NFL · 3 hours ago

Peter Schrager Reveals Full First-Round Predictions Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

32) Seattle Seahawks: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Jadarian Price rounds out the first round as a dynamic playmaker who makes the most of his opportunities. Despite limited volume, he turned 113 carries into 674 yards and 11 touchdowns, flashing explosiveness every time he touched the ball. Seattle could be getting a major value with his upside.

“He would provide some nice pop to the Seattle offense.” - Schrager
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza feels like the inevitable choice for Las Vegas, and it’s easy to see why. The Indiana standout checks every box you want in a franchise quarterback, bringing poise, arm talent, and leadership to a Raiders team ready to turn the page. With a veteran like Kirk Cousins in the building, Mendoza steps into an ideal situation to grow while still being the future of the franchise.

“Barring any major and completely shocking news, this is all but a done deal.” - Schrager
2) New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey gives the Jets exactly what they’ve been missing off the edge, and that’s consistent disruption. After leading the nation with 14.5 sacks, Bailey enters the league as one of the most polished pass rushers in the class. For a defense that desperately needs pressure, this feels like a plug-and-play difference maker.

“He is a polished pass rusher with proven production, tying for the FBS lead in sacks.” - Schrager
3) Arizona Cardinals: LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese brings the kind of versatility and upside Arizona has been searching for as it reshapes its identity. The Ohio State standout can line up all over the front seven, giving the Cardinals a dynamic piece to build around. On a defense that struggled mightily last season, Reese has the tools to become a cornerstone.

“I’ve heard rave reviews on what he can bring off the field from coaches.” - Schrager
4) Tennessee Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is the type of explosive weapon Tennessee can’t pass on. The Notre Dame star dominated with 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, showcasing home run speed and power in the same package. He gives the Titans a true game-changer in the backfield and takes pressure off the entire offense.

“I just don’t think the Titans will pass on Love.” - Schrager
5) New York Giants: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Francis Mauigoa would be a massive addition for a Giants team still trying to stabilize its offensive line. The Miami product is a physical road grader who can immediately upgrade protection and open lanes in the run game. For a team building around a young quarterback, this feels like a foundational move.

“He’s expected to be the first offensive lineman off the board.” - Schrager
6) Cleveland Browns: OT/G Spencer Fano, Utah
Spencer Fano offers Cleveland something every team covets along the offensive line, and that’s versatility. Whether it’s tackle, guard, or even center, Fano has shown he can handle it all, making him a valuable chess piece up front. With multiple needs to address, the Browns land a player who can fill several roles early in his career.

“He is a talented, moveable piece along that line.” - Schrager
7) Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles fits exactly what Washington needs as it looks to clean up a struggling defense. The Ohio State linebacker flies sideline to sideline and backed it up with 77 tackles, along with elite testing numbers at the combine. His range and versatility give this unit a much-needed playmaker in the middle.

“I like this fit.” - Schrager
8) New Orleans Saints: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. brings immediate juice to a Saints defense that’s clearly entering a new era. After posting 9.5 sacks, Bain has proven he can get after the quarterback with power and explosiveness. With key veterans likely moving on, this is the type of young cornerstone New Orleans needs.

“This seems like a good match.” - Schrager
9) Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson gives Kansas City another explosive weapon as it looks to keep its offense among the league’s elite. The Arizona State wideout stands out for his playmaking ability and big-play upside, exactly what the Chiefs need to complement Patrick Mahomes. If he stays healthy, this could be one of the steals of the draft.

“Tyson pops more than any other receiver in this draft class.” - Schrager
10) Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane profiles as the true shutdown corner Cincinnati has been missing. Allowing just a 31.3 passer rating when targeted, the LSU standout brings elite coverage ability to a secondary that needs stability. This pick might not be flashy, but it fills a major hole.

“The Bengals need a true shutdown guy on the outside.” - Schrager
11) Miami Dolphins: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Carnell Tate lands in a perfect spot with Miami, where opportunity meets talent. The Ohio State receiver has been one of the most consistent playmakers in college football, and now he steps into a wide-open receiver room. Tate has the skill set to emerge as a go-to option.

“The whole program raves about Tate.” - Schrager
12) Dallas Cowboys: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs feels like a steal if he falls this far, especially for a Cowboys defense that needs more playmakers. His intelligence and versatility make him a perfect fit on the back end, where he can help eliminate big plays. Downs has all the makings of a future leader for this unit.

“He will be the smartest player on whichever team drafts him.” - Schrager
13) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): WR Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon fits seamlessly into what the Rams want to do offensively, bringing reliability and playmaking ability to the receiver room. After a standout college career, Lemon gives Los Angeles both immediate production and long-term upside. This is a move that helps now and in the future.

“Lemon fits with a lot of what the Rams do on offense.” - Schrager
14) Baltimore Ravens: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq would add a dynamic new element to Baltimore’s offense with his rare blend of size and speed. After running a 4.39 40-yard dash and hauling in 51 receptions, he profiles as a mismatch nightmare. Pairing him with Lamar Jackson keeps this offense as dangerous as ever.

“One of the stars of the combine.” - Schrager
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy gives Tampa Bay a potential No. 1 corner despite coming off an injury. His length and coverage ability stand out, and when healthy, he has the tools to lock down top receivers. For a secondary in need of help, this is a high-upside swing.

“He is a legit No. 1 corner when he’s healthy.” - Schrager
16) New York Jets (via IND): WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. brings toughness and production to a Jets offense looking to add more firepower. After posting 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, he’s proven he can deliver in big moments. His physical style and mentality make him a strong fit alongside Garrett Wilson.

“Every GM I speak to seems to love Cooper.” - Schrager
17) Detroit Lions: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane feels like a perfect culture fit in Detroit, bringing the kind of edge and physicality Dan Campbell covets up front. The Penn State standout didn’t allow a single sack and earned All-American honors, showing he can dominate in the trenches. This is the type of tone-setter the Lions can plug in immediately.

“I’m not sure there’s a more ‘Dan Campbell’ player in this draft than Ioane.” - Schrager
18) Minnesota Vikings: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren gives Minnesota a potential long-term answer at safety with size, range, and leadership traits. The Toledo product has been consistently productive, totaling five interceptions over the past three seasons, while bringing energy to the back end. He feels like a natural successor as the Vikings prepare for life after Harrison Smith.

“He can be the torchbearer once Smith does choose to call it a career.” - Schrager
19) Carolina Panthers: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Monroe Freeling brings elite physical tools to Carolina as it looks to build around Bryce Young. At 6-foot-7, 315 pounds with impressive movement skills, he has the traits to develop into a cornerstone tackle. His versatility only adds to the appeal for a team focused on long-term stability up front.

“He could be a key long-term building block for Carolina.” - Schrager
20) Dallas Cowboys (via GB): EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Akheem Mesidor looks like one of the most pro-ready defenders in this class, even as one of the older prospects. After putting up 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss, he brings proven production and a relentless motor to Dallas. This is a plug-and-play pass rusher who can make an immediate impact.

“He also might be the prospect most ready to make an immediate impact.” - Schrager
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
T.J. Parker continues to build on a strong Clemson career, bringing steady production and upside off the edge. With 21.5 career sacks, he’s shown he can consistently disrupt opposing offenses. For a Steelers team that always invests in its defensive front, this feels like a natural fit.

“He’s played a big role on the Clemson defense since his true freshman season.” - Schrager
22) Los Angeles Chargers: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Blake Miller offers reliability and durability, something the Chargers desperately need along the offensive line. With 54 career starts, he’s been as steady as they come and provides flexibility across the line. His experience alone makes him a valuable addition to a unit looking for stability.

“Taking the quintessential iron man of this tackle class makes sense.” - Schrager
23) Philadelphia Eagles: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Denzel Boston brings big-play ability to Philadelphia and could quickly become a key piece in its passing attack. His explosiveness and rising stock have caught attention across the league, with some viewing him as one of the top receivers in the class. If this happens, it could have ripple effects across the Eagles' roster.

“Some NFL sources I have spoken to have Boston as the second or third wideout in this class.” - Schrager
24) Cleveland Browns (via JAX): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
KC Concepcion adds versatility and playmaking to Cleveland’s offense, giving it a much-needed spark. After averaging 15.1 yards per catch, he’s proven he can stretch the field while also contributing in multiple roles. His skill set opens the door for creative usage at the next level.

“I’ve had multiple sources compare Concepcion to Zay Flowers.” - Schrager
25) Chicago Bears: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor is a massive presence with rare movement ability for his size, making him one of the most intriguing tackles in the class. At 358 pounds, he still shows the athleticism to develop into a high-end starter if everything clicks. Chicago could be landing a long-term answer up front.

“If he keeps his weight down, Proctor has as much upside as any tackle in this class.” - Schrager
26) Buffalo Bills: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald is starting to generate real buzz as a potential first-round riser thanks to his dominance against the run. His size and strength make him a natural fit for a Bills defense that struggled mightily in that area. This is a pick rooted in need and growing momentum.

“I’m hearing significant first-round buzz on him.” - Schrager
27) San Francisco 49ers: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Caleb Lomu gives San Francisco a potential long-term solution at tackle as it looks toward the future. The Utah product didn’t allow a single sack in 2025 and has the tools to develop into a reliable protector. Even if he’s not a finished product, the upside is clear.

“He’s worthy of a first-round grade.” - Schrager
28) Houston Texans: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Max Iheanachor might have as much upside as anyone in this class, even if he’s still developing. His unique background and rapid growth in the sport make him a fascinating prospect for a patient team. Houston could be betting big on long-term potential here.

“He could be a home run pick if a team is patient.” - Schrager
29) Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Colton Hood steps into a clear need for Kansas City, bringing production and a knack for making plays on the ball. After recording 10 pass breakups, he showed he can hold his own even without much help opposite him. This feels like a smart addition to a depleted secondary.

“He brings a pro-style mentality and a knack for being around the ball.” - Schrager
30) Miami Dolphins (via DEN): S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman offers speed, versatility, and leadership, making him an intriguing fit in Miami’s evolving defense. After running a 4.35 40-yard dash, he proved he has elite athleticism to pair with his instincts on film. This is a modern safety who can do a bit of everything.

“He’s much more than just that 4.35 speed.” - Schrager
31) New England Patriots: G/C Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
Keylan Rutledge could be one of the biggest surprises of the first round, but the value makes sense for New England. With just two sacks allowed over 43 career starts, he’s proven to be a reliable presence up front. For a team focused on protecting its young quarterback, this is a logical move.

“I haven’t seen anyone put Rutledge in Round 1 yet. It could happen.” - Schrager
32) Seattle Seahawks: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Jadarian Price rounds out the first round as a dynamic playmaker who makes the most of his opportunities. Despite limited volume, he turned 113 carries into 674 yards and 11 touchdowns, flashing explosiveness every time he touched the ball. Seattle could be getting a major value with his upside.

“He would provide some nice pop to the Seattle offense.” - Schrager
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza feels like the inevitable choice for Las Vegas, and it’s easy to see why. The Indiana standout checks every box you want in a franchise quarterback, bringing poise, arm talent, and leadership to a Raiders team ready to turn the page. With a veteran like Kirk Cousins in the building, Mendoza steps into an ideal situation to grow while still being the future of the franchise.

“Barring any major and completely shocking news, this is all but a done deal.” - Schrager

Peter Schrager Reveals Full First-Round Predictions Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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