Blake Krass reveals his 2026 first-round NFL mock draft 2.0 and discusses the best draft prop bets at DraftKings Sportsbook.

The 2025-26 NFL Combine is in the rearview mirror, and the focus is now fully on the NFL Draft. Here is a look at my second 2026 first-round NFL Mock Draft and some related draft props at DraftKings Sportsbook.

Read my Mock Draft 1.0 here.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana

Fernando Mendoza is the clear top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Currently, the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion out of Indiana is -20000 to be the No. 1 overall pick. There is no debate about who the Raiders are taking here, and he should be a great NFL quarterback.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

Arvel Reese is currently -175 on DraftKings Sportsbook to be the No. 2 overall pick. Reese was a fantastic pass-rusher at Ohio State and has all of the physical traits needed for the NFL. He is big and strong, but also ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any front-seven player at the NFL Combine. The Jets have a need at almost every single position, so they should just take the best player on the board, which many would argue is Reese.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

Rueben Bain Jr. might have the highest ceiling of any player in this class. He had incredible production levels at Miami, helping his team get to the national title game in the process. He is lightning quick, with great power as well. His ability to get after the passer and create havoc is off the charts. The biggest concern around Bain is his length. He has very short arms for an EDGE, and that could impact his ability at the next level. If Bain can overcome that, the sky is the limit.

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

David Bailey has the chance to make it three straight edge rushers off the board after Mendoza. Bailey is another elite pass rusher who has incredible speed and agility. He ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and his production was off the charts in college. Bailey is slightly undersized, but should be a home run pick for whoever takes him.

5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Giants could have the steal of the draft with Sonny Styles. Styles might not be the first player drafted from his own team, but has the potential to be the best player in this class. He had a great combine and has soared up draft boards after showing off his incredible athleticism. The Giants have re-tooled on offense, but need to continue to build up the defense. Styles has a chance to be the next great Giants linebacker, anchoring that defense.

6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Browns have a lot of question marks at quarterback. No matter who they go with next year, they need to protect that player. The best way to offset poor quarterback play is by giving that quarterback as much time as possible. Spencer Fano has everything teams are looking for in an NFL offensive tackle and could be a franchise tackle for Cleveland.

7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Caleb Downs would make it three Ohio State players taken in the top seven here. The Commanders had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL last season. The offense should recover if Jayden Daniels stays healthy next season, but the defense needs a lot of help. Downs can do it all from the safety position and would be a big help to Dan Quinn’s defense.

8. New Orleans Saints: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Jeremiyah Love could make it back-to-back years with a running back in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. Love put up video game numbers at Notre Dame and was a Heisman finalist last season. Love was already high on a lot of draft boards, but exceeded expectations at the combine. The biggest concern around Love was his straight-line speed, but he silenced that worry with a 4.36 40-yard dash at the Combine.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Another Ohio State player? Yes. Carnell Tate carries on the tradition of great Ohio State receivers getting taken in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. Tate is experienced and is a world-class route runner. His hands are a sure thing, and he will immediately click in the NFL. Pairing him with Patrick Mahomes seems unfair, but this could be a perfect match.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Mansoor Delane has a chance to be the top cornerback in this class. Just like Ohio State wide receivers, LSU cornerbacks have a rich legacy in the NFL. Delane was a bright spot on an LSU defense with some issues the last couple of seasons. The Bengals’ defense has been horrific the past couple of seasons, and they need help on that side of the ball.

11. Miami Dolphins: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Francis Mauigoa is arguably the best tackle in this draft. Currently, I have Spencer Fano ahead of him, but nobody would be shocked to see Mauigoa be the best tackle in this class. The Dolphins are planning to move on from Tua Tagovailoa this offseason. Whoever is starting at quarterback for them next season needs to be better protected than Tagovailoa ever was.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jermod McCoy also has a strong case to be the CB1 in this draft. McCoy was exceptional at Tennessee. However, he missed all of last season with a torn ACL. Some people have McCoy dropping because of that injury, but he is too talented for Jerry Jones to pass on here.

13. Los Angeles Rams: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Makai Lemon is one of the several top-tier talents in this wide receiver class. Lemon isn’t the ideal physical build, but he has all of the other factors you look for in a receiver. He can find ways to get open against all different types of coverage, has exceptional hands and makes things happen after the catch. The Rams have one more all-in run with Matthew Stafford, and adding Lemon to this offense would make them nearly unstoppable.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Ravens can’t let another pick go by without taking the third top-tier receiver in this class. Jordyn Tyson is a spectacular player. Zay Flowers is the only serious receiver that Lamar Jackson has to work with, and Tyson would pair great with Flowers. The Ravens need a spark to bring Lamar Jackson back to his MVP levels, and Tyson could be the secret ingredient.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

The Buccaneers struggled to protect Baker Mayfield last season. They need to revamp that offensive line, and Olaivavega Ioane is the ideal pick. Ioane is a versatile player who can play at either guard spot. He did not allow a single sack at Penn State last season and could be a Week 1 NFL starter.

16. New York Jets: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Jets went with a defensive player with their second pick, but they need help on offense as well. They are bringing back Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson, but need another offensive threat. Kenyon Sadiq is almost a can’t-miss prospect at tight end. He is big enough to run block and pass protect in the NFL, but is also an incredible athlete with strong hands.

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Monroe Freeling is another great offensive tackle in this class. At 6-7, 315 pounds, Freeling has the body type to be an NFL left tackle. Dan Campbell loves offensive linemen and wants to reload on that line. Freeling has high upside and could be a franchise left tackle for Detroit.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Vikings love loading up on defense in the draft and giving Brian Flores more tools to work with. They have a solid roster and should be looking for the best player available, which Thiememan would have a good argument for at this point. He is an incredibly versatile player who can play in all different kinds of schemes and coverages. He can be a ball hawk safety or close down quickly on running plays.

19. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Keldric Faulk is a fascinating player in this class. He is very young and won’t even turn 21 until the NFL season starts in September. Faulk is already a strong run defender and could become a great pass-rusher as he grows into his body. He is a bit more of a project than some EDGEs in the class, but he has a high upside. Carolina is hoping to win the division again next year, and a game-breaking EDGE could be exactly what they need to repeat.

20. Dallas Cowboys: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

Akheem Mesidor is another fascinating prospect. If someone bets on his production, he could be one of the first EDGE rushers to come off the board. Mesidor had 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss at Miami last season. However, he is the opposite of Faulk on the age spectrum. He will turn 25 in April and is one of the oldest players in this draft class. However, the Cowboys are a team in win-now mode who need to add to their defensive front. Mesidor could be the ideal pick for Jerry Jones in this spot.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Steelers are still unsure about who their quarterback will be, with Aaron Rodgers playing the retirement game for the fourth straight offseason. However, it’s clear that they need another receiver to pair with DK Metcalf. Metcalf was their only consistent receiver last season and even he seems to be on the downslide of his career. Denzel Boston is a do-it-all receiver with speed and size. The combination of Boston and Metcalf would be tough for any secondary to stop.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

If the Chargers don’t take an offensive lineman in the first round, their fans might revolt. Los Angeles has a great defense, a capable quarterback and some other strong pieces. However, their offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL last season. That is what got them knocked out of the playoffs last year. They need a strong offensive tackle, and Max Iheanachor is the ideal choice here. Iheanachor didn’t even play football in high school, so he is still learning and getting better constantly. He could be the starting right tackle for the Chargers in Week 1.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Kadyn Proctor is a fascinating prospect. A couple of years ago, he was thought of as a potential No. 1 overall pick as a home-run franchise left tackle. However, the last couple of years of his college career were a bit shaky. He is a mountain of a man, standing at 6-7, 352 pounds. Some GMs believe he could be a franchise left tackle, while others think he will end up being a guard at the next level. The Eagles are an ideal landing spot for Proctor. Franchise left tackle Lane Johnson announced he is returning for one more season, but he suffered from major injury problems last year. Proctor could learn from one of the best left tackles of this century and fill in for Johnson if he gets injured again. He could also get playing time at guard in the meantime.

24. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

The Browns are a defense-first team. They have one of the elite pass-rushers in NFL history on the EDGE, and Caleb Banks would make that defensive line even scarier. Banks is a big body that is also explosive. He would fit into this Cleveland defense perfectly.

25. Chicago Bears: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Bears have a bright future on the offensive side of the ball, but still need to improve defensively. A game-breaker at EDGE would go a long way toward their Super Bowl-winning goals. Howell had 11.5 sacks last season and is ready to be a game-changer in the NFL right away.

26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Bills are all-in on winning a Super Bowl with Josh Allen before it’s too late. That was made clear by their acquisition of DJ Moore from the Bears. After filling that need at receiver, Buffalo can focus on the defensive side of the ball with this pick. They have an aging linebacker core and need to inject some youth into that group. He is the type of linebacker that defensive coaches dream of, always giving relentless effort and attacking the ball with great speed.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a great player. The biggest concern is around the level of competition he faced in the MAC in college. However, his former teammate, Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, has translated well to the next level. McNeil-Warren led all FBS defensive backs in opponent completion percentage last season. The 49ers need help in the secondary, and he should be a perfect fit.

28. Houston Texans: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Just like the Chargers, the Texans are an offensive line away from competing for championships. They have the best defense in the NFL, a quarterback who has won a playoff game three years in a row to start his career and some exciting young skill position players. However, the offensive line struggled all year. Houston traded its starting RT Tytus Howard to the Browns. They need a new starter in that spot, and Blake Miller could step in to be that guy right away.

29. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Avieon Terrell could make it two straight Clemson players taken in a row here. The Rams are all-in on trying to win a Super Bowl in what could be Matthew Stafford’s final season. I had them adding another playmaker, Makai Lemon, with their first pick. With this second pick, they can focus on the defense. Terrell is climbing up draft boards after a strong Combine, but if he is still here at 29, Terrell is a home-run pick for the Rams.

30. Denver Broncos: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Omar Cooper Jr. is also a rising star on draft boards. He had a sensational season, helping Indiana win a national title. His workout at the NFL Combine left scouts even more impressed. After that top group of receivers, Cooper is my pick to be the next off the board. The Broncos have a great defense, but need more weapons for Bo Nix. Courtland Sutton is aging, and the rest of their receivers are very streaky. Cooper could learn from Courtland Sutton and then be the future WR1 for Bo Nix.

31. New England Patriots: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

The Patriots need help in the secondary. It was clear in the Super Bowl that, outside of Christian Gonzalez, the secondary has major holes. South Carolina has generated some great defensive backs in recent years, including Stephon Gilmore, who won a Defensive Player of the Year award and a Super Bowl with the Patriots. New England would be happy to go back to that well and get a high-upside young corner to pair with Gonzalez. Cisse is a freak athlete and should only improve with NFL coaching.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Seahawks have one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. They could really target any position and take the best player available. Peter Woods had a bit of a down season for Clemson. However, he has all of the traits to be a strong NFL defensive tackle. Leonard Williams will be 32 by the start of next season and could start to see a dip in production and health over the next couple of seasons. Woods could learn from Williams and establish a role for himself on this already great defense.