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2026 NFL Mock Draft: New 2-Round Projections After National Championship
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- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: New 2-Round Projections After National Championship
The National Championship Game gave football fans a fantastic preview of the 2026 NFL Draft class, from Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza leading the Hoosiers to their first national title, to Miami 's star-studded pass rush making life as difficult as possible for the Heisman Trophy winner.
He didn't exactly light up the box score, but Mendoza got the job done on the biggest stage, auditioning for NFL teams and showing off his ability to deliver in clutch moments .
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Mendoza headlines a draft class that doesn't feature a ton of surefire franchise quarterbacks beyond himself, but it's a great year to need pass rushers and pass catchers, and the cornerback and offensive line groups are strong, too.
Here's an updated look at how the first two rounds of this year's draft could turn out, using the latest updated order following the conclusion of the college football season:
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
The Raiders' top brass were all in attendance Monday night in Miami to see Mendoza play in the national title game, and they got their money's worth, as he delivered clutch plays in key moments to take home the championship. He's a classic pocket passer who can carve up opposing defenses with precision, and he's exactly what this franchise needs to start rebuilding their way back to winning titles of their own.
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2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese | Edge/LB | Ohio State
Dante Moore 's decision to return to Oregon leaves the Jets without a quarterback worth taking here. If they can't trade down, it's a simple case of taking the best player available. Reese has a rare blend of, athleticism and versatility, and he's still just scratching the surface of his potential. A defensive head coach like Aaron Glenn won't mind adding this kind of weapon to his side of the ball.
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3. Arizona Cardinals
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
Arizona has some big questions to answer this offense, particularly at quarterback, but they won't find that solution with this pick. Instead, they should match need with value on defense, grabbing a dominant pass rusher who can make life easier for the offense by keeping points off the other side of the scoreboard. Bain has been an absolute game-wrecker for the Canes this year, and would make an immediate impact.
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4. Tennessee Titans
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
Cam Ward has already shown flashes of the superstar potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2025, but the Titans have a ton of work to do if they want to build a winner around him. In this scenario, their best bet is to land an explosive edge rusher who can team up with Jeffrey Simmons along the interior to give them a formidable pass rush. Bailey was a huge reason for the Red Raiders' defensive dominance this season.
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Texas Tech's David Bailey is a dominant force off the edge. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
5. New York Giants
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
John Harbaugh's arrival should elevate the foundation of a franchise that hasn't been a true contender in years, and while there's some promising young talent in place, there are still plenty of holes on this roster. Bolstering the trenches on offense makes the most sense here, and the right tackle spot is the most glaring need in that department. Mauigoa has been dominant for the Canes at that spot, and would be a fantastic fit.
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6. Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
If the Browns are truly going to find out what they have in Shedeur Sanders , they have to give him a supporting cast that allows him to develop. That could start along the offensive line, but in this scenario, the value is at receiver, where the offense currently lacks a true No. 1 target. Tate is the latest in a long line of elite pass-catchers to come out of Columbus, and he would quickly become that go-to playmaker in Cleveland.
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7. Washington Commanders
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
Jayden Daniels needs more help on offense, but a defense desperate for playmakers might not be able to pass up Downs. A versatile weapon who can line up anywhere and make splash plays, Downs has a rare blend of physical and mental tools that makes him arguably the best player in the entire draft. It's unfair to compare any prospect to the legendary Sean Taylor, but if any franchise knows the value of an elite safety in the top 10, it's this one.
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8. New Orleans Saints
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
The Saints have plenty of needs on both sides of the ball, but the priority should be building around Tyler Shough heading into his second season. Chris Olave is one of the better young receivers in the league, but after trading away Rashid Shaheed , the offense needs another top-tier pass-catcher who can make defenses pay in those 1-on-1 situations. Tyson is a well-rounded player who can create consistent separation and make big plays after the catch.
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Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is easily this year's best running back prospect. (Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
The Chiefs need to reload their stable of offensive weapons around Patrick Mahomes , whether that's through the air or on the ground. I'm not sure if they would be willing to spend a top-10 pick on a running back, but Love's elite playmaking ability and three-down skill set would make a massive impact right away in Kansas City, and he's easily one of the top-five talents in the entire class.
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10. Cincinnati Bengals
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
This defense needs help at all three levels, but starting in the trenches is always the best plan of action when a rebuild is necessary. The most immediate need is along the interior, where the Bengals lack an enforcer who can shut down the ground game and push the pocket as a pass rusher. Woods checks both boxes, and brings rare athleticism for the position that gives him limitless upside on all three downs.
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11. Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
After hiring Jeff Hafley as their new head coach, you can bet there will be an emphasis on building this defense back up. The biggest need is at corner, where the Dolphins haven't had a true shutdown presence since Jalen Ramsey . Delane was dominant for the Bayou Bengals this season, shutting down SEC competition on a weekly basis, and showing off all the physical and mental traits it will take to do the same in the pros.
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12. Dallas Cowboys
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
A pass rusher to replace Micah Parsons is the usual direction here, but don't sleep on the Cowboys' need for a high-end WR2 if they're not able to keep George Pickens off the open market. Lemon's is a big-play machine with explosiveness and physicality that makes him a dangerous threat down the field and after the catch, and he'd be even more dangerous lining up across from CeeDee Lamb and taking advantage of 1-on-1 opportunities.
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USC WR Makai Lemon is a big-play machine. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
It's time for the Rams to start thinking about their future at quarterback, but there's no prospect worth reaching for here, and they have other positions that need an infusion of young talent. One spot where that's true is at right tackle, where Rob Havenstein will turn 34 years old in May. Fano has starting experience at both tackle spots, and his athleticism and physical tools give him a ton of potential on either side.
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14. Baltimore Ravens
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
The Ravens defense simply doesn't have enough high-impact players along the front seven right now, and the entire team continues to suffer for it. They desperately need edge rushers who can overwhelm opposing blockers with explosiveness and athleticism, and Faulk would be an ideal fit. He's got a rare blend of size and athleticism, and the versatility to line up anywhere along the defensive front.
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
Even if future Hall of Famer Lavonte David returns for a 15th season, the Bucs need to make significant investments at linebacker, for both the present and future. Styles has an impressive blend of size and athleticism for the position, and the intelligence and range to make big plays against both the run and pass. He'd be the perfect understudy and eventual successor to David, and is pro-ready enough to lead that unit immediately if No. 54 retires.
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16. New York Jets (from IND)
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
It's possible the Jets could punt on a weak quarterback class and hope for better options in 2027, but if Simpson is still on the board here, they could gamble on the flashes of potential he showed in 2025. His upside is limited by a lack of elite physical tools, but he throws with precisions and anticipation, making sound decisions with the football and delivering big throws in clutch moments.
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Alabama QB Ty Simpson could sneak into the first round despite just one season of starting experience. (David Leong-Imagn Images)David Leong-Imagn Images
17. Detroit Lions
Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
Aidan Hutchinson is one of the most dominant and complete edge defenders in the entire NFL, but the Lions need another pass rusher who can take advantage of opponents that slide protections to his side. Howell has proven he can single-handedly end drives and take over games, and he was highly productive against top competition in the SEC. His explosiveness and technical prowess would allow Howell to make an immediate impact in Detroit.
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18. Minnesota Vikings
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
Offseason departures could leave this secondary needing reinforcements at both levels, and in this scenario, the Vikings could find value and upside at corner with McCoy. He's a bit of a wild-card prospect after missing the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, but prior to getting hurt, McCoy's film showed an athletic cover man with rare physical traits and playmaking instincts. If he's able to return to that level of play, he could be a massive steal here.
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19. Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
The Panthers need to know as soon as possible if Bryce Young can truly be their franchise quarterback for years to come, and giving him as much help as possible would be an ideal approach this offseason. If Sadiq is still on the board, he would give Young a mismatch weapon who could make life miserable for linebackers and safeties, both down the field and after the catch.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
After Trevon Diggs ' regression and eventual departure this season, the Cowboys need to bolster their cornerback room with another blue-chip talent. What he may lack in size, Terrell makes up for in every other area of his game, with a blend of smarts, competitiveness, technique and ball skills that allow him to make big plays against bigger receivers when the ball comes his way.
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Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion is an undersized but explosive playmaker. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
DK Metcalf made a huge impact during his first season in Pittsburgh, but this offense needs to upgrade the WR2 spot if they want consistency from the passing game, no matter who ends up playing quarterback next year and beyond. Concepcion is a smaller but explosive weapon who can take the top off the defense, or pick up huge chunks of yardage after the catch, and his skill set would pair extremely well with Metcalf.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Vega Ioane | OL | Penn State
Justin Herbert didn't stand a chance behind an injury-riddled offensive line as the 2025 season wore on, but even with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater back at full strength next year, the Chargers should invest in more help along the interior to keep Herbert protected and healthy. Ioane in the top guard prospect in this year's class, and he's got the physical tools and polish to be an immediate starter for a playoff team.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
The more pressing needs are on the other side of the ball, but the Eagles won't pass up better talent at other positions if the board falls a certain way. In this scenario, a deep class of edge rushers keeps Parker available, giving Philly the opportunity to land a well-rounded defender who can set a strong edge against the run, as well as get after the quarterback with both speed and power.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
After landing an elite pass-catcher in the top 10, the Browns double-dip on offensive help here, this time in the trenches. Proctor still needs a ton of refinement from a technical standpoint, but he's got rare physical gifts. His combination of size, athleticism and power give him a sky-high ceiling, even if it'll take some time and patience, as well as the right coaching staff, to maximize the physical traits he brings to the table.
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald is a disruptive force in the trenches. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
25. Chicago Bears
Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
The Bears have one of the most talented and promising offenses in the league behind Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams , but they still need a few key pieces on defense if they want to be true Super Bowl contenders. Their biggest hole is in the trenches, where Chicago lacks a dominant interior presence who can command double-teams in the run game and bring some added juice as an inside pass rusher. McDonald can do both, and would be the perfect fit for that this unit needs.
26. Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
Some big changes are on the way for Buffalo after the firing of Sean McDermott, but one thing that remains the same is their need for a true No. 1 receiver to help Josh Allen . Boston is a big, athletic target who dominates contested-catch situations, and gives surprising after-the-catch value for a receiver his size. He would be a valuable chain-mover with his reliable hands, and a consistent red-zone threat.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
Trent Williams has already locked up his place in Canton, but it's time for the 49ers to plan for the future at left tackle, as the future Hall of Famer will turn 38 years old this summer. A fast-rising prospect after an impressive 2025 campaign, Freeling had stretches of dominant play against top competition, and he's got the athleticism and movement skills to excel in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
28. Houston Texans
Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
If the Texans want to get the most out of C.J. stroud at quarterback, they need to improve his protection and their ability to control the line of scrimmage in the run game. The most immediate need is along the interior, where they could use a polished and pro-ready blocker like Pregnon to slide into a starting role at guard right away. He would instantly upgrade both the run and pass game to help balance a team that already has a dominant defense.
South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse (15) has flown up the board after an impressive 2025 season. (Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
*29. Los Angeles Rams
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
The Emmanuel Forbes reclamation project has been a huge success for the Rams after they claimed the former first-rounder off waivers from Washington, but they still need another top-flight corner on the opposite side of the field. Cisse has flown up the board after an impressive 2025 campaign for the Gamecocks, during which he displayed all the physical and mental traits it takes to be a quality starter at the next level.
*30. New England Patriots
CJ Allen | LB | Georgia
Mike Vrabel has quickly turned the Pats back into a Super Bowl contender, but his defense still needs upgrades across the board. His old team needs an infusion of young talent as his old position, as the linebacker unit lacks a high-upside defender with three-down playmaking ability. Allen has been the player for the Bulldogs, and brings the kind of leadership and intangible qualities that can help set a new tone for the entire defense.
*31. Denver Broncos
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
Bo Nix will be coming back from ankle surgery next season, and the Broncos need to invest in the future of his supporting cast with this pick. A dynamic pass-cather is possible here, but Garett Bolles will turn 34 years old this offseason, and he's dealt with injuries throughout his career. Lomu is an athletic blocker with tons of upside who could quickly develop into a Pro Bowler after taking over for Bolles, whenever that may be.
*32. Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee
This defense may look like it doesn't need any more help, but if Riq Woolen leaves in free agency, reinforcements are corner will be necessary for them to maintain their dominant level of play. Hood made a name for himself with Jermod McCoy out all year, proving himself to be a first-round talent in his own right with a stellar 2025 campaign that proved he can shut down top competition.
SECOND ROUND
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss could be an intriguing Day 2 option with tons of upside. (The Clarion-Ledger)© Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
33. New York Jets
Caleb Banks | DL | Florida
Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa
35. Tennessee Titans
Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
37. New York Giants
Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas
38. Houston Texans (from LV)
Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech
39. Cleveland Browns
Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State
Christen Miller | DL | Georgia
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo
Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)
43. Miami Dolphins
Chris Brazzell | WR | Tennessee
44. New York Jets (from DAL)
Devin Moore | CB | Florida
45. Baltimore Ravens
LT Overton | Edge | Alabama
Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech
R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma
48. Atlanta Falcons
Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon
50. Detroit Lions
Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas
Trinidad Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss
Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee
TJ Hall | CB | Iowa
57. Chicago Bears
Zion Young | Edge | Missouri
Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC
59. Houston Texans
Connor Lew | OL | Auburn
60. Buffalo Bills
A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU
*61. Los Angeles Rams
Josiah Trotter | LB | Missouri
*62. New England Patriots
Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State
*63. Denver Broncos
Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
*64. Seattle Seahawks
Domonique Orange | DL | Iowa State
*= draft slot to be determined by playoff results
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
