2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Round 1 Predictions for 2026 NFL Draft Entering Week 15

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Round 1 Predictions for 2026 NFL Draft Entering Week 15

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Round 1 Predictions for 2026 NFL Draft Entering Week 15 — Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Matt Johnson

Tue, Dec 9, 2025 ·

16 min read

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Who will be the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? While there are still playoff spots up for grab, the attention for many fans and front offices has turned toward the offseason and the incoming wave of talent from the NFL Draft. What makes this year particularly intriguing is that there's no surefire No. 1 prospect and several of the teams picking near the top of the NFL Draft already have their quarterbacks for the future.

Let's dive into our latest 2026 NFL mock draft ahead of Sunday's Week 15 action. The 2026 NFL Draft order used is reflective of the NFL standings ahead of Thursday Night Football.

1. New York Giants : Caleb Downs , S, New York Giants

If the New York Giants have the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they'll trade down. We're excluding mocks initially for this exercise, but Caleb Downs is likely the player New York would target if it moves down a few spots. The All-American safety has arguably been the best defensive player in college football thisseason. He is uniquely versatile, offering the ability to cover tight ends or wide receivers, serve as a playmaker as a centerfielder in the secondary, or come down against the run. He's a do-it-all defensive back who New York needs on its defense.

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

Does quarterback Fernando Mendoza offer the ceiling of a quarterback worth a top-two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft? This also isn't necessarily the ideal landing spot for the signal-caller, as he would be at his best behind a strong offensive line with receivers who can create separation. The Las Vegas Raiders have Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty . Mendoza would make those around him better, and the desperation for the face of the franchise in Las Vegas makes using a top pick on a QB inevitable; we just wish the fit was better for Mendoza.

3. Tennessee Titans : Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

If the Tennessee Titans have the third overall pick with the Giants and a quarterback-needy team picking ahead of them, there's a chance they could get the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Arvell Reese played linebacker at Ohio State, but his future is at edge rusher. The explosiveness and length can make him an excellent pass rusher, and a unique defensive mind will also see the ability to drop Reese back in coverage. Plus, Reese would play in a front seven that already has two disruptors in Jeffery Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat.

4. Cleveland Browns : Dante Moore , QB, Oregon

Nothing Shedeur Sanders does over the remainder of the season will realistically be enough to convince the Cleveland Browns to pass on taking a quarterback at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. Besides, Oregon signal-caller Dante Moore offers superior physical tools to Sanders, and he already handles pressure better. Cleveland would still need to build a better receiving corps and offensive line to support the 6-foot-3 quarterback, but Moore can be the solution to decades of Browns quarterback woes.

5. New Orleans Saints : Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

Tyler Shough has shown enough this season for the New Orleans Saints to hold off on taking a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially if Mendoza and Moore are off the board. So, the front office turns its focus to improving the talent that Brandon Staley has to work with. Rueben Bain Jr. is the best pure edge rusher in this class, and he can be a long-term cornerstone of the defensive line in New Orleans.

6. Washington Commanders : Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Washington Commanders defensive line needs to be overhauled this offseason, as Dan Quinn allowed it to be too reliant on veterans and stop-gap options who are now recovering from season-ending injuries. Standing at 6-foot-6, Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk offers the strength, frame and block-shedding ability to already be a disruptor at the next level. He also might just be scratching the surface of his potential, as he's one of the youngest prospects in the class.

7. New York Jets : Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

We still believe the likely approach from the New York Jets early in the 2026 NFL Draft will be using their first-round picks to improve the surrounding cast on this roster rather than trading up for a quarterback or reaching for one. Garrett Wilson 's absence has highlighted how thin the receiving corps is, and some of the league's best offenses have two receivers who can function as No. 1 options on any given week. Carnell Tate is the best wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft and, unsurprisingly, the Ohio State product offers the kind of crisp route-running and pro-ready skills that can position him for 1,000 yards as a rookie.

Read More: Dynasty Rookie Rankings 2026

8. Arizona Cardinals : Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

The Arizona Cardinals offensive line has taken a significant step backward in 2025 and there are some glaring holes on the interior. The beauty of taking Francis Mauigoa is that he can either be kept at right tackle, which he played at Miami, or the Cardinals can kick him inside. Either way, Arizona improves both its pass protection and run blocking with a bully added in the trenches who should fit the style of football Jonathan Gannon wants to play. Yes, we expect Gannon back in 2026.

9. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The beauty here for the Los Angeles Rams is that they have the luxury of going in any number of directions and it will only make them even stronger as a Super Bowl contender. Cornerback is a need, and they could take the top one off the board here, but this franchise also likes to think about the future. Rob Havenstein is nearing retirement, and he hasn't exactly been the most durable right tackle. Los Angeles can use its top-10 pick on Spencer Fano as its long-term replacement, a pick that also adds tremendous depth to the offensive line.

10. Cincinnati Bengals : David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

This will sound like a novel concept to the Cincinnati Bengals front office, but we believe they should take an edge rusher who actually produced in college. David Bailey is coming off a breakout season at Texas Tech (17.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks), and he's recorded 20.5 sacks over the last two seasons. With Trey Hendrickson highly unlikely to be playing for Cincinnati next season, Bailey would instantly become the Bengals' top pass rusher in 2026.

11. Minnesota Vikings : Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jeremiyah Love to the Minnesota Vikings is a popular pick in many 2026 NFL mock drafts and for good reason. It's a reasonable pick, but we don't think the team should pass on an opportunity to snag CB1. Jermod McCoy will be fully recovered from his ACL tear when the pre-draft process really picks up. He offers enticing playmaking ability and can be an effective No. 1 cornerback in Brian Flores' system.

12. Miami Dolphins : Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

When Jordyn Tyson is healthy, though, he's an excellent wideout whose size and ability to make contested catches would pair nicely as a complement to Jaylen Waddle . Wide receiver isn't the most pressing need for Miami, but with Tyreek Hill not returning in 2026, the Dolphins can't pass on the talent available here. Durability issues might be the only reason he could slip out of the top 10 picks.

13. Baltimore Ravens : Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

There have been a myriad of issues with the Baltimore Ravens roster this season, and one of the biggest is on the defensive line. Part of the problem is that Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike suffered a neck injury that could be career-ending. The organization must think about finding his replacement: Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. He's a space eater on the interior who has shown increasing flashes this fall of the ability to explode through the interior to make plays in the backfield.

14. Kansas City Chiefs : Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Kansas City Chiefs are in desperate need of both explosive weapons and a replacement for Travis Kelce . Kenyon Sadiq provides both. He's easily the best tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft with athleticism that makes him dangerous to create yards after the catch. He's much more of an offensive weapon than an in-line tight end, but it's long past time for Kansas City to get more creative with its personnel.

15. Dallas Cowboys : Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Jeremiyah Love is arguably a top-three prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, but running backs do tend to slide. If he's available for the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones won't pass on him. Love offers a Bijan Robinson-like skill set, and he would thrive in a Cowboys offense that forces defenses to focus on taking away CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens . In Dallas, Love would be the overwhelming favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

16. Carolina Panthers : Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

There are areas to address on both sides of the ball for the Carolina Panthers, so we're going the BPA route. Mansoor Delane was phenomenal this season for LSU, arguably the best cornerback in the nation. He could be a CB1 with another team, especially given his instincts and technique, but Carolina would get to pair him with Jaycee Horn . In a best-case scenario, the Panthers' cornerback tandem could be a bit like what the Texans have with Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr.

17. Detroit Lions : Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

It either needs to be the defensive line or offensive line for the Detroit Lions. Here, we're taking the pass rusher. He might just be a pass-rushing specialist right now, but it's hard to think of a better and more realistic fit for him to be successful. Playing opposite of Aidan Hutchinson and with Alim McNeil on the defensive interior, Howell would have great opportunities at one-on-ones to win, and there'll be times when he's unblocked.

Read More: NFL Defense Rankings 2025

18. New York Jets (via IND): Sonny Styles , LB, Ohio State

With two first-round picks, the New York Jets can afford to give Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand each a new weapon to work with. Engstrand gets Carnell Tate and now Glenn gets a new standout linebacker for his defense. A former safety, Sonny Styles is a sound tackler with great sideline-to-sideline range all with a play style that Glenn will love to have.

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

Edge rusher is a consideration here, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers really can't pass on a top off-ball linebacker for the second consecutive year. CJ Allen has been instrumental to the success of the Georgia Bulldogs defense this season, with instincts that amplify his athleticism. He has an excellent feel for the game and should be exactly the kind of linebacker Todd Bowles wants in the middle of his defense.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers : Ty Simpson , QB, Alabama

The Pittsburgh Steelers can't keep rolling with stop-gap options at quarterback. Fortunately for them, Alabama's Ty Simpson has done enough this season to at least ensure he'll be a top-20 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He can extend plays with his legs and run for first downs when needed, but his real calling card is his ability to remain calm when under pressure and make the right read. He might not offer the highest ceiling, but he could develop into an above-average starter for Pittsburgh.

21. Philadelphia Eagles : Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson

If there's one vulnerability in this Philadelphia Eagles secondary, it's the corner spot opposite of Quinyon Mitchell . The Kelee Ringo pick was a bust while Adoree' Jackson has been attacked by quarterbacks all season. Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of corner A.J. Terrell Jr., offers the versatility that Vic Fangio will like, and it will allow Philadelphia to get creative with where both Terrell and Cooper DeJean line up.

22. Houston Texans: Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State

There's very little left to be done with this defense, and it's clear DeMeco Ryans can fill whatever small vulnerabilities his system has both in free agency and in the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. So, Nick Caserio can focus on using a first-round pick to help C.J. Stroud . Vega Ioane is a plug-and-play starter who would help shore up an interior offensive line that got exposed on Sunday Night Football.

23. Chicago Bears : Makai Lemon, WR, USC

D.J. Moore simply doesn't seem to be a great fit in Ben Johnson's offense and, as of now, tight end Colston Loveland is the most reliable pass-catcher in the Chicago Bears offense. Enter Makai Lemon. He's a crisp route-runner who understands how to do the little things that create separation. Just as important, he's remarkable at making contested catches despite his size (5-foot-11). Lemon can help elevate Caleb Williams even more, and we'd love to see what Johnson could scheme up with the young wideout in his passing game.

24. Buffalo Bills : KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane was very confident in the receiving corps he assembled coming into the season. That confidence, as many anticipated, was misplaced. Let's throw K.C. Concepcion into the mix. A home-run hitter as a returner (460 punt return yards) and just as explosive with the football in his hands as a receiver, he's something Buffalo's receiving corps lacks. Drops are the big issue, but the big-play ability justifies the risk here.

25. Los Angeles Chargers : Kadyn Proctor, OL, ALabama

The Los Angeles Chargers offensive line is a cruise-ship-sized anchor that is holding the offense back. Getting Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back next season will certainly help, but there is still room to improve on the interior. Kadyn Proctor is a remarkable athlete for his size, and he has played left tackle this year for Alabama, but guard might be the best short-term fit for him at the next level.

26. San Francisco 49ers : A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

The San Francisco 49ers defensive line will again have to be addressed this offseason. Given that Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are coming off season-ending injuries, we wouldn't rule out an edge rusher. Based on the players available here, the pick is the interior penetrator who can really explode through the line and force quarterbacks off their spot.

27. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

After getting their franchise quarterback early in Round 1, the Cleveland Browns now give Dante Moore a big-bodied wide receiver who also played in the Big Ten. Boston has great hands and size (6-foot-4) with a catch radius and ability to track the football that make him excellent at bringing down contested catches. There's not great speed here, but a young quarterback needs a wideout who he can throw the football up to and know he'll bring it down. Boston would provide that for Moore.

28. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

The Dallas Cowboys got their splash player early in our 2026 NFL mock draft, and now it's time to address a need. Corner is the most glaring vulnerability on the roster, and it was especially apparent in the loss to Detroit. NC State cornerback Brandon Cisse, standing at 6-foot, surrendered one of the lowest completion rates in the nation this fall, and he could operate as a very effective No. 2 corner for Dallas.

29. Seattle Seahawks : Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

With Riq Woolen likely departing in free agency this offseason, there'll be an opening at cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks. Given some of the durability issues experienced in the secondary this year, this should be a position that Mike Macdonald prioritizes. Colton Hood emerged as the top corner at Tennessee this season, playing at an All-SEC level. Between his physicality and ball skills, we feel like he'd be an excellent fit for Seattle in the years to come, and there's not a better place for him to develop and grow into his top form.

30. New England Patriots : T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Viewed as a potential top-10 pick entering the season, T.J. Parker will need a strong pre-draft process to stick in Round 1. For the New England Patriots, this is a bet on upside. The length he brings to the table with his 6-foot-3 frame pairs nicely with his power. He's more of an all-around player than a standout in any area, but there's a higher ceiling that could be reached, and he'd at the very least be a productive addition to New England's defense.

31. Los Angeles Rams: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

It's not the season that LaNorris Sellers or NFL teams hoped for, resulting in a potential top-five pick falling all the way to the end of Round 1. Because of it, there's a chance that Sellers transfers instead of entering the 2026 NFL Draft. For now, this feels like a golden opportunity for Sean McVay to get his hands on a young quarterback with tantalizing physical tools and then develop him behind the scenes until Matthew Stafford is ready to retire.

32. Denver Broncos : Caleb Danks, DT, Florida

The rich get richer, at least defensively. The Denver Broncos could lose interior lineman John Franklin-Myers to the open market this offseason, and Vance Joseph likes having multiple disruptive forces on the interior. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks is a top-20 talent who falls due to a foot injury. If he can return to 100 percent, Banks is extremely gifted athletically for his size, and he could really thrive playing alongside Zach Allen.

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