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, with four picks being Buckeyes in my projections.

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. I know Jeremiyah Love has been rumored here, but that doesn’t make sense to me given the holes on their roster.

4. Tennessee Titans: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio St.

Like the Cardinals, the Titans 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 Robert Saleh. This is another team that has been linked to Love, but I’ll bet their new defensive-minded coach goes in the direction where he specializes.

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. New York Jets (from Cleveland Browns): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio St.

The Jets are loaded with draft capital this year, so they can afford to be aggressive. This team needs a WR2 to go along with Garrett Wilson. This would give them a pair of talented former Buckeyes, allowing for a soft landing spot whenever they select a rookie quarterback (likely in 2027 with Geno Smith manning the fort in 2026).

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: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona St.

The Saints’ priority in this draft is to ensure that Tyler Shough has the necessary tools to take the next step in his development as a passer. That means locking in one of the wideouts to pair with Chris Olave. Jordyn Tyson is a well-rounded receiver who would be the perfect complement to Olave.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Chiefs need to improve their defense, so bringing an edge-rusher like Rueben Bain Jr. makes a lot of sense. Bain Jr. is a powerful rusher who would be an ideal pairing with Chris Jones on the interior. This is the new toy that Steve Spagnuolo needs to rebuild his defense.

10. New York Giants: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn St.

This pick would be surprising, but hear me out. If the Giants take Jeremiyah Love at 5, it would make a lot of sense to get a mauler like Olaivavega Ioane. This is a plug-and-play guard who can make a major impact in the running game. It would give new head coach John Harbaugh a chance to mold this new offensive identity of smash-mouth football.

NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Picks 11-20

The biggest surprise I have for you is in picks 11-20, with the Vikings upgrading at tight end.

11. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

The Dolphins are a rebuilding team that feels likely to try to rebuild the trenches to start this year’s draft. Francis Mauigoa is widely considered to be the top offensive lineman in the draft, so getting him here would be a win for the Dolphins.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

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 Mansoor Delane can help bolster the secondary. With a strong draft, the Cowboys can be dark horse Super Bowl contenders, starting with a pick like Delane.

13. Los Angeles Rams: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

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, bringing in a wideout who can dominate in the slot makes a lot of sense here, so I’ll give them Makai Lemon.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Ravens lost their stud interior lineman, Tyler Linderbaum, to free agency. This team definitely needs help up front. With Spencer Fano falling here, the Ravens would likely pounce on him. He’s got experience at both tackle spots in college, giving him some versatility.

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. Cleveland Browns (from New York Jets): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

I picked the Browns to trade down from 6 because taking an offensive lineman would be a reach, so I’ll give them Kadyn Proctor at this pick. The former Alabama tackle has the massive frame to handle power rushers.

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

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

18. Minnesota Vikings: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Vikings have other needs, but upgrading on T.J. Hockenson makes some sense, as the veteran has lost a step. Kenyon Sadiq is more of a big-play threat who would give them more athleticism at the position.

19. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Panthers need to ensure that Bryce Young continues to develop, so drafting another playmaker makes a lot of sense. KC Concepcion has the ability to generate yards after the catch, making him a nice fit next to Tetairoa McMillan.

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 in attempt to rebuild their defense.

NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Picks 21-32

Picks 21-32 is highlighted by a late trade-up for the second quarterback off the board.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

The Steelers seem to want to prioritize the wide receiver position, creating a strong group of weapons for their next quarterback. Omar Cooper Jr. would be a strong fit in the slot next to DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.

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: Dillon Theineman, DB, Oregon

While the Eagles are often projected to take an offensive tackle here, I’ll give them Dillon Theineman, who would fall right into their laps at this point. Theieman is a versatile defensive back who would make this an even more imposing secondary with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell.

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: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

In my mock, I have the Browns passing on a wideout at 6, trading down to take an offensive lineman at 16. That’s why it would be ideal for them to take a receiver at 24 if this scenario plays out. Denzel Boston has elite ball skills with a high-floor as a strong route-runner.

25. Chicago Bears: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

The Bears addressed their offense in the last draft, so it’s time to make defense a priority this time around. Malachi Lawrence has reportedly been a major riser late in the process, making him a fit for the Bears here.

26. Buffalo Bills: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio St.

The Bills traded for DJ Moore to help out their offense, so they can bolster their defense in the draft with an interior presence in Kayden McDonald.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The 49ers need some help on the offensive line to go along with Trent Williams. Caleb Lomu would be a nice get for them here.

28. Houston Texans: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona St.

Max Iheanachor is often projected to go higher than this. The Texans have a major need on the offensive line. They need to keep C.J. Stroud upright.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie, so adding a corner makes a lot of sense. Colton Hood is the safer play here, one with less injury concerns.

30. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jermod McCoy is reportedly falling due to injury concerns, but the Dolphins are rebuilding and have a lot of picks, so they can afford to take a shot on upside here.

31. Arizona Cardinals (from New England Patriots): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

The Cardinals have often been linked to Ty Simpson throughout the draft process. I have them trading up with the Patriots to go ahead of the Seahawks, who could potentially trade down with another team, preventing their division rivals from getting who they want.

32. Las Vegas Raiders (from Seattle Seahawks): Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

The defending Super Bowl champions want to trade down. How about the Raiders move up to snag a sliding offensive tackle? This team has major needs on the offensive line, so this move makes a lot of sense.

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.