2026 NFL Mock Draft: Shocking move at No. 1 pick defines first round as wide receivers and edge rushers dominate early selections
It’s extremely likely a team trades up to select Fernando Mendoza first overall if the Tennessee Titans hold that pick when the NFL season ends
The 2025 NFL season is already more than halfway over. There are only a few weeks remaining in the college football regular season. What does that mean? It’s time to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Yes, the NFL Draft might still be several months away, but the NFL season is already effectively over for many franchises. The one place where there will always be hope for every NFL team is the NFL Draft, so it’s time to check in on some of the most talented players who could change your favorite franchise(s).
Who are the most elite talents in the country that could hear their names called in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft? Which teams will be picking early? Could there be a trade up for the first overall pick this year? All those questions will be answered with this mock draft today. Enjoy!
Current Facts and Odds for the 2026 NFL Draft
- The best current odds to land the number one overall selection rest with the Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and the Las Vegas Raiders
- The three most likely players to be selected first overall via current betting odds are all quarterbacks: Ty Simpson (Alabama), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), and Dante Moore (Oregon) although Moore likely returns to school
- The highest odds to go first overall for non-QBs are all defensive players: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami), Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State), and Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)
2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. Cleveland Browns (hypothetical trade up with Tennessee): Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana
The Tennessee Titans are falling apart and regardless of their remaining schedule likely end up with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. If that happens then QB needy teams like the Browns, Saints, Jets, and Raiders will be scrambling to get atop the 2026 NFL Draft board to select Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana). This class initially looked like it might be a good group at quarterback, but that’s definitely not the case now. This 2026 NFL Draft class is now essentially just Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and then everyone else far below them. Mendoza has put together the most impressive 2025 season in the country with elite marks in passer rating, adjusted yards per play, EPA per play, and more. He now has three years of experience and consistent progression that proves he’s the easy QB1 for this upcoming draft. The Browns have the ammunition to trade up, so in this mock draft that’s exactly what they do, but it costs them both of their 2026 first round picks (and likely then some) to do it.
2. New Orleans Saints: Ty Simpson, QB Alabama
Ty Simpson might still just be in his first full season of college football starting action for the Alabama Crimson Tide, but he already looks like a pro. His ability to read all levels of the field, executing quickly, accurately, and under pressure is nearly unmatched in the 2026 NFL Draft class. The Saints cannot rely on Spencer Rattle or Tyler Shough to be their future. Both never projected to be NFL starters in the first place. Simpson looks like a true field general with an incredible ceiling if he keeps progressing.
3. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami
The New York Giants need to find a way to keep their new franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart upright. Francis Mauigoa is the best right tackle in the draft class who brings a balanced skill set in both the run and pass games. He has the traits, the build, the mobility, and consistent protection abilities that the New York Giants desperately need as they continue building their offense around Dart.
4. Tennessee Titans (hypothetical trade down with Cleveland): Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE Miami
The Tennesee Titans trade down from the one spot and immediately address the position where they are perhaps the worst in the league: edge rusher. Rueben Bain will be criticized for his arm length once 2026 NFL Draft season is fully underway as a bit of a “sawed off” atypical build at the position, but his pressure numbers and run defense don’t lie. He’s looking more and more like the best true edge rusher in the class and the Titans must get better there if they’re going to be competitive any time soon.
5. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB Ohio State
A linebacker at number five overall? Yes and no. Arvell Reese is an off-ball linebacker for Ohio State, yes, but he’s much more than that. He’s the best player on Ohio State’s possible national championship-winning team this season and he’s putting up absurd numbers in every category. He’s tallying tackles, racking up several sacks as a pass rusher, and looking like a defensive back in coverage. He can do it all. Reese only has one season of full scale dominant play and production, but he’s a “best player available” kind of pick that the Jets need to make given the state of their roster.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Spencer Fano, OT Utah
Raiders fans desperately need to get better along their offensive line. Yes, they could end up going quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft too, but Geno Smith has been running for his life this season. No matter who the Raiders have at quarterback is going to struggle until they fix the offensive line. Spencer Fano is a physical force who should set the tone and be a perfect culture fit for what the Raiders (and their fans) love to see. He’s in the conversation for best tackle overall in the class, so this is an easy pick.
7. Miami Dolphins: Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State
The Miami Dolphins could go a number of directions in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but they’re going to need to have their “life after Tyreek Hill” answer here soon and Jordyn Tyson could be exactly that. He’s struggled a bit with health, but his best play has looked like an early first lock talent. Tyson broke out as a true freshman when he was still as Colorado, carried the Arizona State offense to the playoff (alongside Cam Skattebo) in 2024, and has produced over 1700 yards and 17 touchdowns in his last 17 games played. He’s an explosive playmaker that could change the game for the Dolphins.
8. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S Ohio State
Landing Caleb Downs is going to be an automatic win for whoever decides it’s worth it to select a safety in the early first round. The Commanders could go edge rusher or a couple other directions here, but once Jayden Daniels is back healthy their roster is in prime position to win now. They can take the best player available here in Downs. He was a freshman All-American three years ago and has only gotten better since as the best defensive back in the 2026 NFL Draft class by far. Line him up anywhere and he’ll dominate.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
There is only one running back worth reaching for in the 2026 NFL Draft and that is Jeremiyah Love. Yes, the Bengals have other needs to address as well, but they can go interior offensive line and edge a little later given the dynamics of this particular class. They can’t land a dynamic difference maker that will impact the game in a huge way every time he touches the ball beyond the early first round. Jeremiyah Love is on pace to post 3000+ yards from scrimmage and over 40 touchdowns in the last two seasons alone thanks to his home run speed, surprising lower body strength for his frame, elite agility, and underrated pass-catching skills. Love is going to be in the top ten conversation throughout the NFL Draft process.
10. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Mansoor Delane, CB LSU
Mansoor Delane put together some strong tape when he was still at Virginia Tech, which made him one of the most coveted transfer targets a year ago, but he’s been unbelievable with the LSU Tigers this year. He’s allowing a completion rate of 38% and a passer rating below 40 when targeted this season as the best perimeter shutdown cornerback in the country. The Rams could use that kind of island corner who can take away half the field by himself.
11. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Lomu, OT Utah
Caleb Lomu is the other half of the reason that Utah has the best offensive line in the country this year (opposite Spencer Fano, who was taken earlier in this draft). He hasn’t been credited with a single sack allowed this season as one of the best true pass blocking weapons in the game. There might be some athleticism questions with him from some, but he’s been as consistent as they come outside of perhaps the Texas Tech game this season. The Cardinals could use a positionally flexible pass blocker who plugs in long-term as a foundational piece of the offense.
12. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech
David Bailey is going to finish the 2025 season as the only power conference edge rusher who has posted a 20% pass rush pressure rate two years in a row now. He’s already racked up a dozen sacks this year, converting on his wild pressure rate, but he’s more than double the positional FBS average as a pass rusher. Bailey is pressuring opposing quarterbacks on 23% of his pass rush reps as a decisive edge monster with a plan on every snap. The Cowboys could use exactly that right about now.
13. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DL Clemson
The Baltimore Ravens could stand to get younger in the center of their defensive line and Peter Woods would be the perfect fit there. Woods can line up and win at any defensive line tech or position, has posted strong key rate stats in pressure and havoc generation, and plays with far greater strength than he did earlier in his college career. The Ravens have to get better on defense and it starts with being able to generate significant push up front. Woods will help there immensely.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State
Sonny Styles is a freak of an athlete who began his collegiate career as a defensive back, but dropped down into the linebacker position because he just kept growing into his frame. At 6’4″, 240+ pounds he can stick with any opposing wide receiver in coverage while playing with enough strength and wiggle to stuff the run consistently. The Vikings don’t have a ton of needs, but they could use an upgrade long-term in the middle of their defense. Styles has more natural ability than any remaining player on the board regardless of position, so this pick should be a good one.
15. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OT Alabama
Kadyn Proctor still isn’t perfect at left tackle, but the NFL is going to love his pedigree and physical measurables. At 6’7″, 370 pounds, with faster feet than you would expect, Proctor just needs to figure out consistent hand usage and not get so fooled on counter moves. Once he figures out the little nuances he could be exactly what the Houston Texans need to fix their terrible offensive line around C.J. Stroud at quarterback.
16. Carolina Panthers: Makai Lemon, WR USC
Three first round picks at the wide receiver position in a row? Yes. The Panthers whiffed horribly reaching on the physical traits of Xavier Legette. They did a good job fixing that mistake with Tetairoa McMillan this past year. Now they need to add one more weapon that properly complements the skill set of McMillan. Makai Lemon is more of a slot wide receiver projection, but he can also win with physicality when called upon. Lemon is explosive, fast, and possesses unreal ball skills. It’s no surprise why he has more receiving yards than any other power conference wide receiver in the nation as of this writing.
17. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon
The Chiefs are eventually going to have to move on from Travis Kelce and Kenyon Sadiq could be the man for the job. He’s going to test as the most athletic tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft class at the NFL Combine next spring, he can hurdle defenders, win up the seam, and he’s improving as a blocker as well. The Chiefs won’t regret taking a player with this kind of potential in the first round.
18. San Francisco 49ers: Cashius Howell, EDGE Texas A&M
Cashius Howell has turned into a no-brainer first round pick quickly at Texas A&M. He’s logged multiple games with three sacks a piece this season (11 on the year). He’s posting strong pressure numbers on par with Rueben Bain (the first edge rusher off the board here). Plus, he is a tenacious leader that any NFL locker room should target early in the NFL Draft. The 49ers need to get younger and more productive off the edge and Howell fits what they like outside on the defensive front.
19. Tennessee Titans (hypothetical trade down with Cleveland): Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State
If the Titans somehow get both Rueben Bain and Carnell Tate in the first round that will be just about as good as it gets. Carnell Tate has had to share targets with Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and potential eventual GOAT Jeremiah Smith at wide receiver for Ohio State, but don’t let his lack of elite production fool you. He’s a first round wide receiver with top tier athleticism, route-running, and ball skills to win at every level of the field. Tate would immediately help Cam Ward take a massive step forward in his development.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR Washington
Denzel Boston is everything that George Pickens ever could have been for the Steelers and more. He has the 6’4″, 210-pound frame with wild athleticism, just like Pickens. However, he also has a more complete route tree, greater flexibility, and far superior acceleration. Boston is such a wild athlete that despite his 6’4″, lanky frame, he has the shiftiness necessary to return kicks too. He ran back a punt return for a touchdown earlier this year and has over 1700 return yards in the last two season alone. Boston looks like a true difference maker in several facets of the game.
21. Dallas Cowboys (via GBP): Dillon Thieneman, S Oregon
For some reason Dillon Thieneman has been falling a bit in mock drafts this fall, but he’s still one of the most obvious no-brainer first round talents in the class. He just plays a position that isn’t generally valued highly on draft day. Thieneman has only allowed nine receptions in coverage all season long and, of course, caught the game-winning interception against Penn State earlier this fall. The Cowboys could stand to get better on the back end, and pairing the pass rushing weapon in David Bailey (their first pick in this round) with Thieneman could give the Cowboys one of the best defenses in the NFL rather quickly.
22. Chicago Bears: Jermod McCoy, CB Tennessee
This pick feels like a bit of a projection at this point because Jermod McCoy hasn’t played this season as he recovers from injury, but he was hands down the best cornerback in the country during the 2024 season. The Bears must get better at corner and McCoy helps them do that while not limiting them schematically in any way. McCoy can win in any coverage thanks to his phenomenal instincts, length, and range.
23. Buffalo Bills: Chris Bell, WR Louisville
The Bills have to get better at wide receiver to help Josh Allen. Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Josh Palmer have not been getting it done and they certainly won’t be any time soon. Enter Chris Bell. He’s a field-stretching athlete who can also punch defensive backs in the mouth and win in tight situations. Bell has accounted for over 35% of the receiving yards and 50% of the receiving touchdowns for Louisville this season, proving he can be a target-earning, dominant WR1. The Bills should give him the opportunity to do that for them.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TJ Parker, EDGE Clemson
TJ Parker has seen his draft stock fall from potential number one overall pick to possibly outside round one thanks to the colossal collapse of Clemson this season, but when isolating for his play alone the potential is still clearly there. He was extremely productive a year ago, has the typical physical measurements that the Buccaneers like to see on their edges, and plays with a ferocity that fits the culture. He would feel like a significant value pick here if he falls to the Buccaneers.
25. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn
Keldric Faulk falling this far isn’t the “chalk” sitaution, seeing as some have him going inside the top 15, but his pass rushing numbers just haven’t been there as much this season. Still, he brings a balance and physicality to his game that almost no other edge rusher does in the entire 2026 NFL Draft class. He’s excellent at stopping the run, and he doesn’t care to be the one getting the sacks. Faulk is fine simply throwing bodies around, creating a mess for opposing offenses, which is a major reason Auburn has one of the best defenses in the country this year. The Lions will love him.
26. Los Angeles Chargers: R Mason Thomas, EDGE Oklahoma
R Mason Thomas is undersized, but the consistent production, attitude, and motor are undeniable. He called his own shot on the final sack that ended the Auburn game earlier this year, telling his teammates to essentially stand down as he tackled Jackson Arnold in the end zone. Thomas is the clear best pass rusher on the number one defense in all of college football, and he’s likely going to finish with around 20 sacks in his final two seasons for Oklahoma. The Chargers need to get younger on the edges. Why not do it with a highly productive, cocky, monster of a pass rusher like R Mason Thomas?
27. Los Angeles Rams: Gennings Dunker, OT Iowa
Gennings Dunker is likely going to continue to rise throughout NFL Draft season. Many don’t have him as a first round pick yet, but that likely changes. He is a chippy, strong, and surprisingly agile offensive tackle that can take over an entire side of the offensive line by himself. It’s that kind of play that makes him the perfect fit to replace Rob Havenstein on the right side of the Rams line here soon.
28. New England Patriots: KC Concepcion, WR Texas A&M
KC Concepcion has been the best wide receiver on one of the best offenses in the country this year as he’s grabbed eight receiving touchdowns, more than 600 receiving yards (as of this writing), and even ran two touchdowns back on returns. He’s a dynamic all-purpose weapon who continues to improve on his separation on underneath and intermediate routes. The Patriots could use another playmaker to build around Drake Maye. Concepcion would be an easy fit.
29. Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson
The Seahawks thought they were in good shape at cornerback a couple seasons ago, but they’ve struggled with consistency there. Avieon Terrell isn’t the typical outside corner given his size, but he’s a faster, better version of Josh Jobe who physically looks a whole lot like Terrell. Terrell is one of the best cornerbacks in the class who has been absolutely lights out in coverage this season. 15 passes defended in the last two seasons. Less than 50% completion rate and below 10 yards allowed per catch throughout his career.
30. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB Georgia
CJ Allen has been the lone bright spot on the Georgia Bulldogs defense this year as he’s tallied four sacks (most on the team), missed almost zero tackles, and he’s improved in coverage this year significantly (not giving up a single TD). The Broncos could go a number of directions here, but now that the premier wide receiver talents are gone, going Allen makes too much sense to pair with Greenlaw. Plus, he could eventually become the leader of their defense long-term too.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL Penn State
It’s hard to project interior offensive linemen to go very high, but if any actually go inside round one this year it’s likely Olaivavega Ioane. He’s been near perfection in pass protection this year, giving up zero sacks, and holding together Penn State’s offensive line despite the injury to QB Drew Allar and firing of head coach James Franklin. Ioane could plug in at center or play either guard spot for the Eagles long-term.
32. New York Jets (via IND): Colton Hood, CB Tennessee
Jets fans might not like this pick, but when you trade away Sauce Gardner you’re going to need to replace him at cornerback. Hood has stepped up big-time in the absence of teammate Jermod McCoy (out due to injury) as the best cornerback for the Vols. He’s allowing a passer rating around 60 on the season and a completion rate below 46% when targeted. He has prototypical length, size, and athleticism at around 6’0″, 200 pounds. Hood looks like a first round corner despite his limited resume of every down play.
We’ll be back with more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
