(Following Dante Moore Returning to Oregon)
Dante Moore’s decision to return to Oregon removes one of the biggest wild cards from the 2026 quarterback class. With one fewer high-upside QB entering the pool, teams are less tempted to reach early and instead lean into proven production, positional value, and versatility. The result is a steadier, more realistic first round.
1. Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Las Vegas secures its long-term quarterback. Mendoza continues to rise thanks to his calm pocket presence, accuracy to all three levels, and strong processing. He’s not flashy, but teams trust his ability to operate an NFL offense efficiently and consistently.
2. Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
The Jets land a true defensive chess piece. Reese brings elite range, downhill physicality, and leadership traits, but what elevates his value is his ability to rush off the edge. Ohio State regularly deploys him as a stand-up EDGE defender, where his burst, length, and closing speed stress offensive tackles. His ability to function as both an off-ball linebacker and a legitimate edge rusher gives New York a rare, three-down defender.
3. Cardinals – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Arizona stays aggressive at quarterback. Simpson’s arm strength, athleticism, and experience in a high-level system give him a high ceiling. With Moore returning to school, his spot near the top of the QB board feels secure.
4. Titans – Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Tennessee adds a cornerstone pass rusher. Bain wins with power, leverage, and relentless effort, consistently collapsing pockets and setting the edge.
5. Giants – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
One of the safest prospects in the class. Downs’ instincts, versatility, and physicality allow him to impact the game from anywhere in the secondary.
6. Browns – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Cleveland continues to invest in the trenches. Mauigoa offers rare size, strong hands, and improved technique, projecting as a long-term starter.
7. Commanders – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Washington prioritizes disruption. Bailey’s first-step explosiveness and nonstop motor give the defense a consistent pressure presence.
8. Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
New Orleans adds a polished, reliable receiver. Tate wins with route discipline, strong hands, and situational awareness.
9. Chiefs – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Kansas City adds another dynamic offensive weapon. Love’s vision, burst, and receiving ability fit seamlessly into the offense.
10. Bengals – Peter Woods, DI, Clemson
Cincinnati fortifies the interior defensive line. Woods flashes power and quickness, consistently pushing the pocket.
11. Dolphins – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Miami leans further into speed and separation. Lemon’s explosiveness and yards-after-catch ability fit the offense perfectly.
12. Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Dallas adds a versatile linebacker who can cover, blitz, and play downhill.
13. Rams (via Falcons) – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Los Angeles adds a technically sound offensive tackle using Atlanta’s pick. Fano plays with toughness, balance, and consistency, fitting the Rams’ need for stability along the offensive line.
14. Ravens – Caleb Banks, DI, Florida
A classic Ravens pick. Banks brings length, strength, and interior disruption.
15. Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Tampa Bay swings on upside. Faulk’s explosiveness and raw traits give him real pass-rush potential.
16. Jets (via Colts) – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
New York doubles down on defense with a clear succession plan at corner. Delane’s press ability, length, and confidence in isolation allow the Jets to maintain the same aggressive coverage identity established during the Sauce Gardner era.
17. Lions – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Detroit continues building a dominant offensive line. Proctor’s size and power fit the Lions’ identity perfectly.
18. Vikings – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Minnesota adds an athletic, fluid cover corner with clear starter upside.
19. Panthers – Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Carolina adds speed and bend off the edge. Howell brings natural pass-rush traits to the defense.
20. Cowboys (via Packers) – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Dallas uses Green Bay’s pick to add more pass-rush talent. Parker brings length, power, and edge-setting ability.
21. Steelers – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Pittsburgh adds another explosive receiver. Tyson’s vertical speed and ball skills fit the Steelers’ WR pipeline.
22. Chargers – Olaiavega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Chargers address the interior offensive line with a steady, physical presence.
23. Eagles – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Philadelphia reloads the secondary with a long, press-capable corner.
24. Browns (via Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Cleveland uses a pick acquired in the Travis Hunter trade to add a reliable outside target with size and contested-catch ability.
25. Bears – Kayden McDonald, DI, Ohio State
Chicago continues investing in the defensive front with interior strength.
26. Bills – Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Buffalo adds instant explosiveness and another playmaker on the perimeter.
27. 49ers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
San Francisco finds another yards-after-catch weapon who fits the scheme.
28. Texans – Christen Miller, DI, Georgia
Houston bolsters the interior defensive line with power and discipline.
29. Rams – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Rams add an athletic corner with length and speed. Cisse brings developmental upside and fits their preference for versatile defensive backs.
30. Patriots – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
New England secures a long-term tackle option with strong size and technique.
31. Broncos – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Denver targets an athletic tight end who thrives in space, coming from an Oregon system that maximized his skill set.
32. Seahawks – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Seattle closes the round with a smart, physical linebacker and reliable defensive piece.
