2026 Mock Draft 1.0

Welcome back NFL fans! Our pain and suffering is coming closer to an end as the 2026 NFL Draft will kick off later this week. I couldn’t be more excited, and I know you aren’t either. Don’t lie to me. Now that I've defrosted from winter, we got a busy week of blogs, but before we get any further, let’s take a gander at what teams may or may not do in this year’s draft.

1. Raiders

Hmmmmm, I wonder who is going 1^st overall in this draft. Decisions, decisions. It seems that year in and year out, that top prospected QB will always be selected first. And this year will be no different. The Raiders will select Fernando Mendoza with the first pick of the 2026 draft. There has been a lot of talk about the Indiana QB, and most all of it has been good. The kid can throw the ball, stationary or on the run, is defined leader, and is one of those high IQ type players at the QB position. Watching Indiana over the last few years has been nothing short of miraculous, and a lot of that is due to Mendoza’s success. Yes, the naysayers will say he was in a Curt Cignetti system and that was the reason for his success. But as I always say, it doesn’t matter how good the system is in the college or the pros, the player still has to make plays. And Mendoza did that all season long. He finished the 2025 season with a 72% completion rate, 41 TDs, and over 3,500 yards. There may be a refractory period, but this kid will shine in time. Hopefully, it’ll still in Silver and Black.

2.    Jets

The Jets are in a very exciting and familiar position at number #2, (sorry Jets fans.) I think it is a genuine toss-up between Arvell Reese and David Bailey. Here’s the thing, you can’t really go wrong with either pick, they're just different players. Giants legend Tiki Barber said it best on WFAN; Reese is the younger player with an athletic upside that show abilities like Abdul Carter and Micah Parsons. The bend, the closing speed in tight space, and he hits with true power. He's like a missile in pursuit. David Bailey on the other end is more of refined pass rusher with a deep pass rushing toolset that can be utilized in many formats. His jump off the line is one of the best I’ve ever seen. On top of that, Bailey is comfortable dropping into coverage in zone and filling gaps, while staying in pursuit many yards away from the play. A relentless motor. The Jets lost Jermain Johnson to the Titans, but picked up some decent DL depth in FA, but these players are too good to pass up on. I like David Bailey for the Jets just because I believe there is less risk there, but either edge rusher/LB would fit in NY.

3.    Cardinals

Whoever the Jets don’t take, that’s who Arizona will be selecting with their 3^rd overall pick. In this scenario, they would secure Arvell Reese out of Ohio State. As we just mentioned, Reese is a powerful, speed rusher, with an accuracy in tackling that is almost unheard of. He only had 4 missed tackles all year last year. He finished the season with 69 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks. All while mixing between the line and in the box. This kid is special. There may be some growing pains with technique and coverage, but I believe those are things that can be honed in over time. Arvell Reese is going to bring some juice to that depleted DL room in Arizona, and they will be forever thankful because of it.

4.    Titans

I think this is where Jeremiyah Love will be selected. The Titans have decent depth at RB between Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. They even added Michael Carter who is a good back. But Love brings something to the table that these guys just don’t have. Love is a three to four down back that can do literally anything that is required for a running back. He has home run speed on almost every play, his contact balance is absurd, he is patient and can make you miss in space or in close quarters. This guy is the real deal, which makes his potential to land anywhere very real. It is possible that Tennessee likes Sonny Styles and they add a real cornerstone threat to their LB room, but I believe the pair of Love and Cam Ward is too good to pass up on. It’ll excite the fans, and you can ease him in with Pollard only having one year left on his contract. Love to Tennessee looks very real.

5.    Giants

The Giants are in such a fun position after yesterday’s news. They traded Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for their 10^th overall pick in this year’s draft, among some other things that haven’t been made known yet. The Giants have so many options. They have a young exciting core of players and just brought in legendary coach John Harbaugh who has his hands tightly on the reigns, (Thank God.) Let’s throw out some names that are possible. Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Jeremiyah Love, and. Frances Mauigoa. On one side. Styles and Downs look like the sure-fire picks for the Giants. Styles is an athletic freak, and brought himself more into the limelight after his combine performance. Similar to the hype for Nick Emmanwori after his combine last year. He showed impressive physical tangibles, but was even more productive on the field. He had lots of help on that defense, but he was impactful every play. Then there’s Caleb Downs. The field General. The guy is diagnosing plays pre snap and mid play as well as anyone, commands the defense with calmness, and can be disruptive as far in the secondary or up in the box. Harbaugh loves his safeties, as he had a field day with Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore. They could take Love or Mauigoa as well if available, as both are prolific at their positions. The Giants need line depth, less at RB, but Harbaugh said they were taking best available at #5. I got the Giants taking Caleb Downs or Frances Mauigoa. I think Harbaugh won’t pass up on his safety, but I think it's equally possible they add a true starter at tackle. Dart is always need of extra protection. Gun to my head, I say Caleb Downs.

6.    Browns

I think this is where the draft gets interesting. I think it’s possible the Cowboys try and trade up for a defensive piece either here or with the Commanders. Keep your eyes open for that. I’m thinking they take Sonny Styles if they do trade up. For the Browns at this pick it’s either an OL or adding a WR to their shaky room. I think they take Frances Mauigoa if they go OL, but if they decide to take a WR, I think this is where Carnell Tate will be selected. The browns are in need of either a lockdown tackle, or a standout WR that can become a favorite target for either Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, or Deshaun Watson. The wheel of quarterbacks in Cleveland will either have a new toy to throw to, or a new piece to defend them. Either works for Cleveland, but I think they go Mauigoa for protection

7.   Commanders (To Cowboys)

Here’s where the Cowboys come in and take Sonny Styles. I think Washington would like the pick, but they will move back 5 spots for more capital and a chance at a really good player at #12. The Cowboys have been looking for their leader at LB foundation since Leighton Vander Esch retired. They need a Commander (ha) at linebacker, and Styles will bring that to them. He is a physical freak that is highly effective at his position. He needs some help in coverage, but he is an absolute presence in the box and when he threatens the line. I really like this move for Dallas.

8.    Saints

The Saints can go a lot of different directions. They have needs in almost every position. I believe if Tate isn’t selected by this point, he will be going to New Orleans. The Saints are in dire need of depth at WR, and someone to help carry the load at WR to help an injury-prone Chris Olave. If Tate is gone, I like them taking Rueben Bain Jr. He gets a lot of garbage for having short arms, but Bain is a threat on the line almost anywhere with his quick burst power. Plus, he has a very capable skillset pass rushing and doesn’t rely on just power. That being said, I think Tate is still available and the Saints give Tyler Shough another weapon to have a chance at success. Carnell Tate to the Saints.

9. Chiefs

Big swing for the Chiefs at #9?? I think so. I think Mansoor Delane is taken off the board very early and will have people raising their eyebrows. I think Mahomes is capable of doing enough to protect himself coming off his ACL injury. But this secondary is extremely empty. They lost Trent McDuffie to free agency and need a guy they can build up and rely on to help shut down a side. Delane will be that guy. He does have a slightly smaller frame, but he is intuitive and fluid, which is a dangerous combination at CB. He didn’t allow a single TD all year at LSU and only gave up two pass plays for over 20 yards all season. Just two. It is a little riskier, with OL pieces and other defensive players available, but I think this is the Chiefs biggest need.

10. Giants (Via CIN)

Trade away for more capital or take some more players? I lean extremely toward drafting more players that can make an impact immediately. This pick will have a lot to do with what the Giants did at #5, as well as what the other teams have done this far, but let’s not go crazy and stick to the mock. If the Giants took Downs at #5, and all these other players are gone, I think they look either to strengthening the OL or DL. A true toss-up in my mind. They have very little depth at NT and RT. I like them taking Spencer Fano and bolstering the OL for Dart. Fano showed insane quickness and lateral agility at the combine. He is extremely fast but decisive in his movements, and hits with power. There are concerns, like his arm length and hand placement on the edge, but those are things that cane be refined. In no way am I comparing Fano to Tristan Wirfs, but the two move very similar. The Giants cane address DL later.

11. Dolphins

Miami is also in a tricky position as they are in need all over the place. I’d say their biggest need comes at the skill position in their WR room. They lost Jaylen Waddle to FA, and Tyreek Hill is a relic of the past who isn’t even on the team. Makai Lemon would be the pick for the Dolphins. Give Quinn Ewers or Malik Willis a chance and line up someone else with talent opposite of Malik Washington. They need some juice in that room, and Lemon will bring just that. Hands catcher, unreal release and use of leverage. There’s lots of debate on who is the best WR in the draft, and Lemon has put his name up there with anyone. Dolphins start filling their holes with this pick.

12. Cowboys (To Commanders)

So now who do the Commanders take at #12 if they were comfortable moving out of #7? I believe that guy will be Jordan Tyson. They need a WR, as Terry McLaurin is getting older and their room kind of bottoms out after that. Tyson is considered the 3^rd best in this position, but man he is a demon in the slot. He gets open quite often, in man or zone. He runs crisp routes and has a 67% contested catch rate. Bring some depth and talent to the WR room, and worry about the other needs later. Daniels needs some more guys to throw to.

13. Rams (Via ATL)

Omar Cooper Jr. is such an intriguing player. He is a smaller WR physically, but he has deep end speed and quickness that can’t be taught. He showed real speed and explosiveness at the combine, and he is coming off a National Championship with Indiana. Joining the “win now” Rams is going to fit him so well. I believe he is a player that need a good situation more than anyone else, as he has the skillset, but it has to be set up properly in scheme to see his shine. Not just a guy you can unleash off the line and beat everyone, but a guy who will damage you in the right format. The Rams are that style of deep offense where he will thrive, and LA will not pass up on him, even if he’s lower on the boards.

14. Ravens

With the departure of John Harbaugh, there is a new regime in Baltimore. I like Olaivavega Ioane from PSU. This guy is nasty on the interior line. The best guard in the draft by far, as he is a statue in pass protection. He gave up zero sacks and pressure all 2025. Only 4 QB hurries. Read that again and let it sink in. This guy is made to pass protect, and Lamar desperately needs that. He is a little shaky in run blocking, but in all honesty that is not the top priority for Baltimore. They can work through that, but they can’t work through Lamar getting run out of the pocket before getting to his second read. Ioane will have immediate positive impact for the Ravens.

15. Bucs

The Bucs need some help on defense. Edge rusher depth or CB. Which one do they need more? In my opinion, it's in the secondary. Based on that logic, I really like Jermod McCoy from Texas here to Tampa Bay. A close second would be Avieon Terrell, but he is a little undersized. McCoy has some injury history and needs work tackling, but he is so clinical in coverage it would be hard to pass up. He doesn’t bite on double moves, baits QBs in zone, and can flip his hips and get downfield. Like I said, there will be some refinement, but man oh man, if he turns out to be the player he shows positively on tape, the Bucs will be set on one side of their secondary.

16. Jets (Via IND)

The Jets will be taking McCoy’s teammate on the opposite side of the field in Colton Hood. Colton Hood presses better than almost anyone in this draft. It’s his bread and butter. Disrupting timing and a receivers’ jump is so important to getting an edge defensively. And he does it with ease. He can get back into position quickly with speed, and can recognize plays well for only being a starter for a year. He also does a fantastic job breaking up the ball, either in PBUs or FFs. Jets will happily take Hood and bring him home to NY with a smile on his face.

17. Lions

The Lions need help on their OL. They have 9 picks this year, and while they would like to add to their DL to help Hutchinson, or even add some depth to their secondary, their OL is their most needy. This is where Kadyn Proctor will be selected. This guy is a monster in every sense of the word. Coming in at 6’7, 352 lbs, Proctor is an immovable object against most unstoppable forces. Try finding me another lineman with that size running low 5.2s in the 40-yard dash. You won’t. There is concern with technique and conditioning, but if he keeps his weight in check and commits to his craft, this guy will be a starter for years to come. The Lions will swing on that upside and take the tackle from Alabama.

18. Vikings

Now, I obviously confer with other mock drafts before I make my own selections, and there is some similarities over mock drafts. But never have I seen a consensus pick across multiple boards like this one. The consensus seems to be Dillon Thieneman. This seems to be because the Vikings will look to replace long-time legend “Hitman” Harrison Smith, as they released him back in March. Whether Smith comes back or not, Thieneman is a perfect fit to carry the mantle where Smith left off. Thieneman is sometimes a little over aggressive in run pursuit and block shedding needs work, but he is a sound safety. His eyes lock onto QBs, his speed can help him recover, and he lines up almost everywhere on the field. This is going to be a nice pick for Minnesota as they may have found their next “guy” at safety.

19. Panthers

Defense or offense for Carolina? I like offense. I think Bryce Young does too, who will be looking for another target alongside Tet McMillan and Chubba Hubbard. I think this is where the flashy but slightly risky Kenyon Sadiq will be selected and will call Carolina his home. The Panthers don’t have sensational tight ends, and I think Sadiq is that versatility in a historically stagnant position. Tight ends that move like WRs are real threats, and that’s why I think Sadiq gets taken over a guy like Max Klare. He is not a true blocker or can set the edge like a blocking tight end, but man, he gets open and is fast. Really fast. 4.39 fast. He can carry the brunt of the load, finish in contact, and just elevates so well. Carolina could take some defense here, but I think Sadiq is the real choice at #19.

20. Cowboys (Via GB)

It’s a defensive draft for Jerry and the Boys. They already traded up to take Sonny Styles, now they will be moving up to take a secondary piece because their secondary is like Swiss cheese. Lots of holes. Insert a CB of their choosing that is still available. I think Avieon Terrell goes here for the Cowboys. As we mentioned, he is a tad undersized, kind of like Travis Hunter, but Terrell is so skilled at disrupting plays. He is exceptional at the Peanut Punch, a technique often used in the NFL, but often done incorrectly. His timing and technique is so sound when it comes to the punch. He is also a nightmare in zone, which is why I think the Cowboys take him. They run more zone defense than anyone in football. The Cowboys will love how Terrell fits into their scheme, and will look for him to have a similar impact to his brother, A.J.

21. Steelers

Guard or WR? That is the sentiment surrounding the Steelers. While Aaron Rodgers hasn’t made it clear whether he will be playing this year, Pittsburgh will move past that and focus on direct needs today. I like the idea of a WR, as they have D.K Metcalf, and Michael Pittman Jr. But who says that’s all they need? I think Pittsburgh will try and tighten up their ranks and add a WR. I believe that name will be Denzel Boston out of Washington. I want to say K.C Conception here, but I think a bigger body WR fits McCarthy’s schemes a little better. He likes big WRs, and Conception and Boston have a 4 inch and 30-pound difference. Boston’s got stell grip hands with a wide frame making it easy to throw to. He's not the shiftiest guy after the catch, but he is a insane red zone threat. 20 TDs in 2 years, mostly coming from the redzone. I like Boston in Pittsburgh.

22. Chargers

Justin Herbert needs an OL to dodge the overrated rumors. I’m not going to sink that low, as his OL was beyond bad, but let’s get him some protection to fix that problem as quick as possible. I believe Los Angeles go with the best available guard, which would be Emmanuel Pregnon out of Oregon. He is another athletic big guy with sound technique and pop on the line. He isn’t the fastest guy, and his big body can fail him at times, but this guy is an absolute anchor on the inside. He latches on with his first hit and doesn’t hold. They call those heavy mitts. Mr. Heavy Mitts is heading to the Chargers where they will be ecstatic to have him. Herbert is going to be jumping for joy when they call his name on draft night.

23. Eagles

I actually believe this pick is semi open and shut for the Eagles. Lane Johnson will noy be playing forever, and they need a replacement for him in time. This is where Monroe Freeling from Georgia will come in. This best available at this position, and all the Eagles will be looking for is someone to develop behind Johnson and learn his craft. Eventually, they he will take over his position when he retires, but this is what the Eagles need to help recover from losses over free agency.

24. Browns (Via JAX)

Another Browns pick, and they already covered their biggest need at OL earlier. So now, they go with more of a dynamic playmaker at the skill position. I like KC Conception here. His pro comparison is John Metchie III, but I think Conception has a phenomenal upside despite his shorter stature. He is dynamic and versatile, is a shifty as they come, and plays bigger than his size. He has concerns with drops and blocking, but hone in his ability to catch and you got yourselves a great player that could be overlooked because of his physicals. The Browns don’t let that bother them and double down with Conception.

25. Bears

The Bears have been looking to pair Montez Sweat with someone to complete their edges, and they will find that in Keldric Faulk. The Bears had one of the worst run defenses in all of football last year. Faulk brings a dominant run stopping ability to the Bears. He led all of college football for 3 years, in run stops with 62. Didn’t matter the scheme or alignment, if you ran on Faulk, you weren’t getting far. I’m shocked this guy isn’t being talked about as much as I think about him. He doesn’t have a whole lot of bend and speed, but legitimately, who cares. This guy is the Bears pick. Not very prospect can be perfect in everything, and if Faulk is going to bring a day 1 presence to the run game, what are we even discussing Chicago?

26. Bills

I’d like to see C.J Allen go here to Buffalo. The Bills need some help on defense all around, and why not start with the LB from Georgia. He lacks some pop and can get flat footed, but Allen brings decisiveness and violence into the run pursuit. He doesn’t bring flash, just consistency. He doesn’t knock peoples helmets off, but he makes the play when put in the correct position. Usually by himself too. He is a loud communicator and very intelligent with diagnosis. The fans will be happy with this guy as they're breaking tables in -10 degree weather.

27. 49ers

Blake Miller is going to the niners in a quick and easy selection for them. The tackle from Clemson is going to help protect Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey which will lead to prolonged success for San Francisco. He has an incredible kick step, beating most edge rushers. He is dominant on pass protection, and needs a little work in run protection. His hands get out of place a little, but all of these issues can be fixed over time. Don’t overthink it, just take the good depth.

28. Texans

I think either OL or DL here for Houston. There is a lot of room to play around here. On one hand, taking an OL will help protect Stroud who hasn’t looked spectacular over the last few seasons. On the flipside, they can add even more danger to their already insane defense. Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Sheldon Rankins, and then they add Peter Woods? That would be nightmare fuel. Woods has a real first step and he moves faster than his size would suggest. He is flexible, dexterous, and scheme versatile. He needs a couple more tools in his belt, but he’s got all the preliminaries to be great.

29. Chiefs (Via LAR)

The Chiefs took a swing at CB early, so now they go with not as flashy of a pick in Akheem Mesidor from Miami. He may not be that high on many draft boards, but he is high on mine. He has an insanely deep skillset at pass rusher, jumps perfectly off the line, and can play anywhere on the line. His measurables is where everyone gets scared, as he has shorter arms. But he was beyond impactful in WV and Miami. Chiefs get a good one here with Mesidor and pair someone with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.

30. Dolphins (Via DEN)

There are so many directions Miami can go with this pick. They already took a WR off the board, so I think the possibilities are almost endless here. I like Chris Johnson out of SDSU. The Dolphins need help in the secondary and Johnson effectively uses his eyes and to manipulate plays in his favor. He is sharp in his drive on the ball or a route, and he’s a true athlete. Can jump out of the gym with the best of him. For the Dolphins, this is about taking someone who has more upside than downside, and while Johnson has had some struggles with winning against bigger WRs, he has that competitor mentality and will step up to the plate, win or loss.

31. Cardinals (From Pats)

Following a disappointing loss in the SB last year, the Pats will look to rebound in the draft and take their steps back to success. I think they will do it by trading with Arizona and receiving more capital. The Pats will get more draft stock for the years to come, and the Cardinals will take a stab with Ty Simpson. This is less about the player and more about the position, as Simpson could be just as great as anyone, but this is more about starting to build competition/depth in the QB room over the years. I’m not writing off Simpson, I just think he will be more of a depth pick with the small chance he turns into a starter first year.

32. Seahawks

The Seahawks are on top of the world right now. They just won a Super Bowl, so they have options. They can look to secure some interior OL or replacing defensive depth, but I think they take a stab at Jadarian Price. They did just lose SB MVP Kenneth Walker to the Chiefs, so while this maybe isn’t the biggest need, Price is most likely a beautiful piece to pair with Charbonnet. I really like this pick a lot, but I don’t think it’s necessarily the “smartest” pick for Seattle. Who cares, they just won a SB.