NFL Draft week is finally here and with that, we are inching closer to having concrete results after months of chatter, rumors, and overall propaganda regarding one of the biggest annual events in all of sports.
A little over a month ago we put out the 1.0 version of my mock draft, which included zero trades and was also prior to the news of Denver trading their No. 30 overall pick for Miami’s Jaylen Waddle, and more recently, Cincinnati acquirung New York Giants DT Dexter Lawrence for the No. 10
overall selection.
This final version will include those deals, as well as projected trades on draft night.
Without further ado, let’s dive into my final mock draft of the 2026 offseason.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The biggest foregone conclusion of the NFL Draft arrives with the first-overall selection as Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza will be a Las Vegas Raider with the night’s opening pick. Mendoza led a storybook season for the Hoosiers and will be remembered most for his consistency and winning-drive last season. No brainer for the new regime in Vegas.
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
Besides this being an obvious best-player-available position for the Jets, Reese fits exactly what Aaron Glenn is looking for from his defense moving forward with a 3-4 defense. Despite early chatter of potential red-flags on Arvell Reese, the Jets would be ignorant to ignore his outright versatility and potential coming out of the Buckeyes program.
3. Kansas City Chiefs(via Cardinals)
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Trade terms:
Arizona Cardinals Receive:
- No. 9 overall pick
- No. 40 overall pick
- No. 169 overall pick
Kansas City Chiefs Receive:
- No. 3 overall pick
- No. 183 overall pick
The Chiefs are heavily rumored to be interested in moving up in this year’s draft, and it sounds like nobody has an idea of what Arizona wants to do at the third selection. Love could hear his name called here, but Arizona deals the pick to KC in this scenario and the Chiefs waste no time by selecting Texas Tech phenom David Bailey. George Karlaftis and David Bailey could be a generational pass-rush duo for years to come…
4. Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Titans entered the 2026 offseason with the second-highest amount of salary cap room in the NFL, and they did not waste time using their cash in free agency.
As the roster takes in a new-look, the Titans continue to refurbish by adding the best running back, and potentially the best overall player in the entire class, Jeremiyah Love. With Love wreaking havoc, quarterback Cam Ward and the Titans offense could be very much improved after an inefficient rookie campaign.
5. New York Giants
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
It would be a shock to see Styles fall out of the top five. His on-field performance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis was otherworldly and his interviews were phenomenal, according to Dane Brugler from The Athletic. Though it’s rare, Styles is an immediate captain and green-dot figure on your defense for the next decade-plus.
6. Cleveland Browns
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
By taking Maugioa here, the Browns have first selection on the entire offensive lineman class in the 2026 NFL draft, which will have their names heard early and often this year. Maugioa was another beneficiary from the College Football Playoff after he was a brickwall at right tackle during Miami’s run. Many draft analysts believe Mauigoa also has the potential to slide inside to guard.
7. Washington Commanders
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Recent reports from multiple national reporters say the Commanders will not hesitate to select Sonny Styles or Jeremiyah Love if they are still available at this slot. With neither on the board, Washington will be hoping to move on from the pick, but are most likely to stay put. They need to surround Jayden Daniels with more talent on the outside, and here they take the biggest-swing of this mock draft thus far by selecting Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson.
Tyson held a private workout less than one week before the NFL Draft in front of over half of the league, in hopes to negate any outside opinions on his injury status/history (hamstring). There were glowing reviews from numerous sources on-site…
The most-prominent arguement against this pick for Washington is the team immensely struggled with injuries last season, and why would you want to risk adding onto that? In my opinion, Adam Peters and the Commanders front office clearly had a mentality-shift this offseason in regards to building the roster, moving to signing players who are entering their second or third contracts instead of signing players who are entering the final stages of their career. These moves alone should help mitigate the injury-risk moving forward, and Tyson is potentially a can’t-miss prospect if he remains healthy.
8. New Orleans Saints
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Rueben Bain is one of the most-polarizing draft prospects in recent memory, and oddly enough it’s all because of something he has zero control over, arm-length. New Orleans ends any possible slide for Bain here and adds a difference-maker on the defensive line for years to come.
9. Arizona Cardinals(via Chiefs)
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Cardinals trade back and select a player the process seems to have soured on as it’s progressed to April. Fano and Arizona would be a very-ideal match, as Fano works to solidify his spot on the offensive line in the NFL, and Arizona continues to improve their OL for now and in the future.
10. New York Giants
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The order in which Tate and Tyson go off the board could be flipped here, but my gut tells me this is how it looks on Thursday night. Tate worked as the Buckeyes No. 2 wide receiver throughout most of his time at Ohio State, but was the king of consistency as he finished last season with zero drops and zero holding penalties (as a more than willing blocker).
11. Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Miami is in a position where they need playable talent on defense after stripping it down to scraps this past offseason with the major departures of Bradley Chubb and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Delane is the top cornerback in this class, and after transferring from Virginia Tech last season to LSU and locking down SEC wideouts, he solidified his first-round status. True value at No.11 for Miami.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Throughout the process, Downs is continously one of the most-difficult players to project, primarily due to his position combined with size at sub-six-feet. Dallas stays put at the #12 slot here and Downs falls right into their lap.
13. Los Angeles Rams
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Even though LA may have the best receiving duo in the league with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, the depth behind those two superstars is significantly lacking. With Nacua’s versatility, Lemon immediately becomes an intriguing option for a team that has zero issues with loading up on offense.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Ravens are in a new era entering 2026 after an ultimately disappointing 2025 season where they finished 8-9, didn’t make the playoffs, and moved on from John Harbaugh. They’re clearly in need of more explosiveness on offense and Kenyon Sadiq provides that and then some.
15. Dallas Cowboys(via Buccaneers):
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Trade Terms:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Receive:
- No. 20 overall pick
- No. 92 overall pick
- No. 180 overall pick
Dallas Cowboys Receive:
- No. 15 overall pick
- 2027 5th round pick
Dallas is being discussed as a team to watch on Thursday and across draft weekend due to their draft-pick situation and recent willingness to make trades. After landing Caleb Downs at No.12, they elect to move up five spots from the No. 20 pick and select Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, who has soared up the boards since his Combine performance.
16. New York Jets
Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Vega Ioane is a steady-riser leading up to Thursday’s draft and is viewed by many organizations as the top guard in this year’s pool. Ioane could end up going as high as the top-ten, but here he falls to New York in an extremely ideal scenario.
17. Detroit Lions
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Ever since Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Network reported about Detroit’s interest in Proctor earlier this month, this seems like the consensus pick for them assuming he is available at No. 17.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Thieneman is one of many in this uber-athletic draft class to improve their stock during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The Vikings, who have been led on the backend by Harrison Smith for the past 14 seasons, are moving in a different direction in 2026, and Thieneman could be the ideal player to supplant Smith’s throne.
19. Carolina Panthers
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Panthers are coming off of an important season in their rebuild, as the young core was able to gain valuable playoff experience and earned a divisional title after a strong season. Jermod McCoy has not played since 2024, but would have likely been the first cornerback off the board this year if he had even remotely consistent play in 2025 to 2024. This range feels appropriate for McCoy.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers(via Cowboys):
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
The Bucs find a way to move back by moving a mid-round pick in next year’s draft, which may be looked at as a cardinal sin for now. They manage to land Akheem Mesidor, who was a man-possessed in the CFP for the Hurricanes. Mesidor will be 25 when the season kicks off this year, but his immediate-impact potential makes him an intriguing option for a team looking to win now.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The Steelers added Michael Pittman in the offseason, but not at a premium price which allows another move at the wide receiver position for an offense that needs more firepower. Omar Cooper was a vital piece in the Hoosier championship quest this past fall, and would be a QB-friendly option for whoever is taking snaps unde center this upcoming season.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Chargers have been trying to solidify a stable cornerbacks unit for a while now, and Colton Hood could be the ideal centerpiece. Los Angeles is another team to watch for Vega Ioane from PSU as well.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Blake Miller is the king of consistency heading into this year’s draft after starting every single game for the Clemson Tigers over his four-year tenure in Death Valley. For a team looking for a successor to Lane Johnson’s throne, Miller fits as someone with the pedigree to have a long-standing career similar to Johnson.
24. Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
After being proactive and selecting an offensive lineman before the run on them started, the Browns find an all-around threat outside with Denzel Boston out of Washington.
25. Chicago Bears
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Bears forced the most interceptions in the NFL last season, but surprisingly decided to let both of their starting safeties walk in free agency. At pick 25, McNeil-Warren fits the need and does not feel like a reach.
26. Buffalo Bills
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
It’s no secret the Buffalo defense struggled in 2025 during a vital year in the McDermott-era. With Joe Brady now at the helm, they elect to go defense in the first round and solidify the edge with T.J. Parker. His production tailed off towards the back half of his college career, but he is a more than viable option late in the first round.
27. San Francisco 49ers
K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
With the 49ers locking down Trent Williams for a couple more years, they elect to pass on offensive line in this spot and finally replace a valuable piece of the San Fran offense that was so successful in the past, the joker/gadget player (formerly managed by Deebo Samuel). The 49ers put a heavy load on Christian McCaffrey this past season in the run and pass-game, and Concepcion could help aleviate that on all three-levels with his YAC ability in the screen game and speedy route combinations.
28. Houston Texans
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Kayden McDonald first-round buzz is trending more and more as we enter get closer to the draft. The Texans are in dire need of a run-stuffing nose tackle and the Ohio State product fits the bill precisely.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Chiefs find excellent value late in the first round with Utah left tackle Caleb Lomu, who will need to continue building his play strength up before stepping into a starting role. Nonetheless, Lomu has potential to go at least ten picks earlier than this. One to watch.
30. Miami Dolphins
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Faulk’s stock has been an interesting one to follow, as there are wavering opinions throughout the landscape regarding his NFL potential. At No. 30, Miami is in a strong spot to take a flyer on Faulk and possibly have their replacement for Bradley Chubb.
31. Arizona Cardinals(via Patriots)
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Trade terms:
New England Patriots Receive:
- No. 34 overall selection
- No. 143 overall selection
Arizona Cardinals Receive:
- No. 31 overall selection
The opportunity to put a talented rookie quarterback under Jacoby Brissett for at least a season is too enticing of an opportunity to pass up here for Arizona. Their second trade of the night lands them Ty Simpson, who is the biggest wild card as we preview the back half of the first round. While Brissett will likely be the full-time starter in 2026, he is widely-regarded as one of the best mentors for young quarterbacks around the league, and Simpson would be in a low-stress situation under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Each year, the Senior Bowl catapults players who may have been second- or third-round picks to potential first-round picks because of the talent vs. talent aspect of the entire week in Mobile. Johnson was my biggest winner from his time there and it pays off here as he becomes a first-round pick by the defending Super Bowl champions.
