All eyes are now on Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. With only two teams left playing, it’s the perfect time for fans of all the others to look forward to the 2026 NFL Draft this April. Who should your team be targeting with its first-round pick? Find out here.
In this mock draft, Nate Tice makes the odd-numbered picks, and Charles McDonald makes the even. Draft order via Tankathon.
More 2026 NFL mock drafts: 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0
1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This pick feels more of a sure thing than whoever the Raiders are going to be hiring as head coach. Mendoza is a clean operator whose sheer professionalism could lift the floor up for a franchise that’s been in the doldrums for oh so long. Mendoza is accurate, has good size, moves well in the pocket, and constantly finds the right answer from the pocket (he’s already a standout in situations like third down, the red zone and two-minute drives). He’s not an overwhelming athlete, but can create and scramble for yards when things go astray.
The Raiders’ offensive line needs a lot of work, but they do have an interesting collection of young skill players (Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, I’d even include Tre Tucker here) that would give Mendoza some immediate options as he starts in the NFL. Mendoza’s game, work ethic, and intelligence should help make his transition to the NFL not quite as daunting (more under center work notwithstanding) when compared to others jumping from a shotgun-heavy college offense. He’s exactly what the silver and black need.
2. New York Jets — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
The Jets would love a quarterback good enough to take here, but there isn’t one. So this is a smart time to go best player available, which very well could be Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami. Bain doesn’t have prototypical build, but he does have incredible athleticism and skill to be an impact defensive end in the NFL from Day 1.
3. Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami (FL)
The Cardinals have question marks at head coach and quarterback, and could feasibly draft just about any position here and it would make sense given the state of their roster currently. Other players in this class might rise as pure offensive tackles, but Mauigoa has earned the right for a chance at right tackle at the next level. Mauigoa is a mauling run blocker with clean technique who seldom gets caught out of position. Whether he ends up at right tackle or kicks inside to guard, he is a great fit for a Cardinals team that desperately needs more talent up front to complement left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., who has shown flashes of future stardom but got caught up in this franchise’s messiness.
4. Tennessee Titans — Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State
Another best player available move, this time with the Titans drafting someone that could be considered the best player in the draft. Reese is a disruptive, explosive player that has real upside as a pass rusher and run defender. He would fit right in Robert Saleh’s defense off the edge and could create a wrecking duo with star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
5. New York Giants — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Giants have oodles of talent on their defensive front and they could look to continue to boost their (underrated) offensive line, or even add another weapon to add to the passing game and build around Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers when he returns from injury. Instead, the Giants tab Downs as the highest-drafted safety since Jamal Adams in 2017. The Giants have been leaky to explosive plays over the past couple of seasons, with their defensive backfield being constant culprits in allowing those big plays. Downs’ versatility, intelligence, and soundness as a football player will help shore up those big plays and be the tip of the spear for however new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson wants to use him.
6. Cleveland Browns — Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Cleveland has to rebuild its offensive line, no matter who is the head coach of this team next year. The Browns are getting a little old up front (and, frankly, bad) so it’s time to add talent to the offensive tackle room. Spencer Fano has the ability to start right away with long-term development upside that the Browns need.
7. Washington Commanders — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
This one is a pretty easy pairing. The Commanders are starved for edge rushers, especially ones that can win one-on-one and get after the quarterback. That’s exactly what Bailey brings to the table. He’s a dynamo off the edge and brings the heat play after play. Bailey’s lack of size can give him some issues against the run, but he improved in that area during his lone season in Lubbock. He’ll immediately inject some juice into a front that needs it.
8. New Orleans Saints — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Tyler Shough did enough to get another year as the starting quarterback in New Orleans, but their wide receiver room could use a bit of juice. Carnell Tate would make a lot of sense as a strong starting wide receiver across from Chris Olave, who isn’t always the most available player. The Saints could use another strong weapon on offense, and Tate might be the best wide receiver in this class.
9. Kansas City Chiefs — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs could use another impact defensive player. But Kansas City needs speed, and not just timed speed but real game speed, at their skill player positions. Love is one of the best overall players in this draft class who can take any touch to the house. He would raise the ceiling on Andy Reid’s screen plays and be a real weapon behind the Chiefs’ burly offensive line in the run game, easing some of the burden on Patrick Mahomes to constantly create big plays for this offense. I’m sure new/returning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy would be thrilled to work with such a talented back.
10. Cincinnati Bengals — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Bengals need defense, obviously. However they’ve spent so many recent assets along the defensive line, maybe they try another position here and go cornerback, which they also need. Mansoor Delane would immediately be their most talented cornerback and give them someone who can keep up with opposing wide receivers in coverage.
11. Miami Dolphins — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy is still in the running to be the first cornerback selected despite not playing this season due to a knee injury. The Dolphins could truly draft any position and it would make sense, but they could use a young cornerback with some pedigree. While quarterback and other position groups (like non-Waddle wide receivers) are still question marks, McCoy would help new head coach Jeff Hafley have a reasonable answer at every position on his defense that will be tasked with carrying football games during his maiden season in Miami.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Dallas has an opportunity to really upgrade its defense here, and can shore up what has the potential to be a top front seven with the addition of Sonny Styles. He’s a fast, physical linebacker that has all the talent in the world to be an ace starter in short order in the NFL.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons) — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Rams use the Falcons’ first-round pick to take the brother of a Falcon. Terrell is undersized, which might be something the Rams want to move away from in their cornerback room, but his awareness, twitch, and ball skills more than make up for his lack of bulk. He would immediately be the Rams most talented back seven player and his skillset would fit in Chris Shula’s defense perfectly.
14. Baltimore Ravens — Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Jesse Minter was hired to help Baltimore get back to having a stalwart defense, but the Ravens will need a bit more talent up front to make that an easier job. Keldric Faulk is a high-upside project who can affect the run game right now with his sheer size and power. This is the realistic upside play that the Ravens have cashed in on for the past 30 years.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Jason Licht has no qualms with taking a player that’s not at a position of need, so anything is in play here. This is the year the Bucs finally draft the replacement for the unsinkable Lavonte David. Allen has been a steadying force for Georgia’s defense ever since he stepped on the field as a freshman. He has intangibles and a well-rounded game that would fit in Todd Bowles’ defense. And really any defense, to be fair.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts) — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
This could be a steal here for the Jets, who get to add another high-upside, high-floor prospect here in Jordyn Tyson. Figuring out who will be throwing them the ball next year is a different story, but Tyson and Garrett Wilson is a good one-two punch for somebody.
17. Detroit Lions — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
While the center position might be the most important area for the Lions offense to improve this season, a Taylor Decker succession plan might not be too far behind. Lomu plays calm with light feet, and he has a good frame but could stand to add strength to take his game to the next level. I’m bullish on Lomu and think he could end up as a good starter on the blindside as he matures. A timeline behind Decker with Hank Fraley coaching him would be an ideal situation.
18. Minnesota Vikings — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Vikings’ defense was incredible last season, but they still could use another hoss in the middle of the field. Kayden McDonald would make a lot of sense as a true nose tackle talent in Brian Flores’ defense, creating even more opportunities for Flores to put his players in the best positions possible for them to break games.
19. Carolina Panthers — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Woods could go much higher than this, or much lower. His flashes are as good as any defensive player in this draft class, but he had a maddeningly inconsistent year on an underwhelming Clemson team. The Panthers need to continue to add needle-movers to their defense and if Woods reaches his ceiling, the Panthers could have a monster front with Woods and Derrick Brown. Carolina has also had recent success with another defensive draft faller coming off an inconsistent final collegiate season in 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers) — Brandon Cisse, DB, South Carolina
After spending their first pick on Sonny Styles, the Cowboys can add another piece here with Brandon Cisse from South Carolina. They desperately need help at cornerback, especially after cutting long-time starter Trevon Diggs.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Steelers might not traditionally take wide receivers in the first round, but after their 2025 passing attack faltered time and again outside of deep forays to DK Metcalf and a bevy of tight end targets, I think it’ll be OK for them to break tradition and add some juice to their pass catching group. Lemon’s play style (he was primarily a slot player at USC) pairs nicely with Metcalf as well as Mike McCarthy’s quick-hitting offense, and gives this offense an underneath weapon that can actually create something.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — Vega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Chargers, again, need help up front after a brutal showing in the postseason that saw their Super Bowl hopes end after one game. It’s impossible to predict losing so many offensive linemen to injury, but having more of them at least gives an opportunity to build some much-needed depth up front.
23. Philadelphia Eagles — Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Freeling has been a big riser over the back half of the college season and might go even higher than this when this cycle is all said and done. He has good size with long arms and a frame that could add even more bulk. Freeling is an easy mover (his basketball background shows up constantly) whose technique and polish sharpened quickly after he got healthy this year. He even showed improved play strength and ability to anchor the last month of the season that only adds to his appeal. Freeling might play on the left side in college, but his athleticism should allow him to flip sides if needed. Howie Roseman loves investing in the trenches and this would give Jeff Stoutland and company a Lane Johnson succession plan.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Browns become the Ty Simpson team. Simpson struggled over the back half of his final season due to injuries, but the Browns just have nothing at quarterback in a tough division not to have one. Simpson is not the highest-upside guy out there, but he gives Cleveland a chance for some much needed, bare-minimum competency with upside to get better.
25. Chicago Bears — Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
The Bears’ defense had admirable late season performances, notably against the Rams in the divisional round, but they need to become more stout against the run. Luckily, this is a good defensive tackle class, especially for run-first guys. Hunter is one of those talented interior defenders, and would give the Bears a burly defender that can eat blocks but also get into the backfield as well. He even has some upside as a pass rusher, too. Hunter has to work on down-to-down consistency, but there aren’t a lot of players with this size that can move as easily as Hunter does.
26. Buffalo Bills — T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Buffalo’s defense improved as the season hit the waning moments, but the Bills still need more talent at all three levels. That’s a tall ask, but they can tip their toes in the edge rusher market with the selection of athletic defensive end T.J. Parker from Clemson.
27. San Francisco 49ers — Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Miller is a right tackle with good size, quickness and light feet as a pass protector. His agility would make him a great fit for a Shanahan offense that likes to have its linemen constantly on the move. Trent Williams keeps staving off any big drop in play but is getting up there in years, and while the 49ers extended Colton McKivitz recently, he is not a needle-moving player. Miller’s size and run game blocking should help him fill any non-center spot on the offensive line until the 49ers figure out their long-term plan at both tackle spots.
28. Houston Texans — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Texans’ offensive line is still a problem and they can take a massive swing here to fix it with the 6-7, 370-pound Kadyn Proctor. Proctor has to answer some questions about his conditioning, but if he can stay in shape at the next level he has a chance to tap into the athleticism that has scouts and fans so excited about his upside.
29. Los Angeles Rams — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Rams have reportedly poked around about moving up in the draft and selecting a pass catcher high in recent years (Tetairoa McMillan in 2025, Brock Bowers in 2024), and this time they stand pat with their original selection and get Boston at the tail end of the first round. Boston is a big wide receiver with the skill set of a true “X” wide receiver that can win in isolated situations. He would give the Rams a behemoth starting wide receiver trio with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to go along with their deep tight end room. A half-dozen power forwards with Matthew Stafford firing the football would be a dream, and give Nacua an ideal long-term running mate that would allow him to get moved around and used however Sean McVay wants.
30. Denver Broncos — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
A long-term linebacker prospect is exactly what the Broncos need and they get a talented one here in Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. He was injured to close the season, but they can use his talents here to give them a more complete defense with young talent at all three levels.
31. New England Patriots — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
A team picking in the top five the past two drafts is suddenly in the Super Bowl. And while the Patriots’ roster nailed their recent free agency class, they could stand to add some more building blocks, especially on offense around their star quarterback Drake Maye. While Sadiq is a tight end, the Patriots need pass catchers, especially ones that can create explosives with the ball in their hands. Josh McDaniels loves to use tight ends, and Maye has loved throwing the ball to Hunter Henry in his first two seasons, Sadiq would give them a weapon that can turn those screens and underneath routes into big plays. He has the speed and receiving ability to stretch the defense, and also some real grit as a blocker that Mike Vrabel would love.
32. Seattle Seahawks — Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The Seahawks have hit the “no clue, let’s mock them a pass rusher” level in their roster building. They don’t have too many holes that can immediately be plugged here, so let’s just give them another front seven player to add to that defense.
