The NFL Combine is now just days away, meaning the road to the 2026 NFL Draft is about to begin.
Expect the combine to generate massive shake-ups on many draft boards, with the top performers shooting up significantly.
But before we see the Underwear Olympics, TWSN’s NFL Draft team—Steve Bradshaw, Logan Fulmer, Addy Lewis, Blake Meek, Marissa Myers, and Michael O’Hara—is here to break down our second mock draft of the year.
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The Las Vegas Raiders are set to kick things off, and this pick has been penciled in for weeks now.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Is there really much to say here? We know the Raiders are looking for a new franchise quarterback, and Fernando Mendoza has fallen right into their lap.
You can question his upside all you want, but the Raiders’ organization will be thrilled about the stability he will provide.
2. New York Jets: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. is the best all-around edge in this class. The New York Jets have Will McDonald on one side, but need someone opposite him.
Forming an impactful pass-rushing duo is the best thing the Jets can do to help rebuild their defense, and Bain can help them do just that.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB/Edge, Ohio State
On a roster that needs new pieces across the board on defense, Arvell Reese makes the most sense here, as he is arguably the best player in this class.
Even though edge isn’t the most pressing need for the Arizona Cardinals, they don’t have anyone who should stop them from drafting Reese.
4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
The Tennessee Titans are entering a new era with Robert Saleh, a defensive-minded coach, as their next head coach. With that in mind, it can be expected that he will look to prioritize getting more defensive talent.
With his explosive first step and burst off the line, David Bailey is a constant threat to get to the quarterback. This was shown in 2025, with him leading the nation in pressures with 73, while also having a 22.4% pass-rush win rate and 9.0% run-stop rate.
The upside is evident, and he gives Tennessee something to bank on.
5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
While many fans are hoping for a new weapon for Jaxson Dart, this pick would be best used to address the defense or offensive trenches.
In this case, Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, who was both a mauler and brick wall for the Hurricanes this season, is the pick.
The New York Giants have been searching for someone to pair with Andrew Thomas, and Mauigoa’s arrival would give them a dominant pair of tackles.
6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Cleveland Browns need to give Shedeur Sanders a “threat” to target through the air. Carnell Tate not only brings skill, but also size and physicality.
Tate would immediately become the WR1 in Cleveland and would make an impact from day one.
7. Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
It has been way too long since the Washington Commanders had a game wrecker on their defense. Luckily, Caleb Downs is here at No. 7.
Downs will be able to come in and make plays immediately; his ability to always be around the ball will help him thrive in the NFL.
Washington has their franchise offensive player, and now it has one on defense.
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The New Orleans Saints may have found their quarterback of the future, but they need to keep supplying him with weapons.
Chris Olave is great, but has often been sidelined. Makai Lemon can step in and give them a playmaker immediately.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love’s fit with the Kansas City Chiefs is perfect, and there’s a reason why it’s become such a popular selection.
After a disappointing 2025 season, Kansas City needs to add some juice to its offense. Love addresses a clear need, and he’s one of the best players in this class.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The Cincinnati Bengals have been searching for edge talent outside of Trey Hendrickson for quite some time. With Hendrickson set to be a free agent, the pressure has mounted.
Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy still have potential, but the overall depth of the room needs a boost.
Cashius Howell was an impact player last season at Texas A&M. He led the SEC with 12 sacks, had 14 tackles for a loss, 41 pressures, and even six pass breakups.
Howell’s explosiveness and variety of pass-rush moves will lead to him being a key contributor in the NFL.
11. Miami Dolphins: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Bradley Chubb is no longer in the picture, leaving the Miami Dolphins’ defensive line with limited pass-rushing talent.
Many of the top edge rushers have already been plucked off the board, but Keldric Faulk can certainly be a difference maker for a defense that desperately needs that sort of player.
He has the frame, versatility, and untapped potential to become a do-it-all defender in Miami.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Dallas Cowboys need help on defense, specifically behind their defensive line.
Sonny Styles brings in the help Dallas needs at linebacker and can strengthen this defense with the experience and performance he showed at Ohio State.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
There is a lot of hype around Jermod McCoy here, but Mansoor Delane is simply the safer play. The Los Angeles Rams could take the risk on McCoy’s health, or they could simply take a player who just dominated in the SEC.
The Rams’ Super Bowl window is a question, so operating in win-now mode here makes sense.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Baltimore Ravens have been trying to get a dominant No. 1 receiver for years, and Jordyn Tyson can be just that.
He has been injured quite a bit, but when healthy, he can pair with Zay Flowers to give the Ravens a strong 1-2 punch at receiver.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to have a bounce-back year in 2026, they need some more pass rush production.
Based on the 2024 tape, production, and Senior Bowl performance of T.J. Parker, he’s worthy of going in this spot. 2025 wasn’t great for the Clemson product, but it wasn’t as bad as some are making it out to be, either.
16. New York Jets: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
After drafting Bain, the Jets decide to continue to improve the defensive line by drafting Peter Woods.
After trading away Quinnen Williams, the Jets need another athletic interior defensive lineman if they are going to get back on track as a team. Woods has the upside to be the answer to the Jets’ defensive issues.
17. Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker is contemplating retirement, and even if he returns, identifying his successor must be a priority in April.
Utah’s Spencer Fano has experience on both bookends of the offensive line, giving Dan Campbell and company the flexibility to shuffle around Fano and Penei Sewell as they see fit.
Fano isn’t the biggest prospect, but the tape speaks for itself.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings struggled along the defensive line. Their line is aging, and they need a young talent who will make an impact as soon as they step on the field.
Kayden McDonald is a top-3 defensive tackle in the draft and will help the Vikings’ defensive line in a big way.
19. Carolina Panthers: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
The Carolina Panthers might be a bit ahead of schedule, and that’s thanks to solid all-around play. Still, they need to continue to develop and add talent all over, which is why they go with Caleb Banks, who has a ridiculously high ceiling.
Banks would come in and create a very fun interior duo with him and Derrick Brown.
20. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy could have been a top pick in this draft if not for an injury that cost him his entire 2025 season. The Cowboys will take on that risk here, banking on him being the dominant corner we say he was in 2024.
The Cowboys desperately need cornerback help, and McCoy could be the answer.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Adding KC Concepcion is exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers need. Concepcion complements DK Metcalf very well, as the Texas A&M prospect will likely play as the Z or slot receiver in Pittsburgh.
On a team that’s in desperate need of a legitimate W2, Concepcion solves that problem from day one.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL, Penn State
As the Los Angeles Chargers look to amplify their offensive production for the 2026 season under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, they will need to better protect Justin Herbert.
Olaivavega Ioane’s grip and play strength would allow the Chargers to maximize the impact of their run game. His balance and technique have also allowed him to excel in pass protection.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
With Lane Johnson confirming his return for the 2026 season, the Philadelphia Eagles can afford to take more of a “project” prospect. Monroe Freeling can be that project.
He offers tantalizing physical traits, but with limited experience, he may not be able to make the leap right away. However, with one year to learn, Freeling could be ready to fill Johnson’s massive shoes in 2027.
24. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Offensive line is an obvious need for the Browns, and drafting Tate with the sixth pick makes this selection a breeze for the front office.
Utah’s Caleb Lomu is ranked third among all tackles in the 2026 draft class, and he would help this struggling and depleted offensive line.
25. Chicago Bears: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
The Chicago Bears need some more power along the defensive line, and Christen Miller has plenty of it.
While he will need to develop his pass-rushing bag a bit, his run-stopping ability will be a weapon from day one. An addition like Miller will help raise the floor of this defense, which is desperately needed.
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Buffalo Bills need receiver help as much as any team in the NFL, and Denzel Boston can come in and give them that.
He is a big-bodied receiver who can make plays downfield. While some want to compare him to Keon Coleman, he is a better prospect and could help take the offense over the top.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
There weren’t many options for the San Francisco 49ers, but Kadyn Proctor is too talented to fall outside of the first round.
Left guard Spencer Burford has now finished with a PFF grade below 58 in each of his last four seasons. Burford is also a free agent. The idea would be to kick Proctor into guard for 2026 and potentially take over for Trent Williams in the future.
28. Houston Texans: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
The Houston Texans have a standout pass rusher in Will Anderson Jr., but if they are going to take the next step as contenders, they need to strengthen the interior of their defensive line.
By drafting Lee Hunter, they get a true force on the interior that can stop the run. He commands double teams, which would help free up the rest of the Texans’ defensive line.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Rob Havenstein has been a mainstay at right tackle for years, but after 11 seasons, he’s stepping away from the NFL.
Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor can be his replacement. He’s been a dramatic riser as of late, and it’s easy to see why; he seldom surrendered pressure in pass protection last year.
The Rams added a much-needed CB at No. 13, and here, they get some protection for Matthew Stafford ahead of what may be one last Super Bowl push.
30. Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Denver Broncos make a less-than-ideal pick at No. 30. The hope is to draft a wide receiver, but the viable options are off the board in this spot.
However, linebacker CJ Allen will add depth to this loaded Broncos defense. He can develop into a stud with all the veterans in Denver.
31. New England Patriots: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The New England Patriots need some more help on offense, and while fans and analysts always turn to wideouts, that’s not what the Patriots typically do.
Their constant use of multiple tight end sets makes Kenyon Sadiq a perfect fit for them. He has plenty of juice in his game to help make this offense more explosive.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
The Seattle Seahawks can afford to take a risk at No. 32 after winning the 2026 Super Bowl. Cooper Kupp is 32 years old, and he had just 593 yards this past season.
Chris Bell is an extremely talented player, but he’s a bit raw. That being said, Bell comes in at 6’2”, 220 lbs. Although Bell tore his ACL recently, his ceiling is extremely high if he can make a full recovery.
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