Matthew Jones | Wed, Apr 1st 2026, 9:27am EDT

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 Picks & Predictions (3.0)

After my latest crazy 2026 NFL mock draft, I wanted to look a bit more deeply into each team’s needs and get players ranked a bit more closely to where I have them projected this time around.

Overall, this mock draft feels more realistic, with fewer top talents slipping down the board significantly. As always, feel free to contact me @draftexaminer and let me know what you think on X, and whether you have any suggestions. Thanks.

2026 NFL Mock Draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana)

No point in discussing this pick, so let’s look ahead. What could the Raiders do with their next pick? If Maxx Crosby still ends up getting traded, they could look at someone like Zion Young.

The Raiders have been looking for a free safety, but I’m not sure Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would be the best fit. Reuniting Fernando Mendoza and Omar Cooper Jr. would be another interesting consideration.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Fernando Mendoza

2. New York Jets: David Bailey (EDGE – Texas Tech)

I’m sticking with David Bailey for now, but as I mentioned in previous mocks, I’m not particularly stressing whether this is Bailey or Arvell Reese, as I assume the other has a pretty good chance of being drafted next.

Reese didn’t look as bendy as expected at his recent Pro Day, which might fuel speculation that he’s a linebacker.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for David Bailey

3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese (LB – Ohio State)

Francis Mauigoa went here in my first mock, then slid to the 14th pick in my next attempt, so this seems like a critical chance for him, and Arizona needs a right tackle despite signing Elijah Wilkinson.

If the Cardinals don’t love the Arvell Reese fit as an EDGE rusher, where does he end up? It’s hard to imagine him slipping out of the top 10.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Arvell Reese

4. Tennessee Titans: Sonny Styles (LB – Ohio State)

This is a great pick for the Titans, as they could use pretty much any of the best players available. Rueben Bain Jr. could help replace Arden Key or Dre’Mont Jones, but is he the best scheme fit?

They could slot in Francis Mauigoa at right guard to replace Kevin Zeitler, and some speculate they’d consider taking Jeremiyah Love here.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Sonny Styles

5. New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love (RB – Notre Dame)

I go back and forth on whether I like a receiver or back here; it surely depends to some extent on how the Giants feel about Cam Skattebo‘s health.

Francis Mauigoa could step right in at right guard, but the Giants just re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor. Darnell Mooney‘s signing gives them a bit of flexibility at receiver if they want to go with Jeremiyah Love.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jeremiyah Love

6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate (WR – Ohio State)

This could easily be a left tackle to replace the injury-prone Dawand Jones, and that’s what I did last time. However, what would the Browns do if Carnell Tate made it past the Giants?

Todd Monken has had success with different types of receivers, and the Browns didn’t get a ton of production from Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman last year.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Carnell Tate

7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs (DB – Ohio State)

Assuming everything checks out medically, this feels like a solid landing spot for Caleb Downs. I wouldn’t say he’s a lock to go in the top 10, but his tape certainly warrants it.

Washington did bring in Nick Cross, but I don’t know if his modest two-year deal (with very little guaranteed in the second year) would dissuade them from a safety.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Downs

8. New Orleans Saints: Mansoor Delane (CB – LSU)

I reconsidered this pick a little bit after researching the Saints’ defensive scheme last year in more depth, as Alontae Taylor was more of a nickel defender.

Even so, I think Mansoor Delane would represent an upgrade on Quincy Riley opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry. Would Mickey Loomis draft a short-armed EDGE defender like Rueben Bain Jr. this high?

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Mansoor Delane

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE – Miami)

It’s a bit surprising that Rueben Bain Jr. is a consensus top prospect despite having some issues with length, but this has got to be pretty close to his floor.

Mansoor Delane is another player I’d have to give strong consideration to if he slips this far, as the Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie and lost Jaylen Watson this offseason, both landing with the Rams.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Rueben Bain Jr.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermod McCoy (CB – Tennessee)

I wouldn’t say I have a ton of confidence in this pick, as the Bengals fielded a solid duo of Michigan corners this past season, and Jermod McCoy’s ACL injury might cause him to slip further than this.

However, Cincinnati’s long-term situation at cornerback is hardly settled, so perhaps they’d like to bring in a toolsy, excellent man-cover cornerback.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jermod McCoy

11. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa (OT – Miami)

Jeff Hafley could look at Dillon Thieneman, given the importance of safeties in his scheme, but this seems really early for him.

Austin Jackson is hardly the team’s biggest concern at right tackle, but he has dealt with some injuries and is in a contract year, so Francis Mauigoa (starting at right guard this year, maybe tackle after) could work, too.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Francis Mauigoa

12. Dallas Cowboys: Keldric Faulk (EDGE – Auburn)

This is a pick I think could end up being traded if one of the top players slips. It feels like the top defenders are less likely to fall, and that’s mostly what Dallas needs.

If, say, the Saints like Jordyn Tyson over Mansoor Delane, those two teams could potentially flip picks, since I’m sure Dallas would love to land one of the top corners in the class.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Keldrick Faulk

13. Los Angeles Rams: Jordyn Tyson (WR – Arizona State)

I didn’t anticipate two top receivers falling to this pick, and I’m not sure who the Rams prefer (personally, it’s Jordyn Tyson.)

For the record, I don’t see the wisdom in blocking Warren McClendon Jr. by using a top pick on a right tackle without seeing whether he can replicate the success he enjoyed through 10 starts this past season.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jordyn Tyson

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane (OG – Penn State)

Nnamdi Madubuike‘s status following a serious neck injury could push Baltimore toward Peter Woods, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Their thoughts on Emery Jones‘ development could impact their decision of whether or not to pursue a guard. If the guard could potentially replace Ronnie Stanley at left tackle later, all the better.

Cornerback looks like a big need after this season, but center and receiver are more pressing now. Kenyon Sadiq would be a fun replacement for Isaiah Likely if new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle wants to run a lot of 12 personnel.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Olaivavega Ioane

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE – Miami)

Sorry, no Jeremiyah Love this time. This mock’s equivalent of a surprising value might be someone like Kenyon Sadiq, but Tampa has solid weapons and just extended Cade Otton for three years and $30 million.

Adding another EDGE rusher up front should be a priority this offseason, and they tend to go for bigger, thicker-bodied options there.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Akheem Mesidor

16. New York Jets: Avieon Terrell (CB – Clemson)

Ty Simpson is left, but it’s possible New York will opt to wait for next year’s draft, when they’ll likely have a high pick, and there should be some high-end quarterback prospects.

I really like Avieon Terrell as a fit for this team, given their need at the position, and for playmaking in general, after somehow failing to intercept a pass in 2025.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Avieon Terrell

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling (OT – Georgia)

The Lions are well-positioned to draft a tackle with this pick, though I wouldn’t rule out someone like T.J. Parker. I went with Kadyn Proctor last time, and the team’s Alabama ties have paid dividends.

Detroit has a more zone-based running game that might push them toward Monroe Freeling if he’s available. He has the toughness they like.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Monroe Freeling

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman (DB – Oregon)

This pick almost seems too obvious, so I’m worried about getting a bit lazy here, but I’m still going to stick with it after Harrison Smith was released.

If Dillon Thieneman isn’t available at this point, Minnesota could also look to add someone on the boundary, either at cornerback if the value is right, or potentially also at wide receiver.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Dillon Thieneman

19. Carolina Panthers: Peter Woods (DL – Clemson)

I gave offensive linemen more consideration than last time after looking deeper into the injuries the Panthers dealt with last season, especially with Ikem Ekwonu‘s deal set to expire.

Some sort of passing-game target could work as well, either Makai Lemon or Kenyon Sadiq. I’m higher on Woods than some, but I like the fit here.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Peter Woods

20. Dallas Cowboys: C.J. Allen (LB – Georgia)

As much as Dallas needs a cornerback, I’m not sure Brandon Cisse, my pick last time, fits into a Vic Fangio-inspired scheme too well, as Cisse’s forte is man coverage.

I’m personally high on Chris Johnson, but I don’t know if the Cowboys are. Instead, let’s give them a reliable downhill run defender for their new odd front.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for C.J. Allen

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Spencer Fano (OT – Utah)

I guess you could say I’m a “Fano” this pick (I’ll be here all week.) The Utah blocker’s lack of ideal length may not matter as much here, since the team lost Isaac Seumalo.

Spencer Fano could play left guard if Broderick Jones recovers successfully from his spinal fusion surgery. He’d fit perfectly in Mike McCarthy’s wide zone run-game concepts.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Spencer Fano

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kadyn Proctor (OT – Alabama)

The interior of Los Angeles’ line is currently in flux after losing Zion Johnson and cutting Mekhi Becton. The fact that they lost both of their starting tackles to injury last season makes Kadyn Proctor even more appealing here.

Proctor would likely slot in right away at left guard, with Cole Strange on a modest two-year deal to play the right guard spot.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kadyn Proctor

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq (TE – Oregon)

I’d give Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and T.J. Parker some looks here, as the Eagles have to replace Reed Blankenship and Jaelan Phillips.

In the passing game, they could still trade A.J. Brown and only re-signed Dallas Goedert to a one-year deal. Expect Sean Mannion to introduce more 12 personnel, as he’s from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kenyon Sadiq

24. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Lomu (OT – Utah)

Let’s experiment with a scenario in which the Browns pass on Ty Simpson (at least for now) to address their need for a blindside pass protector.

Caleb Lomu may not currently have the ideal power Todd Monken looks for, but he can execute zone concepts the offense calls for and represents a solid value at this point in the draft.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Lomu

25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks (DL – Florida)

Could Makai Lemon coexist with Luther Burden III? I think so, although they’re both best out of the slot.

If the Bears don’t draft a (likely bigger/longer) defensive lineman here, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would make sense as a starter next to Coby Bryant, given the team’s losses in the secondary.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Banks

26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion (WR – Texas A&M)

Makai Lemon would be a nice value and fit, but he might overlap too closely with Khalil Shakir. Buffalo just paid Bradley Chubb to start opposite Gregory Rousseau, but his injury history makes another (big, thick) EDGE rusher a logical pick.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for KC Concepcion

27. San Francisco 49ers: Makai Lemon (WR – USC)

A few routes look appealing here: A blocker of some sort (preferably a rookie left guard who could kick out to left tackle), a pass-rusher (the team has little behind Joey Bosa and Mykel Williams) or a receiver.

Of the three, receiver is probably my least-preferred option, but the value with Makai Lemon here is too good to pass on.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Makai Lemon

28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald (DL – Ohio State)

It’s hard to get a feel for what kind of interior defensive lineman the Texans would want here, but I still think beefing up the middle of their line in some way would be a good bet.

Kayden McDonald has the size to replace Tim Settle, who ended up signing with the Commanders after starting for Houston this past season.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kayden McDonald

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Blake Miller (OT – Clemson)

Based on what I know about Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, there seem to be a lot of quarters looks, and I’m not sure if that’s the strength of some of the top corners left.

The Chiefs could probably survive with Jaylon Moore at right tackle, but he’s entering a contract year, and Blake Miller might fit Andy Reid’s zone-based scheme well right away.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Blake Miller

30. Miami Dolphins: Colton Hood (CB – Tennessee)

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is becoming a strong value, but I’m not sure he’s the ideal single-high safety for Jeff Hafley’s scheme.

An EDGE rusher could work, but a cornerback would be ideal if they can find one they like. Colton Hood has the physicality and run-support skills to potentially fit well, even if this is a little bit early for my tastes.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Colton Hood

31. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker (EDGE – Clemson)

I’m looking at the same positions as last time — EDGE rusher, tackle, safety and maybe receiver or linebacker. Given how far the team went last year, let’s stick with an EDGE rusher here.

This is a position where a rookie could make an immediate impact, as opposed to waiting in the wings for a year. T.J. Parker is a very solid value at this point.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for T.J.Parker

***If Seattle Trades the Pick***

Cleveland sends Pick No. 39 and Pick No. 20 to Seattle for Pick No. 32

32. Cleveland Browns: Ty Simpson (QB – Alabama)

Let’s keep this pick from the last mock, albeit as a late-first trade-up to secure the fifth-year contract option, rather than as the 24th overall pick.

I could imagine Seattle being willing to move back, especially because allowing the Browns to land Ty Simpson would prevent division rival Arizona from being able to potentially land him at pick No. 34.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Ty Simpson

***If Seattle Keeps the Pick***

32. Seattle Seahawks – Zion Young (EDGE – Missouri)

Colton Hood isn’t available this time, so we need a new pick. Replacing Coby Bryant with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren might be a somewhat strange transition.

I still think a quirky pick like Chase Bisontis could work as a replacement for Anthony Bradford, but it’s a bit early. EDGE rusher is a sneaky potential need after losing Boye Mafe and a lack of long-term security.

Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Zion Young

More 2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks

Here are more 2026 NFL Mock Drafts.

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