The NFL draft combine has come to an end, completing a major step towards April’s NFL draft. The Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock, and their pick will be no surprise.
Fernando Mendoza is the consensus number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. There will be no change with this pick; the Raiders still secure who they hope to be their franchise QB.
Arvell Reese is the best player in the draft, and his combine helped prove that. The New York Jets recently traded away Jermaine Johnson, paving the way to select an EDGE. Reese would bring much-needed star power to New York.
The Arizona Cardinals have multiple pathways to take with pick three. They could go with OL; however, the great players on the defensive side of the ball may be too good to pass up. David Bailey is an explosive EDGE rusher with big-time sack potential in the NFL.
The Tennessee Titans recently acquired Johnson from the Jets, allowing them to go offensive with the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft. Jeremiyah Love is one of the best RB prospects in recent years due to his all-around game. He has an argument to be the best player in the 2026 NFL draft.
Sonny Styles soared up NFL draft boards after an exceptional combine performance. The New York Giants need young stars on defense to join their youth movement on offense, and Styles would fit that perfectly.
The Cleveland Browns are in a fantastic spot in this year’s NFL draft. They have two firsts to utilize; now they just need to hit on them. With no QBs realistically available, adding to their offensive line is the move. Francis Mauigoa is widely considered the number one OT in the NFL draft.
Caleb Downs falling to pick seven would be a dream come true for the Washington Commanders. He is one of the best players in the 2026 NFL draft class. A safety being picked this high is rare, but Downs warrants this draft slot.
Makai Lemon is the first WR off the board in this mock draft, going to the New Orleans Saints at pick eight. He is an explosive receiver who would give Tyler Shough another weapon alongside Chris Olave.
The Kansas City Chiefs go CB here after trading away star Trent McDuffie. Replacing him with Mansoor Delane, a corner with great ball skills and the potential to become a true CB1.
Reuben Bain Jr falling to the Cincinnati Bengals is perfect after it became official that Trey Hendrickson would hit free agency. The defense has long been a concern in Cincinnati, and Bain would add another force off the edge.
The Miami Dolphins have been vocal about wanting to add some size to their receiver room. Carnell Tate, a 6’3 wideout, fits that bill. The Dolphins moved on from Tyreek Hill earlier this offseason, and adding Tate would fill that void nicely.
The Dallas Cowboys are desperate for defensive help, and adding an EDGE like Keldric Faulk fits just what they need. He can shift around the line, rushing the passer from the interior and the outside edge.
The Los Angeles Rams entered the offseason with two weaknesses, CB and OL. After adding McDuffie, addressing the offensive line makes the most sense. Spencer Fano is a smooth-moving tackle who primarily plays on the right side.
Jordyn Tyson could be the most skilled WR in this draft; the only thing limiting his draft stock is his injury history. The Raiders acquired this pick from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for Maxx Crosby, using it to create a dynamic duo between Mendoza and Tyson.
Kenyon Sadiq was the winner of the NFL draft combine. He broke records and shot up draft boards. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are likely losing Cade Otton in free agency, making Sadiq a reasonable fit.
The New York Jets were the first team in NFL history to go a full season without an interception. Adding Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would give them a true playmaker in the secondary.
Monroe Freeling is a big-time riser as the pre-draft evaluations continue. The Detroit Lions would be getting a monstrous tackle with perhaps the most upside amongst this year’s group. As April nears, he could climb all the way up to the first tackle taken.
Jermod McCoy has the talent of a top ten pick, but the injuries are a major concern. The Minnesota Vikings go for the value pick here. If he hits, it could change the direction of Minnesota’s defense.
Peter Woods is a tremendous athlete who goes higher in mock drafts the more he’s evaluated. The Carolina Panthers pairing Woods with Derrick Brown would create one of the scariest interior defensive lines in the NFL.
The Cowboys double up on defense, adding Colton Hood for security in the slot. The depth of this year’s defensive class falls right into Dallas’s hands, allowing them to rework a group that desperately needs it.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need a WR2 to play next to DK Metcalf, and Denzel Boston would fill that role nicely. He is a sure-handed receiver who would give whoever is quarterbacking the Steelers another weapon on the perimeter.
Olaivavega Ioane is a physical force on the offensive line. The Los Angeles Chargers are built from the line, and have an opening at guard after releasing Mekhi Becton. Ioane is the best interior lineman in this year’s NFL draft.
Dillon Thieneman was another player who stole the show at the NFL draft combine. He ran a blazing 4.35 40-yard dash. The Philadelphia Eagles could lose Reed Blankenship in free agency, making Thieneman a seamless fit if that happens.
The Browns address both tackle positions in this first-round mock draft, this time adding Caleb Lomu at pick 24. He is a high-upside tackle who could turn into much more than currently projected. Improving his play strength would be the key to unlocking said potential.
Caleb Banks is a huge nose tackle with great athleticism. He measured in at 6’6, 327 pounds. His combine tests went great, making him a good option at the end of the first round. The concern comes from an extensive injury history. The Chicago Bears need a force on the interior, and Banks could certainly fill that role.
Akheem Mesidor is another fantastic edge rusher in this deep class. The reason he falls further than others is his age. The Buffalo Bills should not care about that, however, as getting another impact player on defense should be their top priority right now.
Omar Cooper Jr. has been a quick riser around the NFL draft combine. The San Francisco 49ers need weapons on offense, and Cooper is just that. A great route runner and physical receiver would fit San Francisco very nicely.
Kadyn Proctor is an absolute unit at the tackle position. His monstrous frame and big-time power give him more than enough to succeed in the NFL. The Houston Texans need help on the offensive line, making Proctor a great pick at 28.
The Chiefs fittingly add KC Concepcion with the pick received in the McDuffie trade. He is a great gadget piece who would add versatility to Kansas City’s already explosive offense.
The Denver Broncos are adding to their elite defense with LB CJ Allen. He is a physical player with great range at the linebacker position. Allen would provide Sean Payton with a tone-setter on defense.
Cashius Howell is a fantastic rusher off the edge, with potential to be a double-digit sack guy very quickly in the NFL. The concern surrounding him is his arm length, but the skill level is certainly there.
Avieon Terrell is more than just the brother of an all-pro; he’s a round one corner in his own right. The Seattle Seahawks add to their Super Bowl-winning defense, which could lose Riq Woolen in free agency.
The combine is the best point to update mock drafts, as the view on players can drastically shift. With the time dwindling down before the NFL draft, these predictions are set to become clearer and clearer.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
