With NFL free agency mostly settled, the 2026 NFL Draft has taken on a much clearer shape, giving mock draft analysts a chance to update their thoughts. Several teams addressed major holes through signings and trades, which caused a degree of movement in recent projections. My latest mock looks to reflect the current landscape.
Standout running back Jeremiyah Love has surged into the top five for many, and Sonny Styles has clearly rocketed up draft boards since the combine. Here is my latest projected first round as teams prepare for April’s draft.
Mock Draft: First Round 1 -16
1. Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Write it down in ink and forget it. The Raiders are taking Fernando Mendoza with that first pick. With the upside of a franchise quarterback, Las Vegas does the simple and smart move of taking a swing at the consensus #1 passer.
2026 NFL mock draft features Fernando Mendoza
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (QB11) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
2. New York Jets, Arvell Reese, EDR, Ohio State
Aaron Glenn’s Jets will crave defensive aggression. Reese elevates the pass rush immediately while offering the upside of becoming a well-rounded combination linebacker.
3. Arizona Cardinals, Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The Cardinals obviously need offensive line help. Mauigoa provides strong pass protection, high athleticism and the proper build. He can either anchor a tackle spot or kick inside and be a force for years to come.
4. Tennessee Titans, Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The moves by the Commanders, Saints and Chiefs in free agency give credence to the idea that Love comes off the board early. The Titans need to add some offensive explosiveness. Love supplies big-play rushing ability and an out of the backfield safety net for Cam Ward.
5. New York Giants, Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
No other player helped their draft stock in quite the manner Sonny Styles did. The Giants need to add some linebacker upgrades. Styles brings a rangy coverage ability with solid fundamentals at the position.
6. Cleveland Browns, Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Browns may look to force some tackle stability. With the oft injured Dawand Jones slated to start at left tackle, Cleveland goes for an immediate potential upgrade. Fano offers polished technique in a prototype pass protector’s frame.
7. Washington Commanders, David Bailey, EDR, Texas Tech
The Commanders will look to add pass rush help at some point in this draft. Bailey will bring length, power and tenacity. He has a consistent pressure rate which will get him on the field early in his career.
8. New Orleans Saints, Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
New Orleans may seek to add some immediate wideout production. With Tyler Shough showing enough potential to put faith in his game as a pro, drafting Tate provides Shough with a reliable set of hands.
9. Kansas City Chiefs, Rueben Bain, EDR, Miami
Kansas City may look early in this draft to add some edge pressure. Bain delivers explosive athleticism and disrupts opposing backfields quickly off the snap.
10. Cincinnati Bengals, Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
The Bengals clearly need secondary reinforcement. Downs offers ball-hawking instincts, covers deep zones effectively and plays disciplined football.
11. Miami Dolphins, Makai Lemon, WR, USC
After the trading of Jaylen Waddle, Miami will look to add a wide receiver early. Lemon has the ability to become a true WR1 quickly in the NFL.
12. Dallas Cowboys, Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Cowboys quickly address their secondary needs. McCoy delivers physical press coverage, stays within the system and plays an aggressive style of football.
13. Los Angeles Rams, Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Rams could look to go in a lot of directions early in the draft, but having Delane available at #13 makes too much sense to pass. Delane brings speed, solid coverage skills and has a knack for shutting down top receivers.
14. Baltimore Ravens, Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
Baltimore gets a gift when Ioane remains available at pick #14. He’s the top-rated lineman on my big board (player #6 overall). The Ravens strengthen the interior line as Vega provides powerful run blocking and solid pass protection.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Buccaneers have the option of adding a true weapon to the offense. Sadiq offers solid receiving skills matched with elite athleticism for the position.
16. New York Jets, Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
New York may look early to get some additional help in the wide receiver room. Tyson delivers reliable production while complementing the existing weapons within the offense.
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