In this second edition 2026 NFL Mock Draft, the possibility of four different trades has been added. With the average number of trades since 2020 being between five and six, this mock will remain just a touch conservative.
Mock Draft: First Round 1 -16
1. Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza, QB – Indiana
There’s nothing on the horizon that is going to change this in any mock draft. Fernando Mendoza will go first overall to the Raiders and likely sit for part of a season while Kirk Cousins puts the ship to sea.
2. New York Jets, Arvell Reese, EDR – Ohio State
Arvell Reese is still the betting favorite for the Jets at number two overall. I don’t see a scenario where New York doesn’t draft on the defensive side of the ball.
3. Arizona Cardinals, Francis Mauigoa, OT – Miami
The Cardinals will have options to consider here other than offensive tackle, but with a new head coach that is offensive-minded and Jacoby Brissett the likely caretaker through 2026, preparing for next year’s draft by selecting a powerful option for the offensive line is a solid move.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (via TEN), Rueben Bain, EDR – Miami
The Chiefs find a trade partner to spend some of their additional draft capital and move up to fix a problem for their defense. Rueben Bain is a monster when rushing the passer and a sound student of the run game.
5. New York Giants, Sonny Styles, LB – Ohio State
Harbaugh will get an opportunity to style up his defense quickly with the addition of Sonny Styles. Getting a player that he can utilize in every iteration of situation football is a boon for any team.
6. Miami Dolphins (via CLE), David Bailey, EDR – Texas Tech
The Browns are more than happy to trade down and acquire more future draft capital while the Dolphins get the opportunity to add flash to a defense that will get transformed by new head coach Jeff Haley. David Bailey will be an instant-impact player on passing downs in the NFL.
7. Washington Commanders, Jeremiyah Love, RB – Notre Dame
Washington worked on fixing their need at RB depth in free agency but having Jeremiyah Love slide to their selection is too good of a value to pass up. The Commanders add one of the premier weapons of this draft class.
8. New Orleans Saints, Carnell Tate, WR – Ohio State
The Saints decide to give ascending quarterback Tyler Shough a reliable weapon in the passing game. Tate enters the NFL as a polished route runner who is going to be where the signal-caller expects him to be on every down.
9. Tennessee Titans (via KC), Mansoor Delane, CB – LSU
After adding additional draft capital by moving down, the Titans get the opportunity to select the top CB in this class. It’s a position of need for Tennessee, so the trade coupled with the selection gives them a pair of early wins on Day 1.
10. Cincinnati Bengals, Caleb Downs, S – Ohio State
The Bengals signed Kyle Dugger in what may be a move that signals they expect Caleb Downs to be off the board by number eleven overall. However, they end up with the opportunity to draft him in this mock, so it cannot be passed up. Ohio State planned their gameday defense around creating angles to get their most reliable defensive player to the ball as much as possible, so there is little concern with what Caleb brings to the table.
11. Cleveland Browns (via MIA), Makai Lemon, WR – USC
Cleveland has many obvious needs and could easily select a few different names here, but at some point they will have a decision made at quarterback and they are going to need some quality mitts to help him move the offense on Sundays. Makai Lemon is unafraid to run through traffic and take hits to secure the reception, making him a reliable target for a young passer.
12. Dallas Cowboys, Jermod McCoy, CB – Tennessee
Any concerns about Jermod McCoy’s athleticism coming off injury were put to bed at Tennessee’s pro day. The Cowboys instantly upgrade their defense with the twelfth overall selection.
13. Los Angeles Rams, Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Rams may look at WR early in this draft, considering the issues that Puka is facing this offseason. However, the addition of Monroe Freeling to the offensive line represents a solid move for a team that is going to put a premium on keeping Matt Stafford clean for as many seasons as he chooses to remain in the league.
14. Baltimore Ravens, Olaivavega Ioane, IOL – Penn State
Ioane will easily outplay being selected at 14th overall and the Ravens are getting extreme value here. Vega profiles as the top interior offensive lineman on my board.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Keldrik Faulk, EDR – Auburn
The Bucs need to add some punch to the end of their defense. Faulk is the kind of player that possesses more upside than polish, and 15th overall is likely the high-water mark for his draft selection.
16. New York Jets, Omar Cooper Jr, WR – Indiana
After getting Reese to boost the defense at the top of the round, the Jets go after an offensive weapon for their future quarterback selection. Omar Cooper has incredible concentration and hand strength, and will be an immediate contributor for New York’s offense.
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