The draft is only a few days away, and we had another traded first round pick, so now is a good time for what might be my last extended mock draft of the season. Let’s go!
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
6’5, 236 lbs
2025 Stats: 273-379, 3535 yards, 41 TD, 6 INT
Yes, the Raiders did add Kirk Cousins as insurance, but make no mistake, Fernando Mendoza will be the first pick of the 2026 draft. While Mendoza may not be on that Trevor Lawrence/Caleb Williams level as a college talent, he has the look of a long time starter. He measured bigger than thought, but has the athleticism to be more than a statue behind the pocket. He has the requisite arm strength, size and leadership ability to make Pro Bowls, with the upside for more.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
6’4, 251 lbs
2025 Stats: 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 3 FF
This pick will come down to David Bailey or Arvell Reese. Production vs. potential. I went with Bailey here. The senior tied for the NCAA lead with 14 sacks, improving his sack total every season. He also showed out bigger than expected during the pre-draft process, calming worries that he might be too undersized to be an every down lineman. New York traded away most of its talented defenders, and needs to draft a sure thing.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
6’4, 241 lbs
2025 Stats: 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks
I believe the Cardinals will draft whichever pass rusher the Jets pass on. They would probably prefer David Bailey, but Arvell Reese has higher upside. The question is whether the Cardinals coaching staff will put him in position to get the best out of him. This is a team (different coaching staff, I know) that struggled to develop Isaiah Simmons, another elite talent without a clear position. Reese should be a full-time EDGE rusher at the next level, though.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
MLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
6’5, 244 lbs
2025 Stats: 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT
Jeremiyah Love is a fun idea, and a lot of mocks are trending that direction, but I do not think a team with as many holes as Tennessee can splurge for a running back in the top five. The defense is still in major need of playmakers. Do not count out Rueben Bain Jr. here, despite his less than fantastic measurables. I will go with Sonny Styles, who is a rare talent at linebacker. Like Arvell Reese, he started his career at a different position (safety), and that shows with his coverage ability. Styles could be the best talent in this class, and could transform the Titans defense.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
6’0, 212 lbs
2025 Stats: 199 carries, 1372 yards, 18 TD
The Giants added an additional first round pick by trading Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals. That would lessen the need to reach for an offensive lineman or cornerback here. Do not count out Jeremiyah Love here. Cam Skattebo looks like he is going to have a short shelf life, and Love is the rare running back prospect that can be a true three down, offensive centerpiece threat. New coach John Harbaugh would love to have a strong running game to lean on while Jaxson Dart continues to develop.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
6’2, 192 lbs
2025 Stats: 51 rec, 875 yards, 9 TD
I have had Monroe Freeling here for weeks, but receiver is another monster need for Cleveland. Whoever the Browns throw out there behind center will need someone taller than 6 foot to throw to. Carnell Tate did not blaze the combine, but his game is not built around speed. He is a strong route runner and tough receiver who can find the end zone. He is the only no-doubt WR1 in this class to me.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
6’0, 205 lbs
2025 Stats: 60 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack
Washington has once again been aggressive during free agency, adding t least seven new starters, including five on defense. They are in good position to splurge on who might be the best player in this class. Will Harris is not the type of player that will keep someone like Caleb Downs off the field. Downs is a complete safety prospect, and can even play nickel back in passing downs, something teams are asking more and more from their top safeties. Interesting note. This is four Ohio State players off the board within the first seven picks. How did they not win the championship, again?
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
6’0, 187 lbs
2025 Stats: 45 tackles, 2 INT
The Saints have started digging themselves out of the Grand Canyon-sized salary cap hole, and have used the limited money they have had to upgrade the offense around Tyler Shough. They have a need for another wide receiver, but with Carnell Tate off the board, they look to replace Marshon Lattimore, who they traded last year. Mansoor Delane is my top cornerback in this class. He is not the biggest, but is a strong all around threat, who can cover and make plays. He steadily improved every year in college, and really put it all together after transferring to LSU as a senior.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
6’2, 263 lbs
2025 Stats: 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT
This would be an easy choice for the Chiefs. They have struggled to find consistent pass rushers, and Rueben Bain Jr. may have been the most productive defender in this class. Much has been made about his unorthodox body type and short arms, but even if he tops out at about 8 sacks or so per year, his ability to also defend the run at a high level should ensure he is a full time, every down player.
10. New York Giants (from CIN (6-11))
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
6’1, 188 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
After using its first 2026 first round pick on offense, the Giants help out the defense here. Jermod McCoy missed the entire 2025 season, but scouts seem to think he has made a full recovery. He looked fantastic during his pro day, showed real playmaking potential as a 2024 sophomore, and this shallow class of truly impact cornerbacks should keep him the top half of the first round.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
6’6, 329 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
There are many reasons the Dolphins general manager was fired. Two players traded for first round picks, Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, were cut. Miami had three first round picks in 2020. Two of those players are no longer on the team, and the third, Austin Jackson, can no longer stay healthy and will likely be replaced. Francis Mauigoa is widely thought of as the top offensive lineman prospect in this class. He is versatile, able to play right tackle or guard, and is a top notch pass blocker. Teams rebuilding from scratch often start from the inside out, and Miami should follow suit.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
6’0, 201 lbs
2025 Stats: 82 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack
Dallas should go defense with both of its first round picks, no matter the position. Dillon Thineman was a one man wrecking crew for Purdue during his first two seasons, and mostly replicated his production on a much deeper Oregon team in 2025. He crushed the combine, most likely punching his ticket to a top 20 selection.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL (8-9))
WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
6’2, 201 lbs
2025 Stats: 61 rec, 711 yards, 8 TD
Wide receiver is a sneaky need for the Rams. Davante Adams is nearing his mid 30’s, and Puca Nacua has acted a bit crazy off the field, so drafting a top talent like Jordyn Tyson could make sense. Tyson may be the best route runner in this class. He is big, strong and cleaned up his drops as his career went on. A nagging injury has given scouts some pause, but he has the looks of a WR1 at the NFL level.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
OT Spencer Fano, Utah
6’6, 311 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Baltimore has had to replace all three of its interior lineman from 2025. John Simpson was brought in to play guard, but another, as well as center, is still needed. Like Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano may be a better fit inside. He is a great pass blocker, and could successfully pull of replacing Tyler Linderbaum at center if needed.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
6’3, 241 lbs
2025 Stats: 51 rec, 560 yards, 8 TD
Tampa Bay desperately needs pass rushing help, but I do not see any players worthy of a pick this high. The Buccaneers resigned Cade Otton, but he does not possess the upside of Kenyon Sadiq. Sadiq had one of the most impressive combines for any tight end ever, dropping an unthinkable 4.39 40 yard dash. He has good size, is a fantastic athlete, and could be a real end zone target for Baker Mayfield in Tampa. Replacing Mike Evans will be a team effort.
16. New York Jets (from IND (8-9))
WR Makai Lemon, USC
5’11, 192 lbs
2025 Stats: 79 rec, 1156 yards, 11 TD
Most of the Jets additions were on the defensive side of the ball. New York has plans for Adonai Mitchell, but it still needs to surround Garrett Wilson with more talent. Makai Lemon did not test at the combine, and has average size. However, he is quick, a solid route runner and has very good hands. He would be an ideal WR2 in this offense.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
6’7, 315 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
I have had Monroe Freeling as high as 6 overall in my mocks, so this would be good value for the Lions. They have to replace Taylor Decker, and Freeling’s addition would allow All Pro Penei Sewell to remain on the right side. Freeling is a project, but has ideal size and skills to hold down the left tackle spot in Detroit for the next decade.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
6’4, 201 lbs
2025 Stats: 77 tackles, 2 INT, 3 FF
Minnesota has needed help in the secondary for years, and that issue only grew after the release of franchise icon Harrison Smith. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would be the third safety off the board here. He has great size and ball skills, and if he played at Ohio State instead of Toledo, he would be a household name.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
6’0, 193 lbs
2025 Stats: 48 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 FF
The Panthers two big free agent additions were on defense, and I expect that to be the focus during the draft as well. Chris Johnson continues to ascend and looks like a first round lock, with teams always looking to load up on secondary depth. He has the size and ball skills necessary to succeed in the NFL.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB (9-7-1))
EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
6’3, 259 lbs
2025 Stats: 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 4 FF
Dallas had perhaps the worst defense in the NFL. If they want to seriously contend for Super Bowls, they cannot simply hope to win shootouts. Even though he will turn 25 during the 2026 season, Akheem Mesidor is a first round talent. Because of an injury riddled 2023 season, he spent six years in college, and racked up 34.5 sacks, topping out at 12.5 as a super duper senior. While there may not be much projection left, he should be able to step in right a way and produce for a team that needs all the defensive help it can get.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
6’4, 320 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The Steelers believe in their young guards, Spencer Anderson and Mason McCormick, but the opportunity to add the drafts most dominant interior lineman could be too tempting to pass up. Penn State was a mess in 2025, so it is easy to forget that they had a pair of 1,000 yard rushers in 2024, and guard Olaivavega Ioane was a big reason why.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
6’7, 352 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
After the Chargers lost both of their starting tackles early in the 2025 season, the offense did not stand a chance. Even if both make successful recoveries, more help is needed on the interior. Kadyn Proctor is a mammoth of a tackle prospect, who may have the most talent out of any lineman in this class. He was a former top recruit who struggled with consistency during his Alabama career. He could fit inside for Los Angeles, and could be an All Pro guard if developed properly.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
6’0, 199 lbs
2025 Stats: 67 rec, 913 yards, 13 TD
The Eagles and AJ Brown seem to be headed towards a divorce. They feel comfortable giving Devonta Smith more responsibility, and brought in Hollywood Brown, but Jalen Hurts needs multiple weapons to succeed. Omar Cooper Jr. may have had the catch of the 2025 College Football playoffs, and he was a huge reason Indiana hoisted the trophy. He is strong, experienced and has the look of a quality WR2.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX (13-4))
OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
6’6, 313 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
With two first round picks, offensive tackle and receiver look like the positions Cleveland will attack, in either order. They went with Carnell Tate early, and opt for Caleb Lomu, in hopes of landing its left tackle of the future. Lomu is quite raw, but has starting tackle qualities. Unlike several tackles in this class, he can play on the left side, but it might take him a while to get going.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
6’6, 262 lbs
2025 Stats: 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks
The Bears have spent multiple picks on its offense in recent years, and could go defense here, with the defensive line a priority. Zion Young had a very good combine, and might have worked his way into the first round. EDGE rushers always come off the board fast. Young is not a pure pass rusher, but is a very solid all around player, who could flirt with 6-8 sacks and provide solid run defense.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
MLB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
6’1, 231 lbs
2025 Stats: 128 tackles, 1 sack, 4 INT
Buffalo does not have a second round pick, so they could slightly reach for an inside linebacker to address depth concerns on the heels of a switch to a 3-4 defense. Jacob Rodriguez is an elite athlete and had an ultra-productive career, topping it off with back to back 127+ tackle seasons. While his position and archetype is more of a second to third round type, he should be a future starter.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
6’0, 196 lbs
2025 Stats: 61 rec, 919 yards, 9 TD
While wide receiver does not seem like the biggest need for the 49ers right now, Ricky Pearsall could be the only man standing on the depth chart 12 months from now. KC Concepcion’s great junior season for the Aggies helped shed that “slot receiver only” label he had at NC State. He is a shifty intermediate threat who can make tough catches over the middle and find the end zone.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
OT Blake Miller, Clemson
6’7, 317 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Houston signed Braden Smith, but his play has fallen off in recent years. That should not stop them from adding to the weakest position on the team. Blake Miller has a ton of experience and possesses the necessary skills to succeed at right tackle. He should take over for Smith in 2027, if not sooner.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR (12-5))
CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
5’11, 186 lbs
2025 Stats: 48 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 FF
Kansas City will likely use the pick acquired for Trent McDuffie to draft his replacement. Avieon Terrell is a tough, aggressive corner who plays like a linebacker. He had 3 sacks and 5 forced fumbles in 2025, numbers that Clemson teammate Peter Woods couldn’t come close to. He may struggle against bigger receivers, but has starting potential.
30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN (14-3))
WR Denzel Boston, Washington
6’4, 212 lbs
2025 Stats: 62 rec, 881 yards, 11 TD
If Miami wants Malik Willis to succeed, they are going to have to spend a first or second round pick on a receiver. Denzel Boston would be a nice safety blanket. He is a big receiver with a huge catch radius. He can also stretch the field on occasion and find the end zone.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
6’6, 276 lbs
2025 Stats: 29 tackles, 2 sacks
Keldric Faulk could be the type of player that could flourish in New England’s hybrid defense. He showed his potential with a 7 sack season as a sophomore, but could not build upon that as a junior. He has great size and could be a nice all around threat, as both a pass rusher and run defender.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
6’0, 193 lbs
2025 Stats: 50 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FF
As you would expect from the defending Super Bowl champions, Seattle’s roster is set up nicely. The Seahawks did add a few free agents, mostly to patch up the secondary, and they go that direction again with this draft pick. Colton Hood has had an interesting college career, with three stops, and his season at Tennessee transformed him into a possible day one pick. He has good size and could be the answer at CB2 opposite Devon Witherspoon.
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