2026 NFL Mock Draft

The Raiders finally get their franchise QB. GM John Spytek starts his tenure with the #1 overall prospect. Mendoza led Indiana to the national title game with 72% completion, 41 TDs, and elite ball placement. First Raiders QB drafted in Round 1 since JaMarcus Russell in 2007.

The Jets need a franchise QB after a disappointing 3-14 season. Ty Simpson has the arm talent and athleticism to be a difference-maker at the next level. His Alabama pedigree and 4.78 speed make him a dual-threat weapon. Perfect timing with the #2 pick.

The Cardinals protect Kyler Murray (or his eventual replacement) with a true mauler. Mauigoa allowed just 2 sacks over 2,600+ snaps at Miami. Physical RT who can also slide inside to guard. Cardinals desperately need offensive line help.

The Titans give QB Cam Ward a true WR1. Tate is Mel Kiper's #3 overall prospect - a precise route runner who averaged 17.2 yards per catch and isn't afraid to block. Perfect complement to the offense.

The Giants address their league-worst run defense (5.3 YPC allowed). Woods is a day-one starter at 3-technique who can play alongside Dexter Lawrence II. The Giants desperately need interior help after Darius Alexander struggled as a rookie.

Cleveland's 42 different starting QBs since 1999 ends here. Chambliss is an athletic playmaker who threw for 4,200 yards and 32 TDs at Ole Miss. The Browns have two first-rounders and finally address their biggest need with the franchise's potential QB of the future.

North Dakota State needs impact defenders after injuries to Dorance Armstrong and Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Bain is a relentless edge rusher who recorded 11.5 sacks at Miami. With Von Miller aging at 36, the Commanders need young speed off the edge.

After trading Rashid Shaheed and releasing Brandin Cooks, New Orleans needs playmakers. Tyson gives QB Tyler Shough a true WR1. Productive at Arizona State with plus size and route running ability. Perfect complement to Chris Olave.

KC's defense generated just 12 takeaways due to lack of pressure. Bailey is an elite speed rusher who can pair with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. The Chiefs need consistent edge presence to return to championship form.

Cincinnati allowed 5.2 yards per rush (2nd worst). McDonald is a massive gap-eater at 326 pounds who can anchor the middle. The Bengals need interior help to protect their second-level defenders and get back to playoff contention.

Miami needs improved QB play after a disappointing 7-10 season. Rogers is a cerebral passer with elite accuracy who completed 71% at North Dakota State. Could sit behind a veteran or compete immediately in Mike McDaniel's system.

Baltimore's 28 sacks were their fewest in 15 years. Mesidor is a powerful edge setter who can rush and stop the run. With Nnamdi Madubuike's future uncertain and edge rushers in free agency, the Ravens add front-seven help.

Lavonte David's likely retirement creates massive need. Reese is an athletic 3-down linebacker with rare size (6'4" 243) and speed. Can cover, blitz, and play the run - everything Tampa needs to replace a franchise legend.

After drafting QB at #2, the Jets give him weapons via the Sauce Gardner trade. Lemon is an explosive playmaker with 4.40 speed who averaged 18.2 yards per catch at USC. Perfect complement for a young quarterback.

Detroit's O-line ranked 30th in pass block win rate after losing Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler. Ioane is a mauler at 330 pounds who can play guard or center. Jared Goff was sacked 36 times - this pick protects the franchise QB.

Ryan Kelly's three concussions likely end his career. Lomu is a versatile lineman who can play center or tackle. At 6'6" 304 with excellent athleticism (5.05), he's the perfect building block for Minnesota's O-line future.

Carolina ranked near the bottom with 30 sacks despite promising rookies. Faulk is a massive edge presence at 6'6" 285 who can dominate in Ejiro Evero's system. Pair him with Scourton and Umanmielen for a fearsome young front.

Aaron Rodgers' future is uncertain and Pittsburgh needs long-term stability. Beck is a polished passer who transferred to Miami and showcased NFL-ready skills. Can learn the system before eventually taking over Heinz Field.

LA's O-line ranked last in pass block win rate and 31st in run block win rate. Fano is a versatile lineman who can play center or tackle. Bradley Bozeman ranked 30th at center - this is a major upgrade for Justin Herbert's protection.

Philadelphia's sustained success requires trench attention AND weapons. Sadiq is a complete tight end who can block like an extra tackle and catch like a receiver. Perfect fit for Philly's power run game with receiving upside.

Chicago needs pass rush help opposite Montez Sweat after Dayo Odeyingbo's injury. Styles is a versatile defender who can rush, cover, and play the run. First edge rusher drafted by Chicago in Round 1 since 2016.

Buffalo struggled finding WR combinations all season. Boston is a big-bodied receiver at 6'4" 209 who can win contested catches. Brandon Beane finally addresses the position early after years of avoiding it in Round 1.

SF ranked last in sacks and bottom-5 in pressure rate. Allen is a speed rusher from Georgia's championship defense. With Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams returning from ACLs, the Niners add a versatile pass rusher who can play multiple spots.

With Joe Mixon missing the season, Houston needs backfield firepower. Love is the top RB in the class - explosive at 6'0" 214 with 4.45 speed. Perfect complement to Houston's offense and can be a 3-down back immediately.

After taking QB at #13, LA adds defensive playmaker. Thieneman is a rangy safety at 6'2" 210 with excellent ball skills. The Rams have two first-rounders and address QB of the future plus secondary help in one draft.

With Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad hitting free agency, Denver needs ILB depth, but Branch is too good to pass up. Elite 4.35 speed gives Bo Nix a game-breaking weapon. The Broncos can address LB in Round 2.

The Patriots' draft position will be determined by the outcome of Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The winner receives pick #32, while the runner-up gets #31. New England (14-3) made a remarkable playoff run and will select based on their Super Bowl performance.

The Seahawks' draft position will be determined by the outcome of Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The winner receives pick #32, while the runner-up gets #31. Seattle (14-3) had an outstanding season and will select based on their championship game result.