March 23, 2026, 8:08 a.m. CT
This 2026 NFL mock draft projects Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick to the Las Vegas Raiders.Ohio State is projected to have five players selected in the first round, the most of any school.Edge rushers and offensive tackles are popular positions, with multiple players from each group expected to be drafted early.Several teams, including the Chiefs, Dolphins, Cowboys, and Jets, hold multiple first-round picks, allowing them to address various needs.
There is just one month until the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off, and after the first wave of free agency has taken place, there is quite a change in projections for teams across the first round.
There has not been much of a change at the top of the draft, where the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick, and given the high-drama around the Las Vegas Raiders getting superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby back from their rescinded trade with the Baltimore Ravens, the dominos continue to fall.
Recent trades in the NFL have given multiple teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins with multiple first-round picks, joining the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets as franchises who hold multiple picks this year. With an opportunity for several teams to reload in this year’s draft, there will be no shortage of intriguing picks throughout the first round. After the first round of free agency, here’s our latest first-round mock draft:
After all the drama and chaos that surrounded the Raiders with Maxx Crosby, they will finally get to settle in and focus on welcoming their hopeful answer at quarterback. Fernando Mendoza has all the qualities that a team like Las Vegas needs to change their attitude, and hopefully their success, for the better. A national champion and Heisman winner, Mendoza is exactly what they need in silver and black.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio St.
Speaking of perfect fits, Arvell Reese is just that for the New York Jets and head coach Aaron Glenn, who needs to establish a more dominant defense in Year 2. Glenn’s defense did not record an interception all season, and getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks should help that issue. There’s no better pure pass rusher than Reese in this year’s class.
3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
David Bailey is the second best edge rusher in the draft is taken just one slot after Reese in what should be a busy round for the position. Arizona has a lot of holes, especially at the quarterback position, but they shouldn’t let Bailey slide past them. Tied for the league lead in sacks last season in college football, Bailey immediately gives the Cardinals a new defensive identity.
It’s hard to go against selecting a defensive player here for new head coach Robert Salah, but Jeremiyah Love is just that crucial on offense. A running back that can do it all, Love would make life a lot easier for second-year quarterback Cam Ward and the Titans offense as a whole.
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio St.
Sonny Styles is one player who has certainly skyrocketed during hte pre-draft process, after lighting it up at the Combine in February. With new head coach John Harbaugh in town, Styles would be a big addition to the Giants defense that has some elite pass rush talent.
6. Cleveland Browns: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
No matter who the quarterback is, the Browns need to address their offensive line. Francis Mauigoa would open up quite the lanes in the running game for Cleveland, and clarity up front in the trenches. A big reason for Miami’s appearance in the National Championship last year, Cleveland needs to make sure they don’t let a player like Mauigoa get past them.
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio St
Washington needs to find another weapon for Jayden Daniels in the passing game, and getting Carnell Tate with their selection would be quite the gift. Tate is the top-notch, best receiver in this year’s class and he could easily be the No. 1 target in D.C. in his first year, offering a great compliment to Terry McLaurin.
8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
New Orleans has moved on from Cameron Jordan and the youth movement is officially on in the Bayou. Ruben Bain Jr. would be the team’s top pass rusher upon arrival. The Saints have spent plenty of attention on upgrading the offense, and now they’ll need to identify their edge rusher position, and getting Bain at this pick would be a big boost for them.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio St.
Despite the torn ACL for Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs have attacked this offseason nearly perfectly to be a contending team sooner than later. They lost several players in their secondary, including trading away Trent McDuffie. Getting Caleb Downs would be the rich getting a luxury pick as Downs is arguably the best overall talent in this year’s draft class.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Cincinnati didn’t make a ton of moves in free agency, but they made moves that have turned heads and they’ll get another big addition here with Mansoor Delane. Excelling as a coverage corner, Delane would help Cincinnati finally solve their issues in looking for a No. 1 cornerback.
11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Miami Dolphins are in a full rebuild, and they can afford to wait on their first-round talent, as Jermod McCoy is still recovering from a torn ACL that kept him out of the 2025 season. Miami needs help all over their roster, taking one of the most talented players who could need some time to develop would not be a bad move.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Dallas Cowboys should be focused on their defense with both of their first-round picks this year, and Keldrick Faulk would be quite the project for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. Faulk can move people at ease, but had just two sacks last season, five less than the 7 he had In the 2024 season. Faulk would benefit greatly from the strong defensive tackles in Dallas
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona St.
Los Angeles needs to start considering what life will be like for their offensive after Davante Adams, and Jordyn Tyson is a go up and get it type of player. The Rams were reportedly involved in potential trade talks for AJ Brown, and with those not coming to fruition, the Rams could target an offensive playmaker in Tyson with their first round pick.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
With Declan Doyle in as Baltimore’s new offensive coordinator, they could very well look to add a receiver of Malaki Lemon’s ability for Lamar Jackson. The team needs another weapon outside of Zay Flowers at wide receiver, especially after veteran DeAndre Hopkins’ contract expired. Lemon would be very dangerous in Doyle’s offense.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Tampa Bay needs to continue to upgrade their defense, and Akheem Mesidor would give them an opportunity to get more youth at the edge rusher position. Over the past three years, Tampa has brought in edge rushers, but Mesidor would easily be one of their most talented players at the position. He’s got good athleticism and flexibility, which would give head coach Todd Bowles plenty to work with.
16. New York Jets (via IND): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Spencer Fano may not make the most sense for the Jets who have plenty of needs, but the trenches need all the help they can get in New York. He can play either tackle position so if Aaron Glenn decides to go with Fano, they can build lineup flexibility with a very talented player on the offensive line.
17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Detroit suffered several losses on their offensive line, mainly Taylor Decker at the left tackle spot. Monroe Freeling could get the opportunity to take over for him, which would come with lofty expectations. Freeling was another standout at the Combine in February, and has seen his stock shoot up because of it.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Harrison Smith will not return to the Vikings in the 2026 season, and Dillon Thieneman may be the best fit of any player and team in the entire first round. A veteran in college who is known for making big plays, Thieneman would come and be an instant starter who can lean on his collegiate experience to help him adapt to the pro game quicker than most as a rookie.
19. Carolina Panthers: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn St.
With all of the talent and success that the Panthers had on offense last year with quarterback Bryce Young, they need to protect their most valuable asset as well. Olaivavega Ioane is the best interior lineman in this class and addresses a big need for the Panthers.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Dallas should not hesitate to use both of their first-round picks on defense, and Avieon Terrell would be an intriguing fit in their secondary. After moving on from Trevon Diggs during the season last year, the Cowboys have a need at corner and the younger brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell would make sense.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Steelers had plenty of tight end depth last season, but none really stood out above the rest even with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Kenyon Sadiq is a physical freak of nature, and after Pittsburgh added Michael Pittman to their passing attack, Sadiq would take it to another level.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Los Angeles is one of many teams that need to address the trenches, but their trenches will be on the defensive side, looking to add pass rushers. A pure power pass rusher who can set the edge, T.J. Parker would fit the very physical style of play that Los Angeles likes to play on both sides of the ball.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The Eagles have an opportunity to plan for the future with this pick, and although they locked up Lane Johnson through 2027, they’ll need to find their next young tackle. Blake Miller is among a deep list of high-quality tackles in this class and he excels in pass protection with great arm length and quick hands.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
After they address their offensive line, the Browns have to bring in more playmakers in the passing game, as Jerry Jeudy can’t be their lone receiving option at the wide receiver spot. KC Concepcion is fast, twitchy, and would bring a much quicker element to Cleveland’s passing offense.
25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Chicago should hand this card in as quickly as they get put on the clock, long as Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is available. He’s not short of confidence, plays a position that is of big need for the Bears, and would be an excellent fit to start alongside free-agent addition Coby Bryant.
26. Buffalo Bills: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Buffalo needs to add young pass rushers, and Zion Young presents a big physical presence who also plays very well in his run defense. Young wouldn’t have to start as a rookie and would have quite the mentor to learn from in Joey Bosa while adding depth for Buffalo’s defensive line.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
San Francisco needs to prepare for the potential departure of veteran left tackle Trent Williams, and Caleb Lomu would be the right fit for them to slide in and take his spot. Another left tackle with great size and swift movement, Lomu has ways to go to be at the level of Williams, but could fit in as a replacement if the veteran is moved this offseason.
28. Houston Texans: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Texans have very good pass rushers, but they need better play at the linebacker position. CJ Allen has great length and is very good in coverage, which would play into his style with how good Houston’s defensive line is. A player like Allen would be a must-watch addition under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Kansas City would ideally look to bring in a cornerback with the second first-round pick they added after trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. Colton Hood is known for his physical style of play, and very hands-on style of defense at the cornerback position, matching the physicality that would fit well in the Kansas City defense.
30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Another player that the Dolphins would be okay to sit back and wait on, Chris Bell would likely be one of the top players in this year’s draft had it not been for injuries. With just a month away from the draft, Bell recently posted a video on social media showing his recovery timeframe, looking as if he’s much closer to a return than maybe originally expected at this time. Miami has moved on from Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill this offseason, so they’ll need a new top receiver.
31. New England Patriots: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio St.
New England needs a interior defender who can get ugly and nasty in the trenches, and Kayden McDonald fits that bill without question. There could be a conversation about adding offensive line talent here, but McDonald would be a big addition (quite literally) to the defensive line for the Patriots.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
The reigning Super Bowl champions allowed Kenneth Walker III to leave in free agency, and could have an opportunity to replace him at the end of the first round. Jadarian Price can change the pace quickly on offense, and while the Seahawks await Zach Charbonnet’s recovery from a torn ACL, he could carve out a nice role for himself in Seattle’s offense.