2026 NFL mock draft: Reid’s predictions on first-round picks
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Jordan Reid
The 2025 school soccer season has absolutely entered convention play, and we’re precisely one-third of the way in which via the 2025 NFL season. Meaning it is an ideal time to check out the 2026 NFL draft and forecast the primary 32 picks.
Remember the fact that there’s loads of time between now and the beginning of the draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh. Past a number of months of soccer nonetheless forward, some gamers may determine to move again to highschool, whereas others may surprisingly declare early. We even have predraft occasions equivalent to all-star video games and the mix, which can shake up boards. And each group’s wants will proceed evolving as they transfer towards the upcoming offseason.
Our draft order for this mock draft relies on the standings as of right now. Three groups have a number of picks: the Rams (from the Falcons), the Browns (from the Jaguars) and the Cowboys (from the Packers).
Listed here are my projections for all 32 first-round picks in 2026, beginning with the Jets searching for one other quarterback. (Underclassmen are famous with an asterisk.)
See extra:
QB Scorching Board | Place rankings
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*
The Jets are 0-6, and their offense is among the many NFL’s worst. Justin Fields hasn’t labored out up to now, and New York wants greater than only a franchise quarterback. It wants a jolt of optimism. Mendoza is a decisive pocket passer who has impressed this season after transferring to Indiana from Cal, throwing 17 landing passes to 2 interceptions with a QBR of 84.2 that ranks seventh within the FBS. His capability to throw exact, on-time passes fits a Jets offense that’s predicated on timing and accuracy.
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*
The Ravens’ 1-5 begin has been one of many NFL’s greatest surprises, and a protection that has taken a large step backward is likely one of the predominant culprits. Baltimore desperately wants somebody who can generate stress up entrance, and Bain has a robust argument for being one of the best defensive lineman within the nation. He’s a flexible 6-foot-3, 275-pound defender who can play a number of alignments, and his 24 pressures at edge is eighth within the FBS. His hand energy and knockback power would instantly enhance a Ravens protection that wants playmakers.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
Moore was surging up draft boards previous to an underwhelming efficiency towards Indiana, however he’s a relaxed distributor with the arm power to get the ball to all three ranges of the sector. His 72% completion proportion ranks ninth within the FBS. Moore has solely 11 profession begins, however he’s primed to be close to the highest of a QB class full of query marks. The Browns have loads of questions of their very own underneath middle, as rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders have not established themselves as long-term choices.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
The Titans took care of the quarterback want within the 2025 draft by selecting Cam Ward, however they nonetheless have a ton of wants round him and on the opposite facet of the ball in 2026. Edge rusher is close to the highest of the checklist, and the 6-6, 270-pound Faulk is an NFL-ready run defender who continues to indicate flashes as a move rusher. He has two sacks this season and had seven as a sophomore in 2024. Tennessee, which will likely be bringing in a brand new coach within the offseason, has to search out some difference-makers.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
QB or no QB? That will likely be a relentless draft-related query for the Dolphins between now and April. They may half methods with Tua Tagovailoa, just like what the Broncos did in 2024, when Denver minimize Russell Wilson and drafted Bo Nix. In spite of everything, Miami is tied for the third-most interceptions (seven). However with Mendoza and Moore off the board right here, we’ll take one of many prime defensive gamers with this decide. The Dolphins desperately want secondary assist, and Downs would offer a constructing block on the again finish alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State*
Saints common supervisor Mickey Loomis likes to handle the trenches in Spherical 1, particularly when selecting within the prime 10. Reese is likely one of the greatest prospects no matter place, and there will likely be debates on whether or not he is greatest suited as an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker on the subsequent stage. The Saints want assist in each areas, and Reese is a flexible recreation wrecker to the purpose the place he — not Downs — is likely to be the primary Buckeyes participant drafted. I like the thought of him in the midst of that New Orleans protection.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
Jaxson Dart is displaying indicators of being the Giants’ subsequent franchise QB, so New York ought to assist him by stocking up on playmakers. With Malik Nabers anticipated to get better absolutely from a torn proper ACL in time for the 2026 season, drafting Tyson would give Dart one other safety blanket and a potent one-two punch at extensive receiver. Tyson has 47 catches for 523 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. It was tempting to go along with one of many proper tackles (Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa) right here to fill that gap, however finally I made a decision on Tyson.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
With Jonah Williams scheduled to turn into a free agent after the season, the Cardinals must discover a younger, long-term resolution at proper deal with. Fano is a punishing run blocker who generates motion with ease. He has allowed solely two pressures all season and is an especially efficient, quick-footed move protector who can mirror edge rushers. Fano and Paris Johnson Jr. may function a gifted pair of bookends for that Arizona line.
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina*
Geno Smith hasn’t labored out to this point in Las Vegas, as the brand new Raiders QB has thrown a league-high 10 interceptions and ranks twenty eighth in QBR (38.2). Vegas could possibly be on the hunt for an additional signal-caller, and the 6-3, 240-pound Sellers is intriguing. The talent set is superior. However there are combined opinions on Sellers, who has struggled in South Carolina’s disappointing offense. He hasn’t performed Spherical 1-caliber ball in 2025, however as an NFC assistant GM advised me, “The traits will persuade somebody to take him early.” If that is the Raiders, they will want to indicate persistence.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
The Bengals may handle their offensive line right here, however Woods would offer a penetrating presence in the midst of the protection, too. Cincinnati took edge rusher Shemar Stewart within the first spherical of the 2025 draft, and Woods may pair with him as a difference-maker on the within because the Bengals construct towards the long run. Woods has solely 0.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss this season, however his high-end traits ought to translate into an affect participant on the subsequent stage.
Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami*
The Texans’ offensive line points are well-documented, and so they want a expertise infusion. Mauigoa is a robust, reliable protector, however there are various opinions on the place he’ll play within the NFL. Some scouts assume he is greatest suited as a guard, however others peg him as a real proper deal with, the place his 0.7% pressures allowed proportion ranks seventh within the FBS. Houston wants assist throughout the entrance, although, so Mauigoa would offer a lift irrespective of the place he performs.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Bailey has been a pressure off the sting this season, and he leads the FBS with a 24.6% stress price to go together with 8.5 sacks, that are tied for first. He is a continuing disruptor who can win with pace or energy. And with Micah Parsons now in Inexperienced Bay, the Cowboys want a potent pass-rushing presence exterior, which Bailey may present. Dallas’ 11 sacks are tied for twenty second within the NFL, and that protection is giving up 6.2 yards per play, which ranks thirtieth.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Delane is one of the best cornerback within the 2026 draft and would match properly with a Panthers secondary that enables opposing quarterbacks a QBR of 63.7, sixth-worst within the NFL. Delane has excelled since transferring from Virginia Tech; opponents are finishing simply 24.0% of their passes into his protection this season, sixth greatest within the FBS. He can mirror and match receivers in man protection, and his consciousness of passing ideas additionally makes him efficient in zone protection.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
The Chiefs have struggled to discover a constant playmaker within the operating recreation, contemplating quarterback Patrick Mahomes is their main rusher via six video games (222 yards). That is not sustainable. Love would give Kansas Metropolis a Jahmyr Gibbs-like participant along with his explosiveness, burst and make-you-miss capability. Like Gibbs, Love can even present creativity as a pass-catching possibility out of the backfield.
6:00
Jeremiyah Love’s Story
Jeremiyah Love’s success has come from actually embracing who he’s.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*
A pass-catching tight finish is close to the highest of the Commanders’ wants, with Zach Ertz turning 35 subsequent month and on an expiring contract. Sadiq can be an interesting successor, offering Jayden Daniels with versatility within the passing recreation and serving as a reliable run blocker. Sadiq is younger — he does not flip 21 till March — however he has continued to enhance in his first season as a starter. He has three TDs this season.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*
The Vikings have been higher at cornerback than anticipated, with Byron Murphy Jr. and free agent hit Isaiah Rodgers standing out. However they’re nonetheless missing long-term options on the surface. Terrell — the youthful brother of veteran Falcons nook A.J. Terrell Jr. — is a troublesome prospect with a capability to make performs on the ball. He can be a welcome addition to Brian Flores’ protection. Terrell has 24 move breakups and three interceptions over three seasons.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson*
The Bears have struggled to generate a move rush this season, as their group move rush win price of 28.2% is thirtieth within the NFL. They want impactful rushers off the sting, and Parker is a power-based rusher with robust palms and a great preliminary burst. He has additionally been productive, with 18.5 profession sacks — together with 11 in 2024.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
Whereas Warren McClendon Jr. has been serviceable at proper deal with the previous two weeks instead of Rob Havenstein, the Rams want a long-term blocker. Havenstein is 33, he’s scheduled to be a free agent after the season, and his well being is a query mark. In the meantime, Lomu is efficient in area, and his motion abilities match the Rams’ zone-blocking scheme properly.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*
A run-and-chase linebacker, Allen is a fast mover on the second stage and fills gaps with nice physicality. He has a sophisticated really feel for studying and reacting, and he’s displaying enchancment in move protection. That makes him not solely one of many prime linebackers on this class but in addition an ideal match for a Payments protection with two linebackers (Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson) on the opposite facet of 30.
LT Overton, DT, Alabama
Lions GM Brad Holmes is not afraid to go towards the grain and take gamers who greatest match the group’s profile, even when it means reaching. Overton may assist a Detroit defensive position that wants reinforcements reverse star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, as its 27.4% move rush win price as a group ranks thirty first within the NFL. Overton is a scheme-versatile defender who wins with overwhelming energy on the level of assault and will pair properly with Tyleik Williams, Detroit’s first-round decide in 2025, on the within.
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*
A primary-year starter, Washington has climbed boards in the course of the first half of the season. He is an explosive inside presence who has the ability to shock and shed towards the run. His hand energy additionally helps him penetrate the backfield as a move rusher. With Teair Tart set to be a free agent after the season, Washington may pair properly with former Oregon teammate Jamaree Caldwell, who Los Angeles took within the third spherical in 2025.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC*
Even with the emergence of Kayshon Boutte, and free agent signing Stefon Diggs recapturing his pre-injury type, there isn’t any such factor as too many receivers for quarterback Drake Maye, particularly with Diggs turning 32 in November. Lemon is a do-it-all goal who can play the slot and outdoors. He is extremely productive (44 receptions for 682 yards and 6 touchdowns this season), and his physique management and catch radius assist him make miraculous catches look routine.
Sonny Kinds, LB, Ohio State
Off-ball linebacker is arguably the weakest a part of an imposing Broncos protection that is second within the NFL in yards (254.2) and factors (15.8) allowed per recreation. Free agent signing Dre Greenlaw hasn’t performed this season due to a thigh harm, whereas Alex Singleton is 31 and set to turn into an unrestricted free agent. Kinds would offer Denver with a rangy, second-level defender who exhibits loads of instincts in protection. He’s able to speeding the passer on apparent passing downs, and his wrap-up-and-finish tackling capability would make him a dependable possibility instantly.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
McCoy has but to play after struggling a torn ACL whereas coaching in January. The timeline for his return continues to be unsure. However McCoy picked off 4 passes final season earlier than the harm, and the Rams may use assist at cornerback. They’ve gotten by with retreads at nook equivalent to 2023 first-round decide Emmanuel Forbes Jr., however McCoy is a possible shutdown possibility on the surface as soon as he returns to full well being, one thing they have not had since Jalen Ramsey in 2022.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*
This team-prospect pairing makes an excessive amount of sense. Tate is likely one of the most polished receiver prospects on this class, with reliable palms and the route-running capability of an skilled NFL veteran. His kind of play can translate instantly into the Browns’ offense, which may use extra move catchers alongside Jerry Jeudy. Tate is the subsequent man up within the Ohio State receiver pipeline to the NFL, and he’d be a great match with Dante Moore, whom we slotted to Cleveland at No. 3.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
There are combined opinions on Proctor. He got here into the season with Spherical 1 hype however had a disastrous begin to the marketing campaign towards Florida State. His play has rebounded, however some scouts are nonetheless hesitant to purchase into the early-round hype surrounding the 6-7, 366-pound blocker. If he continues to play in addition to he has over the previous few weeks and exhibits consistency, I feel he may go on Day 1. The 49ers have a long-term want at offensive deal with with Trent Williams turning 38 subsequent summer time, so Proctor makes plenty of sense.
Joshua Josephs, Edge, Tennessee
The Eagles love drafting edge rushers early, and Josephs is likely one of the greatest stress turbines within the nation. His 18.4% stress price ranks tenth amongst all edge rushers within the FBS, and he already has a career-high 4 sacks. He is able to working in a three-point stance or as a stand-up exterior linebacker, utilizing the pop in his palms whereas mixing and matching his strikes to win move rushes. Free agent signee Azeez Ojulari has been energetic for less than two video games this season, so Philadelphia may use some edge assist to assist Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*
Hill is a flexible playmaker who’s able to taking part in the sting together with the second stage, the place the Seahawks have lacked consistency this season. Despite the fact that Hill has zero sacks in 2025, he mixed for 13 sacks in his first two school seasons. Off-ball linebacker Drake Thomas will likely be a restricted free agent in 2026, whereas edge Boye Mafe is an unrestricted free agent. Hill has the bodily profile that coach Mike Macdonald covets and can be utilized in quite a lot of spots in Seattle’s scheme.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Banks was seen as a possible top-15 decide coming into the season, however he suffered a foot harm within the preseason that has restricted him to at least one recreation after he reaggravated it, requiring surgical restore. Banks had 4.5 sacks in 2024 and would signify nice worth for the Cowboys, who’re rebuilding a protection that’s final within the NFL in yards allowed per recreation (411.7) and thirty first in factors allowed per recreation (30.7).
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*
It is important for the Steelers to search out the inheritor obvious underneath middle to soon-to-be 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, and I feel Simpson has been essentially the most spectacular of the draft-eligible quarterbacks. Regardless of the necessity, Pittsburgh waited till Spherical 6 to select a QB this previous April (Will Howard). It will possibly’t wait that lengthy once more. Like Moore, Simpson is an inexperienced starter (all six profession begins have come this season). It is not sure that Simpson will declare for the 2026 draft, however league evaluators have taken discover of his spectacular stretches this season. He has thrown 16 TD passes and only one interception this season.
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Horton’s 16-yard TD catch places Alabama on prime
Ty Simpson connects with Isaiah Horton for a 16-yard landing move to present Alabama the lead.
Damon Wilson II, Edge, Missouri*
Wilson has shined since transferring from Georgia within the offseason, as his 19.8% edge stress proportion is sixth greatest within the FBS. Wilson is tied for tenth within the nation with 5.5 sacks after a two-sack efficiency this previous weekend towards Alabama. He has surged close to the highest of a deep edge class, and with Kwity Paye set to be an unrestricted free agent after the season, Wilson could possibly be a pleasant slot in Indianapolis.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
I am increased on Howell than most, however his tape is superior. The upfield burst, bend and shutting pace he has proven are Spherical 1-worthy traits. After ready his flip behind Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart — who each went within the opening two rounds this April — Howell has flourished with eight sacks in six video games. If his efficiency stays at this tempo, anticipate him to maintain climbing up draft boards. Haason Reddick is on a one-year deal, and Yaya Diaby‘s contract is up after 2026, and Tampa Bay wants depth on the sting.
