Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
An impending April 1 Pro Day is a mere formality at this point in the pre-Draft process for Fernando Mendoza. There's little question the reigning Heisman winner and National Champion will add No. 1 overall pick to his resume in late April. The Raiders have already been hard at work on surrounding Mendoza with the right pieces, signing center Tyler Linderbaum to the highest contract for a center in NFL history.
Previous Selection: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Other Possibility: N/A
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State
Fernando Mendoza has been perched as a lock to the Raiders for some time now, and it appears Arvell Reese may be approaching that lock status second overall to the Jets. The Ohio State defender has wowed NFL folks throughout the pre-Draft process, and looks to be the missing piece in a retooled New York defense.
Previous Selection: Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech
3. Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
2026 is going to be all about tanking for the Cardinals. They're fine throwing in the towel on the year and hopefully having their choice of a loaded 2027 quarterback class. Drafting Francis Mauigoa here provides them a long-term anchor at tackle they need to protect whoever ends up being the guy in 2027 and beyond.
Previous Selection: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech
Other Possibility: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech
4. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have been active in free agency, working hard to fill major holes at all three levels of the defense. Those moves have freed up an opportunity for the organization to swing big here at pick No. 4, and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is just that. After an illustrious career in South Bend, he has all the traits to be an immediate impact back in the NFL, creating quite a potent backfield duo with Cam Ward.
Previous Selection: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Other Possibility: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech
5. New York Giants
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
There's some speculation Caleb Downs could slide out of the Top 10, given the way safety is valued in the NFL Draft and the way others are trending up. This feels like a classic overthink if someone doesn't take the former Buckeye earlier, a prospect who has all the makings of a long, productive NFL safety. Downs could serve as the quarterback in a new-look defense under John Harbaugh.
Previous Selection: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
6. Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The run on Buckeyes continues at pick six, with the Browns staying inside the state to add a dynamic weapon in Carnell Tate. He addresses their most obvious need, beyond offensive line, a position group Cleveland has already invested in heavily this offseason. They take the playmaker in Tate here, and hope to find the right value in the late first round for further O-Line help.
Previous Selection: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Other Possibility: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
7. Washington Commanders
David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech
As important as getting Jayden Daniels back healthy will be for a potential NFC resurgence, Washington also needs to address a defense that is aging at all three levels. They've already been active in free agency, but investing in a talented young edge rusher like David Bailey makes all the sense in the world. Bailey's college production speaks for itself, and he projects very well to the next level.
Previous Selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
8. New Orleans Saints
Rueben Bain Jr., DE/LB, Miami (FL)
New Orleans is in interesting position at pick eight. Travis Etienne was the flashy free agent signing, but the organization has worked to fill holes throughout both sides of the ball. Something tells me they'll work on building up the trenches still, and Rueben Bain Jr. could be the ideal solution. Bain has slipped a bit in most rankings given his Combine measurements, but he's still a Top 10 prospect in my eyes.
Previous Selection: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Other Possibility: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
This almost feels unfair. After one of the most impressive runs in NFL history over the past decade, the Chiefs are drafting in the Top 10 for the first time since they took Patrick Mahomes. And who happens to be available? One of the most versatile defenders of the cycle in Ohio State's Sonny Styles. The Buckeye product would be a dream come true for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, playing all over the field and in a wide range of roles for Kansas City.
Previous Selection: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Other Possibility: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
After surrendering nearly 29 points per contest this past fall, it's no secret defense will be a priority for the Bengals in the 2026 NFL Draft. Caleb Downs is most definitely in play here if he does last to this spot, but Mansoor Delane could arguably make an even greater impact right away. Delane was tremendous this past season in his lone year at LSU and is the type of consistent, fundamentally sound corner who should have a long NFL career.
Previous Selection: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Other Possibility: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
11. Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Miami made a splash by bringing on Malik Willis to be their new starting quarterback, but all signs point to 2026 being a rebuilding year for the 'Fins. That's good news for Jermod McCoy, a talented corner out of Tennessee still recovering from a torn ACL that cost him all of the 2025 campaign. Miami can afford to be patient with the youngster, while still investing in a need position.
Previous Selection: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Other Possibility: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
12. Dallas Cowboys
Akheem Mesidor, DL, Miami (FL)
This mock leaves Dallas in an awkward position at pick No. 12. They have clear needs at edge rusher, corner, and linebacker, but most of the names they've been connected to at those spots are off the board. Akheem Mesidor is a slight reach this high, but he still comes in at a need position after a highly productive career at both West Virginia and Miami.
Previous Selection: Rueben Bain Jr., DE/LB, Miami (FL)
Other Possibility: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
13. Los Angeles Rams
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
What better way to send off Matthew Stafford, in what very well could his final season, than drafting the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner? Makai Lemon is a special talent who could form a fearsome trio with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams already in the fold. And with Adams now 33 and past his prime, Lemon serves as the long-term replacement.
Previous Selection: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Other Possibility: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
14. Baltimore Ravens
Vega Ioane, OL, Penn State
We'll almost surely see more offensive linemen go off the board than just one in the first 13 selections, but this scenario works out great for Baltimore. The Ravens already needed to upgrade the unit, even more so now that Tyler Linderbaum is a Raider. Vega Ioane is a mauler on the interior who just feels like a Ravens draft pick to me.
Previous Selection: Vega Ioane, OL, Penn State
Other Possibility: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
As good as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were for Tampa Bay for a long time, the 2025 campaign was the indication the Buccaneers needed to upgrade this group of pass-catchers. Although a true receiver could be in play, I love the idea of the organization adding a matchup nightmare in Kenyon Sadiq, the type of freak athlete who see at this position just once every few years.
Previous Selection: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Other Possibility: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
16. New York Jets
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Once the consensus top receiver prospect in this Draft, concerns around durability have led Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson to drop into the mid-first round range. That's quite a win for the Jets, who have been desperately searching for a complement to Garrett Wilson for some time now. With Tyson, a healthy Wilson, and a Geno Smith looking for redemption, this could actually be a respectable Jet aerial attack.
Previous Selection: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Other Possibility: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
17. Detroit Lions
Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
You do get the sense that if Cleveland skips out on Spencer Fano at six, we could see the Utah product slide into the mid-first round. All the way down to 17 would be a steep drop, but you never know with how NFL teams tend to evaluate offensive linemen. He's a great fit in Detroit, who needs tackle help after moving on from Taylor Decker.
Previous Selection: Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Other Possibility: T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
18. Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
This seems to be the direction most assume the Vikings will take with this pick, given an obvious need at safety and the fact this is Dillon Thieneman's projected range. The comparisons to Harrison Smith are inevitable, but you do see some of that skillset with the former Purdue Boilermaker and Oregon Duck. His tenacity far outweighs his size, and his versatility will be an immediate asset in this Brian Flores' defense.
Previous Selection: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Other Possibility: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
19. Carolina Panthers
Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Carolina has been hard at work over the offseason after sneaking into the postseason this past fall, bringing in several new pieces along the front seven. One could think that may indicate the Panthers go offense here, but you can never have too many pass rushers in this league. Keldric Faulk gets a bit overlooked given how bad Auburn was throughout his time on The Plains, but he offers great value at this spot.
Previous Selection: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Other Possibility: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
20. Dallas Cowboys
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
I don't discount the fact Dallas could reach for C.J. Allen at pick No. 12, but this selection makes far more sense for the Georgia product. Allen comes in at a clear need position, and defensive coordinator Christian Parker loves his Bulldogs. He let Nakobe Dean run wild in Philadelphia, and gets another talented defender to work with here.
Previous Selection: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
Other Possibility: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The greater need for Pittsburgh on the offensive line may be on the interior following the departure of guard Isaac Seumalo, but finding a replacement for the inconsistent Broderick Jones doesn't feel like a bad idea either. Kadyn Proctor is a bit of a polarizing prospect in this Draft, but the ceiling is worth it at this point on the board.
Previous Selection: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Other Possibility: Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
22. Los Angeles Chargers
T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
Khalil Mack resigned for what will be his age-35 season with the Chargers, but the organization needs to add some youth at edge rusher if they want to continue their push towards the top of the AFC. There are a lot of interesting options here, but T.J. Parker is a superb athlete who should be eager to prove himself after a disappointing 2025 season.
Previous Selection: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Other Possibility: Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Georgia's Monroe Freeling is such an interesting prospect in this cycle because the range is all over the place. Some view him as a Top 10 prospect and the second linemen off the board (to Mauigoa, who feels like the consensus one at this point). Others see him as a late first rounder or even second rounder depending on how things shape up. The Eagles end the suspense, snagging a potential long-term replacement for Lane Johnson.
Previous Selection: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Other Possibility: Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
24. Cleveland Browns
Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
The Browns chose not to go with Spencer Fano at pick six, and end up going with a different Utah linemen later on. Most don't view Caleb Lomu as polished as Spencer Fano, but there is hope he could potentially help out at either guard or tackle in the pros. Leaving Day One with him and Tate would be considered a major win around the organization.
Previous Selection: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Other Possibility: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
25. Chicago Bears
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
All eyes at safety remain on Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman, but Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is trending up at the right time. There's some thought he could even be gone by this point. If not, Chicago leaps at the opportunity to add a young talent at a position that was hit hard with the losses of Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker.
Previous Selection: Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
Other Possibility: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
26. Buffalo Bills
Cashius Howell, DE, Texas A&M
The Bills may be able to get after quarterbacks, but they have not had a standout edge rusher for several years. New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is going to be aggressive with his new-look scheme, and he needs all the help off the edge he can get. Cashius Howell was a prolific sack machine at Texas A&M, and is the perfect fit here.
Previous Selection: K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Other Possibility: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
27. San Francisco 49ers
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
San Francisco could be in best player available mode in the late first, given how many holes they already plugged through free agency. But this is a franchise that has always valued investing in the offensive line, and Blake Miller is just sitting there for them. Miller is one of the most experienced prospects, regardless of position, in this Draft, with 54 starts across his time at Clemson.
Previous Selection: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Other Possibility: Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
28. Houston Texans
Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Another Clemson prospect off the board in the late first. Despite how frustrating of a season it was for the Tigers, they offer some real NFL talent this cycle, with Peter Woods among them. Woods is a disruptive interior force who moves surprisingly well for his size. You'll see him mocked much higher than this, so there's steal potential here.
Previous Selection: Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
Other Possibility: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
His former Tennessee teammate Jermod McCoy is almost sure to go much higher, but Colton Hood may be the more complete cornerback prospect. He was highly productive with the Volunteers and has all the physical tools you look for. Kansas City is rebuilding at the position, so it just makes sense.
Previous Selection: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (to LA Rams)
Other Possibility: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
30. Miami Dolphins
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Miami may choose to wait on their clear need at receiver until Day Two or Three given the stockpile of picks they have at their disposal following the Jaylen Waddle deal. But, Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. may be hard to ignore, an acrobatic wide out who has been trending up throughout the pre-Draft process. A strong Pro Day could lock him into the first round.
Previous Selection: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (to Denver)
Other Possibility: Lee Hunter, DL, Auburn
31. New England Patriots
Zion Young, DE, Missouri
Although New England has invested heavily in the offensive line in recent years, we could see more at the position. Yet, with how many good quarterbacks there are in the AFC, my bet is the Patriots add a young edge rusher who can make an immediate impact. Young still needs to round out, but few players in this Draft play with the relentless energy of the former Missouri Tiger.
Previous Selection: Akheem Mesidor, DL, Miami (FL)
Other Possibility: Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon
32. Seattle Seahawks
Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
You do wonder if running back is in play here given Kenneth Walker III's departure and the injury to Zach Charbonnet. But, there's no tailback prospect that makes sense here, so the Seahawks instead focus on their other clear need position of corner. This was a good room last season but they've faced attrition, and Aveion Terrell is superb value with the final pick of the first.
Previous Selection: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Other Possibility: Brandon Cissee, CB, South Carolina
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