The first full week of April starts tomorrow, so that means it’s time for A to Z Sports’ initial, staff-wide first round mock draft!

We went pick to pick and got each one of our beat writers to select their top prospect as the board fell in order from 1-32. There isn’t any specific criteria for this exercise outside the fact trades weren’t allowed simply because they weren’t feasible.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into A to Z Sports’ first round mock draft of the 2026 cycle.

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A to Z Sports’ Initial First Round Mock Draft

Las Vegas Raiders, No. 1: Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders need their franchise quarterback. And, despite what anyone says, it’s the best quarterback in this year’s draft, Fernando Mendoza.

This is about as much of a shoo-in as you can get. Mendoza is already learning similar concepts and plays by studying with former NFL quarterback and QB coach Brian Griese. The Raiders will take a quarterback, and it won’t be QB2, Ty Simpson. They haven’t even met with in the pre-draft process, nor did they attend his Pro Day.

It’s Mendoza No. 1 overall, easy, in this first round mock draft. Some may complain that Vegas is taking a QB No. 1 overall to sit behind Kirk Cousins — I’d argue they’re finally doing things the right way. – Justin Churchill

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New York Jets, No. 2: Ohio State Buckeyes LB/EDGE Arvell Reese

Aaron Glenn recently said the Jets defense/defensive front will deploy “a little bit of everything”. Well, that’s Arvell Reese’s MO to a tee.

Reese can play off-ball linebacker and showed plenty of ability as a pass rusher off the edge at Ohio State. Plus, he played in Matt Patricia’s defense, which is an NFL-level defense.

He needs to work on his cover abilities, but he’s a clear, no-brainer at No. 2. – Evan Winter

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Arizona Cardinals, No. 3: Notre Dame Fighting Irish RB Jeremiyah Love

Yes, this would be a surprising pick, but the Cardinals need a legit playmaker on offense not named Trey McBride. Love completely elevates the running back room and while said room would be crowded, Trey Benson can be released or traded. Love can lead a highly-effective trio involving Tyler Allgeier and James Conner. The latter becomes a free agent after this year, as well.

Mike LaFleur needs an every-down back that can do it all and Love would thrive in his zone scheme. He’ll also have success in whatever power runs LaFleur draws up. This is purely a case of best player available, here, and Arizona is all the better for it. – Evan Winter

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Tennessee Titans, No. 4: Texas Tech Red Raiders EDGE David Bailey

David Bailey is who I have pegged as the favorite for the Titans to draft at No. 4 if he makes it there (I’m not taking the chances of Reese making it here very seriously).

He is the idea intersection of need and value. He plays a premium position, has an elite trait—his wicked first step and get off—and fills the final hole on the Titans DL roster. They’ve done a good job shoring up all of the roles in Saleh’s front besides speed rusher from that wide 9 alignment. That’s Bailey! – Easton Freeze

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New York Giants, No. 5: Ohio State Buckeyes LB Sonny Styles

It’s no secret the Giants have been impressed with Styles during the pre-draft process and it isn’t hard to see why.

Styles would immediately raise the floor for a Giants defense that already has a strong defensive line in place. He’s an elite tackler who is also a threat as a blitzer. In him, John Harbaugh could add someone with immediate Pro Bowl potential. I don’t expect them to overthink the positional value aspect of it. – Mauricio Rodriguez

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Cleveland Browns, No. 6: Ohio State Buckeyes WR Carnell Tate

Following what the Browns have done in free agency, their biggest need has to be at wide receiver. Cleveland has its offensive line all but figured out, aside from left tackle. Even then, it has some internal options to trot out if needed.

Tate gives Cleveland a true WR1 with the skill set to win at all levels of the field. The next great receiver from Ohio State makes contested catches with the best of them and has a well-defined route tree. An instant upgrade to Cleveland’s playmaking group, he’ll make life easier for whoever ends up being the quarterback. – Brandon Little

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Washington Commanders, No. 7: Ohio State Buckeyes S Caleb Downs

The Commanders miss out on Love, Tate, and Styles, but their consolation prize in this first round mock draft is arguably the top player in the NFL Draft, safety Caleb Downs.

We saw the Commanders add Nick Cross in free agency. Adding Downs would revamp one of their weakest units from last season. Daronte Jones needs a strong safety room for his versatile and complex defense, so Downs is the perfect fit as an experienced leader and do-it-all defender in the secondary. Positional value will be the debate, but Downs is an eraser on defense, and would honestly be their best defender, and a blue-chip prospect on defense, something they haven’t had in a long time. – Josh Taylor

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New Orleans Saints, No. 8: Miami Hurricanes EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

With Downs and Tate off the board in this first round mock draft, another pass rusher makes the most sense for New Orleans.

Even with the length concerns, Bain plays with enough speed, bend, and raw power to translate well to the next level. A combo of him and Chase Young off the edge could wreak havoc for years to come in New Orleans. Value meets need here for Kellen Moore’s team. – Adam Holt

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Kansas City Chiefs, No. 9: USC Trojans WR Makai Lemon

The first eight picks in this first round mock draft are about as worst-case scenario as they can get for the Chiefs. They’ll have their pick of offensive linemen and cornerback if this is how it were to play out. However I opted for Lemon knowing he’s one of the last true impact playmakers on offense in this first round mock draft.

If you can get past the fact that he was a bit of a strange cookie in his combine interviews, there’s a lot to like here. He’s a nuanced route-runner, averaging a class-leading 3.13 yards per route run over the course of his collegiate career. Lemon’s also dynamic with the ball in his hands, forcing missed tackles and gaining plenty of yards after the catch. He’s tougher at the catch point than you’d expect for a 5-foot-11 and 192-pound receiver.

Don’t overthink it on this one. – Charles Goldman

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Cincinnati Bengals, No. 10: LSU Tigers CB Mansoor Delane

There’s a very good chance this pick is a cornerback in the first round. Between Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy, it’s tough to go against the former in this mock draft.

Delane was the epitome of a lockdown corner in 2025, allowing a passer rating of just 31.3 and a mere 40% completion percentage in coverage. The former high school wrestler is also quite the tackler, and transferred to LSU for the chance of continuing the programs’s legacy of cornerback prowess. It’s easy seeing him become a quailty NFL player. The Bengals need as many of those as possible on defense. – John Sheeran

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Miami Dolphins, No. 11: Miami Hurricanes OT Francis Mauigoa

The Dolphins have to be over the moon to find the local product and resident mauler at right tackle on the board with this pick. Mauigoa can serve as a short-term and long-term fix for the Dolphins, playing right guard as a rookie before converting to his natural right tackle position once Austin Jackson’s contract expires after this season.

Miami’s brass promised to build the team from the inside-out and this pick helps to manifest that goal by setting the tone for what is, hopefully, a physical brand of football in South Florida. – Kyle Crabbs

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Dallas Cowboys, No. 12: Tennessee Volunteers CB Jermod McCoy

The Cowboys said they didn’t want a redshirt rookie but I’m not sure those run the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. That wasn’t all he did in his Pro Day, answering many questions about his health status as he even ran positional drills. McCoy’s film speaks for itself and he’s the best player on the board here. I believe Dallas would look to trade down in this scenario but if they have to stay and pick, I can see them going with the potential CB1 of the class. – Mauricio Rodriguez

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Los Angeles Rams, No. 13: Arizona State Sun Devils WR Jordan Tyson

Truthfully, the Rams could go any number of directions here with the 13th pick, as they keep their cards very close to their chest. However, all of their moves over the course of the offseason (as well as prior offseasons) tell me they are interested in adding a premier outside wide receiver opposite of Puka Nacua.

That’s where Jordyn Tyson comes in. The Rams have been searching for someone who can create separation for themselves, and Tyson has the ability to do so in spades. He’s a gifted route-runner and has the size and ability to be a top-flight wide receiver on the perimeter. Big picture-wise, he can grow into replacing Davante Adams as the Rams’ X-receiver of the future. His medicals will be tricky to parse through, but the talent is worth betting on. – AJ Schulte

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Baltimore Ravens, No. 14: Penn State Nittany Lions OG Olaivavega Iaone

Ioane can help the Ravens extinguish one of the biggest pain points from the 2025 season: the guard play. Between Ioane, free agent signing John Simpson, and 2025 third round pick Emery Jones Jr., you’d like to think this group would be much better, especially amid the loss of Tyler Linderbaum in free agency to a whopping $27 million per season deal. If you’re going to let him walk, you’d better be buttoned up with the guys around him. –Kyle Crabbs

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers, No. 15: Miami Hurricanes EDGE Akheem Mesidor

It’s all but guaranteed the Buccaneers draft an EDGE at 15. In an ideal world, they’d trade back, but that’s not feasible for this first round mock draft, as mentioned earlier.

Regardless, Mesidor fits the bill when it comes to what the Bucs are looking for opposite Yaya Diaby. He’s athletic, can bend the corner, and has a deep bag of pass rush moves. His interview personality is top-notch, displaying plenty of character and leadership traits, as well.

The biggest knock on Mesidor is the fact he’s 25 years old. That’s not a picture-perfect scenario, by any means. However, look at it this way: If his extra experience allows him to get off to a fast start, the Buccaneers would be paying rookie contract money to a pass rusher playing in his prime. That’s a win-win, easily. – Evan Winter

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New York Jets, No. 16: Indiana Hoosiers WR Omar Cooper Jr.

There wasn’t a receiver worth taking at No. 2 overall, but the Jets are able to get one of the top wideouts in Cooper Jr. at 16.

2025 ended up as his best collegiate season, yet, after moving inside. Cooper showed all kinds of ability as a big slot, even to the point where he drew some Deebo Samuel comparisons.

With over 700 snaps playing on the perimeter and over 600 playing in the slot, Cooper can be a do-it-all receiver who opens things up for Garrett Wilson and the rest of the passing attack. – Evan Winter

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Detroit Lions, No. 17: Utah Utes OT Spencer Fano

With Taylor Decker out of the picture, the Lions need to find their next tackle. Fano might be one of the more NFL-ready pass blockers we’ve seen in a while and keeping Jared Goff clean is a big priority. His run block ability at Utah was great and there’s clear upside there. For a team that wants to run the ball a lot, Fano fits that role.

On top of it all, he slots right in at right tackle, where he’s been at Utah, and helps facilitate Penei Sewell’s move to left tackle without missing too many beats. – Mike Payton

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Minnesota Vikings, No. 18: Clemson Tigers DL Peter Woods

When you look at the Vikings’ depth chart, defensive tackle is arguably the biggest position of need. It became a major one after cutting Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.

Woods is an interesting player. His 2025 season was relatively disappointing after being a projected top-five pick over the summer. He can do everything that Brian Flores wants in terms of penetration, stunts, and stopping the run. It’s a risk selecting Woods after a rough 2025, but that was the story of Clemson’s season, as a whole. – Tyler Forness

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Carolina Panthers, No. 19: Texas A&M Aggies WR KC Concepcion

Dave Canales didn’t shy away from mentioning WR as one of the positions in consideration with the 19th overall pick, along with TE and S. While Kenyon Sadiq is a viable first-round option, the Panthers would find more value adding another top WR and finding a TE later in the draft.

With that being said, KC Concepcion is a fascinating prospect to consider if he’s indeed on the board. He’s an elite separator who dominated multiple top CB prospects during the 2025 season against both man and zone coverage. He did struggle with drops, but if he can clean that up, he would be a stellar fit alongside Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker. That quartet of wideouts would give Bryce Young plenty of firepower to work with.

Concepcion is also a Charlotte-native and I’m all for keeping the hometown guys. – Kole Noble

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Dallas Cowboys, No. 20: Oregon Ducks S Dillon Thieneman

I’m sure the Cowboys would take a long look at linebacker and edge rusher here but sticking to the board, they double down on the defensive backfield. Thieneman is a high-caliber coverage safety who can be yet another versatile chess piece for Christian Parker’s “multiple” defense. – Mauricio Rodriguez

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Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 21: Georgia Bulldogs OT Monroe Freeling

This might feel like deja vu for Steelers fans and not in a good way. Yes, I’m going back to Georgia for a left tackle who could have used some more time in school.

Here’s the difference though, unlike Broderick Jones, Monroe Freeling comes with higher-quality play, even in a limited sample size. Jones was both raw and inexperienced – was just so gifted athletically, that the Steelers couldn’t pass.

With Freeling, he has that same athletic upside, evidenced by his performance at the NFL Combine. However, he has the footwork and technique where you can be confident about him stepping in and protecting the blindside of a quarterback who will be 43 years old this season. It’s a no brainer if he’s there in my opinion. – Rob Gregson

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Los Angeles Chargers, No. 22: Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq

This board fell a bit odd for LA. I would’ve gone cornerback, but the top two are gone. Pass rusher went quickly, and the tier remaining feel like reaches to me. Ioane is the crown jewel of interior OL in the class, and he was taken already.

With that, they add another dynamic playmaker for Justin Herbert’s passing game in the physical presence of Sadiq. The Oregon product is a more consistent blocker than many believe, too. – Adam Holt

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Philadelphia Eagles, No. 23: Toledo Rockets S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Philly opts to surprise some folks and takes a safety in the first round. That hasn’t been Howie Roseman’s mantra in the past, but the need is so crystal clear. They’ve got a lot of excitement surrounding Andrew Mukuba, but he lacks experience. Reed Blankenship left in free agency. EMW can immediately step into a role as a rookie and presents a unique skillset as a potential “center-fielder” of the secondary for Philly. – Adam Holt

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Cleveland Browns, No. 24: Utah Utes OT Caleb Lomu

The Browns can fill their other biggest need here by finding a left tackle for the future. Coming out of the first round with a wideout and left tackle would be the exact thing Cleveland needs and it’d be much better for it.

Lomu needs to get stronger, but he has everything you want in a future franchise tackle. Cleveland nailing these first two needs really opens the window to utilizing the “best player available” draft strategy the rest of the way. After putting together the majority of their offensive line through free agency, Cleveland finds the missing piece in the draft. – Brandon Little

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Chicago Bears, No. 25: Auburn Tigers EDGE Keldric Faulk

This draft board worked out perfectly for the Chicago Bears when it comes to finding an impact defensive lineman. Keldric Faulk, Kayden McDonald, and T.J. Parker were all available for the taking, however it was enticing to see three top offensive tackles in Kadyn Proctor, Blake Miller, and Max Iheanachor still on the board.

To me, this would still be an easy decision going with Faulk over an offensive tackle.

Bears fans, for whatever reason, seem to be low on this guy and I can’t understand why. Faulk has the desired length Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen looks for in his edge rushers and by all accounts has the high football character head coach Ben Johnson is searching for. Faulk is also a young prospect that doesn’t turn 21 until September. He’s already a well-developed player that has an even higher ceiling to grow into. – Kole Noble

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Buffalo Bills, No. 26: Texas A&M Aggies EDGE Cashius Howell

For this draft, we stuck with the best player available, which is the elite pass rusher in Howell. While wide receiver was in consideration, that was thrown out the window with Concepcion being taken much earlier than anticipated.

Howell was one of the most productive pass rushers in college football, leading the SEC with 11.5 sacks in 2025 after transferring from Bowling Green to Texas A&M. He’s a bit undersized and can have trouble shedding blocks because of it, but he makes up for it with elite first-step explosiveness and excellent bend around the edge. Pairing him opposite Bradley Chubb would create a nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. Buffalo got a good one, all without trading down in the draft. – Adam Zientek

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San Francisco 49ers, No. 27: Alabama Crimson Tide OT Kadyn Proctor

Trent Williams’ future is up in the air, and the 49ers signed Vederian Lowe as a low-end alternative. With so many edge defenders off the board, including back-to-back ones in Faulk and Howell, Kadyn Proctor offers Kyle Shanahan a top prospect for the future at left tackle.

Proctor is a huge 6’7, 352-pound tackle with elite athleticism and ability to move bodies in the run game. Last season at Alabama, he allowed only 19 pressures and amassed a 97.9% efficiency rate. Proctor has some technique issues to improve upon, which is natural for a 20-year-old prospect, but the frame and age make his ceiling extremely high. –Wendell Ferreira

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Houston Texans, No. 28: Ohio State Buckeyes DL Kayden McDonald

The Texans did the right thing this offseason and made the offensive line their top priority. They reshaped that unit, and now it’s opened them up to attack any other need on their roster.

Houston had the best defense in the league last year and, more impressively, one of the best the NFL has seen in a long time. Their DT spot is one of the only positions of need on that side of the ball, so with the offensive line already receiving significant investment, why not make the defense even more unstoppable by landing one of the best run defenders in the class, Kayden McDonald, out of Ohio State. – Destin Adams

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Kansas City Chiefs, No. 29: Clemson Tigers EDGE T.J. Parker

I thought about waiting on EDGE rusher here, but Parker will be the sixth player at the position off the board in Round 1 (Bailey, Bain, Mesidor, Faulk, and Howell). If you wait any longer, you risk missing out, even with pick No. 40 only 11 slots away.

Since 2023, only Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey, the top-2 players at the position in this class have recorded more pressures than Parker. His long-arm move is virtually unstoppable even with 33.13-inch arms. His hand usage is really nice in the passing game and the running game. He fits the Steve Spagnuolo mold at 6-foot-4 and 263 pounds and he’s only 20 years old. He also had a killer Senior Bowl.

There’s a lot to like here and I think we’ll be looking back in a few years scratching our heads about how he made it all the way to 29, should it happen. – Charles Goldman

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Miami Dolphins, No. 30: Tennessee Volunteers CB Colton Hood

Jeff Hafley gets a young, promising draft choice to put into his secondary amid what is a massive overhaul. Hafley’s group thus far is comprised of a bunch of physical profiles at the position and Hood is one of the most impressive press options in the draft. He’s young, too, to Miami’s new focus on player development will get a chance to really sink their teeth into him. – Kyle Crabbs

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New England Patriots, No. 31: UCF Knights EDGE Malachi Lawrence

In my opinion, the Patriots’ top needs heading into the NFL Draft are pass rush, wide receiver, and offensive line. I still think they are going to address wide receiver through a trade after the draft, so I have them adding a high-upside pass rusher.

Malachi Lawerence, out of UCF, is an explosive pass rusher who put on a show at the scouting combine. He displayed dominance as a pass rusher at UCF, and if there’s a coach that could help him translate that to the NFL, it’s Mike Vrabel. This feels like a perfect match, and both sides could benefit from this selection. – Destin Adams

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Seattle Seahawks, No. 32: Oklahoma Sooners EDGE R Mason Thomas

The Seahawks lost Boye Mafe in free agency and DeMarcus Lawrence turns 34 a few days after the draft, so Mike Macdonald’s defense needs a pass rusher for both the short- and long-term.

Enter R Mason Thomas, who’s one of the draft’s twitchiest and fiercest pass rushers. This would be the first time the Seahawks picked an EDGE in the first round under Macdonald, so there’s not much precedent to go off of when talking about body style and whatnot.

What is known, however, is Mason Thomas’ fit in this defense. He’d immediately give the pass a rush a boost as a specialist and can certainly turn into an early-down defender as time progresses. It would be so much fun watching Macdonald help Mason Thomas wreak havoc against opposing offenses. – Evan Winter

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