Global sports interest is now focused on the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. A total of five franchises possess multiple first-round choices, yet the eighth speculative draft by Nate Tice and Charles McDonald highlights significant discussion around the New York Giants’ strategy at selections #5 and #10, following their recent trade of Dexter Lawrence. Additionally, there’s buzz about a club re-entering the first round to acquire the draft’s second-ranked quarterback.
For this particular simulated draft, Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports is responsible for the selections with odd numbers, while Nate Tice handles those with even numbers.
Player Rankings: Overall Top 75 Consensus • Nate Tice’s List • Charles McDonald’s List | Draft Handbook
1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
The National Football League’s latest partnership story, “Kirk & Fernando,” is set to commence production later this month as the Raiders are expected to choose Mendoza as their future signal-caller. Should Kirk Cousins be amenable to a mentorship capacity once the season is underway, this arrangement bodes well for Mendoza. Considering his age, Cousins performed adequately for the Falcons last year and cannot assert ignorance that the organization he joined intended to draft a quarterback this time around.
2. New York Jets — Arvell Reese, Edge/Linebacker, Ohio State
After experiencing substantial player departures midseason, the Jets are in dire need of impactful contributors on defense. Reese was deployed across various defensive front positions for Ohio State, tasked with influencing the game in diverse capacities. He certainly delivered. Reese possesses the ability to play both off-ball and on the edge, and his pass-rushing capabilities are just beginning to be fully utilized. Defenses, along with the specific duties assigned to players, have become increasingly complex in contemporary NFL play. Reese represents a modern defensive asset that any coordinator would eagerly acquire.
3. Arizona Cardinals — Monroe Freeling, Offensive Tackle, Georgia
An unexpected choice? This month is likely to feature several surprising selections, so here’s our attempt at one. The Cardinals have initiated a comprehensive rebuilding effort within the league’s most challenging division. For new head coach Mike LaFleur to successfully navigate this transition, Arizona must establish stability as rapidly as possible. In a year like this one, prioritizing an offensive lineman might be the most strategic move. No other player at this position this year offers more untapped potential than Freeling, who could seamlessly settle in as a long-term right tackle opposite Paris Johnson Jr. as the Cardinals determine their subsequent steps.
The Titans have a pressing need to continually enhance their offensive skill positions and introduce more speed around Cam Ward. Furthermore, one can anticipate new head coach Robert Saleh’s desire to keep augmenting the defensive line, consistent with the numerous roster adjustments made this offseason and mirroring the defenses he has previously led. A key component of those 49ers defenses that enabled Saleh to frequently employ zone coverages was the league’s top-tier linebacker, Fred Warner. (His Jets defenses also featured a formidable duo in C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams.) Styles possesses the inherent talent, strategic acumen, and diverse skills to be that pivotal presence in the middle, stabilizing the entire defensive unit. Ward still requires assistance, but the vision of Styles dynamically maneuvering behind Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers is genuinely exciting.
5. New York Giant — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge Rusher, Miami
With Dexter Lawrence no longer with the team, the Giants will consider Bain to establish a foundational defensive presence for their future, assuming thorough background checks on his recently reported off-field matters have been conducted. The prospect of Bain pressuring quarterbacks alongside Abdul Carter and Brian Burns for years to come? That appears to be a formidable consolation prize after trading away one of the NFL’s premier defenders.
6. Cleveland Browns — Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
Offensive tackle and wide receiver. I believe the Browns’ strategy for their two initial-round picks is quite clear, addressing two of their most significant roster deficiencies (apart from the general state of the quarterback room in Cleveland). While we’ve previously opted for offensive tackle in these simulations, with Freeling already selected, the remaining potential candidates don’t align as cleanly with the Browns’ revamped offensive line configuration. This might be considered a slightly high valuation for Tate, but he stands out as exceptionally dependable at the wide receiver position. He demonstrates the capacity to be an effective player in various roles. Consequently, regardless of how the Browns further develop their receiving corps and overall offense, Tate and Harold Fannin Jr. represent a promising young combination that will provide any future passer with reliable support to build upon.
It’s plausible that Bailey represents the quintessential Dan Quinn-style pass rusher in this current class, excelling with his velocity to chase down quarterbacks from the edge in a manner that should readily transfer to the professional level. However, there is considerable scope for him to enhance his performance as a run defender and build strength in those aspects, which could pose an early liability in his NFL career. Nevertheless, Bailey is not entirely lacking in that department and is anticipated to be a highly disruptive player who consistently generates pressures and sacks.
The Saints could pursue several different avenues, each making logical sense. Tempting here was selecting a wide receiver to provide Chris Olave with a much-needed counterpart. Instead, the Saints opt for Delane not only to rectify a noticeable weakness in Brandon Staley’s surprisingly effective defense from the previous year (ranking 11th in FTN’s weighted defensive DVOA metric), but also to transform a below-average position into an outright strong one with Delane, whose intellect, ball-hawking skills, and suddenness would flourish in a zone-heavy defense that favors strategic variations.
Downs is arguably the premier talent in this year’s draft pool, making his acquisition with the ninth overall pick to bolster a secondary that experienced some talent attrition a judicious move. He embodies precisely the type of player who would excel in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme as a versatile playmaker. He possesses the immediate capability to become one of the league’s top safeties, an essential asset for a Chiefs secondary undergoing retooling.
10. New York Giants — Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Notre Dame
John Harbaugh favors teams that can effectively run the football, and the opportunity to pair Love in the backfield with Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart would achieve this objective. Skattebo is recovering from a significant leg injury sustained last season, presenting the Giants with a sensible chance to add Love to the roster without creating an overload at the position. If Malik Nabers can resume his previous form and return to his rookie-level productivity, the Giants would possess a skilled ensemble of young playmakers to strive for competitiveness.
11. Miami Dolphins — Francis Mauigoa, Offensive Lineman, Miami
Indeed, Miami will field a team this upcoming season out of necessity, but the Dolphins have demonstrably foregone competitive aspirations for 2026 due to the substantial dead cap space burdening their finances. As is customary, securing talent in the trenches is an effective strategy for laying the groundwork for future success. Here, the Dolphins can remain local and acquire the gifted Mauigoa, who could potentially establish a long-term role at either guard or tackle. If they intend to retain De’Von Achane, they should at least provide him with some protection.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Keldric Faulk, Edge Rusher, Auburn
Faulk’s projected draft position varies significantly among different scouts. I personally favor him and am prepared to bet on his youth (he won’t turn 21 until September), his elite run-stopping prowess, and his potential for pushing the pocket. However, I understand if his limited pass-rush production and lack of refinement lead to a more pessimistic assessment. The Cowboys must persistently reinforce their defense to complement their potentially high-scoring offense, and acquiring Faulk would further fortify their reconfigured front, with the added benefit of his experience playing from interior positions as well.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons) — Caleb Lomu, Offensive Tackle, Utah
This represents a seamless alignment for both involved parties. Long-serving right tackle Rob Havenstein retired this offseason, creating an opening for the Rams to secure a promising right tackle prospect in Lomu. He would integrate perfectly into Sean McVay’s running scheme, consistently exhibiting the ideal power and athleticism characteristic of prototypical NFL tackle prospects.
Whether Fano ultimately proves capable at tackle is largely inconsequential for the Ravens, who would be quite pleased to add his athleticism, adaptability, and mobility as they aim to reconstruct their interior offensive line. Fano could even emerge as a potential successor to Tyler Linderbaum at center. In any case, his run blocking skills will be emphasized, and if the Ravens seek to increasingly adopt a zone-heavy scheme under new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, then Fano’s nimble footwork and run-blocking expertise will be an ideal match opposite John Simpson.
McCoy might be considered one of the most gifted athletes in the draft class, yet he did not participate last season due to recovery from a torn ACL. At only 20 years old, he ranks among the younger prospects in the draft. His game footage from 2024 revealed a player with the potential to become a premier NFL cornerback, boasting immense upside as a press-man cover specialist.
16. New York Jets (via Colts) — Olaivavega Ioane, Offensive Guard, Penn State
Following the departures of John Simpson and former first-rounder Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency, the Jets aim to strengthen their offensive line with another first-round selection. Ioane possesses commendable size and displays comfort operating in open space. He demonstrated enhanced awareness this past season, which is an encouraging sign for his early transition to the professional ranks. The Jets could consider several directions with this pick, but I believe they will prioritize the trenches (once more) here to bolster the protection around their future quarterback.
17. Detroit Lions — Max Iheanachor, Offensive Tackle, Arizona State
The Lions have numerous strategic options here, but one pressing void they can quickly address is identifying who will play tackle opposite the All-Pro talent of Penei Sewell. Iheanachor began his football journey in JUCO just a few years ago, yet he exhibits legitimate first-round caliber traits and performance, representing an impressive rate of improvement in a short timeframe. He could be instrumental in re-establishing Detroit’s offensive line as the team phases out the veteran players who once comprised one of the league’s elite offensive line units.
18. Minnesota Vikings — Kayden McDonald, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
The Vikings have a selection of prospect types they could target with their first-round pick. There are a couple of intriguing safety candidates; they might seek a replacement for T.J. Hockenson in Kenyon Sadiq; or they could add substantial mass to their defensive line. Brian Flores is known for designing schemes that generate pressure and big plays for his defense, but the Vikings could benefit from a player who can occupy blockers, allowing teammates to pursue the ball freely. McDonald may not be the most flashy prospect, but his primary strength lies in his ability to hold his ground against the run, while also possessing sufficient agility for the twists and stunts that Flores frequently employs. Essentially, McDonald embodies the defensive equivalent of the philosophy that led to last year’s selection of Donovan Jackson at offensive guard: a concrete trench talent who empowers creative coaches to innovate.
Carolina invested heavily in its defense over the past two offseasons, so here it has the opportunity to add another first-round offensive playmaker. Sadiq is an explosive threat in the passing game who contributes just enough as a blocker to indicate promise as a high-impact, every-down tight end. Sadiq and Tetairoa McMillan would present numerous challenges for opposing defenses with their combination of size and athletic ability as pass catchers.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers) — Colton Hood, Cornerback, Tennessee
The Cowboys are looking to secure the top available cornerback who can perform effectively on the perimeter, and in this scenario, that turns out to be the talented Hood. The *other* Tennessee cornerback high on this draft board is a dynamic player in his own right, and he would provide the Cowboys with another option at a position that includes Shavon Revel (who possesses size and talent but was recovering from a college injury) and the recently signed Cobie Durant (a stopgap acquisition for Dallas whom I personally viewed as a solid mid-tier addition). Cornerbacks can be likened to baseball pitchers: you can never have too many.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Jordyn Tyson, Wide Receiver, Arizona State
This selection has the potential to be one of the draft’s biggest steals. Tyson possesses immense talent and would likely be chosen considerably higher if not for a series of injuries that plagued his collegiate career. Tyson and DK Metcalf would form a formidable, physically imposing receiving duo for… whoever ultimately assumes the role of quarterback for this franchise long-term.
Should the Chargers opt to reach for the next available guard option here? In my opinion, that would be Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon. Instead, they continue to fortify their run defense with Parker, a robust player who might not offer significant sack production upside but is an excellent run defender capable of setting the edge in the ground game, providing the Chargers with another player possessing that specific skill set beyond Khalil Mack. Parker’s diligent work ethic will earn him admirers, and the fact that he can also shift inside on pass-rushing downs to facilitate creative defensive packages is an added advantage.
Lane Johnson’s tenure on the right side of Philadelphia’s offensive line will not last indefinitely, and it might be prudent to consider stashing his eventual replacement for a season or two, much like the Eagles did with Cam Jurgens at center during Jason Kelce’s transition away from football. Similar to nearly every offensive tackle expected to be selected in the first round of this draft, Miller exhibits prototypical size and athleticism with considerable potential for long-term player development.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars) — Kadyn Proctor, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
The Browns addressed wide receiver with their initial pick, and it works out favorably for them with Proctor still available to complete the offensive lineman trend that seems to be unfolding in the mid-to-late teens and early twenties. Proctor possesses colossal size, much like current Browns tackle Dawand Jones, but he displays significantly more explosiveness as a run blocker and when initiating movement from his stance than Jones. The Browns signed numerous linemen with interior versatility, so Proctor will help to balance the range of skill sets within that reconfigured unit.
25. Chicago Bears — Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon
Chicago could utilize an impactful safety on its defense as it endeavors to rectify some of the issues that plagued the unit last season. The Bears generated many highlight-reel plays, but day-to-day consistency eluded them throughout the season. Chicago possesses some strong components in its secondary, and integrating Thieneman could be the final piece needed in that area before shifting focus to the defensive line.
26. Buffalo Bills — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo
A linebacker selection was tempting here, with Anthony Hill Jr. and CJ Allen still available. Instead, the Bills strengthen their defensive backbone at the safety position. Even after securing C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone, I believe the Bills could benefit from another centrally located long-term option that new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard could strategically deploy (I envision Gardner-Johnson being utilized more in the slot). McNeil-Warren is a truly engaging player. He demonstrates quick diagnostic skills, relishes fitting against the run, and possesses experience operating both in the box and as the deep safety in single-high schemes. That breadth of experience makes him an ideal fit for a Leonhard defense that demands a great deal from its safeties.
The 49ers enhanced their defensive line talent when they acquired Osa Odighizuwa from the Cowboys, but they could still use another young player along the line to pair with Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins, whom they drafted early last year. Entering the season, Woods was projected as one of the earliest selections, but a quiet 2025 campaign could see him slide to the end of the first round — where he could immediately contribute to an already talented defensive line.
28. Houston Texans — Anthony Hill, Linebacker, Texas
Believe me, I diligently sought an offensive lineman who made sense here. Perhaps Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon? Instead, the Texans further intensify their formidable defense. However, upon deeper consideration, this selection makes sense within the team’s timeline: both of the Texans’ current starting linebackers will become free agents after this season, and despite the talented and aggressive nature of the Texans’ defense over the past couple of seasons, its effectiveness has fluctuated based on Azeez Al-Shaair’s presence on the field. Hill would safeguard the Texans against any injuries that could impede their defense and championship aspirations for this season, while also providing DeMeco Ryans with that cornerstone player for the future whose athleticism, range, and intelligence make him an excellent fit for Houston’s perpetually aggressive defensive scheme.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Rams) — Caleb Banks, Defensive Tackle, Florida
If their first pick was a safe bet, the Chiefs’ second selection represents a calculated risk. Banks possesses all the natural talent to become elite in the NFL, but injuries and a persistent inability to consistently finish plays have caused his draft stock to fall to the latter part of the first round. Nevertheless, the envisioned potential of what he could achieve if he improves his tackling ability should be sufficient to secure his spot in the first round, particularly if he can absorb insights from Chris Jones, who would be playing alongside him in this scenario.
30. Miami Dolphins (via Broncos) — Denzel Boston, Wide Receiver, Washington
The Dolphins could address virtually any position here, and it would be justifiable. However, the run on linemen leaves Boston available for the Dolphins to capitalize on at pick 30. Boston possesses the physical attributes and skill set to function as a true “X” wide receiver; a player capable of lining up on the line of scrimmage and on the outside, winning on a vertical route tree. New head coach Jeff Hafley would undoubtedly prefer to bolster the defense in the first round, but Malik Willis requires *someone* to throw to following the Jaylen Waddle trade. And Boston is a far superior prospect than just “someone.”
31. Arizona Cardinals (via Patriots) — Ty Simpson, Quarterback, Alabama
Arizona acquires a quarterback with the aim of swiftly re-entering divisional contention without enduring an extended period at the bottom. Simpson has generated considerable debate over recent weeks, but he possesses the potential to become a viable starting quarterback, which is likely sufficient for a team to ascend and secure fifth-year option control over his rookie contract, as the Cardinals do here. Simpson sustained an injury that affected him through the latter half of his final season with the Crimson Tide, so there may be scope for him to stabilize his play back to pre-injury levels and emerge as a competent starter for Arizona. At minimum, he could perform adequately enough to allow for a fair evaluation of the rest of the offense.
32. Seattle Seahawks — Zion Young, Edge Rusher, Missouri
Right guard could be a consideration here (for my third mention of Emmanuel Pregnon) or even cornerback to compensate for some recent departures at the position (Chris Johnson from San Diego State could be a suitable fit). Mike Macdonald values rugged edge rushers and prefers to have an abundance of them to deploy against opposing offenses. Enter Zion Young, whose powerful hands and ability to collapse the pocket make him a natural fit with the Seahawks – a figurative term here, as Young relishes playing a physically demanding style.
