2026 NFL Draft Analysis: Early Projections and Key Prospects
Even though the 2025 college football season is about to begin, it’s already time to analyze the top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. This initial analysis is based on the players’ performance on the field and conversations with scouts and talent evaluators from across the league. We present an early projection of the 32 first-round selections.The order of this mock draft is based on Alofoke Deportes’ Football Power Index (FPI), which uses thousands of simulations to predict the 2025 NFL season. According to the FPI, the Cleveland Browns are in first place, this being one of their two first-round picks. The Los Angeles Rams will also have two picks in the first round. It is important to remember that many things can change before the 2026 draft in Pittsburgh. Players will rise and fall on draft lists, and some could return to college for another year.
This early analysis aims to identify how things are shaping up at the moment. Below is the analysis of each selection.First Round Selections:
1. Cleveland Browns
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
After selecting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 draft, the Browns could look for a long-term quarterback. Klubnik is shaping up to be the main quarterback. In 2024, he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His performance against Texas in the College Football Playoff (336 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception) was outstanding. Klubnik is reminiscent of Baker Mayfield in terms of arm strength, mobility, and game awareness.2. New York Giants
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
Mauigoa, in his third college season, is on the rise. After allowing five sacks in 2023, he didn’t allow any last season and only received three penalties. He’s better as a run blocker in a zone scheme. He would be a replacement for Evan Neal and would join a young offense that includes quarterback Jaxson Dart and receiver Malik Nabers.3. Tennessee Titans
T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson*
The Titans have needed a good pass rusher for a long time, and Parker is that. The junior had 11 sacks last season and forced six fumbles. He would be ideal in the Titans’ base 3-4 defense thanks to his ability to play in open spaces and pressure from multiple alignments. His speed on the edges is the best in the class.4. New York Jets
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*
The Jets could look for a receiver to help Garrett Wilson, but there isn’t one likely to be picked as high at this moment. Hill was a standout player in 2024, with 113 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and a 32-yard interception. His range in coverage and ability to blitz is reminiscent of Fred Warner.5. New Orleans Saints
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
Downs is the number one player for his range, versatility, and playmaking ability. He has four interceptions in two college seasons, showing skills to play in the box or as a deep safety. The Saints need good players and Downs is the best in this class.
6. Carolina Panthers
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
The Panthers need help on defense. Woods had three sacks and 17 pressures in 11 games this season. His quickness and leverage would be a welcome addition to Carolina’s revamped defense.7. Las Vegas Raiders
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*The Raiders need defensive help to face Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix twice a season. Bain has 11 sacks in his two college seasons. He has the build and the tools to make an immediate impact.8. New England Patriots
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
Tyson has the potential to climb into the top 10. In 2024, he caught 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. If he improves his issues with drops, Tyson has the speed and route technique to be a top 10 pick.9. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
With two first-round picks, the Rams have flexibility. Proctor, who is 6 feet 7 inches and weighs 370 pounds, plays with aggression. The Rams are looking for a successor to Rob Havenstein.10. Seattle Seahawks
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
If Abraham Lucas’ injuries continue, Seattle could look for an early tackle in 2026. Fano has played both left and right tackle at Utah. His movement ability and understanding of angles make him an ideal right tackle.11. Indianapolis Colts
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Injuries and the lack of development of Anthony Richardson led the Colts to sign Daniel Jones. If Richardson doesn’t improve, Indianapolis will look for a quarterback. Nussmeier showed flashes, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He has the playmaking ability to rise up the draft boards.12. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
With Jack Conklin declining in performance and Dawand Jones starting at left tackle, the Browns could look for a tackle. Lomu has considerable growth potential. He has the potential to be in the top five if he expands on what he showed last season.13. Dallas Cowboys
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
The Cowboys need more help on the edge. Faulk is a versatile player who can play along the defensive line. His size and strength would be interesting to combine with Parsons’ speed.14. Arizona Cardinals
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson*
The Cardinals need a receiver. Williams is a fast receiver who has the ability to play outside and in the slot. He would be an ideal complement to Marvin Harrison Jr.15. Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
There are doubts about McCoy’s status after a knee injury. The cornerback has six career interceptions and emerged as a No. 1 CB. The Dolphins need a capable outside cornerback.16. Pittsburgh Steelers
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina*
Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers, but it’s a one-year deal, making the quarterback the focus of Pittsburgh’s 2026 offseason. Sellers threw for 18 touchdowns and ran for 674 yards and seven scores last season. His potential excites evaluators.17. Chicago Bears
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
The Bears could look for a running back. Love ran for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is a bruising runner who can also make big plays. That, in addition to his receiving skills, makes him the perfect running back for new coach Ben Johnson’s offense.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
The Vikings need a defensive tackle. Keenan is a physical and tough anchor. He has some pass rush ability (2.5 sacks last season). His run-stopping strength makes him a potential first-round pick.19. Green Bay Packers
LT Overton, Edge, Alabama
The Packers need help on the edge. Overton is big, long, and versatile. He returned to Bama to develop his game and improve the two sacks he had in 2024.20. Denver Broncos
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Sean Payton wants to diversify the passing game. Stowers is the current TE1. He’s more of a slot tight end and could be a younger version of Engram.
21. Houston Texans
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
The Texans need to protect C.J. Stroud. Barber started 12 games at left tackle last season, showing starting potential. He possesses efficient hand placement in pass protection and ideal quickness for zone running schemes.22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Patrick Payton, Edge, LSU
Payton has been on scouts’ radar since 2022. He will seek to regain his first-round status at LSU. His speed would be an ideal combination for the strength of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey.23. San Francisco 49ers
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The 49ers could need a successor for Trent Williams. World has world-class potential. The 49ers need to rejuvenate key positions, and the left tackle should be at the top of their wish list.24. Cincinnati Bengals
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*
The defensive line could be the number 1 need if the Bengals don’t resolve the contract situations of Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart.
