NFL · 5 hours ago

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for Every First-Round Pick 7.0

Grant White

Host · Writer

32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Selection: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- Position: S
- School: Toledo Rockets
The Seahawks can't afford to keep everyone on defense, and they should have some holes to fill in their secondary. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is an underappreciated asset who will quickly earn a reputation in the NFL.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
- Selection: Fernando Mendoza
- Position: QB
- School: Indiana Hoosiers
The Raiders made their intentions known late last week, as they traded Maxx Crosby to the Ravens. Their eyes are clearly set on the future, which includes Fernando Mendoza for years to come.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
- Selection: Arvell Reese
- Position: LB
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
Despite a litany of talent among the top prospects, Arvell Reese has propelled himself to the consensus number 2 selection. As they typically do, the Jets will find a way to mess this up.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Selection: Jeremiyah Love
- Position: RB
- School: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Cardinals may delude themselves into believing that an offensive lineman is the way to go with this pick. However, we're betting that common sense prevails and Jeremiyah Love ends up in Arizona.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Selection: Francis Mauigoa
- Position: OT
- School: Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The dream scenario for Tennessee is Jeremiyah Love falling into their laps with the fourth pick in the draft. Still, Francis Mauigoa is an ideal consolation prize as they look to insulate Cam Ward for years to come.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
- Selection: Carnell Tate
- Position: WR
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
This is a deep wide receivers class, particularly atop the draft board. We're betting that the Giants shake up the order and snag Carnell Tate with the fifth pick.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Selection: Jordyn Tyson
- Position: WR
- School: Arizona State Sun Devils
The Browns remain one of the most embarrassing franchises in professional sports. Adding Jordyn Tyson could help them reshape their identity for years to come.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
- Selection: Caleb Downs
- Position: S
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
The Commanders desperately need to figure things out on defense; otherwise, no amount of offensive talent will help them compete. Caleb Downs is the upgrade Washington's secondary desperately needs.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Selection: David Bailey
- Position: EDGE
- School: Texas Tech Red Raiders
With the top offensive playmakers off the board, the Saints will focus on improving their defensive line. David Bailey is the top-ranked edge rusher in this year's class, and he won't slide past the eighth pick in Pittsburgh.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Selection: Kenyon Sadiq
- Position: TE
- School: Oregon Ducks
This will be the first unexpected pick of the draft. Kenyon Sadiq had an absolutely dominant showing at the combine, and the Chiefs will maximize his productivity for years to come.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Selection: Rueben Bain Jr.
- Position: EDGE
- School: Miami (FL) Hurricanes
There are plenty of holes to fill on the Bengals' defense, but with Rueben Bain Jr. still on the board, this pick will make itself. The edge rusher is the catalyst for change Cincinnati has been looking for.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Selection: Spencer Fano
- Position: OT
- School: Utah Utes
Fixing the Dolphins will take more than one pick near the top of the draft. While they may seek out one of the premier defenders still on the board, we think it's more likely they take the best player available in Spencer Fano.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
- Selection: Sonny Styles
- Position: LB
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
The Cowboys could use upgrades in every level of their defense. It may be tempting to swing early at a top defensive lineman, but we expect them to take Sonny Styles in the 12 spot.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Selection: Keldric Faulk
- Position: EDGE
- School: Auburn Tigers
After the acquisition of Trent McDuffie, the Rams can shift their focus at the 2026 NFL Draft. They will be tempted to upgrade their offensive line, but Keldric Faulk is just too good to pass up on.
14. Las Vegas Raiders (via Baltimore Ravens)
- Selection: Caleb Lomu
- Position: OT
- School: Utah Utes
This will be a tough spot for the Raiders. Either way, Las Vegas needs to find a way to bolster its offensive attack. They may be able to do that with one of the top wideouts left on the board, but the safer pick is to insulate their franchise quarterback with Caleb Lomu.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Selection: Mansoor Delane
- Position: CB
- School: LSU Tigers
The Buccaneers lost out on a playoff spot, thanks largely in part to their ineffective pass defense. Mansoor Delane offers the stability the Bucs need in their secondary.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
- Selection: Akheem Mesidor
- Position: EDGE
- School: Miami (FL) Hurricanes
One premier defender doesn't move the needle for the Jets, meaning they can't rest their laurels on Arvell Reese. They need some reinforcements throughout their unit, and Akheem Mesidor will be a staple off the edge.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Selection: Jermod McCoy
- Position: CB
- School: Tennessee Volunteers
The smart move here is for the Lions to trade down the draft board. With all of the top edge rushers gone, they could add to their rookie depth by moving out of this spot. If they do end up making the selection, Jermod McCoy is the only player who makes sense.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Selection: Olaivavega Ioane
- Position: OG
- School: Penn State Nittany Lions
It was painful watching the Vikings' offensive line try and hold up this past season. Olaivavega Ioane is needed to help bolster Minnesota's offensive line.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Selection: Denzel Boston
- Position: WR
- School: Washington Huskies
The Panthers will have a choice to make with their first-round pick. Assuredly, it will be used on a wide receiver to bolster their passing attack. With several top names still on the board, we predict they nab Denzel Boston with the 19th pick.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
- Selection: Peter Woods
- Position: DT
- School: Clemson Tigers
An upgrade on the defensive line would go a long way to securing the Cowboys' future. They will have to choose between one of two Clemson Tigers, and the right choice is Peter Woods.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Selection: Colton Hood
- Position: CB
- School: Tennessee Volunteers
The Steelers could be looking for their quarterback of the future. Still, it would be foolish to pass up Colton Hood in favor of a signal-caller who could still be around in later rounds.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Selection: Max Iheanachor
- Position: OT
- School: Arizona State Sun Devils
Imagine how good the Chargers would look if Justin Herbert actually had time to operate. Max Iheanachor is a step in the right direction for Los Angeles.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Selection: T.J. Parker
- Position: EDGE
- School: Clemson Tigers
We'll see what happens in free agency, but adding a top-tier edge rusher should be a priority for the Eagles in this year's draft. T.J. Parker is the most reliable option still available.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Selection: Makai Lemon
- Position: WR
- School: USC Trojans
Why add just one elite wide receiver when you can add two? The Browns' lack of offensive production was worrisome, but Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson would wreak havoc for years to come.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Selection: Dillon Thieneman
- Position: S
- School: Oregon Ducks
It seems like a foregone conclusion that the Bears will add the best remaining secondary defender with their first-round selection. It's up for debate, but we see Dillon Thieneman as the premier secondary defender still available.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Selection: Lee Hunter
- Position: DT
- School: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Just a few seasons ago, the Bills had an embarrassment of riches on defense. With the pipeline bled dry, restocking their cupboards will be a priority in Pittsburgh. Lee Hunter is the interior presence they crave on the defensive line.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Selection: Monroe Freeling
- Position: OT
- School: Georgia Bulldogs
The 49ers need to reevaluate their current roster formation. With aging players sprinkled throughout their lineup, it's time to take an honest accounting of what's needed to succeed in the NFC West. Monroe Freeling is a safe, albeit, needed selection.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
- Selection: Kayden McDonald
- Position: DT
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
Depending on how the draft plays out, the Texans could target an offensive lineman with their first pick. But with the top players gone, they should strengthen their defensive line with Kayden McDonald.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)
- Selection: Derrick Moore
- Position: EDGE
- School: Michigan Wolverines
Part of the Chiefs' aura was an unstoppable defensive line, which wasn't the case last season. Derrick Moore moves them closer to that reputation.
30. Denver Broncos (14-3)
- Selection: CJ Allen
- Position: LB
- School: Georgia Bulldogs
Surely, the Broncos will be looking to upgrade their running back depth at some point in the draft; however, this isn't the spot to do it. The youthful injection of CJ Allen ensures the Broncos stay in contention.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
- Selection: Kadyn Proctor
- Position: OT
- School: Alabama Crimson Tide
With protection an issue, they have to go back to the well for an O-lineman, not ideal, but the Patriots don't really have a choice. Expect the AFC champs to add Kadyn Proctor to their offensive line at the end of the first round.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Selection: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- Position: S
- School: Toledo Rockets
The Seahawks can't afford to keep everyone on defense, and they should have some holes to fill in their secondary. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is an underappreciated asset who will quickly earn a reputation in the NFL.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
- Selection: Fernando Mendoza
- Position: QB
- School: Indiana Hoosiers
The Raiders made their intentions known late last week, as they traded Maxx Crosby to the Ravens. Their eyes are clearly set on the future, which includes Fernando Mendoza for years to come.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for Every First-Round Pick 7.0

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