2026 NFL Mock Draft After First Wave of Free Agency

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2026 NFL Mock Draft After First Wave of Free Agency

Andrew Buller-Russ · Sportsnaut

Sat, Mar 21, 2026 ·

15 min read

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Most of the top free agents have already signed contracts. Further signings are less likely to affect a team's needs. Thus, it's the perfect time to reassess the 2026 NFL mock draft. Here's our latest first-round draft projection.

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

2026 NFL Mock Draft — Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It's hard to imagine the Raiders doing anything else. They've traded Geno Smith away. Now it's time to get their young, offensive-minded head coach a franchise quarterback. Fernando Mendoza has generated rave reviews during the pre-draft process, and that's after a Heisman-winning campaign capped off by becoming college football's latest national champion. Kubiak won a Super Bowl with Sam Darnold ; now, he gets an accurate QB who won't be afraid to do damage downfield again.

2. New York Jets : Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

NCAA Football: Cotton Bowl-Miami at Ohio State — Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Jets could go in a number of directions, but the wisest would be to take the best player available. That determination draws further debate at No. 2, but we'd go with Arvell Reese. Not only could he be an elite pass-rusher at the next level, but the 6-foot-4 defender is also arguably just as effective when dropping into coverage. That type of skill set gives Aaron Glenn a true weapon on defense.

3. Arizona Cardinals : Rueben Bain Jr., EGDE, Miami (FL)

Like the Jets, the Cardinals have a large number of needs. Had the Cardinals not locked in James Conner plus Tyler Allgeier , we'd argue Jeremiyah Love here, but that doesn't make sense anymore. While other prospects are intriguing, their best path is likely an edge rusher. Miami's Rueben Bain will do the bulk of his damage off the edge, but he can help the Cardinals as an interior pass-rusher in obvious passing situations, too.

4. Tennessee Titans : Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Getting one of the best prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft at four feels like a steal, even for a Titans team that has plenty of other needs. While Tennessee already has a 1,000-yard back in Tony Pollard , Love has the potential to double that under the right circumstances. We don't care that there are other, more valuable positions; you don't pass up on a superstar.

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

Sonny Styles was the pick before the Giants signed Tremaine Edmunds to a $36 million contract. Now? It feels like the Giants' best course of action is to trade down. If not, taking the best player available while considering key needs always makes sense. In this case, we'd go Caleb Downs, a do-it-all safety who can be a long-term building block in the secondary.

6. Cleveland Browns : Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

It appears that new head coach Todd Monken will spend his first season evaluating the Browns' existing quartet of QBs, but of course, another addition could be coming. No matter what, the Browns need to give their QB room a better chance to succeed. Adding a 6-foot-2 Tate would give them another young receiver with upside, but this one's quite polished for a rookie.

7. Washington Commanders : Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

NCAA Football: Texas Tech at Arizona State — Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Some may call it a reach. Yet, Tyson has superstar potential. The Commanders need another playmaker capable of winning 1-on-1 battles, and Tyson is among the best. A player who makes winning 50/50 balls look easy, Tyson is capable of playing all three receiver positions. He was also coached by Hines Ward, who was known for his toughness, strength, and expertise as a run blocker. Tyson has all the same qualities that could make him special at the next level.

8. New Orleans Saints : David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

NCAA Football: Oklahoma State at Texas Tech — Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Whether Cam Jordan returns or not, the Saints need a pass-rush boost heading into 2026. Bailey is regarded as one of, if not the best, pass-rushers in the draft class. Highly productive in college (14.5 sacks in 2025), Bailey is a big (6-foot-4), explosive athlete (4.5 40 time) who has NFL execs drooling over his pro potential.

9. Kansas City Chiefs : Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)

While getting an edge rusher or even a cornerback would be ideal, the Chiefs can't get too picky on draft day. The best player available is Francis Mauigoa, who is already a dominant run-blocking right tackle. Yet, scouts believe he can be a standout pass protector too.

10. Cincinnati Bengals : Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

We can't imagine a better draft day scenario than this for a Bengals team that could use a new defensive leader after Trey Hendrickson 's departure. Sonny Styles is unquestionably the best inside linebacker prospect in the clas, and he's an athletic freak. Styles possesses sideline-to-sideline coverage ability thanks to his 4.46 speed combined with a 6-foot-5 frame. He'll help transform the Bengals' defense.

11. Miami Dolphins : Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

NCAA Football: Colorado at Utah — Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The Dolphins are in the midst of a fire sale, so you could blindly throw a dart and land on a need. Yet, building a strong foundation is always important, especially for an inexperienced quarterback like Malik Willis . Spencer Fano's best position may be at right tackle, but scouts believe he has the potential to play all five positions at the next level. It's up to the Dolphins to determine where he fits best, but Fano will be in the starting lineup in Week 1.

12. Dallas Cowboys : Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

NCAA Football: Louisiana State at Oklahoma — Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Getting Cobie Durant under contract was a key signing, but it shouldn't prevent the Cowboys from making an early investment at cornerback in the draft. While the Cowboys do have other needs, finding a lockdown cornerback arguably provides the best value here. Mansoor Delane is widely regarded as the best cornerback in the draft. It's not hard to see why when he's sticking with a team's No. 1 receiver in pass defense and making plays at the line of scrimmage as a run defender.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

NCAA Football: Peach Bowl-Oregon vs Indiana — Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

After clocking a 4.39-second 40 Yard Dash, there's no question that Kenyon Sadiq is a lethal threat. We can't imagine what Sean McVay could do with him after uncovering a new love for three tight end sets in 2025. While the Rams looked into trading for A.J. Brown , they could find a similar skill set available here with Sadiq, at a much lower price.

14. Baltimore Ravens : Makai Lemon, WR, USC

NCAA Football: UCLA at Southern California — Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While we spent some time considering drafting the best guard available, we couldn't turn down what could end up being a more valuable selection in Makai Lemon. He's not far off from Zay Flowers in that Lemon brings a unique level of sudden agility that makes him hard to tackle. Lemon will make an immediate impact.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

NCAA Football: Fiesta Bowl-Penn State at Boise State — Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Buccaneers struggled with inconcistency last season, and having an offensive line that broke down routinely didn't help. Bringing in the draft's best guard prospect in Olaivavega Ioane will assuredly help the Buccaneers' run game open more holes, and he'll help buy more time for Baker Mayfield to find the open receiver too.

16. New York Jets (via IND): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

NCAA Football: Tennessee at Vanderbilt — Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

With their first selection, the Jets added an edge rusher who is athletic enough to make plays when dropping back in coverage too. The Jets' defensive overhaul continues by finding a new potential shutdown cornerback to help make up for trading Sauce Gardner . Jermod McCoy missed the 2025 season with a torn ACL, but the 6-foot-1 corner has the type of instincts that could still make him a team's leading corner.

17. Detroit Lions : Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

NCAA Football: Georgia at Mississippi — Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The Lions need a new left tackle after Taylor Decker requested and received his release from the team. The Lions may have to flip Penei Sewell from the right side to the left, but we're confident he can handle it after playing the position in college. Meanwhile, Freeling may be the best pure right tackle prospect in the class. Dan Campbell will appreciate Freeling's mean streak.

18. Minnesota Vikings : Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

NCAA Football: Oklahoma State at Oregon — Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Harrison Smith has been released from team while he decides whether he wants to return for a 15th season. Seeing the best safety from the draft class fall all the way to 18 would be a dream come true for Minnesota. Especially after Dillon Thieneman had such an excellent showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, clocking a blistering 4.35-second 40 Yard Dash. He'd be a great coverage replacement for Cam Bynum, who left in free agency last offseason.

19. Carolina Panthers : Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

NCAA Football: Toledo at Washington State — James Snook-Imagn Images

While the Panthers could likely find better value than a safety at 19, adding another impact player to the secondary could be just what Carolina's defense is missing after landing a top-notch pass-rusher in free agenct acquisition Jaelan Phillips . The 6-foot-3-inch Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a monster who makes his presence felt all over the field. McNeil-Warren has also mastered the art of the 'Peanut Punch,' having forced nine fumbles in his college career.

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

NCAA Football: Georgia at Georgia Tech — Brett Davis-Imagn Images

After missing out on other linebacker targets in free agency , it's time for the Cowboys to address their biggest remaining weakness, a leader in the middle of their defense. CJ Allen is viewed as one of the surest things in the 2026 NFL Draft, someone who will immediately help turn around the Cowboys' luck at stopping the run. Yet, he has impressive instincts that help him keep his head on a swivel on passing downs too. He'll earn the green dot and likely become a defensive captain, even as a rookie.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers : Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

NCAA Football: CFP National Championship-Miami vs Indiana — Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Whether Aaron Rodgers returns or not, the Steelers need to supply their starting quarterback with enough playmakers to generate more points in 2026. One surefire way to do that is by injecting an explosive athlete like Omar Cooper Jr. He'll help Pittsburgh's quarterback by taking short passes for long gains, breaking a series of tackles along the way thanks to his physical play strength.

22. Los Angeles Chargers : Akheem Mesidor , EDGE, Miami (FL)

Khalil Mack is 35. Bud Dupree is 33. They both combined for just 7.5 sacks last season. While Tuli Tuipulotu enjoyed a breakout 13-sack campaign, the Chargers undoubtedly need more juice off the edge. Enter Akheem Mesidor, who developed a multitide of pass-rush moves under Jason Taylor at Miami.

23. Philadelphia Eagles : Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn

Syndication: The Montgomery Advertiser — Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After losing Jaelan Phillips and replacing him with Arnold Ebitikie, we can't help but feel like the Eagles need more in the pass-rush department. The 6-foot-6 Keldric Faulk can rush from the edge, but he too can slide inside in unique situations. Still just 20, the Eagles can take their time developing Faulk, but he could develop into another excellent fit for their defensive front.

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

NFL: Scouting Combine — Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Browns already added a running mate to help take attention away from Jerry Jeudy , Harold Fannin, and Quinshod Judkins with Carnell Tate at 6. Now it's time to give their QB a fighting chance by buying him more time with a new left tackle. Lomu stands out as a plus pass-protector right now, and with more strength, he could become a more than effective run blocker too.

25. Chicago Bears : Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

NCAA Football: CFP National Playoff First Round-Game 2-Miami at Texas A&M — Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Bears have Montez Sweat , Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker off the edge, but bringing more pass-rush juice to Chicago is never a bad idea. Cashius Howell is an extremely agile edge rusher who has a knack for getting to the QB (11.5 sacks in 2025). He likely won't be asked to play all three downs right away, but he can certainly help create havoc on passing downs with his burst off the edge.

26. Buffalo Bills : Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch — Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If the Bills are really committed to improving a rush defense that ranked 28th in yards allowed last season, they'll strongly consider Kayden McDonald here. A stout run defender who handled the nose tackle position at Ohio State, McDonald lives in the backfield, routinely coming up with tackles for loss. He even showed improved technique as a pass-rusher this season too.

27. San Francisco 49ers : KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Giving Kyle Shanahan another playmaker feels dangerous, yet the 49ers' cupboard was starting to get bare prior to signing Mike Evans . They're still expected to move on from Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings may not be coming back either. Meanwhile, KC Concepcion is a lethal weapon after the catch. Using his elite quickness, Concepcion will take several short passes for long gains in San Francisco .

28. Houston Texans : Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Syndication: The Greenville News — Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Texans have four selections in the top 69 picks, so don't be surprised if they're aggressive in targeting the player they covet most. Or, they could sit where they are and hope one of the best players at his position falls. That happens here with Peter Woods, who has flashed superstar talent in the past, but battled inconsistency issues in his final season.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

NCAA Football: Clemson at North Carolina — Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

After grabbing one potential franchise cornerstone with an offensive tackle earlier, now it's time to grab another, this time for the defense. Chris Jones turns 32 this summer, but he could use more help getting after quarterbacks. T.J. Parker was dominant in 2024, but fell off in 2025. It's up to the Chiefs to get him back to top form, and help him stay there.

30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are gone, so if the Dolphins expect their prized $67.5 million quarterback to find success through the air, they'll have to provide him with some capable pass-catchers. The 6-foot-4 Denzel Boston is built quite differently from the players he'll help replace, but he's not just an outside receiver. Boston also possessess advanced route-running agility for a player of his stature, making him a versatile piece for South Beach.

31. New England Patriots : Blake Miller , OT, Clemson

Starting right tackle Morgan Moses just turned 35, and the Patriots struggled with pass protection in the Super Bowl. Adding another tackle, even if he doesn't immediately see the field, is in the Patriots' best interests. Blake Miller already looks like he could start at right tackle after starting there for four seasons in college. He could use a bit more strength, but he can work on that in the NFL too.

32. Seattle Seahawks : Colton Hood, CB, Clemson

Riq Woolen may have fallen out of favor, but his loss will still be felt. The Seahawks could improve their depth by selecting another cornerback early on. One fit could be Colton Hood, a 6-foot corner who plays bigger than his size suggests, often showing up in run support. Yet, he also has the athleticism to stick with top receivers, making him an intriguing fit at 32.

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