With the common season of the 2025 school soccer season winding down and the 2025 NFL season practically two-thirds accomplished, I determine this can be a good time to try the 2026 NFL draft and make new projections for the primary 32 picks.
To make clear, there may be loads of time between now and the beginning of the draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh. Past the house stretch of the season, some gamers might determine to move again to highschool, whereas others might surprisingly declare early. We even have predraft occasions comparable to all-star video games and the mix that have a tendency to change draft boards. And groups’ wants will evolve as they transfer towards the upcoming offseason.
Our draft order for this mock draft is predicated on the standings by means of Week 11. 4 groups at present have a number of first-round picks: the Rams (from the Falcons), the Browns (from the Jaguars), the Cowboys (from the Packers) and the Jets (from the Colts). However I truly projected two extra trades in Spherical 1 right here.
Listed below are my projections for all 32 first-round picks in 2026, beginning with these couple of trades to shake up the highest of the board. (Underclassmen are famous with an asterisk.)
Bounce to a projected commerce:
TEN-NYJ | NYG-CLE
See extra on the NFL draft:
Place rankings
Projected commerce: Jets transfer as much as No. 1 general
Armed with two first-round picks and a further second-round choose in 2026 because of the deadline trades of cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive deal with Quinnen Williams, the Jets are transferring as much as Tennessee’s spot at No. 1 on this mock draft. Because the Titans used their 2025 No. 1 choose on quarterback Cam Ward, they might be satisfied to maneuver down and accumulate draft capital to construct round their younger QB. On this deal, the Jets would ship each of their first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 28) and their 2027 second-round choose to the Titans for the highest choice.
1. New York Jets (by way of projected commerce with 1-9 TEN)
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*
Jets basic supervisor Darren Mougey did not load up on draft capital by buying and selling away Gardner and Williams to observe groups choose quarterbacks forward of him. So I had the Jets aggressively transfer up for Mendoza, a pocket passer with nice contact and timing who can carve up a protection with surgical accuracy whereas offering sufficient mobility to execute on the transfer.
Mendoza won’t be in Caleb Williams’ class by way of prime QB prospects over the previous 5 years, however he is the perfect on this class and the Jets have to take swing on the place. Justin Fields was simply benched, and Tyrod Taylor is not the long-term reply. Mendoza’s 30 landing passes to 5 interceptions reveals how cautious he’s with the soccer.
Projected commerce: Browns flip spots with the Giants
Just like the Titans, the Giants drafted their quarterback of the longer term in 2025 in Jaxson Dart, making them a primary candidate to maneuver down. With the Browns in quarterback flux and sporting a number of first-round picks within the 2026 draft, Cleveland would ship the No. 3 choose to the Giants to maneuver up one spot. New York would additionally obtain third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to maneuver right down to No. 3.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
The Browns’ many makes an attempt to discover a franchise quarterback have failed, so it is again to the drafting board. Moore began 5 video games at UCLA in 2023 earlier than transferring to Oregon and sitting behind Dillon Gabriel — whom he’d truly be changing right here — in 2024. Moore has performed with poise and contact this season, finishing 72.8% of his passes for two,190 yards and 21 touchdowns to 5 interceptions whereas exhibiting nice arm expertise.
He is not a shoo-in to declare for 2026, given his restricted expertise (15 begins), however Moore’s penchant for making robust throws from muddy pockets would slot in Cleveland. Moore alone would not be a fast repair, however matching him with RB Quinshon Judkins and TE Harold Fannin Jr. would give the Browns a younger, high-energy offense.
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Why Oregon’s Dante Moore tops Riddick’s 2026 QB prospect record
Louis Riddick particulars why Oregon’s Dante Moore tops his record of 2026 NFL draft QB prospects.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
Not needing a quarterback, the Giants can do the sensible factor and commerce down to accumulate extra draft capital. They’ve wants throughout the offensive line, and whereas the 2026 draft class does not align with their want record completely, Mauigoa could be a plug-and-play starter at proper deal with reverse Andrew Thomas. Some scouts see Mauigoa as a guard on the subsequent stage due to his stocky 6-foot-6, 315-pound body, however his means to create house within the run recreation with energy and people-moving abilities would increase what the Giants might develop into with Dart and RB Cam Skattebo. Mauigoa has allowed only one sack all season … which is identical variety of touchdowns he has scored.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
For the Titans to get a real analysis of Ward, he wants a go-to receiver to throw to alongside rising supporting gamers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Tyson is the big-play deep menace Tennessee’s offense is lacking, as he has 57 receptions for 628 yards and eight touchdowns this season after catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. At 6-foot-2 and 200 kilos, he does not have hulking measurement, however Tyson elevates to play the ball within the air like a a lot bigger participant whereas nonetheless offering the velocity to tear off large runs. With its younger offensive line constructing chemistry, the perfect factor Tennessee can do for Ward is construct up a forged of younger receivers round him like Cincinnati did for Joe Burrow.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*
Geno Smith has not labored out in Las Vegas, and a quarterback reboot is coming. Maybe the Raiders might be a vacation spot for a veteran like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones ought to both be obtainable, however Las Vegas can also be a primary candidate to draft a quarterback ought to one be on the board. Simpson has began solely 10 video games in school, however he is enjoying with impeccable poise and timing after growing for 3 seasons. The 6-foot-2, 208-pounder has thrown 22 touchdowns to simply two picks this season. Simpson’s inexperience will must be vetted by scouts, however his instincts and processing are starter stage.
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State*
If the Saints transfer ahead with Tyler Shough at quarterback, they’re going to be left with two apparent wants: edge rusher and broad receiver. Drafting the perfect participant obtainable from these positions is the transfer for GM Mickey Loomis, and Reese is arguably the nation’s prime participant this season. He aligns at each linebacker and edge rusher for Ohio State, with 6.5 sacks, 17 pressures and 58 tackles this season. His means to influence the sport with an explosive first step would carry a spark to the Saints’ entrance 4 that has been lacking since Trey Hendrickson left in free company after the 2020 season.
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*
The Commanders have wants alongside their defensive entrance seven, particularly at edge rusher and linebacker. Bain has three sacks, 40 pressures and a time to first strain of two.58 seconds this season (thirty second within the FBS) regardless of going through fixed double-teams. The 6-foot-3, 275-pounder is flexible, with the energy to align as a 6-technique alongside the fitting aspect of the protection and as a 3-technique in speedier defensive position packages. With Von Miller nearing the top of his profession (he turns 37 in March) and Jacob Martin coming into free company, Washington must improve on the sting.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
Hendrickson will develop into a free agent after the season, and his return to Cincinnati is hardly assured contemplating the acrimonious nature of his preseason holdout. Joseph Ossai and Cam Pattern may also be free brokers, leaving the Bengals with wants up entrance regardless of drafting Shemar Stewart within the first spherical this yr and Myles Murphy in 2023. Neither has had a lot of an influence, so maybe Faulk might break by means of. At 6-foot-6, 285 kilos, Faulk is constructed within the mould of Hendrickson with the ability to lock out offensive tackles and the quickness to get to the quarterback. He has two sacks and 24 pressures this season and may rush from the within and out of doors.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
Downs is the highest participant on my board and the Cardinals might use a security improve, so this might be a wedding of want and worth. Security won’t be Arizona’s largest want — that relies on what occurs with Murray at QB — however stealing the perfect participant of the draft whereas bettering the again finish is how sensible groups are constructed. Jalen Thompson will probably be a free agent this offseason and Budda Baker turns 30 in January, so including Downs — who has deep vary and the energy to play within the field — would make sense. He is generally in comparison with the Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton, however Downs is extra bodily as a hybrid security.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
The Rams’ offensive line will must be retooled after the season, as proper deal with Rob Havenstein is popping 34 and set to develop into a free agent. Fano, who has performed each left and proper deal with at Utah, is pro-ready with fast fingers and well-developed instincts in move safety. There are scouts who consider the 6-foot-6, 308-pound junior could be finest suited as an inside participant due to his lack of elite energy, however his quickness and understanding of angles make him a really perfect slot in Los Angeles. Doubters of Fano’s means as the perfect pure deal with within the class must test his stat line: zero sacks allowed and solely 4 pressures surrendered this season. He is the kind of proper deal with the Rams can construct the following model of their line round.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
Earlier than the 2025 season even began, the Dolphins misplaced their complete beginning secondary from 2024 as a result of free company, trades and accidents. And whereas a few of the new additions have been optimistic, this protection might nonetheless use a real No. 1 outdoors cornerback. McCoy hasn’t performed but in 2025 after struggling an ACL tear in January however put sufficient nice tape out in 2024 that scouts nonetheless think about him the highest nook within the class. And whereas the Dolphins might think about a quarterback right here, there is not one on the board that may be a critical menace to push Tua Tagovailoa in 2026.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
In 2025 mock drafts, the Vikings had been a primary candidate to deal with defensive deal with early. They selected the free agent route as a substitute with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, however each gamers are on the fallacious aspect of 30. So a necessity nonetheless stays. Woods, who was the preseason No. 1 participant for some scouts, is a three-down menace at 6-foot-3 and 315 kilos. His stat line is not a jaw-dropper, with 2.0 sacks and 9 pressures, however he not often loses a rep. In that method, he is just like Quinnen Williams popping out of Alabama — and he might develop comparable abilities as a 3-technique. The Vikings might additionally take a look at a security to interchange veteran Harrison Smith or an additional broad receiver to play within the slot, however getting the draft’s finest defensive deal with right here could be a steal.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
It is unlikely that Love will nonetheless be obtainable at this choose come April, however we have seen groups move on elite working backs due to positional worth. I believe Love is among the three finest gamers within the class and an RB prospect on par with Bijan Robinson or Saquon Barkley. Love could be a dream come true for the Cowboys, whose No. 1 working again (Javonte Williams) is about to be an unrestricted free agent. A real residence run menace at 6-foot and 214 kilos, Love has ripped off landing runs of 98 and 94 yards in back-to-back seasons. His elite persistence and burst are perfect for a zone dashing scheme, plus he has the all-around means to spice up the Cowboys’ loaded passing assault.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Regardless of getting good worth in including Mike Inexperienced within the second spherical of the 2025 draft, the Ravens nonetheless lack influence move rushers who can function in house and have solely 15 sacks this season (tied for twenty ninth within the NFL). Bailey, who leads the FBS in sacks (12.5) and ranks second in hurries (55), has been a nightmare for offenses since transferring from Stanford earlier than the season. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound edge rusher wins with quickness off the snap, has sufficient pop in his bull rush to rock again tackles and reveals a relentless motor that results in second-chance sacks and QB hits. After beginning the season as a Day 2 prospect, he has shortly performed his method into the highest 20.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*
The decline of Kansas Metropolis’s offense could be blamed on just a few issues, however the lack of an explosive run recreation and tight finish Travis Kelce’s decreased function are two prime components. Except Love one way or the other falls to this spot, I do not see the Chiefs going working again in Spherical 1 — particularly after whiffing on Clyde Edwards-Helaire within the first spherical in 2020 — however they might goal Kelce’s substitute right here. Sadiq’s means to shake protection and choose up yards after the catch would enable him to thrive in Kelce’s function. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound junior has solely 30 catches this season however has scored six touchdowns.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State*
The best way Houston determined to remake its offensive line this previous offseason was met with criticism across the league. The hassle did not appear ample in defending quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has missed two video games due to harm this season. The Texans must hit on their OL rebuild and will use one other early draft choose up entrance after deciding on deal with Aireontae Ersery within the second spherical in 2025. Ioane is the perfect inside lineman on this class, locking down Penn State’s left guard spot for many of the previous three seasons. At 6-foot-4 and 330 kilos, he’s a mauler who makes use of his leverage to clear dashing lanes and hasn’t allowed a sack all season.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC*
Tetairoa McMillan was an ideal addition at No. 8 in 2025, however the Panthers have not gotten the identical return on 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette. As quarterback Bryce Younger’s rookie contract involves an in depth, Carolina ought to take one other shot at a younger move catcher. Lemon is an environment friendly, sensible route runner at 5-foot-10 and 191 kilos. He will not wow you with leaping grabs on 50-50 passes, however he’ll carve up defenses and choose up yards after the catch. Very like Ladd McConkey, Lemon is a quarterback’s finest buddy on beneath routes and offers sufficient downfield means to open up the offense. Lemon could be a dream counterpart to McMillan’s means to physique defensive backs.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson*
Aidan Hutchinson is a one-man present on Detroit’s defensive position, which ranks lifeless final in move rush win fee since offenses are in a position to key on him. Parker is the kind of working mate we have tried to match to Detroit in mock drafts for a number of years now. At 6-foot-3 and 265 kilos, he performs the sting with size and energy which can be pro-caliber, which led to 11.0 sacks as a sophomore in 2024. Whereas he has solely 2.0 sacks this season as offenses slide to cease him, Parker’s effort and upper-body energy are precisely what Detroit wants reverse Hutchinson in a 4-3 scheme.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*
The Steelers might flip a coin to determine whether or not to draft a quarterback or broad receiver, as each are of equal want. Quarterback could be the best choose, however the Steelers would not be in vary for a starting-caliber prospect right here and would seemingly add a veteran in free company if Aaron Rodgers retires or does not return. That leaves broad receiver, a place the Steelers have traditionally drafted very properly. Buying and selling for DK Metcalf gave Pittsburgh a real WR1, however the workforce now wants a WR2. At 6-foot-3 and 195 kilos, Tate has the vertical means to win excessive and make performs on 50-50 passes. Extra importantly, he has succeeded within the No. 2 function subsequent to celebrity sophomore Jeremiah Smith. Tate has seven touchdowns on 39 receptions this season.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
After buying and selling as much as draft Moore, the Browns might use their subsequent first-round choose to guard him. Lomu, a redshirt sophomore left deal with, has the instruments to play a number of positions up entrance, in keeping with NFL scouts. That positional versatility might come in useful since Cleveland has to face plenty of offseason choices with its line. The Browns have 4 offensive linemen set to hit free company, they usually’ve cycled by means of choices at left deal with due to accidents and missed draft picks. Lomu’s athletic instruments leap off the tape together with his mild toes and simple restoration agility. It is easy to see a path for him to develop in Cleveland, homing in on a ability set that has helped him enable zero sacks and solely 5 pressures this season.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Jamel Dean has been nice this season, however the 29-year-old will probably be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. That will increase the chance of Tampa Bay drafting a cornerback early. Delane, who transferred to LSU from Virginia Tech earlier than the season, has been the perfect protection nook I’ve seen on tape. At 6-foot and 190 kilos, he reveals outstanding toughness by means of the route and battles with receivers for the ball. Delane has grabbed two interceptions and allowed a completion proportion of simply 29% when focused by opposing quarterbacks this season. Some groups would possibly flag his shorter than best arm size, however Delane has the feisty traits that Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles appreciates in his corners.
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Mansoor Delane comes up with an interception
Mansoor Delane grabs interception vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*
The Chargers want to deal with the inside of each strains this offseason — be that at guard, heart or defensive deal with. With the highest inside O-lineman off the board, the Chargers might search for a difference-maker on Jesse Minter’s defensive position. Washington, who strikes very properly at 330 kilos, would type a wall alongside 2025 third-rounder Jamaree Caldwell. Each gamers might bottle up the run recreation and nonetheless crash the pocket in Minter’s system. Washington was recognized by scouts as a possible riser within the preseason, and he has lived as much as these expectations. Beefing up the defensive position with a top-20 participant can also be a basic Jim Harbaugh transfer.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State*
The 49ers invested 4 picks within the 2025 draft alongside the defensive position, including Mykel Williams (edge), Robert Beal Jr. (edge), Alfred Collins (DT) and CJ West (DT). However the 49ers are final within the NFL with 12 sacks, so extra assist is required, particularly at defensive deal with. McDonald, who strains up at nostril deal with for the Buckeyes, has been an elite run defender as a first-year starter but in addition provides pass-rush means, with three sacks and 5 pressures this season. At 6-foot-3 and 326 kilos, the junior has additionally added 44 tackles by means of 10 video games, an unreal quantity for a nostril deal with.
Damon Wilson II, Edge, Missouri*
A prized recruit within the switch portal, Wilson arrived at Missouri after leaving Georgia. He has posted seven sacks and an interception this season whereas impressing together with his first-step quickness and use of size at 6-foot-4 and 250 kilos. Wilson jogs my memory of James Pearce Jr. in his athletic profile and is posting the stats to again up that comparability. Dallas might use a participant like Wilson off the sting after buying and selling away Micah Parsons and rebuilding the inside defensive position by buying and selling for defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
The Bears might go a lot of instructions right here, together with security and edge rusher, however Chicago must discover a long-term left deal with. Braxton Jones was unable to lock down the job and will probably be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, whereas Theo Benedet has had pass-protection points. Proctor’s tape has been up and down due to inconsistent stability and leverage, but it surely’s uncommon to discover a 360-pound left deal with who can transfer like he does. There are conversations about placing him at guard a la Mekhi Becton, however the Bears want a blindside protector for Caleb Williams. Proctor’s motion means would slot in seamlessly if he can develop into extra constant.
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Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor rumbles his approach to a 1st down
Kadyn Proctor takes the direct snap and hurdles his approach to an Alabama first down.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington*
The Payments have struggled find broad receivers in free company and the draft, with 2024 second-rounder Keon Coleman being inconsistent previous to being a wholesome scratch in Week 11. At 6-foot-4, 210 kilos, Boston is able to enjoying on the surface and within the slot, making him a enjoyable complement to the speedy Khalil Shakir. Boston’s means to win 50-50 balls is precisely what Josh Allen must make large performs in scramble drills. Together with the bodily attributes, Boston has been productive, catching 52 passes for 730 yards and eight touchdowns this season after scoring 9 touchdowns in 2024.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina*
Generally a prospect’s ability set matches so completely with an NFL workforce that the match appears inevitable. That is the case with Cisse and Mike Macdonald’s protection in Seattle. The explosive, fast Cisse has develop into one of many nation’s prime cornerbacks after transferring from NC State, permitting solely seven completions on 23 passes into his protection whereas selecting off one move. Devon Witherspoon is a star at one nook spot, however Cisse would stability out the secondary reverse him, particularly with Riq Woolen set to develop into an unrestricted free agent.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee*
The Titans’ second choose from our projected commerce nets them one of many nation’s most balanced protection gamers. Hood is well-traveled, as Tennessee is his third college, however he is producing Spherical 1 tape with the Vols. The 6-foot, 190-pounder has one interception and 11 passes defensed this season whereas permitting solely 5.3 yards per try when focused. With the Titans addressing receiver earlier, Hood would bolster a move protection that has allowed completions on 70.6% of move makes an attempt, the second worst within the NFL.
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
The Eagles not often draft for pure want in Spherical 1, choosing gamers who slip by means of the cracks and might be plugged in future use. That is the case with Bernard, a dynamic receiver who might assume the slot function instantly and probably substitute A.J. Brown down the street. Bernard strains up throughout Alabama’s offense as a runner and receiver; he has eight touchdowns, 48 catches and 676 yards from quite a lot of alignments. Whereas he is constructed like a working again at 6-foot-1 and 204 kilos, Bernard is an explosive route runner. He has proven robust fingers in contested-catch conditions and makes use of artful strikes to create house.
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Quarterback Drake Maye is an MVP candidate regardless of a comparatively nameless set of broad receivers. And whereas Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs are viable veteran choices, the workforce should prioritize growing younger starters. Bell represents the identical sort of bodily mismatch that Hollins offers. At 6-foot-2 and 227 kilos, most cornerbacks cannot maintain their fingers on Bell. And from the slot, he makes use of his 4.4 velocity to run previous safeties. Bell’s growth will embrace increase his route tree, however he is comparable in that approach to DK Metcalf popping out of Ole Miss.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*
After addressing a necessity with an offensive deal with earlier in Spherical 1, the Rams might go together with a price choose right here and put Allen in one of many center linebacker spots in Chris Shula’s base 3-4 scheme. Allen is a heat-seeking missile with wonderful diagnosing means and fast reflexes to pursue the ball. Scouts have in contrast him to Roquan Smith, which is smart given his sideline-to-sideline aggressiveness and velocity. Whereas Nate Landman and Omar Speights are doing a effective job this season, Allen might be a key improve to the backbone of Los Angeles’ protection.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*
Linebacker Alex Singleton is about to hit free company within the offseason, opening the door for a contributor in the midst of Vance Joseph’s protection. Hill has been Texas’ center linebacker since arriving on campus in 2023 and likewise reveals means as a move rusher and key blitzer in opposition to cellular quarterbacks. There’s debate across the league about his finest professional place, as some scouts might see Hill transfer to edge rusher full time. However Denver would finest use him at his present place, letting him wreak havoc on AFC West quarterbacks.
