2026 NFL Mock Draft V1
Super Bowl week, its finally time for me to start this mock draft season with my first (pre Senior Bowl and Combine) mock draft.
Round 1
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32