NFL · 3 months ago

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting the First & Second Rounds

Grant White

Host · Writer

64. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Keyron Crawford
- EDGE
- Auburn Tigers
The Seahawks subtracted from several key defensive positions this offseason. Look for them to add to their defensive line, bringing in Keyron Crawford to terrorize opponents off the edge.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
On Thursday, the weight of the Raiders franchise will lie squarely on Fernando Mendoza's shoulders. Here's hoping he enjoys half as much success in Las Vegas as he did in Indiana.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
- David Bailey
- EDGE
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Jets have a choice to make with the second pick. If they don't trade down, we expect them to prioritize David Bailey to build their defensive line around.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Arvell Reese
- LB
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Cardinals could very well lean toward an offensive lineman in this spot. But with Arvell Reese, arguably the top prospect in the draft, available, they can't afford to deviate.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Jeremiyah Love
- RB
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Titans drafted their franchise quarterback last year. Now, they get to surround him with one of the most explosive offensive players in the draft. Things might actually work out in Tennessee.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
- Caleb Downs
- S
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Giants need upgrades at several key positions, but passing on Caleb Downs would be the biggest mistake in the 2026 draft. Welcome to the Big Apple, Caleb!
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Carnell Tate
- WR
- Ohio State Buckeyes
This draft class is loaded with a ton of talented wideouts, but none who stand above the rest. Carnell Tate should be the first name off the board and relegated to Cleveland.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
- Mansoor Delane
- CB
- LSU Tigers
The Commanders' pass defense was atrocious last season. Mansoor Delane will be called upon to become the shutdown corner Washington desperately needs.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Rueben Bain Jr.
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Addressing their aging defensive line is the top priority in New Orleans. Rueben Bain Jr. will be hoping to carry on the legacy of Saints' players before him.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Sonny Styles
- LB
- Ohio State Buckeyes
It might not be the Chiefs drafting him, but Sonny Styles won't slip past the ninth-overall selection. Landing in KC would be the best-case scenario, as Styles continues his winning tradition.
10. New York Giants (via Cincinnati Bengals)
- Makai Lemon
- WR
- USC Trojans
The Giants changed the dynamics of the 2026 NFL Draft with their acquisition of the 10th pick. By selecting Caleb Downs first, they can still nab an elite pass-catcher in this spot.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Francis Mauigoa
- OT
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
There's a lot to do in Miami, and the surest way to extend its rebuild is to pass on the best player available. Francis Mauigoa will feel right at home with the Dolphins.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
- Akheem Mesidor
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The Cowboys are rumored to be on the move up the draft board. In the absence of any takers, Dallas should look forward to having Akheem Mesidor haunting opponents off the edge.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Kadyn Proctor
- OT
- Alabama Crimson Tide
The Rams' window can be extended with a few key additions. Their biggest need is offensive tackle, which could be filled by Kadyn Proctor.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Spencer Fano
- OT
- Utah Utes
The worst-kept secret in the draft is the Ravens selecting an offensive lineman with the 14th pick. We'll see what their draft list looks like, but we suspect Spencer Fano is the answer they're looking for.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Jermod McCoy
- CB
- Tennessee Volunteers
Missing the entire 2025 college football season did nothing to hamper Jermod McCoy's draft stock. He's perfectly suited for the Buccaneers, and should land in Tampa with this pick.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
- Kenyon Sadiq
- TE
- Oregon Ducks
The Jets need to add more offensive weapons, and they have been tragically short at tight end for years. Kenyon Sadiq is the dynamic presence the Jets need.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Monroe Freeling
- OT
- Georgia Bulldogs
The Lions' success is predicated on offense. Expect them to reinforce the trenches early in the draft with Monroe Freeling.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Kayden McDonald
- DT
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Vikings are looking to make a couple of quick tweaks to reassert themselves as contenders. Bolstering their defensive line with Kayden McDonald is one of those moves.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Jordyn Tyson
- WR
- Arizona State Sun Devils
The Panthers need more offensive weapons to complement Tetairoa McMillan. Trotting out Jordyn Tyson opposite McMillan would lead Carolina to glory.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
- Dillon Thieneman
- S
- Oregon Ducks
The Cowboys will focus their attention on defensive players early in the draft. With their defensive front strengthened, Dillon Thieneman is the top candidate to land in Big D.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Olaivavega Ioane
- OG
- Penn State Nittany Lions
The Steelers need to add to their interior offensive line and wide receivers. With Olaivavega Ioane available, they will look to add a wideout in Round 2.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Max Iheanachor
- OT
- Arizona State Sun Devils
Like Baltimore, the Chargers need to address their offensive line in the worst way. There are a number of candidates to consider, but we think they'll prioritize Max Iheanachor.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Keldric Faulk
- EDGE
- Auburn Tigers
The Eagles are light off the edge, which should be the top priority in Pittsburgh. Keldric Faulk is the most dominant edge rusher still available.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- CB
- Toledo Rockets
Defense has been the only thing keeping the Browns held together. While their pass defense remains a strength, it would be a mistake to pass on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, to bolster their depth.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Avieon Terrell
- CB
- Clemson Tigers
The Bears' most noticeable weakness was their secondary. Adding a safety would be the optimal position, but Avieon Terrell would be a welcome addition in Chicago.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Zion Young
- EDGE
- Missouri Tigers
If a premier edge rusher isn't available in this spot, the Bills better have moved up to draft one. Zion Young address a major area of need.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Peter Woods
- DT
- Clemson Tigers
The Niners' defense wasn't the same imposing unit we've come to expect. Peter Woods should add more teeth to the defensive front in San Francisco.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
- Caleb Lomu
- OT
- Utah Utes
The Texans will be tempted to reach for a running back with this pick. With another pick early in Round 2, the play here is adding to their offensive line with Caleb Lomu.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)
- Denzel Boston
- WR
- Washington Huskies
The Chiefs need to insulate Patrick Mahomes with more talented pass-catchers. They get one of the best with Denzel Boston.
30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos)
- Omar Cooper
- WR
- Indiana Hoosiers
If you could catch a pass, chances are the Dolphins would have traded you this offseason. Needing to replenish their receivers' corps, Omar Cooper is a must-draft for Miami.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
- Cashius Howell
- EDGE
- Texas A&M Aggies
Edge rusher or offensive lineman. Those are the Patriots' options. They have more depth on the o-line, so we're predicting they land on Cashius Howell.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Colton Hood
- CB
- Tennessee Volunteers
The Seahawks need to address their secondary in the draft. Colton Hood replenishes the cornerback position, and should help Seattle maintain its Super Bowl aspirations in 2026.
33. New York Jets (3-14)
- Ty Simpson
- QB
- Alabama Crimson Tide
The Jets need a long-term solution at quarterback. Ty Simpson is deserving of that shot in New York, and could usurp Geno Smith atop the depth chart in a hurry.
34. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Chase Bisontis
- OG
- Texas A&M Aggies
Interior offensive line strength is never a bad idea, particularly for a rebuilding franchise. If the Cardinals want to do this right, it starts with players like Chase Bisontis.
35. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- KC Concepcion
- WR
- Texas A&M Aggies
Adding more offensive weapons should be a priority for the Titans. KC Concepcion could become a staple of Tennessee's offensive game-planning in the near future.
36. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Zachariah Branch
- WR
- Georgia Bulldogs
Some pre-draft shenanigans could cost Zachariah Branch a few spots in the draft. Still, the Raiders won't let Branch slip past them early in Round 2.
37. New York Giants (4-13)
- Anthony Hill Jr.
- LB
- Texas Longhorns
With three picks in the top 37, the Giants could quickly find themselves on an upward trajectory in 2026. That path would be expedited with the addition of Anthony Hill Jr.
38. Houston Texans (via Washington Commanders)
- Caleb Banks
- DT
- Florida Gators
Imagine a Texans' defensive line that features Will Anderson and Caleb Banks. That could be their new reality if Houston selects Caleb Banks with the 38th pick.
39. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Eli Stowers
- TE
- Vanderbilt Commodores
There is no overstating the importance of having an elite pass-catching tight end in today's game. The right thing to do for the Browns is to add Eli Stowers.
40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Chris Johnson
- CB
- San Diego State Aztecs
The Chiefs traded away a few key contributors on defense. Chris Johnson would step into a winning system in KC without missing a beat.
41. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Brandon Cisse
- CB
- South Carolina Gamecocks
The Bengals traded away their first-round pick in favor of a defensive stalwart who can make an immediate impact. While Brandon Cisse's contributions will be more modest, he's a must-add to the secondary.
42. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Germie Bernard
- WR
- Alabama Crimson Tide
The Saints don't have a reliable pass-catcher to build their offense around. While Germie Bernard may not pan out to be a premier wideout, he's another weapon the Saints need to add into the mix.
43. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Jacob Rodriguez
- LB
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Dolphins won't look anything like their former selves next season. That's a good thing if it includes Jacob Rodriguez anchoring the linebackers corps.
44. New York Jets (via Dallas Cowboys)
- CJ Allen
- LB
- Georgia Bulldogs
The Jets could reshape their future with the right picks early in this draft. That includes CJ Allen with the 44th pick.
45. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Gabe Jacas
- LB
- Illinois Fighting Illini
Defense has been the Ravens' identity since the dawn of the franchise. They won't abandon that mentality with Jesse Minter running the show, and we expect he'll prioritize Gabe Jacas early in the second round.
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Christen Miller
- DT
- Georgia Bulldogs
The Bucs have added several defensive linemen this offseason. Still, for the sake of longevity and competition, they should target Christen Miller to solidify Tampa Bay's defensive line next to Vita Vea.
47. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
- T.J. Parker
- EDGE
- Clemson Tigers
The Colts have a few draft needs, and landing T.J. Parker in Round 2 would definitely fulfill one of their more pressing needs.
48. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
- Emmanuel Pregnon
- OG
- Oregon Ducks
The Falcons will have to wait until the middle of the second round before they make their first selection. Thankfully, there are still plenty of premier prospects to choose from. They should look to bolster their offensive line with Emmanuel Pregnon.
49. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Keionte Scott
- CB
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
From this spot, it would be challenging to add an impact wide receiver or upgrade their offensive line. We're predicting the Vikings to turn to their secondary, drafting Keionte Scott.
50. Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Malachi Lawrence
- EDGE
- UCF Knights
The Lions would like to add some pressure from the opposite side of their defensive line. Malachi Lawrence is an ideal candidate to fill that void in Detroit.
51. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Chris Brazzell III
- WR
- Tennessee Volunteers
The Panthers want to load up on as many offensive contributors as they can. Chris Brazzell would be a hell of a steal this late in the draft.
52. Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)
- Blake Miller
- OT
- Clemson Tigers
The Packers will be patiently waiting to make their first pick in the 2026 draft. That virtue will pay off with the addition of Blake Miller.
53. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Jadarian Price
- RB
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Ideally, the Steelers would look to add a receiver with their second-round pick. But if Jadarian Price is still around, it would be a mistake to pass him up.
54. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Jake Golday
- LB
- Cincinnati Bearcats
The Eagles had some turnover in their linebacker corps this offseason, so it's time to replenish the stocks. Jake Golday would fit in perfectly in Philadelphia, keeping the Eagles' defense soaring.
55. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Derrick Moore
- EDGE
- Michigan Wolverines
Given the opportunity, Jim Harbaugh will jump at the chance of landing Derrick Moore. That reunion could lead to magical things for the Chargers.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)
- Josiah Trotter
- EDGE
- Missouri Tigers
The Jaguars made a few key acquisitions this offseason, but they will still set their sights on defensive players early in the draft. Josiah Trotter would strengthen their already impressive defensive front.
57. Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Gennings Dunker
- OT
- Iowa Hawkeyes
Protecting Caleb Williams remains a top priority in Chicago. They can nab a local product with Gennings Dunker protecting the Bears' quarterback for years to come.
58. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- A.J. Haulcy
- CB
- LSU Tigers
The Niners will want to upgrade their secondary, and A.J. Haulcy is the type of player who thrives under Kyle Shanahan. This would be a match made in heaven for the 49ers.
59. Houston Texans (12-5)
- Mike Washington Jr.
- RB
- Arkansas Razorbacks
The Texans will turn to a running back at some point in the draft. If they pass on Jadarian Price at the start of Round 2, it will be to draft Mike Washington Jr. in this spot.
60. Chicago Bears (via Buffalo Bills)
- Zxavian Harris
- DT
- Ole Miss Rebels
Back to the podium just three picks later, the Bears could look for an intimidating presence to bolster their defensive line. Zxavian Harris is the best defensive tackle left on the board.
61. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
- R Mason Thomas
- EDGE
- Oklahoma Sooners
R Mason Thomas' draft stock took a hit this year, but that could benefit him in the long run. Sean McVay would be happy to welcome this edge rusher into the fold in LA.
62. Denver Broncos (14-3)
- Max Klare
- TE
- Ohio State Buckeyes
Addressing their wide receiver shortcomings via trade, the Broncos could look for another pass-catching option with their first pick. Max Klare would step in as the top pass-catching tight end in Denver.
63. New England Patriots (14-3)
- Malachi Fields
- WR
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Patriots' offense took a big step forward in 2025. They can continue that upward trajectory with the addition of Malachi Fields.
64. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Keyron Crawford
- EDGE
- Auburn Tigers
The Seahawks subtracted from several key defensive positions this offseason. Look for them to add to their defensive line, bringing in Keyron Crawford to terrorize opponents off the edge.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
On Thursday, the weight of the Raiders franchise will lie squarely on Fernando Mendoza's shoulders. Here's hoping he enjoys half as much success in Las Vegas as he did in Indiana.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting the First & Second Rounds

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