We now have reached the tipping level of the 2025 NFL season, the place some fanbases have playoff aspirations whereas others are hoping for a excessive draft decide. So it is the proper time to look forward to the 2026 NFL draft, particularly because the school soccer common season concluded this previous weekend. Let’s mission Spherical 1 picks.
I did my first mock draft for this cycle in August, however lots has modified since then. We had a handful of trades combine up the primary spherical, as 4 groups now have a number of Day 1 picks: the Rams (from the Falcons), the Browns (from the Jaguars), the Cowboys (from the Packers) and the Jets (from the Colts). And a few groups with rookie quarterbacks — just like the Browns, Giants and Saints — is perhaps happy sufficient to not choose one other quarterback in 2026. Workforce wants are already shifting.
As we are saying earlier than each mock draft, it is vital to recollect issues will change an excellent deal earlier than the draft will get rolling on April 23. We nonetheless have bowl video games and predraft occasions for the prospects, and free company will shake up NFL groups’ rosters. We do not even know the actual draft order but; the order beneath relies on the inverse of the standings by Week 14. However for now, right here is the place issues stand and the way I would mission Spherical 1. (Notice: Underclassmen are recognized with an asterisk.)
Soar to a projected commerce:
NYG-NYJ
See extra on the NFL draft:
Place rankings
Projected commerce: Jets transfer as much as No. 1
The Giants drafted their quarterback of the long run in Jaxson Dart and a building-block cross rusher in Abdul Carter this yr, making this a state of affairs the place they might doubtless area provides to maneuver down in the event that they do find yourself with the No. 1 decide. The Jets, in the meantime, could make an aggressive transfer up for a QB; Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and now Brady Cook dinner have not stabilized their quarterback scenario. The Jets are outfitted with extra premium draft picks than some other crew after their deadline dealings.
On this mock draft commerce, the Jets would ship each of their first-round picks (Nos. 7 and 18) and a Day 2 decide to the Giants for the highest choice.
1. New York Jets (by way of projected commerce with 2-11 NYG)
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*
Mendoza has had a outstanding season at Indiana, displaying off wonderful accuracy and a strong proper arm to pair with a lot improved pocket consciousness and sack avoidance after two seasons at Cal. He leads the FBS with 33 passing touchdowns this season and simply dealt with a particularly powerful check towards Ohio State, main Indiana to its first Large Ten Championship since 1967. The Jets are at the moment twenty seventh in QBR (40.5), needing a long-term reply for coach Aaron Glenn and normal supervisor Darren Mougey to cement themselves throughout the group.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
Moore obtained immense hype after 5 begins as a real freshman at UCLA in 2023, however 2025 has been his true breakout yr. Whereas he has a slender construct at 6-foot-3 and 206 kilos, he has proven sturdy practical mobility and high-level downfield accuracy (third-best completion share within the FBS). He has a singular capacity to alter his arm angles when navigating stress, too, making him a really inventive quarterback general.
Moore hasn’t made his intentions clear about declaring, however there’s little doubt he would go very excessive if does enter the 2026 draft. And for the Raiders, it is clear that Geno Smith is now not a viable starter; he is tied for the league lead in interceptions (14) and has its second-lowest QBR (32.5). Moore may very well be the centerpiece for an offense that already has an elite cross catcher (Brock Bowers) and a possible star operating again (Ashton Jeanty).
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Dante Moore scores Oregon’s first TD
Dante Moore rushes for a 1-yard Geese landing.
Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State*
The Titans and Giants are the one groups with a greater than 5% likelihood on the No. 1 decide that aren’t within the QB market (per ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index). However Tennessee is lacking the younger edge rusher expertise that New York doubtless received in 2025 with Abdul Carter. It may well discover that right here — Reese has a case to be the very best general prospect on this complete draft class.
After simply 0.5 sacks as largely a linebacker final season, he posted 6.5 sacks as a main edge rusher this yr. Reese has distinctive burst and energy, plus the body to be a standout NFL edge rusher. As an every-down participant, he would kind an ideal pairing subsequent to defensive sort out Jeffery Simmons.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*
The Browns will doubtless have conversations in regards to the quarterback place, however Shedeur Sanders’ development in three video games because the starter has been encouraging. And on this state of affairs, the 2 clear-cut greatest signal-callers in my rankings are off the board. However the Browns even have work to do throughout the offensive supporting solid, together with at offensive sort out and extensive receiver.
Tate is the following first-round lock from the Ohio State receiver room, and he can be superior within the Cleveland cross recreation. He has excellent dimension, runs terrific routes and might make contested catches. He would convey a vertical capacity, as he averaged 17.5 yards per catch this season. Additionally of word: Tate has zero drops on 58 targets this season. No Browns extensive receiver has reached 40 catches or 500 receiving yards this season. Time for an improve.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
New Orleans has seen promising play from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and will choose towards drafting a high signal-caller, even within the high 5. Taking an offensive sort out within the first spherical for the third straight season might sound odd, however the Saints might transfer 2024 draftee Taliese Fuaga from proper sort out to proper guard on this state of affairs.
Mauigoa has been a three-year starter for Miami, enjoying all however 13 of his snaps at proper sort out over the previous three seasons. He has wonderful mauling energy and dimension at 6-6, 315 kilos, and he holds up extraordinarily nicely in cross safety. Mauigoa allowed a stress on simply 0.5% of dropbacks this season, the very best of any FBS offensive sort out. The Saints, in the meantime, are thirty first in cross block win price (54.5%).
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
The Commanders have relied on a particularly veteran group of edge rushers this season, missing a real difference-maker on the place. Von Miller leads Washington with six sacks at 36 years outdated. However there is not any higher pure rusher on this class than Bailey, who had the second-most sacks (13.5) and pressures (62) within the FBS throughout his solely season at Texas Tech. That makes for an excellent match. Bailey’s first step places offensive tackles on their heels in a rush, and he has eight pressured fumbles over the previous two seasons.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
After buying and selling down from No. 1 on this mock draft, the Giants can hammer away at their wants — and one among them is extra playmakers for Dart. The Giants struggled to piece issues collectively on offense with out Malik Nabers for a lot of this season (torn ACL), and high fill-in receiver Wan’Dale Robinson shall be a free agent in March. Tyson brings a bundle of dimension, versatility and explosiveness that might pair nice subsequent to Nabers. When the ball is in Tyson’s arms, he’s tenacious and flexes wonderful acceleration. His manufacturing dipped this season (711 receiving yards, down from 1,101 in 2024), however he missed three video games with a hamstring harm and was with out beginning quarterback Sam Leavitt for all of November.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
The Cardinals are nearer to getting on observe than their file signifies, and proper sort out is the place they might begin the method. Jonah Williams has been the crew’s most popular proper sort out over the previous two seasons, however he has performed in solely 15 video games, is at the moment on injured reserve after shoulder surgical procedure and shall be a free agent this offseason. In the meantime, Fano has surrendered only one sack in two years at Utah. His lighter body has made some scouts assume he might thrive at guard, however Arizona might begin him out at proper sort out and transfer him inside if wanted. Whether or not it is Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett or another person below middle for the Cardinals, they’ll get higher safety.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
The Rams are in uncommon territory as a robust Tremendous Bowl contender with a possible top-10 decide in April — due to the Falcons. Whereas they’ve the choice to make one other transfer with the decide, they might use it right here on the most effective security prospects in current reminiscence. Downs is a flexible, tone-setting defender who has the possibility to be the primary security picked within the high 10 since Jamal Adams went No. 6 to the Jets in 2017. Downs has performed in an NFL scheme at Ohio State for a lot of his school profession; he can deal with protection deep in the course of the sector and be a menacing pressure within the field. Los Angeles has a ton of younger expertise up entrance on its protection, but it surely would possibly lose gamers on the again finish this offseason. Security Kam Curl is a free agent in March.
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*
Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai (who leads the groups in sacks) are scheduled to be free brokers in Cincinnati. The Bengals tried to organize for this future by taking Shemar Stewart within the first spherical this yr, however he has been a nonfactor. Cincinnati actually wants to take a look at the protection once more. The Bengals are permitting 6.3 yards per play, worst within the NFL. Whereas some scouts assume Bain’s lack of size might make him a late first-round decide, all of them agree he is the most effective prospects at his place. I like him in Cincinnati. His relentless, highly effective and explosive traits helped him to ACC Defensive Participant of the 12 months honors this season. Anticipate way more debate round Bain and his ceiling within the coming months, however no offense had an actual reply for him on the collegiate stage.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
A notable want for the Vikings is cornerback, the place the crew is missing depth behind Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. Enter Delane, who took his recreation to a different stage after transferring from Virginia Tech earlier than this season. He has wonderful dimension for the place (6-foot, 190 kilos) and thrives utilizing pressure on the catch level to disrupt the ball. Delane is at his greatest enjoying off protection and studying the quarterback, although he’s additionally a keen run defender who might thrive in Brian Flores’ aggressive system. When focused as the first protection participant this season, he surrendered the third-lowest completion share within the FBS (27.8%).
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
The Dolphins want pass-rush assist with Bradley Chubb turning 30 this offseason and Jaelan Phillips now on the Eagles (traded on Nov. 3). They’re additionally at the moment twenty first in cross rush win price (36.5%). Faulk had seven sacks and a pressured fumble final season, with all of the measurables of a prototypical NFL edge rusher. He’s a fluid mover at 6-6, 285 kilos, and his cross rush arsenal is developed sufficient to the place scouts imagine he must be excessive draft decide regardless of a modest 2025 marketing campaign (2.0 sacks). He can set the sting towards the run, too.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
With Travis Jones scheduled at no cost company and Nnamdi Madubuike out for the yr with a severe neck harm, defensive sort out is an space of want for Baltimore. It is at all times clever to look past the field rating with defensive sort out prospects, and that is particularly the case with Woods. He has solely 5.0 sacks in three seasons, however he can create havoc on the line of scrimmage. Woods has the agility and quickness that might permit him to maneuver out to the sting for some snaps as nicely. His general size is a query mark for some scouts, as he has sub-32-inch arms and is listed at 6-2. Regardless, he is a lock within the first spherical.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
As Kansas Metropolis enters an uncommon offseason that can doubtless begin when 14 different groups advance to the playoffs, it is clear the offense wants one other playmaker. The Chiefs’ operating backs are averaging simply 3.8 yards per carry this season. Is it doubtless that Love drops to No. 14 to repair that? I’ve my doubts, however most NFL groups are cautious of utilizing a first-round decide at operating again once they might handle wants at extra premium positions. The Chiefs might need some pause after their 2020 collection of Clyde Edwards-Helaire (No. 32) did not work out, however Love is simply too good to cross on right here.
He is an amazingly explosive, agile and balanced runner who effortlessly makes defenders miss (60 pressured missed tackles this season on simply 199 carries). The Heisman Trophy finalist can also be a official risk within the passing recreation, with 10.4 yards per catch and three receiving touchdowns this season.
Sonny Kinds, LB, Ohio State
The Cowboys have wants on a number of ranges of their protection, which is permitting the second-most factors per recreation this season (29.7). They may handle linebacker first with Kinds, who has made the spectacular transition to the place after starting his collegiate profession at security. He has excellent size, motion expertise and vary on the second stage. And on high of the protection expertise from his time at security, Kinds could be an efficient blitzer when known as upon; he had 6.0 sacks throughout Ohio State’s nationwide title run final season. Kinds might thrive in any defensive circumstance for the Cowboys, who simply boosted their linebacker room with the return DeMarvion Overshown and addition of Logan Wilson.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*
Carolina remains to be in want of a game-changing edge rusher, however there’s hope for inner improvement with 2025 draftees Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. Linebacker, nevertheless, is an space the place the crew’s depth has been examined this season, and I’ve gone backwards and forwards between Kinds or Allen as my high participant on the place. Allen has the good thing about quarterbacking Georgia’s protection, which has produced a robust lineage of NFL linebackers. He’s a missile as a tackler, bringing pressure and physicality to each side of his recreation. And Allen’s 9 cross breakups converse to his capacity to affect the passing recreation as nicely. The Panthers may benefit from him as a tone-setter in the course of their protection, particularly with Christian Rozeboom on an expiring contract.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
Whereas many of the picks to this point have been to deal with instant wants, the Lions might anticipate a future gap by choosing Lomu. Beginning left sort out Taylor Decker is already 31 and has two extra years on his present deal, so Detroit should be aware of the place this offseason. Lomu is simply regular in nearly each approach. He strikes fluidly at 6-6, 304 kilos, serving as a gifted striker within the operating recreation and a reliable cross blocker. Lomu didn’t permit a single sack this season, giving up a measly six pressures.
18. New York Giants (by way of projected commerce with 3-10 NYJ)
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*
After our projected commerce, the Giants get their second likelihood to hammer away at wants by addressing cornerback, the place Deonte Banks has struggled this season and Cor’Dale Flott shall be a free agent. The youthful brother of Falcons star cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon has some big-time recreation of his personal. He is on the smaller facet at 5-11 and 180 kilos, however he makes up for it with wonderful quickness to set off again to the ball in protection. He is additionally a really succesful blitzer and disruptor, recording 3.0 sacks and 5 pressured fumbles this season. The Giants are giving up the ninth-most passing yards per recreation this season (231.5).
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Clemson’s Avieon Terrell forces a fumble on Bauer Sharp
Avieon Terrell hits Bauer Sharp as he is falling and Ricardo Jones picks it up for Clemson.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*
With tight finish Cade Otton slated to grew to become a free agent in March, the Bucs are probably skinny on the place. Sadiq is one among greatest prospects on this class when it comes to athletic capacity, and he has been nice after the catch at Oregon. Scouts have questions on Sadiq’s size, however he is extraordinarily versatile and might make an affect in an NFL offense. He has 40 catches for 490 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. With getting older offensive playmakers in Mike Evans (32) and Chris Godwin Jr. (30 in February), the way forward for Tampa Bay’s offense may very well be constructed round Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Bucky Irving and Sadiq.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC*
Moreover DK Metcalf, the Steelers shouldn’t have a receiver that strikes worry into opposing defenses. Pittsburgh is one among two groups with fewer than 100 catches from extensive receivers this season (97). Lemon might change that actuality. One of the best ways I can describe him: licensed baller, as his common dimension (5-11, 195 kilos) hasn’t slowed him down in any approach. We’re in an period the place dominant receivers do not come solely within the type of 6-3, 200-plus pound gamers with 4.4 pace. Lemon has the most effective catch radiuses I’ve studied over the previous three courses, and he has dropped the ball solely as soon as in every of his three seasons. It could not shock me if he goes a couple of spots increased than this in April.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
The Eagles want so as to add to their cornerback depth reverse Quinyon Mitchell, and we all know Philly is a crew that at all times finds worth. This might be a calculated threat, as McCoy didn’t play in any respect this season after an ACL tear in January. Some scouts imagine he’s a top-10 prospect, whereas others are doubtful he’ll even go within the first spherical with none tape this season. However his elite ability set was apparent with the Volunteers final season, leading to 4 interceptions and 9 cross breakups. And the Eagles have taken an opportunity on injured prospects earlier than, drafting linebacker Jihaad Campbell in April regardless of some concern over a left shoulder harm.
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*
Whereas it looks as if the NFL’s high scoring protection has all of it, Houston’s defensive sort out place might use some youth and depth. Sheldon Rankins is ready at no cost company in March and Mario Edwards Jr. will flip 32 in January. Washington is changing into one among my favourite prospects to look at, and I anticipate him to be mentioned as a top-20 participant in due time. He has simply 1.5 profession sacks after changing into a full-time starter this yr, however he has the quickness, energy and size required to ram by offensive linemen within the NFL. His pass-rushing upside can be fascinating in DeMeco Ryans’ protection, the place there’s room to work in between Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Coordinator Dennis Allen’s protection has exceeded expectations with an NFL-high 27 takeaways regardless of loads of accidents. However this crew wants a spark on the defensive position reverse 29-year-old Montez Sweat. And at this spot, Howell can be essentially the most explosive cross rusher on the board. He stepped right into a a lot bigger position for the Aggies this season and thrived, as his 11.5 sacks are tied for fourth most within the FBS. His capacity to torque his physique and switch a nook tightly is among the many greatest within the class. The Bears are tied for the worst cross rush price within the NFL (28.6%), so this match is sensible.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State*
The Chargers’ offensive line points have been headlined by accidents to tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, however their wholesome inside has additionally been disappointing. Ioane is my No. 1 guard on this class, as he would assist any offensive line get harder and extra bodily. He makes use of his wonderful energy to dominate within the operating recreation and he is additionally a standout cross protector. Over the previous two seasons, Ioane has not allowed a single sack. This season, he has given up simply two pressures. Penn State’s offensive scheme additionally highlighted his capacity to get out and play in house, which solely strengthens his draft outlook.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington*
It is no thriller that the Payments are nonetheless in search of a game-altering receiver after Keon Coleman’s down yr and Khalil Shakir’s inconsistent marketing campaign. Boston has the potential to verify that field for Buffalo along with his dimension at 6-4 and alignment versatility. He routinely received the higher of defenders within the pink zone over the previous two seasons, utilizing his body to snag 19 receiving touchdowns. He was reliable within the huge slot position, too, with two drops on 189 targets since 2024. The Payments have 15 attributed drops this season, which is tied for seventeenth within the NFL.
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Washington’s Denzel Boston scores huge TD on fourth down
Denzel Boston’s 13-yard landing makes it a one-score recreation towards Oregon.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Merely put, the 49ers want extra disruptors on protection. They at the moment rank useless final in sacks (16), thirtieth in cross rush win price (29.3%) and thirtieth in pressures (111). The accidents to Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams clearly impacted that, however the defensive position might nonetheless use extra assist in 2026. Banks’ analysis is a bit of tough as a result of he logged simply 90 snaps in three video games this season earlier than fracturing his foot. He has an enormous body, with over 35-inch arms, and generates main shock on the level of assault. Banks is the kind of participant that might assist the 49ers put groups into much less favorable passing conditions.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
When evaluating choices for the Browns at No. 4, it got here all the way down to extensive receiver or offensive sort out. This decide would verify off each packing containers after they took Tate earlier. Sure, some scouts aren’t satisfied that Proctor will maintain up towards twitchy NFL edge rushers. However there are not any doubts about his expertise (three years at beginning left sort out) and overwhelming energy within the operating recreation. After permitting 9 sacks as a real freshman, he has surrendered simply 4 over the previous two seasons. Cleveland has cycled by a number of choices at left sort out due to accidents this season.
Damon Wilson II, Edge, Missouri*
The defensive funding would proceed for the Cowboys right here by way of Wilson, who broke out in 2025 after transferring from Georgia earlier than this season. His 9.0 sacks with the Tigers almost tripled his 3.5 sacks over the primary two seasons of his collegiate profession. Wilson has excellent size, first-step quickness and torque to bend the sting. He additionally introduced it in huge video games this season, with 4 sacks towards groups ranked within the high 10. After shoring up their inside defensive position by buying and selling for Quinnen Williams, Wilson may very well be a recreation changer on the sting for the Cowboys.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina*
Seattle is looking for a cornerback to play reverse of Devon Witherspoon, because the crew has relied upon Josh Jobe this season and Riq Woolen is within the remaining yr of his rookie deal. Cisse is an ascending nook who confirmed off spectacular man protection expertise after transferring from NC State within the spring. He broke up 10 passes over the previous two seasons, permitting a completion share below 40% in 2025. He is extraordinarily snug lining up reverse bigger-bodied perimeter extensive receivers, which may very well be requested of him in Mike Macdonald’s protection.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Underneath coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots have made such a leap that they do not have a right away have to fill if the board falls this fashion. However the crew typically wants extra cornerback depth behind All-Professional Christian Gonzalez, as Carlton Davis III will flip 29 in a couple of weeks. Hood has some areas to wash up along with his approach, however there’s an infectious power that you just see each time you watch him play. He posted 10 cross breakups this season — his first with Tennessee after spending one season at Colorado and his freshman yr at Auburn. Hood loves the problem of man protection and could be an aggressive participant in run help.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*
Let’s begin by acknowledging that Simpson isn’t any lock to declare for the draft (simply 13 begins over his profession) and his current play has been regarding. Nonetheless, his performances early within the season had been sturdy sufficient to maintain him within the first-round dialog in the precise circumstances. This might be precisely that. Since Matthew Stafford remains to be enjoying at an MVP stage and below contract subsequent season, the Rams would doubtless not want Simpson to play in any respect in 2026. That will give him time to develop — and there is maybe no higher quarterback tutor within the recreation than coach Sean McVay.
Simpson has nifty in-pocket motion, the flexibility to be an correct passer and a robust arm when he can set his platform. Given their further first-round decide, the Rams can afford to take an opportunity on their quarterback of the long run.
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
For the second straight offseason, there may not be a roster with fewer obtrusive wants than the Broncos, who’re at the moment on a 10-game successful streak with second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Is one other extensive receiver a should? No, but it surely could not harm to have one other cheap possibility behind Courtland Sutton. At 6-2, 220 kilos, Bell has a number of the greatest dimension of any of the touted receivers on this class. He was scorching sizzling within the first six video games of this season, with six touchdowns and three 100-plus-yard video games. He didn’t rating or attain 80 yards in any of his remaining six video games of the common season, however he nonetheless displayed unusual energy and burst for a participant of his stature.
