2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Round 1 2026 NFL Draft Projections after Super Bowl

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Round 1 2026 NFL Draft Projections after Super Bowl

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Round 1 2026 NFL Draft Projections after Super Bowl — Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Matt Johnson · Sportsnaut

Sat, Feb 14, 2026 ·

17 min read

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The 2025 NFL season is officially over, with focus shifting towards the offseason and the spotlight centers on the 2026 NFL Draft. We know the Las Vegas Raiders will select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, but everything after that is a mystery.

With the Super Bowl in the rearview mirror, let's dive into our latest 2026 NFL mock draft.

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

Any debate about the Las Vegas Raiders potentially trading this pick is only meant for engagement. Raiders owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek watched what Fernando Mendoza could do in person at the CFP National Championship Game. Then, they hired a head coach in Klint Kubiak whom Mendoza is tailor-made to play for. Let's not even mention the fact that the quarterback class outside of Mendoza is woeful. Las Vegas will snag its new face of the franchise with the first overall pick, with Mendoza taking the reins of Kubiak's offense with Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers supporting him.

2. New York Jets : Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

The New York Jets had one of the league's worst defenses in the last five years this past season. It's going to take a total rebuild on that side of the ball, and that starts at the defensive line. Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. dominated throughout the College Football Playoff, showcasing the high-end disruptor ability he brings to the table. He's a blue-chip talent and just the first step to rebuilding New York defensively.

3. Arizona Cardinals : Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

The Arizona Cardinals can't solve their quarterback problem in the 2026 NFL Draft. So, the goal for general manager Monti Ossenfort should be to strengthen the supporting cast the eventual face of the franchise will walk into. All-American offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa could play guard or right tackle at the next level, both of which are needs for Arizona. He'll be an anchor in pass protection on the right side and his playing style will elevate the Cardinals' ground game.

4. Tennessee Titans : Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

With so many needs, the Tennessee Titans ' strategy here really is just to take the best defensive player on the board. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese could stick at the off-ball position in the NFL, but he might have even more long-term upside as an edge rusher. The fit is even better here because he'd get to be coached up by Robert Saleh, a defensive-minded head coach who can make the most out of Reese's versatility. Plus, with Jeffrey Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat on the interior, Reese would have an even better opportunity to be effective immediately.

5. New York Giants : Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Even with No. 1 wide receiver Malik Nabers on track from ACL surgery to return for training camp, the New York Giants should still find a high-end 1B pass-catcher. Carnell Tate is the best wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. As is typical for Ohio State receivers, he's well-developed as a route-runner and he brings an excellent catch radius with strong hands. Pairing Tate with Nabers would provide quarterback Jaxson Dart with a receiver duo that could be one of the NFC's best by 2027.

6. Cleveland Browns : Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Cleveland Browns may have to roll with Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback for another season. If that proves to be the case, the offensive line needs to be made the top priority this offseason. Spencer Fano is the top left tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft class and he'd provide Cleveland with a plug-and-play starter who has the chance to become an above-average left tackle for the next decade-plus.

7. Washington Commanders : David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Among the Washington Commanders ' draft needs in 2026, pass rusher is the most glaring. Dan Quinn has tried to make it work with short-term fixes and veterans he has a great relationship with, but the 2025 season showed the downside of that. All-American edge rusher David Bailey can instantly become Washington's No. 1 edge defender, and he also made some real strides this past season against the run. He'll be the first true building block the Commanders' defense has had at edge rusher in years.

8. New Orleans Saints : Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Jeremiyah Love is a consensus top-three prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft class, so this is great value here for the New Orleans Saints . The 2025 season demonstrated that Alvin Kamara has lost the battle to Father Time, and it's time to find an all-purpose running back who can thrive in Kellen Moore's offense. Love, who has some shades of Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs regarding his skill set, is exactly the type of running back you want to pair with Tyler Shough behind this Saints offensive line.

9. Kansas City Chiefs : Caleb Downs , S, Ohio State

This isn't the most pressing need on the Kansas City Chiefs defense, but a talent of Caleb Downs' caliber is too much to pass up. Ohio State's All-American safety needs to land with a creative defensive coordinator who knows how to maximize his skill set. That's Steve Spagnuolo. Look at how important Justin Reid proved to be for Kansas City. Now magnify that to a much higher degree, because Downs could develop into an All-Pro safety if he finds the right home.

10. Cincinnati Bengals : Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

With the top edge rushers off the board, the Cincinnati Bengals address their secondary. Jermod McCoy is coming off an ACL tear that cost him all of last season, but he'll be more than a year removed from surgery at the NFL Combine. The ball skills, instincts and athleticism that he brings to the table are just a few of the reasons why he can become a high-end CB1 at the next level.

11. Miami Dolphins : Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

With a defensive-minded head coach now in place, it would be wise for the Miami Dolphins to use their first-round pick on their most glaring need on that side of the ball. Mansoor Delane was the best corner in college football this past season, skyrocketing his draft range from a top-50 pick to a potential top-10 pick. He boasts all the physical tools to become a No. 1 corner in Miami, and Jeff Hafley's background in coaching defensive backs makes this an even better fit.

12. Dallas Cowboys : Sonny Styles , LB, Ohio State

Linebacker has been a glaring hole on this Dallas Cowboys defense for years, so why not address it with the consensus top prospect at the position? A former safety, Ohio State star Sonny Styles thrived in his transition to off-ball linebacker. He brings elite athleticism for his position and size, with instincts and discipline that are gradually improving. Styles is precisely the caliber of versatile defender that Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker needs in the middle of his group.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The top offensive tackles and cornerbacks are off the board here in our 2026 NFL mock draft, so the Los Angeles Rams pivot. Jordyn Tyson slips a bit because of durability issues throughout his college career, but he was viewed as a top-10 prospect when healthy. Tyson would provide Los Angeles with the league's best receiver trio in 2026; when Davante Adams walks away, the Rams will already have the 1B receiver to pair with Puka Nacua . Plus, this is an all-in move to help out Matthew Stafford .

14. Baltimore Ravens : Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Baltimore Ravens already took their first step toward improving defensively with the hiring of Jesse Minter. It's now time to give him some help in the front seven. While Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk isn't a blue-chip prospect, he does offer alignment versatility and could develop into a very nice three-down player. With the amount of help Baltimore needs on the defensive line, Faulk can contribute immediately.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers : CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed a linebacker last year but opted to take Emeka Egbuka . If CJ Allen is on the board, they can't pass on him. Allen's football IQ and instincts position him him, when paired with his athleticism, to potentially become a multi-time Pro Bowl selection. Plus, if Lavonte David is re-signed, he'd have the perfect mentor to help him in his rookie season.

16. New York Jets (via IND): Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

We have the Jets doubling down on the defensive line, ideally finding their Quinnen Williams replacement. Foot surgery kept Caleb Banks off the field for a majority of the 2025 season, but you can't teach the explosiveness he offers at his size. Put him on the same defensive line as Rueben Bain Jr., and Aaron Glenn could have two game-wreckers at the line of scrimmage, which will go a long way toward making this entire defense look better.

17. Detroit Lions : Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Taylor Decker is nearing the end of his career, which will leave another void on the Detroit Lions offensive line. As we saw this past season, the passing game crumbled and Jared Goff's effectiveness plummeted when he found himself under pressure more frequently. Caleb Lomu could spend his rookie season replacing Dan Skipper as Detroit's swing tackle and then take over on the left side when Decker retires.

18. Minnesota Vikings : Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Brian Flores seems to have some real influence on decisions regarding the Minnesota Vikings ' top picks. If that proves to be true again in the 2026 NFL Draft, Minnesota could snag itself a defensive lineman. Peter Woods didn't perform like a top-10 prospect this past season, but the flashes still show that upside. With the help of the Vikings' defensive coaching staff, this might be the right spot for him to reach his ceiling.

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

With the top edge defenders off the board, the Carolina Panthers could instead use their first-round pick on a defensive tackle. Derrick Brown is an outstanding player, but this is the same front office that nearly signed Milton Williams last offseason. By drafting Kayden McDonald, Carolina could build itself a dominant tandem on the interior that worked like the Williams-Christian Barmore pairing has for the New England Patriots .

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

With their other first-round pick, Dallas snags itself a starting cornerback. Avieon Terrell might not have prototypical size for the position, but he's a very intelligent player with the movement skills to make it all work in coverage. He might be best suited to be a high-end No. 2 cornerback in the NFL, but that would still be a massive upgrade for the Cowboys secondary. Plus, given Christian Parker's track record with defensive backs, Terrell could be capable of even more long-term.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers : Ty Simpson , QB, Alabama

It now seems increasingly likely that Aaron Rodgers will be the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback in 2026. If that happens, the organization must put him in the familiar position of mentoring a first-round pick who will succeed him. Ty Simpson is at least a year away from being ready to step in as a starting quarterback, but the peaks he showed this past season at Alabama looked like a passer you take with a top-10 pick. In Pittsburgh , he can learn from a future Hall of Famer and then take over in 2027 with the Steelers offensive line being in a great spot to protect him.

22. Los Angeles Chargers : Vega Ioane, iOL, Penn State

We considered adding to the Los Angeles Chargers defense here, in part because of Jesse Minter's departure, but protecting Justin Herbert remains the priority. Los Angeles is already in a great spot with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater returning for the 2026 season. However, the interior offensive line is still a weakness. Vega Ioane is a plug-and-play starter at guard who could be that piece that gives Los Angeles an above-average offensive line if everyone stays healthy.

23. Philadelphia Eagles : Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Lane Johnson is nearing retirement, and we saw how badly the Philadelphia Eagles' offense deteriorated without their All-Pro right tackle. Monroe Freeling isn't a pro-ready tackle, but he showed remarkable signs of improvement this past season with the Georgia Bulldogs. Given Howie Roseman's penchant for using first-round picks on linemen, it wouldn't be at all surprising if he grabbed a developmental player like Freeling.

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

After snagging an offensive lineman in the top 10, a potential No. 1 receiver now gets added to the Browns' offense. Not only does Makai Lemon bring impressive route-running and some YAC ability, he also boasts a remarkable catch radius for someone of his size, and he's got strong hands to go with it. Lemon would be a favorite for Shedeur Sanders in 2026 and eventually the go-to guy for whoever is Cleveland's quarterback of the future.

25. Chicago Bears : Akheem Mesidor , EDGE, Miami

Rueben Bain Jr. drew most of the attention on the Miami Hurricanes' defense, but edge rusher Akheem Mesidor also demonstrated why he should be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Chicago needs more pass-rushing juice, and Mesidor is used to playing a complementary role. Joining a unit that boasts Montez Sweat and Austin Booker , he could step in as the No. 3 guy as a rookie and be deployed as a pass-rushing specialist.

26. Buffalo Bills : Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

It's on Brandon Beane, fresh off being promoted to president of football operations, to make the necessary investments into the Buffalo Bills receiving corps. Denzel Boston, standing at 6-foot-4, is a smooth route runner with ball skills that are almost unmatched in this class. Pair that with some solid YAC ability and a big catch radius, and he could be a high-end No. 2 wideout for Buffalo.

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

Brandon Aiyuk isn't coming back, Ricky Pearsall has played just 20 games in his first two seasons, and Jauan Jennings could be departing in NFL free agency. The San Francisco 49ers clearly need help at wide receiver. KC Concepcion had some real issues with drops, but he's absolutely electric with the football in his hands, and he has the explosiveness to get open early. With Kyle Shanahan scheming him looks, Concepcion could thrive.

28. Houston Texans : Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

C.J. Stroud's disastrous performances in the playoffs rightfully raised alarm bells, but the Houston Texans ' offense is an even bigger problem. It wasn't adequately addressed last offseason, and it's not like there are a ton of high-end guards available worthy of a first-round pick here. However, Kadyn Proctor could be worthy of a gamble. It's rare to find an offensive lineman who stands at 6-foot-7 and 366 pounds and can move the way that Proctor does. He's just not very good at handling NFL-caliber athletes on the edge. A move inside to guard might be the best thing for him, and there's a clear opening in Houston.

29. Los Angeles Rams : Blake Miller , OT, Clemson

Rob Havenstein has officially retired, so the Los Angeles Rams have to think about the future at right tackle. The likely plan in 2026 is for Warren McClendon Jr. to step in, as he filled in admirably when Havenstein missed time with injury this past season. Long-term, Blake Miller made 54 starts on the right side in college, but he doesn't have the technique or strength to start immediately in the NFL. Give him a year, and Los Angeles could have a very dependable right tackle.

30. Denver Broncos : Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

John Franklin-Myers is headed for NFL free agency, and there's a decent chance the Denver Broncos aren't able to bring him back. In would come Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Christen Miller, who has the size at 6-foot-4 to add even more muscle to his frame and become a space-eater on the inside. Given his tenacity, he could be a player that Denver's defensive coaching staff is particularly high on.

31. New England Patriots: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

This would be a dream scenario for the New England Patriots . Kenyon Sadiq is by far the best tight end prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, with playmaking abilities and explosiveness after the catch that can make him a very dangerous offensive weapon. Given how much offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels loves using tight ends, there's a real chance that Sadiq could become the No. 2 option for Drake Maye in 2026.

32. Seattle Seahawks : Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

The rich get richer. Cashius Howell is going to be a pass-rushing specialist in the NFL, with an ability to generate pressure that will stand out instantly in his rookie season. Not being a three-down player means that he needs a defensive mind who can recognize his limitations and maximize what he does best. Mike Macdonald will know exactly how to do that, giving the Seattle Seahawks ' defense even more juice coming off the edge.

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