NFL Draft 2026: Key Projections and Standout Prospects Heading to the Combine

More than 300 prospects will meet in Indianapolis this week for the combine, but only 32 of them will be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on April 23. We analyze those selections in this second mock draft of the cycle.

Although there are similarities to the January predictions, there hasn’t been much movement in the prospect list. However, some players are expected to improve significantly during the combine workouts. In addition, the needs of NFL teams will change rapidly during free agency in March, which could alter the first round. In this mock draft, no trades are projected, but there are already four picks that have changed hands: The Rams have the Falcons’ pick, the Jets have the Colts’ pick, the Cowboys have the Packers’ pick, and the Browns have the Jaguars’ pick.

Here’s a projection of how the first round could look, based on information obtained from league executives, scouts, and coaches.

2026 NFL Draft: First Round

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana The selection of Mendoza by the Raiders seems quite clear at this moment. The Geno Smith trade didn’t solve the quarterback problem in Las Vegas after Derek Carr’s departure, and new coach Klint Kubiak will want a quarterback to build his offense around. Mendoza is the number 1 prospect and the best QB in the class. He is competitive and accurate in ball placement. If the Raiders add one or two receivers during free agency and reinforce the offensive line a bit, this offense could take a step forward with Mendoza, Kubiak, running back Ashton Jeanty, and tight end Brock Bowers.

2. New York Jets

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State This would be the highest selection for a safety since Eric Turner was selected at number 2 in 1991. Downs is worthy of this position. He reads the offense very well and has the speed, physicality, and ball skills to make plays against both the run and the pass. He can impact the ceiling of a defense from the backfield, with six interceptions, 18 tackles for loss, and 22 run stops in his three college seasons. The Jets’ defense did not have a single interception in 2025 and only the Cowboys conceded more points. In addition, Andre Cisco reaches free agency.

3. Arizona Cardinals

David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech Here’s a tough decision between Bailey and Arvell Reese from Ohio State. Reese is one spot higher on the list, but the Cardinals could opt for the more proven production. Bailey had 14.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 71 pressures, and three forced fumbles last season. Simply put, he goes after the quarterback. That’s what the Cardinals need after managing just 30 sacks last season, tied for the third-fewest in the NFL. And yes, the team could need a quarterback this offseason if they move on from Kyler Murray. But it’s also too early to pick the QB2 of the draft class when Arizona has other big holes on the roster. The Cardinals are expected to address their quarterback situation in free agency and turn their attention to the defense in the first round, despite the offensive background of new coach Mike LaFleur.

4. Tennessee Titans

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Reese’s instincts and explosiveness are evident in every play. He could help Tennessee in that position. But new coach Robert Saleh could move him to the edge, where he played most of the time in 2025. Although the Titans’ 42 sacks tied for 12th last season, 11 of them were by defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. The edge is a weakness. Reese could be a high-impact player on this unit no matter where he lines up.

5. New York Giants

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah In January, Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate was here. That’s still very possible, as New York needs a WR2 alongside Malik Nabers. But it doesn’t matter who Jaxson Dart throws to if he doesn’t have enough time to throw the ball. Fano started 36 games over three seasons and allowed only four sacks. His technique and power are exceptional. If Jermaine Eluemunor doesn’t return, I like Fano sliding to the RT position in the lineup, helping to keep Dart clean and clearing defenders for running back Cam Skattebo.

6. Cleveland Browns

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State Like the Giants, the Browns need reinforcements on the offensive line and at receiver. Unlike the Giants, the Browns have two first-round picks. So, although Miami lineman Francis Mauigoa is tempting here, Cleveland would likely choose the receiver and postpone the decision on the offensive line. Tate is at the top of the receiver list right now, with great hands and a smart route game. Cleveland’s receivers combined for only four touchdowns last season, so, after a season of 875 yards and nine touchdowns, Tate could become the Browns’ top option.

7. Commanders of Washington

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State This would be the fourth Ohio State player to be selected, the most in the first seven picks for a school, according to ESPN Research. Styles is receiving a lot of support around the league right now, and it will be fun to watch him at the combine if he trains well. The former safety has real speed in a 6-foot-4-inch, 243-pound body. With the Commanders’ defense being surpassed by 6.0 yards per play last season and potentially losing free agent Bobby Wagner, this pick makes sense. But you also have to keep an eye on Miami’s running back Rueben Bain Jr. and the receiver class in general if the list unfolds this way.

8. New Orleans Saints

Makai Lemon, WR, USC The quarterback Tyler Shough shined at the end of his rookie season, but now the Saints must help him take the next step in the second year. Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State was chosen for New Orleans in the first mock draft, and although the same position is maintained, this time Lemon is chosen. He attacks the ball in the air and would be a productive player for Shough after accumulating 1,156 yards in 2025. Regardless of whether Chris Olave is in the team’s long-term plans, New Orleans could improve the offense with someone like Lemon running routes from the slot.

Legend: Which teams could select Jeremiyah Love, Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon? ESPN

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Love is ranked number 2 on the prospect list, displaying elite-level vision and explosiveness. He can score a touchdown every time he touches the ball, and with his hands out of the backfield, he can stay on the field on third down. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are free agents, and they weren’t exactly setting the running game on fire last season anyway. Love, who had 1,372 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in 2025, could bring a whole new element to the Kansas City offense.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

If Bain is still available at number 10, the Bengals should hand in the card with his name. This has been a very tough defense for a few years, and things could look much worse if Trey Hendrickson leaves in free agency. Last year’s selection of Shemar Stewart hasn’t yielded immediate results either. But Bain has the ability to ruin the opponent’s game plans. He brings power, speed, and flexibility, and had 9.5 sacks in 2025. Defensive coordinator Al Golden could move him on the D-line to find matchup advantages and unleash him on the pass rush.

11. Miami Dolphins

Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami The Dolphins’ quarterback situation is unstable, as they explore trade options for Tua Tagovailoa. But Alabama’s Ty Simpson is still a risky pick here. So instead, let’s look at the offensive line. Right tackle Austin Jackson, the team’s last first-round pick on the offensive line in 2020, has struggled to stay on the field, and backup Larry Borom is a free agent. Mauigoa has 42 starts of experience and a dominant attitude. Plus, he could keep his parking pass at Hard Rock Stadium when he arrives from the Hurricanes. If Jackson stays healthy and takes over the RT position, Mauigoa could easily move to guard. Some scouts believe he fits better there, and a lot of attention will be paid to his arm length measurements this week at the combine.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU No team allowed more pass plays of 25 or more yards last season than the Cowboys (46). Trevon Diggs was cut at the end of the season, and DaRon Bland is recovering from his second surgery on his left foot in two years. If there weren’t enough signs for Dallas, the entire cornerback class is still available at the number 12 spot. Delane can stop opposing receivers while also making a lot of plays with the ball. He broke up 11 passes and made two interceptions last season.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

No changes for the Rams’ first selection since the last mock draft. McCoy didn’t play at all in 2025 after tearing his ACL last January, and this week’s medical checks in Indianapolis will be key for him. But his production on the ball can’t be argued. He had four interceptions and nine passes defended in 2024.

The Rams have the kind of roster that can reach the Super Bowl, and quarterback Matthew Stafford is ready to return for another season. But cornerback is a defined weak spot; general manager Les Snead has to make that position a priority this offseason.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State The Ravens should bounce back in 2026, but they will look for a true outside receiver with the hands to absorb a large number of Lamar Jackson’s targets. Going with Tyson here would allow Zay Flowers to live in the slot, where he is at his best, and lift the entire offense. Tyson caught eight touchdown passes in 2025, and excels at contested catches thanks to his 6-foot-2-inch frame and overall strength. It would be the sixth time Baltimore has taken a receiver in the first round since 2015, but the team clearly needs more options in the passing game. Rashod Bateman has been inconsistent, and DeAndre Hopkins, Isaiah Likely, and Tylan Wallace are all free agents.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia Lavonte David had 114 tackles last season, but he can’t play forever. He is 36 years old and joins fellow linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. in free agency this offseason. Allen is a three-down linebacker who combines speed with power to make plays in coverage, against the run, and as a blitzer. He could be the LB3 of the class, but he is a top-25 overall prospect. He would be a good option for coach Todd Bowles as the Bucs try to readjust a bit to reclaim the NFC South.

16. New York Jets (via IND)

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson The Jets are back on the clock, and after I gave them a difference-making safety in Caleb Downs before, this time I’ll go with a Quinnen Williams replacement. Three Jets defensive tackles hit free agency, and they’ve lacked a real impact player in the middle of the D-line since the Williams trade at the deadline. Woods didn’t have elite production in 2025, but the tape was still very good. He has the power to be a force in the 3-tech for New York. In January, the Jets took Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson here. I could still see it. But the Jets have three first-round picks in 2027, when the QB class should be much better. It makes more sense to find a bridge in 2026 and focus on rebuilding the defense before going with someone like Arch Manning or Dante Moore next spring.

17. Detroit Lions

Zion Young, DE, Missouri We’ve been begging the Lions to add a long-term threat from the opposite edge of Aidan Hutchinson for a while. Al-Quadin Muhammad had a surprising breakout last season with 11 sacks, but he’s a free agent. Tyrus Wheat was next best in sacks among pure edge rushers… with 1.5. So, while the interior offensive line could warrant a look (Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State), Detroit has to address the lack of depth on the edge. Young has strong hands and good agility, and had 6.5 sacks and 46 pressures last season.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon Harrison Smith is 37 years old; he could retire this offseason, and even if he returns, the safety room in Minnesota still needs to be restocked. How about a Smith clone? Thieneman might not have Smith’s size of 6 feet 2 inches (he measures 6 feet), but he reads the QB well and is smart. That matters a lot in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ defense, which demands a lot from rookies. In addition, Thieneman has versatility to move around the lineup, is a force against the run, and had a six-interception season at Purdue in 2023 before transferring to Oregon. He would be a perfect fit in the Vikings’ defense.

19. Carolina Panthers

Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn The Panthers took a step forward last season, but the pass rush is still lagging behind. Their 30 sacks tied for the third-fewest in the NFL, and their pressure rate of 26.6% was the second-lowest. I liked what I saw from second-round rookie Nic Scourton (five sacks), but Carolina needs more. Faulk is a people player, and although he only managed two sacks last season, he had seven in 2024. If defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero can unlock Faulk’s potential, this pick could look like a steal in a few years.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)

Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami This is a first round of the entire defense for Dallas: first cornerback (Mansoor Delane at number 12), now edge rusher. Of course, Mesidor would not be a one-for-one replacement for Micah Parsons, who was greatly missed in Dallas last season. But with 12.5 sacks in the last season of a six-year college career, Mesidor would at least get the pass rush going and begin to rebuild that unit. Jadeveon Clowney was the only Cowboys player who surpassed six sacks in 2025 (8.5), and he is a free agent. Jerry Jones has to commit to using premium picks on the edge, especially with one of the tightest salary cap situations in the league.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama The Steelers need to think about the QB position with a longer-term vision. They could bring back Aaron Rodgers or opt for another veteran patch to keep them in contention next season, but even if they go that route, they should still address their future at the position. Simpson has only 15 starts to his name, and his 2025 season was uneven, but his game has a lot of promise. He navigates the pocket well and threw 28 touchdown passes with only five interceptions last season. Pittsburgh could let him learn behind a veteran for a while before handing him the offense.