2026 NFL mock draft: Early predictions for first-round picks
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Matt Miller
We’re a great distance from the 2026 NFL draft — the 2025 school soccer season is almost two months away, in any case — but it surely’s by no means too early to begin breaking down movie of the highest prospects within the upcoming class. Primarily based off that movie and conversations I’ve had with scouts and expertise evaluators all through the league, I am doing an early projection of all 32 picks in subsequent yr’s draft.
The 1-32 order for this mock draft comes from ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index, which makes use of 1000’s of simulations to foretell the 2025 NFL season. FPI proper now has the Cleveland Browns within the No. 1 spot, considered one of their two first-round picks. The Browns aren’t alone in having a number of Spherical 1 picks, because the Los Angeles Rams can even have two alternatives. In fact, rather a lot will change between now and when the 2026 draft begins subsequent April in Pittsburgh. Prospects will transfer round draft boards, and a few of these gamers will in the end return to highschool for one more yr. One participant you’ll not see on this mock draft is Texas quarterback Arch Manning; I nonetheless suppose he’ll keep in school for the 2026 season.
We’ve a complete season of sport tape forward of us — and I admittedly have not watched a ton on everybody simply but. So that is an early look meant to determine how issues stand proper now. Let’s dive in with Cleveland. (Observe: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.)
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
Spending two picks on quarterbacks in 2025 — Dillon Gabriel (third spherical) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth spherical) — should not stop the Browns from on the lookout for a long-term passer right here. Klubnik enters the season as my No. 1 QB. In 2024, he threw for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, highlighted by a gutsy efficiency towards Texas within the School Soccer Playoff (336 passing yards, three TDs, one INT). Klubnik jogs my memory of Baker Mayfield — whom Cleveland chosen with the No. 1 choose in 2018 — by way of arm power, mobility and playmaking consciousness.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
Mauigoa enters his third school season as a participant on the rise. After permitting 5 sacks throughout his true freshman season in 2023, the 6-foot-6, 315-pound proper deal with did not permit a sack final season and drew solely three penalties. Mauigoa is finest as a run blocker in a zone scheme, with fast toes and the agility to get to the second stage. He’d function a substitute for disappointing 2022 first-rounder Evan Neal and be part of a youthful offense which additionally options 2025 first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart, star second-year receiver Malik Nabers and rising working again Tyrone Tracy Jr.
T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson*
Tennessee has lengthy wanted a premier edge rusher, and Parker is certainly that. Not solely did the 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior have 11 sacks final season, however he additionally compelled six fumbles. He could be a really perfect match within the Titans’ 3-4 base protection due to his capacity to play in house and rush from a number of alignments. His quickness off the nook is the most effective within the class when watching final season’s tape. Whereas the Titans might use offensive assist, Parker is the defensive menace they want.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*
The Jets might search for a receiver to assist Garrett Wilson, however there’s not one who’s prone to be picked this excessive proper now. As an alternative, defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn would get a real, three-down difference-maker. Hill was a stat-sheet filler in 2024, posting 113 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 compelled fumbles and a 32-yard pick-six. His vary in protection and blitzing capacity reminds of Fred Warner, however at 6-foot-3, 235 kilos, Hill might get the Micah Parsons remedy and transfer to an edge rusher position. That makes him the uncommon linebacker worthy of a top-five choose.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
Safeties normally get pushed down the board, however Downs is completely different. The 6-foot, 205-pounder is my No. 1 total participant due to his vary, versatility and confirmed playmaker DNA. Downs has 4 interceptions in his two school seasons whereas displaying the talents to play within the field or man middle subject as a deep security. He is routinely utilized as an eraser towards no matter offenses do finest. The Saints want good soccer gamers all through their roster, and there isn’t any higher one on this class than Downs.
3:31
How Caleb Downs developed his soccer IQ at a younger age
Ohio State security Caleb Downs discusses how he took his sport to the subsequent stage by honing his soccer IQ in each typical and unconventional means.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
The Panthers bucked typical knowledge with their 2025 first-rounder, eschewing a protection that completed final in EPA for large receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 choose. They did add edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2, so now it is time for them to get defensive deal with Derrick Brown some assist. That is the place the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Woods is available in. He posted three sacks and 17 pressures in 11 video games this season, and his quickness and leverage could be a welcome slot in Carolina’s revamped protection.
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*
Seven of the Raiders’ 11 picks in 2025 got here on offense, together with 5 of the primary six. So it is time to choose up a protection that has to face Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix twice per season. Las Vegas wants to seek out Maxx Crosby assistance on the sting, and Bain’s speed-to-power capacity might give it that Crosby complement. Bain has 11 sacks in his two school seasons, utilizing his size to create house he can crash via together with his trademark energy. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Bain has the construct and instruments to make a direct influence from the left edge.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
Upside is intriguing when devising summer season mock drafts, and Tyson has the potential to rise into the highest 10. At 6-foot-1, 195 kilos, he jogs my memory of Jaxon Smith-Njigba together with his route-running capacity and poise in house whereas effortlessly transferring via a route tree. Tyson broke out in 2024, catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. However drops are an issue, with eight approaching 114 targets. If he cleans that up, Tyson has the pace and route method to be a top-10 choose and a chief goal for younger Patriots QB Drake Maye, who has proven franchise potential.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
With two first-rounders within the 2026 draft, the Rams have loads of flexibility. Proctor would already be one of many NFL’s strongest gamers upon coming into the league, because the 6-foot-7, 370-pounder performs with physicality and a imply streak that’s not possible for defenders to deal with when he is locked in. However Proctor is not at all times on his A-game and may run hot-and-cold. The Rams are on the lookout for an inheritor obvious to Rob Havenstein at proper deal with and Proctor has extra potential than any lineman on this class … if he can enhance his consistency.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
It was stunning that the Seahawks waited till Spherical 7 to draft a deal with in 2025, contemplating that Abraham Lucas‘ accidents have created instability at proper deal with. If that continues, Seattle might go together with a deal with very early in 2026. Fano has performed each left and proper deal with at Utah, however his dimension (6-foot-5, 304 kilos) has some scouts projecting him as an NFL guard. Fano enters 2025 as one of many nation’s finest linemen after permitting one sack in 2024, and his motion capacity and understanding of angles and leverage make him a really perfect NFL proper deal with.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Anthony Richardson‘s accidents and lack of growth led to the Colts signing Daniel Jones this offseason. Barring main enchancment from Richardson (or a breakthrough by Jones), Indianapolis might be looking for a quarterback. Nussmeier confirmed flashes in his first season as a starter, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, Garrett performs with fireplace and power and is not afraid to take probabilities. If he cuts down on his interceptions, Nussmeier has the rate, accuracy and playmaking capacity to maneuver up draft boards.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
With proper deal with Jack Conklin slowing down and unproven Dawand Jones set to begin at left deal with, it was a bit stunning that the Browns punted on the place within the 2025 draft. However 2026 seems to be deeper in true left deal with prospects, and Lomu is a participant with appreciable progress potential. He carried out effectively as a redshirt freshman, permitting three sacks and committing one penalty. Lomu ought to get away additional in 2025, together with his simple motion capacity within the run sport and fast response time in move safety. Whereas Lomu is not presently OT1, he has top-five potential if he expands on what he confirmed final season.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
The Cowboys enter the season nonetheless needing to signal Micah Parsons to a long-term extension. Whereas they signed Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason, Dallas wants extra on the sting after passing on the place within the 2025 draft. At 6-foot-6, 288 kilos, Faulk is a flexible participant who can play alongside the defensive position, from 3-technique to a real exterior edge. He can generate stress from inside and outside, as evidenced by his 24 edge pressures and 5 inside pressures final season. Faulk’s dimension and power could be enjoyable to pair with Parsons’ pace.
Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson*
The Cardinals received wonderful worth early within the 2025 draft, getting defensive deal with Walter Nolen III and cornerback Will Johnson later than every participant was anticipated to go. However receiver remains to be an space of concern reverse 2024 first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr. Williams is my present WR1 after a 75-catch, 11-touchdown season as a sophomore in 2024. At 5-foot-11, 190 kilos, Williams is a fast shifty wideout who has the power to play exterior and within the slot. That will make him a really perfect complement to the larger Harrison.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
There are some questions on McCoy’s standing to begin the season after he tore an ACL in January throughout offseason coaching, however there isn’t any query about his tape. The 6-foot, 193-pound nook has six profession interceptions and emerged as a real No. 1 CB final season. He has the size, peak and pace to run with NFL-caliber wideouts and the ball expertise to flip the sector. He is my CB1 so long as he recovers and stays wholesome. The Dolphins want a succesful exterior cornerback — particularly after buying and selling Jalen Ramsey to the Steelers on Monday.
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina*
Aaron Rodgers finally signed with the Steelers, however all indicators point out it is a one-year association, which makes quarterback Pittsburgh’s offseason focus once more in 2026. Sellers is likely one of the nation’s most enjoyable prospects, as he threw for 18 touchdowns to seven interceptions final season whereas dashing for 674 yards and 7 scores. The 6-foot-3, 242-pounder is huge, sturdy and cellular and could possibly be picked means earlier than this if he cleans up some decision-making errors. With two years of eligibility following subsequent season, Sellers is not any lock to be within the draft, however his potential excites evaluators.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
The Bears had been rumored to be inquisitive about Ashton Jeanty had he fallen to them within the 2025 draft, so maybe 2026 is once they’ll get a working again. Love was among the finest working backs within the nation final season as a sophomore, dashing for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s a bruising runner at 6-foot and 206 kilos however may also break off huge performs — see his 98-yard TD towards Indiana within the first spherical of the playoffs — and shake tacklers in house. That, plus his receiving expertise, makes him the proper characteristic again for new coach Ben Johnson’s offense.
Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama
Whereas the Vikings bolstered their offensive line in Spherical 1 in 2025 with guard Donovan Jackson, they had been linked to many inside defenders throughout the predraft course of and made a run at Milton Williams in free company. So defensive deal with is a necessity, and the 6-foot-2, 326-pound Keenan is a bodily, tough-nosed anchor with the prototypical nostril deal with construct. He has some pass-rush capacity (2.5 sacks final season), however Keenan’s power towards the run and on-field management have scouts discussing him as a possible first-rounder.
LT Overton, Edge, Alabama
When the Packers broke their 20-plus-year first-round receiver drought by deciding on Matthew Golden in 2025, they bypassed a necessity on the sting. So edge rush assist must be a precedence for Inexperienced Bay in 2026, and Overton suits what Packers GM Brian Gutekunst likes on the place. The 6-foot-5, 283-pounder is huge, lengthy and versatile and sure would have been a top-50 choose had he entered the 2025 draft. However he returned to Bama to develop his sport, refine his pass-rush strikes to raised match his speed-to-power flashes and enhance on the 2 sacks he had in 2024.
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Sean Payton has been vocal about eager to diversify the Broncos’ passing sport, most notably including hybrid gamers he calls “jokers.” He signed one in veteran tight finish Evan Engram and drafted one other in working again RJ Harvey however is on the lookout for extra. Stowers is my TE1 and is anticipated to interrupt out much more after catching 49 passes for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns final season. He is extra of a slot tight finish at 6-foot-4, 225 kilos, resembling Engram. Stowers would function a youthful model of Engram with better upside, although.
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Diego Pavia finds Eli Stowers for Vanderbilt TD
Diego Pavia throws a pleasant move to Eli Stowers to increase Vanderbilt’s lead vs. Georgia Tech.
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
The Texans went via an enormous offensive line overhaul after surrendering 52 sacks in 2024, buying and selling left deal with Laremy Tunsil, signing a number of free brokers and deciding on deal with Aireontae Ersery in Spherical 2 of the previous draft. However the work find higher safety for C.J. Stroud is much from over. The 6-foot-6, 314-pound Barber began 12 video games at left deal with final season, displaying pro-level beginning upside due to environment friendly hand placement in move safety and perfect quickness for zone working schemes.
Patrick Payton, Edge, LSU
Payton has been on scouts’ radar since 2022, flashing as a freshman at Florida State earlier than compiling seven sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore in 2023. He struggled together with the remainder of the Seminoles in 2024, together with his sack whole falling to 4. He’ll look to regain his first-round standing at LSU in 2025. If he does, Payton could be an intriguing match for the Buccaneers, as his quickness and pace off the sting could be a really perfect match to the ability that defensive tackles Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey possess.
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Many thought the 49ers would draft the eventual successor to All-Professional left deal with Trent Williams, who turns 37 in July. However San Francisco handed on tackles within the 2025 draft, in order that want nonetheless exists. World transferred to Oregon after dominating at Nevada, and the 6-foot-8, 310-pounder has all-world potential together with his elite attain, elite agility and expertise. The 49ers have to get youthful at core positions, and left deal with must be atop their want listing.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*
Line of defense might turn out to be the No. 1 want if the Bengals cannot resolve the Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart contract conditions. However assuming cooler heads prevail, Cincinnati ought to focus on its secondary. The Bengals have a number of younger cornerbacks in Cam Taylor-Britt, DJ Turner II and Dax Hill, however they have been held again by accidents and inconsistency. Terrell, the youthful brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell, had two interceptions and broke up 13 passes final season. His versatility, pace and manufacturing level to him being a worth add late in Spherical 1.
A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State*
The Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore final season and picked Trey Amos in Spherical 2 of the 2025 draft however nonetheless have a necessity at nook, particularly when contemplating Lattimore’s age and damage historical past. At 6-foot-1, 190 kilos, Harris has the size Dan Quinn loves in his corners. Harris has proven ball-hawking expertise and likes to press and jam receivers. He is nonetheless a bit inexperienced, having began just one season, however final season’s tape — together with Penn State’s monitor file in creating defenders — makes Harris one of the crucial promising corners within the nation.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*
Generally while you’re watching movie, a participant jumps out as an ideal match for an NFL scheme or coach. That is what Allen is with Jim Harbaugh, because the 6-foot-1, 235-pounder suits the mildew of linebackers that Harbaugh had with the 49ers and what he recruited at Michigan. Allen crashes dashing lanes with energy whereas displaying the agility to excel in move protection. He is protected by Georgia’s top-tier defensive position, however Allen’s read-and-react capacity makes him an excellent wager to be a direct NFL starter.
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
With Matthew Stafford coming into his age-37 season, this is able to be a great place for the Rams to select his eventual successor. Allar is a big-armed quarterback with good mobility for his dimension (6-foot-5, 238 kilos), however he hasn’t fairly put all of it collectively. He has the arm to make any throw and may escape crowded pockets however goes via chilly stretches the place his decision-making and accuracy drop off. His growth in 2024, by which he elevated his completion proportion from 59.9% to 66.5%, is encouraging and means that extra enchancment is on the way in which.
D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana*
The Ravens added two short-term cornerback choices in veterans Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, however they want a long-term resolution. Ponds initiatives as a slot nook due to his 5-foot-9, 170-pound body, however he is a feisty cowl man with ball expertise (5 profession interceptions) and the quickness to match up with inside receivers. Having him be part of a pair of younger safeties in 24-year-old All-Professional Kyle Hamilton and 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks would give Baltimore a fierce group of youthful playmakers.
Tyreak Sapp, Edge, Florida
Surprisingly, the Lions selected to not draft an edge rusher to assist Aidan Hutchinson — particularly contemplating the star move rusher is coming back from a season-ending leg damage. Sapp is coming off a career-best seven sacks final season and has the perfect power at 6-foot-3, 272 kilos to stack up towards the run whereas additionally displaying the quickness to win together with his first step. Including Sapp to Hutchinson, defensive deal with Alim McNeill and 2025 first-round defensive deal with Tyleik Williams would give Detroit one heck of a defensive entrance.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon*
The upcoming season might be key for younger Chiefs safeties Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner, who’ve every proven promise however have not emerged as constant starters. That might open the door for Kansas Metropolis to pick out Thieneman, who intercepted six passes at Purdue in 2023 and racked up 104 tackles final season. He transferred to Oregon, the place he’ll be capable to play each deep and field security in Dan Lanning’s pro-style protection. His dimension (6-foot, 207 kilos) and playmaking instincts ought to permit him to thrive with the Geese.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington*
The Eagles have thrived on discovering top-20 gamers who slip via the cracks. Boston might match that mildew, because the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder had 63 catches, 834 yards and 9 touchdowns final season. His bodily, above-the-rim fashion is rather a lot like Tetairoa McMillan’s fashion. Philadelphia has two bona fide star receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, however there is not a lot behind them. With Brown coming into his age-28 season, it is price taking a younger receiver like Boston for three-wide units now and to finally exchange Brown later.
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Buffalo has had strong inside line play in Josh Allen‘s tenure as a beginning quarterback, however this is able to be an excellent place for the Payments to replenish with a starting-caliber participant. Slaughter did not permit a sack final season and was penalized solely twice. He is already pro-sized at 6-foot-5, 308 kilos and is a clear move protector with power, quickness and nice consciousness. Slaughter has the athletic profile to play guard or middle within the NFL at a excessive stage.
