As the calendar flips to April, we have a moment to catch our breath between the free agent frenzy, record-breaking amount of trades, and the sprint toward the NFL draft. Now that the dust has settled on the first wave of offseason player movement, we can clearly identify the team needs that remain unaddressed. The most significant questions around the draft hinge on the Arizona Cardinals at pick number three, Jeremiyah Love's landing spot and subsequent backfield disruption, and Ty Simpson's push for a second quarterback in Round 1.
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!
This 2026 NFL Mock Draft projects every first-round pick based on roster needs, scheme fits, and recent offseason moves.
Pick No. 1 - Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB (Indiana)
We can talk about Klint Kubiak, Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Tyler Linderbaum. Legitimate reasons to project success for Mendoza. This pick has been the consensus since January, and most of the discussion has been said. Instead, I'll use this space to say "Shrinking" is my current favorite show, and I am concerned not enough people are watching it.
Pick No. 2 - New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE (Ohio St.)
Mock draft rule number one: When there is a blue-chip position on the board, you take a blue-chip position. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive tackles, edge, and cornerbacks. The perimeters expose talent. Sonny Styles is incredibly intriguing. The chance that Reese is the next Micah Parsons is too valuable for a defense with a glaring need at edge.
Pick No. 3 - Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, RT (Miami, Fla)
The Cardinals are set at left tackle with Paris Johnson Jr., a hit from the 2023 draft. The entirety of their remaining offensive linemen are on the wrong side of 30 or have glaring questions. The consensus view on Mauigoa is a clean prospect who is likely locked at right tackle, though Johnson makes that less of a concern. GM Monti Ossenfort has traded out of high spots in the past and would entertain the potential.
Pick No. 4 - Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB (Notre Dame)
The Titans have needs across the roster, but the franchise's immediate future and GM Mike Borgonzi's continued employment hinge on Cam Ward's success as the franchise quarterback. New coach Robert Saleh had a front-row seat to Christian McCaffrey's versatility as San Francisco's defensive coordinator in 2025. Running backs have been in vogue early in the 2023 and 2025 drafts. Love is viewed as the consensus top overall player on many boards.
Pick No. 5 - New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB (Ohio St)
The Giants have built one of the best young defensive lines in the NFL. New coach John Harbaugh understands the value of a transformational off-ball linebacker, having coached Ray Lewis and Roquan Smith in Baltimore. Styles smashed the Combine and is the type of clean off-the-field player the Maras love.
Pick No. 6 - Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, LT (Georgia)
The Browns have undergone a complete overhaul of their offensive line, investing heavily to bring in veterans at four of the five positions. Left tackle is the open spot. Freeling only started one season and is a projection, especially this early, but he hits all the ideal traits for the position.
Pick No. 7 -Washington Commanders: Mansoor Delane, CB (LSU)
Delane is the elite player hiding in plain sight on consensus boards. Easily the top corner in the class, he was exceptional in 2025. He is rarely mentioned before Pick 9 in the national conversation, invoking memories of fellow LSU Tiger Derek Stingley Jr., who surprised some by going off the board third overall in 2022.
Teams are built to win their division. The Commanders face CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Malik Nabers, DeVonta Smith, and A.J. Brown (for now). Can you name their best corner?
Pick No. 8 - New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR (Ohio St.)
Tate could go off the board to the Browns or even the Giants. Outside of Chris Olave, who is in active discussions on a contract extension, the Saints' receiver room is barren. Olave and Tate would make an easy pairing and give quarterback Tyler Shough a talented duo to spur his growth.
Pick No. 9 - Kansas City Chiefs: David Bailey, EDGE (Texas Tech)
Bailey could be in play as high as third overall. He would be an easy pick for a Chiefs defense in the midst of an overhaul.
