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Jordan Reid
The 2025 NFL regular season concluded Sunday, which implies the 2026 NFL draft order is set for the first 18 picks. We now know the Raiders can have the No. 1 selection. So let’s challenge which prospect Las Vegas may take and the way all 32 first-round picks may play out with a brand-new mock draft.
Remember the fact that we now have three-plus months till the draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh. There are nonetheless three video games left within the 2025 college football season, too. Some gamers may resolve to go again to highschool earlier than declaration day later this month, whereas others may surprisingly depart early to affix the category. We even have predraft occasions similar to all-star video games and the mix, which can shake up boards. And let’s not overlook that each NFL group’s needs will proceed to evolve as they take stock of their rosters this offseason and signal gamers in free company to fill voids. That every one mentioned, that is the place issues stand proper now.
For this mock draft, we all know the order for pick Nos. 1-18 however then used ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) to challenge the order for Nos. 19-32, masking slots for the 14 NFL playoff groups. 4 groups even have a number of picks: the Rams (from the Falcons), Jets (from the Colts), Browns (from the Jaguars) and Cowboys (from the Packers).
Listed below are my projections for all 32 first-round picks in 2026, beginning with a brand new QB in Las Vegas. (Underclassmen are famous with an asterisk.)
See extra:
Position rankings
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*
The Raiders have not drafted a QB within the first spherical since 2007 (JaMarcus Russell). They’re in determined want of a franchise quarterback after the Geno Smith trade did not work out, and Mendoza offers a long-term resolution for a franchise that has been in search of a QB since Derek Carr was released following the 2022 season. Mendoza’s poise, toughness and accuracy stood out in his lone season with the Hoosiers, as he won the Heisman Trophy whereas main them to a 14-0 report. With tight finish Brock Bowers and working again Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders have constructing blocks on offense that may assist Mendoza thrive immediately.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
With five first-rounders over the next two drafts, the Jets have a major alternative to replenish a roster that lacks expertise all over the place. The Justin Fields experiment did not go as deliberate, so the Jets may half methods with him this offseason. Moore may give them a easy, poised operator who has the potential to be a high-end starter. He has but to make his intentions recognized about declaring for the draft, but when Moore does come out, he can be drafted very excessive — and coach Aaron Glenn and common supervisor Darren Mougey may get their franchise signal-caller.
Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami*
With Kyler Murray possibly leaving this offseason, the Cardinals have a serious query mark at quarterback. However with Mendoza and Moore coming off the board, Arizona would pivot to the offensive line. Mauigoa is without doubt one of the cleanest evaluations of this draft class as a rock-solid, constant lineman who stands 6-foot-6, 315 kilos. He is the mannequin of consistency and would match as a plug-and-play possibility on an offensive line that has main proper deal with questions. Arizona’s present proper deal with, Kelvin Beachum, is 36 and set to be a free agent. The Cardinals’ offensive tackles completed final in run block win price (69.9%), and Arizona gave up the third-most sacks within the league (59).
Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State*
The Titans are missing expertise all through their roster and spent the No. 1 pick on QB Cam Ward final yr, in order that they’re in place to take the most effective participant accessible. Reese is arguably the highest participant within the draft. He is explosive and performs with loads of physicality. He flipped backwards and forwards between linebacker and edge rusher this season, however I choose Reese in an edge rusher position within the NFL. He would give Tennessee a expertise enhance up entrance to affix four-time Professional Bowl defensive deal with Jeffery Simmons. Reese performed solely 97 snaps on the edge, however his 18.5% stress price at that place ranked seventh within the FBS.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*
It needs to be the Giants’ most important goal to get playmakers round quarterback Jaxson Dart. With Malik Nabers recovering from a torn ACL and Wan’Dale Robinson set to turn into a free agent after a breakout 1,014-yard season, receiver is a serious want for New York. Tate is a refined wideout able to executing each department on the route tree. He has positive fingers, can separate in opposition to all varieties of protection and makes performs downfield, as evidenced by his 17.1 yards per catch this season (thirty second within the FBS). Tate would offer Dart with a real deep risk who may work the intermediate ranges of the sector.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
Except they need to bundle their two first-round picks to maneuver up, the Browns will not have the ability to choose a quarterback. However they do want cross catchers to affix breakout rookie tight finish Harold Fannin Jr. and veteran huge receiver Jerry Jeudy. Tyson is a inventive route runner who could make catches outdoors the strike zone together with his sturdy fingers on the catch level. He is additionally able to making massive performs after the catch. Sturdiness would be the most important factor to look at with Tyson through the predraft course of, as he has been derailed by nagging injuries in every of the previous two seasons, lacking three video games in 2025 due to a hamstring injury.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Washington has solely two edge gamers (Dorance Armstrong and Javontae Jean-Baptiste) signed by subsequent season, and both are coming off season-ending injuries. The Commanders want youthful cross rushers, and Bailey was the best within the nation, main the FBS with 14.5 sacks this season. He additionally had 23 tackles for loss, and his 20.1% stress price was the very best of all FBS defenders. Bailey’s glorious first-step quickness helps him race previous blockers with ease, and he’s a rugged defender with a various set of pass-rush strikes and highly effective fingers. Bailey’s efficiency in opposition to Oregon within the College Football Playoff quarterfinals was among the finest I noticed from any defender this season.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
The Saints appear to have hit with second-round quarterback Tyler Shough, and it is time to get some backfield assist. Veteran working again Alvin Kamara will flip 31 earlier than subsequent season and be on the final yr of his contract in 2026, so New Orleans may add his inheritor obvious and the most effective offensive playmaker within the draft in Love. He’s explosive and can be utilized by coach Kellen Moore within the passing recreation. The Saints had the bottom proportion of 10-plus-yard runs (7.8%). Love may repair that, after posting 39 rushes of 10-plus yards this season, rating fourth within the FBS.
Rueben Bain Jr., DL, Miami*
Bain’s recreation is all about energy; he is a heavy-handed defender who often overwhelms blockers on the level of assault. Able to taking part in 0- to 9-technique, Bain can play all around the line of defense and has flashed in massive moments throughout Miami’s present playoff run. At 6-foot-3, 275 kilos, Bain’s measurables won’t match each group’s want checklist however would work effectively in Kansas Metropolis, the place defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has most well-liked dense and highly effective cross rushers. Bain had 8.5 sacks this season and would toughen a Chiefs cross rush that completed with solely 35 sacks in 2025, tied for twenty second within the NFL.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
A security hasn’t been picked within the high 10 for the reason that Jets took Jamal Adams with the No. 6 choose in 2017, however Downs is without doubt one of the three greatest gamers on this yr’s class. His versatility, positive tackling and instincts would get rid of numerous the issues that Cincinnati had on the again finish this season, as coordinator Al Golden’s protection gave up a league-high 6.2 yards per play. Against this, Downs allowed solely 3.6 yards per passing try into his protection this season (eleventh lowest within the FBS). With Geno Stone set to be an unrestricted free agent, Downs may slot into the Bengals’ secondary properly.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
Patrick Paul, Miami’s second-round choose in 2024, has developed right into a basis participant at left deal with. However with 2020 first-round choose Austin Jackson struggling to remain wholesome and heading to free company after subsequent season, the Dolphins need assistance on the different deal with spot. Fano’s gentle toes and motion expertise match ideally into Mike McDaniel’s fast-paced scheme. At 6-foot-6, 302 kilos, Fano wants so as to add bulk to his body, however his 1.1% stress price tied with Mauigoa for the second-lowest allowed by an offensive deal with within the FBS this season.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Cowboys desperately want defensive assist, and Kinds would give them a constructing block on the backbone of their protection, which allowed a league-high 30.1 factors per recreation in 2025. He can be a large improve to Kenneth Murray Jr., who struggled in each approach possible this season after being acquired from the Titans. Kinds performs an attacking type that makes use of his glorious instincts, vary and consciousness. He is a wrap-up-and-finish run defender and an in a position blitzer (six sacks in 2024) who can create adverse performs within the backfield.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC*
Davante Adams will flip 34 in December and is ready to be a free agent following the 2026 season, so the Rams have to draft a receiver who’s able to play instantly to maximise the championship window of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who turns 38 in February. Lemon may leap proper in to affix Adams and Puka Nacua. He has a high-level understanding of methods to win in opposition to all varieties of protection and makes contested catches. He had just one drop on 110 targets (79 catches), and his 21 pressured missed tackles ranked thirteenth amongst FBS receivers. Lemon is labeled as a slot receiver however can play all through the formation.
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Jayden Maiava throws 12-yard landing cross to Makai Lemon
Jayden Maiava throws 12-yard landing cross to Makai Lemon
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
Woods entered the season as one of many high prospects within the 2026 class however did not have the season that many anticipated, ending with solely two sacks after registering three as a sophomore in 2024. However he’s an explosive pocket collapser who has the flexibility to hurry from a number of spots. Woods must be extra constant, however he can penetrate the backfield and would enhance a Ravens defensive entrance that was pressured to depend on 36-year-old John Jenkins after Nnamdi Madubuike was sidelined early within the season by a neck injury.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
The Bucs want reinforcements of their entrance seven to assist Vita Vea and fifth-round revelation Elijah Roberts, and Faulk is intriguing together with his prolonged 6-5, 285-pound body. He can immediately assist as a run defender; Faulk is aware of methods to deploy his instruments on the level of assault whereas stacking and shedding blockers with ease. His body and taking part in type compares favorably to Mykel Williams and Greg Rousseau, however Faulk must develop his pass-rush repertoire. He additionally had solely two sacks this season after posting seven in 2024, however scouts are nonetheless enamored together with his upside.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
After dealing defensive deal with Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, the Jets have to rebuild their protection from the within out. McDonald can be an amazing begin. He is a forceful run defender who continually creates chaos for opposing offenses. His 7.8% run cease proportion ranked second amongst FBS defensive linemen this season. McDonald can be disruptive as a cross rusher (three sacks this season) and may push the inside of the pocket.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
It could possibly be time for the Lions to develop a succession plan for left deal with Taylor Decker, who might be 32 earlier than subsequent season and struggled with accidents in 2025. Detroit wants younger expertise on the offensive line, and Lomu is a 6-foot-6, 304-pound redshirt sophomore who’s loaded with potential. He improved his consistency in cross safety this season, giving up solely six pressures and 0 sacks, however Lomu nonetheless wants so as to add power to his body to turn into a greater run blocker.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Minnesota lacks younger, high-upside gamers within the secondary, which drafting Delane would remedy. He’s technically sound with a savvy ability set, which might match properly into Brian Flores’ various scheme. Delane has the velocity to show and run with targets in man protection, however his eyes in zone protection are among the many better of any nook on this yr’s class. His 27.8% completion proportion allowed was the third-lowest price within the FBS, and he had 11 cross breakups and two interceptions this season.
Reminder: Decide Nos. 19-32 are based mostly on ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index projections for the playoffs, and the order will not be closing till after Tremendous Bowl LX on Feb. 8.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*
The Panthers have choices to make about quarterback Bryce Young, as he’s eligible for a contract extension this offseason. Carolina additionally should resolve whether or not to choose up his fifth-year possibility for 2027. The Panthers hit on first-round receiver Tetairoa McMillan within the 2025 draft and drafting Sadiq would give Younger one other playmaker whereas permitting Carolina to additional consider the quarterback’s long-term match with the franchise. Sadiq is the clear No. 1 tight finish within the class; he creates mismatches as a receiver (his eight landing receptions high all FBS tight ends) and is a more-than-willing blocker within the run recreation.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The Bears’ cross rush was inconsistent this season, as they had been thirty first in cross rush win price (28.8%) and tied for twenty second in sacks (35 sacks). Howell would give Chicago a tenacious, energetic edge rusher, as his 11.5 sacks this season had been the fourth most within the FBS. Howell’s dimension (6-foot-2, 248 kilos) and arm size may scare off some groups, however the Bears want a disruptive cross rusher to enrich veteran Montez Sweat. Howell can be simply that.
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Analyzing the tape on Cashius Howell’s three sacks in a row
SEC Community analysts Gene Chizik and Matt Stinchcomb break down Howell’s elite cross dashing as he will get to the quarterback on back-to-back-to-back performs.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M*
Pittsburgh has its No. 1 receiver in DK Metcalf, however the depth chart is fairly tough after that, with Calvin Austin III and Marquez Valdes-Scantling set to turn into free brokers and veteran Adam Thielen probably retiring. Concepcion would have the chance to make an prompt affect as a No. 2 possibility for the Steelers, particularly as a result of he can play within the slot and out of doors. He’s a gearshift route runner who can speed up and decelerate to create separation in route stems. However Concepcion must be extra constant together with his fingers, as he dropped seven passes this season.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
I’ve talked with a number of scouts about Proctor in latest weeks, and opinions on the 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman stay in every single place. Many consider he’ll be picked within the high 25 due to his dimension and flashes of improved play, and a number of other referred to Proctor’s upside as a guard. That is the place he would play with the Chargers, who ought to have bookend tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt healthy and ready to go subsequent season. Proctor suits the Chargers’ mentality as a tricky, bodily blocker who may assist the inside safety of quarterback Justin Herbert.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
If there is a receiver on this draft who would excel in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, it is Boston, whose 11 receiving touchdowns had been the fourth most amongst all huge receivers within the FBS. He is a strong-handed perimeter goal who wins a excessive proportion of contested catches and can be a keen blocker within the run recreation. With Jauan Jennings scheduled to turn into an unrestricted free agent, Boston would fill the void as a bigger-body receiver who’s unafraid to do the soiled work as a run blocker.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*
The Payments have an enormous want at receiver, however there is not an accessible participant at that place who is smart right here. So we’ll pivot to linebacker, the place Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson are older (each will flip 32 this offseason) and set to turn into free brokers. Allen is a sudden second-level defender who steps downhill with numerous closing velocity. He is a constant run defender who thrives on contact. He wants to enhance his eyes and consciousness in protection, however Allen has gotten higher in these areas this season.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
McCoy didn’t play in any respect this season after suffering an ACL tear final January. That makes him a tricky analysis, as scouts have various opinions on when he ought to come off the board, however one may argue that he had top-10 potential getting into the season. Whereas he will not possible be that, the Cowboys want reinforcements at cornerback, particularly after releasing former Professional Bowler Trevon Diggs. McCoy can be a worthy choose at this spot even with the knee harm questions, and the Cowboys have taken gamers in similar situations up to now (similar to cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. final yr).
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina*
Quinyon Mitchell is a foundational participant at one outdoors nook spot, however the Eagles have a void at No. 2 nook. Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo have been inconsistent, whereas Cooper DeJean is greatest at nickel. Cisse is a protracted, lively nook at 6-foot, 190 kilos. His dependability in press protection and consciousness in zone would enable him to excel in coordinator Vic Fangio’s protection scheme. Cisse is a reputation to look at within the predraft course of, as he could possibly be a riser through the offseason circuit.
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*
Houston has three defensive tackles on injured reserve and will use reinforcements there to play off their elite edge dashing duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. Washington has excessive upside and continues to enhance in his first yr as a starter. He’s an upfield penetrator who’s able to taking part in a number of inside spots however initiatives greatest as a 3-technique on the subsequent stage. His violent fingers create fast wins in opposition to inside blockers, and the Texans can be including an explosive defensive lineman to an already-stout protection.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State*
The Browns are in want of an offensive line overhaul, as Cleveland may want a minimum of three new starters. One who could possibly be departing is former All-Professional guard Joel Bitonio, who’s 34 years previous and set to be a free agent. Ioane could possibly be his successor as one of the vital constant blockers on this yr’s class. He performs with a rock-solid base, and his hand energy offers him knock-back power as a cross protector. He did not enable a sack and gave up solely two pressures this season. Ioane can be a bodily run blocker, and he has the potential to be a right away starter.
Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon*
The Patriots’ large turnaround from 4-13 in 2024 to 14-3 this season has been based mostly largely on coach Mike Vrabel’s improvement of the younger core. Uiagalelei can add to that core and is able to play immediately. He performs with all-out effort and is able to becoming into a number of schemes at 6-foot-5, 272 kilos. Uiagalelei is already an asset in run protection however should proceed to enhance his pass-rush strikes to assist the Patriots on the sting, particularly as a result of K’Lavon Chaisson is ready to turn into a free agent.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*
Terrell is the youthful brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. and has a feistiness and competitiveness that belies his 5-foot-11, 180-pound dimension. He’s ultra-competitive and has pressured eight fumbles in his profession, essentially the most of any Clemson defensive again ever. The Rams have not used a Day 1 or 2 choose on a cornerback since Sean McVay grew to become coach in 2017, so Terrell would add top-level expertise to a skinny Rams cornerback room that may see veterans Ahkello Witherspoon and Roger McCreary turn into unrestricted free brokers.
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Clemson’s Avieon Terrell forces a fumble on Bauer Sharp
Avieon Terrell hits Bauer Sharp as he is falling and Ricardo Jones picks it up for Clemson.
Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad might be free brokers after the season, which makes linebacker a precedence for the Broncos. At 6-foot-4, 240 kilos, Golday aligns at each inside and out of doors linebacker in Cincinnati’s protection however initiatives greatest as a Mike on the subsequent stage. His mixture of size, block avoidance and flexibility make him an possibility at this choose. Golday is already receiving excessive Day 2 grades from scouts I’ve talked to and is a prospect who will possible proceed to rise all through the method.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee*
Devon Witherspoon and Nehemiah Pritchett are the one two Seahawks corners beneath contract subsequent season, with Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen set to be free brokers. So Seattle may use cornerback reinforcements. Hood blossomed in his lone season in Tennessee, his third faculty cease. Showcasing easy transition expertise and the attention to make performs on the ball, Hood is a extremely aggressive participant who suits into Mike Macdonald’s protection. He did not surrender a landing cross this season, and his 10 cross breakups helped him end within the high 30 of all FBS defensive backs.
