2026 NFL First-Round Mock Draft 1.0: Pick-by-Pick Breakdown and Rationale

1. Las Vegas Raiders — QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Raiders open the draft by securing a long-term answer at quarterback. Mendoza brings accuracy, poise and command of structure, offering Las Vegas much-needed stability at the game’s most important position. With the roster lacking a clear franchise direction under center, this pick sets a new offensive foundation.


2. New York Jets — QB Dante Moore, Oregon

New York adds a quarterback with high-level arm talent and natural playmaking ability. Moore’s accuracy, poise and creativity outside structure give the Jets a signal-caller capable of elevating the offense while still operating comfortably within it, providing a clear direction for the franchise moving forward.


3. Arizona Cardinals — S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Arizona lands one of the cleanest defensive prospects in the class. Downs’ instincts, range and versatility immediately upgrade the secondary and give the Cardinals a defensive centerpiece to build around.


4. Tennessee Titans — EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Tennessee leans into trench play by adding a powerful, relentless edge presence. Bain’s game is built on strength and force at the point of attack, consistently collapsing pockets and setting a physical tone for the defense.


5. New York Giants — LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

New York upgrades athleticism at linebacker. Reese brings sideline-to-sideline range and coverage ability while also offering legitimate pass-rushing value as an edge defender, giving the Giants a versatile piece who can impact the game both on the second level and off the edge.


6. Cleveland Browns — OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Cleveland fortifies the offensive line. Fano’s balance, toughness and technical polish make him a long-term solution at tackle, critical for protecting the quarterback and sustaining the run game.


7. Washington Commanders — EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Washington continues rebuilding through the defensive front. Bailey’s burst and edge speed bring needed juice to a pass rush searching for consistent disruption.


8. New Orleans Saints — WR Makai Lemon, USC

The Saints inject explosiveness into the offense. Lemon’s route-running polish and yards-after-catch ability add a dynamic element to the passing game and stretch coverage horizontally and vertically.


9. Kansas City Chiefs — DI Peter Woods, Clemson

Kansas City strengthens the interior defensive line. Woods’ power and penetration ability allow him to control the middle of the line and consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks.


10. Cincinnati Bengals — EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

The Bengals prioritize pressure off the edge. Faulk’s physicality and explosiveness complement a defense built around collapsing the pocket quickly and forcing hurried decisions.


11. Miami Dolphins — CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Miami targets coverage reliability. Delane’s man-coverage ability and ball skills fit a defense that values aggressive corners capable of holding up in isolation.


12. Dallas Cowboys — EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Howell wins with speed and quickness, flashing an explosive first-step burst that puts immediate stress on tackles and allows him to disrupt plays before blockers can establish leverage, making his skill set a needed fit for the Cowboys’ front.


13. Los Angeles Rams (via the Falcons) — OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

The Rams invest in long-term offensive stability. Mauigoa’s size and athleticism help solidify the tackle position as Los Angeles continues reshaping its offensive line.


14. Baltimore Ravens — WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Baltimore adds a polished, reliable receiver to its offense. Tate’s route precision, strong hands and ability to win within structure give the Ravens a dependable target who fits seamlessly alongside a quarterback-driven passing game, emphasizing refinement and consistency.


15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Tampa Bay lands a versatile defender. Styles’ ability to cover and play multiple roles makes him a natural fit in a defense that values flexibility and matchup adaptability.


16. New York Jets (via the Colts) — CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

The Jets double down on premium positions. McCoy’s physicality and coverage instincts reinforce a secondary built to compete against elite passing offenses.


17. Detroit Lions — OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Detroit continues building through the trenches. Proctor’s size, power and experience against elite competition provide long-term stability at tackle for an offense designed to win through balance and physicality.


18. Minnesota Vikings — HB Jeremiah Love, Notre Dame

The Vikings add explosiveness to the backfield. Love’s speed and open-field ability complement Minnesota’s offensive structure and give the unit another way to generate chunk plays.


19. Carolina Panthers — EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson

Carolina adds a true edge presence to its defense. Parker’s explosiveness off the edge gives the Panthers a pass rusher capable of consistently stressing tackles and impacting games from day one.


20. Dallas Cowboys (via the Packers) — CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Dallas strengthens the secondary by adding a physical, instinctive corner. Terrell’s coverage ability and competitive edge fit seamlessly into a defense built on aggression and takeaways.


21. Pittsburgh Steelers — WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Pittsburgh adds offensive playmaking. Tyson’s burst and versatility provide the Steelers with a receiver capable of creating separation and generating yards after the catch.


22. Los Angeles Chargers — DI Caleb Banks, Florida

The Chargers fortify the interior defensive line. Banks’ power and gap control help improve run defense while creating interior pressure.


23. Philadelphia Eagles — EDGE Romello Height, Texas Tech

Philadelphia sticks to its formula. Height’s athleticism adds depth to an edge group built around relentless pressure and rotation.


24. Buffalo Bills — WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Buffalo adds another target to the passing attack. Boston’s size and contested-catch ability give the offense a reliable option in high-leverage situations.


25. Chicago Bears — DI Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Chicago reinforces the middle of its defense. McDonald’s strength and leverage help the Bears control the line of scrimmage and improve overall physicality.


26. San Francisco 49ers — WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

San Francisco adds speed and versatility. Concepcion’s ability to line up across formations fits an offense built on movement and yards after the catch.


27. Houston Texans — DI Christen Miller, Georgia

Houston continues investing in the trenches. Miller’s strength and consistency anchor the interior defensive line and support a growing defensive identity.


28. Cleveland Browns (via the Jaguars) — G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Cleveland focuses on protection and physicality. Ioane’s size and toughness strengthen the interior offensive line and help stabilize the pocket.


29. Los Angeles Rams — CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

The Rams address secondary depth. Cisse’s competitiveness helps inject youth and athleticism into the defensive backfield.


30. New England Patriots — LB CJ Allen, Georgia

New England selects a linebacker who fits its defensive DNA. Allen’s instincts, discipline and versatility align with a scheme built on intelligence and adaptability.


31. Denver Broncos — TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Denver adds a modern tight end. Sadiq’s athleticism and receiving upside provide another weapon in the middle of the field.


32. Seattle Seahawks — CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Seattle closes the first round by strengthening the secondary. Hood’s physicality and coverage skills align with the Seahawks’ emphasis on toughness on the perimeter.

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James O'Donnell