NFL draft season is about to kick into full gear with the Senior Bowl and NFL conference championship games on the way. While the NFL has its final four and college football will crown a champion on Monday, the majority of the football world is already in draft mode. The Draft Network will be your resource leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Check out our latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see who your team might take in April.
2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
It’s becoming impossible to see the Las Vegas Raiders going any direction but Fernando Mendoza with the top pick. Coming off a Heisman campaign and a dominant CFP run, Mendoza has checked every box required of a potential No. 1 overall pick. While his 6-foot-5 stature and arm strength pop on tape, his pocket maturity is what separates him from the rest of this class. He operates with a level of calmness under pressure that the Raiders have desperately lacked. If Mark Davis and Tom Brady want to finally stabilize the most important position on the field, Mendoza is the only move that makes sense.
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Arvell Reese went from an under-the-radar prospect to arguably the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft class. While he may feel like a consolation prize for New York Jets fans who had their hearts set on Dante Moore, he'll prove to be far more than that. The Jets are rebuilding their defense from the ground up and Reese can be a cornerstone. He toggled between off-ball linebacker and edge rusher in 2025, but I expect his full pass-rushing capabilities to be unlocked in the NFL. His blend of size and burst gives him the upside to be the most disruptive pass rusher in this class.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The Arizona Cardinals finished in the bottom five in the NFL in sacks (30) last season. Rueben Bain Jr. can help with that. His arm length and measurables have been and will continue to be discussed ad nauseam, but his draft stock shouldn't suffer for it. He's proved his worth with phenomenal performances in the College Football Playoff. Bain Jr. is explosive off the snap and plays with immense power. He has a relentless motor and plenty of upside.
4. Tennessee Titans
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The fallout from a non-existent QB2 market is already being felt in this mock draft. With Dante Moore officially returning to Eugene, the run on blue-chip defenders has intensified, leaving the Tennessee Titans just outside the Reese-Bain tier of edge rushers. That said, David Bailey is a heck of a consolation prize. The Texas Tech standout was a wrecking ball in 2025, leading the nation in pressures and racking up 14.5 sacks. While some will nitpick his frame, his ability to translate his pass-rushing instincts into sack production is undeniable. Bailey represents the final top EDGE option before a significant tier break at the position.
5. New York Giants
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Andrew Thomas is a stud, but the New York Giants need to shore up the other side of the offensive line long-term. Enter Francis Mauigoa, a top offensive line prospect who's really had his coming-out party during the College Football Playoff. He is a violent, high-motor blocker who excels at creating vertical displacement in the run game. Some view him as an ideal fit to be a guard in the NFL, but I think he can continue to play right tackle just fine. The combination of Marcus Mbow and Mauigoa on the right side—in whatever order—gets me excited.
6. Cleveland Browns
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
While Spencer Fano played right tackle the last two seasons, he does have experience at left tackle as well, allowing the Cleveland Browns to improve either side of their offensive line. Fano has tremendous upside as a run blocker, in addition to his strong ability in pass protection—he didn't allow a sack in 2025.
7. Washington Commanders
Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is a perfect match for Dan Quinn’s defense in Washington. He’s an incredibly instinctive player who can thrive anywhere on the field, whether he's playing deep centerfield or flying up to stop the run. He brings the kind of leadership that should earn him a team captain role sooner rather than later. After a 2025 season where the Commanders' secondary looked lost at times, Downs provides the stability and talent to be a future defensive cornerstone.
8. New Orleans Saints
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyler Shough's meteoric rise at the end of the season has completely changed the attitude of New Orleans Saints fans. Since the top-tier edge rushers are gone, New Orleans would be smart to add a high-end receiving weapon. Jordyn Tyson is not just a big-play threat; he’s a polished, precise route-runner who can beat coverage anywhere on the field. You can line him up outside or in the slot and he'll produce immediately. He's a fantastic complement to Chris Olave.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Whether it's injuries or off-field issues, there’s just too much uncertainty in the Chiefs' receiver room to ignore. To fix that, they shouldn't let Carnell Tate get past them. He’s an incredibly versatile, technically sound receiver who just knows how to get open in those critical short-to-intermediate windows. He has that rare ability to pluck the ball out of the air from any angle.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson
The Cincinnati Bengals need more talent everywhere on defense. I like the idea of shoring up the middle of the defensive line first. Peter Woods is already excellent as a run-stuffer, but what makes him special is the upside he offers as a pass rusher. His athleticism and relentless motor give him the potential to develop into a true major disruptor in the passing game.
11. Miami Dolphins
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is an explosive, elite athlete who brings game-changing speed to the tight end position. He can line up all over the formation and is a strong blocker in the run game. He has the potential to step in immediately as a top pass-catching option while also helping De'Von Achane maximize his talent on the ground.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Every season, there's a player-team fit in the middle of the first round that gets mocked everywhere. This year, it's Sonny Styles and the Dallas Cowboys. I won't buck the trend. Styles is the kind of dynamic player they desperately need on the second level. He offers a rare combination of energy, versatility, and pass-rush ability. The fact that he's already excelled as the green dot for Ohio State proves he has the leadership and high football IQ to be an instant starter and the commander of the Dallas defense.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
While Quentin Lake got a shiny new deal, the pending free-agent corners in Los Angeles may not. Luckily, there are a few viable first-round options for the Rams and CB1 falls into their lap in this mock draft. Delane was the most complete draft-eligible cornerback in college football this past season, frequently using his physicality and elite football IQ to shut down receivers. He can excel in both man and zone coverage as an immediate starter for the Rams.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
This offseason is going to be all about Lamar Jackson, from a new contract to a new coach to a new weapon to add to his arsenal here with the No. 14 pick. Makai Lemon looks primed to be a productive weapon right away. He's quick, intelligently finds soft spots against zone coverage, and is physical at the catch point. Despite his size, Lemon offers the contested-catch ability the Ravens offense has sorely lacked in critical moments.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need more juice in the pass-rushing department and they turn to Texas A&M's Cashius Howell with this pick. Yes, his arm length will be a major pre-draft talking point, but the pure production speaks for itself. He’s incredibly explosive off the snap, plays with a high motor, and has proven he can produce double-digit sacks at the college level.
16. New York Jets (via IND)
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Jets understand that one rookie can't replace a talent like Sauce Gardner, but using their second first-rounder on a cornerback is a wise investment. The selection of Jermod McCoy is a calculated risk I'd be willing to take. He missed the entire season recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last January. However, when fully healthy, McCoy is arguably the top cover man in this entire class. He brings an impressive blend of size and ball skills. If he regains his pre-injury explosiveness, McCoy can grow into a legitimate CB1 for the Jets' secondary.
17. Detroit Lions
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Detroit Lions could have a ton of shake-up on their offensive line this season. Taylor Decker and/or Graham Glasgow could retire this offseason, opening a clear hole that needs an immediate fix. If Decker doesn't return in 2026, Caleb Lomu can immediately fill the void. He’s a young, high-ceiling prospect who dramatically improved his game this season, both in protecting the passer and opening holes in the run game. He'd be a great fit.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Why Jeremiyah Love here? Aaron Jones could be a cap casualty and Jordan Mason has just one more year left on his deal. The Minnesota Vikings need a strong run game while they figure out their short- and long-term quarterback situation and Love is an elite talent. If he is on the board, he’s too good to pass up.
19. Carolina Panthers
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Carolina Panthers have a very weak group of off-ball linebackers, something they must address this offseason. Allen is smart, physical, instinctive in coverage, and a reliable tackler with sound technique. That combination of high-floor fundamentals has been severely missing in Carolina and is exactly what the defense needs to stabilize the linebacker corps.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
No team in the NFL allowed more passing yards per game than the Cowboys did last season. Let's try to fix that with the addition of Brandon Cisse. Cisse absolutely dominated this season, showing off elite speed, a great knack for pass breakups, and a true willingness to stick with bigger wide receivers. He's firmly in the mid-first-round mix and has the talent and athletic profile that could see him finish as the best corner in the entire class.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need more outside receiving weapons, regardless of who's under center in 2026. Denzel Boston brings a large frame and fierce play strength to the outside. He can be a true X receiver—with the ability to play from different alignments as well—with reliable hands and thesize to consistently win jump balls and seal off corners.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
When healthy, the Los Angeles Chargers have their answers at both tackle spots, but the interior of the offensive line needs a lot of work. Olaivavega Ioane is the best pure interior offensive line prospect in the draft and can provide an immediate fix at one of the guard spots. He is a strong, powerful player who provides elite pass protection and consistently opens holes in the run game. Anyone who watched the Chargers' wild-card game understands this pick.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Dane Brugler's latest mock draft got me thinking about this player-team fit. The Philadelphia Eagles will eventually need to find a Lane Johnson successor, but their more immediate need for 2026 is at guard, given the uncertain futures of Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen in Philadelphia. Kadyn Proctor is a massive man who can start inside at guard and potentially move over to tackle—where he played at Alabama—a year or two down the road.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
It's quite obvious the Browns need to add to their wide receiver corps and the best player left on the board is Texas A&M's KC Concepcion. Concepcion is supremely talented and has really blossomed this season after transferring from NC State to Texas A&M. He's a RAC monster who has also developed as a deep threat this season.
25. Chicago Bears
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
I can see Keldric Faulk sliding a bit on draft day. The more I watch him, the more I'm not sure if his pass-rush upside is intriguing enough to go in the top half of the first round. He's excellent in the run game, though, and that's an area where the Chicago Bears need serious improvement. Faulk is a versatile defender who can line up anywhere along the defensive front—from the 5-tech to the 1—while using his size and physicality to win.
26. Buffalo Bills
Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Buffalo Bills missed out on the top wide receiver options and don't reach for one here. Instead, they pivot to a player who can boost their pass rush, Romello Height. Height has the kind of speed, bend, and burst that NFL teams covet. He excels as a pure quarterback-hunter.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
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 Tiernan is a rising prospect worth targeting. Tiernan is a massive presence at 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, with more than 30 career starts under his belt. He has the tools to develop into a long-term starter.
28. Houston Texans
Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald is a massive interior defensive lineman who has been steadily climbing draft boards this season. He is a phenomenal run-stuffing nose tackle who uses his strength and high motor to wreak havoc against the run. He'll make the dangerous Houston Texans defense even scarier.
29. 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 believe he's a late-first-round talent and think he can take over as the starting right tackle right away.
30. New England Patriots
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
There are a few different areas on defense the New England Patriots can address here, but let's add to the cornerback room opposite Christian Gonzalez. Avieon Terrell is a physical, sticky man-coverage corner who can step in as a starter right away. Terrell's athleticism and playmaking instincts are impressive.
31. Denver Broncos
Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida
With the top linebackers off the board, this could be a trade-out spot for the Denver Broncos. Here, we add to the depth of the defensive line. Caleb Banks can anchor against the run while still holding his own on passing downs. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he moves surprisingly well for his size.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Only Devon Witherspoon and Nehemiah Pritchett are under contract at cornerback for Seattle in 2026. Colton Hood makes up for his lack of size (6-foot, 195 pounds) with aggressiveness and pure “want-to.” Hood is instinctive and excels in zone coverage, but can also hold his own in man. If he can clean up some of his grabbiness, he has the potential to develop into a long-term starter.