2026 NFL Mock Draft -What Will Happen
1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza QB Indiana
The Raiders select the best quarterback in the draft and give new Head Coach Klink Kubiak a potential franchise signal caller. Mendoza has all the tools to be a quality NFL starter with the IQ and winning pedigree to jumpstart a team.
2. New York Jets - Arvell Reese OLB Ohio State
The New York Jets need a dynamic playmaker on the defensive side of the ball and Reese provides just that. He can be utilized as an off-ball linebacker or on the edge as a pass rusher and he has elite physical talent to make big plays at the next level.
3. TRADE: Dallas Cowboys - David Bailey Edge Texas Tech
The Dallas Cowboys have the offense to compete, but they need a star pass rusher to help uplift their defense. The Cardinals are in a full rebuild so they move back to add more draft capital allowing Dallas to scoop up a high ceiling edge rusher in David Bailey. The former Texas Tech star has the size, speed, and explosiveness to dominate as a pass rusher.
TRADE DETAILS:
Dallas Cowboys Receive
2026 First Round Pick (No. 3)
2026 Third Round Pick (No. 65)
Arizona Cardinals Receive
2026 First Round Pick (No. 12)
2026 First Round Pick (No. 20)
2027 Second Round Pick (DAL)
New Titans head Coach Robert Saleh has a tough task to rejuvenate this Tennessee roster. There are holes everywhere on the defense but having a dynamic middle linebacker who has elite physical traits is a good start. Styles has all the potential in the world to become an All-Pro player and Saleh will know exactly how to deploy him.
4. Tennessee Titans - Sonny Styles LB Ohio State
5. New York Giants - Jeremiyah Love RB Notre Dame
The Giants seem to have their franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart and now they add arguably the best player in the draft in Jeremiyah Love. He is a 3 down back who be utilized as a receiver as well and will be a perfect fit in New York.
6. Cleveland Browns - Spencer Fano OT Utah
Spencer Fano is my highest rated offensive tackle in this class, and he goes to a team that needs him the most. The Browns have newly acquired tackle Tytus Howard slotted in at right tackle, where Fano has played the past 2 seasons, but he has experience playing left tackle as well as in the interior so they can find a way to get the best 5 offensive linemen on the field. Fano is an elite run blocker with the athleticism to have success protecting the quarterback. With him in the fold, Cleveland can continue to improve their run game in the coming years.
7. Washington Commanders - Carnell Tate WR Ohio State
The Commanders are fortunate to have the best wide receiver in the class fall right into their lap at pick 7. Tate is a dynamic weapon who can stretch the field and be a reliable target for quarterback Jayden Daniels as the Commanders look to get back to the success they had in 2024.
8. New Orleans Saints -Rueben Bain Jr. EDGE Miami
Chase Young had a strong season for the Saints last year but with his injury history and their other edge rusher Carl Granderson approaching 30, they need to add some young talent to the defensive line. Bain was a game wrecker this past season at Miami. He plays with a relentless motor, and he will have an immediate impact in the NFL.
9. Kansas City Chiefs - Caleb Downs SAF Ohio State
The Chiefs haven’t had a selection this early in the draft since they traded up to number 10 back in 2017 to take quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In this spot, they take my highest ranked player in the draft in safety Caleb Downs out of Ohio State. Downs is a do it all safety and he is exactly what Kansas City needs on the back end of their defense.
10. Cincinnati Bengals - Mansoor Delane CB LSU
The Bengals pass defense has been a major issue these past 2 seasons and they need help on the outside. Delane is a star in the making and he can come in and be a day 1 lockdown corner in Cincinnati.
11. Miami Dolphins - Francis Mauigoa OT Miami
The Miami Dolphins are another team with holes all over their roster. With that being the case, they need to invest in the trenches. After selecting defensive tackle Kenneth Grant in the first round of 2025, the new regime decides to address the offensive side of the ball. Mauigoa is a dominant right tackle who can play on the interior as well if needed.
12. FROM DAL: Arizona Cardinals - Monroe Freeling OT Georgia
The Arizona Cardinals use the first of their acquired picks from Dallas to add to their offensive line. Freeling has experience at both left tackle and right tackle and pairing him with Paris Johnson Jr. will create an excellent foundation for the future of the offense.
13. Los Angeles Rams - Jordyn Tyson WR Arizona State
The Los Angeles Rams are gearing up for another run at the Super Bowl. With Davante Adams approaching 34 years old they would like to add another young weapon to their already dominant offense. Tyson is an explosive outside receiver and if he can stay healthy, he can be exactly what the Rams need to be playing in Super Bowl LXI in their home stadium, in 2027.
14. Baltimore Ravens - Olaivavega Ioane OG Penn State
Ioane to Baltimore is a match made in heaven. He is the best interior lineman in the draft with his elite pass blocking and physicality as a run blocker. He is a perfect fit for the Ravens offense.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Akheem Mesidor EDGE Miami
Akheem Mesidor is an explosive edge rusher who constantly gets to the quarterback on film using his power and technique. He is an older prospect, currently 25 years old, but he is pro ready and will be a big upgrade for Tampa Bay’s defensive front.
16. New York Jets - Makai Lemon WR USC
After addressing the defense with their first pick, the Jets add to their receiving core by adding Makai Lemon. Lemon is an elite slot receiver who is not afraid to make contested catches in the middle of the field, and he excels in getting yards after the catch. Having both Garrett Wilson and Lemon on the field will add a much-needed dynamic to New York’s offense.
17. Detroit Lions - Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama
Although the Lions just moved Penei Sewell to left tackle and Proctor strictly played left tackle at Alabama, his potential is too high to pass up. Proctor may not be the most pro ready offensive lineman in this class, but he has an extremely high ceiling with his size and athleticism. He would be a worthy project for Detroit’s staff and if it hits, they will continue to be a tough offense to defend.
17. Detroit Lions - Kadyn Proctor OT Alabama
Although the Lions just moved Penei Sewell to left tackle and Proctor strictly played left tackle at Alabama, his potential is too high to pass up. Proctor may not be the most pro ready offensive lineman in this class, but he has an extremely high ceiling with his size and athleticism. He would be a worthy project for Detroit’s staff and if it hits, they will continue to be a tough offense to defend.