2026 NFL Mock Draft: Scouting Combine causes major shift in top five, edge rushers fall, and Jeremiyah Love goes early
The first round of the NFL Draft is significantly different after the combine.
The NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, giving us a lot of information about how the first round of the NFL Draft will play out.
We saw some incredible testers throughout the week, which will impact how high they go in April. As there always is, the inverse happens and players don’t test well.
How did the combine change things in the NFL Draft? There are quite a few changes at the top.
Key Facts, Stats, and Odds for the 2026 NFL Draft
- Three NFL teams currently hold multiple first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets
- The Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers all have at least four picks in the first three rounds (not including compensatory selections)
- Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza has a 99% probability of being the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to sports books
- Over 190 different players have been selected inside the first three rounds of industry-wide NFL mock drafts since December
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This one has been written in stone for some time. Mendoza is far and away the best quarterback in the class and has done everything right along the way. He will be maximized in Klint Kubiak’s offense of throwing over the middle with anticipation and utilizing play-action.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Jets feel like they can go in a multitude of directions. Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey aren’t out of the question here after trading away Jermaine Johnson last week. As things sit, Reese is arguably the best player in the class and does offer legitimate pass-rush upside. Taking a linebacker this high in 2026 feels a little odd, but it’s the nature of this draft class.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Our first big surprise of the NFL Draft comes at three overall. Freeling is arguably the best offensive tackle prospect in the class, and he showcases plus movement skills for the position. He tested really well on Sunday and looked like the best athlete in the class. He could create a bookend with Paris Johnson Jr. for a decade.
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
We have our second surprise of the draft, and it’s only pick four. The Titans got an upgrade at pass rusher with Jermaine Johnson, and could still go that route at fourth overall. However, the buzz over the last few days seems to signal that Love is squarely in the picture. Getting Cam Ward all the weapons they can get their hands on could be a priority.
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The other linebacker from the Ohio State Buckeyes, Styles, is a phenomenal prospect in his own right. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and jumped 43.5″ in the vertical at 6-5 and 244 pounds. He used to be a safety, but you’d think he had always been a linebacker with how well he plays the position. The Giants could be moving on from Bobby Okereke, making this a priority spot.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Browns seem destined to take an offensive lineman in the first round, and possibly two if things fall right at 24th overall. With Freeling off the board, Fano is the best lineman on the board with a long-term future at tackle. Fano played on the right side for the Utes and was a stalwart for them. Now, he heads to Cleveland and can play his natural spot of RT.
7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Is there a team that needs to upgrade at edge rusher more than the Commanders? Maybe one or two teams, but it’s a dire need. Bailey was the most productive edge rusher in college football for the Red Raiders last season, and was a consensus All-American for his efforts. He doesn’t have a ton of bend, but he’s got the juice to get the edge, and the nuance to beat offensive tackles.
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
With Tyler Shough having stepped up in a big way as the Saints’ starting quarterback, finding weapons for him needs to be a top priority. If Love had made it this far, he’d no doubt be an option for the Saints. Wide receiver opposite of Chris Olave needs to be addressed, and they get it in Makai Lemon, who is a well-rounded player for the Trojans.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
One of the more intriguing storylines in the NFL Draft will be how high the edge rushers will go who have shorter arms. Bain is the one who will get the most attention, as he could go as high as second overall. His production this past year was nothing short of fantastic, utilizing power, speed, and a diverse pass rush plan to terrorize quarterbacks.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
You wouldn’t know it by his 2025 season that Woods was a top-five consensus prospect over the summer, but it’s true. He was a dominant force in 2024 both against the run and the pass. This past season was a disappointment for a multitude of reasons, but one thing is clear: teams schemed around him a lot. There is a lot to like about his ability on all three downs, and his explosiveness really stood out. The Bengals desperately need someone like Woods.
11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
With the new regime coming into Miami, the Dolphins will likely be adhering to the old Green Bay Packers thresholds. However, with Jon-Eric Sullivan being a new general manager, we don’t know for sure that all of them will be adhered to.
As things stand, McCoy will be the top cornerback for many teams due to his ability in man coverage and at the catch point. There will be concern from some who don’t like the fact that McCoy hasn’t played since December of 2024, when he suffered a torn ACL against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff. His pro day will be very important.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Cowboys are desperate to get cornerbacks who can actually play consistent football. Trevon Diggs wasn’t that guy, nor has DaRon Bland. They need someone they can trust on the outside, and, luckily for them, there are a lot of players in this class who fit the bill. Delane has an argument for being the best cornerback and man coverage defender in the entire draft, and he will thrive in Christian Parker’s defense.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Rams have spent the last two NFL Drafts trying to select Brock Bowers and Tetairoa McMillan. With the Atlanta Falcons’ selection, they have a chance to make up for that. Tate is one of the best receivers in the class, and he has everything that Sean McVay wants in a wide receiver: size, route-running prowess, and willingness to block. He and Puka Nacua, together for a decade, could be lethal.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Ravens love to take players falling down the board, but the one player who does has some potential concerns that push him down. Banks isn’t just a great player; he’s got tremendous size and athleticism that the Ravens desperately need on the interior.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)
The Buccaneers need a lot of help across the board. If Sonny Styles somehow makes it to the Buccaneers, he will be the pick. With him not here, they should prioritize protecting Baker Mayfield. Mauigoa can play either RT or guard, which is what he would do if he were to be drafted by the Buccaneers.
16. New York Jets (via IND): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs falling down to 16th overall feels crazy, but is it? Safety is a weird position when it comes to the NFL Draft. From an on-field perspective, Downs is arguably the best player in the class. He will be an immediate difference maker on a team that needs a player of his caliber.
17. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Lions desperately need to add an edge rusher on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson. They have tried other options there, like Marcus Davenport, but they haven’t been able to find anyone. Faulk has the size they want at that spot, along with real upside as a pass rusher.
18. Minnesota Vikings: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Linebacker isn’t at the top of the needs for the Vikings across the board, but it’s one long-term need. They don’t have a linebacker signed to the roster after the 2026 season, with Blake Cashman set to be a free agent. Allen has all of the ability to thrive in Brian Flores’ defense and can be eased into the role.
19. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Panthers have spent a lot of assets on wide receivers over the past few years, but they still need someone who can win with twitchy route running. That’s why Concepcion gets the nod here over Jordyn Tyson, who is a better receiver by consensus.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
After getting a cornerback earlier in the round, the Cowboys get a versatile edge rusher in Thomas, who can win around the arc with speed, power, and technique. They need someone to pair with Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Steelers need a wide receiver to play opposite of DK Metcalf. They can target any type of receiver they want, but a route runner would pair best with him. That’s exactly what Tyson brings to the table, and he thrives at the catch point, which is an added bonus.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
The Chargers are desperate for interior offensive line help, and they get the best guard in the NFL Draft. Ioane is a people mover who is athletic enough for the scheme Mike McDaniel wants to run.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
The future of Lane Johnson is far from certain after 2026, the same with Landon Dickerson, for that matter. Iheanachor has only been playing football since 2021, but the upside is supreme. His athleticism and footwork are incredibly appealing, and he fits the new scheme Sean Mannion is bringing in.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Browns got Fano at the top of the draft, and they double down with his teammate Lomu. This theoretically gives the Browns bookend tackles for the next decade if they both hit.
25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Kevin Byard isn’t going to be with the Bears forever, and his play has already been inconsistent. McNeil-Warren could start day one for the Bears, and they could ease him in to maximize their defense in 2026.
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Bills struck out with Keon Coleman two years ago when they could have had Xavier Worthy. They need someone to win those tough, contested catch opportunities. Boston has the profile to do that, and the aptitude to develop into a well-rounded player.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
With George Kittle suffering a torn Achilles in the playoffs last year, the 49ers’ future at tight end is far from certain. They have to prepare for the possibility that Kittle won’t ever return to form, and that’s where Sadiq comes into play. He tested off the charts at the NFL Scouting Combine, and can be the versatile weapon that Kyle Shanahan can maximize.
28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Texans would love to get an interior offensive lineman here, but there isn’t one worthy of selection here, and they have two picks in the second round. McDonald would be an excellent addition to the best defense in the league, as he can stop the run at an extremely high rate.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
After getting Tate at 13th overall, the Rams need to address the cornerback position. Terrell might be a little bit smaller, but he’s the top cornerback in the class for me. He attacks the football at a high level, has the athleticism to carry receivers down the field, and can play inside and out.
30. Denver Broncos: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
The board doesn’t fall great for the Broncos here. Their needs aren’t built for what this draft class is right now. Golday is a bit of a riser, but he should be considered around this spot. The Bearcats played him mainly as an overhang, but at 6-4 and 240 pounds, Golday has the frame and skill set to be an every-down linebacker.
31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
After making the Super Bowl, the Patriots need to work on getting more pressure generated from the edge rusher position. Howell might have shorter arms than is ideal, but he can bend the arc and maximize edge pressure with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore on the interior.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
The final surprise of the first round is Johnson. He may have played his ball at the Group of Five level, but his best games came against the best competition. He is better at zone coverage, but can play in man coverage when necessary.