NFL · 3 hours ago

CBS Sports Reveals Updated Mock Draft Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

32) Tennessee Titans (projected trade with SEA): LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. closes out the round as a high-upside linebacker heading to Tennessee. He’s an elite athlete with room to grow, especially under a defensive-minded coach. This feels like a strong developmental fit.

"He will improve significantly under Robert Saleh’s tutelage." - Pereles
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza feels like the obvious choice for Las Vegas at No. 1, and it’s easy to see why after a season where he threw for 2,980 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. He’s got the size, arm talent, and poise you build around, and the Raiders have already started laying the groundwork to support him. This is the kind of pick that resets a franchise.

"Let’s not overcomplicate this: The Raiders need a quarterback, and Fernando Mendoza is a worthy choice as the top overall pick." - Pereles
2) New York Jets: EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese landing with the Jets would give them a true chess piece defensively, especially after he flashed elite athleticism with a 4.46 40-yard dash. He’s still developing in terms of position, but the traits jump off the page, and New York can afford to be patient. This is a high-upside swing on a player who’s just scratching the surface.

"You don’t pass up these athletic traits... at just 20 years old, Reese is only getting better." - Pereles
3) Arizona Cardinals: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Spencer Fano would be a clean fit in Arizona as they look to stabilize the offensive line, bringing elite athleticism to the tackle spot. He’s the type of player who may not get all the headlines now, but ends up being a cornerstone piece for years to come. With the Cardinals in transition, this is a smart, forward-thinking move.

"An elite athlete at right tackle... a great addition for whomever succeeds Jacoby Brissett." - Pereles
4) Tennessee Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love heading to Tennessee would give this offense a true difference-maker, coming off a monster year with 1,372 rushing yards, 6.9 yards per carry, and 21 total touchdowns. He’s explosive, versatile, and exactly the kind of weapon a young quarterback like Cam Ward needs. This is how you instantly take pressure off your offense.

"Jeremiyah Love is a game-breaker and worthy of being the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley." - Pereles
5) New York Giants: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles brings a rare blend of size and movement ability to the Giants' defense, and it shows every time he’s on the field. At his size, he moves like a much smaller player while still delivering physicality in the run game. This is the kind of centerpiece defender New York has been missing.

"A truly special athlete who can run with tight ends and bring physicality in the run game." - Pereles
6) Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Carnell Tate gives Cleveland a much-needed WR1 profile, especially after posting 51 receptions, 875 yards, and 9 touchdowns. He’s reliable, strong at the catch point, and more polished than people realize. This feels like a plug-and-play weapon for whoever is under center.

"A very high-floor prospect, but don’t sleep on his ceiling as a Pro Bowl performer." - Pereles
7) Washington Commanders: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. would fit exactly what Dan Quinn wants in Washington, bringing power and relentless effort off the edge. He’s not just productive, he’s disruptive in a way that changes games. The Commanders need that tone-setter defensively.

"Bain plays with heavy hands, extreme power, and tireless effort." - Pereles
8) Dallas Cowboys (projected trade with NO): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs to Dallas would be a major statement, especially after giving up too many explosive plays last season. He’s as smart and versatile as they come, and he’s been elite for years now. This is the kind of defensive leader you build around.

"Downs is extremely smart, versatile, and skilled... one of college football’s best players." - Pereles
9) Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey gives Kansas City a burst off the edge that’s hard to find, especially after tying for the most sacks in the nation with 14.5. His first step is elite, and that’s something you can’t teach. The Chiefs don’t usually pick this high, and they’re making it count.

"His burst off the line of scrimmage is second to none in this class." - Pereles
10) Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane would give Cincinnati a true shutdown presence, something they’ve been lacking on the outside. He’s sticky in coverage and plays with confidence, which shows up in big moments. Pairing him with DJ Turner II could quietly reshape this secondary.

"An elite coverage cornerback... the Bengals need a true shutdown guy." - Pereles
11) Miami Dolphins: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Francis Mauigoa staying in Miami feels like a natural fit as they look to rebuild the trenches. With experience as a three-year starter, he brings stability and versatility to a unit that needs both. This is a foundational piece for the next era.

"A strong start... he could be an excellent guard if not at tackle." - Pereles
12) New Orleans Saints (projected trade with DAL): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy is a bit of a gamble coming off injury, but the upside is undeniable. His 2024 production and physical tools make him one of the top corners in the class when healthy. New Orleans could be getting a steal here.

"He could end up being great value." - Pereles
13) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): WR Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon would give the Rams another dynamic weapon after putting up 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He’s polished, explosive, and fits seamlessly into what Sean McVay wants to do offensively. This is about both now and the future.

"A tremendous advantage... and could step into a bigger role in 2027." - Pereles
14) Baltimore Ravens: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq adds a different dimension to Baltimore’s offense, especially after running a 4.39 40-yard dash and hauling in 51 receptions with 8 touchdowns. He’s a matchup nightmare and fits perfectly in a system that values tight ends. This is a weapon, not just a position fill.

"He would add much-needed speed and explosiveness." - Pereles
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane, heading to Tampa Bay, continues the team's trend of investing in the offensive line. He’s physical, reliable, and ready to contribute right away. This is a tone-setting pick for a team that wants to control the line of scrimmage.

"He would start at left guard from Day 1 and bring some nastiness." - Pereles
16) New York Jets (via IND): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson gives the Jets a high-upside playmaker after posting 61 catches, 711 yards, and 9 touchdowns. When healthy, he’s one of the most explosive receivers in this class. The talent is undeniable.

"He plucks the ball out of the air... making difficult catches look routine." - Pereles
17) Detroit Lions: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor brings rare size and explosiveness to Detroit’s offensive line, tipping the scales at over 350 pounds while still moving with ease. He’s not a finished product, but the tools are elite. This is a classic Lions development pick.

"He’s super explosive for that size." - Pereles
18) Minnesota Vikings: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is a traits-based bet for Minnesota, but the upside is real at 6-foot-6, 276 pounds. He’s raw, but disruptive, and could develop into a serious problem for offenses. This is about betting on potential.

"He oozes talent and would add serious disruptive abilities." - Pereles
19) Carolina Panthers: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman gives Carolina a playmaker on the back end, highlighted by a 4.35 40-yard dash and 8 career interceptions. He’s versatile and experienced, which makes him an easy projection to the next level. This is a steady, impactful addition.

"A great athlete with versatility and experience." - Pereles
20) Dallas Cowboys (via GB): EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Akheem Mesidor brings proven production to Dallas after racking up 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 67 pressures. He’s older, but he’s ready to contribute immediately. This is a win-now type of pick.

"He fits the Cowboys' timeline." - Pereles
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. feels tailor-made for Pittsburgh after putting up 69 catches, 937 yards, and 14 touchdowns. He’s efficient, tough, and thrives after the catch. This is exactly what that offense needs.

"He gets open, he catches the ball, and he eats up yards." - Pereles
22) Los Angeles Chargers: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
KC Concepcion would be a perfect fit for the Chargers, coming off 919 yards and 12 touchdowns with strong YAC ability. He’s dynamic in space and fits what they want to do offensively. This could be a sneaky big-time addition.

"Plugging Concepcion into the slot would be a great help." - Pereles
23) Pittsburgh Steelers: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren gives Philadelphia a physical presence in the secondary, someone who can cover ground and deliver hits. He’s an enforcer with range, and that’s exactly what this defense needs. This is about rebuilding the identity.

"An aggressive, explosive safety who hits hard and can cover the entire field." - Pereles
24) Cleveland Browns (via JAX): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Monroe Freeling is a developmental piece for Cleveland, but the upside is clear with his size and athletic traits. He may not be ready right away, but the Browns can afford to be patient. This is a long-term investment.

"The Browns can afford to give him time to develop." - Pereles
25) Chicago Bears: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Caleb Lomu is an intriguing fit in Chicago, bringing athleticism and movement skills to the tackle position. He’s not perfect, but the traits are there to build on. In the right system, he could really take off.

"He could accentuate Lomu’s strengths: athleticism and movement in space." - Pereles
26) Buffalo Bills: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Peter Woods is a high-variance prospect, but the flashes are elite. At his best, he looks like a dominant interior disruptor with rare explosiveness. Buffalo is betting on that upside.

"Grade him to his highs, and he’s a potential top 15 pick." - Pereles
27) San Francisco 49ers: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Max Iheanachor is one of the more fascinating prospects in this class, given how new he is to football. The tools are obvious, and the upside is massive if it all clicks. San Francisco could be getting their future at tackle.

"His size, strength, and athleticism combination is rare." - Pereles
28) New England Patriots (projected trade with HOU): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Denzel Boston gives New England a big-bodied target after putting up 62 receptions, 881 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He’s physical, smooth, and can win downfield. This is a major boost for Drake Maye.

"He moves with the skills of a player smaller than that." - Pereles
29) Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Avieon Terrell comes with some risk due to injuries, but the talent is undeniable. His physicality and playmaking ability stand out, especially with 8 forced fumbles over two seasons. Kansas City could be getting a steal.

"If he falls this far, the Chiefs get a steal." - Pereles
30) Miami Dolphins (via DEN): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Colton Hood is a traits-based corner with the speed and physicality Miami values. He’s still developing, but the flashes are there. This is a bet on upside in the secondary.

"The physicality and aggressiveness are impressive." - Pereles
31) Houston Texans (projected trade with NE): OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Blake Miller brings reliability to Houston after starting 54 career games. He’s experienced, tough, and consistent, which is exactly what this offensive line needs. This is a stabilizing pick.

"Those attributes should pay dividends for Houston." - Pereles
32) Tennessee Titans (projected trade with SEA): LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. closes out the round as a high-upside linebacker heading to Tennessee. He’s an elite athlete with room to grow, especially under a defensive-minded coach. This feels like a strong developmental fit.

"He will improve significantly under Robert Saleh’s tutelage." - Pereles
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza feels like the obvious choice for Las Vegas at No. 1, and it’s easy to see why after a season where he threw for 2,980 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. He’s got the size, arm talent, and poise you build around, and the Raiders have already started laying the groundwork to support him. This is the kind of pick that resets a franchise.

"Let’s not overcomplicate this: The Raiders need a quarterback, and Fernando Mendoza is a worthy choice as the top overall pick." - Pereles

CBS Sports Reveals Updated Mock Draft Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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