Imagine putting a Christian McCaffrey-like playmaker into the Chiefs’ offense or adding an eventual All-Pro to the Cowboys’ defense. That’s the type of blockbuster talent I’m projecting in my first mock for the 2026 draft. This class isn’t heavy on quarterback prospects, but it’s loaded with impact players who can contribute immediately. Let’s assign new destinations for the top prospects.
1. Seattle Seahawks — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Pete Carroll’s first year back didn’t go well offensively, and Geno Smith didn’t solve the team’s problems. My top pick is Fernando Mendoza, who had a standout season at Indiana. He showed accuracy, ran a scheme with pro-style concepts, and consistently made big plays when it mattered — using both his arm and legs in pressure moments. If Seattle wants to turn things around, Mendoza fits the profile of the quarterback they need.
2. New York Jets — Abel Reese, OLB, Ohio State
At No. 2 the board gets very intriguing. The Jets could use a quarterback like Ty Simpson, but they also need help across the roster after major turnover. Reese is a versatile, explosive defender who bends and flashes elite athleticism — a player who could evolve into a dominant edge presence much like Micah Parsons did from college to the NFL.
3. Arizona Cardinals — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
New coach Mike LaFleur must still sort out the quarterback situation, but Arizona’s offensive line also needs major work after ranking near the bottom in sacks allowed. Mauigoa is my top tackle in this class: he imposed his will against all competition and was strong in the CFP, allowing virtually no pressure on the quarterback.
4. Tennessee Titans — Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
I’m a believer in building around young quarterbacks, but the Titans’ new staff needs reliable pass rushers. Bain shows impressive athleticism and playmaking ability — arm length debates aside, his tape and production make him a disruptive force who can wreck plays across the line of scrimmage.
5. New York Giants — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Giants have specific roster ideas under their staff, but they also need help at receiver, especially with Malik Nabors returning from a torn ACL. Tate, who often played in the shadow of Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, broke out last season with consistent separation and contested-catch ability — the kind of downfield target Jackson Dart benefits from.
(Next selections)
This offense needs talent across multiple positions; adding a high-end offensive lineman among the first 15–20 picks would help. Fano, who played both left and right tackle at Utah, projects as one of the best linemen in this class and could give teams the flexibility to plug him on either side depending on need.
A team that surrendered the most passing yards last season could use this class’s top corner. Delane ranks as my top corner and would be a natural fit for a defense desperate to shore up coverage.
New Orleans faces choices on how to build around their young quarterback. Jeremiah Love has upside as a QB option, but I instead project Makai Lemon as a high-impact wide receiver: he plays incredibly well in space and over the middle, demonstrating strong instincts developed during his time at USC.
Adding a dynamic runner like Jeremiah Love would also excite teams like Kansas City. Pairing a back with Jahmil Gibbs-type speed and a Christian McCaffrey-like versatile skill set beside Patrick Mahomes would reshape that offense — and with Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt potentially hitting free agency, the Chiefs could pivot to a more explosive backfield.
10. Cincinnati Bengals — (edge help)
If the picks unfold this way, Cincinnati would be thrilled and might even jump up the board to add an edge rusher. With Trey Hendrickson possibly in free agency and the defense struggling last season, the Bengals need playmakers to rebuild their front seven.
11. Miami Dolphins — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
New head coach Jeff Hafley steps into a secondary that allowed too many completions last season. McCoy, who missed time with an ACL tear, would have been near the top of my corner rankings if healthy — when on the field he’s outstanding, and Hafley historically values multiple strong coverage corners.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Dallas’ defense has talent but remains short at several spots. Downs is a safe, high-floor prospect with All-Pro upside — a true Swiss Army Knife who can play in the box, cover the slot, blitz, and diagnose plays in the middle of the field. He’s more highly rated than his draft slot here suggests, but position value will likely impact his placement.
13. Los Angeles Rams — (interior protection)
If the Rams miss on a pure offensive weapon, an excellent alternative is upgrading protection for Matthew Stafford. Ioane projects as a stout interior lineman who hasn’t surrendered a sack over the past two seasons and could be the best interior tackle in this class.
14. Baltimore Ravens — Cassius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
New defensive coordinator Jesse Minter favors a physical edge presence, and Baltimore needs pass-rush help after ranking low in sacks. Howell produced at a high level last year, registering 11.5 sacks in 13 games and providing the kind of consistent pressure the Ravens crave.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — (inside linebacker) — Stiles, Ohio State
With Lavonte David aging and a free agent, the Bucs will look to replace his role. Stiles, who started his college career at safety before converting to linebacker due to his 6-foot-5 frame, is the top inside linebacker in this class — experienced, rangy, and just 21 years old.
16. New York Jets (from Colts) — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Jets still have many roster holes and might delay making a big quarterback move. However, after a season with no interceptions, adding a corner who can make plays is essential — Hood represents a physical, well-rounded option in the secondary.
17. Detroit Lions — Acheem Messidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Aidan Hutchinson draws heavy attention from offenses; pairing him with a stout edge partner is wise. Messidor brings size and power (around 280 pounds) and could provide a complementary force opposite Hutchinson despite being an older rookie.
18. Minnesota Vikings — Emanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
After recent front-office upheaval and the possible retirement of Harrison Smith, the Vikings need safety help. McNeil-Warren stood out among Group of Five prospects with a knack for turnovers — multiple forced fumbles and interceptions underline his playmaking profile.
19. Carolina Panthers — (offensive tackle) — Proctor
Carolina’s tackles were hit hard by injuries last season; replacements are needed. Proctor is a big, well-regarded lineman who has been on teams’ radars since high school and fits what the Panthers need up front.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay) — Keldric Folk, EDGE, Auburn
With two first-round picks the Cowboys can double down on defense. Folk is an explosive, versatile pass rusher who could help fill the void left by Micah Parsons’ departure and substantially improve Dallas’ front.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Ty Simpson, QB
The Steelers opted not to draft a quarterback last year and later signed Aaron Rodgers, but the team clearly needs a long-term solution under center. Simpson may lack ideal size, but he confidently makes all the throws, shows anticipation and touch on downfield passes, and has proven he can win big games.
22. (Interior defensive lineman) — Hunter
Teams that value a wide front and run-stopping interior play — like Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy — will gravitate to a powerful interior prospect. Hunter delivered a strong Senior Bowl and playoff performance, showcasing interior strength and play disruption.
23. Philadelphia Eagles — Saddiq, TE
The Eagles finished with limited red-zone touchdown distribution last year, and tight end Dallas Goedert’s free agency creates an opening. Saddiq is the best tight end in this class: a smooth pass-catcher who also grades out well as a run-blocker, allowing Philadelphia to redistribute resources and retain athleticism.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville) — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Browns can use a second top pick to bolster the offense. Tyson provides outside speed and would form an intriguing pairing with Shedeur Sanders, bringing maturity and a polished skill set after transferring from Colorado.
25. Chicago Bears — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Chicago’s recent draft strategy has emphasized skill and upside; now the interior needs attention. McDonald was a powerful interior presence at Ohio State who consistently played with effort and helped his unit run a complex defensive scheme effectively.
26. Buffalo Bills — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Buffalo needs more explosive playmakers on the outside to help Josh Allen and also must shore up the run defense. Boston impressed on tape with body control and athleticism, giving him the profile of a reliable vertical target.
27. San Francisco 49ers — Lomu, OT, Utah
With Trent Williams advancing in age, the 49ers need depth and a successor plan at tackle. Lomu logged significant left-tackle reps at Utah and could slide into a starting role in due time.
28. Houston Texans — Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Houston’s defense is already strong, so the offense must continue to improve. Miller brings durability and experience — he started all 54 games of his college career and offers a steady presence on the line.
29. Los Angeles Rams — Avion Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Rams will lose cornerbacks to free agency and could use a top-tier coverage piece. Terrell, despite Clemson’s overall struggles, remains an All-American-caliber corner who can play outside immediately.
30. Denver Broncos — Allen, LB, Georgia
As the first round winds down teams address positional needs like linebacker. Allen is a veteran starter and a former All-American and Butkus Award finalist whose Georgia pedigree suggests NFL readiness.
31. New England Patriots — Parker, EDGE
New England could use more pass-rush juice and also help at receiver, but the pass rush remains a priority. Parker entered the season as a top-10 projected prospect, and although his stock dipped, he still offers strong upside as a pass rusher.
32. Seattle Seahawks — Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Seattle will likely lose defensive backs to free agency and should prioritize the secondary. Cisse is explosive and talented, and with coaching he could become a reliable contributor to an already stout defense.
Fan Take: This mock shows how deep the 2026 class is in impact non-quarterback talent — a single draft could reshape multiple rosters immediately. For NFL fans, that means a potentially fast turnaround for struggling teams and fresh storylines next season as young stars are plugged into key roles.
