My final 2026 NFL Mock Draft has arrived. Now that NFL free agency is wrapping up, we’re starting to get a feel for where teams will go with their selections. Free agency solved needs for teams across the league and major trades have opened or filled holes too. The Cincinnati Bengals have traded No.10 overall to the New York Giants in exchange for Dexter Lawrence, the Kansas City Chiefs have traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for multiple picks including No. 29 overall and the Miami Dolphins have traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos for a haul of selections including No. 30 overall.
The draft order has changed considerably since the NFL combine, so let’s take a stab at another first-round mock draft. Stay tuned until the end for bonus second-round selections.Â
2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
1.01: Las Vegas RaidersÂ
Fernando Mendoza QB, Indiana, (RS) Junior
Heading into free agency, Mendoza was heading to one of the worst rosters in the NFL. Post-free agency, Maxx Crosby gets sent back, Tyler Linderbaum becomes the highest paid center in NFL history, a mentor in Kirk Cousins signs on and multiple defensive additions make this roster considerably better heading into 2026. Jalen Nailor joins a weak receiver room to find a larger role. Mendoza’s fate has been decided for months now, and his place in Las Vegas is solidified.Â
1.02: New York Jets
Arvell Reese EDGE/LB, Ohio State, JuniorÂ
Like the Raiders, the Jets made a ton of additions in free agency. Veteran Demario Davis headlines a class including, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joseph Ossai, T’Vondre Sweat, David Onyemata and Nahshon Wright just on the defensive side of the ball. Reese joins this group as a perfect scheme fit in Aaron Glenn‘s defense. He’s a rangy defender with proven ability as a linebacker. There are real traits on tape that pop that can lead you to believe he can be an elite NFL pass rusher. Reese is another player I’m really starting to see in just one uniform…the gotham green.Â
1.03: Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa OT, Miami, JuniorÂ
The Cardinals are going to do everything they can to trade down in this draft. Mauigoa is a fine tackle prospect who is well deserving of being the first tackle off the board. He just doesn’t have the elite traits you look for in a tackle that gets drafted this high. Throughout my process I couldn’t find a trade down partner that allowed Arizona to maintain leverage in getting the tackle they wanted, so we see Mauigoa here. An easy plug-in-play right tackle that gives a struggling group a floor on the edge.Â
1.04: Tennessee TitansÂ
Jeremiyah Love HB, Notre Dame, Junior
Tennessee has a few options with pick No. 4 in this draft, but I have them taking Love. The rumors are rumoring and the connection seems imminent. Love is an explosive player heading to an offense that could use stability in their running game. Tony Pollard doesn’t have any long term attachment to the franchise and Tyjae Spears is more of a change of pace back with his injury history. Go get Cam Ward his bell-cow runner and load up on offensive talent.Â
1.05: New York Giants
Caleb Downs S, Ohio State, Junior
Like many other teams in the NFL, the G-men are high on the Ohio State safety product. Downs has positional flexibility being able to play all around the defensive backfield and new head coach John Harbaugh, has seen immense defensive success with a rangy safety in Kyle Hamilton. Harbaugh gets his guy in Downs and can use their newly acquired No. 10 overall pick to take a “second swing” if necessary.Â
1.06: Cleveland Browns
Monroe Freeling OT, Georgia, Junior
Rumor is the Browns are IN on the tackle prospects in this class. They’ve revitalized their offensive-line with additions of Elgton Jenkins, Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and the re-signing of Teven Jenkins. Freeling fills the last hole on this offensive-line, that being left tackle. He’s considered a raw prospect but he tested through the roof and is considered one of if not the best true left tackles in this class. If Cleveland is okay with waiting on wide receiver until No. 24 overall, expect a tackle to go at No. 6.Â
1.07: *TRADE* Washington Commanders<>Tampa Bay BuccaneersÂ
David Bailey EDGE, Texas Tech, Senior
Tampa Bay has lacked a real edge presence since Shaq Barrett’s prime in 2021. They’ve never been a team to make a trade-up of this magnitude in the NFL draft, but I think that should come to an end. You’re in a win now window in the worst division in all of football. Go ensure yourself a premiere edge talent and capitalize on the Commanders eagerness to trade down. Washington needs more selections in this draft to improve their aging roster desperately.
Send No. 15 overall and No. 46 overall to jump up to No. 7 overall and get the dangerous speed rusher in Bailey. He lit up the combine and produced across multiple college conferences. I prefer Rueben Bain Jr., but the NFL seems to be high on Bailey. Bailey’s calling card is his first step, and could be just what the Buccaneers need to add a jolt to their pass rush.Â
1.08: New Orleans Saints
Carnell Tate WR, Ohio State, Junior
New Orleans is in desperate need of an outside option opposite of Chris Olave. Tate has experience playing as a Z receiver in college and can be the perfect compliment the Saints are looking for. Adding another weapon for quarterback Tyler Shough is something the Saints will prioritize in the draft. Tate is a top end talent in terms of route-running and my receiver three in the class. Makai Lemon is a slot option that may not go as high and the injury concerns with Jordyn Tyson may turn teams off. The Saints seem to be on the Tate train as well, so it’s a good fit.Â
1.09: Kansas City ChiefsÂ
Rueben Bain Jr. EDGE, Miami, Junior
Bain is possibly the best edge rusher in the draft. Arm length concerns and off the field issues might have caused teams to drop him on their boards. A power rusher with short arms doesn’t translate at the NFL level very often, but the argument would be…look at the tape. He was dominant at times for the Hurricanes this season and led their defense to a National Championship appearance. Effort is something players must play with in the NFL, and Bain plays with as much effort as anyone I’ve ever watched. The Chiefs take the chance on his measurables and draft the player for what they saw on the field.Â
1.10: New York Giants
Sonny Styles LB, Ohio State, Senior
After trading Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Giants find themselves with two top-10 picks in this year’s draft. At No. 5 overall we had them take Caleb Downs to improve their secondary, and here we have them taking his Ohio State teammate, Sonny Styles. Styles showcased his elite athleticism at the 2026 NFL combine and showed incredible promise on tape. This receiver class is very deep. With Malik Nabers coming back from an ACL tear, you can find a WanDale Robinson replacement on day two to compliment him. Go out and get two freak prospects in Downs and Styles who already have a connection and can fill holes on a struggling 2025 defense.Â
1.11: Miami Dolphins
Spencer Fano OL, Utah, Junior
The Dolphins, objectively, have an awful roster heading into 2026. New head coach Jeff Hafley, has his hands full this season to say the least. I’m a firm believer in, “when in doubt…build the trenches.” They have holes across their roster, but they did sign Malik Willis to try and revitalize his career in Miami. Go get him possibly the best offensive-lineman in this class in Fano. Fano has position flexibility meaning you can place him wherever you want on this offensive-line. He projects as a guard in the NFL, but he played at a high enough level in college for a shot at right tackle. Protect Willis at all costs and get the versatile chess piece in Fano.Â
1.12: Dallas Cowboys
Mansoor Delane CB, LSU, Senior
The Cowboys are hoping one of the edge talents falls to them at No. 12 overall, but Delane is a nice consolation prize. Arguably the top corner in this class, Delane had the best production of any corner in this class in 2025. Dallas needs to replace Trevon Diggs and with their corner room struggling with injuries, adding another body to the room is likely. Delane is quick and plays instinctual football against premiere talent in the SEC. The Dallas secondary was awful last season, so they add Delane to add stability to their room.
1.13: Los Angeles Rams
Makai Lemon WR, USC, Junior
The Rams wound up with No. 13 overall from the James Pearce Jr. trade…not bad. In this scenario they take Lemon to add another weapon to Matthew Stafford‘s arsenal. Lemon is the Rams “type” of receiver to a T. A tough player who plays through physicality and is strong at the catch point. Lemon is my wide receiver one in the class, and only falls to No. 13 overall because of possible slot constraints. With Davante Adams not getting any younger, the Rams ensure the future of their receiving room alongside Puka Nacua.Â
1.14: Baltimore Ravens
Olaivavega Ioane IOL, Penn State, (RS) Junior
Baltimore needs help on the interior and then some. All-Pro caliber center, Tyler Linderbaum, chased the bag in Las Vegas and became the highest paid center in NFL history. This leaves an already struggling interior without a player of his caliber, so at No. 14 overall, they select the top interior player in this draft in Ioane. The Penn State product may be the safest pick in this draft as a plug-in-play starter on the inside.Â
1.15: *TRADE* Tampa Bay Buccaneers<>Washington Commanders
Jordyn Tyson WR, Arizona State, (RS) Junior
Tyson may have the most talent out of all the wide receivers in this class, but the injuries can’t be ignored. Plaguing his college career, Tyson is no stranger to the injury bug and has had multiple season enders. Due to the trade down, Washington can take the risk and add the premiere talent to pair with Terry McLaurin. Tyson held his own private workout and showed the quickness in his route running. He looked healthy throughout the workout and has teams questioning using a top-10 selection. Luckily, the Commanders can trade back and get him at No. 15 overall, while adding second round pick.Â
1.16: New York Jets
Omar Cooper Jr. WR, Indiana, (RS) Junior
The Jets addressed a ton of positions in free agency and used No. 2 overall to address the edge. Now they flip sides of the ball and get Cooper at No. 16 overall. The top-3 receivers have gone off the board, but New York is more than willing to take the Curt Cignetti product. The draft community is high on Cooper and I’ve seen him in some analysts top-2 for the position. Tremendous after the catch ability combined with great adjustment skills is intriguing to say the least. The Jets add a winner to the building and find Garrett Wilson a running mate.Â
1.17: Detroit LionsÂ
Kadyn Proctor OT, Alabama, Junior
Taylor Decker was released and the Lions struggled on the interior last season. Proctor can possibly play in either spot. Some analysts see him as a guard while some think he can stick at tackle at the NFL level. In this case, the Lions can allow him to play tackle and if necessary, bump him inside to dominate as a downhill guard. The weight concerns have quieted throughout the cycle and his athleticism combined with his size profile are screaming Detroit Lions.Â
1.18: Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman S, Oregon, Junior
Thieneman is one of the biggest combine risers and has solidified himself as a first-round pick a day out of the draft. He plays with incredible range and IQ, and plays physically against the run. The Vikings have had an arsenal of safeties in the past few years and have seen that room fizzle out in free agency. Last year Cam Bynum signed with the Indianapolis Colts, and this season they’ve cut ties with franchise cornerstone Harrison Smith. Bring in a player who can compliment this secondary well and be a weapon in a Brian Flores scheme.Â
1.19: Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq TE, Oregon, Junior
The Panthers have had a revolving door at the tight end position in the past few seasons. Young and athletic mid-round options haven’t panned out for them. Go get a freak tight end prospect in Sadiq. He can play in-line and off the ball, and the Panthers have expressed interest in adding another weapon in this year’s draft. With four receivers off the board, the Panthers add the next premier weapon on the board and select Sadiq.Â
1.20: *TRADE* Dallas Cowboys<>Chicago Bears
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S, Toledo, Senior
Dallas doesn’t have a ton of picks in this draft and with some of their targets off the board, they decided to add another third-round pick, No. 89 0verall, to reload for more talent. The Bears have an extra third-round pick and think McNeil Warren is worth the jump. He’s the prototypical safety for the modern NFL. A turnover machine with great size and cover ability, and he can play in the box with stiffness against the run game. Chicago lost Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker in free agency and look to find a new duo in McNeil-Warren and Cobey Bryant.Â
1.21: Pittsburgh Steelers
Blake Miller OT, Clemson, (G) Junior
The Steelers have a glaring need at tackle. Troy Fautanu has position flexibility all across the line, and Broderick Jones tenure as an offensive tackle needs to come to an end. I expect him to kick inside for Pittsburgh, so take Miller and let him take one of the tackle positions. If Aaron Rodgers is back he will need more time in the pocket, and if it’s a rookie quarterback or Mason Rudolph, asking them to play with a bad offensive-line is a recipe for disaster. Miller has gotten better every year at Clemson and hopefully a NFL weight room can help develop his play strength. Miller has a shot to land in Pittsburgh at No. 21 overall.Â
1.22: Los Angeles Chargers
Jermod McCoy CB, Tennessee, Junior
McCoy has the potential to be the steal of the draft. An injury in 2025 is the only reason he’s not a guaranteed top-5 pick. That’s how good his 2024 tape was. A true lockdown corner in the toughest conference in college football. He got hurt and the Chargers reap the benefits of it. McCoy looked great at his pro-day with fluid movements, and will have more time if needed to truly be 100% by the 2o26 season. The Chargers need a true No. 1 cornerback on this defense. They’ve brought the most out of their guys to this point, but just imagine how good McCoy can be under Jim Harbaugh and company.Â
1.23: Philadelphia Eagles
Denzel Boston WR, Washington, Junior
Boston might be the most underrated player in this draft. He impressed me to say the least on tape, but fear of drafting a big physical receiver has caused the draft community to let him go under the radar. The Eagles pounce on Boston and get their No. 2 opposite of Devonta Smith. The A.J. Brown trade talks are looking very real and I honestly expect him to be moved in the next week. Possibly even during the draft. Boston gives the Eagles a replacement if needed with tremendous upside.Â
1.24: Cleveland Browns
KC Concepcion WR, Texas A&M, Junior
The Browns are heavily expected to select an offensive tackle and wide receiver with their first two selections. Concepcion is the last “first-round” receiver available, so they make the pick. Size and drop issues have been a concern in his process, but positional demand has caused teams to ignore the negatives and focus on the positives. A twitchy player with great after the catch ability fills a need for the Browns out wide. Jeudy has been inconsistent in his NFL career and if they want to see if Shedeur Sanders is the guy…give him options.Â
1.25: *TRADE* Chicago Bears<>Dallas Cowboys
CJ Allen LB, Georgia, Junior
Dallas couldn’t find their way into the top-10 to select Sonny Styles, so they traded back and selected CJ Allen. Allen is a smart “green-dot” linebacker that uses his tremendous instincts in the running game. He leaves room for growth in pass coverage, but the Cowboys have massive holes in their defense. Specifically, their linebacker room is horrific. DeMarvion Overshown is a player I really like, but he has injury concerns and outside of that the room is open. Allen is the best linebacker on the board and becomes an instant impact player for a defense that needs it.Â
1.26: *TRADE* Buffalo Bills<>Arizona Cardinals
Ty Simpson QB, Alabama, (RS) Junior
The word on the street is the Cardinals are in on Ty Simpson. The Bills miss out on CJ Allen and find themselves in a trade down situation with Arizona. Swapping No. 25 overall and No. 34 overall, the Bills also swap No. 91 overall for No. 65 overall. The Bills have multiple defensive needs in this draft and get more ammo to address it, and the Cardinals get their quarterback on the fifth-year option. Simpson has tremendous tape over the middle of the field, but ended the season on a low note. Giving him a year to develop, or playing him toward the end of the season seems like something the Cardinals would like to do.Â
1.27: San Francisco 49ers
Avieon Terrell CB, Clemson, Junior
Terrell, like Denzel Boston, is one of the most underrated players in this cycle. He plays a lot like his older brother A.J. Terrell Jr. He plays with that some physicality and can line up and play press man coverage or play instinctual in zone. The Clemson season didn’t go as planned and their stars are feeling the effects. I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if he goes much earlier. San Francisco has a need in the secondary since losing Charvarius Ward to the Indianapolis Colts. Terrell comes in to stabilize the room.Â
1.28: Houston Texans
Peter Woods IDL, Clemson, Junior
Back-2-back Clemson players at No. 27 and No. 28 overall. Woods is another player who dominated in 2024 and had a down 2025 season. That has a lot to do with how Clemson used him across the defensive-line. Woods is a freaky athlete who plays with incredible strength and quickness. If he had a “good” 2025 he’d be an automatic top-10 pick. That’s how good he was in 2024. Let Houston get their hands on him and turn this already unstoppable defense into an all-time unit if Woods pans out.Â
1.29: Kansas City Chiefs
Max Iheanachor OT, Arizona State, (RS) Senior
Patrick Mahomes went down with a torn ACL toward the end of the 2025 NFL season. He took more hits than he has ever had to take in 2025 due to offensive-line decisions. Trading Joe Thuney backfired and Jawaan Taylor has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Protecting the edge has to be a priority and Iheanachor can help with that. A tremendous athlete who has already flashed on tape with limited American football experience. Let him develop in Kansas City to help protect one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. A great zone blocker to pair with new running back Kenneth Walker III will also be intriguing.Â
1.30: Miami Dolphins
Keldric Faulk EDGE, Auburn, Junior
Faulk has his limitations as a pass rusher, but brings immense talent as a run defender on day-one. Let him go to Miami where he can see immediate playing time and develop as a pass rusher under new defensive head coach, Jeff Hafley. Adding talent has to be something the Dolphins prioritize in this draft and Faulk has top-end potential. Exceptional size and length makes Faulk a player the Dolphins can get hands on with and form into “their guy” as a pass rusher.Â
1.31: New England Patriots
Akheem Mesidor EDGE, Miami, (RS) Senior
Mesidor is as pro-ready as it gets for an edge rusher. Tested across the line of scrimmage, Mesidor offers versatility across the line of scrimmage and lands on the Super Bowl runner-up in New England. Age is the only thing holding Mesidor back in this draft, he just turned 25-years-old. Teams at the bottom of the barrel aren’t going to waste a first-round pick on someone who will be 30-years-old by the end of his first contract. The Patriots are in a winning window and take the swing on the elite pass rusher. Beware…this could be the A.J. Brown trade spot.Â
1.32: Seattle Seahawks
Emmanuel Pregnon IOL, Oregon, (RS) Senior
Coming off a Super Bowl Championship, the Seahawks have more needs than expected. Losing Kenneth Walker III, Tariq Woolen, etc. allows them to have few options with No. 32 overall. I have them addressing their only need from the 2025 season, an interior offensive lineman. Pregnon was great as a pass protector and flashed in zone schemes for the Ducks in 2025. He’s played a ton of football in his college career and finds himself protecting Sam Darnold in their quest to repeat.
*Bonus* Round-Two
2.01: New York Jets
Chris Johnson CB, San Diego State, Senior
2.02: *TRADE* Arizona Cardinals<>Buffalo Bills
Jacob Rodriguez LB, Texas Tech, Senior
2.03: Tennessee Titans
Caleb Lomu OT, Utah, (RS) Sophomore
2.04: Las Vegas Raiders
Kayden McDonald IDL, Ohio State, Junior
2.05: New York Giants
Chase Bisontis IOL, Texas A&M, Junior
2.06: *TRADE* Houston Texans<>New Orleans Saints
Colton Hood CB, Tennessee, (RS) Sophomore
2.07: Cleveland BrownsÂ
D’Angelo Ponds CB, Indiana, Junior
2.08: Kansas City Chiefs
Brandon Cisse CB, South Carolina, Junior
2.09: Cincinnati BengalsÂ
T.J. Parker EDGE, Clemson, Junior
2.10: *TRADE* New Orleans Saints<>Houston Texans
Gennings Dunker OL, Iowa, Senior
2.11: Miami DolphinsÂ
Germie Bernard WR, Alabama, Senior
2.12: New York Jets
A.J. Haulcy S, LSU, Senior
2.13: Baltimore Ravens
Zion Young EDGE, Missouri, Senior
2.14: *TRADE* Tampa Bay Buccaneers<>Washington Commanders
Keith Abney II CB, Arizona State, Junior
2.15: Indianapolis Colts
Christen Miller IDL, Georgia, (RS) Junior
2.16: Atlanta Falcons
Caleb Banks IDL, Florida, (RS) Senior
2.17: Minnesota Vikings
Lee Hunter IDL, Texas Tech, Senior
2.18: Detroit LionsÂ
Cashius Howell EDGE, Texas A&M
2.19: Carolina Panthers
Keionte Scott CB, Miami, (RS) Junior
2.20: Green Bay PackersÂ
Treydan Stukes CB, Arizona, (RS) Senior
2.21: *TRADE* Pittsburgh Steelers<>New England Patriots
Chris Bell WR, Louisville, Senior
2.22: Philadelphia EaglesÂ
Malachi Lawrence EDGE, UCF, (RS) Senior
2.23: Los Angeles Chargers
Keylan Rutledge IOL, Georgia Tech, Senior
2.24: Jacksonville Jaguars
Jadarian Price HB, Notre Dame, Junior
2.25: Chicago Bears
Connor Lew IOL, Auburn, Junior
2.26: San Francisco 49ers
R Mason Thomas EDGE, Oklahoma, Senior
2.27: Houston Texans
Jake Golday LB, Cincinnati, (RS) Senior
2.28: Chicago BearsÂ
Domonique “Big Citrus” Orange IDL, Iowa State, Senior
2.29: Los Angeles Rams
Caleb Tiernan OT, Northwestern, (G) Senior
2.30: Denver Broncos
Josiah Trotter LB, Missouri, (RS) Sophomore
2.31: *TRADE* New England Patriots<>Pittsburgh Steelers
Skyler Bell WR, Connecticut, (RS) Senior
2.32: Seattle Seahawks
Gabe Jacas EDGE, Illinois, Senior
We have finally arrived at the 2026 NFL draft after a long draft cycle. Fans will always speculate where their team will go with their first few selections, and the process is always something I enjoy. I hope my mock draft content was something everyone enjoyed, and stay tuned for post-draft content as we approach the start of the 2026 NFL season.Â
Main Image: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
