This is about the time in a new football season when true contenders, pretenders, risers, and fallers begin to emerge. The small-sample-size trends of September give way to more trustworthy patterns in October. Teams like the Carolina Panthers find themselves with a winning record, while teams like the Baltimore Ravens stunningly hold a top-five pick. This edition of The Draft Network’s mock draft series is even more exciting because we’re finally using the live draft order. See how this 2026 NFL mock draft plays out.

2026 NFL Mock Draft

1. New York Jets

Justin Fields was finally benched at halftime in Week 7, and Tyrod Taylor didn’t fare much better in relief. Whether head coach Aaron Glenn survives the season or not, the Jets need to find a franchise quarterback. Fernando Mendoza is coming off another sterling performance this past weekend. He has the ideal frame and arm strength to succeed in the NFL and displays impressive poise and maturity in the pocket. Right now, he’s my QB1.

2. Miami Dolphins

Sunday’s disastrous performance from Tua Tagovailoa has Dolphins fans calling for a new quarterback (and head coach). If Miami ends up picking this high, they have to consider it—even if Tagovailoa is likely to remain on the roster for at least one more season. No passer in college football has done more to boost his draft stock this year than Alabama’s Ty Simpson. He makes NFL-level throws every Saturday. Simpson is a quick processor who isn’t afraid to work through his reads and is comfortable setting and adjusting protections. The entire field is available to him, and he throws with excellent anticipation and velocity over the middle to attack tight windows.

3. New Orleans Saints

While the combination of Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough may not excite many in the Saints’ fan base, Rattler’s early-season success paired with the draft capital invested in Shough means New Orleans doesn’t have to go all-in on a quarterback—especially in this class. Instead, they select the most disruptive player available: EDGE1 Rueben Bain Jr.

4. Tennessee Titans

Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

Arvell Reese wasn’t featured in many preseason mock drafts, but he’s now a legitimate contender to be a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’s a special talent who’s having a monster season for Ohio State. Reese has been playing more on the edge in 2025, and I expect that to continue into his NFL career. He’s a true game-changer.

5. Baltimore Ravens

We’re not used to seeing the Ravens pick this high, but it’s a golden opportunity to bolster their much-maligned defense. With Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, and David Ojabo all pending free agents, it makes sense to target an EDGE here. Keldric Faulk is a versatile defender who can line up anywhere along the defensive front and is equally disruptive against the run and as he is as a pass rusher.

6. Cleveland Browns

The Browns missed out on the top quarterbacks in the class, so they don’t force the issue. Instead, they go best player available. Despite the positional value of Caleb Downs playing safety, Cleveland can’t pass up the opportunity to select arguably the best overall player in the draft. Downs is a high-IQ defender who can thrive at every level of the defense. He also possesses the leadership traits and mentality to become a team captain during his rookie contract.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Maxx Crosby needs a running mate, but a strong interior presence can be just as effective in freeing up a superstar pass rusher as another edge defender. Peter Woods, the top interior defensive lineman in this class, excels as a run-stuffer and has the potential to develop into a major disruptor in the passing game.

8. New York Giants

Adding receiving weapons around Jaxson Dart is a must. While there are several exciting prospects at the position in this class, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson stands out as my clear WR1. Tyson is a big-play threat who also excels as a precise route-runner capable of winning at all levels of the field. He can line up anywhere in the formation and produce. When Malik Nabers returns from injury, the duo of Nabers and Tyson will keep opposing defenses on their heels.

9. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are stuck in purgatory right now—not bad enough to earn a top-five pick, but not good enough to make the playoffs. They own all of their 2026 NFL Draft picks, so the focus should be on continuing to stack talent. Adding to the pass rush is a great place to start. T.J. Parker isn’t just a designated pass rusher; he’s also more than capable against the run. He’s a true three-down defensive end.

10. Houston Texans

The Texans have major needs along their offensive line—C.J. Stroud already looks a bit shell-shocked by the constant pressure he’s facing. Francis Mauigoa can compete for a starting spot at tackle or slide inside to guard. Some members of the TDN scouting staff believe Mauigoa has elite potential on the interior.

11. Cincinnati Bengals

Like the Texans, Cincinnati must make a concerted effort to bolster its offensive line. Protecting Joe Burrow remains priority No. 1, as we continue to see how lifeless this team looks when he’s sidelined. Spencer Fano is a plug-and-play tackle with tremendous upside as a run blocker, in addition to his strong ability in pass protection.

12. Washington Commanders

While the Commanders are starting to get contributions from young receivers like Luke McCaffrey, they still need more weapons for Jayden Daniels—even when Terry McLaurin is healthy. Remember, Deebo Samuel is on an expiring deal. I like the idea of pairing fellow Buckeye Carnell Tate with McLaurin. Tate often gets overlooked in the shadow of Jeremiah Smith, but he’s a versatile, technically refined receiver who can win consistently in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.

13. Dallas Cowboys

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The linebacker play for the Cowboys has been—let’s just say—subpar this season. While many balk at drafting pure linebackers this high, Sonny Styles fills an immediate need for a Dallas defense in desperate need of reinforcements. Styles can contribute at every level of the defense, bringing energy and some pass-rush upside. He’s excelling as the green dot for Ohio State.

14. Minnesota Vikings

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Vikings need an upgrade in the secondary. Jermod McCoy is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in January and won’t return to the field until later this season. However, when healthy, he’s arguably the top corner in the class. McCoy brings an impressive blend of size, ball skills, and man-coverage ability—more than enough to project him as a starter at the next level.

15. Kansas City Chiefs

If the Chiefs want to keep their Super Bowl window open as long as possible, it must invest in the running game. The current setup just isn’t getting it done. Jeremiyah Love is a dynamic, speedy playmaker who can contribute on all three downs and lead the way in Kansas City’s backfield for years to come.

16. Carolina Panthers

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Panthers could use a running mate for Jaycee Horn. Avieon Terrell—the younger brother of A.J. Terrell—is a physical, sticky man-coverage corner who could step in as an immediate starter opposite Horn.

17. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)

Matthew Stafford is still playing at a high level, but his clock is ticking. What does the succession plan look like in Los Angeles? Whether Stafford plays in 2026 or not, the Rams need to start identifying their next franchise quarterback. As a redshirt sophomore, Dante Moore is young and may not declare for the 2026 NFL Draft—but if he does, he’ll garner first-round consideration. Moore has a quick release and is an accurate passer. While he may not have the elite deep arm strength of some other first-round quarterbacks, he wins in other ways. If Stafford returns, Moore would benefit from sitting and developing without immediate pressure to play as a rookie.

18. Chicago Bears

The Bears must address their left tackle situation as soon as possible—and who better to do it with than the mass of humanity that is Kadyn Proctor? After some major struggles against Florida State to open the season, Proctor has turned things around and once again looks like the surefire first-rounder he was projected to be. Plus, we might even get to see Ben Johnson get creative with Proctor on screens and in wildcat formations.

19. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)

Before adding a new franchise quarterback, the Browns build up their receiving corps here in Makai Lemon. Lemon has emerged as a focal point of the USC offense in recent weeks and looks primed to be a productive NFL slot weapon right away. He’s quick, intuitive in finding holes in zone coverage, and isn’t afraid to get physical at the catch point.

20. Los Angeles Chargers

Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida

The Chargers must get stouter up front on the defensive line. Enter Caleb Banks, a force at the point of attack with potentially elite arm length for the position. He consistently disengages from blocks to disrupt running lanes and also flashes the ability to impact the game as a pass rusher. If not for his foot injury, he’d go 10 picks higher than this.

21. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo’s receiving corps isn’t bad, but it’s not at the level the Bills need to maximize their Super Bowl window. Khalil Shakir is a legitimate weapon in the slot, but Keon Coleman looks more like a complementary piece than a true go-to option on the outside. While his teammate Makai Lemon has stolen the spotlight in recent weeks, I still have Ja’Kobi Lane rated high on my board. Lane has strong hands and excels in contested-catch situations, giving the Bills a potential true outside threat to round out their receiving group.

22. San Francisco 49ers

Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

The future at left tackle is uncertain, with Trent Williams now 37 years old. Offensive tackle should absolutely be in play here, and Caleb Tiernan is a rising prospect worth targeting. Tiernan is a massive presence at 6’7″ and 325 pounds, with more than 30 career starts under his belt. He has the tools to develop into Williams’ long-term successor in San Francisco.

23. Seattle Seahawks

Only Devon Witherspoon and Nehemiah Pritchett are under contract at cornerback for Seattle in 2026, and Riq Woolen’s days are numbered. Mansoor Delane has had a fantastic first half of the season with LSU, showcasing his physicality and high football IQ. He can become the CB2 opposite Witherspoon.

24. Detroit Lions

We’ve been talking about the Detroit Lions adding to their EDGE room for a few years now. They didn’t invest premium draft capital at the position last year, so maybe they’ll finally pull the trigger in 2026. Matayo Uiagalelei plays with a relentless motor—whether he’s rushing the passer or chasing down ball carriers—and has the upside to develop into a true three-down defensive end.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers

I’m incredibly intrigued by Jayden Maiava. He makes throws in a game that other college QBs simply don’t—and he does it effortlessly. On top of that, the Lincoln Riley quarterback lineage is a strong track record to bet on. I want to see Maiava continue his solid start, but he recently cracked our Top 100 player rankings, and I believe he deserves first-round consideration. For the Steelers, the need to invest in a young quarterback for the long term is obvious.

26. Denver Broncos

Evan Engram hasn’t become the weapon Broncos fans hoped he’d be. Sean Payton needs a true all-around tight end to unlock every aspect of his offense—and Kenyon Sadiq fits that mold. Sadiq is an elite athlete with game-changing speed for the position. He can line up anywhere on the field and is a relentless blocker in the run game.

27. Los Angeles Rams

Shoring up the right tackle spot should be a high priority with Rob Havenstein’s contract set to expire. Gennings Dunker brings an infectious attitude and powerful blocking ability, and he put some impressive reps on tape this season.

28. Philadelphia Eagles

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Eagles clearly lack depth at cornerback, so let’s add to the room behind Quinyon Mitchell with a player who has significantly raised his draft stock since transferring to Tennessee from Colorado. Colton Hood makes up for his lack of size (6’0″, 195 pounds) with aggressiveness and pure “want-to.” Hood is instinctive and excels in zone coverage, but can also hold his own in man. If he can clean up some of his grabbiness, he has the potential to develop into a true No. 1 corner.

29. New England Patriots

New England needs more disruptors against opponents’ passing attacks. LT Overton can step in as an immediate starter, offering great size, relentless effort, and the versatility to play all over the defensive line.

30. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)

A’Mauri Washington, IDL, Oregon

The Cowboys’ defensive additions continue with a massive new presence in the center of their defensive line: A’Maurí Washington. The 330-pound Washington is coming into his own as the college football season progresses and could climb higher in the first-round conversation by season’s end. He’s still a bit raw, particularly as a pass rusher, but an investment in his physical tools could pay off massively.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers need to bolster their linebacker room, and CJ Allen could be a tone-setter for Tampa Bay’s defense. He’s physical, instinctive in coverage, and tackles with sound technique. It’s easy to imagine Todd Bowles falling in love with his style of play.

32. Indianapolis Colts

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Colts need a long-term partner for Laitu Latu. Cashius Howell has turned into an absolute game-wrecker for Texas A&M this season and is now in first-round conversation. He has a fairly expansive pass-rush repertoire for a college player. Howell needs to add a bit of mass and become more consistent against the run to solidify his spot in the top 32.

What did you think of the latest version of Jaime Eisner’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft? Let us know what you think on Twitter and Instagram. Stay tuned next week for the next edition of TDN’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft series.