The 2025 NFL Trade Deadline is in the rearview mirror, and with it comes a shuffle-up of team needs and some new draft picks. How will these moves reshape the 2026 NFL Draft? Let’s dive in and break down what the first round could look like this April in our latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

2026 NFL Mock Draft

1. Tennessee Titans

Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

The Tennessee Titans don’t need a quarterback, so they’re free to draft the best player available without a second thought. No player has done more to raise his 2026 NFL Draft value than Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. 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 and a potential cornerstone for Tennessee.

2. New Orleans Saints

If the New Orleans Saints end up with a top-three pick, they must consider drafting a quarterback despite spending a second-round pick on Tyler Shough last year. Neither Shough nor Spencer Rattler appears to be a franchise QB. Fernando Mendoza has the ideal frame and arm strength to succeed in the NFL and displays impressive poise and maturity in the pocket. He’s my QB1 in the 2026 class.

3. New York Giants

While it’s tempting to add a wide receiver here to pair with Malik Nabers and give Jaxson Dart a top young receiving duo, the New York Giants have plenty of issues to address in their secondary and simply cannot let arguably the most talented player in the draft fall past them. 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.

4. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have a choice to make if the board falls like this. Do they take a quarterback here? How about a wide receiver? With QB1 off the board, a second first-round pick, and a strong wide receiver class to choose from, Cleveland passes on adding to their offense here. Instead, the Browns give Myles Garrett a running mate in Miami’s Reuben Bain Jr., the most disruptive player in the draft.

5. New York Jets

As the New York Jets commit to a full teardown, I’m of the mind that there’s no rush to draft a young quarterback in 2026. If you fall in love with a player during the pre-draft process, sure. But the more prudent approach is to build the roster overall, with the intention of inserting a quarterback in 2027. Clemson’s Peter Woods excels as a run-stuffer and has the potential to develop into a major disruptor in the passing game. He’s not a one-for-one Quinnen Williams replacement, but he’ll help fill that hole. He will help New York rebuild their defense under Darren Mougey’s vision.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

The Geno Smith trade-and-sign has proven to be a disaster. I expect the Las Vegas Raiders to move on in the offseason, even if it means eating an $18.5 million dead cap hit (though it would free up $8 million in cap space). After sitting and waiting his turn at Alabama, Ty Simpson is thriving in his first season as a starter. 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.

7. Miami Dolphins

I fully expect Tua Tagovailoa to be the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback in 2026, but not in 2027. So if the Dolphins end up picking this high, they should consider drafting their next starting quarterback with the benefit of not needing to start him right away. Oregon’s Dante 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. As a redshirt sophomore, Moore may not declare for the 2026 NFL Draft—but if he does, he’ll garner high first-round consideration.

8. Washington Commanders

While Jayden Daniels’ injuries, body composition, and other related factors are garnering all the headlines right now, part of the reason he has to do so much is that he doesn’t have enough talent around him. Whether the Commanders bring back Deebo Samuel or not, more pass-catching weapons are needed, and Jordyn Tyson would be a great addition. Tyson is my clear WR1 in the 2026 class. He’s 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.

9. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)

Shoring up the right tackle spot should be a high priority with Rob Havenstein’s contract set to expire. Spencer Fano is a plug-and-play right tackle with tremendous upside as a run blocker, in addition to his strong ability in pass protection.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

2025 appears to be Trey Hendrickson’s final season in Cincinnati, making it crucial for the Bengals to add young pass-rushers. That effort starts with Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker. Parker is a true three-down defensive end with more than adequate ability against the run.

11. Arizona Cardinals

Who knows who’ll be the Arizona Cardinals’ starting quarterback next season? Regardless, more weapons beyond Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. are needed. Playing in the shadow of all-world sophomore Jeremiah Smith made Carnell Tate a bit underrated coming into the season, but Tate has made a name for himself with his stellar play so far this year. He is a versatile, technically refined receiver who can win consistently in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The linebacker play for the Dallas Cowboys has been subpar this season. Logan Wilson isn’t likely to change that much. While many balk at drafting pure linebackers in the top half of the first round, 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.

13. Baltimore Ravens

With Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, and David Ojabo all pending free agents, it makes sense for the Baltimore Ravens 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.

14. Minnesota Vikings

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Minnesota 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 (if at all). However, when he’s healthy, he’s arguably the top cornerback 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. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have major needs along their offensive line. 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. No matter where he plays, he can provide an upgrade to Houston’s offensive line.

16. Carolina Panthers

One could argue that Mansoor Delane has been the best draft-eligible cornerback in college football this season. He could’ve been a day-two pick in last year’s draft, but he decided to return to school and transfer to LSU. He has had a fantastic season thus far, showcasing his physicality and high football IQ. He can lock down the CB2 role in Carolina behind Jaycee Horn.

17. Kansas City Chiefs

Improving the pass rush is going to be key for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason. They’ll have a few choices at this spot, but here they land on Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei. 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.

18. San Francisco 49ers

The future of the San Francisco 49ers’ left tackle position is uncertain, with Trent Williams now 37 and entering the final year of his deal. It’s time to start planning for his successor. After some major struggles against Florida State to open the season, Kadyn Proctor has turned things around and looks like the surefire first-rounder he was projected to be. 

19. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)

As alluded to earlier in this NFL mock draft, the Browns nab a new wide receiver here. USC’s Makai Lemon is having a fantastic season and has catapulted himself into the first round conversation—some have him as WR2. Lemon 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. Pittsburgh Steelers

Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

It’s starting to feel like Aaron Rodgers could actually return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for another season. If that happens, I don’t see Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan forcing the issue with a rookie quarterback. Instead, they’d likely focus on strengthening a receiving corps that badly needs a reliable secondary option behind D.K. Metcalf. Chris Bell fits that mold perfectly. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, he can really move—his acceleration turns modest gains into chunk plays, and he brings a legitimate deep threat presence from day one.

21. Buffalo Bills

KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Buffalo Bills keep adding wide receiver pieces here and there, but it still doesn’t feel like they have the right mix. KC Concepcion is supremely talented and has really blossomed this season after transferring from NC State to Texas A&M. Concepcion is a RAC monster who has also developed as a deep threat this season. He would help the Bills’ passing offense in multiple ways.

22. Chicago Bears

Theo Benedet has done an admirable job at left tackle in his brief stint so far, but he’s still a ways away from being a reliable pass protector. I think that will prompt the Bears to consider adding a left tackle in the first round. Caleb Lomu, who anchors the left side for the Utah Utes, has taken big strides as both a pass protector and run blocker this season. He’s a young, ascending prospect who should continue developing even if he starts right away.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I want to apologize to Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans for mocking CJ Allen here for the third time in a row. Given their draft position, long-term needs at the position, and the type of talent Allen is, this fit just feels like a perfect match. Allen is physical, instinctive in coverage, and tackles with sound technique.

24. Detroit Lions

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Al-Quadin Muhammad is having a solid season for the Detroit Lions, but a long-term running mate for Aidan Hutchinson is still needed. Enter David Bailey. Bailey is coming off a strong performance against BYU this past weekend and is firmly in the first-round conversation. He’s a great athlete who uses his physical tools to consistently disrupt the quarterback.

25. Los Angeles Chargers

Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

Olaivavega Ioane is the best interior offensive line prospect in the class, and he can slide right into the Los Angeles Chargers’ soon-to-be-open left guard spot. He’s a massive man at 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, but is more than a sufficient mover and athlete. He’s strong as both a pass protector and run blocker and has experience playing all five offensive line positions. Drafting a guard in the first round won’t win any “best value” awards, but Ioane will improve both phases of Los Angeles’ offense immediately.

26. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)

The Cowboys should double-dip on defenders as they look to rebuild that side of the ball. Cashius Howell’s arm length will be a major pre-draft talking point, but you can’t deny his production. He’s explosive off the snap, plays with a hot motor, and has proven he can produce from multiple alignments. Howell and Styles are great gets for Dallas.

27. Los Angeles Rams

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Los Angeles Rams have a handful of expiring contracts in their secondary. Their pending UFA safeties may take priority, so in this NFL mock draft, they look to add to the cornerback room. Colton Hood makes up for his lack of size (6-foot, 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.

28. New England Patriots

The New England Patriots need 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.

29. Philadelphia Eagles

With Dallas Goedert’s contract expiring, the Philadelphia Eagles must replace him with someone who can contribute not only in the receiving game but also as a run blocker. Who can take over as the team’s third pass-catching option while also helping Saquon Barkley pick up yards? Kenyon Sadiq. 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.

30. Denver Broncos

The potential departure of Alex Singleton leaves a glaring hole on Denver’s second level, and Anthony Hill Jr. is ready to step in. A versatile linebacker, Hill can operate as a stack ‘backer but also be deployed as a dynamic pass rusher, giving the Broncos flexibility and immediate impact.

31. Seattle Seahawks

You don’t see the Seattle Seahawks taking a running back in a lot of mock drafts right now, but I’m beginning to think it’s a real possibility if Jeremiyah Love falls. Kenneth Walker III is a pending free agent, and Zach Charbonnet isn’t a starting-caliber talent. Jeremiyah Love is a dynamic, speedy playmaker who can contribute on all three downs and lead the way in Seattle’s backfield for years to come.

32. New York Jets (via IND)

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Just like the Dallas Cowboys can’t make up for the loss of Micah Parsons with one or two picks, the same can be said for the Jets and Sauce Gardner. However, adding Avieon Terrell is a good start. Avieon Terrell is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons corner A.J. Terrell and is a physical, sticky man-coverage corner who could step in as an immediate starter for the Jets as they rebuild their defense.

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.