NFL’s spring gatherings are taking place in Phoenix this week, bringing together club owners, head coaches, and GMs for press conferences to provide insights into their offseason activities, including discussions related to the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
This represents our most thorough effort to analyze available information and align prospective draftees with team requirements across every selection in the initial round.
For this speculative draft projection, Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports is responsible for the selections with odd numbers, while Nate Tice handles those with even numbers.
Further 2026 NFL mock drafts: 7.0 | 6.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0
1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Following the Raiders’ recent transaction sending Geno Smith to the Jets, there’s little new commentary to add on this topic, as it has been widely discussed. This decision is finalized, and one hopes it proves successful for Klint Kubiak. Moving on.
2. New York Jets — Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State
The Jets aggressively recruited numerous experienced players to bolster their defensive unit. Now, they introduce an impactful talent in Reese, further transforming their defensive strategy. Reese is expected to excel primarily at the line of scrimmage, where he demonstrates significant potential as a pass rusher and capability in setting the edge against the run. His optionality to operate as an off-ball linebacker offers an added advantage should the Jets wish to innovate by deploying multiple pass rushers concurrently.
3. Arizona Cardinals — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Selecting an off-ball linebacker within the top three seems like a reach, yet Styles possesses the potential to be a game-changing player at a position where top-tier talent is scarce across the league. His physical attributes—size and quickness—enable him to cover ground effectively across the entire field. He demonstrated proficiency in pass coverage and is also an asset as a blitzer. Styles would instantly become a pivotal figure in the Cardinals’ defensive scheme, offering an intriguing example of the impact a premier linebacker can have, especially when other franchises lack such a healthy option.
4. Tennessee Titans — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
While there’s speculation about the Titans drafting Jeremiyah Love, and despite significant free-agency spending on Wan’Dale Robinson, the team still requires more offensive weapons to support Cam Ward. My preference for the rebuilding Titans is to keep strengthening their offensive and defensive lines rather than selecting a running back at this stage. Robert Saleh is known for his substantial investment in defensive linemen, and Bailey would provide an explosive pass-rushing threat, distinct from their current powerful line-up. An additional advantage is that the existing Titans’ defensive front would help shield Bailey in run defense. The combination of Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, and Bailey would present a formidable pass rush challenge for opposing offenses.
5. New York Giants — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
This selection could surprise many, yet there’s a coherent rationale behind it, stemming from the reunion of John Harbaugh and Greg Roman in New York. While Matt Nagy is set to call plays, Roman serves as a senior offensive assistant for the Giants, and Harbaugh has consistently emphasized building strong running teams throughout his time in Baltimore. The Giants might perceive a dynamic running back as the final component, given their offensive line doesn’t require immediate improvement and they’ve already added several wide receivers. Cam Skattebo’s performance post-leg injury recovery remains uncertain, but Love is a significantly more promising prospect who would inject considerable quickness into the Giants’ rushing attack.
(Hassan Ahmad/Yahoo Sports)
6. Cleveland Browns — Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Cleveland had a pressing need to overhaul its offensive line during this offseason. While they initiated this by acquiring multiple experienced players in free agency, more talent is still beneficial, particularly at the tackle spot. This leads to Freeling, whose stock climbed throughout the 2025 season, establishing him firmly within my top 10 prospects for this draft cycle. Freeling offers potential as a reliable left tackle for future Cleveland quarterbacks.
7. Washington Commanders — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The sole reason Downs remains available at this spot is his positional designation. He is arguably the top talent in the entire draft class, having been an exceptional defensive back prospect since his rookie year at Alabama. Downs represents the type of undeniable talent the Commanders require for their secondary. He possesses the versatility to operate as a deep safety and also in the slot within Dan Quinn’s defensive system, which is in urgent need of a resurgence in 2026.
8. New Orleans Saints — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
While the impulse might be to acquire another receiver for New Orleans, the Saints instead choose Delane, bringing him from nearby Baton Rouge. Last season, the Saints’ defense, under Brandon Staley, performed beyond expectations. Although they might consider strengthening their defensive line, Delane is an intelligent athlete well-suited for Staley’s zone-centric approach and innovative passing-down strategies. He would enhance the cornerback group, providing the Saints with a defender who can quickly adapt to the scheme and contribute more significantly than current roster options.
9. Kansas City Chiefs — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
Kansas City swiftly submits this selection. Fortuitously, one of college football’s most disruptive defensive ends is available for the Chiefs as they aim to inject elite talent back into their defense. Bain would align perfectly with Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive philosophy and create an effective defensive line triumvirate alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
10. Cincinnati Bengals — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
This situation could be quite unfavorable for the Bengals, as a succession of defensive talents are chosen before their turn at pick No. 10. Keldric Faulk is a possibility, but the Bengals might be reluctant to draft two developmental edge rushers in consecutive years (having picked Shemar Stewart last year). Nevertheless, they still secure a highly skilled player in McCoy. He missed the previous season, but he is still regarded as a top cornerback prospect based on his tape prior to his January 2025 injury. He holds the promise to be a significant game-changer on the perimeter for the Bengals, potentially enabling them to utilize Dax Hill more frequently in an interior role.
11. Miami Dolphins — Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Dolphins have officially entered another rebuilding phase, presenting them with numerous roster gaps to address with their first-round selection this season. They opt for a local talent in Mauigoa, who possesses the capabilities to become a permanent starter at either right tackle or guard. While significant development takes time, if Patrick Paul and Jonah Savaiinaea progress as hoped, this forms a solid foundation for their offensive line.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
While I appreciated the additions of Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant to strengthen the Cowboys’ secondary, further defensive talent acquisition is necessary. Positioned between different tiers of cornerback and linebacker prospects, the Cowboys select the promising Faulk for their defensive line. Although he is still developing his pass-rushing technique, he is young, possesses exceptional attributes, exhibits strong effort, and will enter the league already proficient as a run defender. His aggressive, pocket-collapsing pass-rush style would perfectly complement Quinnen Williams’ disruptive interior play. Faulk’s ability to operate in various roles, which he demonstrated at Auburn, makes him a versatile asset for Christian Parker’s Fangio-based scheme. This fit appeals to me more upon further consideration.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons) — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The retirement of veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein creates a significant void on the Rams’ offensive line’s right flank. Fortunately, they can secure an ideal substitute at this position. Lomu, while perhaps not as celebrated as his teammate Spencer Fano, could be a more straightforward selection given his existing experience playing right tackle at Utah. His aggressive approach, explosive power, and comprehensive athleticism equip him with the potential to evolve into a dominant right tackle.
14. Baltimore Ravens — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The initial wide receiver chosen! While I’d ideally prefer the Ravens to match Lamar Jackson with a physically larger receiver, Tate is an exceptionally consistent performer who effectively plays above his listed size due to his extensive catching radius and ball-tracking abilities. He is an intelligent player, proficient as a route runner at short, intermediate, and deep levels, and his instinctive understanding against zone coverage would be particularly beneficial during Jackson’s scramble plays. The Ravens might consider reinforcing their offensive line here, but I believe revisiting the first-round wide receiver pool with Tate would provide the Ravens with a distinct style of pass-catching option.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
It’s widely held that a team cannot possess an excessive number of cornerbacks, leading Tampa Bay to select the reliable Terrell around the middle of the first round. Terrell may not be the most explosive cornerback, but he exhibits smooth movement and excellent ball skills, mirroring those of his elder brother, A.J., who plays for the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay would have preferred to acquire a defensive lineman capable of playing on the edge, but with Faulk having been chosen earlier, they pursue a different direction with this selection.
16. New York Jets (via Colts) — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Following the departures of John Simpson and former first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency, the Jets aim to bolster their offensive line further with another first-round pick. Ioane possesses impressive stature and moves well in open areas. He displayed commendable situational awareness last season, which suggests he could contribute early in his professional career. While the Jets have several options for this pick, I anticipate they will once again prioritize strengthening their offensive and defensive lines.
17. Detroit Lions — Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
This selection requires little additional justification beyond the Lions’ current scarcity of pass rushers on their roster. Their depth at defensive end, apart from Aidan Hutchinson, is critically low, almost compelling them to choose an edge rusher with this pick. Mesidor’s performance can be inconsistent play-to-play, and he will be 25 before the draft, but he holds potential to become a meaningful contributor in the NFL, or even a truly consistent edge threat if he quickly adapts. The Lions are compelled to address this area.
18. Minnesota Vikings — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Vikings have several types of prospects they might target with their initial draft choice. Some intriguing safety options exist, they could seek a successor for T.J. Hockenson in Kenyon Sadiq, or they might opt to inject substantial power into their defensive line. Brian Flores plans to orchestrate pressure and impactful plays for his defense, but the Vikings would benefit from a player who can occupy blockers, enabling teammates to pursue the ball freely. McDonald may not be the most glamorous prospect, but his primary strength is his effectiveness against the run. He also possesses sufficient agility for the twists and stunts frequently employed by Flores. McDonald essentially mirrors the defensive philosophy that led to last year’s selection of offensive guard Donovan Jackson: a robust trench player who empowers innovative coaching.
19. Carolina Panthers — Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
With this pick, Carolina significantly enhances the mass of its defensive line by bringing in Banks. He is an immense tackle, boasting exceptional athleticism and strong technique for identifying and overcoming blocks – though his tackling ability is a notable weakness. While this is certainly a concern, his other attributes are so formidable and dominant that even a slight enhancement in that problematic area would elevate him to a valuable starter in the NFL. Banks reportedly sustained a foot fracture at the NFL combine and is expected to be out until June, providing ample time for him to regain full fitness by training camp.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers) — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
This selection could be considered a bit premature, but this stage of the first round lacks clear consensus among prospects. I initially held Hill in high regard at the season’s outset (ranking him as my top linebacker), then cooled slightly, but have since revised my opinion positively. He is a skilled athlete with impressive range across the field. He exhibits strong awareness and diagnostic skills, and his energetic blitzing style would integrate effectively into the Cowboys’ revised defensive system. Dallas has made commendable progress in reconstructing its defense, and Hill would provide the team with its most gifted interior defender since Leighton Vander Esch.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
While the Steelers have solidified one wide receiver position with DK Metcalf, they conspicuously lack other reliable options. They receive a potential boon with Tyson, who drops to the latter half of the first round. When performing at his peak and fully healthy, Tyson is a formidable presence when the ball is contested in the air. He demonstrates genuine potential to evolve into an NFL top receiver. The question of who will be delivering passes for Pittsburgh remains unresolved, a common theme for Steelers offseasons.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
This would represent a significant advantage for the Chargers. Fano is an exceptional athlete, demonstrating explosiveness as a run blocker and fluid movement in open areas. The Chargers did not make substantial additions to their guard positions this offseason, making Fano an ideal fit for Mike McDaniel’s system. I have some doubts about Fano’s long-term viability as a tackle at the professional level, believing his optimal role might be at guard or even center. This concern is less pressing in Los Angeles due to the Chargers’ already strong tackle tandem. His positional flexibility to offer depth, which the Chargers will undoubtedly require, is a valuable asset.
23. Philadelphia Eagles — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Philadelphia recently finalized a one-year contract with veteran tight end Dallas Goedert, but at 31, his future with the team beyond that term is uncertain. The Eagles could secure an excellent long-term successor for Goedert with the supremely athletic Sadiq. He is an exceptionally gifted athlete who should quickly establish himself as a receiving target early in his professional tenure. His blocking is sufficiently competent to provide a foundation for further development in the NFL.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars) — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
While it’s appealing to continue strengthening the Browns’ offensive line, and there are skilled players available (though more tackles than interior linemen), let’s instead suggest the Browns enhance their receiving corps with a physically imposing option. Jerry Jeudy is most effective as a complementary target, and Harold Fannin Jr. is a promising young tight end. Boston would complete this group as an outside receiver who can excel in contested catch situations due to his hands and stature. He is a consistent performer capable of succeeding in the red zone, providing the Browns’ quarterback, irrespective of who it is, with a dependable large target in critical moments.
25. Chicago Bears — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Woods’ descent on draft day concludes here, as the Bears make a potentially game-changing selection at a position of critical necessity. Chicago’s defensive front lacked sufficient robustness last season, and at his peak, Woods can be a transformative defender in various interior alignments. The Bears have explored several defensive tackle prospects in recent years, but Woods offers a more assured baseline of performance compared to their previous Day 2 acquisitions.
26. Buffalo Bills — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
While choosing a linebacker, with CJ Allen still on the board, was an attractive option, the Bills instead reinforce the core of their defense at the safety position. Even with the additions of C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone, I believe the Bills could benefit from another central, long-term talent that new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard could effectively utilize. McNeil-Warren is a truly enjoyable player to watch. He quickly diagnoses plays and excels in run support. He would seamlessly integrate into Leonhard’s defensive system, which places significant demands on its safeties.
27. San Francisco 49ers — Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
The 49ers require a substantial influx of emerging talent on their offensive line, which they can achieve by selecting Iheanachor. Although he is a redshirt senior, he only began playing football a few years prior in junior college. It’s wise never to underestimate someone who began their football career in JUCO and immediately committed to the sport.
28. Houston Texans — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
General manager Nick Caserio has a notable preference for players from prominent college programs. Proctor, indeed, stands as one of the most physically imposing talents from a major school in this year’s draft. While the Texans secured offensive tackle Braden Smith on a two-year contract, Smith has been sidelined for portions of almost every season of his career. Proctor would bring immense size to the tackle position, though he could begin his professional journey at guard, offering tackle depth before potentially transitioning outwards later. The Texans should persist in strengthening their offensive line; while a guard or center might be immediately ideal, adding a robust talent like Proctor, even without an immediate perfect fit, should not deter them.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams) — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Given the departures of Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie to the Rams, the cornerback position has become an urgent and significant priority for the Chiefs. At this point, they can take a calculated risk on the skilled Hood, who would have ample opportunities to generate turnovers with Chris Jones and the earlier-selected Rueben Bain Jr. applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
30. Miami Dolphins (via Broncos) — KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
This marks the significant compensation from the Jaylen Waddle trade: an additional first-round wide receiver for Miami. Concepcion has the capability to deliver the same kind of dynamic plays that Waddle provided while receiving passes from Tua Tagovailoa. His coaching staffs at both A&M and NC State consistently devised methods to get the ball into Concepcion’s hands, including on special teams. Concepcion’s receiving abilities have progressed, yet he still requires further development in route precision and reliable pass-catching.
31. New England Patriots — Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
As evidenced during their playoff run, the Patriots’ offense still needs considerable talent upgrades to effectively compete against the league’s premier defenses. It’s noteworthy that the Patriots secured a top-five draft pick in the same season they reached the Super Bowl, underscoring a general deficiency in elite talent, especially within their offensive line. They can begin to rectify this by drafting Miller, another massive and athletic offensive tackle in this year’s class.
32. Seattle Seahawks — Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
My initial focus for this selection lingered on the available offensive guards. Several compelling defensive line and wide receiver prospects also present themselves here. Even following prior investments in both areas, I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of the Seahawks continuing to fortify these spots. However, the Seahawks instead acquire the adaptable Thieneman from the state directly to their south. Thieneman would be an outstanding match for Mike Macdonald’s two-high defensive setup, maximizing his dual capabilities as a run stopper and in pass coverage. His ability to operate from a deep alignment would also capitalize on his adeptness at diagnosing plays and closing in on the ball. Thieneman would enable the Seahawks to frequently employ their five and six defensive back formations, unleashing the full potential of Seattle’s already skilled defense.
