We've finally reached April -- which makes this the perfect time to lock in and forecast how each Round 1 pick will play out in the 2026 NFL Draft at the end of the month.
Who's the first pass rusher off the board? How do the Chiefs reload at two key roster spots? Will the Bills get lucky at WR? Check out my first mock draft of the year below.
NOTE: NFL Network and NFL+ will have live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23-25.
No surprises here. The Raiders have been linked to Mendoza for months, and they acted accordingly in free agency, investing in the unit tasked with keeping the young QB upright. Mendoza will have a lot on his plate (though, perhaps not right away), but as he proved last season when he led Indiana to a national title, he's built for the pressure.
In a draft class loaded with quality edge rushers, the explosive and athletic Bailey comes off the board first thanks to a résumé loaded with production. Aaron Glenn lands a true quarterback hunter to help his defense.
Sure, this team could use a blue-chip defender in a class filled with them, but those who watched the Cardinals closely in recent years know their chances of winning were tied heavily to the production of their run game. The same could be said for the offenses new head coach Mike LaFleur previously helped run, most recently for the Rams. Veteran free agent Tyler Allgeier" data-link="/players/tyler-allgeier/" data-slug="tyler-allgeier"> Tyler Allgeier and rugged back James Conner" data-link="/players/james-conner/" data-slug="james-conner"> James Conner head the depth chart, but Allgeier averaged less than 4 yards per touch last season and Conner is returning from injury. Arizona needs another true weapon at the position, and LaFleur and Co. find one with the incredibly talented, home run-hitting Love.
I'm in the minority camp that believes Reese shouldn't be boxed into a pure edge-rushing role in the NFL, because of how dynamic he was as a hybrid linebacker at Ohio State. That said, the prospect of Reese rushing on a front that includes Jeffery Simmons" data-link="/players/jeffery-simmons/" data-slug="jeffery-simmons"> Jeffery Simmons and Jermaine Johnson II" data-link="/players/jermaine-johnson-ii/" data-slug="jermaine-johnson-ii"> Jermaine Johnson II is enticing. Tennessee could still find ways to use Reese off the line of scrimmage, too, and reap the rewards for a defense that has already welcomed four new projected starters in 2026.
The Giants already added free agent Tremaine Edmunds" data-link="/players/tremaine-edmunds/" data-slug="tremaine-edmunds"> Tremaine Edmunds as an immediate solution for the middle of their second level, but Styles' talent and freakish athletic profile are simply too strong to pass up in favor of addressing a need elsewhere on the roster.
The latest product of Wide Receiver U, Tate is the best contested-catch maker in this class. That's a skill that will translate immediately at the next level, and it's one the Browns desperately need as they continue to wade through the swamp of quarterback uncertainty. Leave the concern about his 40 time at home; Tate can and will make a difference quickly.
Like Sonny Styles, Downs' talent profile is tremendous. Dan Quinn's league-worst defense already welcomed eight (!) new arrivals this offseason, but that unit needs all the help it can get. So this three-level safety joins the party.
The Saints get good value at No. 8, snagging the best remaining edge rusher as a potential replacement for franchise legend Cameron Jordan" data-link="/players/cameron-jordan/" data-slug="cameron-jordan"> Cameron Jordan, who remains unsigned as a 36-year-old with 15 NFL seasons on the odometer. Some folks are concerned about Bain's arm length (30 7/8 inches), but his style of play is built on crippling, relentless power, and that will render such worries moot.
The Chiefs lost two corners to the Rams in March, one (Trent McDuffie" data-link="/players/trent-mcduffie/" data-slug="trent-mcduffie"> Trent McDuffie) via trade and one (Jaylen Watson" data-link="/players/jaylen-watson/" data-slug="jaylen-watson"> Jaylen Watson) via free agency. General manager Brett Veach immediately addresses the need by taking the most consistent corner in this class. With the ability to erase an opposing top target and get involved in defending the run, Delane should do his best to replace McDuffie's impact.
The Bengals need a linebacker, but the two prospects at that position worthy of being drafted this high are gone. So Cincy turns to a high-upside defender at a different spot. McCoy didn't play college ball at all in 2025 while recovering from an ACL injury but produced remarkably strong 2024 tape, and it carries him to the Bengals here.
There’s no better place to start a rebuild than in the trenches. Miami adds the top interior lineman in the 2026 draft and slots him next to one of the NFL’s best centers in Aaron Brewer" data-link="/players/aaron-brewer-2/" data-slug="aaron-brewer-2"> Aaron Brewer, forming a formidable interior for Malik Willis" data-link="/players/malik-willis/" data-slug="malik-willis"> Malik Willis.
Dallas appears content to move on from Donovan Wilson" data-link="/players/donovan-wilson/" data-slug="donovan-wilson"> Donovan Wilson and also needs to continue adding to a defense that has been its clear weakness for multiple seasons. Thieneman gives the Cowboys a safety who can play in the box and fits a profile familiar to new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who spent the last two seasons coaching Cooper DeJean" data-link="/players/cooper-dejean/" data-slug="cooper-dejean"> Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship" data-link="/players/reed-blankenship/" data-slug="reed-blankenship"> Reed Blankenship in Philadelphia.
The Rams, in need of another option at right tackle following Rob Havenstein's retirement, luck into the best OT prospect in this class. Mauigoa is a powerful blocker who can clear running lanes for Kyren Williams" data-link="/players/kyren-williams/" data-slug="kyren-williams"> Kyren Williams and projects as a long-term answer on the right side.
The Ravens could use another edge and some reinforcements along the defensive front, but they also need to replace center Tyler Linderbaum" data-link="/players/tyler-linderbaum/" data-slug="tyler-linderbaum"> Tyler Linderbaum. Fano played tackle throughout his college career, but he projects more as a guard in the NFL. If he can make the move inside effectively, it would also then allow for a natural transition to center.
The Buccaneers have needed an impact edge rusher for the last two years and have repeatedly swung and missed on veteran solutions. Mesidor arrives as their answer, giving Tampa a productive, powerful and relentless rusher with the versatility to move around and create challenging looks for opposing offensive lines.
What's better than having one No. 1 receiver? Having two No. 1 receivers. Lemon's stock skyrocketed thanks to an excellent junior season at USC and gives the Jets a legitimate tandem at the position with Garrett Wilson" data-link="/players/garrett-wilson/" data-slug="garrett-wilson"> Garrett Wilson.
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If there's any general manager in the NFL who has demonstrated a willingness to ignore pre-draft rankings and stick with his guys, it's the Lions' Brad Holmes. He flouts concerns regarding Howell's arm length (30 1/4 inches) and chooses a dynamic rusher who is also highly capable of making a difference against the run, giving the Lions the running mate they’ve needed for Aidan Hutchinson" data-link="/players/aidan-hutchinson/" data-slug="aidan-hutchinson"> Aidan Hutchinson.
The Vikings will need a replacement for Harrison Smith" data-link="/players/harrison-smith/" data-slug="harrison-smith"> Harrison Smith sooner or later, whether or not he retires before the season. They find one in McNeil-Warren, a high-energy safety capable of both playing in the box (where he can deliver the blow) and erasing advantages downfield; it's the ideal blend for Brian Flores' creative defense.
Adding an excellent run defender next to ascending pass rusher Derrick Brown" data-link="/players/derrick-brown/" data-slug="derrick-brown"> Derrick Brown makes the most sense for a Panthers defense that already upgraded at edge rusher and inside linebacker this offseason. The potential of shaping the interior into a dynamic brick wall convinces former linebacker and current Panthers GM Dan Morgan to turn in the card.
On Monday, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed he’d like to keep DaRon Bland" data-link="/players/daron-bland/" data-slug="daron-bland"> DaRon Bland on the perimeter, opening an obvious need for a nickel corner. Dallas doubles down on defense by taking an undersized corner who will fit best in the slot and who I believe is only scratching the surface of his potential as he leaps into the NFL.
Broderick Jones" data-link="/players/broderick-jones/" data-slug="broderick-jones"> Broderick Jones could be facing a prove-it year in 2026, which will be the final season of his rookie contract if the Steelers choose not to exercise his fifth-year option -- and he's coming back from a neck injury. Replacing one Georgia tackle with another might feel like flying too close to the sun, but Freeling is the best remaining OT available and has guard-like quickness that should represent an upgrade over what Jones brings to the field.
As much as the Chargers need depth, they can't afford to spend another first-round pick on an offensive lineman. They also can't afford to take a swing on an oft-injured receiver. So they land on Cooper, a great run-after-catch target who could make for a frightening duo with Justin Herbert" data-link="/players/justin-herbert/" data-slug="justin-herbert"> Justin Herbert.
Lane Johnson" data-link="/players/lane-johnson/" data-slug="lane-johnson"> Lane Johnson is nearing the end of the line. The Eagles learned how important he was to their operation when he suffered what proved to be a season-ending injury in mid-November. Now is the time to select his replacement. Miller is a right tackle with a ton of playing experience (54 games at Clemson) who will benefit from some hands-on training behind a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Cleveland invested heavily in the offensive line in free agency and via trade, but the Browns shouldn’t stop there, especially with left tackle Dawand Jones" data-link="/players/dawand-jones/" data-slug="dawand-jones"> Dawand Jones facing an uncertain future after a tumultuous first three seasons. Iheanachor played right tackle at ASU but should be selected for his talents and upside more than positional fit. Plus, he has the most lubricated hips I’ve ever seen in a tackle of his size and the length to latch on and erase rushers. If he’s given time to grow, this could end up being a steal.
The run on tackles continues at No. 25, where the Bears show they understand protecting Caleb Williams" data-link="/players/caleb-williams/" data-slug="caleb-williams"> Caleb Williams is priority No. 1. With Ozzy Trapilo" data-link="/players/ozzy-trapilo/" data-slug="ozzy-trapilo"> Ozzy Trapilo returning from a patellar injury, it would be prudent for the Bears to invest in the position with Proctor, a massive, athletic tackle with the build to keep Williams’ jersey clean.
It might be stunning to see Tyson fall this far down the first-round board, but he does have a concerning injury history. He also has the kind of big-play capability the Bills have lacked since they traded Stefon Diggs" data-link="/players/stefon-diggs/" data-slug="stefon-diggs"> Stefon Diggs to Houston, so they end Tyson's slide here, even after acquiring DJ Moore" data-link="/players/d-j-moore/" data-slug="d-j-moore"> DJ Moore earlier this offseason.
If the 49ers are planning for the future, they’ll target an offensive tackle. After last year’s injury-riddled experience, however, they decide to seek depth on the defensive side, leading GM John Lynch to add another edge rusher to a group headlined by Nick Bosa" data-link="/players/nick-bosa/" data-slug="nick-bosa"> Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams" data-link="/players/mykel-williams/" data-slug="mykel-williams"> Mykel Williams. If this defense is going to climb out of the cellar in the sacks department, San Francisco will need an army of quarterback hunters.
The Texans’ biggest weakness over the last two years has been their offensive line. GM Nick Caserio dedicated resources to it this offseason by signing guard Wyatt Teller" data-link="/players/wyatt-teller/" data-slug="wyatt-teller"> Wyatt Teller and tackle Braden Smith" data-link="/players/braden-smith/" data-slug="braden-smith"> Braden Smith, but why stop there?
Congratulations, Chiefs fans. The top tight end and best long-term replacement for Travis Kelce" data-link="/players/travis-kelce/" data-slug="travis-kelce"> Travis Kelce is still on the board when the time comes for your team to make a selection. Cornerback could use an addition, but GM Brett Veach can’t pass up the opportunity to add a freakishly athletic TE to a team that has won championships in part by relying on the position.
After identifying Malik Willis" data-link="/players/malik-willis/" data-slug="malik-willis"> Malik Willis, De'Von Achane" data-link="/players/devon-achane/" data-slug="devon-achane"> De'Von Achane, Aaron Brewer" data-link="/players/aaron-brewer/" data-slug="aaron-brewer"> Aaron Brewer and Jordyn Brooks" data-link="/players/jordyn-brooks/" data-slug="jordyn-brooks"> Jordyn Brooks as franchise pillars during the NFL Annual Meeting, new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan expands his target range to the perimeter, adding a pro-ready corner and -- thankfully -- increasing the level of competition at the position.
Following K'Lavon Chaisson" data-link="/players/k-lavon-chaisson/" data-slug="k-lavon-chaisson"> K'Lavon Chaisson's departure in free agency, the Patriots need edge reinforcements. Mike Vrabel scores a relative steal in Parker, a rugged rusher with the versatility to allow for increased multiplicity defensively.
Seattle's defensive strength was as much in its key playmakers as it was in its depth. That unit is a little thinner now that Tariq Woolen" data-link="/players/tariq-woolen/" data-slug="tariq-woolen"> Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant" data-link="/players/coby-bryant/" data-slug="coby-bryant"> Coby Bryant are playing elsewhere, so GM John Schneider snags a speedy corner who can fill the void left by Woolen and return some depth to the Seahawks' secondary.