NFL · 3 hours ago

NFL.com Mock Draft with Projected Trades: Every 1st-Round Pick for the 2026 NFL Draft

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

Who Won the First Round?
The board is set and the picks are in, but we all know the NFL Draft is never as predictable as the experts make it look. Whether it’s Fernando Mendoza landing in the desert or the Cowboys playing the value game with Colton Hood, these first-round pairings are built to shift the power balance in every division.

Now, we want to hear from the real GMs. Did your team find their Perfect Fit, or did Chad Reuter miss the mark on your biggest roster hole?

Drop a comment and tell us which rookie you’re already eyeing for your 2026 dynasty roster!
NFL.com Mock Draft: Every First-Round Pick for the 2026 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is just weeks away, and the mock draft season is reaching a fever pitch. We’re turning our attention to NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter, who just dropped a five-round monster that features four first-round trades and some seismic shifts under center.

Reuter isn't just looking at the big names, he’s projecting schematic fits and veteran-rookie pairings that could define the next decade of football.

Here is the first-round breakdown of his latest 2026 mock.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Chris Johnson

"Johnson's speed... and electric footwork make him a perfect fit to join Devon Witherspoon in the Seahawks' starting lineup."

The Seattle Seahawks are building a no-fly zone in the Pacific Northwest, pairing the explosive Chris Johnson with their existing secondary talent. The San Diego State corner has the raw speed to track anyone down the field, providing John Schneider with a high-ceiling playmaker to close out the first round.
31. New England Patriots
CJ Allen

"The Patriots lock up a team leader in the middle of their defense. Allen's film shows he can reach ball carriers when they're in his sights."

Mike Vrabel loves linebackers who play with an edge, and CJ Allen is a classic throwback defender with modern athleticism. The Georgia standout will act as the signal-caller for the New England Patriots' defense, bringing a physical presence and elite diagnostic skills to the heart of their unit.
30. Miami Dolphins
Keldric Faulk

"Faulk perfectly fits the long, strong DE-type new head coach Jeff Hafley employs in his scheme."

The Miami Dolphins defense is taking on a new look under Jeff Hafley, and Keldric Faulk is the prototypical edge setter for that system. The Auburn standout brings elite length and strength to the front seven, giving the Fins a versatile defender who can collapse the pocket or erase a run play before it even starts.
29. Dallas Cowboys
Colton Hood

"Dallas acquires a second Day 2 pick and still lands a cornerback who displayed toughness in coverage and as a tackler."

PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHIEFS (THIS PICK VIA RAMS)

The Dallas Cowboys are playing the long game here, trading down to gather more assets while still securing a high-upside corner in Colton Hood. The Tennessee standout brings a shutdown mentality and physical toughness to a Cowboys secondary that can never have enough depth on the perimeter.
28. Houston Texans
Chase Bisontis

"Bisontis possesses an excellent combination of short-area agility and blocking aggression that will make him a top-40 pick."

Nick Caserio continues to build a wall in front of C.J. Stroud, adding a mauler on the interior in Chase Bisontis. The Texas A&M product brings a level of physical aggression that will immediately upgrade the Houston Texans' run game while providing a rock-solid pocket for their star quarterback.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Max Iheanachor

"Iheanachor played on the right side at Arizona State but lined up on both sides... he possesses the athleticism to be an excellent pass protector on either end of San Francisco's O-line."

The San Francisco 49ers are looking toward the future of their offensive line by adding versatile athlete Max Iheanachor. Whether he starts his career on the right side or eventually slides over to replace the legendary Trent Williams, the Arizona State standout’s athleticism is a perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan’s zone-heavy scheme.
26. Chicago Bears
Dillon Thieneman

"The move ensures he can land the athletic Thieneman, who'll join Coby Bryant in replacing departed starting safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard."

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BILLS

Ryan Poles plays the board perfectly here, trading down and still landing the ball-hawking Dillon Thieneman. The Oregon safety has the range and instincts to lead the Chicago Bears' secondary into a new era, providing the back-end stability that Matt Eberflus’ defense requires to be elite.
25. Buffalo Bills
KC Concepcion

"Buffalo sends the fifth-round pick it received in the Moore trade back to Chicago to stave off other interested trade partners."

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BEARS

The Buffalo Bills are determined to surround Josh Allen with elite weaponry, and trading up for KC Concepcion is the latest proof. The Texas A&M wideout brings a massive catch radius and go-up-and-get-it ability to a Bills offense that thrives when Allen is allowed to stay aggressive downfield.
24. Los Angeles Chargers
Cashius Howell

"Howell might need some time to develop into an every-down player, but he should improve the Bolts' pass rush from the jump."

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BROWNS (THIS PICK VIA JAGUARS)

Jim Harbaugh knows that you can never have enough pass-rushers, and Cashius Howell is the future of the Los Angeles Chargers edge group. While he might start as a situational disruptor, the Texas A&M standout’s raw tools and athleticism suggest he could eventually become the long-term successor to a veteran like Khalil Mack.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Makai Lemon

"Lemon fits nicely in the slot and can flip spots with DeVonta Smith to give defenses different looks."

Howie Roseman is always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve, and Makai Lemon provides the Philadelphia Eagles with a versatile chess piece in the passing game. The USC product’s ability to win from the slot or the boundary makes him a nightmare to game-plan for, especially when paired with a veteran like A.J. Brown.
22. Cleveland Browns
Jordyn Tyson

"The playmaker is worth a shot at this point in the first round, even with concerns about his lingering hamstring issue."

PROJECTED TRADE WITH CHARGERS

The Cleveland Browns are betting on the upside with Jordyn Tyson, a receiver who would likely go much higher if not for some minor injury concerns. The Arizona State standout is a pure playmaker who can win at all levels of the field, giving the Browns a high-ceiling target to rejuvenate an offense in need of an X-factor.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Blake Miller

"Troy Fautanu could return to left tackle with Miller starting on the right side if Jones is unavailable this season or down the road."

Stability on the offensive line is a hallmark of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Blake Miller is the next step in that evolution. The Clemson standout provides a reliable insurance policy for a unit that has been bitten by the injury bug, offering the flexibility to slide into the starting lineup on the right side from Day 1.
20. Kansas City Chiefs
Kadyn Proctor

"His massive build is similar to other linemen the team has acquired over the past few years... it's unclear whether Jaylon Moore is equipped to take over Jawaan Taylor's starting right tackle spot."

PROJECTED TRADE WITH COWBOYS (THIS PICK VIA PACKERS)

The Kansas City Chiefs aren't waiting around to address their offensive line needs, trading up to secure the massive Kadyn Proctor. The Alabama product brings the kind of size and power that Andy Reid loves in his tackles, ensuring that the league’s most expensive arm stays protected regardless of who is rushing off the edge.
19. Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq

"Bryce Young will love seeing Sadiq running down the seam... the tight end's presence will open up space for former first-round receivers Legette and McMillan."

Kenyon Sadiq is the missing piece for a Carolina Panthers offense that needs a vertical threat from the tight end position. The Oregon standout will force safeties to play closer to the line, opening up those deep lanes for Bryce Young to find his explosive young wideouts on the perimeter.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Caleb Banks

"Banks is a run stuffer with the ability to get in the face (and passing lanes) of opposing quarterbacks. Solid long-term investment for Minnesota's D-line."

The Minnesota Vikings need to get tougher on the interior, and Caleb Banks is the massive presence they’ve been missing. The Florida defensive tackle is more than just a space-eater; his ability to collapse the pocket from the inside will disrupt the timing of opposing offenses and make everyone else on the Vikings' defense more effective.
17. Los Angeles Rams
Omar Cooper Jr.

"Cooper joins Davante Adams and Puka Nacua to give Matthew Stafford one of the best receiver trios in the league."

PROJECTED TRADE WITH LIONS

Les Snead continues his aggressive pursuit of offensive firepower, adding Omar Cooper Jr. to a room that already features Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. The Indiana standout is a dynamic playmaker who will force defenses into impossible choices, ensuring that Matthew Stafford always has an open target in high-leverage situations.
16. New York Jets
Ty Simpson

"There is sufficient depth at receiver and cornerback in this class that the team could address both early in the second round while still securing the second-best passer in the draft."

The New York Jets are looking toward the future under center, and landing Ty Simpson mid-way through the first round is a high-value gamble. The Alabama product has the pedigree and the arm talent to eventually lead this offense, giving the Jets a high-upside alternative while they continue to build out the rest of the roster in the later rounds.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Akheem Mesidor

"His age... shouldn't concern general manager Jason Licht, because Tampa needs polished players to contend for a Super Bowl in 2026."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in win-now mode, and Akheem Mesidor is a pro-ready edge threat who doesn't need time to develop. The Miami product brings a refined pass-rush plan and elite production to Raymond James Stadium, giving the Bucs the immediate boost they need to stay atop the NFC South.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Olaivavega Ioane

"Ioane's the sort of road grader the Ravens have desired in recent years. He starts at right guard in this scenario... to bolster the line in front of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry."

If you’re going to run the ball with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, you need a monster on the interior, and Olaivavega Ioane fits the bill. The Penn State road grader is a massive human being who specializes in moving people against their will, providing the Baltimore Ravens with a dominant physical presence at the point of attack.
13. Detroit Lions
Spencer Fano

"Fano takes over the right bookend spot for departed longtime starter Taylor Decker... despite possessing below-average arm length for a tackle."

PROJECTED TRADE WITH RAMS (THIS PICK VIA FALCONS)

Brad Holmes is never afraid to move up to get his guy, and trading up for Spencer Fano is a classic Detroit Lions power move. The Utah lineman might not have the measurables of a traditional tackle. Still, his technique and tenacity make him the perfect replacement to protect the edges for a Lions team that lives and dies in the trenches.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Sonny Styles

"The Cowboys luck out again this year, landing a much-needed run defender who can play in the box and track down ball carriers in space."

The Dallas Cowboys have a knack for finding value when elite athletes slide, and Sonny Styles is a physical freak who can redefine their linebacker room. Whether he’s filling gaps in the run game or dropping into coverage, the Ohio State standout brings a level of versatility and range that will make life miserable for NFC East offenses.
11. Miami Dolphins
Carnell Tate

"Tate is the sort of polished pass catcher new quarterback Malik Willis needs to have in order to succeed in his first season in Miami."

After a massive overhaul of their receiving room, the Miami Dolphins land a technician in Carnell Tate to serve as a reliable security blanket for Malik Willis. The Ohio State product is a polished route-runner who wins with timing and hands, providing the Fins with a consistent chain-mover to pair with their more explosive speed threats.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Jermod McCoy

"McCoy's presence would allow Dax Hill to play in the slot, creating a strong secondary able to give pass rushers more time to find quarterbacks."

The Cincinnati Bengals secondary is getting a major boost with Jermod McCoy, a player whose elite athleticism was fully on display at his Pro Day. His arrival allows the Bengals to shift their personnel more effectively, creating a blanket over the field that will force opposing quarterbacks to hold the ball just a split-second too long.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Rueben Bain Jr.

"The Chiefs, in desperate need of help off the edge, land a strong talent who should slide into the starting lineup from Day 1."

Losing veteran leadership on the defensive line is tough, but Rueben Bain Jr. is the kind of high-impact replacement that keeps a Super Bowl window open. The Miami disruptor plays with a level of violence and technique that makes him an immediate threat to AFC West backfields on every single snap.
8. New Orleans Saints
Caleb Downs

"Downs possesses similar versatility as a playmaker in the box and in the secondary as veteran Derwin James."

The New Orleans Saints are getting a special talent in Caleb Downs, a safety who can play centerfield or come down into the box to blow up the run. The Ohio State star brings the kind of leadership and diagnostic skills that allow a defensive coordinator to get creative, acting as a force multiplier for the entire Saints secondary.
7. Washington Commanders
Mansoor Delane

"Delane, the class' top cover corner, gives Dan Quinn size outside and allows him to stick with man coverage more frequently."

Dan Quinn loves big, physical corners who can play on an island, and Mansoor Delane is the best in the class at exactly that. The LSU standout gives the Washington Commanders a true lockdown presence on the perimeter, allowing the rest of the secondary to play more aggressively while he erases the opponent’s primary target.
6. Cleveland Browns
Monroe Freeling

"Freeling is one of the few true left tackles available in this draft. His length and athleticism should catch the attention of the Browns."

Protecting the blindside is priority number one for the Cleveland Browns, and Monroe Freeling is the technician they’ve been searching for. The Georgia product possesses the elite footwork and reach to handle the speed-rushers of the AFC North, providing a steady anchor for an offense that has struggled with consistency in the trenches.
5. New York Giants
Jeremiyah Love

"Love's rushing and receiving abilities take the offense to the next level... Jaxson Dart led the Giants with nine rushing TDs last season, but that can't happen again if the team wants to make a playoff push."

The New York Giants are doubling down on the Harbaugh way by adding a dynamic, all-purpose weapon in Jeremiyah Love. The Notre Dame star isn't just a ground-and-pound back; his ability to factor into the passing game will take the pressure off Jaxson Dart and give this Big Blue offense the explosive element it’s been missing.
4. Tennessee Titans
David Bailey

"Saleh traded for Johnson this offseason to be his strong-side end, and Bailey should man the opposite edge, able to attack quarterbacks whether standing or lining up with his hand in the dirt."

The Tennessee Titans defense is getting a major infusion of juice with David Bailey, a pure pass-rusher who can disrupt the pocket from multiple alignments. Whether he’s standing up or playing with a hand in the dirt, the Texas Tech standout gives the Titans the high-ceiling edge threat they need to stay competitive in the high-scoring AFC.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa

"The Cardinals solidify the right tackle position for the next decade with Mauigoa, whose combination of sturdy anchor and intense run blocking make him worthy of this selection."

If you want to win in the NFC West, you have to be able to move people at the point of attack, and Francis Mauigoa is a literal mountain of a man. The Miami tackle brings a nasty streak to the Arizona Cardinals’ front wall, giving them a long-term solution on the right side to protect their investment under center.
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese

"Reese's size and position versatility afford him an advantage over the Jets' other top option at this spot, David Bailey."

The Jets defense is built on versatile, explosive athletes, and Arvell Reese fits that Swiss Army Knife mold perfectly. The Ohio State standout can stop the run with authority or pin his ears back to hunt quarterbacks, providing the New York Jets with a high-motor disruptor who can stay on the field for all three downs.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza

"I think pairing Mendoza and Kirk Cousins in the same QB room will go swimmingly. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner's game features a mix of Cousins' personality and pocket poise."

The Las Vegas Raiders have their bridge with Kirk Cousins, but they aren't passing up the chance to land a franchise cornerstone in Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana product is the total package of intelligence and athleticism, and sitting behind a polished veteran like Cousins gives the Silver and Black the perfect runway for a new era.
Who Won the First Round?
The board is set and the picks are in, but we all know the NFL Draft is never as predictable as the experts make it look. Whether it’s Fernando Mendoza landing in the desert or the Cowboys playing the value game with Colton Hood, these first-round pairings are built to shift the power balance in every division.

Now, we want to hear from the real GMs. Did your team find their Perfect Fit, or did Chad Reuter miss the mark on your biggest roster hole?

Drop a comment and tell us which rookie you’re already eyeing for your 2026 dynasty roster!
NFL.com Mock Draft: Every First-Round Pick for the 2026 NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is just weeks away, and the mock draft season is reaching a fever pitch. We’re turning our attention to NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter, who just dropped a five-round monster that features four first-round trades and some seismic shifts under center.

Reuter isn't just looking at the big names, he’s projecting schematic fits and veteran-rookie pairings that could define the next decade of football.

Here is the first-round breakdown of his latest 2026 mock.