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2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Daniel Jeremiah Predicts 32 1st Rd Picks

John Canady

Host · Writer

32) Seattle Seahawks: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190

KC Concepcion posted 61 catches for 919 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, proving to be a reliable and explosive playmaker. Quick and agile, Concepcion finds openings in coverage, consistently turning short targets into big gains and showing potential as a dynamic receiving threat.

"Concepcion brings speed on offense and is a dynamic returner who took two punts back for touchdowns in 2025." - Jeremiah
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225

After transferring from Cal to Indiana, Fernando Mendoza elevated his game in a big way during the 2025 season. He completed 72.0% of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions across 16 games, while also punching in seven rushing touchdowns. One of the most notable improvements came in pass protection management, as he reduced his sacks from 41 the year prior to 25 by speeding up his decision-making and navigating the pocket more efficiently.

While he isn’t known for elite arm talent, Mendoza thrives on timing and precision. He throws with touch to all levels of the field and operates comfortably within structure, consistently making smart reads and keeping the offense on rhythm.

"I like the marriage between Mendoza’s skill set and Klint Kubiak’s scheme." - Jeremiah
2) New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250

After transferring from Stanford, David Bailey erupted at Texas Tech in 2025, piling up 76 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 71 pressures, eight run stops, three forced fumbles, and four pass breakups in 14 games. Remarkably, he equaled his entire three-year sack output at Stanford in a single season.

Bailey overwhelms tackles with a blend of burst and power, converting speed into force and finishing with authority. He plays with nonstop energy, collapses the pocket from multiple alignments, and shows the disruptive traits to impact games against both the run and the pass.

"Bailey’s combination of explosiveness and production is the best of the bunch." - Jeremiah
3) Arizona Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315

Francis Mauigoa continued to assert himself on the right side in 2025, making 15 starts and allowing just two sacks while serving as a tone-setter in the ground game. His physicality jumps off the screen, especially when he’s driving defenders off the ball and creating movement at the point of attack.

With his massive frame and punishing grip strength, Mauigoa can stall rushers once he gets his hands attached. He plays with a strong base and rarely gets knocked off balance, giving him the versatility to stick outside or potentially slide inside down the line.

"Mauigoa plugs in at right tackle and upgrades an offensive line in desperate need of help." - Jeremiah
4) Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 275

Rueben Bain Jr. emerged as a relentless force off the edge in 2025, compiling 64 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 68 pressures, eight run stops, one forced fumble, and one interception across 16 games. He consistently disrupted backfields and pressured quarterbacks before plays could develop.

Bain combines raw power with refined technique, using a violent rip move and excellent bend to defeat blockers. His balance, speed, and instincts make him a constant threat to both the run and pass, creating havoc on every snap.

"Bain’s temperament and playing style will perfectly complement Jeffery Simmons. They’re cut from the same cloth in how they play the game." - Jeremiah
5) New York Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195

Carnell Tate continued Ohio State’s lineage of elite receivers with 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns across 11 games in 2025. Averaging 17.2 yards per reception, Tate stretches defenses, turning routine targets into explosive plays thanks to his size, reliable hands, and polished route-running.

"The Giants add another weapon for Jaxson Dart. Tate gives the offense a vertical receiver to play opposite a hopefully-healthy Malik Nabers." - Jeremiah
6) Cleveland Browns: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 302

Spencer Fano locked down the right tackle job in 2025, starting 12 games without surrendering a single sack and routinely neutralizing edge pressure. His consistency in protection helped stabilize the front and keep the pocket clean.

Rather than leaning solely on size, Fano wins with refined mechanics and timing. He strikes with strong hands, maintains leverage through contact, and shows the body control to mirror rushers in space. Dependable in pass sets and sturdy in the run game, he brings the kind of steadiness teams look for on the edge.

"The Browns should be hoping one of the top offensive tackles is available to them at No. 6. Cleveland snags Fano to start from Day 1." - Jeremiah
7) Washington Commanders: LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243

Arvell Reese looks the part of a next-level linebacker every time you study the Ohio State tape. In 2025, he totaled 69 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, nine run stops, and two pass breakups over 14 games, consistently finding ways to impact the action in multiple phases.

Reese is decisive once he keys in on the play, attacking gaps with confidence and speed. His range allows him to cover ground laterally, and his acceleration as a blitzer makes him a legitimate threat when turned loose. Whether fitting the run or applying pressure, he brings an aggressive, downhill presence that defenses covet.

"Reese provides Washington some explosiveness and versatility. He might be a tougher projection than some of the other pass rushers in this year’s draft, given that he split time between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker for the Buckeyes. Reese has the highest upside of the group, though." - Jeremiah
8) New Orleans Saints: WR Makai Lemon, USC
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195

Makai Lemon broke out in 2025, hauling in 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns across 12 games for USC. Third in the nation in receiving yards per game, Lemon shows a nose for the football and elite after-the-catch explosiveness, regularly turning routine receptions into game-changing plays.

"Kellen Moore will know exactly how to utilize Lemon’s skills." - Jeremiah
9) Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 214

Jeremiyah Love stood out as one of college football’s most explosive backs in 2025, totaling 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries, while adding 27 receptions for 280 yards and three receiving touchdowns across 12 games.

Known for his vision and burst, Love pairs quickness with excellent contact balance, forcing 60 missed tackles and regularly turning ordinary runs into big gains. His playmaking ability makes him a versatile threat in both the running and passing game.

"If defenses continue to play a conservative shell defense against the Chiefs, Love can make them pay." - Jeremiah
10) Cincinnati Bengals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205

Caleb Downs continued to showcase his savvy in 2025, totaling 67 tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, one sack, and six run stops over 14 games. His production reflects a player who reads the game exceptionally well and reacts quickly.

With instincts that rival many coaches’ eyes on the field, Downs pairs football IQ with athleticism, allowing him to make plays across the secondary and provide consistent, versatile coverage support.

"The Bengals’ defense could use consistency and structure. Downs provides both." - Jeremiah
11) Miami Dolphins: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190

Mansoor Delane put together another productive campaign in 2025, finishing with 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and two interceptions in 11 games while continuing to show reliability on the outside.

Comfortable in multiple coverages, Delane blends discipline with sharp anticipation. He reads routes quickly, stays connected through breaks, and attacks the football when it’s in the air. His awareness and technique allow him to limit separation and consistently challenge throws at the catch point.

"With Rasul Douglas, Jack Jones, and Kader Kohou heading for free agency, the Dolphins land the best cornerback in the draft." - Jeremiah
12) Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 193

Jermod McCoy sat out all of 2025 recovering from a torn ACL, but his prior tape keeps him in early first-round conversations. In 2024, he recorded four interceptions and nine pass breakups after transferring from Oregon State, where he had two interceptions in 2023.

Known for his instincts and ball skills, McCoy consistently locates the football and makes plays in tight coverage. His ability to anticipate routes and attack the ball keeps him on the radar despite missing a full season.

"The Cowboys must fix their pass rush and secondary. I believe there’s a drop-off at cornerback after McCoy, so they address the position here." - Jeremiah
13) Los Angeles Rams: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren became a cornerstone of Toledo’s secondary in 2025, recording 77 tackles, six pass defenses, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 0.5 sacks. His size, range, and instincts allow him to cover sideline-to-sideline and contribute near the line of scrimmage, blending physicality and football IQ to make plays consistently.

"McNeil-Warren offers L.A. its own playmaking, rangy safety, boosting a pass defense that has struggled in recent years." - Jeremiah
14) Baltimore Ravens: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200

Jordyn Tyson had another strong season despite missing time with a hamstring injury, hauling in 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns over nine games in 2025. A Colorado transfer, Tyson consistently finds separation, wins contested catches, and serves as a reliable red zone target.

"Tyson gives the new coaching staff more firepower on offense." - Jeremiah
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243

Sonny Styles broke out as a versatile linebacker in 2025, posting 77 tackles, seven tackles for loss, nine run stops, three pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble, and one sack over 14 games. His production demonstrated an ability to impact both the run and the pass consistently.

A former safety, Styles combines elite athleticism with high-level instincts. He reads plays quickly, tracks the quarterback, and closes with speed, giving him the tools to make plays sideline-to-sideline and create mismatches in coverage.

"I have Styles rated much higher than 15th in my prospect rankings, but not all teams value off-ball linebackers the same way. " - Jeremiah
16) New York Jets: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 330

Olaivavega Ioane started 11 games at left guard in 2025, allowing zero sacks while consistently controlling defenders at the point of attack. Agile for his size, he reaches the second level with ease, moving linebackers and sustaining blocks to dominate the line of scrimmage.

"I know quarterback is a huge need for the Jets, but I don’t see a QB worthy of the 16th overall pick this year. So, they can take the best player available. I view Ioane as the best offensive lineman in the draft." - Jeremiah
17) Detroit Lions: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 265

T.J. Parker totaled 37 tackles, five sacks, and one pass defense in 2025, showing his ability to impact games off the edge.

Parker combines power and burst, using technique and timing to consistently pressure quarterbacks while remaining stout against the run.

"Parker had an underwhelming 2025 season, but he bounced back in a big way at the Senior Bowl. I think he’s climbing draft boards once again." - Jeremiah
18) Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205

Dillon Thieneman led Oregon’s secondary in 2025 with 92 tackles, five pass defenses, two interceptions, and one sack, making plays across the field. Thieneman pairs quickness and instincts with playmaking ability, showing he can affect both the run and pass. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, he has the tools to step in immediately as a strong safety.

"After studying Thieneman’s impressive 2025 tape at Oregon, I went back and watched the film from his career at Purdue, where he played in 2023 and '24. His range and playmaking skills were evident back then, too. He would be an excellent replacement for Harrison Smith. " - Jeremiah
19) Carolina Panthers: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 285

Keldric Faulk racked up 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, 29 pressures, and 11 run stops across 12 games in 2025. The Auburn edge rusher uses length, power, and a versatile pass-rushing arsenal to consistently defeat blockers both inside and outside, making him a dynamic threat off the edge.

"Faulk has the versatility to rush from the inside and outside" - Jeremiah
20) Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 280

Akheem Mesidor emerged as a disruptive edge presence in 2025, totaling 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. He pairs raw power with burst and instinct, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and creating turnovers. At 25 years old, his ceiling may be capped slightly, but he projects as a versatile 4-3 defensive end capable of impacting games immediately.

"Teams might have to get comfortable with Mesidor’s age -- he will be a 25-year-old rookie -- but he was dominant during Miami’s run in the College Football Playoff. " - Jeremiah
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 209

Denzel Boston hauled in 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns over 12 games in 2025, using size, length, and physicality to challenge defenders downfield. A precise route runner with dependable hands, Boston averages 14.2 yards per reception and consistently finds openings in coverage, making him a reliable deep threat.

"Boston makes too much sense here. The Steelers would have two power forwards on the outside with the rookie playing opposite DK Metcalf." - Jeremiah
22) Los Angeles Chargers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245

Kenyon Sadiq posted 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns over 14 games in 2025, with nearly half his yardage coming after the catch. Quick and explosive, Sadiq uses size and speed to create mismatches, consistently turning opportunities in open space into big plays.

"Sadiq is the perfect weapon for a creative offensive mind like Mike McDaniel." - Jeremiah
23) Philadelphia Eagles: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315

Blake Miller brings size, experience, and technical skill to the offensive line. At 6-foot-6, 315 pounds, he dominates in the run game and provides consistent pass protection. Miller’s awareness and versatility allow him to handle multiple front schemes, making him a reliable and adaptable lineman.

"Even if Lane Johnson decides to put off retirement, I believe the Eagles would not mind having his eventual replacement on the roster." - Jeremiah
24) Cleveland Browns: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315

Monroe Freeling has the length, athleticism, and technique to contribute immediately on the offensive line. He uses size and agility to open lanes in the run game and sustain blocks in pass protection. While his college experience is limited, Freeling’s upside and skill set give him the tools to develop into a long-term, high-ceiling starter.

"This draft would be a big success for the Browns if they landed two starting offensive linemen, as they do in this scenario with Freeling joining Spencer Fano" - Jeremiah
25) Chicago Bears: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315

Peter Woods provides flexibility on the defensive line, capable of lining up as both a 1- and 3-technique. In 2025, he totaled 30 tackles, two sacks, and one pass defense, showing flashes as a pass rusher while holding up against the run.

His combination of size, versatility, and emerging pass-rush skills makes Woods an intriguing prospect in a thin defensive tackle class.

"Teams seem to be all over the map on how they rank this year’s defensive tackles. Woods probably is the most explosive of the group and brings some juice on the interior." - Jeremiah
26) Buffalo Bills: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 223

Malachi Fields caught 36 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns in 2025, consistently making plays downfield. Fields pairs size and athleticism with reliable hands, creating separation and turning contested catches into momentum-changing plays for his offense.

"The Bills add a player with a wide catch radius to complement Khalil Shakir at receiver. Fields was excellent all week long at the Senior Bowl." - Jeremiah
27) San Francisco 49ers: DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 325

Lee Hunter posted 41 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 2025, anchoring the interior line with power and presence.

Hunter can hold ground against the run while generating occasional inside pressure. His combination of size, strength, and dominant Senior Bowl performance projects him as a nose tackle who can contribute immediately.

"Hunter can hold the point against the run, and he showed flashes of his upside as a pass rusher at the Senior Bowl" - Jeremiah
28) Houston Texans: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 304

Caleb Lomu started all 12 games at left tackle in 2025, allowing zero sacks while performing at a high level in both pass protection and run blocking. Athletic and agile, Lomu handles edge rushers and secondary moves effectively, surrendering just three sacks over 1,500-plus career snaps, proving consistency and reliability at the position.

"Lomu pairs with Aireontae Ersery to give the Texans young bookends to build around on the offensive line."
29) Los Angeles Rams: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195

Colton Hood emerged as a steady presence in Tennessee’s secondary in 2025, recording 50 tackles, eight pass defenses, one interception, and one forced fumble. He consistently made plays while limiting separation in coverage.

Hood relies on sharp instincts and fluid footwork to stay tight on receivers and react quickly to the ball. Though not physically imposing, his timing and awareness allow him to make a consistent impact throughout the season.

"The Rams double down on the secondary in Round 1, with free agency threatening to eat into their DB depth. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and Hood can both take the ball away." - Jeremiah
30) Denver Broncos: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 235

CJ Allen delivered a downhill, physical presence at linebacker, recording 88 tackles, four pass defenses, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception in 2025. Though not the most rangy linebacker, Allen’s instincts and toughness allow him to dominate in the run game and serve as a reliable force on early downs.

"Allen is a steady, reliable player who can handle the nerve center of that talented defense." - Jeremiah
31) New England Patriots: EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 262

Zion Young racked up 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks, two pass defenses, and two forced fumbles in 2025, establishing himself as a versatile edge threat. Young plays with consistent motor and power, setting the edge against the run while generating pressure and forcing turnovers when attacking the quarterback.

"Young feels like an excellent fit for Mike Vrabel’s defense. He’s a big, rugged edge rusher who capped off a strong Senior Bowl week by winning Defensive MVP honors in the game." - Jeremiah
32) Seattle Seahawks: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190

KC Concepcion posted 61 catches for 919 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, proving to be a reliable and explosive playmaker. Quick and agile, Concepcion finds openings in coverage, consistently turning short targets into big gains and showing potential as a dynamic receiving threat.

"Concepcion brings speed on offense and is a dynamic returner who took two punts back for touchdowns in 2025." - Jeremiah
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225

After transferring from Cal to Indiana, Fernando Mendoza elevated his game in a big way during the 2025 season. He completed 72.0% of his passes for 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions across 16 games, while also punching in seven rushing touchdowns. One of the most notable improvements came in pass protection management, as he reduced his sacks from 41 the year prior to 25 by speeding up his decision-making and navigating the pocket more efficiently.

While he isn’t known for elite arm talent, Mendoza thrives on timing and precision. He throws with touch to all levels of the field and operates comfortably within structure, consistently making smart reads and keeping the offense on rhythm.

"I like the marriage between Mendoza’s skill set and Klint Kubiak’s scheme." - Jeremiah