March 3, 2026, 2:15 p.m. ET
This year’s edition of the “Underwear Olympics” is now in the books! And as always, our annual venture into Indianapolis, Ind. has given us a better look into the upcoming draft.
So, which prospects improved on their stock most?
Here is our latest first-round mock heading out of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine . . .
Mendoza almost literally didn’t have to lift a finger at Lucas Oil Stadium this past week.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion is a lock to the Raiders here at No. 1.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
Reese registered the fastest 40-yard dash (4.46 seconds) amongst all edge defenders in Indy.
That might’ve woken up Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who would be able to use the versatile All-American as a dynamic chess piece on his defense.
3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Right behind Reese in the 40 was Bailey, who clocked the second-fastest time at the position (4.50 seconds).
Arizona adds a ready-to-rush outside linebacker to pair with standout Josh Sweat.
4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Bain’s lack of arm length was one of the hot topics at the combine, and his measurements could take him out of the equation for some teams.
But that might not be the case for in Tennessee, where new Titans head coach Robert Saleh finds his three-down dog off the edge.
5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
Word is that the Giants are seeking to establish a ground-and-pound identity on offense under their new head coach, John Harbaugh.
If that’s the case, Mauigoa’s nastiness can help set the tone in the rushing game and provide some much-needed protection—at right tackle or at guard—for quarterback Jaxson Dart.
6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Cleveland may be out on an offensive lineman with their first first-rounder after trading for starting right tackle Tytus Howard on Monday.
That move could clear the way for the Browns to secure their potential No. 1 wideout in Tate.
The Commanders will look to maximize the talents of soon-to-be third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Love and his presence not only make Daniels an even greater threat as a rusher, but the unanimous All-American can also serve as a home-run threat in the passing game.
Styles may have been the biggest winner from the combine—where he led the linebackers with the fastest 40-yard dash (4.46 seconds) and 10-yard split (1.56 seconds) as well as the highest vertical jump (43.5 inches) and longest broad jump (11 feet, two inches).
That athletic profile, especially for a 6-foot-5, 244-pounder, could be too much to pass up for Saints general manager Mickey Loomis.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
The Chiefs have reportedly informed right tackle right tackle Jawaan Taylor that he will be released before the start of the new league year.
Fano—amongst all offensive linemen—finished with the second-fastest 40-yard dash (4.91 seconds), the third-quickest 10-yard split (1.72 seconds), the top three-cone time (7.34 seconds) and the fourth-best 20-yard shuttle (4.67 seconds).
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
According to Daft on Draft’s Cory Kinnan, Downs was flagged with some potentially concerning knee issues during the week.
So the blue-chip defender could fall into the lap of the Bengals, who have a need at safety.
Picks No. 11 to No. 18
11. Miami Dolphins: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
14. Baltimore Ravens: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
16. New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia
18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Picks No. 19 to No. 32
19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
26. Buffalo Bills: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
27. San Francisco 49ers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
28. Houston Texans: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
29. Los Angeles Rams: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
30. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
31. New England Patriots: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
32. Seattle Seahawks: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
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