NFL Mock Draft 2026

The NFL Draft is fast approaching, so it’s time to bring out our updated mock draft.

We’ve considered team needs, player fits, and more as we try to project the first round of this year’s draft.

So without further ado, let’s dive into my 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

NFL Mock Draft Round 1 2026

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NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Picks 1-10

I’m projecting the top 10 to be dominated by Ohio State and Miami (FL), combining for six of the picks.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

No surprise here. The Raiders get their quarterback of the future. Las Vegas has the luxury of letting Mendoza sit and learn for a bit after signing veteran Kirk Cousins. Given what we’ve seen from this team, it makes sense for them to be patient with Mendoza until he’s truly ready.

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Jets opt for the safer prospect of the two top edge rushers with David Bailey. The Jets decide to go with proven production over upside with this pick. Head coach Aaron Glenn is a former defensive coordinator, so addressing this unit makes a lot of sense.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio St.

The Cardinals have a lot of needs throughout their roster, so getting the best player available is perfect for them. Bringing in a high-upside edge-rusher like Arvell Reese can be a great way to take a step towards addressing this defense.

4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio St.

The Titans need to upgrade Cam Ward’s supporting cast to put him in the best position to succeed. They signed Wan’Dale Robinson, but he’s better as a slot wideout with an established perimeter receiver beside him. Carnell Tate is a good route-runner who can be their new No. 1.

5. New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Giants tried to sign Kenneth Walker, so it’s clear that the team wants to upgrade their backfield, even with Cam Skattebo showing promise as a rookie. Jeremiyah Love profiles as a true franchise back who can replace Saquon Barkley, becoming Jaxson Dart’s new best friend.

6. Cleveland Browns: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio St.

Like the Cardinals, the Browns are filled with needs, so they go with a versatile defender in Sonny Styles. The former Ohio State standout is an elite athlete who can do it all on the field. Styles can become one of the leaders on this defense for the perpetually rebuilding Browns.

7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio St.

The Commanders have been busy this offseason, revamping their defense with free agent additions like Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Leo Chenal. While they signed safety Nick Cross from the Colts as well, Caleb Downs would give them an impact player in the secondary.

8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

Rueben Bain Jr. is the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, coming off an impressive season where he racked up 10 sacks. The Saints would be ecstatic to secure an impact edge rusher at No. 8. This team is suddenly on the right track after a rock-solid rookie year from Tyler Shough.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

The Chiefs would be wise to add an offensive tackle to solidify pass protection for Patrick Mahomes, as he makes his return from a torn ACL. With Kenneth Walker added to the backfield, solidifying the trenches is a great way to go as they try to bounce back from a disappointing season.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Bengals desperately need to improve their defense, so adding a cornerback like Mansoor Delane makes a lot of sense. The former LSU standout would be the first step towards rebuilding a defense that has held this team back for years.

NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Picks 11-20

The biggest surprise I have for you is in picks 11-20, with the Jets reaching on a quarterback.

11. Miami Dolphins: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Dolphins have moved on from Tyreek Hill and traded Jaylen Waddle, so they have a major need at wide receiver. This team needs to add a pass-catcher to help Malik Willis succeed in his first year as a starting quarterback. Makai Lemon can be the new target hog for them.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Cowboys did a good job bringing in Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary, but there’s still work to do on defense. Taking a cornerback like Jermod McCoy can help bolster the secondary. With a strong draft, the Cowboys can be dark horse Super Bowl contenders, starting with a pick like McCoy.

13. Los Angeles Rams: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona St.

The Rams reportedly tried to trade for A.J. Brown. Davante Adams is still productive, but he’s lost a step. Meanwhile, Puka Nacua is dealing with off-field issues. With that in mind, adding speed to the offense with Jordyn Tyson makes a lot of sense.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn St.

The Ravens lost their stud interior lineman in Tyler Linderbaum to free agency. This team wants to run the football and play strong defense. That means that adding a viable replacement is a clear need. Penn St. standout Olaivavega Ioane would fit the bill there.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Bucs have been linked to Akheem Mesidor of Miami as a way to address their pass rush. This is a high-motor player who can help out a defense that struggled last year.

16. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Jets signed Geno Smith as a stopgap, but they’ve also been linked to Ty Simpson, who is rising up draft boards. There’s a chance that a team will reach on him in the first round, and I’m betting that it’s the Jets.

17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The Lions are another team that wants to get back to running the football effectively. Signing Kadyn Proctor to take over at right tackle with Penei Sewell moving to the blindside makes a lot of sense.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, DB, Oregon

This is a popular pick in mock drafts, with the Vikings bringing in a replacement for Harrison Smith with Dillon Thieneman of Oregon.

19. Carolina Panthers: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Panthers need to ensure that Bryce Young continues to develop, so drafting an upgrade on the offensive line like Spencer Fano of Utah is a good fit.

20. Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Keldric Faulk has exceptional size and athleticism, so it would make sense for the Cowboys to shoot for the moon on a high ceiling pick here is that attempt to rebuild their defense.

NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Picks 21-32

Picks 21-32 are characterized by a surprising fall of a high-end prospect, right into the laps of a team looking to bounce back.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Steelers already improved their offense by hiring Mike McCarthy and trading for Michael Pittman Jr., so addressing the offensive line with Monroe Freeling would be smart.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

The Chargers lost their stud defensive coordinator in Jesse Minter. They’ll want to add to that group, so an edge rusher like T.J. Parker, who can help both against the run and in rushing the passer, makes sense.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona St.

The Eagles didn’t run the ball as effectively last season. To get back to Super Bowl contenders, they’ll need to generate explosive plays on the ground once again. Bringing in Max Iheanachor of Arizona St. would help with that.

24. Cleveland Browns: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

The Browns are reportedly going to let Deshaun Watson start this season, so adding to his pass-catchers would be the right move. Omar Cooper Jr. can form a rock-solid trio with Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr.

25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Bears addressed their offense in the last draft, so it’s time to make defense a priority this time around. Peter Woods can be a disruptive force on the interior.

26. Buffalo Bills: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

The Bills traded for DJ Moore to help out their offense, so they can bolster their defense in the draft with an edge rusher like Zion Young.

27. San Francisco 49ers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

KC Concepcion can generate yards after the catch, which is exactly what you want in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The Niners would then have a nice trio that includes Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall. They’ll need that with George Kittle sidelined.

28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio St.

Kayden McDonald could join one of the best defenses in the NFL, making them even better. The former Ohio St. defensive tackle can stuff the run for the Texans.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Kenyon Sadiq falls all the way to the end of the first round, right into the Chiefs’ laps to become Travis Kelce’s successor. Every year, there’s a player who surprisingly falls, so I’m going with the tight end as this year’s pick.

30. Miami Dolphins: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, DB, Toledo

After drafting a wide receiver in Makai Lemon, the Dolphins can bring in a versatile defensive back to work in Jeff Hafley’s revamped defense.

31. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Patriots could use another pass protector to help out Drake Maye. Caleb Lomu of Utah would form a nice combo with last year’s first-rounder, Will Campbell.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson

The defending Super Bowl champions go with the best player available in cornerback Aveion Terrell to help offset the loss of Riq Woolen.

How to Create an NFL Mock Draft

Creating an NFL mock draft because not only is it fun to predict the landing spots of each rookie, but the preparation involved in this process helps expand your knowledge of the player pool.

Below you’ll read about some key points in my NFL Mock Draft prep.

Consider team needs

You want to make sure that you have a complete understanding of each team’s needs on their rosters.

It’s also important to prioritize positions that are more important, such as offensive line over running back.

Think about what each team has done in free agency as well because there’s a chance that they’ve already addressed certain needs.

Look at draft capital

It’s fun to predict trades in your NFL mock drafts. The best way to do this is to be mindful of each team’s draft capital.

For example, the Broncos had holes throughout their roster a few years ago, but with only three picks in the top 121, it was difficult for them to make enough meaningful improvements.

In that case, it may have made sense for the Broncos to trade down to compile more assets. This is why thinking about each team’s draft capital can help you as you try to project the draft.

Don’t put too much stock in your prospect evaluation

While it’s always fun to look at each player’s game film and prospect profiles, the most important factor when creating mock drafts is a team’s motive.

You’re predicting what you think a team will do, not what you believe that they should do.

So put away any personal preferences on certain prospects and think about how each player fits on a team.

Consider if there are any coaching connections

We often see NFL teams take or sign players just because their coach has a connection to them. This could be an important factor when making a mock draft.

For example, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh recently held the same position at the University of Michigan. We have seen him take some his former college players in the past, including Junior Colson and Cornelius Johnson.

Given his strong ties to the program, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Chargers target a few more Michigan players in the 2026 Draft.