2026 Mock Draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

There is no drama at the top. Mendoza is the class's clear-cut quarterback — a Heisman winner who throws strikes on intermediate routes with ideal velocity and placement, and whose massive frame (6'4", 236 lbs) fits every prototypical requirement for the position. He improved his ball security dramatically over the course of his college career, brings a quick and snappy release, and has shown the ability to layer passes over all three levels of the field with consistency. He understands how to give receivers leverage at the catch point in ways that separate good QBs from great ones. Las Vegas desperately needs a face of the franchise, and Mendoza is the answer.

2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

New York doesn't have a quarterback worth taking in the top five, so they turn to the most explosive defensive player available. Reese is a freak athlete — his downhill quickness, change of direction, and lateral range are elite for any position, let alone linebacker. He closes gaps at a startling speed, hits harder than his frame suggests, and brings genuine pass rush juice from the second level that is truly rare at the position. His versatility as a coverage LB, edge blitzer, and run-defender gives a defensive coordinator endless pre-snap options. Reese has the opportunity to step in and be the new identity of the Jets' defense.

3. Arizona Cardinals – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Arizona enters this draft rebuilding around their offensive infrastructure while they search for their next long-term quarterback. Mauigoa is the ideal pick at this spot — he has started every game of his college career, commands an outstanding and independently operating pair of hands that he uses to neutralize defenders with precision technique, and his footwork in pass protection allows him to match movement inside and out. He is a plus pass protector with the athleticism to thrive in a zone-blocking system as well. He pairs immediately with Paris Johnson Jr. and gives Arizona a right tackle to trust for years.

4. Tennessee Titans – David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech

Tennessee is building an aggressive, pressure-heavy defense under Robert Saleh, and David Bailey is exactly the type of edge rusher that scheme was designed to reward. He is one of the purest pass rushers in this class — his get-off is elite, his speed-to-power conversion is refined, and his counter spin is consistent enough to keep tackles guessing from snap one. His eyes are always locked on the quarterback, and his pass rush plan has a clear, defined sequence that is uncommon for a college player. The Titans have been searching for a foundational edge piece since moving on from Harold Landry, and Bailey is capable of being that player.

5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

New York's positional priorities are scattered, so they take the best overall defender available — and he's a good one. In addition to being one of the best overall athletes in this class, Styles is one of the best coverage linebackers in this draft class, with his 2023 season playing safety at Ohio State translating into exceptional zone awareness, route anticipation, and comfort in both single-high and two-high structures. He moves laterally with ease, gets off blocks efficiently with a polished stack-and-shed, and has over 2,100 career snaps at multiple alignments to prove his versatility is real. He is as pro-ready a second-level defender as this class offers, and New York gets the defensive identity piece John Harbaugh has been searching for.

6. Dallas Cowboys (via Cleveland) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Dallas trades #12 and #20 to Washington for #6 and #70 (and possible additional compensation).

McCoy tore his ACL in January of 2025 and has been limited throughout his pre-draft process, which is what pushes him out of the top five and into Dallas's hands. When healthy, he is one of the stickiest man-cover corners in this class — he reads QB eyes with speed, sticks with receivers through route breaks, and plays with an aggressive brand of football that shows up in his ball skills (4 INTs and a nearly 20% forced incompletion rate in 2024). He has experience playing directly on the line of scrimmage and has shown solid open-field tackling to boot. Dallas desperately needs cornerback help, and a move up to get what could be a true blue-chip talent makes a big trade worth it.

7. Miami Dolphins (via Washington) – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Miami trades #11, #90, and #94 to Washington for the #7 pick.

Delane is a complete cornerback. His background as a safety gives him uncommon range and physicality in run support, and he plays an aggressive brand of football at the catch point without drawing flags. He has been one of the most reliable corners in college football across four seasons at Virginia Tech and LSU, with fluid hip movement, a solid ball skills profile, and the experience to execute in both man and zone coverage. Miami gets a true CB1 who can anchor their secondary for the next decade as they rebuild around a new regime and identity.

8. New Orleans Saints – Rueben Bain Jr., ED, Miami (FL)

New Orleans has invested heavily in their offensive infrastructure and now turns to finding a difference-maker on the defensive front. Bain is a twitched-up pass rusher with an elite first step and a refined understanding of how to attack with both power and speed — his rip and swim moves are polished beyond his age, and he has a knack for living in backfields. He sets a strong edge in run defense and plays with the relentless pursuit mentality that defensive coordinators dream about. The Saints pair him alongside Chase Young and immediately have one of the more dangerous edge duos in the NFC South.

9. Kansas City Chiefs – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Patrick Mahomes's torn ACL year made protecting the quarterback a mandatory priority, and Kansas City didn't solve it in free agency. Fano is the most complete offensive tackle in this class — a dominant force in the run game with the footwork and hand activity to hold up in pass protection against speed rushers and power rushers alike. He handles stunts well, is rarely fooled by delayed blitzes, and his combination of quick feet and strong hands keeps him anchored against the best pass rush talent in college football. The Outland Trophy winner walks into a high-pressure environment in Kansas City ready to contribute from day one. In two seasons, the Chiefs will go from having questions about their tackles to having two solid 1st-round talents as impressive bookends.

10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame

Cincinnati's defense needs almost everything, but after watching the Bengals allow the worst rushing numbers in football last season, the front office decides to give their offense the best possible chance to keep the team competitive while the defense is rebuilt. Love is the headliner of this backfield class — he is an elusive, explosive runner with zero fumbles in college, exceptional contact balance, and genuine ability as both a receiver and a blocker. His burst and jump-cut make him a nightmare in open space, and his experience as a blocker gives him a legitimate every-down profile. There is a significant talent gap between Love and the rest of the running backs in this class.

11. Washington Commanders (via Miami) – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Even after moving down four spots, Washington lands one of the top overall prospects on the board. Downs is a fluid, instinctive safety who can play from the box, as a free safety, or as a nickel hybrid — all at an elite level. He is a deceptively strong hitter, a reliable tackler, and the undisputed defensive leader at Ohio State, logging over 2,500 career snaps in just three seasons. He reads the game at a level that makes everyone around him better. A player who upgrades the secondary immediately and brings elite football IQ to every snap is impossible to pass up, regardless of where Washington thought their biggest need was.

12. Cleveland Browns (via Dallas) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Freeling is a premier movement tackle — fluid in pass protection, with outstanding mirroring ability and a strong anchor that neutralizes bull rushes before they get started. He rarely gets beaten in one-on-one situations and shows the lateral quickness to challenge even the bendiest of speed rushers. His athleticism gives him the upside to develop into one of the better tackles in the NFL, and he is already polished enough at Georgia to contribute immediately. Cleveland's offensive line has been one of the worst in the league for years and needs a reset; Freeling is the building block they've been waiting for.

13. Los Angeles Rams – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Rams need a receiver who can contribute now and eventually step into a featured role. Lemon plays bigger than his listed size, is a natural hands-catcher, and tracks the deep ball as well as anyone in this class — the kind of breathtaking catch ability that shows up repeatedly on tape regardless of coverage. He has return experience and understands how to use blockers and space in ways that translate immediately to NFL special teams. His slot production was elite at USC, and his combination of YAC ability and top-end speed gives Stafford a genuine home-run threat to complement Puca and the rest of the offense.

14. Baltimore Ravens – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Baltimore needs to strengthen its passing game, and Tate is a fluid, intelligent receiver with a massive catch radius and exceptional body control. He has an advanced understanding of how to sit in zone coverage soft spots and manipulate defenders through subtle repositioning — skills that show up far more clearly on film than in box scores. His drop rate was among the cleanest in the class in 2025, and his performance in big moments demonstrated legitimate reliability under pressure. Tate gives Lamar Jackson a refined, dependable target on the outside and across the middle who wins in ways that do not require elite separation.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn

Tampa is under pressure to produce results, and drafting a first-round edge rusher to revitalize a defensive line on the wrong side of 30 will help. Faulk is a versatile, high-floor edge rusher with an ideal frame for every-down usage — his tackling reliability (sub-10% MTK over each of his final two seasons) and plus run defense make him one of the most dependable defenders available at the position. He delivers a strong initial punch, holds the edge with conviction, and is developing a pass rush set that will only grow as he gets stronger at the next level. The Bucs need a contributor from day one, and Faulk delivers exactly that.

16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

New York is desperate for receiving help, and Tyson is the most explosive skill player available at this point in the draft. He is a sudden, gifted athlete whose start-stop ability is among the best of any receiver in the class, and his burst out of his breaks creates separation that shows up immediately as a deep ball threat and a yards-after-catch weapon. His 2025 season was limited by a hamstring injury, but when healthy, he has shown the ability to be a reliable receiver with double-digit touchdown upside. The Jets get a legitimate gamebreaker who fits the need for a second weapon alongside Garrett Wilson.

17. Detroit Lions – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Detroit is looking for an offensive tackle who can be a tone-setter up front, and Proctor's combination of elite size (6'5", 352 lbs) and deceptive athleticism makes him exactly that. He is a demolishing force in run blocking with well-timed, powerful hands and sets a brick-wall anchor against bull rushes in pass protection. He moves better than his size would suggest, and his potential to be a dominant presence in both phases of the line game is among the highest of any tackle in this class. Detroit gets a tackle who fits the physical identity Dan Campbell has spent years building on this roster.

18. Minnesota Vikings – Peter Woods, DI, Clemson

Minnesota needs an interior defensive lineman who can hold up against the run, and Woods is the ideal three-down answer. He has an explosive first step, aggressive and active hands that he uses to violently disrupt blockers at the line of scrimmage, and the play strength to anchor against double teams. He is a versatile alignment player capable of filling A and B gap assignments with equal effectiveness, and his ability to generate interior pressure makes him a legitimate three-down contributor from the jump. Woods gives Minnesota the interior disruptor that their defensive front has been missing. As a draft slide victim from Clemson's pitiful season, Woods at 18 might be the biggest steal of the first round.

19. Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Carolina's offensive depth chart has been a concern for Bryce Young's development, and a seam-stretching tight end who can create mismatches in the intermediate is exactly what the scheme needs to open up the field. Sadiq is a dense, fluid athlete who is excellent after the catch — a legitimate YAC threat who can run slot routes, work inline, and create problems in space that linebackers and safeties are not equipped to handle. His athleticism for the position is top-tier, and his blocking ability at both inline and split-out alignments gives Carolina the versatility to use him in a wide variety of ways. He's a rare dual-threat tight end who can unlock a young offense and be a reliable target.

20. Cleveland Browns (via Green Bay, Dallas) – Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

Cleveland's second first-round pick reinforces the interior offensive line, where the Browns have been one of the most deficient teams in football. Ioane is a strong, technically sound guard with active hands, a firm anchor in pass protection, and the foot speed to reach the second level effectively in run blocking — where he consistently lands impactful blocks. He was one of the best interior linemen in the Big Ten over two seasons and projects as a Day 1 starter. Back-to-back first-round picks on the offensive line is a statement of intent about Cleveland's commitment to building something real.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Pittsburgh has needed a playmaker who can take the top off a defense and create after the catch, and Cooper Jr. brings both. He is a thick-framed, quick-footed receiver with solid top speed, the short-area burst to stack defenders on vertical routes, and a strong understanding of how to use jab and split releases off the line. His experience as a ball carrier on jet sweeps adds another dimension that Mike Tomlin will not hesitate to exploit. Pittsburgh gets a legitimate second option opposite DK Metcalf, and Cooper's play speed gives the offense an explosive element it has been missing.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Zion Young, ED, Missouri

Los Angeles needs pass rush help to complement their developing secondary, and Young is a strong, willing edge defender with a legitimate bull rush, the play strength to set a firm edge, and a developing counter move to the inside that keeps tackles honest. He converts speed to power well and posted consistent production over 1,700 career snaps across Michigan State and Missouri. The Chargers saw what a physical presence like Oweh could do for their defensive front before losing him in free agency. Now, they have the perfect opportunity to land a similar tone-setter to anchor their line.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Philadelphia's relationship with A.J. Brown may be coming to a close, meaning they need another receiving option to help fuel their offense. Enter KC Concepcion — one of the most dynamic receiving options in this class. He is a fluid separator with legitimate quickness who finds soft spots in zone coverage with outstanding feel, is one of the better pure route runners at his size in the class, and creates after the catch in ways that make him dangerous with the ball in space. His ability to catch, run, and even throw — he ran for over 300 yards and threw TD passes in college — adds a wrinkle that Eagles offensive coordinators will love to deploy. Concepcion's suddenness is a perfect fit for Philadelphia's dynamic passing attack.

24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Cleveland's final first-round pick fills the last remaining offensive void — a big, physical outside receiver. Boston is a contested catch specialist with a massive frame, exceptional body control, and the press coverage chops to win off the line from the jump. He is one of the best route runners at his size in this class, with a deadly double move and the ability to work cleanly in and out of breaks for a player his size. He also blocks with effort and physicality downfield. Boston gives Cleveland's offense a legitimate perimeter weapon who can make plays in traffic, a complement to the skill-player investments they've made across the board.

25. Chicago Bears – Kayden McDonald, DI, Ohio State

Chicago continues building out a defensive line that can hold up against the run, and McDonald is a stout, powerful nose tackle with the positional awareness and gap intelligence to be a consistent interior force. He shows good eyes in pass rush, finding open gaps and closing space effectively rather than simply pushing forward. His one-on-one dominance against guards and centers needs to develop, but the natural instincts, positional versatility between 1T and 3T, and awareness of his role make him a quality starter from the early stages of his career. Chicago gets a legitimate interior presence to anchor their ascending defense.

26. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, ED, Clemson

Buffalo needs edge depth, and Parker is one of the most refined young pass rushers in this entire class. His speed-rip combination is among the deadliest in the draft. He understands how to sequence moves and set up blockers for counters, and his motor runs hot from snap to whistle — every single play. He holds Clemson's single-season record for forced fumbles and has been a consistent contributor over 1,600 career snaps. Parker fits seamlessly into a 4-3 front and gives Buffalo a legitimate third-down disruptor with the upside to develop into a full-time starter.

27. San Francisco 49ers – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

San Francisco needs offensive line continuity, and Lomu is one of the best pure pass protectors available in this range. He is a calm, fluid athlete who mirrors defenders with deceptive ease — rare that he gets beat around the arc — handles stunts well, and has a strong anchor with a solid understanding of leverage. His combination of quick feet and good hand strength keeps him in front of even the fastest and most technically advanced pass rushers. The 49ers get a young, talented tackle who upgrades their depth with a player who has legitimate starter-level upside once Trent Williams time at San Francisco comes to an end.

28. Houston Texans – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Houston needs to upgrade the protection around C.J. Stroud, and Miller brings the experience and tools to compete for a starting job from the first week of camp. He has logged over 3,700 career snaps at tackle across four seasons at Clemson, mirrors defenders effectively in pass protection, anchors well against bull rushes, and has shown consistent development in his hand placement and timing from his freshman year to his senior year. His feet move well to keep him balanced, and he resets his anchor reliably even against the strongest defenders he has faced. The experience and athletic profile project as a starting-caliber tackle in the NFL.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams) – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Kansas City parted ways with multiple cornerbacks this offseason and needs to begin rebuilding its secondary immediately. Hood is a physical, long corner with elite athleticism — no concerns about his top-end speed and legitimate press coverage ability on tape. He has no problem staying in stride with top receivers and plays with the physical confidence to challenge catches at the catch point. His zone anticipation and downhill trigger are the areas to continue developing, but the competitive traits and raw athleticism are evident across every game he's played. The Chiefs get a press corner to develop into a long-term starter.

30. Miami Dolphins (via Washington) – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Miami's second pick from the Washington trade addresses the offensive line, where they need immediate help if they truly want to make good on their investment in Malik Willis. Iheanachor is a phenomenal athlete with active, light feet and the ability to mirror and stay in front of pass rushers in ways that showed up repeatedly against elite competition in college. He matched up with some of the best edge rushers in the Big XII and came away with clean performances on multiple occasions. His upside as a pass protector is among the highest of any tackle in this class, and Miami gets a developmental left tackle to grow with their new quarterback and rebuild that critical position.

31. New England Patriots – Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami (FL)

New England's defense has been rebuilt in structure but lacks a true pass rush presence from the edge, and Mesidor is a proven pressure generator with over 2,400 career snaps and consistent production across three programs. He has an elite first step, active and intelligent hands in pass rush, and a hot motor that genuinely never cools off — he plays through the whistle and through the clock and demands attention from offensive coordinators. His combination of inside and outside pass rush ability gives New England the versatility to use him in multiple fronts and rush packages. The Patriots get a legitimate edge piece to build around on a defense that has been yearning for one.

32. Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Seattle has secondary needs, and Cisse is a fluid, capable corner with real press coverage experience, solid ball skills, and the athleticism to hold up as a boundary corner at the next level. He mirrors receivers effectively in man coverage, attacks the ball aggressively at the catch point, and plays with the competitive physicality that coaches covet in a cover corner. He has shown good versatility in both zone and man coverage schemes across his collegiate career and brings legitimate starting upside to a Seattle secondary that needs exactly this kind of developmental talent to grow with their young roster.

Newt Westen

With draft week finally upon us, this is it — the last mock. The board is locked, free agency fallout has settled into its final form, and the pre-draft smoke has reached a full fog. This is a predictive mock, meaning it represents what I believe will happen rather than what I would personally do with each pick. Team needs, draft capital, Top 30 visits, consensus, and news have all shaped these decisions.

As always, I'd love to hear what you think — good, bad, or "what were you thinking?" Hit me on Twitter @NFLDraft_Westen and let me know what you'd change, what you hated, and where you think I missed. Until next time — Prost!