Miami OT Francis Mauioga is a top-five selection in this mock draft.
Ah, yes, it's draft season again, and that means lots of wild rumors and baseless speculation.
One could even call rumors the Soup De Jour. What's that? It's the Soup of the Day... Mmm, that sounds good.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Round 1
This mock will not project trades.
1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, (QB - Indiana)
The Heisman Trophy and Natty winner has machine-like precision and structurally perfect interview form. Is he AI? And does that even matter? Human or not, he's going to Las Vegas.
2. New York Jets - Arvell Reese, (ED - Ohio State)
Reese called the Jets a "serious organization." That's not been my experience in 40-plus years of fandom, but, sure, let's go with that.
3. Arizona Cardinals - Francis Mauigoa (T - Miami)
Mauigoa ran a 5.12 40-yard-dash at 327 pounds at Miami Pro Day. He has finisher mentality on film, and the Cards need that on offense.
4. Tennessee Titans - David Bailey (ED - Texas Tech)
Robert Saleh's new motto for 2026 is "speed and violence." Bailey showed the first quality in his 29 career sacks, and the second when he curb-stomped an opposing lineman in a loss to NC State.
5. New York Giants - Sonny Styles (LB - Ohio State)
History says the Giants don't take linebackers; they take edge rushers. But Styles could be a gold jacket type of pick. Or at least one that wins an IDP league for you.
6. Cleveland Browns - Monroe Freeling (T - Georgia)
The Browns have an obvious need at wide out, but this draft is deep there and thin at legit left tackle. Freeling has a 9.99 RAS score and isn't getting out of the top-10 picks.
7. Washington Commanders - Jeremiyah Love (RB - Notre Dame)
The Commanders have other needs, but Love is a player they can't let slide by. It sounds overly-complicated, but sometimes the best way to protect a quarterback is to take a running back.
8. New Orleans Saints - Makai Lemon (WR - USC)
Lemon has great hands (2.5% drop rate), wins jump balls (66% success), and shows elite separation on film. The Saints have hosted him for a top-30 visit. What's not to like?
9. Kansas City Chiefs - Rueben Bain Jr. (ED - Miami)
With Charles Ominihu and Mike Danna leaving, the Chiefs have a real need. Reportedly, Bain interviewed really well with them at the combine.
10. Cincinnati Bengals - Caleb Downs (S - Ohio State)
Downs has the best safety film since Eric Berry. But it's hard to value this player, given his positional value and a suspicious Combine medical report about his knee. A real player, though.
