It’s time for my final 2026 NFL mock draft.
In eighth-grade home economics, my classmates and I were tasked with making T-shirts. I was never an artsy-craftsy type; my T-shirt was an abomination. The stitching was catastrophic.
Trying to create a coherent mock draft makes me feel like I’m back in Mrs. Thielke’s class, attempting to sew a T-shirt together with my stubby little fingers. Much of the work seems fine, but there are loose threads here and there. When I try to restitch, the loose threads show up in different spots.
This is my fifth attempt at a mock draft. My sewing skills are still rudimentary, but this is as happy as I’m ever going to be with my raggedy T-shirt.
It’s an interesting draft, if not an especially talent-rich one. If we’re handing out letter grades, this class gets a C-minus or D. (But just wait, next year’s class is a valedictorian.)
A lot of the best players in this class play non-premium positions — running back Jeremiyah Love, off-ball linebacker Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs — which will make this draft an interesting case study. Will teams at the top of the draft go with the flow and take the standouts at lesser-valued positions, or eschew those players in favor of slightly flawed prospects at premium positions?
We could see a lot of first-round trades this year. In 2025, all 32 NFL teams went into the draft holding their own first-round picks — a rarity. This year, six teams hold two first-round picks: Jets, Giants, Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins, Cowboys. The extra first-round draft capital could make those teams feel more comfortable working out deals to slide up or down.
I generally don’t like to include trades in my mock drafts. It’s a contrived way for mock drafters to make player-team connections work when a player doesn’t comfortably fit into the spot where the team is picking. This year, I’m making an exception and including a trade.
(And if you’re interested in checking out my previous mocks, here are mock draft 1.0, mock draft 2.0, mock draft 3.0, and mock draft 4.0.)
OK, let’s get on with it.
2026 NFL Mock Draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB – Indiana)
Next year, quarterback-needy teams will have a medley of appealing choices. This year, there is but one blue-chip option at quarterback.
Fernando Mendoza has few flaws and gets high marks for accuracy, processing, toughness and character.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Fernando Mendoza 
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese (EDGE – Ohio State)
The Jets face a choice between Arvell Reese and David Bailey, and the mock draft cognoscenti have ping-ponged between the two. Bailey is viewed as the more finished product, while Reese is younger and has stratospheric potential.
Fortune favors the bold: The Jets take a home-run swing with Reese.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Arvell Reese
3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey (EDGE – Texas A&M)
Francis Mauigoa has frequently been mocked to Arizona at No. 3, and the Cardinals could indeed use a right tackle. But this is way too early for a tackle prospect who might not be able to play the left side. Nor am I buying the buzz about the Cardinals drafting Jeremiyah Love.
The Cardinals ranked 29th in pressure rate and tied for 28th in sacks last season. David Bailey is a long, quick-twitch pass-rusher who can give the Arizona pass rush some needed steam.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for David Bailey
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love (RB – Notre Dame)
Does Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi give new head coach and defensive wizard Robert Saleh a shiny new toy, or does Borgonzi give second-year quarterback Cam Ward some much-needed help?
Sonny Styles could be an even more athletic version of do-everything Fred Warner, whom Saleh coached in San Francisco. But the Titans reluctantly bypass Styles in favor of Jeremiyah Love, the best running back in this draft by miles.
Ward played decently down the stretch last season, but he struggled early on, largely due to a mediocre supporting cast. Love would make Ward’s life easier by making the Titans’ running game dangerous.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jeremiyah Love
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles (LB – Ohio State)
The Giants face a choice between Ohio State defenders who play non-premium positions: Off-ball linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs. New Giants head coach John Harbaugh coached stud safeties Ed Reed and Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore, so no doubt the intelligent and productive Downs will tempt him.
But it’s easier to justify spending a top-five pick on a player at a non-premium position if the player is an athletic unicorn. That’s the case with Styles, who put on a show at the combine by running a 4.46 and recording a 43.5-inch vertical jump at 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Sonny Styles
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano (OT – Utah)
The Browns desperately need offensive line and receiver help. With few of their 2025 linemen under contract for 2026, the Browns brought in Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins and Zion Johnson. But Cleveland needs additional investment in this unstable unit.
Spencer Fano’s arm length has caused some consternation, but he’s a terrific prospect otherwise, and if it turns out that Fano’s arms are to short for him to stay at tackle, he’ll make a heck of a guard.
It’s worth noting that the Browns are reportedly looking to trade down from this spot, but it’s a good bet they’ll go with an offensive lineman even if their first pick comes later in the round.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Spencer Fano
7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs (S – Ohio State)
Other than Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ only above-average performer at the so-called skill positions is Terry McLaurin — and McLaurin turns 31 in September. The Commanders could very well go with Carnell Tate here.
Instead, the Commanders opt for a different college star from Columbus, Ohio. Caleb Downs is a do-everything safety who can tie the room together, so to speak, for the Washington defense.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Downs
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate (WR – Ohio State)
Chris Olave is the Saints’ only quality wide receiver, and Olave has missed time with concussions and a blood clot in his lung.
Carnell Tate is a dangerous downfield playmaker with exceptional ball-tracking ability and body control. Second-year signal-caller Tyler Shough gets a needed weapon.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Carnell Tate
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Francis Mauigoa (OT – Miami)
The Chiefs could go with a cornerback, an EDGE rusher, a receiver or a tight end here. But the offensive line is still a nagging concern.
Kansas City drafted left tackle Josh Simmons at the end of the first round last year, but he played only eight games. Right tackle Jaylon Moore has one year left on his contract. Swing tackle Wanya Morris has been meh.
Francis Mauigoa is a value at pick No. 9. He’ll help protect Patrick Mahomes, who’s coming off a major knee injury, and will help pave lanes for Kenneth Walker III.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Francis Mauigoa
10. New York Giants (from Cincinnati): Jordyn Tyson (WR – Arizona State)
After taking Sonny Styles at No. 5, the Giants are going offense with this pick. It’s possible they could take an offensive lineman at No. 10, and the Giants could really stick it to John Harbaugh’s former employers in Baltimore by taking Olaivavega Ioane here.
But the Giants need more pass-catching help for young Jaxson Dart. Malik Nabers is a stud, but he’s coming back from a torn ACL. Tyson’s draft stock is soaring. As of this writing, DraftKings Sportsbook had odds of -200 for Tyson to go in the top eight. If he slides outside of the top eight, as he does here, he won’t last much longer.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Jordyn Tyson
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane (CB – LSU)
The Dolphins have holes all over the roster. It will be tempting to give new Malik Willis a receiver, since the Dolphins currently have the worst wide receiver room in the league.
But they can’t pass up Mansoor Delane, a high-floor cornerback who gave up zero touchdowns and committed zero penalties in 2025.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Mansoor Delane
12. Dallas Cowboys: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE – Miami)
Not surprisingly, the team that traded away Micah Parsons last year is in the market for pass-rushing help. Rueben Bain Jr’s suboptimal arm length drops him out of the top 10, but he won’t get past Dallas.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Rueben Bain Jr.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta): Makai Lemon (WR – USC)
This has been a popular player-team pairing in mock drafts — so popular that I really wanted to go in a different direction. The Rams could go with an offensive lineman here, and there are rumors that they’d like to trade down.
But Lemon does make a lot of sense here. Davante Adams is 33. Puka Nacua recently checked himself into rehab. Lemon is a Los Angeles native, and his tape is dazzling.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Makai Lemon
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane (OG – Penn State)
This is such a perfect match. The Ravens need interior line help, and Olaivavega Ioane might be the best offensive lineman in the draft. If teams thought Ioane could play tackle, he’d be a top-10 pick.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Olaivavega Ioane
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk (EDGE – Auburn)
If the Buccaneers go with an EDGE defender here, I think it will be Keldric Faulk and not Akheem Mesidor, who’s been a popular pick for Tampa Bay in mock drafts. Mesidor is the better pass-rusher, but Faulk is bigger and much younger.
The 6-foot-6, 276-pound Faulk is also a good run defender, and run defense has always been a point of pride for Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles. It’s possible Faulk goes even higher than this. Although his pass-rushing production was disappointing last season, EDGE rushers with Faulk’s size and athletic ability don’t last long in drafts.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Keldrick Faulk
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis): Omar Cooper Jr. (WR – Indiana)
Omar Cooper Jr. has been one of the buzziest players of draft season. He’s a fearless competitor who has excellent ball skills, does damage after the catch and blocks like a demon.
Although Cooper profiles as more of a complementary No. 2 receiver than an alpha No. 1, that’s fine by the Jets, who need a receiver they can pair with Garrett Wilson.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Omar Cooper Jr.
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor (OT – Alabama)
This is probably the floor for Kadyn Proctor, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he snuck into the top 10. Proctor is an explosive, 6-foot-7, 352-pound behemoth who had a 32.5-inch vertical jump at the combine.
The Lions reportedly love Proctor, but the Browns are said to be smitten with him, too. Would Cleveland take him at No. 6? Or might the Browns trade down into the early-to-mid teens to snatch Proctor away from Detroit? The Lions hope not.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kadyn Proctor
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman (S – Oregon)
Aside from Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders, there haven’t been many more popular mock-draft matches than Dillon Thieneman to the Vikings. It makes sense, though.
It’s not clear whether 37-year-old Harrison Smith will return for another season. Thieneman is an athletic marvel who can be a versatile chess piece in Brian Flores’ defense.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Dillon Thieneman
19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq (TE – Oregon)
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has taken first-round receivers in each of his last two drafts, reaching for Xavier Legette in 2024 and striking gold with Tetairoa McMillan in 2025.
Had the Legette selection worked out as hoped, Morgan might not need another first-round pass-catcher. Carolina doesn’t have much firepower at tight end, and Kenyon Sadiq is an athletic freak who ran a 4.39 and had a 43.5-inch vertical jump at the combine.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Kenyon Sadiq
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay): Colton Hood (CB – Tennessee)
I wanted to give the Cowboys a different Tennessee cornerback, but Jermod McCoy, not long ago considered a slam-dunk top-15 pick, could slide out of the first round entirely due to concerns about his knee.
McCoy tore his ACL at the end of the 2024 season and missed all of 2025. After not testing at the combine, McCoy ran a 4.37 at his Pro Day. But there are reportedly concerns that McCoy might require additional knee surgery.
Colton Hood excelled for the Volunteers last fall after transferring from Colorado, where he played for former Cowboys great Deion Sanders. The NFL has invited Hood to Pittsburgh for the draft, signaling that he’s expected to go in the first round. He’s a comfortable fit for Dallas, which needs help in the secondary.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Colton Hood
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Monroe Freeling (OT – Georgia)
Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones is working his way back from spinal fusion surgery to repair a neck injury. Jones has one year left on his contract. The Steelers also lost guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Offensive line is a clear need for Pittsburgh.
Monroe Freeling is a fast-rising, high-upside tackle prospect who could play guard in a pinch.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Monroe Freeling
22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker (EDGE – Clemson)
The Chargers could use another pass-rusher. I’m not sure what their preferred flavor would be if they took an EDGE rusher here.
Daniel Popper, who does excellent work covering the Chargers for The Athletic, thinks T.J. Parker is a good fit and had the Chargers taking Parker in his final mock draft. I’ll defer to Popper on this one.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for T.J. Parker
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor (OT – Arizona State)
Max Iheanachor is a late-comer to football who didn’t play the sport until enrolling at a junior college in 2021. He eventually landed at Arizona State and was second team all-Big 12 in his final college season. Iheanachor looks like he came out of an offensive tackle factory, and he’s a terrific athlete.
This would be a terrific landing spot for Iheanachor. The Eagles did an excellent job of developing Jordan Mailata, who, like Iheanachor, was raw but toolsy. The Eagles could bring Iheanachor along slowly, grooming him as the eventual replacement for right tackle Lane Johnson, who turns 36 in May.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Max Iheanachor
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville): KC Concepcion (WR – Texas A&M)
After taking Spencer Fano sixth overall, the Browns address a screaming need at receiver. KC Concepcion is electric with the ball in his hands. He has some inside-outside versatility as a receiver and can also deliver value as a kick returner.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for KC Concepcion
25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods (DT – Clemson)
A lot of draft analysts viewed Peter Woods as a top-five NFL Draft prospect last summer, but Clemson’s 2025 season was a train wreck, and Woods was one of many Clemson players who underachieved.
When Woods’ motor is running, he’s a powerful and disruptive force. He could be attractive to the Bears, who need more at defensive tackle than just Gervon Dexter and the aging Grady Jarrett.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Peter Woods
26. Buffalo Bills: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE – Miami)
NFL Mock Draft Database had Mesidor at No. 21 on its consensus big board as of this writing. This would be lower than Mesidor appears in most mocks, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he fell out of the first round entirely. At 25, he’s an overaged prospect with a history of foot issues — and kind of a one-year wonder.
In 2025, though, Mesidor was often a more effective pass-rusher than teammate Rueben Bain Jr. — and Bain was a wrecking ball. Drafting a 25-year-old might be less daunting to Bills general manager Brandon Beane than it would be to some other general managers, since Beane could soon be out of a job if the Bills don’t reach the promised land.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Akheem Mesidor
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu (OT – Utah)
Caleb Lomu seems like a hand-in-glove fit for a team that will soon have to replace left tackle Trent Williams, who turns 38 in July. In a draft full of short-armed tackle prospects who might not be able to play on the left side, Lomu is a natural left tackle.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Caleb Lomu
28. Houston Texans: Blake Miller (OT – Clemson)
It will be a surprise if the Texans don’t take an offensive lineman with their first pick. The O-Line has been a problem for Houston over the last two years.
The 6-foot-7, 317-pound Blake Miller was a four-year starter at Clemson, and he’s tough as nails. Miller broke his wrist during spring practices last year and only missed one practice, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Blake Miller
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from L.A. Rams): Chris Johnson (CB – San Diego State)
The Chiefs’ two top cornerbacks from 2025, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, now play for the Rams. The Chiefs could use a quality cover man, and Chris Johnson fits the bill.
Johnson earned Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) second-highest grade among cornerbacks last year and allowed a passer rating of only 16.1 on throws into his coverage. He also posted a relative athletic score (RAS score) of 9.82 on a 10-point scale, according to Kent Lee Platte.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Chris Johnson Jr.
30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver): Denzel Boston (WR – Washington)
The receiver-poor Dolphins must get pass-catching help for new quarterback Malik Willis. Denzel Boston is a big X-receiver who can make contested catches and is solid as a route-runner. Miami simply can’t afford to pass up Boston if he’s available here.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Denzel Boston
31. New England Patriots: Gabe Jacas (EDGE – Illinois)
Gabe Jacas doesn’t show up in most first-round mocks, but I think he has a chance to sneak into the back end of round one. The Patriots need to add juice to their pass rush after losing K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency.
A four-year starter at Illinois, Jacas was productive early, earning Freshman All-America honors. Jacas is quick and strong, and he’s honed his pass-rushing techniques under Illinois skill development coordinator Joe Kim, who worked for the Patriots just two years ago.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Gabe Jacas
*TRADE ALERT*
32. Arizona Cardinals (from Seattle): Ty Simpson (QB – Alabama)
Here’s the one trade I’m projecting. The Seahawks aren’t making this pick, even if this Ty Simpson trade doesn’t happen. The Seahawks currently have only four total draft picks, with just one on Day 3. They’re going to trade down and pick up more selections. Seahawks general manager John Schneider often trades down in the first round even when he has more ample draft ammo.
There aren’t many quarterback-needy teams this year, but the Cardinals are one of them. And projected starter Jacoby Brissett is holding the Cardinals’ feet to the fire by demanding more money. Arizona sends its fourth- and sixth-round picks to the Seahawks to move up two spots and leap-frog the quarterback-needy Jets.
The prize is Ty Simpson, who looked like a top-10 pick for the first 2.5 months of the 2025 season before a rough final month. Simpson is only a one-year college starter, and the NFL track record of quarterbacks who started for only one college season is bleak. But Simpson is a coach’s kid with high-level processing ability.
Check out the full 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Ty Simpson
More 2026 NFL Mock Draft Picks
Here are more 2026 NFL Mock Drafts.
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (4/21)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (4/20)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (4/20)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (4/17)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (4/13)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Three Ronds (4/6)
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round (4/1)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSS | YouTube
