The combine is in the books. I am putting together positional rankings for my final Madden NFL 26 2026 Draft Class, but in the mean time, a long awaited mock draft.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
6’5, 236 lbs
2025 Stats: 273-379, 3535 yards, 41 TD, 6 INT
Fernando Mendoza will be the first pick. The Raiders need a long term option at quarterback, and should not overthink this. 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 Arvell Reese, Ohio State
6’4, 241 lbs
2025 Stats: 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks
The Jets traded everything not nailed down, and with five first round picks in two years, expect the best player available here, with an eye on their quarterback of the future in 2027. After a great 2025 season, and dominating the combine, Arvell Reese would apply. I hope whoever drafts him finds his position and sticks to it. I think that should be an athletic, every down outside linebacker, who can rush the quarterback on passing downs and play linebacker early on. Reese would be a fantastic fit for a 4-3 defense , like the one New York runs.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
6’4, 251 lbs
2025 Stats: 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 3 FF
The Cardinals are moving on from Kyler Murray, have holes everywhere, and are going to start over from scratch. This is another best player available situation, with an eye on improving both lines. David Bailey may not be a true all around threat, but he is the best pass rusher in this class. He had 14.5 sacks as a senior, which raised his career total to 29 sacks for his four year career. His combine measurements showed that he was bigger and stronger than thought, and his testing showed a supreme athlete. He has all of the tools to lead the NFL in sacks on day.
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
The Titans traded for Jermaine Johnson, but they should not stop adding defensive help. It takes a rare talent for an off the ball linebacker to go in the top five, but Sonny Styles is special. He had one of the best all around seasons for any defender in 2025, and absolutely owned the combine. His speed and versatility for a 6’5, 244 pound human is hard to believe. Styles was a former safety turned linebacker, and it shows up in his tape. He is as good of a coverage linebacker than a tackler. The complete package, and one of the few players in this class that can be a true difference maker at the next level.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
6’0, 187 lbs
2025 Stats: 45 tackles, 2 INT
All of the talk has been about receiver and offensive line, but cornerback is also a big need for the Giants. Mansoor Delane may not have elite size, but he is one of the most technically sound cornerbacks to come along in years. He is big enough, is a great athlete and should be ready to step in and produce immediately. Interesting note, this is the fourth four year player to go in the top five of my mock.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
6’7, 315 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The Browns have to replace every single starter along its offensive line. They have already added a couple of new players, but this is a good spot for a long term tackle. Monroe Freeling is one of the biggest post-combine risers for me. He had a great showing, running a sub-5.0 40 yard dash. He also showed strong measurements, and his ability to play left tackle, unlike many other top prospects, moves him to the top for me. It may take him a while to get going, but he has potential that other offensive lineman in this group may not be able to match.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
6’2, 263 lbs
2025 Stats: 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT
There have been discussions about Rueben Bain’s mearuables, especially his smaller arms. Teams look for excuses to whittle down their draft boards, but Bain should not get past the Commanders. Washington has been struggling to replace Chase Young and Montez Sweat for years. Bain is a complete defensive end. He could flirt with double digit sacks during his prime, and is a top not run defender for his position. His body type may not look the prettiest, but I do not expect him to fall too far.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
6’0, 212 lbs
2025 Stats: 199 carries, 1372 yards, 18 TD
The Saints may have something with Tyler Shough. At the least, they are good enough to perhaps win the NFC South, the worst division in football, in 2026. That could make a pick like Jeremiyah Love make sense. Love is my favorite running back prospect since Saquon Barkley. He is strong, quick, can find the end zone and is a great receiver out of the back field. A rare true three down threat, he could replace franchise icon Alvin Kamara and become the centerpiece of the Saints offense.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
6’2, 192 lbs
2025 Stats: 51 rec, 875 yards, 9 TD
Not even the mighty Chiefs are immune to the rigors of the NFL. The Chiefs are still a Super Bowl threat when healthy, but years of neglecting the skill positions have caused the offense to suffer. Patrick Mahomes is not superhuman, so they need to give him some legitimate weapons to throw to. Carnell Tate only ran a 4.53 40 yard dash, but his game was never built around elite speed. He is a great route runner, who only dropped one pass last year. He may be more of a high end WR2 than an elite WR1, but would be the best receiver on the roster.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
6’0, 205 lbs
2025 Stats: 60 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack
Even though safeties are not usually taken in the top ten, Caleb Downs is too talented to pass up here. The Bengals defense lacks playmakers, depth and talent, and Downs can provide all of the above. He can play any position in the secondary, pick off passes and chase down ball carriers. Downs does not have elite size, but he is big enough, and the bust potential is pretty low. The Bengals need a sure thing.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
6’6, 329 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The Dolphins are starting over from scratch roster-wise. Other than running back, every position on the field should be on the board. Francis Mauigoa looks like as bust-proof as a prospect can be. He may be limited to right tackle or inside at guard, but he is a strong, fierce pass blocker. Patrick Paul is a keeper on one side of the line, and Mauigoa would be an asset, no matter where he lines up.
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. He crushed the combine, most likely punching his ticket to a top 20 selection. Nobody gave up more passing yards in the NFL than Dallas, and adding secondary help is vital.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL (8-9))
OT Spencer Fano, Utah
6’6, 311 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Even before Rob Havenstein’s retirement, offensive tackle was a key need. Fortunately for the Rams, several players had good combines, and a solid player should be available here. Like Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano may be limited to the right side as a pro, though he does have experience at left tackle. He is a fantastic run blocker, and agile enough to hold his own in pass protection. The Rams MVP is nearing 40 years old, so protecting him is key.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
6’7, 352 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
There was a reason Kadyn Proctor was a former five star recruit. He has rare talent for a man his size. He ran a 5.21 40 yard dash, weighing in at 352 pounds. The Ravens are looking for a long term option at left tackle and inside at guard. Proctor could be an All Pro guard, and would replace perhaps the only player larger than him in 400 pound Daniel Faalele
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 could lose Cade Otton and Mike Evans in free agency. The receiver group will still be solid, but Kenyon Sadiq would be a great replacement for Otton at tight end. 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.
16. New York Jets (from IND (8-9))
WR Makai Lemon, USC
5’11, 192 lbs
2025 Stats: 79 rec, 1156 yards, 11 TD
It was not a fantastic combine showing for the receiver group, and a former top ten option could be available for the Jets here. Rumors of Makai Lemon’s bad interviews are most likely nonsense, as usual. He did not run drills but remains a solid first round prospect. He is not the biggest, but has great ball skills and route running at all three levels. He could be an overqualified WR2 next to Garrett Wilson.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
6’3, 259 lbs
2025 Stats: 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 4 FF
The Lions desperately need pass rushing help opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Drafting a soon-to-be 25 year old in the top 20 might be the result of a bit of desperation, but Akheem Mesidor could be a good fit. 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 hoping to get back into Super Bowl contention.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
DT Peter Woods, Clemson
6’3, 298 lbs
2025 Stats: 30 tackles, 2 sacks
The Vikings are expected to release Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, which would leave them extremely thin along the defensive line. Despite a less than stellar junior year, Peter Woods remains my top defensive tackle in this class. He slimmed down a bit from his college days, weighing in at less than 300 pounds. That should be fine, as he would be a solid defensive end in Minnesota’s 3-4 front. His sophomore tape showed a talented pass rusher, and he should get back on track after escaping the mess that was 2025 Clemson football.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
MLB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
6’2, 238 lbs
2025 Stats: 70 tackles, 4 sack, 2 INT, 3 FF
The Panthers desperately need pass rush help, but the EDGE rushers here are more run stoppers than true pass rushers. A replacement for recently departed Shaq Thompson is also at the top of Carolina’s needs list. I have been a believer in Anthony Hill Jr. all season. He had a great combine, showing off his exceptional speed and agility. He is a bit undersized, but his measurements were better than I thought they would be. Hill Jr. is a playmaker, able to get after the quarterback as well as intercept the occasional pass. Carolina needs talent on defense, at all positions.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB (9-7-1))
EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
6’1, 235 lbs
2025 Stats: 29 tackles, 2 sacks
I chose not to mock Keldric Faulk to the several teams above that needed pass rushing help, because he is not a pure pass rusher. Faulk is quite talented, but may be more of an occasional sack guy who kicks inside on running downs. He is big and strong, but only had 2 sacks as a junior. His sophomore tape showed a better all around game, and he will be quite young during the season, so there is potential. Dallas needs defenders, plain and simple, and can afford to gamble on his upside here.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
6’2, 201 lbs
2025 Stats: 61 rec, 711 yards, 8 TD
Pittsburgh has cycled through quite a few players in hopes of finding a counterpart to DK Metcalf at receiver. If Jordyn Tyson is available, they should run to the podium. Tyson is a legitimate top ten talent, but an inconsistent junior year and subsequent combine might cause him to fall a bit. You can blame a lot of his 2025 issues on Sam Leavitt’s injury. At his best, Tyson is a strong, physical route runner and end zone target. Now, if only Pittsburgh can find that quarterback.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
6’4, 320 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
The Chargers lost both offensive tackles to season ending injuries early on, and Justin Herbert spent the rest of the season running for his life. Jim Harbaugh wants a dominating running game, so the interior of the line could get first round consideration, even after the two starting tackles return. Olaivavega Ioane is the best pure interior prospect in this class. Penn State was a mess in 2025, but the year prior, Ioane helped pave the way for a duo of 1,000 yard rushers. He should be an instant starter.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
6’3, 253 lbs
2025 Stats: 31 tackles, 11.5 sacks
Philadelphia traded for Jaelen Phillips, and Brandon Graham came out of retirement, in attempts to bolster a mediocre pass rush. Both players are upcoming free agents. Cashius Howell may be too small to be a true three down player, at least at first, but he should be a good fit for a team like the Eagles that like to employ a deep rotation of pass rushers. Howell had 11.5 sacks as a senior.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX (13-4))
WR Denzel Boston, Washington
6’4, 212 lbs
2025 Stats: 62 rec, 881 yards, 11 TD
With only one first round caliber quarterback in this class, the Browns should opt to fill out the rest of the offense with draft picks this year, and hope to find a long term option in 2027. The receiver group is full of 2’s and 3’s, and Denzel Boston would be a good pick. He is a huge target, but is still able to stretch the field. He may not put up huge stats, but should be a solid target for whatever quarterback is on the field.
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)
S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
6’4, 201 lbs
2025 Stats: 77 tackles, 2 INT, 3 FF
The Bills are transitioning to a 3-4 defense, and need reinforcements at all three levels. Cole Bishop looks like a keeper at one safety spot, but Taylor Rapp is no longer a starting option, and the other safeties on the roster are free agents.Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is the best non-Power 5 prospect in this class. He had a tremendous combine, and has the ability to stop the run like an extra linebacker, as well as pick off the occasional pass.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
6’0, 196 lbs
2025 Stats: 61 rec, 919 yards, 9 TD
The 49ers always seem to have beef with a player or two. This time it is Brandon Ayiuk, who will not be returning to the team in 2026. Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne are also free agents, so receiver is a huge need. KC Concepcion’s great junior season 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 Caleb Lomu, Utah
6’6, 313 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Houston won 9 games in a row to close out the 2025 regular season, thanks to perhaps the best defense in football. The offense needs help. Houston cannot draft new confidence for CJ Stroud, but they can address the offensive line. Caleb 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.
29. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
6’1, 188 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
I am quite wary f Jermod McCoy. Cornerbacks coming off of serious injuries tend to fall during the draft. But his 2024 tape showed a top ten talent, and big time playmaker. The Rams have two first round picks and a clear need at cornerback. This is an easy gamble. if McCoy can show his injury is behind him, Los Angeles just stole a CB1 at the end of the first round.
30. Denver Broncos (14-3)
DT Caleb Banks, Florida
6’6, 327 lbs
2025 Stats: 6 tackles
Caleb Banks was considered a first round prospect before injuries ruined his senior season. He reminded those of us why during the combine, showing off his impressive athleticism. He is back on the radar. The Broncos have one of the most balanced rosters in the NFL, but John Franklin-Myers is set to get paid this off-season, and Malcolm Roach could use some competition. Banks could play anywhere along Denver’s 3-4 front.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
6’4, 263 lbs
2025 Stats: 37 tackles, 5 sacks
K’Lavon Chaisson had a nice bounce back year in New England, and could cash in as a free agent elsewhere. The Patriots need a strong pass rusher. That is hard to come by this late in the first round, but T.J. Parker has the ability to get after the quarterback. He looked like a future top ten pick in 2024, but a lack of top notch athleticism did him in last year. Still, he should develop into a solid all around end, even if he never reaches those lofty expectations.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
5’11, 186 lbs
2025 Stats: 48 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 FF
Seattle has several free agents-to-be at cornerback, and could use someone to compliment Devon Witherspoon. 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 represents great value here.
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