Editor’s observe: This mock draft was up to date Tuesday morning after the Broncos traded the No. 30 decide to the Dolphins in a deal involving Jaylen Waddle. Choose Nos. 11, 13 and 30 all modified in consequence.
Loads has occurred since I made my final set of decide projections for the 2026 NFL draft. First, we watched tons of of prospects work out on the mix in Indianapolis. Then, we noticed a bunch of free brokers signal for giant cash with new groups and alter roster wants across the league. And at last, we had just a few modifications within the Day 1 draft order. The Rams dealt their No. 29 choice to the Chiefs. Then the Broncos despatched their No. 30 choice to the Dolphins. (The No. 14 decide was additionally set to go to the Raiders — earlier than the Ravens backed out of the Maxx Crosby commerce, protecting that decide in Baltimore.)
So with all that in thoughts, I am rolling out an up to date mock draft, predicting touchdown spots for 32 high prospects in Spherical 1. Issues aren’t ultimate right here — professional days, interviews and extra offseason strikes will nonetheless shake up the board a bit — however we’re getting a a lot clearer image of the early picks as we close to the Raiders’ first choice on April 23.
This is my considering on how Spherical 1 may look primarily based on present group wants and what I am listening to from sources within the league. And for extra, take a look at “NFL Draft Every day” at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2 all week.
Extra on the 2026 NFL draft:
Kiper’s Large Board | Newest mock drafts
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Together with the No. 1 choice in mock drafts is only a formality at this level. It’ll be Mendoza, and the Raiders have spent the previous two weeks attempting to wash up the environment for his arrival. The group’s largest signing was middle Tyler Linderbaum on a large three-year, $81 million deal; he’ll assist Mendoza with setting protections and enhance the inside blocking. The Raiders additionally moved on from their earlier beginning QB by buying and selling Geno Smith to the Jets. That leaves Aidan O’Connell as the one passer on the roster. It is time for the Mendoza period to start in Las Vegas.
David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
In my January mock draft, I had Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese right here. In February, I went with Ohio State security Caleb Downs. Now, it is Bailey. These are all good choices for a protection that would use a variety of assist, however the Jets actually want an instantaneous influence edge rusher. They had been thirty first in sacks final season (26) and traded Jermaine Johnson, additional scaling down the unit. They’ve to seek out foundational gamers off the sting. And Bailey is explosive and productive, posting 14.5 sacks (tied for first within the FBS), 71 pressures (second) and a 20.2% stress price (first) final season.
Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio State
The Cardinals weren’t a lot better than the Jets within the sack division, tying for twenty eighth with 30. Josh Sweat wants a operating mate, and Reese has the instincts and burst to get dwelling on the QB. In fact, Reese additionally performed off-ball linebacker at Ohio State, and although he mentioned through the mix that he can be an NFL edge rusher, that form of versatility is a giant plus. He had 6.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss final season.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Right here is the place issues get attention-grabbing. We have not seen a operating again go within the high 4 since Saquon Barkley (No. 2 in 2018), and the Titans definitely have a protracted listing of points — even after aggressively spending in free company final week. However Tennessee is dedicated to boosting the offense round second-year quarterback Cam Ward, and Love would take the run sport to a different degree whereas additionally serving as a dynamic cross catcher. His sport options 4.36 pace, glorious imaginative and prescient, run-you-over energy and delicate palms.
Love can be a right away improve over Tony Pollard for brand new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Giants have some choices at security — together with newly signed Jason Pinnock and Ar’Darius Washington — however Downs is on one other degree. He is an entire soccer participant, and New York should not have any hesitation in taking him right here (highest draft slot for a security since Eric Berry in 2010). Placing him alongside Jevon Holland on the again finish would assist not solely in creating turnovers (the Giants had 15 final season, twenty fifth within the league) but additionally shoring up a really dangerous run protection.
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Browns are hitting the reset button on their offensive line. First, they traded for Tytus Howard. Then they signed Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins, and re-signed Teven Jenkins on the inside. Toss in getting Dawand Jones again from a season-ending knee harm, and this can be a utterly totally different unit from what we noticed late in 2025. Freeling may very well be the ultimate piece of the puzzle. His resolution to declare for this class was initially a bit of little bit of a shock, contemplating he had 18 faculty begins. However I see franchise left sort out traits; he is fast and alert in cross professional, utilizing his lengthy 34¾-inch arms to his benefit.
Sonny Types, LB, Ohio State
The Commanders could not cease anybody final season, and linebacker Bobby Wagner seems to be headed elsewhere as a free agent. Bringing in Types — my No. 6 prospect no matter place — to group up with Frankie Luvu and new addition Leo Chenal makes some sense. After a 77-tackle season, Types posted an unimaginable 43½-inch vertical bounce on the mix, a glimpse into his explosion. Washington wants good ball gamers, and Types is simply that.
I may additionally see Washington going with a receiver right here, maybe Carnell Tate, Types’ teammate at Ohio State. The Commanders’ offense is on the lookout for extra juice reverse high wideout Terry McLaurin.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Saints’ foremost signings have come on offense — guard David Edwards and operating again Travis Etienne Jr. — and that is additionally the place I would count on them to look through the draft. They should encompass second-year quarterback Tyler Shough with as a lot expertise as attainable, and the No. 2 huge receiver on the roster is Devaughn Vele (25 receptions final season). Tate brings a well-rounded scouting report, with stable route operating and the flexibility to return down with robust catches because of his palms and physique management. He’d be nice reverse Chris Olave — one more glorious receiver to return out of Ohio State lately.
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
After buying and selling Trent McDuffie and shedding Jaylen Watson in free company, cornerback want some repairs. LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy should be concerns right here. However keep in mind, the Chiefs now have two first-round picks. And Bain can be very robust to cross up at this spot. Regardless of 30â…ž-inch arms that induced fairly the stir on the mix, Bain is dominant off the sting. He merely finds methods to get to the QB, whether or not it is together with his pace, energy or savviness. He had 71 pressures final season en path to 9.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Even with Boye Mafe within the fold, the sting rush leaves so much to be desired. However with Bain off the board, there is not a cross rusher whose worth suits right here. The Bengals must attain for Missouri’s Zion Younger, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk or Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, and it is simply too early for any of these guys. However Cincinnati was additionally one among 4 groups to surrender greater than 7 yards per opponent dropback in 2025, and it will like to have a real No. 1 nook. Delane could make performs on the ball (11 cross breakups, two interceptions final season) in both man or zone protection.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
I initially had proper sort out Francis Mauigoa (Miami) right here; Austin Jackson has performed 14 video games mixed over the previous two seasons, and Larry Borom is off to Detroit. There is a gap on the precise facet of the O-line. However … then the Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, forcing me to tweak just a few picks. Malik Washington and new addition Jalen Tolbert are the highest two receivers in Miami proper now. That is not an important setup for Malik Willis, whom the group simply signed for $67.5 million over three years.
Tyson is nearly at all times out there to the soccer, making robust performs in tight protection. If not for some sturdiness considerations, Tyson would in all probability be the highest receiver within the class. Miami would wish him to contribute in a giant method as a rookie.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Dallas gave up a league-worst 7.3 yards per dropback final season, and the secondary was gashed for a league-high 46 passing performs of 25 or extra yards. I preferred the Jalen Thompson signing at security, and Cobie Durant will chip in at cornerback alongside DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr., however the Cowboys are nonetheless on the lookout for their No. 1 cornerback.
McCoy does not come with out questions; he tore an ACL in January 2025, sat out the season after which did not work out on the mix. However he can flat-out play when he is on the sector. McCoy had 4 interceptions in 2024. If Dallas likes what it sees at his March 31 professional day, this may very well be a sensible decide.
0:37
Jermod McCoy: I am all good for my professional day
Prime NFL cornerback prospect Jermod McCoy breaks down his bodily well being forward of his professional day.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
The dominoes of the Jaylen Waddle commerce impacted the Rams’ decide. I had Jordyn Tyson right here as their new WR3 behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, however there is not any method Miami would let the top-tier receiver slip previous No. 11. As an alternative, I am pivoting the Rams’ choice to the precise sort out place. Mauigoa began 42 video games in faculty, over which period he put collectively some actually good tape. He makes use of his power to dominate cross rushers, and he can filter operating lanes. Warren McClendon Jr. is beneath contract for just one extra season, and run blocking is so necessary within the Rams’ offense.
Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
It appeared this decide was going to Las Vegas. As an alternative, Baltimore will nonetheless be on the clock at No. 14. Fano is regular as a cross protector, with double-digit begins at every sort out spot. However with 32â…›-inch arms, he may really slide inside on the subsequent degree.
Groups labored out Fano at middle through the mix, and he may completely deal with that function as a substitute for Tyler Linderbaum on the Ravens. Fano may additionally be a part of new addition John Simpson as a beginning guard. And on high of all that, he’d present much-needed depth behind Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten at sort out. (The opposite path can be taking a large receiver — do not be stunned if this finally ends up being Jordyn Tyson or USC’s Makai Lemon.)
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
For the primary time since he was drafted in 2014, Mike Evans will not be suiting up for the Buccaneers. The veteran receiver signed with the 49ers, and although Tampa Bay nonetheless has Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan, it’ll miss Evans’ 6-foot-5 measurement downfield and within the pink zone.
Sadiq may fill a few of that void. Defenses battle to match up with him due to his massive 6-3 body and 4.39 pace, and he has the explosive traits to go up and get 50-50 balls. Positive, the Bucs re-signed tight finish Cade Otton, however new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson ran 12 personnel (two tight ends) 38.2% of the time in Atlanta final season, second most within the NFL.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Jets do not have to draft a quarterback right here. They traded for Geno Smith as a bridge choice and have three first-round picks in 2027, when the QB class needs to be so much higher. However this can be a good vary for Simpson, who has solely 15 profession begins however throws with accuracy, processes shortly and strikes properly within the pocket. He threw 28 landing passes in 2025 and is a first-round QB in my e-book.
Merely put, New York has to take some swings to determine the long-term answer beneath middle. I may see the Jets drafting Simpson and letting him be taught and develop a bit of behind Smith earlier than he strikes into the starter function.
0:57
Why Louis Riddick charges Ty Simpson so extremely
Louis Riddick raves about why he thinks Ty Simpson has earned a spot as a top-15 decide within the 2026 NFL draft.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Lions entered free company with a Taylor Decker-sized gap at left sort out after the veteran requested for his launch. They signed Larry Borom, however they should not cease there. Proctor’s play was a bit of uneven final season, however I feel he can stick at left sort out within the NFL and will assist preserve Jared Goff upright as Detroit tries to get again to the playoffs. Proctor has 40 begins price of expertise, is aware of how to remove opponent pass-rush strikes and strikes very properly for a 6-7, 352-pound blocker.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
We nonetheless do not know whether or not 37-year-old Harrison Smith will preserve taking part in (and in that case, whether or not he’ll return to Minnesota as a free agent). Joshua Metellus, Jay Ward and Theo Jackson are the highest safeties on the Vikings’ depth chart. In a division with Caleb Williams, Jordan Love and Jared Goff, this needs to be a precedence on the draft no matter whether or not Smith is again for Yr 15.
I had Thieneman to the Vikings in my final mock draft. He jogs my memory a variety of Smith in the best way he reads the QB and reacts in a flash. I may see defensive coordinator Brian Flores getting artistic with Thieneman, lining him up everywhere in the formation and letting him use his nice ball abilities to pile up takeaways.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Three safeties within the high 20! McNeil-Warren deserves to be right here; he has the pace and instincts to make performs, accumulating 10 pressured fumbles and 5 interceptions over his 4 seasons at Toledo. Carolina targeted on protection this month, signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd to sizable contracts. It additionally introduced again security Nick Scott alongside Tre’von Moehrig, however McNeil-Warren may make a big effect within the secondary and provides the group some choices. The Panthers allowed 6.5 yards per dropback final season (twenty second within the NFL).
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
It might be clever for the Cowboys to double-dip on protection (Jermod McCoy at No. 12). They gave up 6.1 yards per play in 2025, thirty first within the NFL and third worst for any group in any of the previous 5 seasons. Allen can play all three downs, as he can drop in protection, run down ball carriers and even blitz. He had 97 tackles final season for the Bulldogs, showcasing large read-and-react abilities.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
The Steelers’ quarterback state of affairs remains to be a giant query. Will Aaron Rodgers return? Will one other veteran step in — comparable to Kirk Cousins? Or will Pittsburgh goal a signal-caller within the draft? It doesn’t matter what the Steelers plan to do, the highest two quarterbacks are off the board right here, and there is not a 3rd one worthy of a Day 1 choice.
As an alternative, Pittsburgh can attempt to substitute Isaac Seumalo, who signed with the Cardinals. Ioane is the highest pure guard within the class, with the ability to bodily transfer cross rushers out of the best way and the sunshine toes to erase second-level defenders. He did not surrender any sacks final season.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
After the Chargers attacked their inside offensive line downside earlier than free company even opened, they will flip their consideration to the line of defense and a high-upside participant comparable to Woods within the first spherical. Some groups will probably be frightened about his lack of manufacturing final season (two sacks), however his potential is strong as an NFL 3-technique. He may add some punch to the Chargers’ defensive entrance as a penetrating inside havoc-wreaker.
Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Iheanachor had 31 begins at Arizona State, however he did not play a lot soccer earlier than that, selecting up the game late. He’ll want time to succeed in his potential within the NFL. However what higher approach to develop than studying behind an elite proper sort out in Lane Johnson? Iheanachor performs with fast toes — he ran a 4.91-second 40-yard sprint at 6-6 and 321 kilos — and nice size. He may present swing sort out depth in Yr 1 earlier than finally taking up for Johnson on the precise facet sooner or later.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
I am an enormous fan of Lemon, and he may go sooner than twenty fourth. The board simply form of fell this manner on this mock draft. Cleveland would not be complaining, although. It at the moment has Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman and Isaiah Bond atop its depth chart — which means no actual modifications to a large receivers room that had a league-low 1,467 yards final season. Lemon almost met that himself with 1,156 receiving yards over 12 video games at USC. He has a slot receiver’s construct at 5-11 and 192 kilos, however he performs as if he is a lot greater, with a fierce strategy to the sport. Coupled with Monroe Freeling at No. 6, this is able to be first spherical for the Browns.
Zion Younger, DE, Missouri
The Bears had 35 sacks (tied for twenty second) and a lowly 28.0% stress price (twenty ninth) final season. Montez Sweat had 10 of these sacks, however there wasn’t a lot past him. Dayo Odeyingbo was signed final offseason to be the second man off the sting, however he managed one sack over eight video games earlier than an Achilles harm ended his season. Regardless of struggling to seek out constant quarterback stress for just a few years now, Chicago hasn’t used a top-50 decide on an edge rusher since Leonard Floyd went ninth in 2016.
Let’s change that. Younger had 6.5 sacks and 46 pressures final season, taking part in with energy and a full-go motor. He’d convey some depth to the Bears’ entrance.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Payments’ tight wage cap led to some cornerback modifications this offseason, with the group chopping Dane Jackson, buying and selling Taron Johnson and letting Tre’Davious White hit free company. They’ve Christian Benford and 2025 first-rounder Maxwell Hairston in place, however the depth is shallow. Terrell is nice in man protection, displaying the flexibility to stay on receivers. He did not come away with any interceptions final season, however he broke up 9 passes.
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
You in all probability see an offensive sort out to San Francisco and assume “Trent Williams inheritor obvious.” However Miller really performed 97% of his faculty snaps on the precise facet. Maybe he’d transition to left sort out if the Niners cannot determine Williams’ contract state of affairs, however I like Miller as an improve over Colton McKivitz on the precise facet no matter what occurs there. The 6-7, 317-pound Miller would convey consistency and reliability to this O-line. (San Francisco additionally signed Vederian Lowe as some insurance coverage at left sort out.)
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Why would the Texans go protection? Sure, it is their power, however they should preserve it their power. Good groups plan forward. And having the prospect to place a disruptive inside lineman between Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter is thrilling. Miller is lively and fast, and he retains getting higher. With opponents targeted on stopping Anderson and Hunter, Miller may get stress inside and make some performs within the backfield. He had 7.5 tackles for loss over the previous two years.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
I teased it earlier, however the Chiefs cannot actually afford to depart Spherical 1 with no CB. I had them going with Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 9, however this decide then needs to be concerning the cornerbacks room, as Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams are all gone. Kansas Metropolis has signed solely Kader Kohou to date to replenish the place.
Cisse confirmed off his explosiveness on the mix, leaping 41 inches within the vertical. He anticipates and closes properly, with 12 cross breakups over the previous two seasons. He may slide proper in to the beginning lineup.
1:47
Why did the Chiefs let go of All-Professional CB Trent McDuffie?
Pat McAfee & Co. attempt to decipher why the Chiefs have traded All-Professional cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams.
Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Miami now has two first-round picks, and after it took Jordyn Tyson to assist substitute Jaylen Waddle at No. 11, I am going protection right here. Faulk is 6-6 and 276 kilos, and he has the ability to toss blockers apart on his approach to the quarterback. He’d additionally enhance the Dolphins’ run protection; he had 11 run stops final season. Miami traded Jaelan Phillips on the commerce deadline final season after which launched Bradley Chubb in a cap-saving measure. This needs to be a spotlight on the draft.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Patriots signed receiver Romeo Doubs to a four-year deal price as much as $80 million to interchange Stefon Diggs, who was launched this month. I just like the signing so much, however I am unsure it absolutely checks the huge receiver field for New England. Concepcion averaged 15.1 yards per catch final season, and he’d stretch the sector for quarterback Drake Maye. However do not sleep on his means to additionally flip fast routes into massive beneficial properties. Concepcion had 449 yards after the catch final season. He’d additionally make an instantaneous influence within the return sport (two punt returns in 2025).
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Twenty picks after Jermod McCoy got here off the board, one other Tennessee nook closes out Spherical 1 of this mock draft. Hood suits completely with the Mike Macdonald protection as a cornerback with size and first rate pace, and whereas he had just one interception in 2025, he broke up 10 passes. The defending Tremendous Bowl champions returned Josh Jobe and introduced in Noah Igbinoghene, however Riq Woolen is off to the Eagles. Hood may get vital reps on the surface in Yr 1.
