The NFL Scouting Combine is in the rearview mirror. The NFL Draft will be here before we know it, so it’s time to see how the first round could play out. Yes, NFL free agency will drastically shift the needs list and outlook for many NFL teams.
Before the free agent frenzy changes the picture, let’s look at my first 2026 NFL mock draft for who I predict will be first-round picks this coming April.
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2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Picks & Predictions
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana)
This feels like a lock. The Raiders get their franchise quarterback, who should mesh well with new head coach Klint Kubiak. In his final collegiate season, Fernando Mendoza ranked eighth in adjusted completion rate, third in yards per attempt and 25th in big-time throw rate, per Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Mendoza’s transition to the NFL could be eased by Kubiak’s system, which allowed Sam Darnold to operate from shotgun on 63.3% of his dropbacks last season, per Fantasy Points Data. I expect Kubiak to increase that shotgun rate for Mendoza while dialing up the bells and whistles in the offense, like play-action and motion.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Fernando Mendoza 
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese (LB – Ohio State)
The Jets get a big boost to their pass rush with the addition of their version of Micah Parsons. At least that is who New York should hope Arvell Reese develops into. Reese didn’t do any testing at the combine outside of blazing a 4.53 40-yard dash (95th percentile), which was enough to keep his hype train moving along.
The Jets need an injection of pass rush upside after ranking dead last in pressure rate last year. Reese ranked 159th in pass rush win rate, but he was seventh in PRP (a formula that combines sacks, hits and hurries compared to how often they rush the passer) and logged eight sacks in 119 pass rush snaps last season, per PFF. If he hits his ceiling in the NFL, he could be a cornerstone player for New York.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Arvell Reese
3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey (EDGE – Texas Tech)
Yes, the Cardinals easily could address their offensive line with this pick, but I don’t see them passing up David Bailey with their third overall selection. The Cardinals’ pass rush needs an injection of juice after logging the fourth-lowest pressure rate last year.
Last year, Bailey led all collegiate EDGE rushers in sacks with 15 while also ranking 15th in pass rush win rate, per PFF. Arizona has the 10th-most cap space and could use some of that cash to retain Jonah Williams or shop for offensive line help with their 34th overall pick in this draft.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for David Bailey
4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate (WR – Ohio State)
After Tennessee traded for Jermaine Johnson to address their pass rush, they could easily turn to the offensive side of the ball and give Cam Ward a plug-and-play No. 1 WR.
Carnell Tate is my clear WR1 of this draft class. Last year, he ranked 10th in yards per route run, per PFF. Tennessee could look to the free agent market to further address its defense with the most salary cap space in the NFL (over $90 million). They won’t find a free agent wide receiver with the youth, upside and talent that Tate has.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Carnell Tate
5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa (OT – Miami)
The Giants would have loved it if Carnell Tate had fallen to them at this pick, but Tennessee pounced on him. New York could easily give Jeremiyah Love a long look, but I’ll go with them filling a pressing need at offensive line. Last year, Jaxson Dart faced the seventh-highest pressure rate and the third-highest pressure rate over expectation, per Fantasy Points Data.
Andrew Thomas has had trouble staying healthy, and Jermaine Eluemunor is a free agent, so the Giants could use Francis Mauigoa to help solidify their offensive line. Last year, Mauigoa was the 15th-highest overall graded tackle in the FBS, while sporting the sixth-best pass blocking grade and allowing only two sacks, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Francis Mauigoa
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano (OT – Utah)
I know it’s not a surprise to most, but Cleveland needs an offensive lineman. Any offensive lineman with this pick. Their entire starting offensive line from last year is set to hit free agency this offseason, so pick your favorite offensive lineman to Cleveland with at least one of their first-round picks. Their trade for Tytus Howard does help, though. Adding Fano to the team with Howard should ensure they have at least two spots along the line locked up for the foreseeable future.
Spencer Fano fits the bill here after posting a 9.76 relative athletic score (RAS score) at the combine and ranking in the top 24 in run and pass blocking grades last year, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Spencer Fano
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles (LB – Ohio State)
The Washington Commanders need youth and playmaking upside added to their defense with this pick, and Sonny Styles offers both.
After posting a 9.9 RAS score at the combine, Styles won’t fall outside the top 10 in this draft. Last year, Styles posted 71 tackles with 12 quarterback hurries and three pass breakups, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Sonny Styles
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon (WR – USC)
I could make a case for a few different positions for New Orleans here, but I’ll go with filling an easy need, giving them Makai Lemon. Lemon makes sense as a stylistic pairing with Chris Olave and a schematic fit for an offense that utilized 11 personnel at the fourth-highest rate last season (66.7%).
Over the last two seasons, Lemon has ranked sixth and 12th in yards per route run among FBS wide receivers with at least 50 targets, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Makai Lemon
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love (RB – Notre Dame)
The Chiefs have to get more explosive plays out of their run game in 2026, and Jeremiyah Love can help them do that. Last year, excluding quarterback scrambles, the Chiefs had the lowest explosive run rate in the NFL (1.3%, per Fantasy Points Data).
Overall, they also had the 11th-lowest yards per carry from their ground game. It’s not like Love won’t also help out in the passing game after ranking 17th and 36th in yards per route run across his last two collegiate seasons, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jeremiyah Love
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE – Miami)
Cincinnati must address its pitiful pass rush with this pick. Last year, they had the 10th-lowest pressure rate. Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson are set to leave in free agency, and Shemar Stewart is still very much a raw project.
NFL teams will overthink Rueben Bain’s arm length and allow him to drop into some team’s lap. I don’t care about his arm length. What I do care about is that he ranked fifth in sacks and pass rush win rate last year among all EDGE rushers with at least 200 pass-rush snaps, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Rueben Bain Jr.
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane (CB – LSU)
If the Dolphins don’t retain any of their free agent corners, they will be headed into the 2026 season with a depth chart led by Storm Duck, Jason Marshall Jr. and JuJu Brents.
A talented corner like Mansoor Delane is just what the doctor ordered for new defensive-minded head coach Jeff Hafley. Delane is a scheme versatile corner who allowed the seventh-lowest passer rating and a 40% catch rate in his coverage last year, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Mansoor Delane
12. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Downs (S – Ohio State)
The Cowboys could easily target EDGE help with this pick, but they also have to address safety if they don’t retain Donovan Wilson.
Dallas stops the slide for Caleb Downs, who can impact the Cowboys’ run defense and their pass coverage. Over the last two seasons, he has allowed 54.5 and 52.6 passer ratings in his coverage, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Downs
13. Los Angeles Rams: Jermod McCoy (CB – Tennessee)
The Rams have had issues at cornerback for the last few seasons, with underperformance and injuries playing a big part. With Caleb Downs coming off the board the pick before them, their safety need could wait to be addressed with their next pick in the first round.
If the Rams retain Cobie Durant and draft Jermod McCoy, they’ll have a solid start to fielding an improved pass defense. In 2024, McCoy allowed a 50% catch rate and 53.6 passer rating in his coverage, per PFF. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula will love McCoy’s man coverage abilities.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jermod McCoy
14. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Banks (DT – Florida)
Caleb Banks is an upside swing that the Ravens would love to take. Last year, Banks dealt with a foot injury that shortened his season.
Banks looked fully recovered at the combine, posting a 9.8 RAS score with a 32-inch vertical jump (88th percentile) and a 9-foot-6-inch broad jump (93rd percentile). In 2024, he ranked 26th in pass run win rate and 21st in quarterback hurries among defensive tackles, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Banks
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: T.J. Parker (EDGE – Clemson)
The Buccaneers have been trying to solve their EDGE and pass-rush issues for the last few years. Last season, they had the eighth-lowest pressure rate and the 14th-fewest quarterback knockdowns.
Tampa takes another swing here with the selection of T.J. Parker. He is coming off a “down” season, but in 2024, he had 12 sacks and 28 hurries, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for T.J.Parker
16. New York Jets: Peter Woods (DT – Clemson)
The Jets make another needed addition to their defense with the selection of Peter Woods. The Jets added T’Vondre Sweat with their trade of Jermaine Johnson, so this might not look like a need, but Harrison Phillips is entering his age-30 season and is a free agent after this season.
Woods will help out a run defense that allowed the fourth-most rushing yards per game and the fifth-most yards after contact per attempt last year, per Fantasy Points Data.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Peter Woods
17. Detroit Lions: Cashius Howell (EDGE – Texas A&M)
The Lions finally give Aidan Hutchinson a running mate. Last year, Cashius Howell ranked 24th in pass rush win rate while racking up 12 sacks, per PFF. The former Aggie should also add to an already strong run defense.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Cashius Howell
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman (S – Oregon)
The Vikings will have to replace legend Harrison Smith, and Dillon Thieneman is a strong candidate to fill Smith’s shoes in the Minnesota secondary for years to come.
Thieneman crushed the NFL Scouting Combine drills with a 9.64 RAS score and 89th percentile or higher showings in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump. Brian Flores will love Thieneman’s playmaking ability after logging two interceptions and four pass breakups last season, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Dillon Thieneman
19. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk (EDGE – Auburn)
Nic Scourton had a solid rookie season, but he won’t preclude the Panthers from adding pass-rush help in this draft. Carolina had the second-lowest pressure rate and tied for the third-fewest sacks last season.
Keldric Faulk should also help to shore up the run defense. In 2024, Faulk had nine sacks and 31 quarterback hurries, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Keldrick Faulk
20. Dallas Cowboys: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE – Miami)
Dallas continues their defensive overhaul with the selection of Akheem Mesidor. Last year, among collegiate EDGE rushers, Mesidor ranked fourth in sacks and 17th in pass rush win rate.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Akheem Mesidor
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordyn Tyson (WR – Arizona State)
I’m not on the Ty Simpson hype train, so you won’t find me mocking him in the first round. Could the Steelers take him with this pick? It’s possible.
However, I look for them to bring back Aaron Rodgers or fill the starting quarterback need with another veteran like Kirk Cousins. Either veteran quarterback will need another pass-catcher at their disposal. Jordyn Tyson… come on down.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jordyn Tyson
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane (OG – Penn State)
The Chargers badly need to upgrade their guard spot opposite Mekhi Becton. Zion Johnson and Jamaree Salyer are both free agents and unlikely to return to Los Angeles.
Olaivavega Ioane is a fine run blocker and pass protector that Jim Harbaugh will love. Ioane has allowed zero sacks and only one quarterback hit over the last two years.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Olaivavega Ioane
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq (TE – Oregon)
Kenyon Sadiq broke the combine. Yes, it’s possible he won’t last this long in the first round with a bevy of teams needing tight end help in front of the Eagles, but would it shock you if the NFL allows Sadiq to fall to the Eagles?
Every year, we always say, “Why do they let Howie [Roseman] keep getting away with this?” Why should this year be any different? Sadiq could enter 2026 as the second option in this passing offense behind DeVonta Smith if the team trades A.J. Brown and lets Dallas Goedert walk.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kenyon Sadiq
24. Cleveland Browns: KC Concepcion (WR – Texas A&M)
The Browns addressed their offensive line with their first selection. They could easily do it again at this spot in the draft, but after trading for Tytus Howard, I doubt that happens. The Browns also badly need to add another receiving threat opposite Harold Fannin Jr. Jerry Jeudy has proven over time to be just a run-of-the-mill depth chart filler at receiver.
KC Concepcion has the route-running chops and play strength to play on the perimeter in the NFL. Last year, he ranked 44th in yards per route run and 26th in yards after the catch per reception, despite a 12.2 average depth of target (aDOT), per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for KC Concepcion
25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S – Toledo)
The Bears will have to address safety in this draft, so why not right now? Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard and C.J. Gardner-Johnson are all free agents. Chicago is 28th in cap space ($11.7 million over the cap).
Dennis Allen will love Emmanuel McNeil-Warren’s playmaking ability in his aggressive defense. Over the last two years, McNeil-Warren has three interceptions and nine pass breakups while lining up as a nickel corner for 98 of his defensive snaps, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston (WR – Washington)
Give Josh Allen a No. 1 wide receiver. Denzel Boston can be everything that they hoped Keon Coleman could be. Allen will love Boston’s route running, body control and catch point dominance.
Last year, Boston ranked fifth in contested catch rate (minimum 10 contested targets), per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Denzel Boston
27. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor (OT – Alabama)
The 49ers need to address defensive tackle and offensive line this offseason. The uncertainty of Trent Williams‘ future with the team has me leaning to the offensive side of the ball right now.
Kadyn Proctor could be the long-term successor to Williams at left tackle and shift inside to guard or take over at right tackle while Colton McKivitz moves to guard for 2026.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kadyn Proctor
28. Houston Texans: Monroe Freeling (OT – Georgia)
The Texans now have a hole at tackle after dealing Tytus Howard. They fill that vacancy with the talented Monroe Freeling. Freeling has experience at both tackle spots and allowed only six hurries last year. He is an instant answer for Houston’s offensive line.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Monroe Freeling
29. Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Lomu (OT – Utah)
With Rob Havenstein retiring and Warren McClendon Jr. in the final year of his contract, the Rams bolster their offensive line by selecting Caleb Lomu. Last year, Lomu ranked 19th in pass blocking grade. He could shift to right tackle in his rookie season.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Lomu
30. Denver Broncos: Kayden McDonald (DT – Ohio State)
Defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers is a free agent. Denver ranks 15th in salary cap space with almost $21 million to play with, but they could choose to address their defensive tackle vacancy in the draft. Last year, Kayden McDonald ranked first in run defense grade and stop rate, per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kayden McDonald
31. New England Patriots: R Mason Thomas (EDGE – Oklahoma)
New England needs to add to their pass rush, and R Mason Thomas would be a welcome addition. Last year, New England tied for the seventh-fewest sacks in the NFL, while also managing the ninth-lowest pressure rate.
Thomas wreaked havoc with his 191 pass-rush snaps last year and 20.3% pass rush win rate (16th-best), per PFF.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for R Mason Thomas
32. Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell (CB – Clemson)
Seattle doesn’t let Avieon Terrell fall out of the first round. With Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen free agents, Seattle could address their secondary here.
That would allow them to utilize their $61.1 million cap space in other areas, like retaining Kenneth Walker III and Rashid Shaheed or signing a pass-rusher if DeMarcus Lawrence retires.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Avieon Terrell
More 2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks
Here are more 2026 NFL Mock Drafts.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round (3/2)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round (3/1)
- Pat Fitzmaurice’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round (2/19)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft With Trades (Two Rounds)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round (2/10)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round (2/3)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round (1/26)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round (1/23)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round (1/20)
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