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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for the First 40 Picks

Grant White

Host · Writer

40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Jacob Rodriguez
- LB
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Chiefs parted ways with Leo Chenal in free agency, creating a vacancy in their defense. Jacob Rodriguez will fill that void and become an instant favorite in Kansas City.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
We'll soon see whether Fernando Mendoza is the answer to all of the Raiders' problems.

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2. New York Jets (3-14)
- Arvell Reese
- LB
- Ohio State Buckeyes
Well, it's groundhog day again. The Jets are building from scratch, and could use upgrades at virtually every position on the field. Anyone other than Arvell Reese would be a travesty.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Ty Simpson
- QB
- Alabama Crimson Tide
There are All-Pro-worthy talents at several key positions. The Cardinals are delusional enough to think that Ty Simpson will solve all of their problems, though.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Francis Mauigoa
- OT
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
It might not be the most popular pick, but it's one the Titans need to make. Insulating Cam Ward with Francis Mauigoa should yield immediate results.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
- Jeremiyah Love
- RB
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Giants are heading into the draft looking to add a high-end wide receiver. With Jeremiyah Love on the board, the pass-catcher can wait.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Carnell Tate
- WR
- Ohio State Buckeyes
If the draft plays out like this, the Browns will nab the premier wideout available in this year's class. Carnell Tate could almost single-handedly lead their resurgence.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
- Mansoor Delane
- CB
- LSU Tigers
The Commanders need to address their pass defense in the worst way. They could target a safety early, but Mansoor Delane offers more upside.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- David Bailey
- EDGE
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
In a class loaded with top-end edge rushers, David Bailey ranks as the best available. The Saints will waste no time in calling his name.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Rueben Bain Jr.
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Once the first domino falls, the run on edge rushers should build momentum. Rueben Bain Jr. solidifies the Chiefs' defensive front.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Sonny Styles
- LB
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Bengals need to address their defensive shortcomings in the worst way. With the top two edge rushers off the board, they should target Sonny Styles.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Caleb Downs
- S
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Dolphins are starting from scratch. Expect them to focus on their defense this season, turning their attention to offense in years to come. Caleb Downs is the stalwart they need to build around.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
- Keldric Faulk
- EDGE
- Auburn Tigers
The Cowboys will look to strengthen the trenches early in the draft. They may look to a defensive tackle, but Keldric Faulk offers more long-term upside.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Kadyn Proctor
- OT
- Alabama Crimson Tide
Sean McVay knows that a competent offensive line helps win football games. Kadyn Proctor solidifies the line for years to come.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Olaivavega Ioane
- OG
- Penn State Nittany Lions
The Ravens offense could be so much more productive with an elite offensive line. Olaivavega Ioane could help the Ravens do great things next season.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Akheem Mesidor
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The Buccaneers need to address their ineffective pass-defense, and they could do so in a less conventional way. Having Akheem Mesidor apply more pressure upfront will alleviate some of the secondary's burden.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
- Makai Lemon
- WR
- USC Trojans
With their second-pick of the draft, the Jets will set their sights on an offensive playmaker. Makai Lemon is one of the best pass-catchers available.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Kayden McDonald
- DT
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Lions' offense is built to win now, but their defense needs some work. Kayden McDonald addresses an area of need and should free up more space for Aidan Hutchinson.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Monroe Freeling
- OT
- Georgia Bulldogs
The Vikings need to insulate newly-signed Kyler Murray. Monroe Freeling offers the protection Murray didn't have in Arizona.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Kenyon Sadiq
- TE
- Oregon Ducks
Imagine a Panthers' offense with Tetairoa McMillan and Kenyon Sadiq. This duo could lead Carolina to never-before-seen glory.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
- Dillon Thieneman
- S
- Oregon Ducks
The Cowboys getting Dillon Thieneman spot could be the catalyst for immediate progress. Defense was an issue, but with Thieneman and Faulk, the future looks brighter than ever.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Jordan Tyson
- WR
- Arizona State Sun Devils
The Steelers need more offensive weapons. Jordan Tyson pairs perfectly with DK Metcalf, and will shoulder a heavy load in his rookie season.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Caleb Lomu
- OT
- Utah Utes
The Chargers need a massive upgrade on their offensive line. Thankfully, Caleb Lomu is exactly that.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- T.J. Parker
- EDGE
- Clemson Tigers
The Eagles lost a few key defenders this offseason. T.J. Parker will land in the City of Brotherly Love with the chance to make an immediate impact.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Blake Miller
- OT
- Clemson Tigers
The Browns may be tempted into going after a defender in this spot, but insulating their offense with Blake Miller is the better decision.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Aveion Terrell
- CB
- Clemson Tigers
One way or another, the Bears will add to their secondary in the first round. With Aveion Terrell available, he's the most logical choice.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Omar Cooper Jr.
- WR
- Indiana Hoosiers
The Bills are missing a premier pass-catcher to maximize their offensive production. Omar Cooper Jr. will be expected to deliver early in his NFL career.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Peter Woods
- DT
- Clemson Tigers
The run on former Clemson Tigers continues with the Niners' first-round pick. Peter Woods should thrive in Kyle Shanahan's defense-first systems.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
- Lee Hunter
- DT
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Texans are stacked on both sides of the football. Lee Hunter may not be a sexy pick, but it is a necessary one.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)
- Denzel Boston
- WR
- Washington Huskies
The Chiefs should be looking to nab one of the high-ceiling pass-catchers. Denzel Boston is exactly that, and should find immediate chemistry with Patrick Mahomes.
30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos)
- CJ Allen
- LB
- Georgia Bulldogs
The Dolphins acquired another first-round pick early in free agency. They should use that selection to bolster their defense with CJ Allen.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
- Zion Young
- EDGE
- Missouri Tigers
The Broncos will want to upgrade their offensive line at some point. But with all of the top prospects gone, they will turn to Zion Young to improve their pass-rush.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- S
- Toledo Rockets
The Seahawks need to replenish their secondary if they hope to defend their crown. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren should fare just fine in the Emerald City.
33. New York Jets (3-14)
- Colton Hood
- CB
- Tennessee Volunteers
Already with a top wideout, the Jets will go back to addressing their defensive needs with the first pick in Round 2. Colton Hood makes the most sense to replenish their secondary.
34. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Chase Bisontis
- OG
- Texas A&M Aggies
The Cardinals need to invest in their offensive line in the worst way. Nabbing a high-ceiling interior lineman at the top of Round 2 is a priority. Welcome to Arizona, Chase Bisontis.
35. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Cashius Howell
- EDGE
- Texas A&M Aggies
The Titans have been busy rebuilding their defensive line this offseason. That retooling continues with the addition of Cashius Howell.
36. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- KC Concepcion
- WR
- Texas A&M Aggies
Needing a top pass-catcher to pair with their newly minted franchise quarterback, the Raiders will turn to KC Concepcion with the 36th pick.
37. New York Giants (4-13)
- Caleb Banks
- DT
- Florida Gators
Strengthening the defensive line is always a good strategy, and is a method the Giants need to employ. Caleb Banks will be a staple in the Big Apple for years to come.
38. Houston Texans (via Washington Commanders)
- Anthony Hill Jr.
- LB
- Texas Longhorns
Defensive superiority is the Texans' new identity. Adding Anthony Hill Jr. to the linebackers corps amplifies their already impressive defensive production.
39. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Eli Stowers
- TE
- Vanderbilt Commodores
The Browns need to tear their offense down and rebuild it from scratch. Eli Stowers is a vaunted pass-catching tight end who could help Cleveland rewrite its history.
40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Jacob Rodriguez
- LB
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Chiefs parted ways with Leo Chenal in free agency, creating a vacancy in their defense. Jacob Rodriguez will fill that void and become an instant favorite in Kansas City.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
We'll soon see whether Fernando Mendoza is the answer to all of the Raiders' problems.

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for the First 40 Picks

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