NFL Mock Draft 2026

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

We’ve considered team needs, player fits, and more as we try to project the top 10 of 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

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

The Raiders are finally in a position to get their quarterback of the future, set to pick first overall in this year’s draft.

While it’s not considered to be an elite class by any means, there’s one quarterback who is head-and-shoulders ahead of the rest, especially since Oregon’s Dante Moore decided to stay in school.

• See all our latest picks in our best NFL bets today.

Enter Fernando Mendoza, who led the Hoosiers to the National Championship and won the Heisman Trophy. Mendoza completed 73 percent of his passes and threw for 41 touchdowns.

While the offensive line in Vegas is a major concern, there are intriguing weapons here with Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. Mendoza will have a chance to make an immediate impact, as long as they address the offensive line.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

The Jets would have considered Dante Moore at this spot, since they desperately need a quarterback, but with him off the board, they’ll likely go with the best player available. Since the other quarterbacks aren’t worthy of this selection, that means an edge rusher.

Aaron Glenn is a defensive-minded head coach, so with him back in the fold for another year, expect this to be a prioirty. Bringing in Ohio State’s Arvell Reese would give the Jets a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher who can provide some playmaking ability to this defense.

For a team that has needs across the roster, it would also make sense for the Jets to trade down from this pick. But for now, we’ll have them going with Reese.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Cardinals are set for another reset after firing Jonathan Gannon, which was long overdue considering the lack of progress they’ve made as a franchise throughout his tenure.

There’s a chance that Arizona will try to get Kyler Murray back on track, so it makes sense to bolster the offensive line. Drafting Spencer Fano out of Utah would give the Cardinals a strong foundation to go along with Paris Johnson Jr.

As with the Jets, there are needs throughout this roster, so the best player available makes a lot of sense.

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Titans have their quarterback of the future under center in Cam Ward. While he showed some flashes, it was a tough season for him. Hopefully, the Titans’ coaching staff can put Ward in a better position to succeed.

At first glance, taking a wideout would make sense here, but the Titans could also just go best player available and try to bolster their defense.

There are some appealing wideouts in free agency, like Alec Pierce, so addressing the defense might be a wise move for Tennessee.

5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Giants are set for a new era with John Harbaugh as head coach. This is the type of situation that can change quickly, as the G-Men already have some nice building blocks, including Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers.

While there are a pair of intriguing wide receivers on the board here, Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson are a good enough combo, so the G-Men can focus on bolstering the offensive line.

Drafting Francis Mauigoa would provide another foundational piece to go along with Andrew Thomas.

6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Browns are another team filled with needs, even at quarterback. Shedeur Sanders didn’t do enough in his rookie season to establish himself as the option of the future.

However, it makes sense to take a wide receiver here. Carnell Tate would be a perfect fit, having already played for Ohio State.

Even though Jerry Jeudy has his moments, there’s a need for more weapons here. Drafting Tate would form a nice combo with Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr.

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

The Commanders were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season. There are needs across the roster, but the best bet is to get a foundational piece on defense.

There are many who believe that Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is the best defensive player in the draft, but he falls a bit due to positional value. Teams prefer to prioritize edge rushers over defensive backs.

But Downs could immediately become the leader of this defense, setting up the Commanders to bounce back from a poor year.

8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Saints showed some flashes down the stretch, thanks to an impressive first year from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.

While there’s a stud running back still on the board here, the Saints still have too many needs on their roster to risk such a high pick on that position.

Adding another playmaker like Jordyn Tyson makes sense to help Shough continue to develop. Tyson would form a nice one-two punch with Chris Olave.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Chiefs shockingly will be picking in the top-10 thanks to a rough year that got even worse when Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL.

This team can easily get right back on track with a strong offseason. What better way to ease Mahomes back into action than by taking a star running back?

Jeremiyah Love would give the Chiefs’ backfield the playmaker they so desperately need.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Bengals were held back because Joe Burrow missed a lot of time due to injury, but even when he returned, the defense continued to cost them games.

That’s why taking an edge rusher is the right move for the Bengals here. Rueben Bain Jr. put up 8.5 sacks this season for the Hurricanes.

Bringing him in would be the first step to finally addressing this defense.

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.