Even as the2026 NFL Draftdraws closer, any sense of certainty remains elusive.
With less than two weeks left until the start of the first round in Pittsburgh, the buzz is growing around various possibilities for teams' potential paths. But late insights don't always have the signal-to-noise ratio, leaving a distinct shapelessness to an inherently fluid event. And with so many moving pieces, a true structure for the first round and beyond might not emerge until the first few names are called out on draft night.
Here's our latest 2026 NFL mock draft and projection for the full first round:
Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.
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Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
It's a testament to Mendoza's impeccable body of work that the pre-draft vivisection of his game has largely only turned up questions of how he'll fare operating from under center rather than in the shotgun.
No one will confuse the 6-5, 236-pound Heisman Trophy winner with the likes of Cam Ward or Drake Maye, as he's not particularly creative or dangerous when a play breaks down. But that's about the only phase in which Mendoza comes up short. He's as precise as any passer you'll find from the college ranks, and he comfortably works through progressions and manipulates coverages. His arm strength isn't otherworldly, but he can attack every level with suitable velocity on his throws. Forcing him off his spot can throw him off his rhythm, but Mendoza rarely loses his cool under pressure and still conjures solutions when things aren't going his way. Beyond the improvisational shortcomings, he's the picture of a top-tier quarterback prospect.
More: Why Fernando Mendoza won't be at NFL draft: Indiana QB staying home
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Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The hyperbole inherent to NFL draft evaluations doesn't seem so outlandish when it's being attached to Love. For the 6-0, 213-pound Heisman Trophy finalist, everything starts with his game-breaking speed, which allows him to turn the corner with ease or jet through even the narrowest of openings on the interior. And once he has a step on the defense, he's extremely unlikely to be caught. He's far from just a linear threat, however, as his distinct creativity shines through in the open field – particularly when he unleashes his spin move or hurdle. Operating in a different gear than everyone else has created some inconsistencies in his early pacing, but it's rarely something that derails him. His elite skill set also carries over to his work as a pass catcher, where he can further vex defenses that won't likely have an answer when he lines up in the slot or out wide. It's fair to hold onto questions of positional value for running backs, but Love is unquestionably among a select few who deserve to be seen as this class' difference-makers.
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Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
No defender in college football broke open games last season quite like Bain, who led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 83 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-2, 263-pounder frequently took the shortest path possible to the quarterback, uprooting anyone who stood in his way. Bain's atypical build for an edge rusher – including his short arms – invited plenty of scrutiny about how he might translate to the pro ranks, but he's already demonstrated he can mitigate the concern. If he's neutralized, it seems unlikely that it'll become a common occurrence.
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Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
After arriving at Ohio State as an elite athlete searching for a true position, Styles departs Columbus having developed an unparalleled proficiency for the intricacies of linebacker play. The 6-5, 244-pound former safety could be counted on to be in the right place to plug the run at all times, and he still has room to grow in coverage and as a blitzer. Clean in everything he does, Styles can help be a standard-bearer for whatever defense he joins.
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Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
From his first snaps at Alabama as a five-star freshman to his final push at Ohio State, Downs put himself in a class all his own at safety. The two-time unanimous All-American repeatedly snuffed out plays before they could get started, particularly against the run or near the line of scrimmage. While he doesn't measure up as a physical marvel like Kyle Hamilton or Derwin James, he could have the same bottom-line effect for a defense, even if he doesn't match their ball production. His position might prevent him from cracking the top five, but he'll force offenses to account for him on every down.
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David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
Right off the snap, Bailey gets offensive linemen on their toes. The 6-4, 251-pound edge rusher's explosion off the ball can get blockers off balance in an instant, at which point Bailey can attack them by changing course or unleashing a spin move. Bailey's lean frame can result in him being eradicated in the run game at times, but players who can derail opposing passers with his level of efficiency can't be ignored. It shouldn't be long into his NFL transition before his pressure rate ticks up and he takes his place as one of the league's most threatening matchups off the edge.
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Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
He was never the WR1 in the Buckeyes' loaded receiver room, but Tate stands above the rest of the pass-catching options in this class. With subtle shifts in his tempo and sudden breaks in his routes, the 6-2, 192-pound target creates separation without much strain. He settles into open spaces against zone and skies over defensive backs to haul in difficult passes down the sideline. He might not look the part of a go-to target, but he measures up to the title in almost every respect.
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Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Not long into his foray into the Southeastern Conference, the Virginia Tech transfer made clear to opponents that he was not to be tested. Delane rapidly earned the title of shutdown corner, with teams almost universally opting to avoid throwing his way. At the next level, he figures to draw comparisons to Trent McDuffie – another cornerback who doesn't let his size or limited ball production prevent him from being recognized as a first-tier cover man.
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Makai Lemon, WR, USC
In an earlier era, Lemon might have been dismissed as a slot receiver not capable of being an offensive focal point. Now, however, there shouldn't be much doubt about how much the Biletnikoff Award winner can shoulder. Lemon is a maestro when it comes to getting open underneath, and he can be counted on to vacuum up any throw that approaches his area. And teams that underestimate his downfield credentials could end up paying if they try to sit on short and intermediate throws.
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Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
A torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last January kept McCoy out of commission for all of last season and clouded his pre-draft process. But in a stellar pro day showing, the 6-1, 188-pound corner served up a reminder that he has all the trappings of a top-tier cover man. With superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes, McCoy can grow into a standout in any defensive scheme.
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Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
After his impressive performance at the NFL scouting combine, Thieneman rocketed into the discussion of this draft's premier defensive backs. Easy coverage instincts extend his already expansive range, and vigilance is required for any passing attack that throws to his area of the field. He can't measure up to Downs or some of the other safeties in this class when operating closer to the line of scrimmage, but he shouldn't be asked to serve in that capacity too frequently anyway.
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13. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Even with everything crumbling around him in Penn State's calamitous season, Ioane still held firm. The 6-5, 320-pound left guard is a brick wall in pass protection, but where he really shines is in his forceful displacements in the run game. Ioane will have to figure out a way to handle quick-twitch defensive tackles who will test his fluidity, but he's one of the more reliable prospects in this class.
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Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami
Solid to the core, the former five-star recruit holds his ground against the pass and forces opposing linemen out of the way with his strong first contact. But while there's not much mystery to the 6-6, 329-pounder's play, there are several unknowns about his projection. A move inside could be in his future to safeguard against concerns that he'll be beaten by rangy edge rushers, but the skill set is there to hang at right tackle.
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Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Smooth movements allow Fano to conjure answers for even the speediest edge rushers. He still could have trouble with rangier defenders, however, as well as ones who can convert speed to power and knock him off base. Like many offensive tackles in this class, he'll face questions of whether he belongs at the position, with some question of whether he should head to center.
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Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
From his massive frame (6-7, 315 pounds) to his quickness, Freeling checks off some of the most notable boxes for a high-end left tackle. As a one-year starter, his technique is still a work in progress, with some bad habits sapping his efficacy. But he's clearly on an upward trajectory, and teams might be eager to buy on an ascendant blocker.
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KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Few receivers are true separators at all three levels. Concepcion qualifies as just that, with more than enough quickness and speed to free himself from coverage at any point on the field. Drops have dogged him, but he could shake the issue in short order. Versatile and dynamic, Concepcion is more refined than he gets credit for, and he could become a vital part of an aerial attack with more polish.
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Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The ultimate seam threat, Sadiq accelerates in a manner not seen from 6-3, 241-pound pass catchers. Though he's proven himself after the catch, much of his value remains somewhat theoretical, as his experience and workload in the downfield passing game haven't aligned with his capabilities. But as an instant mismatch creator and aggressive run blocker, he can change the complexion of whatever offense he joins.
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Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Some will see a 6-4, 210-pound body and assume Boston relies on pulling down jump balls in close quarters. But while tilting those throws in his favor is his best feature, it's far from his only one. Boston has impressive fluidity for a player with his physical make-up, and his tracking and midair adjustments make him an even more confounding coverage assignment.
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Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Though he might not be an all-around coverage maven, McNeil-Warren is comfortable exerting his will from several different vantage points. He rallies to the ball in a hurry in run support, working his way through traffic to deliver big hits. And though his 6-4, 201-pound build limits his comfort zone in coverage, he can give both quarterbacks and receivers pause on attempting any throws over the middle.
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Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Once seen as the clear-cut favorite to be the first receiver selected, Tyson now might be the most polarizing pass catcher in this class. Quick and crisp when he's dialed in, he has a robust set of maneuvers to beat man coverage from various spots. But medical concerns from various ailments muddle his draft outlook, and he can be inefficient with his footwork.
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Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
Having just turned 25 with an extensive injury history, Mesidor enters the draft with red flags that might tank other prospects' stock. Teams that look past those issues, however, will see an advanced and unrelenting pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks to beat blockers. Mesidor might be one of the most divisive prospects in this class in his projection, but there's not much to object to with the on-field product.
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Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
With McCoy sidelined, Hood did a commendable job of filling in as the Volunteers' primary asset in coverage. The Colorado transfer kept the competitive juices flowing in shutting down tight-window throws as well as making his presence felt against the run. He can't match McCoy in overall fluidity, but he still sizes up as a meaningful counter in man coverage for bigger receivers.
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Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Other receivers are sure to be more vexing coverage matchups than the 6-0, 199-pound target. Cooper, however, has a truly distinct aptitude for slipping tacklers in the open field. His penchant for racking up yards after the catch should carry over to the NFL and endear him to his future quarterback, as should his aggressive approach to fighting through contact and operating in traffic.
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Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
In a class rife with right tackles and expected guard converts, Lomu stands out as a true blindside protector. Bulking up will be an essential step for the 6-6, 313-pounder to hold his own against more powerful edge rushers, but there's considerable room for growth on top of the enticing glimpses of his potential he's already displayed.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.
2026 NFL mock draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The draft discussion around Mendoza has already shifted to how the Raiders can best set up the quarterback for long-term success. WithKirk Cousins coming aboard, Las Vegas might opt for a more patient approach than NFL teams typically exhibit with No. 1 picks behind center. But Mendoza has given every reason for the Silver and Black to believe he'll be a quick study in Klint Kubiak's scheme. Still, a satisfactory class depends on more than his mere arrival, as there's significant work to be done in the receiving corps and throughout a defense that looks liable to yield shootouts.
2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
From January through March, the consensus opinion had Arvell Reese was pegged for the spot. Now, Bailey is the hot name linked to Gang Green. While Reese's body type and forcefulness against the run might make him a more natural running mate for wiry edge rusher Will McDonald IV, there's not a ton of projection required when it comes to Bailey's ability to pester quarterbacks. For a regime that has to balance long-term growth with showing some proof of concept in Year 2 of the build, the savvy Stanford transfer could be just the kind of cornerstone required for the reconfigured front seven.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
This setup presents an interesting predicament for Arizona. While Reese's talent and capacity for growth can't be questioned, might the Cardinals be scared off by another hybrid defender given their spotty record of finding a home for such players? Unlocking the full extent of Reese's abilities necessitates some creativity, but Arizona shouldn't be scared off by past missteps, be they in evaluation or development. The more problematic move would be forcing a pick along the offensive line when the proper value isn't there.
4. Tennessee Titans – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
When coach Robert Saleh and general manager Mike Borgonzi spoke at the combine about how highly they valued arm length at all levels of their defense, many attempted to parse their comments to figure out how they might view this class' top edge rushers. While Bailey or Reese slipping to this spot might simplify Tennessee's process, that same mindset could point the team's decision-makers to Styles. The 6-5, 244-pounder can get wherever he needs to be in order to snuff out a play, and having a heady and hyperathletic figure in the middle could help bind together a rapidly reimagined defense.
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Somewhere between picks No. 4-7 seems like the sweet spot for Love, who has reignited questions of when it's appropriate for a team with wider offensive shortcomings to select a running back early in the draft. Landing with the Giants would spark a special level of consternation given the franchise's handling of Saquon Barkley, but John Harbaugh seems unlikely to be weighed down by the organization's past. Love would provide Jaxson Dart with a true game-breaker capable of easing the lift for the rest of the Giants' offense.
6. Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
If Cleveland forgoes a left tackle here, it risks all the capable potential starters being scooped up by the time it selects next at No. 24. Nevertheless, a team with as many holes as the Browns can't afford to turn down the best available talent at another area of need. Tate could give the 2026 edition of Cleveland's offense the chance to at least keep drives rolling and eventually serve as a go-to target when the team picks a direction for a long-term answer at quarterback.
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
After spending big to overhaul its pass rush, Washington still looks due for an additional difference-maker on its defense. While cornerback Mansoor Delane deserves to be squarely in the conversation here, Downs can handle almost any assignment thrown at him and be a force multiplier for a unit that's still not on solid ground.
8. New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
New Orleans isn't boxed into taking a receiver early, but it certainly would make sense to boost Tyler Shough's supporting cast entering Year 2 for the quarterback. With his mastery of working the underneath and intermediate areas, Lemon would pair well with deep threat Chris Olave and open up Kellen Moore's aerial attack.
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Edge rusher remains the most pressing area of concern for Kansas City's defense, but a team that seldom finds itself drafting this high seems unlikely to compromise on value given the various avenues available. Delane could become the new staple for a Chiefs secondary that has repeatedly managed to pivot after parting with top talent.
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Duke Tobin hasn't been shy about declaring his affinity for elite size and athletic traits. While his preferences have given a distinct shape to the Bengals' offensive and defensive fronts, they could also heavily inform the composition of the secondary. McCoy looks and plays the part of a top cover man, making him a prime target for a defense still looking to forge an identity.
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
A calculated, deliberate approach to building back up appears to be the preferred method for new Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who has stripped his roster of some top talent in pursuit of financial flexibility and a youth movement. Starting that effort along the lines would be a reasonable course of action, and Mauigoa would be a sturdy addition capable of dictating terms up front.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
Should a top-tier defensive prospect slide out of the top 10, the Cowboys will be poised to pounce. Bain would be enticing for Dallas in a trade-up scenario, but here they land the punishing pass rusher without coughing up any additional draft capital. Stylistic concerns should be immaterial to a defense in need of a dynamic figure capable of providing a jolt off the edge.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
A one-year starter who's probably still a bit of a project, Freeling might not necessarily make sense for a Rams team looking to cash in its chips for another title push with Matthew Stafford at the helm. Yet with both of the top receivers off the board, Los Angeles might have to make the best of things. Freeling could take over at some point for right tackle Warren McClendon Jr., who is entering the final year of his deal.
14. Baltimore Ravens – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Much of the talk surrounding new coach Jesse Minter's arrival has centered on what changes might be in store for the defense. But the schematic shift from Todd Monken to Declan Doyle on offense might not be the smoothest. Sadiq could help create mismatches while allowing the attack to continue living out of two-tight-end sets.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Some franchises have a type. The Buccaneers gravitate toward sharp leaders who can acclimate to the pro game quickly. Faulk qualifies as that, though his early impact might be limited to stuffing the run as he assembles an actual pass rush plan out of his athletic tools and moves.
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16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
A passing attack counting on a Geno Smith revival seems destined for plenty of situations where it needs someone other than Garrett Wilson to step up and deliver a big play. Those gotta-have-it scenarios are where the slippery Cooper thrives, and there might be a significant appeal for Gang Green to bring aboard someone who can create for himself after the catch rather than a figure whose contributions depend almost entirely on the flow of the offense.
17. Detroit Lions – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
With Dan Campbell swinging open the door to Penei Sewell moving to left tackle, the Lions have ample flexibility to patch their hole at offensive tackle. By adding Proctor, however, Detroit could keep Sewell at the spot at which he's become an All-Pro performer. The 6-7, 352-pound blocker's penchant for displacing people in the run game should endear him to Campbell right away.
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Since his star turn at the combine, Thieneman has been linked heavily to a Minnesota team that could be headed for a changing of the guard at safety. If he's available here, it's difficult to envision the Vikings passing on a versatile asset in coverage, given all the different looks he could facilitate for Brian Flores.
19. Carolina Panthers – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
With Rasheed Walker signed to a one-year deal on the cheap, Carolina has enough of a contingency plan at left tackle should Ikem Ekwonu need a good bit of time to make his way back from a torn patellar tendon. Fano, however, could further bolster Bryce Young's protection, either with a move to center or as an eventual replacement for right tackle Taylor Moton, who will turn 32 this summer and count $28.4 million against the cap in 2027.
20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Never mind the numbers coming out of Terrell's pro day, during which he aggravated his hamstring injury. While Terrell might lack elite physical traits, he can capture the interest of the Cowboys with an extensive track record of shrewd playmaking in various phases.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Here's to betting that this selection, if it materializes, would be met with instant approval from the Pittsburgh locals on the scene for the draft. Need isn't much of a factor for the Steelers, but Ioane would cover for one of the few notable short-term voids as a true enforcer on the interior.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)
Beyond identifying a potential successor for 35-year-old Khalil Mack, the Chargers demonstrated last year that their defense works best when they have a formidable third edge rusher in their rotation. With Odafe Oweh off to Washington, Mesidor can step in to keep Mack fresh with his pro-ready approach to pass-rushing.
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Now equipped with something of an insurance policy at receiver thanks tothe Dontayvion Wicks trade, Philadelphia can continue staving off the A.J. Brown trade drama until the early summer, when a deal becomes more palatable. Lane Johnson would make a fine mentor to Iheanachor, a former basketball standout who could become an outright force up front if he continues along his impressive growth trajectory.
24. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
When it comes to evaluating offensive tackles, general manager Andrew Berry has an avowed openness regarding players' experience on the left or right side. If he doesn't address his line with his first pick at No. 6, he might need to get creative to fill the last remaining hole along his front. Beyond some spot work as a blindside protector, Miller spent the overwhelming majority of his four years as a starter at right tackle. Still, the Strongsville, Ohio, native has the frame and athleticism to be a fixture of whatever front he joins.
25. Chicago Bears – T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
As someone who consistently looks to walk back whoever stands in front of him, Parker seems like he was built to brawl in the NFC North. The Bears' pass rush has some promise but can't afford to pin its hopes on Dayo Odeyingbo's resurgence after a torn Achilles or a breakout from Austin Booker.
26. Buffalo Bills – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Taking another receiver after the DJ Moore trade would certainly constitute quite the mea culpa for Brandon Beane, who not long ago vigorously defended what was a clearly flawed plan for building out Josh Allen's receiving corps. But even though he could be a divisive figure who tumbles on draft day due to injury concerns, Tyson still could give the Bills something they've long lacked: a weapon capable of creating consistent separation on the outside.
27. San Francisco 49ers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Adept at breaking free of coverage and making things happen with the ball in his hands, Concepcion is the kind of target whose skill set could be maximized in Kyle Shanahan's system. The ultra-versatile slot dynamo could feast as a major run-after-catch threat who capitalizes on the attention that defenses place on Ricky Pearsall, Mike Evans and George Kittle, as well as Christian McCaffrey.
28. Houston Texans – Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech
Even after a concerted effort in free agency to fortify their offensive line, the Texans' work doesn't quite feel finished. Rutledge's unrelenting demeanor as a blocker could help Houston do a better job of setting the tone in the run game for new lead back David Montgomery.
29. Chiefs (from Rams) – Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF
Once considered somewhat of a sleeper, Lawrence might be set to take on a more prominent role in the draft than many initially expected. Long and explosive, he fits the bill of a Steve Spagnuolo pass rusher and could allow Kansas City's front to become less reliant on Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
30. Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Determined and polished, Johnson might currently be somewhat overlooked in the first-round conversation. His trustworthiness could catch the eye of the Dolphins' new regime, which will have to stabilize the secondary if first-year coach Jeff Hafley's defense is to coalesce at any point in the early going.
31. New England Patriots – Zion Young, DE, Missouri
The link between Young and the Patriots extends beyond positional preferences or even a skill set. The 6-6, 262-pounder seems to embody the persistence and physicality New England is on the hunt for on the edge.
32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
This still feels like a spot ripe for a trade down for a team with just four draft picks. While the defending champs settled an uncertain outlook in the secondary by bringing back Josh Jobe, Hood could add more depth and keep Seattle flexible on the back end of its defense.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL mock draft: Big name slides out of top 10 picks
Even as the2026 NFL Draftdraws closer, any sense of certainty remains elusive. With less than two weeks left until the start of th...
