NFL Nation
Multiple Authors
It’s the season for mock drafts, so what’s yet another? Our NFL Nation reporters shared their experience by making first-round choices for his or her groups as we shut in on the opening decide of the 2026 NFL draft Thursday (8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) in Pittsburgh.
There was no shock who would go No. 1, however how issues unfolded thereafter is the thriller NFL followers have been ready for — particularly with six groups now holding two first-round picks after the Cincinnati Bengals traded the No. 10 decide to the New York Giants for defensive sort out Dexter Lawrence II over the weekend.
So, what number of quarterbacks went within the first spherical? Which cross rusher finally got here off the board? Stay tuned to search out out.
You can watch the full mock draft here, however with out additional ado, listed here are the picks:
Ryan McFadden’s decide: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Las Vegas is ushering in a brand new period with coach Klint Kubiak and second-year normal supervisor John Spytek. There’s no higher manner to do this than by taking the Heisman Trophy winner who can solidify the way forward for the quarterback place. Mendoza’s accuracy and decision-making will mesh properly with Kubiak’s system. More importantly, the coach desires winners on his workforce, and Mendoza is contemporary off main Indiana to the nationwide championship. Time will inform whether or not Mendoza would be the Week 1 starter or if that position will go to Kirk Cousins. One factor is for certain: The Raiders may have a short- and long-term reply at quarterback, one thing they have not had in fairly a while.
Rich Cimini’s decide: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
The Jets spent most of their free agent cash on their protection, however they nonetheless want a dynamic presence within the entrance seven. Bailey, with 14.5 sacks final season, may be that participant. Arvell Reese will draw sturdy consideration due to his tantalizing potential, however Bailey will get the sting (no pun meant) as a result of he is extra pro-ready.
Josh Weinfuss’ decide: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State
The Cardinals produce other wants they will tackle, however with a lot uncertainty about the way forward for the quarterback place, Reese is sensible due to his capability to be not solely an influence participant however somebody who can transition to the NFL seamlessly. He’ll be becoming a member of a crowded pass-rushing group, so choices must be made, however pairing Reese with Josh Sweat up entrance might give Arizona a potent one-two punch up entrance.
Turron Davenport’s decide: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Middle linebacker is a premium place for Robert Saleh’s protection. Now Saleh will get a participant typically in comparison with 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, who ascended underneath Saleh to turn out to be one of many league’s prime defensive gamers. Styles, a transformed security, has the traits to man the center of the sector and clog passing lanes. Adding a defender won’t appear as if it helps Cam Ward, however enhancing a protection that gave up 28 factors final season will take some strain off of the younger quarterback.
Jordan Raanan’s decide: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
He’s nonetheless obtainable? That is what the Giants are considering if Love remains to be on the board. Perhaps the highest participant on this total draft being there for the fifth decide makes this a chance new coach John Harbaugh cannot cross up. The concept of a flexible playmaker who can create mismatches with opposing protection is engaging. It’s why normal supervisor Joe Schoen lately stated Love is greater than a operating again. He’s an offensive weapon. The Giants want extra of these.
Daniel Oyefusi’s decide: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
With two first-rounders, the Browns might add a sort out or broad receiver right here. The pure left sort out choices may be too wealthy, and the same argument could possibly be made for broad receiver; a commerce again can be ideally suited. Mauigoa performs proper sort out, however GM Andrew Berry stated he would not typecast sort out prospects by their faculty place. He additionally named newly acquired veteran Tytus Howard as an choice to play left sort out, which might make this pairing work.
John Keim’s decide: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Commanders added loads of assistance on protection in free company, significantly within the entrance. But to assist the cross rush, they want stronger nook play. Last season, they ranked thirty first in yards per cross try allowed (7.6) in addition to in opposing QBR (52.9). Delane’s versatility — he can play man or zone — would permit new coordinator Daronte Jones to raised disguise coverages.
Katherine Terrell’s decide: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
There are a couple of place teams the Saints might contemplate reinforcing at No. 8, however broad receiver is an enormous precedence after they did not signal a prime cross catcher in free company. With 4 defensive gamers gone within the first seven picks, this board fell in a manner that permits the Saints to take arguably the most effective receiver within the draft. This choice would give second-year quarterback Tyler Shough a right away improve to an offense that lacked receiver depth on the finish of final season.
Nate Taylor’s decide: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
The earlier eight picks are all affordable, leaving the Chiefs with the most effective cross rusher nonetheless obtainable in Bain. The Chiefs want a brand new starter on the other aspect of George Karlaftis, and Bain has the expertise to shortly develop in such a job for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Another purpose the Chiefs ought to covet Bain is that he can be in help of Chris Jones, who had the burden final season of making an attempt to uplift the cross rush regardless of typically going through two inside linemen.
Raanan’s decide: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
This is one other one the place the Giants are simply pinching themselves that Downs remains to be obtainable. He’s among the best defensive gamers and most secure prospects on this draft. The Ohio State standout may be the Kyle Hamilton or Ed Reed for Harbaugh. He won’t match the identical bodily profile as Hamilton (6-foot-4, 220), however there’s nothing that Downs (5-11, 206) cannot do properly.
Marcel Louis-Jacques’ decide: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
There’s a rising perception throughout the league that the Dolphins will tackle the trenches with the No. 11 decide, and with normal supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan proclaiming Miami’s curiosity in versatile offensive linemen, Fano matches the outline. He can play proper sort out or guard, and the Dolphins in all probability would wish him to man the guard spot for not less than a yr. Usual beginning proper sort out Austin Jackson is within the last yr of his contract and has struggled to remain wholesome. Fano supplies a succession plan if Miami decides to maneuver on.
Todd Archer’s decide: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
If issues begin to fall this manner, I might search for the Cowboys to maneuver inside the highest 10 and ensure they get one of many premier defensive gamers with a commerce. But if they continue to be at 12, Tyson turns into an fascinating identify to look at. What about George Pickens? All the Cowboys are assured with Pickens in the intervening time is yet another. This does nothing to unravel the defensive points, however it does make the offense extra explosive for quarterback Dak Prescott.
Sarah Barshop’s decide: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Rams do not know the way for much longer quarterback Matthew Stafford will play, in order that they’re targeted on taking advantage of nonetheless lengthy that may be. By drafting Lemon, the Rams add a 3rd receiver behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Adams has just one season left on his contract, so by taking a receiver at No. 13, the Rams are additionally getting ready for the long run.
Jamison Hensley’s decide: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
With Baltimore trying to enhance the cross safety for Lamar Jackson, this resolution was a no brainer. The Ravens choose the most effective inside lineman on this yr’s draft in Ioane, who did not hand over a sack in his previous two seasons. This would mark the primary time the Ravens have drafted a guard within the prime half of the primary spherical. But Baltimore must make this kind of funding after final season, when Jackson confronted a strain price of 37.1% (the second worst within the league in 2025).
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Ravens take Olaivavega loane with No. 14 decide in NFL Nation mock draft
Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley selects Penn State guard Olaivavega loane with the fourteenth decide of the NFL Nation mock draft.
Jenna Laine’s decide: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
The Bucs have not had an edge rusher with double-digit sacks since Shaquil Barrett in 2021. General supervisor Jason Licht has been very open about this being a place they haven’t had nice success in drafting. Mesidor offers them the manufacturing they’ve wanted — 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for a loss and 4 compelled fumbles in his last faculty season — and coach Todd Bowles indicated he wouldn’t have an issue deciding on a participant who’s 25 years previous.
Cimini’s decide: Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
Garrett Wilson wants a operating mate at receiver, so the Jets seize one among Mendoza’s prime choices at Indiana. Cooper’s run-after-catch capability will assist an offense that lacked explosive performs final season. Don’t be stunned if the Jets commerce up for one of many different receivers.
Eric Woodyard’s decide: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Lions’ offensive line definitely wasn’t as much as par final season, because it had the second-worst cross block win price (56%). Detroit is contemplating shifting All-Pro Penei Sewell from proper sort out to left however might definitely profit from including one other elite prospect on the offensive line. Freeling, who has a prototypical body for an offensive sort out at 6-7, 315 kilos, might enhance the cross safety round quarterback Jared Goff. Freeling’s expertise at Georgia was primarily at left sort out.
Kevin Seifert’s decide: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Vikings have not given up on the return of longtime starter Harrison Smith, who’s considering retirement. But Smith is off the roster for now and, in any case, Thieneman is simply too good and versatile of a prospect to cross over. Interim normal supervisor Rob Brzezinski has made clear that he will not overthink draft choices. This one is clear to many.
David Newton’s decide: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The finest safeties within the draft have been gone, so Carolina will get the elite tight finish it hasn’t had since Greg Olsen nearly a decade in the past. This offers quarterback Bryce Young one other choice to take his sport to the subsequent stage the best way drafting broad receiver Tetairoa McMillan helped final yr.
Archer’s decide: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Hood was solely a full-time starter for one yr, however it was a extremely productive yr at his third college in three years. It got here in opposition to top-notch competitors. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker has had success with excessive picks similar to Pat Surtain II, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Hood has some rising to do, however the upside is there.
Brooke Pryor’s decide: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
After reinforcing the trenches in three consecutive drafts, the Steelers add a talent place participant right here. Though the workforce already added a bona fide No. 2 receiver behind DK Metcalf by buying and selling for Michael Pittman Jr. in March, the place nonetheless wants depth. Concepcion additionally provides versatility, with a speedy talent set that enhances Metcalf and Pittman. Coach Mike McCarthy says he values broad receivers who can do multiple factor, and Concepcion’s prowess as a dynamic returner checks that field.
Kris Rhim’s decide: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
General supervisor Joe Hortiz and first-year defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary can be leaping for pleasure if the draft performed out this manner. A proper ACL tear in all probability can be the rationale for McCoy dropping to 22, however he’s nonetheless among the best gamers on this yr’s draft. Cornerback is not one of many Chargers’ prime wants, however he is the type of expertise L.A. would not simply cross on regardless of having holes elsewhere. Last season, he recorded 4 interceptions, seven passes defensed and 44 complete tackles for the Volunteers.
Tim McManus’ decide: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
With commerce winds swirling round A.J. Brown all offseason, the Eagles are likely to be moving on, in response to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, from one of many best receivers in franchise historical past. They have accomplished some work to account for his potential departure by signing Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore to one-year offers earlier than buying and selling with the Green Bay Packers for Dontayvion Wicks. But normal supervisor Howie Roseman won’t be shy about including extra playmakers to enrich DeVonta Smith if the draft-board worth traces up.
Oyefusi’s decide: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
A late run on broad receivers leaves the Browns empty-handed in Round 1, so the pivot is to McNeil-Warren, a playmaking security. Cleveland has used three-safety lineups at a excessive price, so McNeil-Warren might slot instantly into an interchangeable and versatile position alongside Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman, neither of whom is signed previous the 2026 season.
Courtney Cronin’s decide: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The incontrovertible fact that Proctor was nonetheless obtainable at No. 25 settled the controversy of drafting an offensive lineman over a cross rusher. Chicago had the most effective pass-blocking unit final season, however there’s uncertainty at left sort out due to Ozzy Trapilo‘s knee damage. Despite being a rookie, Proctor would shoot to the highest of the checklist of choices to start out day one. And each time Trapilo is ready to return, the Bears would have the choice to maneuver Proctor inside to protect.
Alaina Getzenberg’s decide: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Howell represents a cross rusher for the long run underneath new coordinator Jim Leonhard. Though his brief arm size is a priority at 30¼ inches, Howell brings the pace — 14.52 mph whereas rounding the nook in a pass-rush drill on the mix — the quickest pass-rush pace by any DL prospect since Will Anderson Jr. (14.9 mph) in 2023, per NFL Next Gen Stats. The solely hiccup is that if the Bills resolve to commerce again right here given the dearth of a second-round decide.
Nick Wagoner’s decide: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
With the run on receivers and safeties, the 49ers in all probability would commerce down on this situation. If they make a decide right here, offensive line or an edge rusher makes probably the most sense. In a detailed name, Lomu will get the nod forward of Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor due to Lomu’s safer ground versus Iheanachor’s increased ceiling. His expertise on the left aspect would make him a logical inheritor to Trent Williams, who signed a two-year extension this week, when he is able to retire.
DJ Bien-Aime’s decide: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
McDonald can turn into how coach DeMeco Ryans envisions the construction of his protection in 2026: enjoying extra mild containers. This manner, the Texans can maintain a two-high security shell to guard in opposition to explosive performs within the passing sport. Houston had the fifth-fewest snaps with mild containers in opposition to the run in 2025 because it most popular impartial or loaded containers, in response to Next Gen Stats.
Taylor’s decide: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The ideally suited situation for the Chiefs is that one of many prime receivers remains to be obtainable. Since that is not the case, including one other defensive lineman can be smart. The Chiefs want depth behind Chris Jones and Omarr Norman-Lott. Woods is an intriguing prospect who needs to be greater than able to contributing in a rotational position.
Louis-Jacques’ decide: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
With many of the broad receivers off the board, the previous Auburn Tiger is the decide right here. Faulk is a high-character participant who ought to be capable of defend the run instantly contemplating his power and dimension (6-6, 275 kilos). He’s nonetheless growing as a cross rusher, however he might type an thrilling tandem with Chop Robinson on the sting.
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Dolphins choose Keldric Faulk with No. 30 decide in NFL Nation draft
The Dolphins choose Auburn defensive finish Keldric Faulk with the No. 30 decide in NFL Nation mock draft.
Mike Reiss’ decide: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
This is a best-case situation by way of worth matching up with want. Will Campbell (No. 4 decide in 2025) returns because the beginning left sort out, and 35-year-old Morgan Moses is again because the beginning proper sort out. The 6-6, 317-pound Miller might fill a right away void because the swing sort out whereas growing as Moses’ potential future alternative. Miller began 54 video games at Clemson, and scouts view him as sturdy and having a professional mindset.
Brady Henderson’s decide: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
With a league-low 4 choices, the Seahawks in all probability will look to commerce again. But on this situation, they go together with a alternative for Riq Woolen by taking Johnson. Jadarian Price was additionally a consideration given Kenneth Walker III‘s departure. But Seattle’s offseason has been outlined by disciplined choices; GM John Schneider sticking to his board to take Johnson can be one other one.
