Week 17 in the NFL was chaotic and consequential. Some teams saw their postseason dreams come to an end, others found new life, and a select few learned that next week will be do-or-die. But for the majority of the league, the focus has already shifted to draft watch, with their seasons mathematically over and the 2026 NFL Draft looming.

Check out our latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft to see who your team might take in April.

2026 NFL Mock Draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders lost (won?) the Tank Bowl and currently have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It would be a true stunner if they draft anything except a quarterback here. Las Vegas should take the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has the prototypical frame and arm strength to succeed in the NFL, and his maturity and poise in the pocket are already at an impressive level. He is the clear best option to give the Raiders the franchise quarterback they have been searching for.

2. New York Giants

Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

The Giants’ decision on Arvell Reese is simple: Take the game-changing defender and gain the flexibility to move on from Kayvon Thibodeaux. Reese is the top riser in this draft class. He is a true difference-maker at linebacker or rushing off the edge, where he has been playing more in 2025. His blend of size and burst gives him the upside to be the most disruptive pass rusher in this class.

3. New York Jets

The Justin Fields era is officially over in New York, meaning the Jets have to go all-in on a quarterback here. Dante Moore is a great choice. He has a quick release and is an extremely accurate passer, which is how he wins. While he might not have the elite arm strength for moon-ball deep throws, his ability to process and maintain his composure in the pocket is incredibly impressive, especially considering his age.

4. Tennessee Titans

The debate over Rueben Bain Jr.’s arm length and measurables has been discussed ad nauseam, but his draft stock shouldn’t suffer for it. He proved why with a phenomenal opening performance in the College Football Playoff, racking up three sacks and a field goal block. Bain is explosive off the snap and plays with immense power. He has the upside and the relentless motor to develop into the most disruptive pass rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft class, forcing teams to prioritize his talent over his size.

5. Arizona Cardinals

Jonathan Gannon needs to prioritize fixing the heart of Arizona’s defense, and Peter Woods is the perfect target. Woods is already excellent as a run-stuffer, but what makes him special is the upside he offers as a pass rusher. His athleticism and relentless motor give him the potential to develop into a true major disruptor in the passing game. He would be an immediate upgrade and a long-term anchor for the Cardinals’ defensive line.

6. Cleveland Browns

I don’t think the Browns should sell the farm to move up for a quarterback. Instead, let’s add some key pieces and see what one more season of Shedeur Sanders brings. Here, they draft Spencer Fano, the consensus OT1 in the 2026 class. 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.

7. Washington Commanders

Put the positional value debate aside. Caleb Downs fits Dan Quinn’s defense perfectly. He’s an instinctive player who can thrive anywhere on the field, and he brings the kind of leadership that earns a ‘C’ on the jersey early in a career. He isn’t just a starter; he’s a future cornerstone for the Commanders.

8. New Orleans Saints

Keldric Faulk is the definition of versatility. You can line him up anywhere from the 5-tech down to the 1, and he’ll use that size to dominate in both the run and pass game. He fits perfectly as the defensive anchor New Orleans needs to build around for the future.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Ignore the positional value arguments for a second—Kansas City’s run game is broken and needs a fixer. Jeremiyah Love is that fixer. If he is on the board, he’s too good to pass up. Use free agency to beef up both lines, draft Love, and have a loaded offense waiting for Mahomes when he gets back from his torn ACL.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Bengals face holes on both sides of the line, but the clear and present danger is at defensive end, signaling the likely end of the Trey Hendrickson era. The solution could be David Bailey, the Texas Tech standout who led the FBS in pressures and registered 13.5 sacks in 2025. Despite minor size concerns, his unique blend of speed and power has rightfully pushed him into the conversation for a top-10 pick. The Bengals are in a prime position to capitalize on this deep EDGE class.

11. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)

Ty Simpson’s 2025 campaign has been a bit of a roller coaster, but his tape is loaded with NFL-caliber throws. What separates him is his elite processing speed and his command of the offense, evidenced by his 64.1% completion rate and a stellar 28:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He’s unafraid to challenge the entire field and fires darts into tight middle-of-the-field windows with exceptional anticipation and velocity. Regardless of whether Matthew Stafford plays past 2025, the Rams must use one of their two first-round picks to identify their franchise quarterback of the future.

12. Miami Dolphins

The upcoming offseason will bring major changes for the Dolphins, starting with the almost certain departures of Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. If Miami is going to quickly get back to challenging for the playoffs, they need to target a veteran QB and then find a running mate for Jaylen Waddle. Jordyn Tyson is that guy. He’s my WR1. He’s not just a big-play threat; he’s a polished, precise route-runner who can beat coverage anywhere on the field. You can line him up outside or in the slot and he’ll produce immediately.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Though he could have been a Day 2 pick last year, Mansoor Delane returned to school, transferred to LSU, and played his way into the top-20 conversation. He’s the most complete cornerback in college football, frequently using his physicality and elite football IQ to shut down receivers. With Jamel Dean all but certain to leave as a 2026 free agent, Delane is the perfect candidate to instantly fill that starting spot in Tampa Bay’s defense.

14. Dallas Cowboys

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker play has been completely exposed this season. Sonny Styles is the kind of dynamic player they desperately need. He offers a rare combination of energy, versatility, and pass-rush ability. The fact that he’s already excelled as the defensive ‘green dot’ communicator for Ohio State proves he has the leadership and high football IQ to be an instant starter and the commander of the Dallas defense.

15. Detroit Lions

The Lions’ offensive line experienced too much turnover this year, and they need to re-establish the physical dominance that defines their identity. Francis Mauigoa is exactly the type of aggressive, high-motor player Dan Campbell craves. Though he has been a stalwart tackle at Miami, his power profile and thick frame project perfectly to the interior, making him arguably the best offensive guard prospect in the class. He is a violent blocker who excels at creating vertical displacement in the run game, and he will be an immediate day-one starter for Detroit.

16. Baltimore Ravens

Ravens fans have been crashing out about Zay Flowers since last Sunday. Regardless of whether the Ravens decide to stick with Flowers past 2026, they need a more dynamic wide receiver corps. Makai Lemon looks primed to be a productive weapon right away. He’s quick, intelligently finds soft spots against zone coverage, and is physical at the catch point. After catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, Lemon offers the contested-catch ability the Ravens offense has sorely lacked in critical moments.

17. Minnesota Vikings

Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

The Vikings have a glaring need in the secondary, so snatching one of the top cornerbacks here is a no-brainer. Brandon Cisse absolutely dominated this season, showing off elite speed, a great knack for pass breakups, and a true willingness to stick with bigger wide receivers. He’s firmly in the first-round mix and has the talent and profile that could see him finish as the best corner in the entire class. He’s the instant upgrade Minnesota’s defense has been looking for.

18. New York Jets (via IND)

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Jets understand that one pick can’t rebuild their defense, nor can a rookie replace a talent like Sauce Gardner, but using their second first-rounder on a cornerback is a wise investment. The selection of Jermod McCoy is a calculated risk. He missed the entire season recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in January. However, when fully healthy, McCoy is arguably the top cover man in this entire class. He brings an impressive blend of size and ball skills. If he regains his pre-injury explosiveness, McCoy can grow into a legitimate CB1 for the Jets’ secondary.

19. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have a very weak group of off-ball linebackers, something they must address this offseason. Allen is smart, physical, instinctive in coverage, and a reliable tackler with sound technique. That combination of high-floor fundamentals has been severely missing in Carolina and is exactly what the defense needs to stabilize the linebacker corps.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Will Aaron Rodgers return to the Steelers in 2026? If not, I imagine that they’ll look for a veteran option if he doesn’t. No matter who is under center, Pittsburgh needs more offensive playmakers. Carnell Tate was a bit underrated coming into the season, but he 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. Pittsburgh needs someone other than D.K. Metcalf whom they can trust in the passing game.

21. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)

With a major hole at linebacker already addressed, the focus turns to the pass-rushing group. Cashius Howell is a fantastic addition. Yes, his arm length will be a major pre-draft talking point, but the pure production speaks for itself. He’s incredibly explosive off the snap, plays with a high motor, and has proven he can produce double-digit sacks rushing from multiple alignments. Howell and Styles represent a massive defensive haul, injecting the Dallas defense with two immediate, high-impact starters.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Kayden McDonald, IDL, Ohio State

The Chargers have been frustratingly average against the run for too long, and they need to prioritize changing that. Kayden McDonald is a massive interior defensive lineman who has been steadily climbing draft boards this season, and his play in the College Football Playoff will likely confirm his first-round status. He is a phenomenal run-stuffing nose tackle who uses his strength and high motor to wreak havoc against the run. Drafting McDonald would provide an instant, game-changing boost to the middle of the Chargers’ defensive line.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

With Dallas Goedert likely gone as a 2026 free agent, the Eagles need a successor who can instantly contribute as a receiver and maintain the team’s effectiveness as a run blocker. The answer is Kenyon Sadiq. He is an explosive, elite athlete who brings game-changing speed to the tight end position. Sadiq can line up all over the formation and is a strong blocker in the run game. He has the potential to step in immediately, be the third target in the passing game, and clear space for Saquon Barkley.

24. Buffalo Bills

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Bills’ offensive needs are simple: they must find a reliable perimeter threat. Even if they haven’t completely bailed on Keon Coleman, the wide receiver room lacks a true alpha. Denzel Boston is the answer. He brings an exceptional 6’4 frame and fierce play strength to the outside. While he has the fluidity to thrive in any spot, his highest value is as the ‘X’ receiver, using his reliable hands and sheer size to consistently win jump balls and seal off corners. Boston’s physicality and contested-catch prowess would immediately make him the best and most trustworthy receiving option on the entire Buffalo roster.

25. Houston Texans

Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State

Olaivavega Ioane is arguably the best interior offensive line prospect available, and the Houston Texans should seize the opportunity to land him. He is massive yet moves with surprisingly good athleticism. He is a strong, powerful player who provides elite pass protection and consistently opens holes in the run game. Given that he has experience logging snaps at every offensive line position in college, the Texans have the flexibility to put him wherever they need him most, instantly solidifying a weak point.

26. San Francisco 49ers

With Trent Williams nearing the end of his career, the 49ers can’t ignore the left tackle position. It’s time to find Williams’ heir apparent. Utah’s Caleb Lomu is a fantastic choice. He’s a young, high-ceiling prospect who dramatically improved his game this season, both in protecting the passer and opening holes in the run game. Lomu can be developed slowly, sitting behind Williams, or he could step into a starting role right away elsewhere on the line.

27. Los Angeles Rams

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Rams’ secondary is about to undergo massive turnover. If they prioritize retaining key UFA safeties, they must find new blood at corner. Colton Hood is the answer for a team that values instinct and high effort. Though not the biggest corner, Hood plays with an aggressive, ‘want-to’ mentality that impacts the game. He’s intuitive in zone and competitive in man, posting a second-team All-SEC season and eight pass breakups in 2025. If he refines his technique—specifically cleaning up the penalties—his blend of athleticism and competitiveness gives him the upside to become a future lockdown corner.

28. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)

The drop in draft stock for T.J. Parker makes him an ideal value pick here. He’s not the explosive rusher some coveted early, but he is a powerful, technically sound defensive end who rarely loses against the run. The Browns have been desperate for a running mate who can consistently set the edge opposite Myles Garrett, forcing offenses to deal with two legitimate three-down threats. Parker’s ability to lock down the run and generate pressure with power moves makes him a potential high-floor addition to the Cleveland defensive front.

29. Chicago Bears

Dennis Allen’s defense needs an upgrade in the pass rush department without sacrificing their ability to defend the run. Enter Matayo Uiagalelei. Uiagalelei plays with a true relentless motor, whether he’s getting after the quarterback or chasing down runs. He’s an instant contributor as a run stopper with the raw athleticism and upside to develop into a reliable three-down defensive end for Chicago.

30. New England Patriots

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

With the top edge rushers gone, the Patriots can focus on securing a long-term corner to complement Christian Gonzalez. Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of A.J. Terrell, is an excellent pick. He’s a physical, sticky man-coverage corner who can step in right away. Terrell’s athleticism and playmaking instincts are impressive.

31. Denver Broncos

Losing Alex Singleton would create a major problem for Denver’s defense, but Anthony Hill Jr. has the talent to be an immediate replacement. Hill is an incredibly versatile linebacker who can handle traditional stack duties while also offering dynamic upside as a pass rusher, giving the Broncos a ton of defensive flexibility. With his high football IQ and relentless effort, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if Hill ends up having the most successful pro career of any linebacker in this draft class.

32. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks face a looming contract decision with Boye Mafe. Drafting a high-upside edge rusher now provides a contingency plan and immediate defensive juice. While Height is undeniably undersized compared to Mafe, he has the kind of speed, bend, and burst that NFL teams covet. He excels as a pure quarterback-hunter.

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.