Week 12 in the 2025 NFL season has come and gone, and the college football season is entering its final regular-season week. How will that all 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

The Titans don’t need a quarterback, so they’re free to draft the best player available unless they trade out. If they stay at No. 1, the pick will come down to Reuben Bain Jr. or Arvell Reese. For this version of our mock draft series, let’s go with Bain Jr., a dominant force all over the defensive line. Bain Jr. is thriving as one of the biggest QB-disruptors in college football despite a high double-team rate. He’s a defensive cornerstone to build around. 

2. New York Giants

Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

What are the Giants going to do with Arvell Reese? Figure it out! No player has done more to raise his 2026 NFL Draft value than 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 wherever he lines up and would give New York the flexibility to move Kayvon Thibodeaux, who’s in the final year of his deal in 2026.

3. New Orleans Saints

I don’t consider this “giving up” on Tyler Shough as much as it is taking advantage of the opportunity in front of you. Shough had his supporters in the 2025 NFL Draft process, but he simply isn’t the same caliber of prospect as Fernando Mendoza is. If the Saints can draft QB1, they need to do it. 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.

4. New York Jets

The Jets are in search of their new franchise quarterback and are presented with the opportunity to draft one here. 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. Moore would benefit from sitting and developing without immediate pressure to play as a rookie, but he may not be afforded that opportunity here. 

5. 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. After sitting and waiting his turn at Alabama, Ty Simpson is mostly 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. He’s hit a bit of a wall over the last few games, but I believe if he does declare, he’ll still be a high pick.

6. Cleveland Browns

Three quarterbacks going in front of them in this NFL Mock Draft takes away any temptation the Browns may have had to draft one. For now, they’ll allow Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel to battle it out for 2026, but with a shiny new weapon. Jordyn 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.

7. Washington Commanders

Keldric Faulk is a versatile defender who can line up anywhere along the defensive front and is equally disruptive against the run and as a pass rusher. The Commanders need more off the edge moving forward and Faulk can fill that need. He can play (and has played) from the 5-tech to the 1 while using his size and physicality to win.

8. Cincinnati Bengals

Upgrading the offensive line is a no-brainer for the Bengals. Francis Mauigoa can compete for one of the tackle spots or slide inside to guard. Some members of the TDN scouting staff believe Mauigoa has elite guard potential. Either way, the mission for Cincinnati this offseason is clear: Protect Joe Burrow!

9. Arizona Cardinals

Arizona has an opening at right tackle that Spencer Fano can fill right away as a rookie. Fano is a true plug-and-play right tackle with tremendous upside as a run blocker, in addition to his strong ability in pass protection. He’ll be a major asset to whoever is under center for the Cardinals in 2026.

10. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have plenty of issues to address and cannot afford to let arguably the most talented player in the draft slip 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. If Downs played any other position (aside from maybe off-ball linebacker), he’d be a surefire top-8 pick.

11. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)

Matthew Stafford is still playing at a very 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. 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 believe he deserves first-round consideration.

12. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings need to add some youth to their defensive line, and it starts here with Clemson’s Peter Woods. Woods excels as a run-stuffer and has the potential to develop into a major disruptor in the passing game. He’s the top IDL in the 2026 class.

13. Dallas Cowboys

Rebuilding the defensive side of the ball will be the theme of the Cowboys’ offseason. It’ll start in free agency, but the most impactful change will come in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker is a true three-down defensive end with more than adequate ability against the run.

14. Carolina Panthers

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jermod McCoy is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in January and may not play another down of college football. 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. He can lock down the CB2 role in Carolina behind Jaycee Horn.

15. Kansas City Chiefs

If the Chiefs want to keep their Super Bowl window open as long as possible, they must invest in the running game. The current setup just isn’t getting it done—despite Kareem Hunt’s strong game this past Sunday—and the short passes that served as extensions of the running game are becoming less and less effective for Kansas City. 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. Pittsburgh Steelers

Will Aaron Rodgers return to the Steelers in 2026? Will they look to a veteran option or stick with Mason Rudolph if he doesn’t? Either way, Pittsburgh needs more offensive playmakers. 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.

17. Houston Texans

The Texans simply need to add talent along their offensive line and figure out the right combination of five at training camp. C.J. Stroud’s development is contingent on the improvement of the unit in front of him. 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 needs to start right away.

18. Detroit Lions

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Al-Quadin Muhammad has helped, but we’ve been talking about the 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. David Bailey, the FBS sack leader, continues to have a remarkable season for Texas Tech. The combination of speed, power, and sack production has moved him firmly into the first-round conversation.

19. Baltimore Ravens

Kyle Van Noy and David Ojabo are pending free agents, so it makes sense for the Ravens to target an EDGE here. 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.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mansoor Delane has arguably 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 replace pending free agent Jamel Dean.

21. Buffalo Bills

With Matt Milano’s contract set to expire, the Bills should look to add to the second level of their defense. CJ Allen could be a tone-setter for Buffalo’s defense. He’s physical, instinctive in coverage, and tackles with sound technique. He’s a day-one starter for the Bills.

22. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)

Cleveland’s wide receiver room needs plenty of help for their current or future QB room, so we’ll double-dip. USC’s Makai Lemon is having a fantastic season and has catapulted himself into the first round conversation—some even have him as their top wide receiver in the class. 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.

23. San Francisco 49ers

The future of the 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. Kadyn Proctor has mostly turned things around after a slow start and looks like the surefire first-rounder he was projected to be over the summer. His size and skill set will be coveted on the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft.

24. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The linebacker play for the Cowboys has been subpar this season, and Logan Wilson isn’t changing that much. 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.

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 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. Chicago Bears

Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

The Bears have a vastly improved offensive line this season, but a clear hole at left tackle. Let’s stay local to fill that need. 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 the long-term starter in Chicago.

27. Seattle Seahawks

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Only Devon Witherspoon and Nehemiah Pritchett are under contract at cornerback for Seattle in 2026. 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 long-term starter.

28. New York Jets (via IND)

Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

The Jets added a new franchise QB with the first pick in this 2026 NFL mock draft, so let’s add another offensive weapon to pair with Garrett Wilson. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Chris Bell can really move. His acceleration turns modest gains into chunk plays, and he’d bring a legitimate deep threat presence to the Jets’ offense from day one.

29. Philadelphia Eagles

With Dallas Goedert’s contract expiring, the 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. Los Angeles Rams

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

32. New England Patriots

The New England Patriots need more disruptors against opponents’ passing attacks. 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.

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.