Version 2.0 of this 2026 NFL first-round mock draft reflects shifting team needs, evolving boards, and scheme-driven fits, with updated selections and explanations for every pick from 1 through 32.
1. Las Vegas Raiders — QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The Raiders remain committed to solving the quarterback position. Mendoza’s accuracy, composure and command of structure give Las Vegas a clear offensive direction and a stabilizing presence to build around long term.
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.
3. Arizona Cardinals — OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
Arizona pivots to the trenches. Mauigoa’s size, athleticism and ability to anchor the edge give the Cardinals a foundational tackle to protect their quarterback and stabilize the offensive line.
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.
5. New York Giants — S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The Giants land one of the most complete defenders in the class. Downs’ instincts, range and versatility give New York a true centerpiece in the secondary capable of impacting every level of the defense.
6. Cleveland Browns — OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Cleveland reinforces the offensive line. Fano’s toughness, balance and technical consistency make him a long-term answer at tackle, critical for sustaining both pass protection and the run game.
7. Washington Commanders — LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Washington adds a dynamic defensive chess piece. Reese’s ability to play off-ball linebacker while also providing legitimate pass-rushing value off the edge gives the Commanders flexibility and speed.
8. New Orleans Saints — WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Saints inject reliability into the passing game. Tate’s route running, strong hands and ability to win within structure make him a dependable weapon in a timing-based offense.
9. Kansas City Chiefs — HB Jeremiah Love, Notre Dame
Kansas City adds explosiveness to the backfield. Love’s speed and open-field ability give the Chiefs another way to generate chunk plays and stress defenses.
10. Cincinnati Bengals — DI Peter Woods, Clemson
The Bengals strengthen the interior defensive line. Woods’ power and penetration ability allow him to control the middle and disrupt plays before they can develop.
11. Miami Dolphins — CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Miami stays focused on coverage. Delane’s man-coverage skills and instincts fit a defense that asks corners to hold up on an island and make plays on the ball.
12. Dallas Cowboys — EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Dallas adds speed off the edge. Bailey’s burst and quickness allow him to stress tackles immediately and bring another disruptive presence to the pass rush rotation.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via the Falcons) — CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
The Rams address the secondary by adding a physical, competitive corner. McCoy’s coverage ability and toughness fit a defense looking to get younger and more aggressive on the perimeter.
14. Baltimore Ravens — DI Caleb Banks, Florida
Baltimore reinforces the interior of its defensive front. Banks’ strength and ability to control gaps give the Ravens a disruptive presence inside, fitting a defense built on physicality and discipline.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Tampa Bay adds versatility at linebacker. Styles’ ability to cover, move and align in multiple roles makes him a natural fit in a flexible defensive scheme.
16. New York Jets (via the Colts) — DI Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
The Jets continue building through the trenches. McDonald’s power and leverage give New York a stout interior presence capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
17. Detroit Lions — EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Detroit adds more juice to the pass rush. Faulk’s explosiveness and physicality off the edge complement a defense built on pressure and disruption.
18. Minnesota Vikings — CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Minnesota upgrades the secondary. Terrell’s instincts and coverage ability give the Vikings a reliable corner capable of matching up with top receivers.
19. Carolina Panthers — EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Carolina adds a needed speed element off the edge. Howell’s explosive first-step burst and quickness allow him to stress tackles and disrupt plays early.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via the Packers) — LB CJ Allen, Georgia
Dallas adds a steady, instinctive linebacker to the middle of its defense. Allen’s ability to read, react and play downhill provides a reliable second-level presence.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — WR Makai Lemon, USC
Pittsburgh adds dynamic playmaking to the offense. Lemon’s ability to separate and generate yards after the catch brings needed explosiveness to the receiver room.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
The Chargers strengthen the interior offensive line. Ioane’s size and physicality help stabilize the pocket and improve run-game consistency.
23. Philadelphia Eagles — EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
Philadelphia continues to stockpile pass rushers. Parker’s explosiveness off the edge fits perfectly into a rotation-based front that values constant pressure.
24. Cleveland Browns (via the Jaguars) — WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Cleveland adds speed and playmaking to its offense. Tyson’s burst, separation ability and yards-after-catch skill give the Browns a receiver who can stress defenses horizontally and vertically.
25. Chicago Bears — DI Christen Miller, Georgia
Chicago reinforces the defensive interior. Miller’s strength and consistency help control the line of scrimmage and improve overall physicality.
26. Buffalo Bills — WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Buffalo adds another target to the passing game. Boston’s size and contested-catch ability provide a reliable option in key situations.
27. San Francisco 49ers — WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
San Francisco adds versatility and speed. Branch’s ability to line up in multiple spots fits an offense built on movement and mismatches.
28. Houston Texans — OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Houston continues to invest in protection. Proctor’s size and power give the Texans a long-term answer at tackle to anchor the offensive line.
29. Los Angeles Rams — OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
The Rams double down on the trenches. Lomu’s athleticism and toughness provide further stability up front as Los Angeles reshapes its offensive identity.
30. New England Patriots — WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
New England adds offensive versatility. Concepcion’s ability to create separation and produce after the catch fits a passing attack seeking more dynamism.
31. Denver Broncos — TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Denver adds a modern tight end. Sadiq’s athleticism and receiving upside give the Broncos another weapon in the middle of the field.
32. Seattle Seahawks — G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Seattle closes the round by reinforcing the offensive line. Pregnon’s strength and interior presence help stabilize protection and support the run game.
