NFL Mock Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner, but outside of the top pick, there is uncertainty about how the board will shake out.

While everyone knows the Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to go quarterback at No. 1 overall, things get interesting immediately after with teams like the New York Jets weighing multiple directions early in the draft.

Here is a look at how I think the first couple picks in the first round could play out.

1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza (QB) (Indiana University) It seems like a foregone conclusion around the league that Mendoza will be headed to Las Vegas. The real question is: will he take the helm right away or will Kirk Cousins?

2. New York Jets — Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE) (Ohio State University) The Jets may need a quarterback, but they also need defensive help. Reese is the most pro-ready pass rusher in the group.

3. Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa (OT) (University of Miami) The Cardinals need a stable offensive line, and drafting Mauigoa helps build that.

4. Tennessee Titans — Jeremiyah Love (RB) (University of Notre Dame) The Titans need to give quarterback Cam Ward a supporting cast. Adding a player like Love would give them a playmaker who finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.

5. New York Giants — Sonny Styles (LB) (Ohio State University) Head Coach John Harbaugh has always had a great defense with Baltimore. Targeting Styles just makes sense.

6. Cleveland Browns — Carnell Tate (WR) (Ohio State University) Ohio State has produced many great wide receivers over the years, and the Browns need a quality player to pair with quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

7. Washington Commanders — Rueben Bain Jr. (LB/ EDGE) (Miami University) Bain is a versatile edge threat. Washington adds a defensive tone-setter in the top ten.

8. New Orleans Saints — David Bailey (LB/EDGE) (Texas Tech University) The Saints added runnig back Travis Etiene in the offseason. They will use this pick to bolster their defense.

9. Kansas City Chiefs — Mansoor Delane (CB) (Louisiana State University) The Chiefs need secondary help. If they do not go with Delane, then I could see them picking an offensive lineman.

10. New York Giants (Traded with the Cincinatti Bengals) – Jordyn Tyson (WR) (Arizona State University) The Giants need a receiver to pair with Malik Nabers. Tyson has the size to contribute in the league. Quarterback Jaxon Dart needs more targets.

11. Miami Dolphins — Makai Lemon (WR) (University of Southern California) The Dolphins traded away their best receiver in Jaylen Waddle and cut wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Drafting Lemon will help fill the gaps.

12. Dallas Cowboys — Dillon Thieneman (S) (University of Oregon) Thieneman is an elite athlete and showed off a well-rounded skillset for the Ducks, making him an ideal fit for this pick.

13. Los Angeles Rams — Spencer Fano (OT) (University of Utah) The Rams could look to replace tackle Warren McClendon Jr. come 2027 by drafting Fano here. Protecting old man Matt Stafford is the priority.

14. Baltimore Ravens — Vega Ioane (IOL) (Pennsylvania State University) After some roster turnover, protecting Lamar should be the priority here. Interior offensive line struggles have led to Jackson missing games.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Keldric Faulk (EDGE) (Auburn University) Faulk’s production at Auburn should catch the eyes of the Bucs front office. Faulk is a great pick. here.