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2026 NFL mock draft: Final projection sees major shift in early picks
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- 2026 NFL mock draft: Final projection sees major shift in early picks
After months of preparation and speculation, the 2026 NFL Draft has produced a single pick that can be projected with any confidence.
With the first round set to begin on Thursday, April 23 , things seem as unstable as ever beyond the Las Vegas Raiders ' expected selection of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall. A class that once seemed light on intrigue now seems replete with it, with a variety of scenarios seemingly still at play in the early going. Each decision in the top five could send ripples throughout the rest of the order and challenge prevailing pre-draft wisdom. And that potential for chaos doesn't even factor in the likelihood of several trades further shaking things up.
While determining an exact roadmap for the first round still feels almost impossible, here's our final NFL mock draft for 2026:
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2026 NFL mock draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The spotlight might not remain with the Heisman Trophy winner for long on draft night. Mendoza has been an obvious choice to be the No. 1 pick long enough that the discourse on him has run dry. Don't let that overshadow what the Raiders are getting here, though. The 6-5, 236-pound passer is a remarkably clean operator who not only can keep his offense out of trouble but also pull the unit out of any holes it finds itself in.
2. New York Jets – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
General manager Darren Mougey said not to put too much stock into the team cancelling its top-30 visit with Bailey. This might be the rare instance in which it's wise to take a team at its word at this time of year. The decision between Bailey and Arvell Reese could shape not only the future of New York's defense but also this regime. The former, however, might provide a bit more of an instant lift to Gang Green's pass rush with his existing comfort level working off the edge, and he still has considerable room for growth.
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3. Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Here's where things truly get dicey. The way the board is set to shake out only amplifies the case for the Cardinals to trade this pick – if there's a reasonable offer on the table. Ultimately, however, it could be hard to orchestrate a deal, especially with teams seemingly reticent to part with any picks in what looks like a stacked 2027 draft. Love has gotten a lot of late buzz as Arizona's potential settling point, though there's justifiable skepticism about a team riddled with roster holes making a weighty investment in a running back. But if general manager Monti Ossenfort isn't sold on taking on another hybrid talent in Reese, this could be his route.
4. Tennessee Titans – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
This could be the first of several draft debates that pit former Buckeye teammates against each other. Sonny Styles has plenty of appeal for Robert Saleh as a hyperathletic playmaker in the middle who's drawn comparisons to Fred Warner . But Reese might be unmatched in this class as a defensive wrecking ball. Though his exact role at the next level remains to be determined, the Titans could have a hard time turning down his capacity for disruption.
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5. New York Giants – Caleb Downs , S, Ohio State
John Harbaugh has spent many of his initial days with the Giants putting out fires. Why not equip himself with perhaps this class' equivalent of a fire hose on defense? Downs is a true do-it-all threat who will make his presence felt in all areas, especially on a 31st-ranked rush defense that sent Dexter Lawrence packing . Beyond his pure playmaking prowess, he'll also set the tone for a new era with his hard-charging approach.
6. Cleveland Browns – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
With no true pecking order among this draft's offensive linemen, Cleveland would stand to benefit greatly if it could move back a few slots – which might become more feasible if Reese or Styles slide – and pick up some additional draft capital. The most straightforward option, however, might be to simply go with Fano. General manager Andrew Berry has made it clear he won't get hung up on selecting a pure left tackle, and the fleet-footed blocker from Utah could be a satisfying final touch to the offseason overhaul of the Browns' front.
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7. Washington Commanders – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
With the potential ability to pounce on whoever's left of Downs, Love and Styles or look to wild cards in cornerback Mansoor Delane or wide receiver Carnell Tate, Washington should have plenty of suitable options here. Yet importing a second-level defender who can clean up everything in front of him is a logical follow-up to the Commanders ramping up their pass rush, so this could be Styles' floor.
8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Might there be a legitimate battle brewing for the first receiver off the board? Jordyn Tyson seems to have come on strong after initially facing questions about his injury history, but Tate still might nudge him out. The 6-2, 192-pound pass catcher would ease Tyler Shough 's reliance on Chris Olave by giving the second-year signal-caller a target who can regularly create separation or haul in passes in traffic.
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9. Kansas City Chiefs – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
The temptation to draft a receiver could be strong here, particularly if either Tate or Tyson (or both) are still available. Bain, however, could be the figure the Chiefs have long needed to allow their front four to move beyond simply being the Chris Jones show. If Bain isn't chosen by the Saints or Chiefs, however, his landing spot becomes a bit murky.
10. Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals ) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
This year's first-round volatility spiked when the Giants dealt Lawrence to the Bengals and acquired this pick. If Tyson is still around – some have speculated he could even be in the mix at No. 5 – he could be a boon for an offense in search of ways to better support Jaxson Dart 's development. Offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane also could be a strong consideration here.
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11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
Working with essentially a blank slate and an extended timeline for a return to relevance, the Dolphins have unmatched flexibility with their war chest of draft picks. Building out the offensive line seems like a solid way for new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan to kick off this extensive build. Reports of a herniated disc could cloud Mauigoa's outlook in the draft, but Miami might be positioned to weather any short-term complications and reap the long-term benefits of adding a true force to its front.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
A dream scenario for Dallas doesn't seem so far-fetched anymore. Though Delane's not a certainty to still be up for grabs at this point, having four offensive players taken in the top 11 could leave the Cowboys in position to scoop up a highly composed corner who can help prevent new coordinator Christian Parker's unit from suffering the big-play meltdowns that undid last year's group.
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13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons ) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Makai Lemon seemed like the front-runner to be the choice of his hometown team, and he still could be the pick. But even with their bevy of options at the position, the Rams might be drawn to equipping Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford with a mismatch waiting to happen in Sadiq.
14. Baltimore Ravens – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
After leaving the uproar from the failed Maxx Crosby trade behind, the Ravens are pursuing a path of stability under first-year coach Jesse Minter . It's little wonder, then, that the team might set its sights on Ioane, who's arguably the most reliable blocker in this class.
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Todd Bowles stated at the combine that he wanted to get bigger on defense across the board. At 6-6 and 276 pounds, Faulk certainly would satisfy the coach's desire to beef up on the edge. He's hardly a finished product as a pass rusher, but the 20-year-old fits the bill as the kind of determined prospect to whom general manager Jason Licht tends to gravitate.
16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts ) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Landing a dependable target in the short-to-intermediate area seems like a must for Gang Green in this draft. Maybe that's Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr., who could be the favorite if Lemon has already heard his name called. If he hasn't, however, the Biletnikoff Award winner should be an obvious target for a team in need of someone who can help Geno Smith , as well as his eventual replacement, keep drives from stalling out.
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17. Detroit Lions – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
While Brad Holmes prioritizes value above all when compiling a draft class, Detroit seems destined to take an offensive tackle here. Proctor would provide flexibility as the franchise ponders whether to move Penei Sewell to the left side, and his devastating run blocks could endear him to Dan Campbell in short order.
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
This has been a popular pairing since Thieneman's strong showing at the combine, and with good reason. Savvy and athletic, the 6-0, 201-pounder can handle an array of coverage assignments and could help Minnesota chart a post-Harrison Smith course, regardless of whether the six-time Pro Bowl safety re-signs for one last ride.
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19. Carolina Panthers – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Thieneman, if available, or an offensive tackle could factor into Carolina's plans here. But general manager Dan Morgan made clear he would have no trouble taking a first-round receiver for a third consecutive year. Cooper's knack for picking up yards after the catch would make him a trusted safety valve for Bryce Young and a fine complement to reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan .
20. Dallas Cowboys – Malachi Lawrence, DE/OLB, UCF
Maybe this seems a bit rich for a player who hasn't been a fixture of first-round projections. Jerry Jones, however, is not one to be boxed in by consensus opinions. Rangy and persistent, Lawrence would add a pop to the Cowboys' largely listless edge rush.
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21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Omar Khan has fewer immediate roster concerns than most of his peers, but the uncertain timeline of Broderick Jones ' recovery from neck surgery muddies an already murky area for Pittsburgh. The Steelers might feel more settled about the future of their front if they could secure Freeling, who still is due for some refinement but is talented enough to go much earlier than this.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor , DE, Miami (Fla.)
As an older prospect – he turned 25 earlier in April – with a few injuries in his past, Mesidor might scare off several teams in the first round. But his advanced skill set and dogged approach as a pass rusher could find a home under Jim Harbaugh, who would surely relish rounding out his edge rotation and landing an eventual replacement for 35-year-old Khalil Mack .
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23. Philadelphia Eagles – Blake Miller , OT, Clemson
Amid all the uncertainty in Philadelphia at some more high-profile spots, this sets up to be a classic Howie Roseman class in getting ahead of the curve. The long-awaited successor to Lane Johnson emerges in Miller, who doesn't offer the same positional flexibility as some of his counterparts but boasts the frame, length and athleticism to be a fixture at right tackle.
24. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars ) – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
With Cleveland potentially trying to get ahead of any run on offensive tackles with the first of its two Day 1 selections, the Browns might be left to look at second- or third-tier receiver options. Concepcion, however, is no mere consolation prize, as the Paul Hornung Award winner offers the instant acceleration to race away from defenders and generate big plays.
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25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
A lack of clarity at left tackle could be the one thing standing between the Bears and a Super Bowl run. Lomu might have a bumpy introduction into the league if forced to be a Week 1 starter, but Chicago's line and overall scheme should help avoid a Will Campbell situation.
26. Buffalo Bills – Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Brandon Beane has skewed heavily toward premium positions early in the draft. But maybe he'll make an exception as he looks to start fresh under new coach Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard . Rodriguez could patch up a significant problem area for the defense, which has been soft both against the run and in coverage over the middle for some time.
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27. San Francisco 49ers – T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
Even with Nick Bosa and 2025 first-rounder Mykel Williams coming back from torn anterior cruciate ligaments, San Francisco might need to take additional measures to revamp a pass rush that posted a league-low 20 sacks. Parker, who looks the part of a San Francisco defensive end with his long arms and stout frame, can push his way around to create pressure.
28. Houston Texans – Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
I was tempted to project a trade in which the Cardinals would move up for quarterback Ty Simpson here, but I ultimately couldn't pull the trigger. If the Texans want to continue to add pieces to an ever-evolving offensive line, Bisontis could draw them in with his distinct blend of quickness and strength as a pass protector.
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29. Chiefs (from Rams) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
If Kansas City opts against a pass catcher at No. 9, it might want to circle back on its options toward the end of the first round. Though Boston doesn't profile as someone who can scorch man coverage, his fluidity and comfort pulling in contested catches would help pull the Chiefs' receiving corps out of its rut.
30. Dolphins (from Denver Broncos ) – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
If the Dolphins' new regime has to account for the missteps of previous leadership, that effort will certainly require action in an underdeveloped secondary. Miami can be more patient than most teams in bringing along Hood, who can comfortably carry larger receivers downfield but still must hone his coverage instincts after just one season as a starter.
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31. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
Ready for another arm length kerfuffle in New England ? One year after taking Campbell in the top five, the Patriots could opt for another lightning-rod first-round pick in Howell. With arms measuring in at just 30 1/4 inches, the reigning Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year figures to be a divisive prospect, but he could also jolt a pass rush that last season depended heavily on schematic help to create pressure.
32. Seattle Seahawks – Chris Johnson , CB, San Diego State
Trading back is the optimal move for the defending champions, who head into the draft owning just four picks. In lieu of such a move, Seattle can continue to bolster its secondary with an ultra-composed cover man in Johnson.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft: Final projection sees major shift in first round
