After a long, grueling offseason, NFL Draft week is finally upon us. With all the free agent moves and trades completed, I will be predicting, to the best of my ability, what will happen on Thursday. Without further ado, here is my official 2026 NFL mock draft of the first round without trades.
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1. Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The most surefire pick of the draft, Mendoza has the size, arm talent, and decision-making of an NFL-ready quarterback. The Raiders had one of the worst passing games in 2025 and have struggled in the QB room since the departure of Derek Carr. Mendoza led FBS with 41 passing touchdowns to only six interceptions and will be the perfect centerpiece to this young Raiders offense.
2. Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Jets need help pretty much everywhere, so picking the best available defensive player at number two is a no-brainer. Reese has the physicality to be a highly efficient edge rusher or linebacker, and after filling in at both roles last year for the Buckeyes, he has proven he can excel wherever he’s needed on the field. New York had the second-fewest sacks in the league last year; Reese will make an immediate impact on this Jets front seven.
3. Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Arizona is in a weird spot, in desperate need of a QB in the thinnest QB draft class since 2022. Last year, they ranked in the bottom five in sacks and top five in sacks conceded. Needing help on both fronts, it’s a coin toss between OL and EDGE—and defense wins championships. David Bailey led FBS with 16.5 sacks last season and would be a dangerous threat off the edge for this Cardinals defense.
4. Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
With a starting WR room consisting of Wan’Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley, and Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee is in desperate need of a true number one target for last year’s first overall pick, Cam Ward. Although Tate is not the flashiest WR, he is consistent, as he racked up over 870 yards and nine touchdowns on just 51 receptions. Tate’s biggest strengths are his route running and hands, which are the blueprint traits of a high-level NFL WR.
5. Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
After having one of the greatest NFL Combine performances by a linebacker in history, Sonny Styles shot his draft stock up with a perfect 10/10 raw athleticism score. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 244 pounds, Styles has the ideal frame for an NFL linebacker. New York has lost several key pieces on defense and looks to fill either off-ball or middle linebacker with his addition.
6. Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Browns’ top two needs are WR and OT, and with two first-round picks and the top WR off the board, taking the top-ranked OT makes perfect sense. While his pass blocking could use some improvement, Mauigoa’s run blocking is among the best in FBS and will benefit the Browns’ young RB room.
7. Commanders: Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Commanders had the fourth-most rushing yards in the league last year without a consistent starting RB. So why not add the Notre Dame star who finished with 18 touchdowns and third place in Heisman voting? Love is arguably the best offensive prospect in the draft, and after a defense-focused free agency, offense is the logical direction. Pairing Love with dual-threat QB Jayden Daniels would create one of the most explosive backfields in football.
8. Saints: Ruben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
With longtime D-line captain Cam Jordan’s return uncertain, New Orleans looks to add youth to its aging front seven. Bain has some arm-length concerns, but his production is undeniable. He posted just under 10 sacks last season and was dominant against the run.
9. Chiefs: Mansoor Delaine, CB, LSU
After trading away Trent McDuffie, Kansas City is thin in the secondary. Delaine is a strong replacement, boasting a 31.8% incompletion rate and allowing just one reception every 29 snaps. He’s a true lockdown corner.
10. Giants: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
With Wan’Dale Robinson gone and Malik Nabers recovering from a torn ACL, Lemon is a perfect fit as a new target for Jaxon Dart. He has elite hands and creates strong separation, making him a premier deep threat out of the slot.
11. Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
With no clear WR option, Miami addresses another major need at safety. Downs is one of the best defensive players in college football, totaling two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 68 tackles. His elite play recognition sets him apart.
12. Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Dallas had the worst passing defense in the league last year. McCoy is tall, explosive, and a true ball hawk. Though he hasn’t played since 2024 due to an ACL tear, his technical ability makes him worth the risk.
13. Rams: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Needing depth on the offensive line, the Rams take Fano, a powerful and athletic blocker. Protecting Matthew Stafford is crucial, especially if this is his final season.
14. Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyson blends speed and physicality. Despite injury concerns, Baltimore takes the chance to give Lamar Jackson another weapon. If healthy, Tyson has WR1 potential.
15. Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Tampa Bay addresses declining defensive production with Faulk, a dominant run stopper with elite strength. His pass-rush skills still need development, but his upside is high.
16. Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The Jets need more offensive weapons. Cooper is a speedy route runner who complements Garrett Wilson well. While a slight reach, he fills a major need.
17. Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Detroit looks to replace Taylor Decker with Freeling, a massive and athletic tackle. Though still raw, his upside is undeniable.
18. Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
With Harrison Smith retiring, Minnesota finds a replacement in Thieneman, a technically sound safety with strong coverage and tackling ability.
19. Panthers: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Carolina adds a physical playmaker to its secondary. Warren is a hard hitter with strong zone coverage and ball-tracking ability.
20. Cowboys: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Dallas adds depth to its defensive line. Despite a slight regression, Woods still offers elite athleticism and strong upside.
21. Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
With uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh drafts a QB. Simpson may need time to develop, but his arm talent makes him a solid long-term option.
22. Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
The Chargers address their struggling offensive line with Ioane, who strengthens the interior and helps protect Justin Herbert.
23. Eagles: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Mesidor brings proven production with 12.5 sacks last season. He fills a key role on Philadelphia’s defensive front.
24. Browns: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Cleveland adds a dynamic slot receiver. Concepcion’s speed and route running make him dangerous after the catch.
25. Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Chicago boosts its defensive front with McDonald, a powerful interior presence who pairs well with speed rushers.
26. Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Buffalo adds a big-bodied receiver with strong hands. Boston excels in contested catches and fills a need in the receiving corps.
27. 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
San Francisco adds versatility and depth to its offensive line with Lomu, who can play multiple positions effectively.
28. Texans: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Houston adds a vertical threat at tight end. Sadiq’s speed and athleticism bring a new dimension to the offense.
29. Chiefs: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kansas City reinforces protection for Patrick Mahomes. Proctor’s physicality and discipline make him a strong addition.
30. Dolphins: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Miami adds a tall, fast receiver with strong playmaking ability. His ACL recovery is a concern, but his upside is high.
31. Patriots: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
New England adds depth and leadership at linebacker. Allen is strong against the run and reliable in coverage.
32. Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Seattle replaces Riq Woolen with Hood, a solid zone corner with good size and ball skills, pairing well with Devon Witherspoon.
