It's sad to think that the 2025 NFL season is nearing its end, but for many fan bases around the league, the end of this season will mark the beginning of renewed hope. For more than half the league, this season didn't go the way everyone expected. Or maybe in the case of some teams, it went exactly as expected, and that's part of the problem.
Thankfully, there's a new batch of prospects coming up to the league, but at the most premium positions (QB, OT, CB, WR, EDGE), beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
With big names like Arch Manning returning to school for another season, who is going 1st overall? Will quarterback-needy teams be able to bank on this year's draft class? We're making picks for the entire first round in this all-new 2026 NFL mock draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza lands with Raiders
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders play against the New York Giants in what could end up being a battle for the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And right now, the Raiders need it more. They even put Brock Bowers on IR to give themselves a better chance. Okay, we can’t say that as fact, that’s more tongue in cheek, but if the boot fits…
The Raiders need a QB to build around, and Fernando Mendoza looks like he’s got what it takes to come run the point effectively.
2. New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Giants may end up being able to sell off the #1 or #2 pick in this year’s draft for a king’s ransom of draft picks and players. And that would be ideal, because there aren’t really many blue-chip prospects at the positions they have the greatest needs. Arvell Reese would be an impact player, but would he be an underwhelming top pick for this team?
3. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
We’ve toyed with the idea of the Browns building around Shedeur Sanders, and while nothing is impossible, it just feels like the organization is going to convince itself to truly fall in love with a player at the position in the draft process. As Myles Garrett pursues NFL history, the Browns have one eye on the future and which quarterback is going to finally be “the guy” for this team.
4. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Jets have so many roster holes beyond this season, but getting the right quarterback in place would absolutely heal a lot of this team’s issues. If they had even semi-competent quarterback play for the majority of the season, they probably could have won seven or eight games. Ty Simpson showed some guts in the opening round of the College Football Playoff, and some NFL teams love him already.
5. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami
The Titans have been penciled in as taking Rueben Bain for so many of these mock draft scenarios, and it may ultimately come down to which head coach they hire. If they hire a defense-oriented head coach, this pick will probably go on that side of the ball. But if they hire an offensive mind, don’t be shocked if their top priority is to get a weapon for Cam Ward.
6. Arizona Cardinals: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
I don’t “love” this pick for the Cardinals, but this team has so much going on right now that it’s tough to predict their top pick. They might have a new head coach and quarterback by the time this pick rolls around. That’s what I’m banking on, so I’m saying the Cardinals go after a weapon here, and maybe they even move on from Marvin Harrison Jr. in the offseason.
7. Washington Commanders: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
There are a few teams with the most obvious needs staring them directly in the face right now, and for the Commanders, it’s the EDGE position. This wasn’t properly addressed in the 2025 offseason, and they’ve had to deal with the effects of that this season. Keldric Faulk would give them a physical, athletic big man who can play a variety of positions, upgrading the pass rush immediately.
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
One of the most significant developments here in the second half of the season, albeit quietly, is the fact that the New Orleans Saints may have found themselves a quarterback to build around. At the very least, I don’t think they have to reach for one in this upcoming class. Go get Tyler Shough another weapon. Adding Carnell Tate to a group that includes Chris Olave would be unfair. Are you allowed to have multiple Ohio State receivers on the same team in the NFL?
That feels like an unfair advantage.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
The Cincinnati Bengals are in for a really interesting offseason. Joe Burrow has alluded to the idea that he may not really be having much fun right now. The defense is in shambles. They will likely need to go find help in the pass rush department as well, but I don’t think you can go wrong picking Caleb Downs in this class. He might have the highest floor of any prospect in the class.
10. Kansas City Chiefs: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Kansas City Chiefs being this high in a mock draft without trading up is new territory. This team hasn’t had to hit the reset button in a really long time, and obviously, they’re going to have a big chip on their shoulders next season. Patrick Mahomes’s health is the most important thing for this team moving forward, and that offensive line has been brutally bad.
11. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
If you can upgrade in the trenches, you can raise the floor of your entire team. I think we’re going to see the Miami Dolphins move on from Tua Tagovailoa this offseason, and whatever bridge quarterback they bring in is going to need to rely on that running game. The Dolphins go and get one of the best linemen in this class to continue pounding the rock, and they stay local with Francis Mauigoa.
12. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Los Angeles Rams have been burned on multiple occasions this season by their lack of investment at the cornerback position. We saw this past offseason that they tried to go out and get Jalen Ramsey, but it wasn’t meant to be. Getting corners from this draft, especially with multiple picks in the first round, will be huge. Jermod McCoy might be the best one in the class, falling only because of the fact that he’s been on the road to recovery this season.
13. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Baltimore Ravens might need a change at the top of the organization (head coach) with what we’ve seen the past handful of seasons. January collapses, and a team that has completely lacked its killer instinct this year. They also need to upgrade in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and getting a player like Peter Woods could be a steal at this point in the draft.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
The Buccaneers have dealt with a lot of injuries offensively this season, but nothing will sink your team quite like injuries on the offensive line. This Bucs team has way too much talent to be struggling the way they have been down the stretch. Once again, if you can raise the level of play in the trenches on both sides of the ball, you’re going to be able to be competitive every week. The Bucs need help on the offensive line, and Ioane might be the best IOL in the class.
15. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Jerry Jones can blame whoever he wants, but anytime you point one finger, you’ve got three pointing right back at you. Trading away Micah Parsons was a kill shot for this Dallas defense, which has been exposed badly this season for its lack of pass rush. The Cowboys don’t always paint themselves into a 1st-round corner, but getting a pass rusher here is going to be a no-brainer, especially with David Bailey right in their backyard.
16. Detroit Lions: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Detroit Lions have been one of the biggest disappointments in the entire NFL this season. The biggest need for this team in 2026 is going to be getting a new offensive coordinator to unlock the true potential of that unit, but general manager Brad Holmes needs to upgrade his personnel defensively. Getting help at all three levels will be essential, but Mansoor Delane has had a great year at LSU and might be the best defensive player on the board here.
17. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love to the Vikings has been one of my favorite early 2026 NFL mock draft predictions, because I think he could be such a great fit in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Not to mention, probably the perfect outlet in the passing game for young quarterback JJ McCarthy. Love has been a big play waiting to happen for the past few years at Notre Dame, and I think he’s a very easy projection to the next level.
18. New York Jets (from Colts): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Just like the Dallas Cowboys don’t exactly “need” to replace Micah Parsons with a 1st-round pick, the New York Jets also don’t “need” to replace Sauce Gardner with this pick from the Colts. However, this feels like it could kind of be the sweet spot for that position in the 2026 draft, and that’s obviously a need for the Jets after the Sauce trade. Avieon Terrell could be a great fit right here.
19. Carolina Panthers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Carolina Panthers feel like they are one of the most fun teams in the NFL while simultaneously being a piece or two away. The linebacker position is one area this team could stand to upgrade in a big way this offseason, and Sonny Styles is one of the most interesting prospects. He’s got outstanding size, range, and athleticism as a former safety converted to the position. He’s a playmaker.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Pittsburgh Steelers have once again been playing above the expectations of many this season. They are going to be in quarterback purgatory this offseason once again, but the receiver position is a big issue for them as well. Outside of DK Metcalf, this team has been on the hunt for a secondary option for a few years now. Makai Lemon is one of the top playmakers in the class and would be a steal here.
21. Dallas Cowboys: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Cowboys need help at all three levels of the defense. Their defensive front at least has a couple of pieces with Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and a couple of former high draft picks. The linebacker position has been a lot more of a patchwork operation for them, with DeMarvion Overshown clearly the top player and not always available. An upgrade for the long term will be needed with Logan Wilson just coming in as a quick fix.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman loves to take pass rushers early and often in the NFL Draft, and it feels like it’s been a minute since he did that. The Eagles will have to address receiver this offseason as well, but getting more playmakers off the edge has become a clear need with the team calling Brandon Graham out of retirement to come help. TJ Parker is someone I think a team like the Eagles would love to “buy low” on. He had 6 forced fumbles last season and is having somewhat of a down year in 2025.
23. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
I don’t think you can go wrong if you’re the Texans on either side of the line of scrimmage here. That offensive line was clearly in flux last offseason and is still a work in progress. The defensive line has a number of players on expiring contracts, so the Texans will be looking for an impact player in the trenches with this selection. Kadyn Proctor has the highest ceiling of anyone left.
24. Buffalo Bills: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Buffalo Bills should be considered a dangerous team this offseason when it comes to trading a 1st-round pick for an impact player. I would not be surprised to see them in the market for a veteran pass rusher that could be available, or a receiver. Both of those positions have to be addressed in 2026, because they could be the position groups that sink this team’s ship in 2025. Cashius Howell would be a fun fit if they do keep the pick and he’s still on the board. He was an All-American this year with 11.5 sacks.
25. Los Angeles Chargers: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
One of the most significant losses for the Chargers in the 2025 offseason was interior defensive lineman Poona Ford. Although the defense has still played outstanding this season, this team undoubtedly wants to maintain a high level of play in the trenches. Caleb Banks has some folks talking about risk vs. reward given some potential off-field concerns, but he would be a great piece for this Chargers team to add defensively.
26. San Francisco 49ers: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
The San Francisco 49ers rarely go with the consensus when it comes to their NFL Draft strategy. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan evaluate the person as much as they do the prospect when it comes to the guys they draft, and I think Gennings Dunker would be such a fun fit here. The Iowa offensive line was the best in the country this past year, and Dunker might have the best pro projection of them all. He could be a flex option until the ageless Trent Williams calls it a career.
27. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Browns got themselves a quarterback earlier in this 2026 NFL mock draft, and here they get someone to protect him. The offensive line used to be loaded in Cleveland, but that has slowly developed into a bit of a problem area for the future. This team is in complete rebuilding mode for the future, and someone like Caleb Lomu could come in and play right tackle or guard immediately.
28. Los Angeles Rams: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
When in doubt, go ahead and take someone to upgrade the offensive or defensive line. The Los Angeles Rams have multiple first-round picks, and for a team like that, that means ultimate flexibility. There is nothing wrong with going after offensive line help, especially when teams are constantly having issues keeping guys healthy year after year. Goosby is a big, long, athletic option with a bit more talent than experience at this point, but a great NFL projection.
29. Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Chicago Bears have absolutely loaded up in recent years with offensive personnel in the NFL Draft. They’ve also found some gems defensively, but I think that’s going to have to be the area they address early in next year’s class. They’ve been able to get on the right track this year, but that Chicago defense has still been absolutely gashed at times. Getting a defensive lineman like Kayden McDonald who can upgrade the run defense right away would be a good investment.
30. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The New England Patriots have been so great this season in all phases of the game, but there are still some future roster needs that remain. As awesome as Drake Maye has been this season attacking downfield, why not strengthen a strength? The Patriots have a chance here to give their young quarterback a weapon whose size and catch radius play perfectly into his ability to push the ball downfield.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Cisse, DB, South Carolina
We saw the Seattle Seahawks move up in last year’s draft to take South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori, and perhaps we’ll see them do it again in this year’s draft for another Gamecock defensive back. A transfer from North Carolina State, Cisse has been outstanding for the South Carolina defense. The Seahawks have been such a great operation in all phases this year, you can draft to strengthen strengths.
32. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Broncos have Evan Engram under contract for next year, but the reality is that they need more weapons for the offense. Whether it’s another tight end, a receiver, a running back – they need players to make plays for Bo Nix. His receivers and top options in the passing game have let him down so many times with drops this season. Getting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at this stage of the 1st round would be highway robbery for this team.