Believe it or not, we’re already halfway through the 2025 NFL season. That means, with the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday (November 4), we’re fully entering 2026 NFL Draft season. Even though we here at NFL Spin Zone have been in 2026 NFL Draft mode since the Spring, but that’s neither here nor there.
Now, we have actual on-field results to react to, and needs are becoming clearer every single week for even some of the best teams in the league. In this 2026 NFL Mock Draft, we’re going to take a look at not only the first round but the first two rounds of the draft and project where some of the top prospects in college football could land if the season ended today.
This 2026 NFL mock draft features a bunch of quarterbacks going within the top 20 picks, and a surprise player jumping all the way into the top two overall. We’ve got a lot to unpack, so let’s get right to it.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: New QB Skyrocketing into Top 3 Overall
1. New Orleans Saints: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
There is no question that the New Orleans Saints are on the cusp of anointing a new franchise quarterback. We’ve already seen them bench Spencer Rattler in favor of second-round rookie Tyler Shough, and obviously, that’s the first step toward potentially using next year’s top pick at the position. We’ll see what Shough can do for the rest of this season, but barring something miraculous, the top pick should be a new QB. And Fernando Mendoza has been exactly as advertised this season.
2. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
One of the hottest risers in the 2026 NFL Draft process right now is Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who went from being an intriguing potential Day 2 selection to the betting favorite as the #1 overall pick. There’s obviously plenty of competition for the QB1 distinction at this point in the process, but Simpson has done his part to make a case this season, and the Jets need a fresh start at the position. The Justin Fields investment did not work out.
3. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami
Nobody needs more pieces right now around the league than the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have their presumptive QB1 going forward with Cam Ward, but even with this year being an “evaluation” year for Ward, it’s hard to see the evaluation being all that clean with the lack of talent around him. Although you want to get him help on the offensive line and some more weapons, getting stronger defensively is also essential. The Titans get their top defensive player on the board here.
4. Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
After letting go of general manager Chris Grier, the rumors of a rebuild aren’t going to quiet down in Miami whatsoever. Everyone is going to be monitoring this team very closely at the NFL trade deadline with players like Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and more potentially on the block. Regardless if they hold onto Waddle, the injury to Tyreek Hill has exposed another need at receiver for the long haul. Jordyn Tyson is emerging as the clear WR1 in next year’s class.
5. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
You wouldn’t think winning two games would put the Browns in this kind of rough position, but here we are. And still, you can’t help but think landing Dante Moore here would be a pretty great “consolation” for Cleveland, which needs a fresh start at the QB position. This team needs to rid itself of the albatross contract that is Deshaun Watson, and just rid themselves of that point in Cleveland sports history. Moore represents a clear direction for the future, even with his lack of experience relative to other QBs coming out in recent years.
6. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The New York Giants just need a string of good luck health-wise, and they might actually have a little something cooking. In terms of roster needs, you could really go a number of different directions here, but offensive line is not a bad idea. With Andrew Thomas locking down one side, the Giants could use Spencer Fano to replace Jermaine Eluemunor for the long haul at right tackle, or kick him inside until they’re ready to make that move.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Pete Carroll did not sign up for a long-term quarterback rebuilding project with the Raiders, so if the Raiders move off of Geno Smith next offseason, I would think it would be for a veteran player at the position. Though at this point, who is going to be available? The Raiders might be looking at the short-term bandages at QB while upgrading their atrocious defense. The Raiders here get one of the most fascinating playmakers in all of college footbal in Arvell Reese, who has drawn some lofty comparisons already, even some to Micah Parsons.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Arizona Cardinals are one of the toughest teams to project for the 2026 offseason right now, because nobody has a clue what’s going to be happening at their quarterback position. Regardless, with Jonah Williams hitting free agency, we at least have one soft-toss of a need at right tackle, and Francis Mauigoa could be a great value here in the top 10 overall.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
The Cincinnati Bengals will be looking at the offensive line as well as the entire defensive side of the ball in next year’s draft. We’ll see if they get anything in return for Trey Hendrickson at the trade deadline, or if they hold firm, but the EDGE position could be a need for the second year in a row. Here, we just have them taking the best overall defensive player in the class (according to some) in Caleb Downs, who might fall into a nice value slot because of the way the NFL devalues safeties in the draft.
10. Baltimore Ravens: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
With the way we saw the Ravens playing upon Lamar Jackson’s return to the field, I wouldn’t get too used to seeing them in this position as it pertains to the NFL Draft. The Ravens are more likely to be picking close to or within the 20s than they are the top 10 overall. With that said, I don’t think it would be shocking to anyone to see the Ravens grab an edge rusher in the first round, especially because they moved off of former first-rounder Odafe Oweh (trade to Chargers).
11. Washington Commanders: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Washington Commanders have been able to patch together some pass rush this season, but they definitely are not set for the long term off the edge with the combination of Dorance Armstrong, Von Miller, and Jacob Martin. Still, you have to tip your cap to Dan Quinn, who’s got those guys combining for 13 sacks and 23 QB hits already this season. Another young piece off the edge is still a necessity, and TJ Parker has been considered a 1st-round caliber guy for a long time now.
12. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
When they picked up an extra first-round pick in a trade with the Falcons last Spring, it got everybody thinking that the Rams might be prepared for a move at the quarterback position. This would be more of the Jordan Love/Aaron Rodgers type of situation than anything, because Matthew Stafford is playing well, but LaNorris Sellers would be an interesting QB of the future for Sean McVay and the Rams.
13. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
With the injury to Aaron Jones this year, the need at running back has been amplified for the Minnesota Vikings. The early struggles of JJ McCarthy have amplified it even further. What we have here is the need for a running game to take the pressure off of a quarterback, and the Vikings don’t have the personnel for that right now. Jeremiyah Love could be exactly what this team needs to give the offense balance going forward.
14. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Houston Texans have elite edge rushers, but they have a clear need for a talent infusion on the interior defensive line. Peter Woods has been considered a top-10, top-5 type of guy for the longest time now, and if Houston could get him in the first round, they’d probably be dancing around their war room. The #1 defense in the NFL so far this season would be getting even scarier up front with this pick.
15. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
After trading away Micah Parsons, you can only guess where the Dallas Cowboys might be looking with their top pick in next year’s draft. With two selections thanks to the trade with the Packers, the Cowboys can go best defensive player available here, and David Bailey has become a rather interesting candidate for the top-15 picks. He’s been an elite pass rusher this season, transferring from Stanford, and Dallas would be feeling good with Donovan Ezeiruaku showing his pass rush abilities and growth weekly.
16. Carolina Panthers: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Carolina Panthers are another team out there right now that just needs pieces on the defensive side of the ball. There is no wrong choice here if they are going after defensive players, but I think that’s where they need to attack. Mansoor Delane has emerged as the potential top cornerback in this year’s class and the Panthers would get the chance to pair him up with Jaycee Horn, who just got a big-money deal from the team back in May.
17. Chicago Bears: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
As much as we saw the Detroit Lions’ offense blossom when they got the combination of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs at running back, it all started with the team’s consistent investment in the offensive line. The Chicago Bears need to follow that blueprint and keep adding to that offensive line until it’s a dominant unit. Kadyn Proctor is a polarizing prospect at this point, but NFL teams will always bet on guys with his combination of size and athleticism.
18. Cleveland Browns: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
After taking a quarterback earlier in round one, the Cleveland Browns get a much-needed weapon at wide receiver to go with Dante Moore. The regression of Jerry Jeudy has been a huge area of concern at this point, and Cleveland’s offensive weaponry could continue to get a youth overhaul. Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. have been outstanding, and Makai Lemon could give them a new go-to threat on the outside.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
It’s almost cliché at this point to take a quarterback with the Steleers’ first-round pick in 2026 NFL mock drafts, but I don’t hate this idea here with Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier is not spectacular in terms of his physical traits or arm talent, but he’s a great point guard and will be able to pick up an NFL offense immediately. The Steelers are one of the oldest rosters in the league, so this team’s plan post-Aaron Rodgers will be fascinating.
20. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The 49ers had to use their primary NFL Draft capital on the defensive side of the ball in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they are still using assets ahead of the NFL trade deadline to supplement on that side of the ball. The renovations defensively may not be finished, but the 49ers also have to think about the future of their offensive line after Trent Williams retires. Caleb Lomu, or another top-tier offensive tackle prospect, could fit well here.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: LT Overton, EDGE/DL, Alabama
The Los Angeles Chargers moved on from Joey Bosa in the 2025 offseason, and we might see them continue to try and overhaul off the edge and on the defensive line in 2026. The injury to Khalil Mack amplified the need, and the team even struck a trade for former first-round pick Odafe Oweh to compensate. They would love to add a versatile piece for the defensive front like LT Overton, who is long, quick, and physical.
22. Kansas City Chiefs: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
At some point in next year’s NFL Draft, some team is going to take a chance on the talent of Jermod McCoy, whose stock has dropped a bit because of his recovery time from a major knee injury in January. While he shouldn’t be expected to be at full strength at this point, it’s likely that if his stock drops at all in the 2026 NFL Draft, some team (like the Chiefs) is going to cash in for a steal. The losses in the secondary for KC have been notable in recent years, and McCoy would be a fun dart throw at this point.
23. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
We saw the Rams maybe show their hand a little bit for next year’s NFL Draft when they swung a trade with the Titans for cornerback Roger McCreary. The Rams have very few glaring roster needs going into next offseason, and they have two first-round picks. They should be considered a major threat in the offseason to make a notable veteran player trade, whatever that might look like. Or they could keep both picks and get cost-controlled players at premium positions like QB and CB.
24. Detroit Lions: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
I didn’t think the Detroit Lions did enough to supplement their depth off the edge in the 2025 offseason, and I’m sticking to that assessment for the time being. After investing nearly a billion dollars in the core of their franchise, the Lions need as many cost-controlled players as they can get at the premium positions, and getting a value like Cashius Howell here in the later portion of the first round would be massive. He could contribute right away.
25. Buffalo Bills: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Ahead of the NFL trade deadline, the rumor mill has been swirling around the Buffalo Bills and the wide receiver position. They obviously had to use a number of assets in the 2025 NFL Draft to try and upgrade the defensive front, but they’ll shift to the other side of the ball in 2026 and get Josh Allen the weapons he needs. Carnell Tate is the latest from the Ohio State program and will be an instant hit at the next level. You can take Ohio State WRs to the bank at this point.
26. Seattle Seahawks: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Mike Macdonald took a big risk moving on from Ryan Grubb, Geno Smith, and DK Metcalf in the 2025 offseason, but it’s paid off tremendously. The new-look offense for the Seahawks has been outstanding, and the defense has matched them. The Seattle defense has talent at all three levels already, but Macdonald loves rangy, athletic linebackers with the ability to cover, and Sonny Styles would be the perfect fit for his scheme.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
At some point, the “ageless” Lavonte David is going to call it a career. The Bucs already had to move on from a failed former first-rounder in Devin White, and SirVocea Dennis will be entering a contract year next year. It’s not a bad idea for this team to get out ahead of a need at the linebacker position, and CJ Allen is one of a number of players who could buck recent trends and get picked in the top 32 overall.
28. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
At this point in the first round, the Denver Broncos would be licking their chops for the chance to take a mismatch weapon for the offense like Kenyon Sadiq out of Oregon. Evan Engram signed a two-year deal with the Broncos, so he’ll be on the roster next year, but the tight end position in Denver has taken on some injuries this year, and Sean Payton loves to mix and match personnel. Sadiq’s toughness will endear him to a coach like Payton, and he’d be a great additional weapon for quarterback Bo Nix.
29. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Patriots are one of a number of teams in the league right now that might be sniffing around wide receiver help at the trade deadline. The fact that they are looking for help now almost certainly means they’ll be looking for help later, as well. The allure of adding a big-bodied receiver like Denzel Boston for quarterback Drake Maye is obvious. Put his catch radius with Maye’s ability to push the ball downfield, and you might have the league’s next unstoppable duo.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
It’s about time for Howie Roseman to return to his roots of going after defensive front players in the early rounds of the draft, loading up on pass rushers. Once again, you can look for clues in the way teams are operating right now to figure out what they’re going to do later on. The Eagles brought Brandon Graham out of retirement and still might be in the mix for edge rusher help at the deadline. Matayo Uiagalelei seems to be on the cusp of 1st-round status after being locked into 1st-round projections for months.
31. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Once again, with two first-round picks, the Cowboys can just go with the best defensive players on their board with each selection. The linebacker position has been atrocious for this team, and while Kenneth Murray is a problem currently, the health of Demarvion Overshown might be a bigger issue over the long haul. The Cowboys need to address this position and fans would probably go nuts to see Anthony Hill turn in his longhorns for a star on his helmet.
32. Indianapolis Colts: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for an offseason in which they pay Daniel Jones a lot of money, move on from Anthony Richardson, and likely just pour their primary draft assets into upgrading the defense. This is one of the most dynamic rosters in the NFL right now offensively, and while the defense isn’t on that same level, they are no slouches, either. Colton Hood has been outstanding this year for Tennessee and has big-time ball skills.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Full 2nd-round predictions
33. New York Jets: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
34. Tennessee Titans: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
35. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
36. Miami Dolphins: John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
37. New York Giants: Dillon Thieneman, SAF, Oregon
38. Cleveland Browns: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
39. Arizona Cardinals: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
40. Las Vegas Raiders: Isaiah World, OL, Oregon
41. Baltimore Ravens: A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
42. Houston Texans: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
43. Cincinnati Bengals: Trevor Goosby, OL, Texas
44. Minnesota Vikings: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
45. Houston Texans: Connor Lew, OL, Auburn
46. Atlanta Falcons: AJ Harris, CB, Penn State
47. Dallas Cowboys: Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC
48. Carolina Panthers: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
49. Jacksonville Jaguars: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
50. Chicago Bears: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee
52. Los Angeles Chargers: Domonique Orange, DL, Tennessee
53. Kansas City Chiefs: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC
54. San Francisco 49ers: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
55. Detroit Lions: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
56. Los Angeles Rams: Xavier Chaplin, OT, Auburn
57. Seattle Seahawks: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
58. Buffalo Bills: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
59. Denver Broncos: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
60. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
61. Philadelphia Eagles: Austin Barber, OL, Florida
62. New England Patriots: Damon Wilson Jr., EDGE, Missouri
63. Green Bay Packers: DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
64. Indianapolis Colts: Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
We’ve got a lot of intrigue to unpack here in this second round. The Miami Dolphins start off the drama with a quarterback selection at #36 overall. You can “Insert QB Here” but I wonder if the Dolphins will be a player in the offseason at the QB position if Tua Tagovailoa becomes a potential trade candidate. A new GM and possibly a new head coach will want a fresh start at QB, and a 2nd-round dart throw could bridge the gap for a year.
The Atlanta Falcons make their first pick as well by taking Penn State cornerback AJ Harris, who is considered one of the top corners in this class. He’d be a steal in the middle of the second.
The Jaguars also made their first pick here (Travis Hunter trade) and get arguably the TE2 of the entire class. Max Klare can catch, he can block, and he can play immediately. Jacksonville has been rumored to be interested in upgrading tight end at the trade deadline, and I also can’t shake the idea that they’ll try to recoup that 1st-round pick by maybe trading Brian Thomas Jr. in the offseason.
The Green Bay Packers are the last team to make a first selection in this 2026 NFL mock draft, and the target position is obvious: Cornerback. The Packers need help in the secondary, and honestly, that would sort of complete their roster. DJ McKinney has size, length, and ball skills the Packers covet.