The 2025 NFL season is quickly into the home stretch, which means many fan bases are already "onto the 2026 NFL Draft". The 2026 offseason is rapidly approaching, and it's shaping up to be another one filled with tons of drama.
But what about the 2026 NFL Draft? This isn't exactly the best class when it comes to clarity at the quarterback position or blue-chip talent at key positions like offensive tackle, cornerback, or even wide receiver.
The way things are shaping up right now, we might be in for more offseason trades than any recent year, which would be saying something because of what has gone down over the last 12 months. Our latest 2026 NFL mock draft will take a look at the entire first round, where teams' needs stand right now, and which prospects are currently getting the most first-round love.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Arch Manning still on track for #1 pick (if he wants to leave)
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
There has been a ton of talk about whether or not Arch Manning is or isn't returning to Texas after this season. Ultimately, if there's a chance he could be the #1 overall pick, and can get to a situation the Manning family likes, how could you pass that up? Maybe he will. Either way, I still believe Arch would be the #1 overall pick if he declared, which I've been saying most of the year.
2. New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
This is a tough year for a team like the Giants to have a top three pick. They don't need edge players and there really aren't that many blue chip prospects at the premium positions. Their best bet here is to hope some team would trade a king's ransom for Fernando Mendoza. Otherwise, Arvell Reese might be the best all-around player in the class.
3. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami
The Tennessee Titans go back-to-back years with their top pick coming from the Miami program. I'm assuming, obviously, that the new head coach of the Titans will be on board with Cam Ward as his quarterback. That was Mike Borgonzi's pick, and they'll want to do anything they possibly can to make Ward's life better/easier.
4. Cleveland Browns: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
For this particular scenario, I'm going to say the Browns do the unthinkable and actually build around Shedeur Sanders. The reason I say "unthinkable" is because, ultimately, Sanders was a 5th-round pick and 4th on the Browns' initial pecking order at QB. But you never know when you're going to stumble into the right situation. Funny enough, Jordyn Tyson was at Colorado but transferred away the same year Sanders arrived.
5. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
Call us hopeless romantics in this one because I'm actually buying that the Saints might have found themselves a long-term match with Tyler Shough. At the very least, Shough appears to have bought himself some runway for next year, especially if the Saints feel like the sample he's put out there is franchise QB worthy. They owe it to him to give him an offseason unless there is a no-brainer for their offense here.
6. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
There is no team in this year's draft that needs a true threat off the edge more than the Washington Commanders. And David Bailey has probably been the best all-around pass rusher in college football this season. The Commanders would probably sprint to the podium to turn in a card with his name on it and address their biggest weakness.
7. New York Jets: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Speaking of sprinting to the podium, I don't think there would be any hesitation on the part of the New York Jets here if this was the scenario presented to them. Realistically, I think some team (like the Jets) will have to trade up into the top 3 overall picks to get Mendoza, maybe even #1 overall if Arch Manning doesn't declare.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
One of the stories to watch this offseason is going to be what happens with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. I think it's a foregone conclusion that he's going to be traded, and the Cardinals will need to find another long-term solution at the quarterback position. In this 2026 NFL mock draft scenario, that's Oregon's breakout star QB Dante Moore.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
As much money as they have invested in their core pieces, you can't help but think the Bengals are going into the 2026 offseason a complete mess. They need to figure out what has Joe Burrow so sullen and somber these days, and they've got to figure out their defense. Peter Woods would be a safe pick here and would upgrade the middle of that defense instantly.
10. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Los Angeles Rams double up on defensive backs in this year's draft with two first-round picks. Jermod McCoy has long been considered the CB1 of the class, but that's becoming more and more cemented with what we've seen on the field from other guys. Even with his injury last January, he's held onto this status.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
I don't see Aaron Jones or even Jordan Mason being the long-term options at running back for the Vikings. They don't need to spend a first-round pick on the position, necessarily, but a player like Jeremiyah Love will cause you to abandon your other plans. He's an elite playmaker and offensive weapon who will be a rookie of the year favorite if he lands in Minnesota.
12. Miami Dolphins: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
This offseason should be when we see some finality to the Dolphins' releationship with Tyreek Hill. They'll need to find someone else to pair up with Jaylen Waddle on the outside, and Makai Lemon could be the perfect fit. The playmaker out of USC has seen his 2026 NFL Draft stock on the rise all year long.
13. Baltimore Ravens: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Ravens could have a variety of different needs this offseason that weren't exactly foreseen at the beginning of the year. For a team like this, however, it's a safe bet that they're going to capitalize on the fall of any top-tier prospect who probably has no business being on the board, and that happens to be Auburn pass rusher Keldric Faulk in this scenario.
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Kansas City Chiefs felt like they had found the one missing piece for their offensive line with Josh Simmons this past year, but Simmons is dealing with injuries and off-field stuff as a rookie (big reasons he fell in the 2025 NFL Draft), and they might have long-term issues at left guard and right tackle now. Spencer Fano can at least come in and help at the right tackle spot if the Chiefs want to move on from Jawaan Taylor.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have gone from being the "Cardiac Bucs" early in the season to the "Wannabe Bucs" in short order. This team has so much talent, yet they seem to struggle with consistency every single year. You can't go wrong building through the trenches on either side, but what's really going to turn this ship around?
16. Dallas Cowboys: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Ever since they traded Micah Parsons, people have been expecting the Dallas Cowboys to use at least one of their two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on the EDGE rusher position. And here, they deliver. Cashius Howell wouldn't even have to move all that far coming from the Texas A&M program, which has been cranking out one top-tier prospect after another on the defensive front these days.
17. Detroit Lions: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Detroit Lions didn't do enough in the 2025 offseason to truly upgrade their edge position, and they're reaping what they've sown this season. TJ Parker hasn't exactly been the dominant force many expected before the start of the season, but he still projects as a very good long-term starter at the next level. He might even be a steal in this spot.
18. New York Jets (from Colts): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
It seems a little cliché when it comes to this pick, but you can see the Jets using this Colts selection to replace Sauce Gardner if it makes sense, right? Mansoor Delane would be a great pickup for the Colts here in the middle of the first round. He's been outstanding for LSU this season with a pair of interceptions and a career-best 11 passes defensed.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Pittsburgh Steelers (or some other NFL team) might have to move way up in the 2026 NFL Draft order to select Ty Simpson, who was #2 overall on Dane Brugler's latest big board. If he falls to this point, there's almost no question that they would take him. The Steelers don't have a long-term solution at the quarterback position and appear poised for another quick fix after Aaron Rodgers retires.
20. Carolina Panthers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Carolina Panthers have been one of the NFL's best stories so far this season, especially with their turnaround on the defensive side of the ball. It hasn't been perfect, but they've at least had some great games and they were opportunistic against the Rams. With that in mind, they still need to add more playmakers and Sonny Styles has the type of range to be a dynamic three-down player at the next level.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
There are a lot of issues with the Philadelphia Eagles right now, but I don't see them making any sort of sweeping change at quarterback or anything. Maybe they will trade AJ Brown for the right price. Ultimately, we know Howie Roseman wants to add big men early and often in the draft. If Kadyn Proctor is still sitting there, getting him with offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland would be massive for his development.
22. Houston Texans: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
No matter which side of the line of scrimmage you want to pick here, I think a big man is the move for the Houston Texans. They need help on both the offensive and defensive lines. this isn't a great offensive line draft, but a player like Caleb Banks could be fun here if the Texans clear him of any off-field concerns there may be.
23. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
Whether you're looking off the edge or on the interior defensive line, I think this pick for the Bears almost has to be on the defensive front. As much as we've seen the Bears thrive this season when it comes to creating takeaways, they can raise the floor of the defense as a whole if they invest more in the pass rush and defensive front.
24. Buffalo Bills: Kevin Koncepcion, WR, Texas A&M
One thing that has become abundantly clear over the course of the 2025 season is the Buffalo Bills' need to upgrade the wide receiver position. Ever since they traded away Stefon Diggs before the 2024 season, that position has been a problem area for the team. Kevin Koncepcion has been phenomenal this year at Texas A&M and could be a go-to threat for Josh Allen.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Chargers went after an offensive weapon with their top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft (RB Omarion Hampton) and they could very well do it again here in the 2026 NFL Draft. Kenyon Sadiq might absolutely skyrocket with his stock after the offseason process, especially because it looks like he's clearly the top tight end in this class, but he would be another fun weapon for Justin Herbert.
26. San Francisco 49ers: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
The San Francisco 49ers invested heavily on the defensive side of the ball in the 2025 NFL Draft, and I think we're going to see them do the same on offense in the 2026 NFL Draft. There might be a little more balance, especially in the early rounds, but they have a chance in this scenario to go after the top overall interior lineman in the class (potentially), and they can't pass that up.
27. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The injury to Martin Emerson before the start of the season was massive, but the Browns also traded away former first-round pick Greg Newsome this year. Maybe the Browns' front office is preparing to reload a little bit in the secondary after this season, and you certainly couldn't blame them for taking advantage of value here with Avieon Terrell, who might be the best player overall on the board.
28. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
One of the trades the Cowboys made at the deadline this year could give us a hint at one of their top priorities in the 2026 NFL Draft. They brought in linebacker Logan Wilson to shore up the linebacker spot in a trade with the Bengals, but that's just a quick fix for the time being. Pairing up CJ Allen with DeMarvion Overshown could be a great first-round investment.
29. Seattle Seahawks: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa
After the Seattle Seahawks used a first-round pick on Grey Zabel in 2025, I wonder if we're going to see them continue to invest in that offensive line. The defense and vision for a lot of the young players is coming to life under head coach Mike Macdonald, but if you can protect Sam Darnold, you can build on something truly special that's been established on that side of the ball going forward.
30. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Giving Drake Maye another top-tier weapon is kind of a scary proposition at this point. The Patriots will likely keep an extremely open mind with their top pick in this year's draft, maybe even considering using it to acquire a veteran pass rusher or offensive lineman. Either way, getting a big-bodied target here like Boston would make an already good offense even scarier.
31. Los Angeles Rams: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
We teased the possibility earlier in this 2026 NFL mock draft scenario, but the Los Angeles Rams have ultimate flexibility in the first round of next year's draft. We typically have them taking a quarterback here, but the decision by LaNorris Sellers to return to school for another year has caused us to pivot to a different South Carolina prospect. They pair up Jermod McCoy with one of the top breakout corners in college football: Brandon Cisse. This would give the Rams an enviable young core in the back end of their defense.
32. Denver Broncos: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
This is a tough scenario for the Denver Broncos. This is a team that could absolutely use its first-round pick to trade for a veteran at a position of need, especially with Bo Nix on his rookie deal for the next handful of years. Using a first-round pick on an off-ball linebacker is not exactly the most exciting scenario for the Broncos, but it would fit their biggest need. Jake Golday has been wildly productive the past couple of seasons and has been skyrocketing up 2026 NFL Draft boards.