It sure feels like football weather has arrived! With plenty of "weather games" around the NFL this week and college football bowl season underway, this is truly the best time of year to be a football fan. You're either deep in the playoff race or diving head-first into mock draft season. We're here to help you either way!
Check out our latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see how the first 32 picks could shake out in April. There's even a trade or two included. Let's dive in.
2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. New York Jets*
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
*projected trade*
NYJ receives: 1.1
NYG receives: 1.5, 1.18, 2.47
The New York Jets haven't had a winning season in a while—since 2015, in fact. Through the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades, the Jets are blessed with plenty of draft capital to make a deal with the New York Giants here. Let's take a big swing at the quarterback position with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has the ideal frame and arm strength to succeed in the NFL and displays impressive poise and maturity in the pocket.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The Las Vegas Raiders haven't had a winning season since 2021. If they want that streak to end anytime soon, they must find their long-term answer at quarterback. Drafting No. 2 overall allows them to take a swing at one of the top quarterbacks in the class. Dante Moore has a quick release and is an accurate passer. While he may not have the elite deep arm strength of some other first-round quarterbacks, he wins in different ways. Despite his age, his performance hasn't waned with more tape. I'm buying in if he declares for the draft.
3. Tennessee Titans
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
The Tennessee Titans don't need a quarterback, so they're free to draft the best player available without a second thought. Arvell Reese is a true blue-chip prospect. Reese is listed as a linebacker but has been playing a lot more on the edge in 2025. I expect that to continue into his NFL career. He’s a true game-changer wherever he lines up, and the Titans can't afford to pass up arguably the best overall player in the draft.
4. Cleveland Browns
Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
This feels a little high for a safety, but Caleb Downs is a special talent. Plus, I think Shedeur Sanders gets a shot to be the guy in 2026, so I don't think they give up the farm to move up for Mendoza or Moore. If not for his teammate Arvell Reese, Downs would be considered the top player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Downs is a high-IQ defender who can thrive at every level of the defense. He also possesses the leadership traits and mentality to become a team captain during his rookie contract.
5. New York Giants*
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
*projected trade*
NYG receives: 1.5, 1.18, 2.47
NYJ receives: 1.1
Building around Jaxson Dart is the New York Giants' top priority moving forward. That starts here with adding a major weapon to the offense to lineup alongside Malik Nabers. Jordyn Tyson has some competition for the WR1 title, but he's firmly in that spot for me. He’s a big-play threat who also excels as a precise route-runner capable of winning at all levels of the field. He can line up anywhere in the formation and produce. He'll also need to hit the ground running in New York if Nabers is limited to begin the 2026 season.
6. Arizona Cardinals
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Arizona Cardinals have an opening at right tackle that Spencer Fano can fill right away as a rookie. Fano is a true plug-and-play right tackle with tremendous upside as a run blocker, in addition to his strong ability in pass protection. He'll be a major asset to whoever is under center for the Cardinals in 2026.
7. New Orleans Saints
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. got off to a blazing start but finished the season with much quieter box scores—thanks, in part, to facing a high amount of double-teams. Still, he was incredibly disruptive all year long and has a chance to put an exclamation mark on his season in the College Football Playoff. Bain Jr. can play all over the defensive line and is a defensive cornerstone for the New Orleans Saints to build around.
8. Washington Commanders
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Washington Commanders simply need more push up front and should find the help they need in this strong EDGE class. Faulk is a versatile defender who can line up anywhere along the defensive front and is equally disruptive against the run and as a pass rusher. He can play from the 5-tech to the 1 while using his size and physicality to win.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Bengals have holes to fill on both sides of the ball, but there's a glaring issue at EDGE as the Trey Hendrickson era appears to be over in Cincinnati. David Bailey, the FBS pressure and Power 4 sack leader, has had a remarkable season for Texas Tech. The combination of speed, power, and sack production has moved him firmly into the top-10 conversation despite some size concerns.
10. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
More than half of the Los Angeles Rams' cornerback room is scheduled to hit free agency this offseason. Mansoor Delane has been the best draft-eligible cornerback in college football this season. He could've been a day-two pick in last year’s draft, but he decided to return to school and transfer to LSU. He's showcased his physicality and high football IQ during his 2025 fantastic season.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson
The Minnesota Vikings need to add some youth to their defensive line, and it starts here with Clemson’s Peter Woods. Woods didn't have the season he and many others hoped he would in 2025, but he excels as a run-stuffer and has the potential to develop into a major disruptor in the passing game. He’s still the top IDL in the class, slightly above Kayden McDonald.
12. Kansas City Chiefs
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
I know many Kansas City Chiefs fans want a defensive player here, but the offense is in serious need of reinforcements, too. Plus, the Kenyon Sadiq-to-Chiefs fit makes so much sense. Sadiq is an elite athlete with game-changing speed for the position. He can line up anywhere on the field and is a relentless blocker in the run game. He'll make both phases of the Chiefs' offense better once Patrick Mahomes returns from his torn ACL.
13. Miami Dolphins
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Miami Dolphins have clawed back to respectability after a brutal start to the season. It appears likely they'll be picking outside of the top 10 now, but don't fret... an exciting prospect made it here. Carnell Tate was a bit underrated coming into the season, but he's made a name for himself with his stellar play so far this year. He is a versatile, technically refined receiver who can win consistently in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field. He'd be a great complement to Jaylen Waddle in this offense after Miami moves on from Tyreek Hill.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State
Another Ohio State player comes off the board here. Kayden McDonald has been a major riser this season and will continue to add to his resume in the College Football Playoff. McDonald is a true run-stuffing nose tackle who'll provide a major boost to a Baltimore Ravens defensive line dealing with a major injury (Nnamdi Madubuike) and potential free agents (Travis Jones).
15. Carolina Panthers
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Carolina Panthers need someone to lock down the CB2 role opposite Jaycee Horn. Brandon Cisse, a rare bright spot in a tough season for South Carolina, can be that guy. Cisse emerged as a first-round contender this season by displaying his speed, pass break-up skills, and willingness to cover bigger receivers. He has a chance to wind up as the best corner in the class when it's all said and done.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The linebacker play for the Dallas Cowboys has been subpar this season. Sonny Styles fills an immediate need for a Dallas defense in desperate need of reinforcements. Styles can contribute at every level of the defense, bringing energy and some pass-rush upside. He’s excelling as the green dot for Ohio State.
17. Detroit Lions
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Arm length concerns will be discussed throughout the pre-draft process, but you can't deny his production. He’s explosive off the snap, plays with a hot motor, and has proven he can produce from multiple alignments. I'd be excited about what Howell can do for the Detroit Lions if defenses focus too much on Aidan Hutchinson on the other side.
18. New York Giants*
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
*projected trade*
NYG receives: 1.5, 1.18, 2.47
NYJ receives: 1.1
This could be a potential steal for the Giants. Francis Mauigoa is a college tackle but many project him as a guard in the NFL. I can see him getting a chance to start at right tackle or, if Jermaine Eluemunor is re-signed, Mauigoa could play either guard spot. Like the earlier Giants pick, this is done to boost Dart's chances of succeeding.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in January and won't play another down of college football. However, when he’s healthy, he’s arguably the top cornerback in the class. McCoy brings an impressive blend of size, ball skills, and man-coverage ability. He can replace pending free agent Jamel Dean.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a major wide receiver problem. While D.K. Metcalf has flashed at times, there are no secondary options that don't have a TE or RB designation next to their names. Now, some of this is due to the style of Arthur Smith's offense. However, it appears Pittsburgh has already given up on Roman Wilson, and Calvin Austin III is just a complementary piece. Makai Lemon had a fantastic season and catapulted himself into the first round conversation—some even have him as their top wide receiver in the class. Lemon looks primed to be a productive NFL slot weapon right away. He’s quick, intuitive in finding holes in zone coverage, and isn't afraid to get physical at the catch point.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Lane Johnson's injury has exposed some of the other issues the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line has. I can see Howie Roseman drafting some major insurance here with Vega Ioane, the best pure interior offensive lineman in the class. Whether it's Landon Dickerson's inconsistent health or Tyler Steen's inconsistent play, there's room for Ioane to find a role as a starting guard in Philadelphia sooner rather than later.
22. Houston Texans
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Protecting C.J. Stroud needs to be the Houston Texans' No. 1 priority this offseason and no one's job should be safe. Kadyn Proctor turned things around after some major struggles against Florida State to open the season and looks like the surefire first-rounder he was projected to be. Proctor is a mauler in the run game with plenty of size and starting experience.
23. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Javonte Williams has had a career resurgence in Dallas, but will the Cowboys pay him this offseason? If not, then they should be firmly in play for the only running back worthy of a first-round pick this year, Jeremiyah Love. Love is a dynamic, speedy playmaker who can contribute on all three downs and lead the way in Dallas' backfield for years to come. I'd argue he is a better prospect than both Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton from last year. Having a previous pick in the round helps mitigate the "positional value" concerns.
24. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Have the Buffalo Bills given up on Keon Coleman? Maybe. Do they need an outside weapon regardless? Yes. While Denzel Boston can be a big slot, I see him working best for Buffalo as their X receiver. Boston has strong, reliable hands and a big frame at 6'4" to box out opposing corners. He'd quickly become the best receiver on the Bills' roster.
25. Chicago Bears
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Adding a left tackle was under consideration here, but as T.J. Parker continued to fall, the fit made too much sense. Parker started the year in contention to be a top-10 pick, but didn't have the year many hoped for. However, Parker is a true three-down defensive end with more than adequate ability against the run. The Chicago Bears need to improve their pass-rushing group and Parker is a great start.
26. Los Angeles Chargers
Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida
Stopping the run is something the Los Angeles Chargers want to be better at after hanging around the middle of the pack in rushing defense the last couple of seasons. Caleb Banks can help immediately. Caleb Banks can anchor against the run while still holding his own on passing downs. At 6'6", 330 pounds, he moves surprisingly well for his size.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The future of the San Francisco 49ers’ left tackle position is uncertain, with Trent Williams now 37 and entering the final year of his deal. It’s time to start planning for his successor. Caleb Lomu took big strides as both a pass protector and run blocker this season. He’s a young, ascending prospect who should continue developing even if he needs to start right away.
28. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
With Caleb Downs already in their back pocket, the Browns can turn their attention to the other side of the ball and boost their receiving corps. KC Concepcion is supremely talented and has really blossomed this season after transferring from NC State to Texas A&M. Concepcion is a RAC monster who has also developed as a deep threat this season. He would help Cleveland's passing offense in multiple ways.
29. New England Patriots
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
The New England Patriots need more disruptors against opponents' passing attacks. LT Overton can step in as an immediate starter, offering great size, relentless effort, and the versatility to play all over the defensive line.
30. Seattle Seahawks
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Seattle Seahawks need some new names in their cornerback room. Only Devon Witherspoon and Nehemiah Pritchett are under contract for Seattle in 2026. Avieon Terrell is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons corner A.J. Terrell and is a physical, sticky man-coverage corner who could step in as an immediate starter for the Seahawks.
31. Los Angeles Rams
Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
Shoring up the right tackle spot should be a high priority for the Los Angeles Rams, with Rob Havenstein's contract set to expire. Gennings Dunker brings an infectious attitude and powerful blocking ability, and he’s put some impressive reps on tape this season. I'm a fan and think he can take over as the starting right tackle right away.
32. Denver Broncos
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The potential departure of Alex Singleton leaves a glaring hole on Denver’s second level. CJ Allen could be a tone-setter for the Denver Broncos' defense. He’s physical, instinctive in coverage, and tackles with sound technique. He’s a day-one starter for the Broncos.
