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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32