The final countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh has begun with less than two weeks on the clock, and draft boards are being dictated by a historic influx of defensive front-seven talent with players like Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese & Sonny Styles, Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk.
While Fernando Mendoza remains the heavy favorite to go first overall, the conversation surrounding the rest of the top ten has shifted toward an arms race for pass-rushing anchors and sideline-to-sideline erasers. This year’s class features a rare concentration of elite athletes on the defensive side, led by an Ohio State pipeline that could see five players land in the first round.
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However, the true tension lies in the quarterback divide. While the Raiders seem locked into Mendoza, Alabama’s Ty Simpson may force a few teams like Pittsburgh, Arizona, and the New York Jets to choose between a blue-chip defender or a gamble under center.
See my previous mock drafts in recent weeks: 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks to the media after the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Raiders find their cornerstone in Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman winner who orchestrated Indiana’s improbable 16-0 national title run. Mendoza led the FBS with 41 passing touchdowns and an incredible 27 red-zone scores without a single interception. Standing 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds, he possesses the frame and timing Klint Kubiak needs to finally modernize an offense that ranked 30th in third-down efficiency last year.
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2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State
Arvell Reese is a missile who recorded 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2025 while splitting time between the edge and the box. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn takes the most versatile defensive weapon in the draft to jumpstart his defense. For a Jets unit that struggled with sideline pursuit and ranked 29th in defensive EPA, Reese’s 4.46 speed and Parsons-like versatility provide the blue-chip spark they’ve lacked.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Francis Mauigoa has started 38 consecutive games and anchored a Miami unit that allowed the third-fewest pressures in the ACC. Arizona addresses its infrastructure over the temptation of Ty Simpson for new head coach Mike LaFleur. The Cardinals allowed a staggering 55 touchdowns last season and ranked near the bottom of the league in adjusted line yards. Mauigoa provides a Day 1 solution at right tackle to stabilize a rebuilding offense.
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4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is the clear RB1 of the class, coming off a season where he rushed for 1,372 yards and 21 total touchdowns while averaging 6.9 yards per carry. New head coach Robert Saleh gets an elite “fastball” for his offense instead of the defense. Tennessee ranked 30th in rushing yards last season, and Love’s elite vision and receiving skills—evidenced by his zero drops in 2025—provide a three-down engine for Cam Ward.
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles is an athletic unicorn who posted a 43.5-inch vertical at 244 pounds. After witnessing the impact of Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore, new Giants head coach John Harbaugh secures a similarly unique chess piece. His transition from safety to linebacker led to 82 tackles last season, and his ability to erase tight ends in coverage helps fix a Giants defense that was consistently bullied over the middle in 2025.
6. Cleveland Browns: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
David Bailey dominated the Big 12 in 2025, leading the nation with an elite 21.3 percent pressure rate and tying for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks. New Browns head coach Todd Monken prioritizes the pass rush for a unit needing a consistent bookend for Myles Garrett. The Browns managed just 31 sacks as a team last year; Bailey’s rare first-step quickness and 19.5 tackles for loss immediately fix a unit that couldn’t close games.
7. Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (DL32) on the SiriusXM NFL Radio set during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Rueben Bain Jr. earned the nickname Hurricane after a 2025 campaign that featured 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. The Commanders ignore the reach for a quarterback to take a block-destructor. Washington allowed a league-high 384.3 yards per game last year; Bain’s violent hands and ability to slide inside on passing downs offer the versatility Dan Quinn needs to rebuild his defensive front.
8. New Orleans Saints: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Mansoor Delane is a high-IQ technician who allowed a completion rate under 50 percent during his career in the SEC. The Saints keep the local standout in Louisiana to solidify a secondary that allowed the fifth-most 30-plus-yard pass plays. He earned an elite 90.7 coverage grade and provides Kellen Moore’s roster with a Day 1 starter to pair with Kool-Aid McKinstry in a younger, faster defensive backfield.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is a vertical nightmare who led Oregon with eight touchdowns in 2025. With Travis Kelce entering his twilight, the Chiefs grab the fastest tight end in Combine history (4.39). Patrick Mahomes needs a mismatch eraser to counteract the high-pressure defenses of the AFC, and Sadiq’s ability to win out wide or in the slot makes him the ultimate weapon for Andy Reid.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs recorded 257 career tackles and six interceptions over three seasons. The Bengals find the ultimate safety net for a secondary that allowed 60 pass plays of 20-plus yards in 2025. He was the heartbeat of a Buckeyes secondary that ranked No. 1 in pass defense. Downs immediately upgrades a Zac Taylor-led unit that ranked 31st in total yards allowed, providing the diagnostic play they have lacked.
11. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Spencer Fano anchored a Utah line that allowed the fewest pressures in the Big 12 last year. The Dolphins must protect Malik Willis following a wave of veteran departures. He is an elite mover in space, making him a perfect fit for Jeff Hafley’s outside-zone run scheme. Fano brings much-needed technical polish to a unit that ranked 27th in pass-blocking efficiency.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy recorded four interceptions and nine passes defended in a single season before his ACL tear. Brian Schottenheimer’s squad ignores the injury history to bet on McCoy’s lockdown traits. Dallas’ defense was shredded for 37.7 points per game in their final stretch last year. If his recovery is complete, McCoy gives the Cowboys a ball-hawking presence opposite DaRon Bland for a unit that ranked last in coverage efficiency.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (OL24) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Monroe Freeling is an elite athlete who was a key part of a Georgia line that allowed a pressure rate under 3 percent last year. The Rams invest in a long-term blindside protector for an aging Matthew Stafford. Sean McVay needs to plan for a post-Alaric Jackson future, and Freeling’s natural pass-protection skills are worthy of a top-15 selection in an offense that relies on deep-developing routes.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane is a powerful, nasty blocker who helped Penn State’s rushing attack rank among the best in the nation. New head coach Jesse Minter continues the Ravens’ “bully” identity. The Ravens need to maintain their top-ranked rushing volume as Derrick Henry ages; Ioane’s punch and leg drive ensure the interior of the line remains a dominant force for OC Declan Doyle’s new offense.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Akheem Mesidor is an advanced technician who can win with power or finesse, tying for third in the FBS with 12.5 sacks last season. Tampa Bay adds a relentless “effort” rusher who fits their aggressive defensive culture. Todd Bowles needs to improve a pass rush that struggled to close games in 2025; Mesidor’s four forced fumbles and inside-outside flexibility make him a perfect fit for the Bucs’ scheme.
16. New York Jets: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson recorded 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in just nine starts last year. Aaron Glenn moves to help Garrett Wilson after the Jets secured their defense earlier. While the buzz connecting Ty Simpson to New York’s second first-round pick is deafening, they stick with a high-ceiling playmaker. If he stays healthy, he provides the explosive element the Jets’ offense lacked while they ranked 25th in total yards.
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor is a massive human being who allowed just two sacks across 611 pass-blocking snaps last season. The Lions prioritize the trenches following Taylor Decker’s departure. Dan Campbell’s philosophy is built on dominance up front, and Proctor’s raw power and bully mentality fit perfectly into the culture the Lions have established as they look to dominate the NFC North.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman recorded 92 total tackles and two interceptions last season, allowing very few completions downfield. Kevin O’Connell finds a rangy replacement for the legendary Harrison Smith. His athleticism—including a standout performance at Lucas Oil Stadium—fits the versatile safety profile Brian Flores requires to hide his complex blitz packages and shore up a secondary that allowed the 5th most 30-plus yard pass plays.
19. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (DL38) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Keldric Faulk is an ascending talent who earned an 85.5 run-defense grade last season while also showing flashes as a solo rusher. Dave Canales continues his quest to find a blue-chip pass rusher. Carolina’s defense finished near the bottom of the league in sacks and needs a culture-setter in the front seven. Faulk’s versatility and 34 3/8-inch arms make him an ideal fit for the Panthers’ rebuilding defense.
20. Dallas Cowboys: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
CJ Allen led Georgia with 88 tackles last season and is known for his elite communication. The Cowboys use their second first-rounder to find the quarterback of their defense. Dallas allowed 59 touchdowns last year and ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed per game; Allen’s technique and ability to mirror backs in space fix a unit that was consistently out of position under Mike Zimmer.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Blake Miller has logged over 2,800 career snaps and started every game since his freshman year. New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy continues the line rebuild by selecting the most durable tackle in the class. He anchors a line that allowed minimal sacks over the last two years, providing the technical refinement Pittsburgh needs to protect its young quarterback of the future.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
T.J. Parker recorded 127 career pressures at Clemson and showcased a high floor against the run. Jim Harbaugh bolsters his pass rush with a physical, instincts-first rusher. While his sack production dipped in 2025, his power to steer blockers out of the pocket fits the physical dominance Harbaugh demands to control the AFC West and mitigate the Chiefs’ interior scoring.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Avieon Terrell allowed a mere 165 yards on 35 targets last season and recorded zero penalties. Nick Sirianni finds an instinctive replacement for an aging secondary. His discipline and ball skills are exactly what Philly needs in a secondary that allowed 34 passing touchdowns in 2025 and struggled to stop explosive vertical routes during a difficult second half of the season.
24. Cleveland Browns: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
5. Denzel Boston
Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after he makes a reception in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Denzel Boston caught 11 touchdowns and recorded 881 yards in 2025, proving to be a reliable red-zone threat. The Browns double down on perimeter help with the massive 6-foot-4 target. His ability to win contested balls gives Deshaun Watson a physical weapon that was missing during the team’s red-zone struggles last season, as Boston brings a high-point ability missing from the current rotation.
25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a versatile safety who led Toledo in tackles and interceptions last season. Head coach Ben Johnson adds a high-energy playmaker to the back end of his defense. The Bears ranked 29th in total yards allowed last year, and his ability to force turnovers will help a unit that needs to stay young and athletic to close the gap in the NFC North.
26. Buffalo Bills: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell posted the fastest 10-yard split among edge rushers at the Combine (1.58) and tallied 11.5 sacks last season. New head coach Joe Brady prioritizes speed off the edge with the Lombardi and Bednarik Award winner. He showcases the elite bend required to finish plays in the fourth quarter, an area where the Bills’ pass rush fell short during the 2025 campaign.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Zion Young, Edge, Missouri
Zion Young is a culture player who practices with game-like intensity and recorded 11.5 tackles for loss last season. Kyle Shanahan adds a relentless motor to his defensive line rotation. The 49ers need depth up front to maintain their “waves” of pressure, and Young’s ability to set a hard edge provides the grit needed to help an aging core that ranked lower in sack production last year.
28. Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Caleb Lomu allowed zero sacks and only six hurries over 12 starts last season. DeMeco Ryans secures his future bookends by selecting the technically sound blocker. By pairing him with 2025 pick Aireontae Ersery, the Texans now have two young tackles to protect C.J. Stroud after a season where the quarterback was pressured on 42 percent of dropbacks.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (DB14) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Colton Hood is an aggressive press corner who recorded nine pass breakups and five interceptions in 2025. The Chiefs continue to rebuild their secondary with one of the biggest risers of the spring. He has the competitive spirit Steve Spagnuolo seeks and provides a cheap, effective replacement for departed veteran starters in a secondary that allowed 31 touchdowns last year.
30. Miami Dolphins: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Brandon Cisse clocked a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and showcased elite mirroring skills at the Combine. Jeff Hafley continues his defensive overhaul by landing the instinctive defensive back. The Dolphins’ secondary lacked discipline during their 22nd-ranked defensive campaign; Cisse’s speed and ball skills offer an immediate upgrade to their sub-packages and deep-coverage needs.
31. New England Patriots: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald led all FBS defensive tackles with a 91.2 run-defense grade last season and recorded 65 tackles as a nose guard. Head coach Mike Vrabel finds a run-stuffing force to anchor the interior. He provides an immediate upgrade to a Patriots unit that struggled to stop short-yardage conversions and needs more bulk at the point of attack in their 3-4 front.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Jadarian Price was splendid at the Combine and recorded 37.5 yards per kick return last season. Mike Macdonald adds a blue-chip talent to his backfield to cap off the first round. Following the departure of Kenneth Walker III, the Seahawks need a home-run hitter to pair with Zach Charbonnet. Price’s ability to win in the passing game and on special teams makes him the perfect fit for the reigning Super Bowl champs.
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