Story by
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore Top New 2-Round Forecast
- Story by
- 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore Top New 2-Round Forecast
The first round of this year's NFL Playoffs proved once again that if you don't have a quarterback, you don't have a chance.
It also taught us that even if your quarterback has a bad day, an elite defense can bail you out.
Advertisement
It's not a great year to need a franchise passer at the top of the board, and two of the top three names on that list might choose to go back to school. Teams that already have that signal-caller in place, or decide to punt on a weak class and wait for next year, should find plenty of starting-caliber talent elsewhere on both sides of the ball, though.
Keeping all of that in mind, here's an updated look at how the first two rounds of this year's draft could shake out, using the latest updated order following wild-card playoff results:
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana
There's plenty to rebuild in Vegas, but now that they've secured the No. 1 overall pick, the Raiders can start that process with a potential franchise passer. Mendoza continues to prove with every College Football Playoff win that he's got everything NFL teams are looking for at the game's most important position, and it won't be surprising if minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek land on him to be the new face of the franchise.
Advertisement
2. New York Jets
Dante Moore | QB | Oregon
Another team facing a massive rebuild from the ground up, the Jets are also in position to draft their quarterback of the future, as long as he actually declares for this draft. Moore only has one year as a full-time starter under his belt , and could benefit from another season of experience at the college level. But if he does make the early jump this year, his upside is worth taking a chance on for a team desperate to dig its way out of the cellar.
Advertisement
3. Arizona Cardinals
Arvell Reese | Edge/LB | Ohio State
Arizona's quarterback situation will be intriguing this offseason, but they've also got the chance to take the first non-QB off the board here. There are a few worthy candidates, but Reese brings the best blend of talent and potential at a premium position that also fills a need. He made the successful transition from off-ball linebacker to edge defender this season, but he's got the versatility to line up anywhere along the front seven.
Advertisement
4. Tennessee Titans
Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)
Cam Ward showed flashes of superstar potential in his rookie season, but the Titans need to give him a ton of help on both sides of the ball to turn their fortunes around long-term. They already have a dominant interior presence in the defensive trenches (Jeffrey Simmons), but adding Bain would give him a similar impact player on the edge, and make life miserable for opposing offenses on a weekly basis.
Advertisement
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate could be a top-five pick in April. (The Columbus Dispatch)Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
5. New York Giants
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
This pick has to be about helping out Jaxson Dart after a promising (if injury-riddled) rookie season. Offensive line is the more pressing need, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Giants went with another blue-chip pass-catcher instead. Tate is a complete player who would be an easy WR1 for a ton of NFL teams, but putting him alongside Malik Nabers (and an underrated slot target in Wan'Dale Robinson) would give Dart a dangerous set of weapons that would present a ton of problems for opposing defenses.
Advertisement
6. Cleveland Browns
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah
No matter who ends up throwing passes for the Browns next year and beyond, the supporting cast on offense needs a ton of improvement across the board. I wouldn't count out a receiver here, but the trenches should be the immediate priority. Fano still needs some technical refinement, but he's got the athleticism and physicality to develop into a Pro Bowler, and he's got starting experience at both tackle spots.
Advertisement
7. Washington Commanders
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State
I expect Washington to try and move down from this pick and recoup some of their missing resources from the rest of the early rounds, but if they stay here, they have to address their lack of playmakers on defense. A pass rusher would make sense, but if Downs is still on the board, he might be too much to pass up. This franchise knows the impact an elite safety can make, and Downs might be the best overall player in this entire draft.
Advertisement
8. New Orleans Saints
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State
Chris Olave is one of the better young receivers in the league right now, but he's struggled with injuries, and the Saints still need to upgrade the WR2 spot across from him after trading away Rashid Shaheed . Tyson is a well-rounded prospect who runs smooth routes and has reliable hands, as well as the ability to create big plays after the catch. He'd be a fantastic addition to help Tyler Shough 's development.
Advertisement
Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is the top running back in this year's draft. (Michael Caterina-Imagn Images)
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame
There are some decent role players around Patrick Mahomes right now, but nobody who can consistently threaten opposing defenses in multiple ways on all three downs. Love could change that, with his big-play ability as both a runner and a receiver. I'm not sure if the Chiefs would be willing to spend a top-10 pick on a running back, but Love is a top-five talent in this class, regardless of position, and would make a massive impact right away.
Advertisement
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Peter Woods | DL | Clemson
There are big needs at every level for this defense, but any rebuild should always start in the trenches. While the Bengals could target another edge rusher to replace Trey Hendrickson here, the most immediate need is along the interior, where they lack a true difference-maker who can dominant against both the run and pass. Woods would be the ideal fit, with a rare combination of size, power and athleticism that makes him the top interior defender in this year's class.
Advertisement
11. Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU
Who knows what will happen with this quarterback situation, but no matter who ends up coaching this team and leading the offense, it won't change their need for a true shutdown corner on defense. Delane is the clear-cut leader at the top of the board this year, following a 2025 season that saw him dominate SEC competition on a weekly basis. He would be a steal outside of the top 10 as the best prospect at a premium position.
Advertisement
12. Dallas Cowboys
David Bailey | Edge | Texas Tech
Trading away Micah Parsons left the Cowboys without a high-impact edge rusher (shocking, I know). It's highly unlikely they'll find that kind of player here, but Bailey might be the best candidate. He's lightning-quick off the ball, and was a huge reason for the Red Raiders' defensive dominance this season. He's exactly what this defensive front needs after such a questionable trade that sent away a rare talent.
Advertisement
Texas Tech edge defender David Bailey put up huge numbers for the Red Raiders this season. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)
The Rams will have to find a successor for Matthew Stafford at some point, but this year's class won't give them any attractive options here. Instead, they should invest in the future of the offensive line, where right tackle Rob Havenstein is set to turn 34 years old this offseason. Mauigoa has been a dominant force for the Canes this season at that spot, and would give the Rams a seamless transition to keep Stafford (and their future franchise passer) protected.
Advertisement
14. Baltimore Ravens
Keldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn
I absolutely love this fit. The Ravens desperately need difference-makers on defense, particularly along the front seven, and their biggest need is for an edge rusher who can create splash plays. Faulk has a rare blend of size, athleticism and versatility that allows him to line up anywhere up front, and his complete skill set brings every-down value against both the run and pass. He'd be a bargain at this spot, and a perfect match in Baltimore.
Advertisement
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State
This front seven is desperate for every-down players who can make big plays on all three downs, whether that's up front or at the second level. In this scenario, the best value comes at linebacker, where the Bucs need immediate help, even if future Hall of Famer Lavonte David returns next season. Styles would be the ideal pick, with all the physical and mental tools to be a massive upgrade right away.
Advertisement
16. New York Jets (from IND)
Makai Lemon | WR | USC
It might be hard for Aaron Glenn to stomach using both of the Jets' first-round picks on offense, but if they take a quarterback at No. 2, they shouldn't pass up the chance to surround him with as many playmakers as possible. If Lemon is still on the board, he would be a fantastic addition alongside Garrett Wilson , giving Dante Moore a dangerous 1-2 punch in the passing game, with tons of big-play potential.
Advertisement
USC WR Makai Lemon (6) is a big-play machine. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
17. Detroit Lions
Cashius Howell | Edge | Texas A&M
The Lions have one of the NFL's best edge rushers in Aidan Hutchinson , but they still need someone on the opposite side of the defensive front who can take advantage of 1-on-1 matchups and get after the passer on a consistent basis. Howell proved this season that he can take over games and single-handedly end drives, and he brings a polished batch of moves that should make for a quick transition to the next level.
Advertisement
18. Minnesota Vikings
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee
Key departures are likely to leave this defense with plenty of holes to fill in the offseason, so this pick could come down to finding the best value at any one of those positions. In this scenario, the Vikings could find a bargain at a premium spot with McCoy, who has top-10 talent but missed the entire 2025 season recovering from an injury he sustained the year before. If he can return to his pre-injury level of play, this could be a steal.
Advertisement
19. Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
The 2025 campaign was a promising one for Bryce Young and the Panthers, but they're still a few key pieces away from being more than a default winner in a weak division. They need to surround Young with as many weapons as possible, and Sadiq would be a fantastic addition to the passing game. His combination of size, athleticism and physicality would give Young a new go-to target when teams want to double-cover Tetairoa McMillan .
Advertisement
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson
Dallas moved on from Trevon Diggs after his play declined rapidly, and they need to find another top-flight corner who can step in right away and create big plays in the passing game. Terrell lacks ideal size for the position, but he makes up for it with competitiveness, confidence, and ball skills that make him a magnet for splash plays. He can line up outside or in the slot, giving the Cowboys a ton of scheme flexibility with him on the field.
Alabama QB Ty Simpson could sneak into the first round. (David Leong-Imagn Images)David Leong-Imagn Images
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama
The Steelers don't have a long-term plan at quarterback, and even if Aaron Rodgers returns for another year, they'll still need to find their franchise passer of the future. Simpson could end up returning to school for another year (who wouldn't, with some of these NIL deals flying around), but if he declares this year, he's got some intriguing tools that could eventually develop into being a quality starter down the road.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Vega Ioane | OL | Penn State
After watching what happened to Justin Herbert on Sunday night (and pretty much all season, really), the Chargers need to spend every resource they possibly can on protecting him. This scenario allows them to grab the top interior blocker in this year's class, which would be a huge win. Ioane would bring a stabilizing presence along the inside, helping to hold things together until both of Herbert's starting tackles return from injury.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson
Defense isn't the problem in Philly right now, but that doesn't mean the Eagles will start reaching for need all of a sudden. No, general manager Howie Roseman will be happy to let the board come to him, dropping a talented pass rusher right in his lap. Parker may not have lived up to the top-five preseason hype, but he's a well-rounded player who can rush the passer with both speed and power, and he's a massive asset as a run defender.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington
After upgrading the offensive line in the top 10, the Browns use their additional first-rounder from last year's draft-day trade with the Jags to add a new WR1. Boston is a big, athletic pass-catcher with underrated route-running ability and big-play potential after the catch. He does his best work in contested-catch situations, making him a reliable chain-mover and a go-to target in the red zone.
Washington WR Denzel Boston is a dominant red-zone threat. (Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images)
25. Chicago Bears
Kayden McDonald | DL | Ohio State
Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams have the Bears' explosive offense humming right now, and they're just a few defensive pieces away from being one of the most complete (and dangerous) teams in the league. They need an enforcer along the interior of their defensive front who can shut down the run game, and collapse the pocket from the inside as a pass rusher. McDonald has been that player for the Buckeyes, and he would be the perfect fit in Chicago.
26. Buffalo Bills
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M
Josh Allen continues to drag the Bills to victory with his unique skill set and toughness, but the Bills need to keep taking every swing they can to take pressure off of him. That includes finding more explosive playmakers for the passing game, and Concepcion would be a fantastic addition. He's not the biggest receiver, but he still plays with a ton of physicality, and has the explosiveness to create big plays downfield and after the catch.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah
Trent Williams already has a gold jacket waiting for him, but it's time for the 49ers to plan for the future at left tackle. Lomu has all the physical traits to develop into a quality starter at the position, and what better situation to put a rookie in than letting him learn behind a future Hall of Famer? This would be the perfect match of need and value, and Lomu's athleticism would be an ideal fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
28. Houston Texans
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama
Protecting C.J. Stroud for the long haul has to be the top priority for the Texans moving forward. Proctor needs a ton of technical refinement, but he's got rare physical gifts you just can't teach, and they give him limitless potential at the next level. If Houston's coaching staff could refine his skill set and unlock that lofty ceiling, he could become a dominant force at tackle or guard down the road.
Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor (74) has rare athleticism for such a massive offensive lineman. (Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
29. Los Angeles Rams
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina
The reclamation project has gone well for Emmanuel Forbes , but that shouldn't stop the Rams from targeting another talented corner with their additional first-round pick. Cisse has flown up the board after an impressive 2025 campaign, and he brings all the physical traits NFL teams are looking for in a shutdown cover man. Coming out of his draft with quality starters at two premium positions would be huge.
30. New England Patriots
CJ Allen | LB | Georgia
If anyone knows the value of a versatile linebacker with leadership skills, it's Pats head coach Mike Vrabel. His defense needs that kind of presence in the middle, and Allen's three-down skill set would immediately improve a unit that was inconsistent at best this season. IF the offense can keep ascending with Drake Maye at the helm, an improved defense built around Allen would help make New England a perennial title contender again.
31. Denver Broncos
Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia
Garett Bolles has been a mainstay for the Broncos at left tackle for years, but he'll turn 34 years old this offseason, so it's time to find his eventual successor. Freeling's combination of size, athleticism, and impressive physical traits give him a ton of upside at the next level, making him an ideal understudy to an experienced veteran who can show him the ropes and help him develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber blocker.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee
If the Seahawks let Riq Woolen walk in free agency, they'll need another starting-caliber corner with the size and length to hang on the outside against the NFL's best receivers. Hood made a name for himself with Jermod McCoy missing the entire 2025 season, proving himself to be a first-round talent in his own right. He'd be a fantastic blend of need and value that would make one of the league's best defenses even better.
Alabama WR Germie Bernard could be a Day 2 gem. (Will McLelland-Imagn Images)Will McLelland-Imagn Images
SECOND ROUND
33. New York Jets
Caleb Banks | DL | Florida
Gennings Dunker | OT | Iowa
35. Tennessee Titans
Chris Bell | WR | Louisville
Emmanuel Pregnon | OL | Oregon
37. New York Giants
Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas
38. Houston Texans (from LV)
Christen Miller | DL | Georgia
39. Cleveland Browns
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State
LT Overton | Edge | Alabama
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo
R Mason Thomas | Edge | Oklahoma
43. Miami Dolphins
Chris Brazzell | WR | Tennessee
44. New York Jets (from DAL)
Keith Abney II | CB | Arizona State
45. Baltimore Ravens
Lee Hunter | DL | Texas Tech
Romello Height | Edge | Texas Tech
Akheem Mesidor | Edge | Miami (FL)
48. Atlanta Falcons
Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama
A.J. Haulcy | S | LSU
50. Detroit Lions
Chase Bisontis | OL | Texas A&M
Isaiah World | OT | Oregon
Julian Neal | CB | Arkansas
Elijah Sarratt | WR | Indiana
Zachariah Branch | WR | Georgia
Joshua Josephs | Edge | Tennessee
Malik Muhammad | CB | Texas
*57. Chicago Bears
Zion Young | Edge | Missouri
*58. San Francisco 49ers
Ja'Kobi Lane | WR | USC
*59. Houston Texans
Connor Lew | OL | Auburn
*60. Buffalo Bills
Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State
*61. Los Angeles Rams
Jake Golday | LB | Cincinnati
*62. New England Patriots
Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon
*63. Denver Broncos
Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame
*64. Seattle Seahawks
Austin Siereveld | OL | Ohio State
*= draft slot to be determined by playoff results
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
