The NFL Draft is finally here! Starting tonight and running through Saturday, the lives of 257 young men will change forever as they are become the newest members of the National Football League. Since this is our final mock draft of the off-season, we're going to change things up. Not only are we going to predict which players go where, but we also project six trades that will take place tonight. For the final time this year, let's take a look at the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and predict where the top prospects will go.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB, Fernando Mendoza. Indiana.
From the time the Raiders secured the number-one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza has been the man for Vegas. Even with the free agency acquisition of Kirk Cousins, this team needs a long-term answer at the quarterback spot. Mendoza is obviously that guy. He might start the year as a backup, but he will eventually become the team's full-time starter at some point during the 2026-27 season.
2. New York Jets: EDGE, David Bailey. Texas Tech.
Something weird has happened this month: it seems that experts have shifted their thinking and now believe that David Bailey will be the pick by the Jets instead of Arvell Reese. You can't go wrong with either Reese or Bailey. NFL Draft analysts Todd McShay and Albert Breer seem to agree that Bailey will be picked by Gang Green. The tonal shift from experts has me thinking there is truth to thses rumors.
3. TRADE Dallas Cowboys: LB, Sonny Styles. Ohio State.
The Dallas Cowboys acquire the #3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 sixth-round draft pick from the Arizona Cardinals for the #12 and #20 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 'Boys use their two first-round draft picks to move up to the number-three overall spot, allowing them to take arguably the most exciting defensive prospect in this draft class in Styles. With the unexpected retirement of Logan Wilson, Dallas needs somebody manning the middle of the defense. Styles will be that guy for years to come. He will be the final piece Dallas needs to complete its defensive overhaul.
4. Tennessee Titans: EDGE, Arvell Reese. Ohio State.
Though many draft experts project Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love will be taken by the Titans, a defensive-minded head coach like Robert Saleh will be licking his chops at the thought of getting to use Arvell Reese. He has insane athleticism and the production to warrant going fourth overall. Reese will be a starting defensive end, which will allow John Franklin-Myers to slide inside, giving Tennessee one of the more intimidating D-lines in the NFL.
5. New York Giants: WR, Carnell Tate. Ohio State.
For a few years, New York has been missing a true number-two receiver, and Carnell Tate can fill that role perfectly. After all, he flourished as the WR2 at Ohio State behind Jeremiah Smith. Pairing Tate with Malik Nabers will significantly aid in quarterback Jaxson Dart's progression. Big Blue needs to find a replacement for Wan'Dale Robinson, who had over 1,000 receiving yards last season. Amazingly, Tate won't just be a replacement; he'll be an improvement.
6. Cleveland Browns: OT, Monroe Freeling. Georgia.
Cleveland spent most of the off-season re-tooling its offensive line. Freeling will probably be the last key addition to that unit. He’s arguably the best pure left tackle in this draft class. Freeling has elite size and the type of athleticism that general managers fall in love with. What's most impressive is that he’s still developing after only starting 18 games in college, so there's a good chance that he hasn't even begun to scratch the surface of what he could become as a football player.
7. TRADE Arizona Cardinals: EDGE, Rueben Bain Jr. Miami.
The Arizona Cardinals acquire the #7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Washington Commanders for the #12 and #104 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.
After trading back with the Cowboys, the Cards move up to snag the third-best pass rusher in this draft, so that they can have somebody to play opposite of Josh Sweat. Bain was one of the most productive players in college football last season. Having the opportunity to come into the NFL and NOT be thrust into a team's EDGE1 role will allow him to ease his way into the league, which gives him a better chance of long-term success.
8. New Orleans Saints: CB, Mansoor Delane. LSU.
This draft has three pass rushers worthy of being top-ten picks. Now that they’re all off the board, the Saints should stay put and take the best cornerback in this draft, Mansoor Delane. After losing three corners to free agency, including starter Alontae Taylor, New Orleans needs to find another guy who can play opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry. If we’re being honest, Delane probably has the talent to overtake him and become CB1 in the Big Easy.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: OT, Francis Mauigoa. Miami.
I know that they need another pass-rusher and TWO starting cornerbacks. But there is nothing more important in Kansas City than the health of Patrick Mahomes. After all, this franchise went 0-3 without him and lost to the Titans and Raiders, who had six combined wins last season. Mauigoa is a blue-chip offensive tackle prospect who will probably be the Chiefs' Week One starter. That's incredibly valuable since starting right tackle Jaylon Moore is scheduled to become a free agent next off-season.
10. New York Giants: S, Caleb Downs. Ohio State.
It wouldn't be a terrible decision to take a cornerback at this spot, but when a guy like Caleb Downs falls into your lap, you pull the trigger, especially when there are questions about the backend of your secondary. The Giants have a potential out in Jevon Holland's contract next off-season, so they need to have a plan in place if they want to avoid paying him $18 million in 2027. Caleb Downs would be a fantastic addition to New York's secondary, who costs much less than Holland.
11. Miami Dolphins: WR, Jordyn Tyson. Arizona State.
The 'Phins are completely devoid of talent in the wide receiver room, so they should be thrilled that Jordyn Tyson fell to them. If he didn't have a hamstring injury last season, there's a good shot that he would've emerged as the clear-cut number-one wideout in this draft class. Regardless, he's worthy of being a team's WR1. If Miami wants new quarterback Malik Willis to have a modicum of success in his first season with the team, then the Dolphins need to use one of their two first-round picks on a wide receiver.
12. Washington Commanders (via ARI): RB, Jeremiyah Love. Notre Dame.
We have heard the rumors that running back Jeremiyah Love will go "no lower" than seventh overall. In this case, that's not true, but his slide still ends with him being drafted by Washington. Love can be a difference-maker in both the rushing attack and the passing game. Adding him to the mix will take a lot of pressure off third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. There's even a chance that Love's addition will preserve Daniels' health because he might not feel forced to use his legs as often as he did last season, when he suffered multiple injuries.
13. Los Angeles Rams: OT, Spencer Fano. Utah.
We've said it for months now. The Rams NEED to find a replacement for 11-year starting right tackle Rob Havenstein, who retired in February. Spencer Fano would man the right side of LA's offensive line for the next decade. He has great size, and his athleticism is off the charts. He's already a polished run blocker. He just needs to improve his pass protection skills. Working with Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford will make that an easy process.
14. Baltimore Ravens: IOL, Olaivavega Ioane. Penn State.
Outside of Fernando Mendoza going to Vegas, this seems to be the most commonly projected pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. After losing five offensive linemen over the last two off-seasons, including three starters, Baltimore has had to re-tool its trenches on the fly. Ioane is a great fit for the Ravens as a run-blocking specialist who can probably play on either side of the offensive line.
15. TRADE Philadelphia Eagles: WR, Makai Lemon. USC.
The Philadelphia Eagles acquire the #15 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a 2027 sixth-round pick from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the #23 and #137 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as a 2027 third-round pick.
The Eagles move in front of the wide receiver-needy New York Jets to draft Makai Lemon, so that they have a succession plan in place for whenever A.J. Brown is traded. Even if it doesn't happen this off-season, then they'll probably cut ties with Brown in 2027 because they have an out in his contract. In the meantime, Lemon can get acclimated to NFL competition before becoming the team's WR2 behind DeVonta Smith.
16. TRADE Los Angeles Chargers: OT, Kadyn Proctor. Alabama.
The Los Angeles Chargers acquire the #16 and #228 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft from the New York Jets for the #22 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as a third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and a fifth-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft.
It's no secret that the Lions have had their eyes on Proctor. That's why the Chargers move up six spots to take Proctor right before Detroit. Offensive line health was LA's downfall last season. Proctor could be a backup to either Rashawn Slater or Joe Alt. In all likelihood, the Chargers are enamored with Proctor's size and the prospect of making him a starting guard. He'll be a Day One starter on the inside and a good replacement for Alt or Slater should they have any injury issues again this season.
17. Detroit Lions: OT, Max Iheanachor. Arizona State.
This guy has been one of the fastest risers in the NFL Draft after he had a ridiculously impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. Thankfully for the Lions, starting tackle Penei Sewell can play on either side of the offensive line, so Iheanachor can line up at the right tackle spot, which is his natural position. He's still very raw and relatively new to the sport, but if Dan Campbell can tap into his potential, Max Iheanachor could become a Pro Bowl-level player.
18. Minnesota Vikings: S, Dillon Thieneman. Oregon.
We still have no word on what the future holds for longtime starting safety Harrison Smith. Even if he returns to Minnesota, it'll only be for one season, MAYBE two at the most. The Vikes need to start planning for a future after Smith, so they take Thieneman, who dazzled at the Combine with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and a 41-inch vertical. He has the versatility to line up all over the field and play the Harrison Smith role on this defense.
19. Carolina Panthers: TE, Kenyon Sadiq. Oregon.
Similar to the Ioane pick with the Ravens, we have long expected Sadiq to be the choice for the Panthers, who need to find more offensive playmakers after adding several starters on the defensive side of the ball in free agency. Sadiq has tight end size to go with wide receiver athleticism. Plus, he has proven to be a solid blocker in the run game. Pairing Sadiq with Tet McMillan will make quarterback Bryce Young look much better.
20. Arizona Cardinals (via DAL): QB, Ty Simpson. Alabama.
Now that Arizona's expected starter for the 2026-27 season, Jacoby Brissett, is sitting out of the team's off-season programs in hopes of getting a new deal, the Cardinals need to act fast and have a contingency plan in place if Brissett chooses not to play this year. Coincidentally, NFL Draft expert Todd McShay said that he has been told the Cards "dig" Simpson. He's clearly the second-best quarterback in this class and showed flashes of excellence at Alabama. It's a risky selection, but new head coach Mike LaFleur probably wants to get a young QB that he can mold into a starter. Simpson can be just that.
21. TRADE Kansas City Chiefs: CB, Chris Johnson. San Diego State.
The Kansas City Chiefs acquire the #21 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft from the Pittsburgh Steelers for the #29 and #74 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Chris Johnson has been rocketing up people's draft boards ever since the Scouting Combine and his pro day at San Diego State. He has tremendous athleticism and the type of toughness that defensive coordinators love to see from starting corners. KC needs to add at least one starter in the secondary after losing their top two cornerbacks this off-season. Johnson will be the Chiefs' CB1 when the regular season kicks off.
22. New York Jets (via LAC): WR, Denzel Boston. Washington.
They need a slot receiver, but they take Denzel Boston, who is more acclimated to playing on the outside. Thankfully, Adonai Mitchell has shown some ability to play in the slot, so they move him inside and let Boston be on the outside opposite of Garrett Wilson. Boston's size makes him a valuable red zone target. With Wilson, Boston, Mitchell, and tight end Mason Taylor, the Jets should finish way better than 32nd in passing yards per game next season.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via PHI): EDGE, Akheem Mesidor. Miami.
The Bucs need to continue bolstering their pass rush after they lost four defensive linemen to free agency. Mesidor might not be one of the elite edge rushers in this draft like Reese, Bailey, or Bain, but he's just slightly below those guys and was one of the most productive pass rushers in college football last season. After spending the last four years in Miami, this kid should have no problem playing in the Tampa heat and humidity.
24. Cleveland Browns: WR, Omar Cooper Jr. Indiana.
Now that they have found their franchise left tackle, the Browns can start focusing on adding offensive playmakers. Omar Cooper Jr. is an athletic player who has been compared to Deebo Samuel. All you have to do is get the ball in his hands, and he's bound to make a play. The best part about Cooper is his versatility, as proven by his success both on the outside and in the slot.
25. Chicago Bears: EDGE, Zion Young. Missouri.
Just like Akheem Mesidor, Zion Young is in the second tier of pass rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft. Regardless, he's no slouch. Young has the exact type of build defensive coordinators want from 4-3 pass rushers (6'5", 262 lbs.) He would be a terrific fit in Chicago's defense. He wouldn't have to be the team's number-one pass-rushing option, which will set him up with more one-on-one opportunities against opposing offensive linemen.
26. Buffalo Bills: EDGE, Keldric Faulk. Auburn.
Considering this team used a fourth-round pick on a nose tackle last year, I feel like the smart move would be to address their edge rusher needs. They might have signed Bradley Chubb in free agency, but he has had a history of injuries, which can be a cause for concern. If the worst were to happen, and Chubb suffers an injury that forces him to miss extended time, Faulk can come in right away and help make up for that lost production.
27. San Francisco 49ers: OT, Caleb Lomu. Utah.
In the unlikely event that the first round shakes out this way, then this is a no-brainer selection for the 49ers. They might have resolved the Trent Williams contract situation, but that doesn't change the fact that he'll be turning 38 years old in a few months. It might not happen next off-season, but Williams is going to retire soon. That's why the Niners take Lomu, who can sit behind Trent Williams and learn from a future Hall of Famer how to play left tackle.
28. Houston Texans: OT, Blake Miller. Clemson.
The fact that Miller fell this far is a Godsend for the Texans, who have had offensive line issues for a couple of years now. Houston needs consistency in the trenches, and nobody in this draft is more consistent than Blake Miller, who averaged over 13 starts a year during his time at Clemson. Who cares if they just signed Braden Smith? Having a plethora of reliable offensive linemen is a good problem to have.
29. Pittsburgh Steelers (via KC): WR, KC Concepcion. Texas A&M.
After Ty Simpson was taken by the Cardinals, Pittsburgh will trade back and use its late-round selection on another pass catcher. Though they landed Michael Pittman Jr. in a trade with the Colts, the Steelers should still add one more receiver to the mix. Concepcion might be most effective on the outside, but his quickness and run-after-the-catch abilities will allow the Steelers to line him up in the slot from time to time.
30. Miami Dolphins: S, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Toledo.
After addressing their wide receiver needs, the Dolphins can focus their attention on the secondary. They ranked 29th in passer rating allowed (105.3) last year while recording the ninth-fewest interceptions in the NFL (nine). They could be well-served going after a cornerback, but Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is one of the 20 highest-rated prospects in this class, so getting him with the 30th pick would be a steal for the 'Phins. He plays the run and the pass well and will be a solid replacement for Minkah Fitzpatrick.
31. New England Patriots: EDGE, Malachi Lawrence. UCF.
The Pats did a really good job of addressing most of their glaring holes through free agency, so they can view this selection as a luxury pick. Considering Mike Vrabel is a defensive-minded head coach, and the Pats let their most productive playoff pass-rusher walk in free agency, they should really consider using their first-rounder on Lawrence. He showed a ridiculous amount of athleticism that could allow him to become a really effective NFL pass rusher. Early on, he’ll be a valuable rotational piece for a Super Bowl-caliber defense.
32. TRADE New York Giants: CB, Colton Hood. Tennessee.
The New York Giants acquire the #32 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from the Seattle Seahawks for the #37, #105, and #193 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Seahawks only have four picks this year, so it wouldn't be surprising to see them trade back to acquire more Day Two and Day Three selections. At the same time, the Giants have enough capital to spare that they can move up and address their final area of concern, which is at the cornerback spot. This trade allows them to move ahead of the New York Jets, who also need a new CB1. Even if Colton Hood fails to meet the expectations of a first-rounder, he would still be a good number-two corner for the G-Men.
