The 2026 NFL Draft is just a couple of days away, and team needs have finally come into focus. It's hard to differentiate what's real and what's fake this time of year. Team executives, agents, and insiders are all working together in order to push narratives and boost values

This 2026 NFL Mock Draft projects every first-round pick based on roster needs, scheme fits, and recent offseason moves. From Fernando Mendoza first overall to some late surprises, here's how Round 1 could play out.

For even more insight into these picks, check out the latest episode of The Footballguys Fantasy Football Show, where Jeff Bell and Joey Wright join me to discuss this mock draft in its entirety.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Full Round 1 Predictions

Pick No. 1 – Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB (Indiana)

You can basically write Mendoza's name in ink as the Raiders' selection at this point. He possesses prototypical size and is one of the quickest processors to enter the league in a while. Coming off a Heisman and National Championship, he drastically improved his stock this season. Landing with Klint Kubiak in Las Vegas is a dream. An offensive nucleus of Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty will allow Kubiak to implement his play-action-heavy scheme, similar to what Mendoza thrived in at Indiana. The Raiders made serious investments in their offensive line this offseason, setting Mendoza up for a potentially better-than-expected environment to develop in.

Pick No. 2 – New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB (Ohio State)

Despite a bit of a roller coaster offseason (mostly due to one clip of Reese running a drill at half speed), the concerns seem to have quieted. Reese is a versatile linebacker who can play off-ball linebacker or rush passers off the edge. Aaron Glenn, despite a history as a defender and defensive coordinator, coached one of the league's worst defenses in his coaching debut. Reese is a blue-chip prospect who can help them rebuild the defense heading into Glenn's second season.

Pick No. 3 – Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE (Texas Tech)

Bailey has been one of the biggest risers through this year's draft process and fills an immediate need for the Cardinals. Despite some questionable defensive efforts over the last few seasons, new head coach Mike LeFleur chose to retain defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. After selecting Walter Nolen III II last year and signing Josh Sweat last offseason, injecting Bailey into the defensive line would quickly turn the Cardinals' front into one of the league's more formidable. The Cardinals might also be looking at Sonny Styles here, but a solid edge rusher opposite Sweat should be their priority.

Pick No. 4 – Tennessee Titans: Sonny Styles, LB (Ohio State)

A secondary edge rusher opposite Jeffrey Simmons is a primary need for the Titans, and Styles would immediately fill that hole. Styles was the star of the NFL Combine this year, logging a wildly impressive 9.99 Relative Athletic Score. The athleticism could use a bit of refinement, but playing under Robert Saleh should help him develop into the best version of himself. Styles could immediately help the Titans build a legitimate front four on defense, something they need to help take pressure off Cam Ward.

Pick No. 5 – New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S (Ohio State)

Giants' head coach John Harbaugh coached Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore, and Downs, while not the same player, fills a need in this defense. Positional value will be discussed if Downs goes inside the top five, but Harbaugh's defenses have typically prioritized high-end safety play. He's a ballhawk with an innate sense for knowing where to be. While the Giants have some solid pieces in the box, they desperately need help in the secondary, and Downs will provide immediate relief.

Pick No. 6 – Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT (Miami)

The top tackle in this class, Mauigoa, would be an easy pick for the Browns. The Browns had some of the worst tackle play in the league last year, and he'd step in as their Week 1 anchor. He could be a cornerstone piece to build around, something the Browns need as they continue to search for their identity. Andrew Berry has been willing to aggressively move around the draft board, though. Don't be shocked to see the Browns trade back here.

Pick No. 7 – Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB (Notre Dame)

The Commanders' free-agent moves suggest they think teams ahead of them may be in the mix for Jeremiyah Love. They re-signed Jeremy McNichols and brought in Rachaad White and Jerome Ford. They're all on cheap one-year deals, but they intentionally added a lot of depth behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt. If Love makes it to the Commanders, though, it's hard to imagine them passing on him. A backfield with Jayden Daniels and Love would open up opportunities for new offensive coordinator David Blough to keep defenses guessing with option-based concepts. Like Downs at five, there will be talk about positional value, taking a running back early. However, Love is a prospect comparable to Ashton Jeanty, Bijan Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs, all running backs who went in the top half of Round 1 in recent years.

Pick No. 8 – New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE (Miami)

Bain has a relentless motor and learned from Hall of Famer Jason Taylor II during his time in Miami. With Cameron Jordan still floating around in free agency, the Saints are finding themselves in a spot without an elite edge rusher for the first time in over a decade. Bain could immediately step into that vacated role, adding value at a premium position and helping take pressure off the budding offense.

Pick No. 9 – Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB (LSU)

Unexpectedly picking inside the top ten, the Chiefs will likely take advantage by selecting a premium position of need. Mansoor Delane helps them immediately replace Trent McDuffie, who they traded to the Rams earlier this offseason. This is a deep class for cornerbacks, and most analysts have Delane slotted in as the top option. He'd immediately help the Chiefs shore up their biggest weakness, their secondary.

Pick No. 10 – New York Giants (via Cincinnati Bengals): Jordyn Tyson, WR (Arizona State)

After a surprising Dexter Lawrence II trade, the Giants were able to nab another top-ten pick. This mock draft has them spending the fifth pick on safety, and now they can look for a more traditional premium position. There has been a lot of buzz about Tyson's predraft ascension. Seen by many as the clear-cut WR1 in this class, concerns about his hamstring started to swell when he opted out of athletic testing. However, he partook in a public workout last week, calming concerns about his lingering injury. Additionally, Giants GM Joe Schoen was reported to have taken Tyson out to dinner. The Giants could benefit from a complementary receiver opposite Malik Nabers, and Tyson would give them one of the league's best one-two punches. For a team looking to develop a young quarterback, Tyson's skill set as a versatile receiver would make him a fun pairing for Jaxson Dart, who showed plenty of promise as a rookie.

Pick No. 11 – Miami Dolphins: Kenyon Sadiq, TE (Oregon)

A mock draft should have at least one projected fun pick, and Sadiq in Miami would be just that. If there's one thing the NFL values in tight ends, it's athleticism. Sadiq, despite being a bit undersized, marked elite scores in speed and explosion testing at the NFL Combine, hitting the 99th percentile across the board. In what's expected to be a run-first scheme in Miami, Sadiq's versatility as a slot receiver, in-line tight end, or running back could make him an immediate offensive focal point, especially with Jaylen Waddle gone. Expect an RPO-heavy playbook focused on Malik Willis and De'Von Achane, where Sadiq could help unlock the entire offense.

Pick No. 12 – Dallas Cowboys: Carnell Tate, WR (Ohio State)

George Pickens has already expressed some disinterest in his franchise tag, potentially pushing the Cowboys to look at a receiver in the draft. Tate can do many of the same things Pickens can, at a much lower cost. Tate can be the fluid downfield big-play receiver while CeeDee Lamb maintains his role as the team's target hog. This selection would simultaneously shift the leverage in the Cowboys' favor in Pickens' negotiations and give them valuable trade pieces to lure other teams into making deals. Jerry Jones has been wheeling and dealing over the last year, and this move would be par for the course.

Pick No. 13 – Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons): Spencer Fano, OT (Utah)

Despite a strong 2025 campaign, the Rams are sitting in the top half of Round 1 after the Falcons moved up for James Pearce Jr. last year. And following Rob Havenstein's retirement, the Rams need a tackle, making this pick very important to them. Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon currently sit atop the depth chart. While that's less-than-exciting top-end talent, there's also almost no depth behind them. Fano would likely slot in as their Week 1 starter ahead of McClendon. The Rams certainly have other needs, most notably wide receiver, but they can search for options there on Day 2.

Pick No. 14 – Baltimore Ravens: Monroe Freeling, OT (Georgia)

After losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, the Ravens need to focus on fortifying their interior offensive line. Listed as a tackle, Freeling's selection might raise some eyebrows. However, he has the elasticity to move inside. The Ravens can stick with Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten on the edges while Freeling develops inside, adding much-needed support at guard. That doesn't provide them an immediate answer at center, but it gives them more talent to work with while planning for the future. As Stanley ages, Freeling can be the natural replacement at tackle.

Pick No. 15 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL (Penn State)

Both Buccaneers guards, Ben Bredeson and Cody Mauch, suffered season-ending knee injuries last year. While Mauch, a 2023 second-round pick, is trending up as a promising option, Bredeson has often been a liability, especially in the run game. Selecting Ioane here would take the pressure off the incumbent guards to heal up quickly while also setting them up for a potentially elite inside duo with Mauch and Ioane for the future. Upgrading the guard position is a dire need for the Buccaneers this offseason, and Ioane at 15 would be a gift.

Pick No. 16 – New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts): Makai Lemon, WR (USC)

When Garrett Wilson went down with a knee injury last year, the Jets were forced to lean on Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III as their top pass-catchers, a spot they hope never to be in again. Lemon, last year's Biletnikoff winner, is the perfect complement to Wilson. Wilson specializes in lining up out wide and winning routes downfield. Lemon is best out of the slot, where he can win underneath and create after the catch. This sets the Jets up to run the standard high-low concepts you see around the NFL while also addressing a premium position of need.

Pick No. 17 – Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT (Alabama)

Taylor Decker was shockingly released early in the offseason, and the Lions are suddenly heading into the draft without one of their long-time bookend tackles. Proctor could theoretically step in as that replacement opposite Penei Sewell. Dan Campbell has already commented on Sewell's ability to play on the left or right side, suggesting flexibility if they were to bring in a new tackle. Proctor can settle in on the right side while Sewell takes over Jared Goff's blind side. This selection would quickly help the Lions navigate Decker's loss and get back on track.

Pick No. 18 – Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S (Oregon)

After over a decade of elite play from Harrison Smith, the 37-year-old safety is mulling retirement. Thieneman could step in as the immediate replacement. Brian Flores' defense requires an instinctual box safety to play with physicality. Whether Smith returns for 2026 or not, Thieneman could be the long-term answer to slide into his vacated role. This pairing makes sense in mock drafts regardless of Smith's decision.

Pick No. 19 – Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE (Auburn)

After signing Jaelan Phillips to a four-year deal in free agency, Faulk might be a bit of a luxury pick for the Panthers. They spent a second-round pick on an edge rusher last year, Nic Scourton, who looked good as a rookie. After a strong free agency, the Panthers are quietly in a position without any glaring needs. Faulk is a young and lean edge rusher with a sky-high ceiling. If he slips, the Panthers could show discipline by taking the best player off the board. You'll never hear a team complaining about having too many pass rushers.

Pick No. 20 – Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers): Jermod McCoy, CB (Tennessee)

The Cowboys desperately need to fix up their defense, and McCoy would likely step in as their top corner. McCoy could have boosted his draft stock with a strong 2025, but an ACL tear ended his year early, giving him a potentially discounted cost in the NFL Draft. The addition of Cobie Durant should allow them to kick Daron Bland outside, playing opposite McCoy. Despite Shavon Revel Jr.'s upside, he's yet to put together a consistent stretch of games. This could take the pressure off Revel while giving the solid on-field play immediately. The Cowboys haven't shied away from drafting elite talents coming off injuries, and McCoy is just that.

Pick No. 21 – Pittsburgh Steelers: Avieon Terrell, CB (Clemson)

Despite a hamstring injury at his pro day, there's still reason to believe the Steelers could be in play for Terrell at 21. They have typically prioritized competitive corners and NFL bloodlines, both of which Terrell possesses. While Terrell's skill set might lean towards being an inside corner, there's little need for him to step up as the primary defensive back on a team with Joey Porter Jr. The Steelers have Jalen Ramsey under contract through 2028, his age-34 season. Terrell can fill in, both inside and outside, and hopefully take over as the full-time nickel corner as Ramsey ages.

Pick No. 22 – Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods, DL (Clemson)

The Chargers are pretty set on offense after investing heavily at every position in recent drafts. With decent edge rushers and a strong secondary, the interior defensive line is the biggest need. Woods is an aggressive and high-motor tackle who can help as a pass rusher or run stuffer, hopefully settling in as a three-down player for the Chargers at a much-needed position.

Pick No. 23 – Philadelphia Eagles: Denzel Boston, WR (Washington)

We're basically operating under the pretense that A.J. Brown has already been traded. Although nothing is official yet, there's been too much smoke to ignore. Boston would be a natural replacement for Brown. At 6-4 and 212 pounds, he is the yin to DeVonta Smith's yang. All indications are that Smith is ready to step up into a feature role. Boston can ease into his NFL career by focusing defensive gravity on Smith early. The low-volume passing offense in Philadelphia has led to inconsistent scoring from their pass catchers. While this wouldn't be an ideal landing spot for fantasy football purposes, it would fill a position of need following the expected Brown trade.

Pick No. 24 – Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars): KC Concepcion, WR (NC State)

The Browns lack talent at the top of their receiver room and have no depth to brag about. Jeudy's shockingly strong 2024 season looks like a blip across the rest of his career. His contract includes a team-friendly out following the 2026 season, which the Browns will likely hope to exercise. Behind Jeudy, Cedric Tillman and Isaiah Bond have shown more flash than substance. As it stands, second-year tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is probably the team's best pass-catcher. Concepcion is cut from the same cloth as Zay Flowers, whom Todd Monken featured as the primary weapon in Baltimore. With very versatile skill sets, the Browns can keep Concepcion and Fannin on the field as every-down receivers, rotating through the rest of their guys situationally. 

Pick No. 25 – Chicago Bears: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE (Miami)

Ryan Poles has proven to be aggressive in targeting edge rushers but hasn't had the best luck so far. Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo haven't lived up to their deals. Austin Booker showed some flashes but couldn't earn a full-time role. Mesidor would be a great value here. He played opposite Rueben Bain Jr., anchoring one of college football's best pass rushes last season. He'd immediately work his way into the edge rotation and has the tools to quickly elevate as the best on the Bears' roster.

Pick No. 26 – Buffalo Bills: Kayden McDonald, DT (Ohio State)

The Bills need a nose tackle, and McDonald would be the perfect fit. Brandon Beane has consistently displayed a penchant for building his teams in the trenches, and McDonald would be a Week 1 starter for them. He's a massive and disruptive force, something they don't currently have on their defensive line. While some developmental time might be needed, McDonald has tremendous upside. He feels like one of those high-ceiling players who fall late into the first round to a good team and blossom into a long-term elite contributor. 

Pick No. 27 – San Francisco 49ers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR (Indiana)

What was one of the most loaded groups of pass-catchers in the NFL just a couple of years ago is seemingly hanging on by a thread now. George Kittle is coming off a ruptured Achilles. Christian McCaffrey is going into his age-30 season. Ricky Pearsall hasn't been able to stay on the field. Deebo Samuel Sr. is gone. No one knows what's going on with Brandon Aiyuk. The signing of Mike Evans feels like a desperate gasp before the window slams shut. Cooper might help keep it cracked open. He's a physically imposing receiver who can fearlessly catch balls across the middle of the field and create after the catch, exactly what Kyle Shanahan seeks in a receiver. The 49ers have other needs, but this scheme fit is hard to ignore.

Pick No. 28 – Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT (Utah)

The Texans need an offensive tackle. Caleb Lomu plays offensive tackle. Sometimes the picks just make themselves in a mock draft, and this is one of those. The top player on the board is filling a massive position of need. This one probably doesn't need an in-depth explanation to justify it. The Texans have one of the league's best defenses. The weapons are there on offense, but the protection has not been. The Texans won't be able to turn in a card with Lomu's name on it fast enough if he's still there at 28.

Pick No. 29 – Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams): T.J. Parker, EDGE (Clemson)

The Chiefs spent an early pick on a cornerback in this mock draft and will address the defense again with their later pick. Parker is a long edge rusher who could immediately step in opposite Chris Jones. Parker's 2025 campaign wasn't quite as impressive as 2024, but he's got a sky-high ceiling. Playing in a room with Jones and not getting double-teamed early in his career should quickly help him get up to speed in the NFL. Selecting Delane and Parker in their first will give them two young cornerstone pieces to build around after years of neglecting their defense and hoping Patrick Mahomes II can keep them in games.

Pick No. 30 – Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos): Chris Brazzell II, WR (Tennessee)

After trading away Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins have no offensive weapons aside from De'Von Achane. After spending their early first on Kenyon Sadiq, they could go back to the pass-catcher well with Brazzell. Where Sadiq is a thick and muscular tight end who can play out of the backfield and across the middle of the field, Brazzell is a long speedster who can play out wide and deep down the field. A run game led by Achane and Malik Willis, with Sadiq and Brazzell running high-low concepts, could be dangerous. Brazzell has desirable size and speed and has proved productive against SEC talent. The recent lack of success from Tennessee wide receivers is hard to ignore, but so is Brazzell's upside.

Pick No. 31 – New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OT (Clemson)

The Patriots' offensive line woes were on display in the Super Bowl, and it would almost be irresponsible for them to look anywhere else in Round 1. Many young quarterbacks have unraveled without solid pass protection, and the Patriots need to get that under control. Morgan Moses is a reliable veteran, but Will Campbell struggled in his rookie season. Campbell could theoretically move inside to guard, allowing Miller to get some reps at tackle. It's probably too early to discuss their exact plans for the offensive line, but bringing in talented players is the first step.

Pick No. 32 – Seattle Seahawks: Eli Stowers, TE (Vanderbilt)

The Seahawks have no shortage of good tight end talent in A.J. Barner and Elijah Arroyo, but Stowers would inject elite playmaking upside in a room devoid of it. Stowers has a ludicrously impressive combine, logging the best vertical jump of any tight end in NFL history and finishing with a 9.42 Relative Athletic Score. He's got 99th-percentile speed and 100th-percentile burst. While his size is a bit underwhelming as a traditional tight end, he can play a big slot while Barner facilitates the in-line duties. This is admittedly the most unlikely of all of the picks in this draft, but let me dream.

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. After Fernando Mendoza, there is no consensus opinion on what to do or where teams will go. With quarterback uncertainty at the top and deep positional groups throughout Round 1, expect plenty of movement on draft night.

How This Mock Draft Was Built

This mock draft factors in team needs, coaching schemes, free agency moves, and positional value. While trades are always possible, this mock draft focused on picks currently held by each team.

For more information on this year's rookie class, be sure to check out The Footballguys Rookie Guide. Version 2 is out now, and it's 100% free! Version 3 will come out immediately after the NFL Draft, so get the free version now while you still can!

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