The NFL Draft is fast approaching, and teams all over the league will be looking for the next big star. Top prospects like Fernando Mendoza, Caleb Downs, and Jeremiyah Love headline this stacked Draft class.
With mocks flooding social media and fans predicting each pick, the Draft has become one of the most exciting events of the year. Here’s my full first-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
It’s no secret that Indiana’s Heisman-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, is the consensus favorite to be drafted first overall. The Raiders have loaded up their roster in free agency, headlined by the highest-paid center in football, Tyler Linderbaum.
Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions through the Hoosiers’ undefeated season. He went on to win the National Championship and cemented himself as the best QB in this Draft. There’s no other choice here for Vegas.
The Jets are in a rebuild and will wait until 2027 to draft their franchise quarterback. They’ve made several defensive moves in free agency, bringing in linebacker Demario Davis, defensive end Joseph Ossai, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. After failing to record an interception in 2025, they’re focused on a defensive turnaround.
Arvell Reese is 20 years old and one of the best linebackers in this year’s Draft. He recorded 69 combined tackles in his junior year at Ohio State and 6.5 sacks. He can play as a Mike or Will linebacker and showcased his speed with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
The 2026 Draft will see many defensive players taken in the first round, but David Bailey may be the best edge rusher available. He recorded 52 combined tackles in 2025, along with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss (TFL). He recorded a 35” vertical and a 10’9” broad jump at the 2026 Combine.
The Cardinals are in a similar spot as the Jets. They’ll be looking for a franchise QB in 2027. This is a great chance to fill out the roster and find a dominant pass rusher. They could also go with an offensive lineman like Francis Mauigoa, but Bailey might be too good to pass up.
If Bailey is the best edge rusher in the Draft, Miami’s Rueben Bain is an extremely close second. He recorded 54 combined tackles, 15.5 TFLs, and 9.5 sacks.
The Titans made a ton of moves in Free Agency, addressing several points of need. One thing they’re still missing is a dominant edge rusher. Philadelphia Eagles legend Brandon Graham is listed as Bain’s pro comp, and he might just check every box Tennessee needs.
The Giants’ defense ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (145.3). That’s largely due to a lack of tackling past the defensive line.
Ohio State’s Caleb Downs might be the strongest prospect in this Draft, regardless of position. The 21-year-old is a tackling machine that can stick to any wide receiver in coverage. We all know how much John Harbaugh loved Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore.
The Browns already signed offensive guard Zion Johnson to a three-year, $49.5 million deal. They’re looking to build up the offensive line with their new head coach, Todd Monken. The best tackle in the Draft might just fall into their laps.
Francis Mauigoa is 6’5” and 329 pounds. He was a three-year starter at Miami and has the leadership capabilities to be a Week One starter. If he falls to Cleveland, they’d be foolish not to take him.
Jeremiyah Love rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his last two seasons, along with 17 touchdowns in 2024 and 18 in 2025. He’s a threat in the receiving game as well, catching 27 passes for 280 yards and three scores. He’s the top running back in this class, and it’s not close. If he falls to Washington, he’ll make an immediate impact.
The Saints officially moved on from long-time veteran Demario Davis and will be looking to replace him with a young star. Sonny Styles wowed everyone at the NFL Combine with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and a 43.5” vertical jump.
In 53 games at Ohio State, Styles recorded 244 combined tackles, 22.5 TFLs, and nine sacks. He’s a freak athlete that’s too good to pass on.
The Chiefs have been looking for Tyreek Hill’s replacement since 2022. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy have been impressive, but neither has filled “Cheetah’s” shoes.
Carnell Tate is arguably the top receiver in this class. He recorded 51 catches in 2025 for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. Ohio State receivers are a different breed.
Mansoor Delane is extremely athletic. His footwork and punches are well-timed, and he can win at the catch point. He’s the kind of player who can finally shift Cincinnati’s long-struggling defense.
The Dolphins signed QB Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million deal and will be looking to get him another weapon alongside Jaylen Waddle. In 2025, Makai Lemon recorded 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s a high-volume slot receiver that can manipulate defenders.
The Cowboys’ secondary ranked dead last in the NFL last season in pass yards allowed per game (251.5). Dillon Thieneman was a speedy three-year starter during his time at Purdue and Oregon. In 39 games, he recorded 306 combined tackles, 10 TFLs, and eight interceptions.
Spencer Fano is a projected top 10 pick in this Draft. I believe he’ll fall just past that and land in Los Angeles. The 6’5”, 311-pound tackle was a three-year starter at Utah, and his high athleticism played a large role in that.
The Ravens are staying in the first round after backing out of the Maxx Crosby trade. They’ll use this pick to strengthen the offensive line after losing Tyler Linderbaum.
Olaivavega Ioane is a 6’4”, 323-pound guard who excels in the run game. Baltimore’s offense will likely see an overhaul with new head coach Jesse Minter. Everything still flows through the run game from Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, and a guard like Ioane could be an immediate help.
The Buccaneers can go a number of directions 15th overall, but finding an edge rusher should be a high priority. Keldric Faulk logged 109 total tackles in three years at Auburn, along with 10 sacks and 19.5 TFLs. He could be the answer Tampa Bay is looking for.
The Jets have another first-rounder after trading Sauce Gardner to the Colts in November. They’ll shift their focus to offense, taking a top tackle in Monroe Freeling. The 6’7”, 315-pound Georgia product will have a year to develop before New York finds its franchise QB. Though he may not need that long.
The Lions desperately need to address their offensive line in 2026. Drafting a 6’7”, 352-pound tackle sounds like a terrific move. Kadyn Proctor has the size and strength of an NFL starter, and he’ll only get better as time goes on.
The Vikings will be looking to bolster their defense with Brian Flores returning as DC. Jermod McCoy missed the entirety of 2025 with an ACL tear. In his two seasons prior, he recorded 75 combined tackles, six interceptions, and 16 passes defended. He has an extremely high ceiling, especially with someone like Flores.
The Panthers signed edge Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million deal. They’re looking to boost the defense, and Caleb Banks could be a terrific fit.
In 34 games at Louisville and Florida, Banks recorded 48 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 10.5 TFLs. At 6’6”, 327 pounds, his 35” arms are instrumental in beating offensive linemen.
The Cowboys double down on defense in the first round after trading away Micah Parsons last summer. In 65 games, Akheem Mesidor recorded 208 combined tackles, 52.5 TFLs, and 35.5 sacks. He’s fluid in his movements, yet aggressive in getting to the QB. Nobody can replace Parsons, but this is a strong pick.
The Steelers addressed the wide receiver position by trading with the Colts for Michael Pittman Jr. on Monday. They’re looking to add youth to the defensive side of the ball. With Cam Heyward signing on for another year, they’ll be preparing for life after him.
For the second year in a row, don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh takes a defensive tackle. Kayden McDonald is 6’2” and 326 pounds. He’s quick to find the ball-carrier and produces TFLs more than the average interior defender.
The Chargers could look for an offensive lineman here, but with Ioane, Proctor, and Fano off the board, they’ll pivot. Peter Woods is 6’2” and 298 pounds of explosivity. He can play in the one or two-gap, and brings power along with his quickness. He could quickly become a great fit in Los Angeles.
Kenyon Sadiq is the best tight end in this Draft class and may not fall this far. The Eagles will need to find Dallas Goedert’s successor, and a 6’3”, 241-pound athletic freak can do just that.
In 42 games at Oregon, Sadiq caught 80 passes for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the fastest for a tight end since 2003.
After taking an offensive tackle, the Browns will continue to load up the offense. Finding weapons for Sanders should be paramount, and Omar Cooper Jr. might be the best available receiver here.
Cooper played 42 games at Indiana, catching 115 passes for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns. The National Champion is flying under the radar with Tate, Tyson, and Lemon. He’d make a great addition to Monken’s offense.
The Bears made smart free agency moves but still need to find a pass-rusher. Cashius Howell recorded 11.5 sacks in 2025, along with 14 TFLs. He brings QB pressure to a team that only managed 35 sacks in 2025.
I initially had the Bills taking Howell here, but Chicago will likely swipe him first. Buffalo still needs to find an edge rusher, and T.J. Parker could be a great fit. The 6’4”, 263-pound Clemson product recorded 21.5 sacks and 41.5 TFLs in 39 games.
The 49ers could still lose Trent Williams this offseason, and if they keep the 37-year-old star, they’ll need to find his successor. Caleb Lomu is 6’6 and 313 pounds. He may take some time to develop, but he could quickly become a key player in San Francisco’s trenches.
The Texans desperately need offensive line help. It’s their weakest area on the roster, and finding a stud here is extremely important. Blake Miller is 6’7”, 317 pounds, and put up 32 reps in the Combine’s bench press, third among all players. He’s a big man who started 54 games in college and could be the most pro-ready option Houston has here.
The Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie to the Rams in exchange for this Draft pick, along with three others. This will be the spot for them to replace him with a less pricey option.
In 29 games, Colton Hood recorded 77 combined tackles, 5.5 TFLs, and three interceptions. He’s 6’0” and 198 pounds, but plays with a physicality that Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo would have a field day with.
The Dolphins could double down here and take another offensive weapon. It’s hard to imagine former defensive coordinator and now Miami head coach, Jeff Hafley, will pass on this opportunity.
Avieon Terrell shares a lot of similarities to his brother, A.J. He’s athletic, fluid, and has plenty of speed to cover vertical routes. He’s 5’11” and 180 pounds, which can be a problem against larger receivers, but his movements and high motor will keep him in the matchups.
The Patriots still need a true number one receiver, to the point it’s almost becoming a joke. They’ll finally take their shot at 31st overall, although I can see a world where they trade out of the first round altogether.
Denzel Boston has drawn comparisons to Puka Nacua. He has the ability to accelerate and create mismatches in the red zone that not many receivers have. He’s recorded 20 touchdowns and 1,715 receiving yards over the last two years. He could finally be the weapon Drake Maye needs.
The Super Bowl champions lost a few pieces of their “dark side” defense. Standout Safety Coby Bryant agreed to a three-year, $40 million deal with the Bears on Monday.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren excels in the run defense and plays well over the middle of the field. In 48 games at Toledo, he recorded 11 TFLs, nine forced fumbles, and 214 combined tackles. He would fit right into the aggressive style of Seattle’s defense.
Everyone has their 2026 NFL Mock Draft during this time of year, and it’s nearly impossible to hit on every pick. 32 teams will head to Pittsburgh on April 23, hoping to change their futures forever. The NFL offseason is in an exciting period right now following a rollercoaster 2025.
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