2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Round 1 2026 NFL Draft Projections Before Week 14

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Round 1 2026 NFL Draft Projections Before Week 14

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Round 1 2026 NFL Draft Projections Before Week 14 — Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Matt Johnson · Sportsnaut

Sat, Dec 6, 2025 ·

16 min read

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Who will be the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? The NFL Draft this year feels a bit unique because the teams picking at the top already have their quarterbacks of the future. That opens the door to surprises or trades, but we'll keep the latter out for now in our NFL mock draft.

Let's dive into our latest 2026 NFL mock draft ahead of Week 14. Of note, the 2026 NFL Draft order used for this mock was reflective of the standings heading into Sunday.

1. Tennessee Titans : Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

Trading down will absolutely be an option for the Tennessee Titans in the 2026 NFL Draft as this roster needs a lot of work and more draft picks will help. For now, we have Tennessee standing pat. Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese has emerged as one of the best players in college football this season, showing impressive flashes as a pass rusher while also playing like an All-American linebacker. With Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat on the interior, Reese would have opportunities to be deployed as a blitzer up the middle or be sent around the edge with a one-on-one matchup against a tackle. He can be a Pro Bowl player.

2. New York Giants : Caleb Downs , S, Ohio State

This is simply about taking the best player available for the New York Giants, though, trading down is a very real possibility. Caleb Downs is the best defensive back in college football right now, offering a skill set that could make him an All-Pro by his third season in the NFL. He's adept at playing in the box, which could help shore up New York's run defense, but his calling card would be as a centerfielder who can make plays when the Giants' pass rush forces quarterbacks into risky throws.

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3. New Orleans Saints : Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

Based on what Tyler Shough has shown at this point, we tend to believe the New Orleans Saints will give him the full 2026 season to prove himself as the starting quarterback. With investments already made in the offensive line, the focus shifts to taking the best defensive player available in the 2026 NFL Draft. Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr has the length and strength to become a double-digit sack player on the Saints defensive line. He also offers some alignment versatility and would give Saints' defensive coordinator Brandon Staley his first real building block in the front seven.

4. Las Vegas Raiders : Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

In a perfect world, the Las Vegas Raiders would use their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on an offensive lineman and focus on rebuilding the trenches until they take a stab at a rookie quarterback. However, that's not a luxury Mark Davis and Tom Brady have. This wouldn't be an ideal situation for Fernando Mendoza to walk into, but he would have an All-Pro tight end in Brock Bowers and a workhorse running back in Ashton Jeanty . He brings poise, accuracy, and great decision-making to the table immediately, traits that Brady will love. Plus, he's a multi-year starter and what he's done this season to make Indiana a national championship contender will prove especially appealing to Las Vegas.

5. Cleveland Browns : Dante Moore , QB, Oregon

There is a very real chance that quarterback Dante Moore returns to the Oregon Ducks ' next season. For now, he's neck-and-neck with Mendoza to be the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Moore has consistently shown improvement this season, both demonstrating more poise under pressure and a greater willingness to throw deep with touch than Dillon Gabriel or Bo Nix did at Oregon. The 6-foot-3 quarterback is more than capable of picking up some first downs with his legs, but he's most comfortable in the pocket where he is willing to make big throws with pressure in his face or while being hit. He would be the best quarterback the Browns have had in years.

6. Washington Commanders : Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

This will certainly seem like a reach for some, as most have Carnell Tate as a top-15 prospect in 2026. This is partially a bet on the Ohio State Buckeyes' ability to develop pro-ready wide receivers and Tate is the next in that group. He's a very good route runner who does all the little things that would position him to become a 1,000-yard receiver almost instantly at the next level. For the Washington Commanders, he complements Terry McLaurin nicely and gives Jayden Daniels a long-term No. 1 wideout if McLaurin's effectiveness starts to dip due to age or injury.

7. New York Jets : Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Quarterback is obviously a popular pick for the New York Jets in your typical 2026 NFL mock drafts. However, given the Jets front office has stockpiled more first-round picks next year, we tend to view that as a bit of an indicator on when they'll strike for a franchise quarterback. Instead, New York helps out Aaron Glenn's by bringing in his Quinnen Williams replacement. Peter Woods has been one of the best defensive linemen in the nation this season, standing out as a run-stuffer who is just as capable at creating interior pressure on quarterbacks. This is a multi-year rebuild and the hope is Woods could become an Alim McNeil-like player in the Jets defense.

8. Arizona Cardinals : Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Entering Week 14, the Arizona Cardinals offensive line ranks 26th in pressure rate allowed with the fifth-highest rate of rush stuffs allowed. In short, the front five needs a lot of work. The beauty of taking Francis Mauigoa is that he can either be kept at right tackle, which he played at Miami, or the Cardinals can kick him inside. Either way, Arizona improves both its pass protection and run blocking with a bully added in the trenches who should fit the style of football Jonathan Gannon wants to play.

9. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Safe to say that draft-night trade with the Falcons has worked out beautifully for the Los Angeles Rams. Already boasting one of the league's top defenses, there is an obvious weakness at cornerback. Jermod McCoy missed all of last season recovering from an ACL tear, but he'll be cleared for pre-draft workouts. When he was healthy, McCoy was a playmaking No. 1 corner and he offers the size (6-foot) and athleticism that will help his coverage skills and instincts translate to the next level.

10. Cincinnati Bengals : Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

This might sound like a wild concept to the Cincinnati Bengals front office, but we believe they should target a pass rusher who actually produced in college. Keldric Faulk generated 19.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks over the last two seasons, really being one of the few standouts on Auburn's defense. With Trey Hendrickson highly unlikely to be back with Cincinnati in 2026, the Bengals will need all the pass-rushing help they can get.

11. Minnesota Vikings : Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Minnesota Vikings won't be using a first-round pick on a quarterback just two years after trading up for J.J. McCarthy , but they need to find ways to win games with sub-par play at the position. Enter Jeremiyah Love. Arguably a top-five talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, Love is probably the best running back prospect since Bijan Robinson . He can be a centerpiece of the Vikings offense, providing Kevin O'Connell with someone who can carry more of the offensive load.

12. Miami Dolphins : Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Jordyn Tyson might still be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but a history of injuries throughout college could push him down a few picks. When Tyson is healthy, though, he's an excellent wideout whose size and ability to make contested catches would pair nicely as a complement to Jaylen Waddle . Wide receiver isn't the most pressing need for Miami, but with Tyreek Hill not returning in 2026, the Dolphins can't pass on the talent available here.

13. Dallas Cowboys : Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

As Thursday Night Football demonstrated, cornerback is still a glaring issue for the Dallas Cowboys. Fortunately, Jerry Jones has a pair of first-round picks in a draft class that looks strong at the position. LSU's Mansoor Delane is having a breakout season, showcasing all the traits that can make him a shutdown corner at the next level. Plus, with the pass rush the Cowboys have assembled, which will help Delane look even better early in his NFL career.

14. Kansas City Chiefs : David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

David Bailey does have some maturity concerns that, paired with the fact he's undersized, would at least put him in some jeopardy of falling out of the top 10. However, those are issues that the Kansas City Chiefs can look past. Pass rush, or the lack thereof, has been Kansas City's biggest weakness this season. Bailey will help improve that and he can be an effective edge defender against the run.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers : Ty Simpson , QB, Alabama

The Pittsburgh Steelers can't keep rolling with stop-gap options at quarterback. Fortunately for them, Alabama's Ty Simpson has done enough this season to at least ensure he'll be a top-20 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He can extend plays with his legs and run for first downs when needed, but his real calling card is his ability to remain calm when under pressure and make the right read. He might not offer the highest ceiling, but he could develop into an above-average starter for Pittsburgh.

16. Carolina Panthers : Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Defensively, the Carolina Panthers have made real strides this season. There's still a ton of room for improvement. Kayden McDonald is one of the most unheralded players on the best defense in the nation, serving as a space eater and run-stuffer for Ohio State. Pairing him next to Derrick Brown , Carolina could replicate what New England has with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore .

17. Houston Texans : Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Houston Texans offensive line has been much better than expected this season, but it's still the team's biggest weakness in 2025. Enter offensive tackle Spencer Fano. He has the athleticism to play left tackle with the tenacity of a right tackle, and the right side might be his ideal position long-term. Fano could be a plug-and-play starter on the right side and he should show real signs of growth in his rookie season.

18. Detroit Lions : Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The season has provided pretty strong evidence for the Detroit Lions that even more investment needs to be put into the offensive line. Kadyn Proctor is a phenomenal athlete for his size, as evidenced by Alabama using him on a screen pass and handing him the football near the goal line. He could be the left tackle of the future in Detroit, but more immediately could kick inside to guard.

19. Baltimore Ravens : Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

The Baltimore Ravens offensive line has been alarmingly bad this season, playing a role in the offense taking a major step backward. A first step toward improvement is adding to the interior offensive line. Ioane is well-rounded in both pass protection and as a run blocker, with the strength to win with power. He could immediately be a starter for Baltimore, shoring up the team's ability to win at the line of scrimmage.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Sonny Styles , LB, Ohio State

After passing on the top off-ball linebacker a year ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers address the position now. Sonny Styles, a former safety, showcases his athleticism in coverage, and he absolutely flies to the football. Plus, unlike former Buccaneers linebacker Devin White , Styles is a sound tackler with good instincts and decision-making.

21. Buffalo Bills : Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Buffalo Bills might have to take a wide receiver in Round 1 given how big of a disappointment Keon Coleman has been. USC Trojans wideout Makai Lemon simply knows how to get open. Plus, even at 5-foot-11, he can position his body to make contested catches. Lemon might not be a big-play threat, but he will provide Josh Allen with an offensive weapon who can separate and be a go-to option before pressure gets home.

22. Philadelphia Eagles : Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The draft-day slide for Kenyon Sadiq ends, with the Philadelphia Eagles snagging the best tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft. Dallas Goedert might not be back next season, and it's pretty clear this Eagles offense needs more weapons. While Sadiq doesn't have prototypical size at 6-foot-3, he's an athletic marvel who is improving at making contested catches and would add an underneath YAC threat for Jalen Hurts .

23. New York Jets (via IND): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

After addressing the defense early in our NFL mock draft, the New York Jets use their other first-round pick on adding to the long-term core of this offense. At 6-foot-4, Denzel Boston would be a nice complementary wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson , providing that outside threat who can come down with the football. He'd thrive in the one-on-one matchups created by playing on the same field as Wilson.

24. San Francisco 49ers : Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Nick Bosa is returning from an ACL tear, the second in his pro career, and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams will be returning even later from his torn ACL. In short, the San Francisco 49ers' pass rush heading into next season is iffy. Cashius Howell knows how to generate pressure, and that's precisely what Robert Saleh's defense needs. Plus, as we've seen throughout his time as a defensive play-caller, there's no such thing as too many pass rushers.

25. Los Angeles Chargers : A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

With the top edge rushers off the board, the Los Angeles Chargers bolster their interior defensive line. Upgrading the defense will be essential this offseason, assuming Jesse Minter departs, as he squeezed way more out of the roster than anyone has in years. Oregon defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington can explode through the middle of the trenches, taking away the quarterback's ability to step up and forcing them into an oncoming edge defender.

26. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

After snagging their quarterback of the future, the Cleveland Browns now add an explosive weapon to the offense. Texas A&M wideout KD Concepcion does have one of the highest drop rates among his peers in college football, but he's electric with the football in his hands. Cleveland has a YAC threat at tight end; Concepcion brings even more of that at wide receiver.

27. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

Whether the Dallas Cowboys keep George Pickens on the franchise tag or a long-term contract extension, either scenario means there won't be a ton of money left to spend on defense. So, use both first-round picks to address that side of the ball. Off-ball linebacker has been a weakness for Dallas in recent years; CJ Allen is the solution. The Bulldogs linebacker flies downhill and does a great job wrapping up the ball-carrier, so he'll be another great piece to improve the Cowboys' ability to contain the run and limit YAC plays.

28. Seattle Seahawks : Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

The thought was that the Rashid Shaheed trade would provide the Seattle Seahawks with a No. 2 receiver, and he'd then sign a new contract this offseason. He's been a non-factor since landing in Seattle. Instead of just handing the No. 2 role to Tory Horton , the Seahawks snag Chris Bell. He offers good size (6-foot-2), and he's one of the better YAC threats in this class.

29. Los Angeles Rams: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

This is a pick for the future, with the Los Angeles Rams snagging their long-term right tackle to succeed Rob Havenstein . Georgia Bulldogs tackle Monroe Freeling might not be pro-ready right now—especially for a Super Bowl contender—but he can be an understudy during his rookie season and then step in on the right side when Havenstein hangs up his cleats.

30. Denver Broncos : Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas

This is just as much about finding the right fit for Anthony Hill Jr. as it is addressing a need for the Denver Broncos. Hill didn't make the big jump everyone hoped to see this season, but you can't teach that athleticism at 6-foot-3. With Denver likely losing its off-ball linebackers in NFL free agency this offseason, Hill would have a great opportunity to learn from the Broncos coaching staff and be used correctly by Vance Joseph.

31. Chicago Bears : T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Viewed as a potential top-10 pick entering the season, T.J. Parker will need a strong pre-draft process to stick in Round 1. It's pretty evident that he needs to be schemed-up looks to get him free as a pass rusher, which is something Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can absolutely do.

32. New England Patriots : Germie Bernard , WR, Alabama

The New England Patriots coudl go any number of directions here, but we're giving them the versatility offered by Alabama wide receiver Germie Burton. He's been even better than Ryan Williams in 2025, all the while Kalen DeBoer has moved him around the field. Put him on the field with Stefon Diggs and Kayson Boutte, now Drake Maye has an even better cast of weapons.

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