moving on from his massive contract was the right call. Colton Hood is o a fluid, instinctive corner with the footwork and transitional quickness to mirror receivers in man coverage. His ball skills flash on tape, and he plays with the kind of competitive edge the Cowboys covet on the perimeter. While he’ll need to add strength and refine his press technique, his movement skills and feel for routes give him legitimate starting upside. For a Dallas team that has been burned by injuries and inconsistency at corner, Hood provides a high-value developmental piece who can contribute early in sub-packages and grow into a long-term starter. A smart, forward-looking pick for a defense in transition.

Prospect Rank: 25th
Position Rank: 4th

Outside of DK Metcalf — who profiles more as a high-end No. 2 than a true top option — no Steelers receiver even reached 400 yards in 2025. They have really missed George Pickens speed and big-play ability. Boston’s one of the safer prospects in this year’s class, following up his breakout 2024 campaign with another strong showing in 2025. Boston brings prototypical size, reliable hands, and impressive acceleration for a bigger-bodied wideout but is a bit of a jack of all trades, master of none. As with many receivers built like him, his draft range will hinge on how consistently he can separate against NFL-caliber coverage.

Prospect Rank: 20th
Position Rank: 1st

Justin Herbert is lucky to have made it through 2025 given the protection — or complete lack of it — in front of him. Zion Johnson has been a major disappointment, and Mekhi Becton was arguably the worst offensive lineman in the league last season. The Chargers’ tackles are high-end talents, but both missed all or most of the year with ACL injuries, leaving the line in complete shambles. Vega Ionae is a rugged, technically sound pass protector who continues to grow as a run blocker. His strength, balance, and awareness give him true plug-and-play potential at left guard, and his ability to function in multiple blocking schemes only boosts his value.

Prospect Rank: 22nd
Position Rank: 4th

The Eagles are always one of the toughest teams to project in mock drafts, but they could do with more support in their secondary. Recent early-round picks at cornerback have hit (Mitchell, DeJean) but they need help at safety and their remaining boundary cornerback spot. Whilst Cisse’s production is modest and his game still needs refinement, he’s reportedly impressed scouts throughout the season. He’s a tough, willing tackler and a strong run defender, and he excels in press coverage. Cisse uses his length effectively, plays with real physicality, and his ability to turn, locate, and play the ball at full speed is considered among the best in the class.

Prospect Rank: 27th
Position Rank: 5th

(Concepcion is incorrectly labelled a safety, he is a wide receiver).

Jerry Jeudy is the Browns’ top wide-out, but he is really more of a mid-tier WR2 for the NFL and hasn’t lived up to his draft billing. The Browns are unlikely to get a pure WR1 this low in Round 1, but KC Concepcion would be a quality complimentary addition to get the Browns a mis-match weapon. Concepcion really impressed this writer in 2025 and went up the draft board with his elusive running ability, deep threat ability, speed and route-running prowess. On top of this, he’s also adept with the ball in his hands and can do real damage after the catch. Concepcion is a candidate to be a real riser during the pre-draft process.

Prospect Rank: 24th
Position Rank: 2nd


The Bears need help at both defensive end and defensive tackle to reinforce their front. Woods was candidly a disappointment in 2025 but he plays with heavy hands, outstanding leverage, and has a good ability to anchor, shed, and squeeze gaps makes him a high-floor defender from day one. While he may not be the twitchiest interior rusher, Woods is the best player on the board at a position of need which paired with Gervon Dexter gives Chicago a young, physical interior duo capable of controlling the line of scrimmage, freeing up their edge rushers.

Prospect Rank: 29th
Position Rank: 4th
(Defensive Line Edge)

The Bills boast a solid—though hardly dominant—pass rush, and they could use an infusion of explosiveness off the edge, particularly with Joey Bosa headed for free agency. Mesidor entered the year viewed as a steady Day 2 option, but his late-season surge ultimately eclipsed teammate Rueben Bain ‘s production. Questions about his height, length, and an extensive injury history may nudge him into Round 2, yet in a weaker draft class his impressive senior campaign keeps him firmly in the late–Round 1 mix. He’s exactly the type of prospect who slips into the back end of the first round because teams trust the tape and believe his trajectory is pointing upward.

Prospect Rank: 23rd
Position Rank: 3rd

I hesitate to make this pick as a 49ers fan — San Francisco has drafted an offensive tackle in the first round only once in the entire Shanahan-Lynch era. The team needs more speed at receiver, and the pass rush falls apart whenever Nick Bosa isn’t on the field, both of which typically align more closely with their draft tendencies. But with no great options at either spot this high, Caleb Lomu is simply too strong a fit to ignore. Lomu is one of the most intriguing developmental tackles in the class: long, athletic, and exceptionally fluid in space, with the movement skills tailormade for Kyle Shanahan’s wide-zone system. His foot quickness and natural bend consistently show up on tape, and he’s already comfortable working laterally and climbing to the second level. He still needs to add functional strength and sharpen his hand usage, but the foundational traits are outstanding.In San Francisco, Lomu could open his career at left guard while learning behind Trent Williams. Long-term, he has the athletic profile to grow into a high-end starter in a scheme perfectly suited to his strengths.

Prospect Rank: 26th
Position Rank: 4th

Houston’s offensive line remains a major concern, and losing Tytus Howard in the divisional round only underscored the issue. Kadyn Proctor is one of the draft’s most polarizing prospects — his weight and maturity questions add risk, but his raw talent is undeniably top-10 caliber and his 2025 film showed real growth. He likely projects better at right tackle or guard due to inconsistent footwork and struggles against pure speed, yet his power and size give him significant developmental upside. For a Texans team that has battled OL instability for years, Proctor represents a high-upside swing at a premium position to pair with Aireontae Ersery.

Prospect Rank: 30th
Position Rank: 5th

The Rams have rebuilt their defense with smart, value-driven picks over the past few years, but the secondary still needs an injection of young talent — especially at corner. Avieon Terrell brings exactly the traits the Rams have traditionally valued at the position: fluid movement, good instincts, and a competitive edge. The younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, Aveion is sticky in man coverage, trusts his technique, and shows impressive patience at the line of scrimmage. He could slide to Day 2 because of measurements, but has the tape of a mid-to-late 1st rounder.

Prospect Rank: 28th
Position Rank: 3rd (Defensive Line Edge)

The Broncos boast the best pass rush in the NFL, but reinforcing a strength is rarely a bad strategy — especially with John Franklin-Myers entering free agency after two productive seasons in Denver. Adding another young defensive lineman to the pipeline makes plenty of sense. Zion Young is one of the most intriguing projection players in this class. His length, burst, and natural leverage give him the kind of raw foundation NFL coaches love to develop. He’s still unrefined — his hand usage needs work, he can drift in and out of games, and there are character concerns after his DUI arrest — but the upside is obvious. In a weaker draft class, several Round 2-graded edge rushers are likely to sneak into the late first.

Prospect Rank: 37th
Position Rank: 3rd (Edge Linebacker)
The Patriots’ defensive overhaul has been impressive, but their 2025 pass rush — while serviceable — leaned heavily on aging veterans. Harold Landry isn’t the player he once was, and K’Lavon Chaisson, who finally broke out this past season, is set to hit free agency. Adding a young, explosive edge presence makes a lot of sense. Cashius Howell is one of the most dynamic speed rushers in this class. If he were a bit taller and carried more functional strength, he’d be a top-20 lock. Instead, his smaller frame may push him into Day 2. Even so, Howell’s production as a 3-4 outside linebacker, paired with his electric first step, acceleration, and natural bend, gives him real impact potential. He can contribute immediately as a situational rusher while he develops, and his long-term ceiling is that of a double-digit sack producer. Much like Mesidor, he’s a Round 2 talent who could sneak into the late first because of positional value and the overall weakness of this year’s class.