Welcome everyone, and thank you for checking in on my final 2026 NFL Mock Draft. It means alot to me that you are here and reading this today.
A lot of people are expecting trades at the top of this draft—but it may not shake out that way. The value just might not be there for teams to move up, and the teams picking early aren’t just going to settle for less than what those picks are worth. So instead of forcing trades, they stay put and take the best players available. In my opinion, that’s always the smartest way to build an NFL roster.
In this mock, the movement comes later—more in the middle and back end of the first round—where teams can actually find fair value and be more aggressive.
This is my 20th year mock drafting and for me this isn’t about chasing consensus—it’s about how NFL teams actually build.
You may not agree with every pick—but every pick has a purpose.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana
No-brainer. The Raiders draft Mendoza and pair him with the mentorship of Tom Brady—arguably the best possible environment for a young QB. Mendoza is tough as nails, one of the toughest prospects we’ve seen in recent drafts, and a proven leader. He may not have elite athletic traits, but he can make every throw and compete at a high level—exactly what you want to build a franchise around.
2. New York Jets – David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech
This could be Arvell Reese, but the Jets need impact now. Reese may take time, and Aaron Glenn doesn’t have that luxury. David Bailey is a natural pass rusher who led the nation in sacks and can produce right away—making him the better pick at No. 2.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiyah Love, RB Notre Dame
Arizona struggled to generate pressure last season, so Arvell Reese would make a lot of sense here. But Jeremiyah Love is tough to pass on. He adds a dynamic element to an already strong offensive core with Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Trey McBride. That’s the kind of unit a young quarterback can grow with—or a veteran can step into—and it’s a great fit for Mike LaFleur’s offense
4. Titans – Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State
Robert Saleh is now in Tennessee, and his defenses are built around elite linebacker play—most notably with Fred Warner. He gets that here with Sonny Styles. A former safety, Styles brings versatility, physicality, and can wear the green dot in the middle. It may not be a premium position, but it’s a key piece of Saleh’s culture. The Titans can still get Cam Ward offensive help in Round 2.
5. Giants – Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State
The Giants have been very involved with Jordyn Tyson—reportedly even taking him to dinner after attending his workout. If not for the injury history, he likely would’ve been a no-brainer top-5 pick and possibly the top WR in this class. The talent is undeniable, and pairing him with Malik Nabers gives the Giants a dynamic duo for a young franchise QB to grow with. This is nightmare fuel for the Dallas Cowboys
6. Browns – Arvell Reese, EDGE Ohio State
Dallas is definitely calling to move up for Arvell Reese—but Cleveland should stay put. Reese being on the board is too good to pass up. Ohio State guy, Cleveland native, and he literally said it would be “amazing” to be drafted there… and let’s be real, nobody says that about the Browns. Pair him with Myles Garrett and that’s a problem for the rest of the league.
7. Commanders – Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State
Carnell Tate just feels like a Washington pick. You’ve got the Ohio State connection with Terry McLaurin, and the need for the position on the roster. There’s an abyss behind Terry. They’ve already spent on defense, now it’s about helping Jayden Daniels. They probably would’ve loved Jeremiyah Love here, but with him gone, Tate just fits.
8. Saints – Makai Lemon, WR USC
Some might say Makai Lemon at 8 is a reach, but this is a WR run—and the Saints need one. Behind Chris Olave, there’s not much, and he’s missed time with injuries. Right now they’ve got Tyler Shough, but this team feels like it’s positioning itself for the Arch Manning sweepstakes. So you bring in a legit receiver now—someone who helps today and sets you up for whoever your QB is tomorrow.
9. Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE Miami
This is a best-case scenario for Kansas City. They land an elite pass rusher without having to move up. I thought they might consider a weapon like Kenyon Sadiq, but getting this kind of impact off the edge here is too good to pass up. He may slide a bit due to recent reports tied to an older off-field incident where he was cited, not charged, but the talent is undeniable. And the Chiefs haven’t shied away from taking chances when the value is there.
10. Giants – Caleb Downs, S Ohio State
Caleb Downs just feels like a John Harbaugh pick. Harbaugh has a history of taking defensive backs early—especially safeties—and developing them into high-level players. Downs fits that mold perfectly. He’s versatile, instinctive, and can impact the game in multiple ways. This could be Harbaugh’s new Kyle Hamilton.
11. Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami
There were reports earlier this week about a back disc issue, but this is a team that has to fix its offensive line. He’s a local guy and fills a major need. The Dolphins are in a rebuild, so building the trenches now sets them up to take a top QB next year. Whether he stays at tackle or slides inside to guard, Mauigoa has All-Pro potential.
12. Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, DB LSU
Dallas misses out on the elite EDGE talent, the top offensive weapons, and the Ohio State defenders—but not all is lost. They land Mansoor Delane, the best corner in the draft. He gives them a true lockdown presence and helps fix what was an atrocious pass defense last season. I actually like Dallas staying put and keeping both picks—Jerry Jones isn’t getting younger, and they need as many impact players as they can to compete for a Super Bowl.
13. Rams – Monroe Freeling, OT Georgia
This isn’t a sexy pick, but it makes a lot of sense for the Rams—who haven’t exactly been using their first-round picks lately. This will be only the second time they use a first round pick dating back to 2017. The need at tackle only got bigger after Rob Havenstein’s release. Monroe Freeling fills that immediately, and the Rams have been closely linked to him throughout the pre-draft process. It’s a clean, need-meets-value type of pick.
14. Ravens – Spencer Fano, OL Utah
The Ravens lost three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum, and the first step to staying contenders is fixing that. Everything they do starts at the line of scrimmage—running the ball and keeping Lamar Jackson on his feet. This pick is about re-establishing that identity up front and making sure the offense still runs through physicality and control.
15. Buccaneers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq makes a lot of sense for Tampa. This offense is going to lean into two-TE sets with Zac Robinson, and they need another guy to pair with Cade Otton. They also lost Mike Evans, which hurts in the red zone. Sadiq gives them a big, versatile target who can help replace that production and grow into a bigger role.
16. Jets – Omar Cooper Jr., WR Indiana
The Jets brought Cooper in 10 days before the draft, so the interest is real. Yeah they added Adonai Mitchell, but Cooper in the slot under Garrett Wilson? That’s a problem. Get the ball in his hands and let him cook. And it fits the bigger picture—Aaron Glenn doesn’t have time to wait. This team needs to win now.
17. Lions – Kaydn Proctor, OT Alabama
The Lions have done their homework on Kaydn Proctor, and the need is real after Taylor Decker’s departure. At 6’7, 350, he’s a massive human and fits exactly how this team wants to play. Physical, violent, downhill football. Proctor can grow into an anchor tackle and keep that identity strong up front.
18. Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S Oregon
This is a clean transition for Minnesota. Harrison Smith might be done, so they need the next guy—and Dillon Thieneman fits that perfectly. Three-year starter, strong combine, plays fast and makes plays everywhere—deep, downhill, even in the backfield. You’re not overthinking it here, you’re keeping that position strong.
19. Panthers – K.C. Concepcion, WR Texas A&M
With Sadiq off the board, Carolina takes the next receiver to pair with their OROY—and it just makes sense. Concepcion is a Charlotte kid & Bryce Young needs help, simple as that. He even wrote an article calling himself the best WR in the draft, and I love that confidence. And I really respect his story too, overcoming speech challenges—so I’m rooting for him, not just the player but the person.
20. Texans – Blake Miller, OT Clemson
TRADE ALERT: Houston moves up—sending 28, 69, and a 2027 2nd to Dallas—to get ahead of a run on linemen. They lock in Blake Miller. This guy’s an ironman—50 straight starts at Clemson—and just brings stability. High floor, plug-and-play, and exactly what you want in front of C.J. Stroud.
21. Steelers – Vega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Steelers are still waiting on Aaron Rodgers, and there’s no QB here worth forcing. So they go and sure up the line with Vega Ioane. If Rodgers does come, you’re getting a QB who gets the ball out quick—but you still need protection up front in order to do that. This also replaces Isaac Seumalo at LG and keeps the offense steady.
22. Chargers – Emmanuel Pregnon, G Oregon
Pregnon had a private workout with the Chargers, so the interest is real. Yes, they added to the line in free agency, but LG is still a spot they can upgrade after Zion Johnson’s departure. Some analysts even see him as better than Vega Ioane, so this isnt a drop off.
23. Eagles – Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
The Eagles have been looking for a Lane Johnson successor for a while, and they might’ve just found it. Max Iheanachor fits perfectly here. He’s still developing—only started playing football in JUCO—but the tools are there. This is the kind of spot where he can sit, learn, and grow into a starting tackle. He’s also met with the Eagles, so the interest is real. They could’ve gone WR here with someone like Denzel Boston to plan for life after A.J. Brown, but this just feels like the better pick for their future.
24. Browns – Caleb Lomu, OT Utah
Utah runs the ball a ton, so there’s a little risk projecting Caleb Lomu—but he still profiles as a true left tackle. That’s a need for Cleveland. Pair him with Reese and now you’re building this thing from the trenches out.
25. Bears – Kayden McDonald, DT Ohio State
The Bears need to boost their defensive line, and Kayden McDonald is the best true nose tackle in the draft. He’s already met with the team, but its more than that—he’s said himself they’ve been in heavy contact and that he’s their number one guy. Big body in the middle, clogs everything up, and plays with Ben Johnson intensity.
26. Bills – Denzel Boston, WR Washington
The Bills already helped their WR room by bringing in DJ Moore, but they don’t stop there. With Shakir in the slot and Moore as the veteran, Denzel Boston gives them that contested-catch guy they’ve been missing. Red zone, down the field—he fits perfectly with Josh Allen. Home run pick this late.
27. 49ers – Malachi Lawrence, DE Louisville
San Francisco got hit hard with injuries on the D-line last year, and it showed—they were one of the worst teams in the league at getting sacks. So EDGE is at the top of the list. Lawrence is a guy they’ve shown real interest in, even bringing him in for a top-30 visit. And he’s rising—went from longshot first-round odds to being expected to go Day 1.
28. Cowboys – Cashius Howell, EDGE Texas A&M
With the pick they got from Houston in my previous trade prediction, Dallas goes and gets Cashius Howell. Local Texas A&M kid, already met with the Cowboys, so the connection is there. He helps right away—especially with the pass rush taking a hit after Micah Parsons’ departure—and they steal him right in front of Seattle. Howell stops the bleeding on that defense, and brings some juice back to that front.
29. Chiefs – Jermod McCoy, DB Tennessee
Jermod McCoy is coming off a torn ACL that wiped out his 2025 season, so yeah there’s risk. But this is the Chiefs—when you have Patrick Mahomes, you can take swings like this. The upside here at 29 is worth it. And they can turn around and replace Trent McDuffie with the same pick they got for him. That’s how you stay loaded.
30. Cardinals – Ty Simpson, QB Alabama
TRADE ALERT: Arizona moves up—sending picks #34, #104, and a 2026 3rd to Miami—to get their guy, Ty Simpson. This offense is too good not to win games. Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Trey McBride, Tyler Allgeier, and Jeremiyah Love… that’s real. Even with Brissett, they can compete. Now you drop Simpson into that, setting up a potential franchise QB with all the firepower he needs to succeed.
31. Patriots – Zion Young, EDGE Missouri
Young has met with the Patriots and brings exactly what they need—leadership and disruption off the edge. The defense was solid last year, especially in the secondary and against the run, but the pass rush just wasn’t there. Harold Landry couldn’t stay healthy and didn’t live up to the deal when he was on the field. Young gives them a real presence getting after the QB, and he’s got the kind of leadership that thrives in a Mike Vrabel system.
32. Seahawks – Jadarian Price, RB Notre Dame
Seattle closes it out with Jadarian Price. Charbonnet tore his ACL in the playoffs, he’s on a contract year, and Kenneth Walker is gone—this is a real need. Price steps in right away on a Super Bowl roster and can make an impact immediately. Some scouts even see him as the best pure runner in the draft. You could argue for a trade down since they only have four picks, but at this point, the need is too big to pass on. Solid way to end it.