2026 NFL Mock Draft: 1st Round Projected Picks and Top Prospect Draft Predictions

December 22, 2025

2026 NFL Mock Draft, expert 1st round projected picks, top prospect predictions for the upcoming NFL draft including Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love, more.

As your fantasy leagues enter the playoffs, leaving many on the outside looking in, it is natural for some to turn their eyes towards the incoming rookies for hope. Whether you’re hoping to get in on the next great dynasty sleeper, eyeing a quarterback for your favorite team, or you just love watching Mel Kiper Jr.’s hairline recede, NFL Draft season has something for everyone.

With that in mind, it is never too early to get a start on the upcoming rookie class, and mock drafts are the best way to do that. While the perspective entering this season was that the 2026 NFL Draft would be low on talent, the demise of this class was somewhat exaggerated. In fact, this class is better than last year at several key positions.

Before we begin, it is worth noting that the draft order for this mock is based on the current record & strength of schedule entering Week 15. Also, please note that many underclassmen may return to school this year, but the only major returns we are projecting right now are Arch Manning to Texas and LaNorris Sellers to… wherever pays him the most.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: 1st Round Projected Picks

1. *TRADE: Arizona Cardinals - Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

The Cardinals appear done with Kyler Murray, but they also know that Jacoby Brissett is a bridge quarterback, not their long-term answer. Thus, Arizona is a prime candidate to move up for a passer in this class, given they have many of the other pieces in place to win and their leadership needs to win soon… if they even keep their jobs this year.

Dante Moore dimes pic.twitter.com/TTWzZcKSGK

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) November 30, 2025

Many will consider Fernando Mendoza the easy call for whoever trades up for a QB this year, as he is the safest passer in this class and can distribute the ball to Arizona’s strong weapons. However, Moore is the better athlete with far easier velocity and power on his throws than Mendoza. While his inexperience is a concern, Moore throws with anticipation and poise.

Trade Compensation:

• Giants Receive - Pick #8, #40, plus Arizona’s first and second round picks in 2027
• Cardinals Receive - Pick #1

2. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Raiders tried making win-now moves last year, like adding the aging Geno Smith, and it didn’t work. Now, it is time for them to finally use significant draft capital on a young passer for the first time since Derek Carr.

While I am the low man on Mendoza, weapons like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty would help him quickly realize his Jared Goff-like potential. The Hoosier is a tall, instinctive thrower who plays with toughness and poise. If the Raiders can improve their offensive line in free agency, Mendoza would help them right their ship quickly.

3. Tennessee Titans - Arvelle Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

Reese is one of the most popular names in draft circles right now, as his athleticism and projectable skills are elite. Unfortunately, his pass rush production has not reached the level of past elite prospects like Abdul Carter, Myles Garrett, or Micah Parsons. However, his versatility, speed, and length profile well on a Titans team desperate for a dominant speed rusher.

4. Cleveland Browns - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

If the Browns are smart, which they often are not, they will give Shedeur Sanders a full year to prove he is/isn’t the answer at quarterback in 2026. The cost of moving up for the top passer in this class will be prohibitive, plus Sanders has shown enough flashes that Cleveland can afford to try him out and invest in the strong 2027 quarterback class if he doesn’t work out.

That leaves the Browns targeting offensive tackle, since they don’t have one who graded well as a pass blocker this year. If Kevin Stefanski remains the team’s coach, you can guess he will push for a blocker like Fano. The Ute is the top-rated tackle on my board, a strong run blocker, and an above-average mover.

5. New Orleans Saints - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Given the flashes Tyler Shough has shown and the cost of moving up for a quarterback, the Saints elect to wait on a quarterback in this mock. Instead, Mickey Loomis falls in love (no pun intended) with an elite back who profiles like a young, more powerful Alvin Kamara. With two young offensive tackles in place, Love would be far less risky than Ashton Jeanty was in Vegas.

6. Washington Commanders - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Jayden Daniels has spent a good part of his career leaning on Zach Ertz, largely because Ertz is the biggest body and most reliable short-area weapon in Washington. Tate would be a massive upgrade in that area, as he plays with elite size and hand strength. The Ohio State alum has an insane 85% success rate on contested catches and makes tough redzone catches look routine.

7. New York Jets - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

While the Jets should wait on a quarterback until 2027, when they will have multiple firsts in a much better quarterback class, their owner (Woody Johnson) rules on emotion and will likely overreact to his empty QB room. With that said, Simpson lacks size and experience, but he can throw the ball 40 yards with good ball placement, and he shows good pocket mobility.

8. TRADE BACK: New York Giants - Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)

The Giants have two starting offensive linemen headed for free agency. While the expectation is they will re-sign starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, right guard Greg Van Roten is old and costly. Drafting Mauigoa would help New York get younger and more talented at guard while offering the versatility to swing him out to left tackle when Andrew Thomas is hurt.

9. TRADE: Minnesota Vikings - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Vikings have a noteworthy need in their secondary, where Byron Murphy Jr. has not lived up to his new contract. Downs is an elite safety prospect and arguably the best slot corner in this class as well. The opportunity to select the best defensive back in this class is worth a third-round pick, considering he would fill one of the only flaws on an otherwise dominant defense.

Please note, Minnesota fans may want their team to move up for a quarterback, but it’s unlikely to happen. The Vikings invested a lot in J.J. McCarthy, who was young and raw coming out of Michigan, and he’s yet to play a full season. Plus, this quarterback class doesn’t have anyone worth the massive haul Minnesota would have to surrender to get into the top two picks.

Trade Compensation:

• Rams Receive - Pick #11 and #75
• Vikings Receive - Pick #9

10. Cincinnati Bengals - Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (FL)

The Bengals’ biggest needs are, unquestionably, all on defense. However, no need is more pressing than at pass rusher, where the team is thin even if Trey Hendrickson returns… which is a big if.

Bain is a player who could easily be drafted in the top five picks, but his lack of elite speed could also cause him to fall. The Miami product’s combination of power, bend, and production makes him the ideal pick for Cincy, outside of an unlikely fall for Arvelle Reese. The Bengals would surely be thrilled if Bain fell to them in this spot.

11. TRADE BACK: Los Angeles Rams - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Rams are unlikely to move up for a quarterback in this class, unless Mathew Stafford retires after a Super Bowl run. If Stafford returns, the Rams will likely go all-in on the upcoming season and draft the best player available. That could be Tyson, who would give them an elite WR3 and a strong heir to Davante Adams in a year or two.

12. Miami Dolphins - Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Miami should strongly consider offensive line here, which is a direct quote from all our mock drafts last year. Unfortunately, Miami passed on an elite tackle prospect in Josh Simmons last year, and there is no tackle worth taking with this pick. So, the team pivots and gives Tua Tagovailoa another weapon that he can dump the ball off to when pressure gets to him.

Were Lemon three inches taller and thicker, he’d be the top offensive weapon in this class. He is a tenacious hands catcher who attacks the ball at the expense of his own safety, and he shows the ability to break short throws into long gains. The Trojan would fill the inevitable hole left by Tyreek Hill’s retirement/release/trade.

13. Baltimore Ravens - Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

While we have high hopes that Mike Green will turn into a premium pass rusher over time, the Ravens still must add more youth and upside to their front seven. They rank third-worst in pressure rate and pass-rush win rate this year. Woods would help in both areas, as an ideal fit for the three-technique position in Baltimore’s 3-4 front.

14. Kansas City Chiefs - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

We are at the stage of Travis Kelce’s career where the Chiefs must consider his eventual replacement every offseason. While Kyle Pitts is a distinct possibility in free agency, Sadiq is another tantalizing candidate. The Duck displays tremendous deep speed, ball skills, and underrated blocking acumen for his size. Consider him a more athletic Harold Fannin Jr.

Kenyon Sadiq would be an awesome pick if the Patriots feel like getting cocky…
pic.twitter.com/MQodVdXKyR

— Keagan Stiefel (@KeaganStiefel) November 23, 2025

Note, the Chiefs would be Jeremiyah Love’s floor if he were to fall to this spot in the draft.

15. Dallas Cowboys - Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

People love projecting running backs to the Cowboys, but Javonte Williams’ career renaissance means Dallas has far bigger problems than the RB position. In fact, the Cowboys created their biggest issue by trading Micah Parsons, leaving a massive void that no one can fill. The best they can do is draft a balanced and powerful edge like Faulk and pray he fills that role by 80%.

16. Carolina Panthers - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Going into the College Football Playoff, Edwards leads the NCAA in sacks and pressures and ranks sixth in pass-rush win rate. That kind of production should be hard for the Panthers to ignore, considering they are second-to-last in quarterback pressures this season.

17. Detroit Lions - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Cornerback continues to be an issue for the Lions, even after they sank significant resources into their secondary over the past three offseasons. While McCoy has not played a single down this year, that should mean he is completely healthy by next summer. Plus, his ball skills are the best of any corner projected to be in this class.

18. New York Jets (via Indianapolis) - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Assuming the Jets bring back Head Coach Aaron Glenn, which is no safe assumption, you must think the former corner will want an influx of talent at this position. The trade of Sauce Gardner left a major hole in the secondary, which Delane can help fill with his polished technique and consistent fundamentals. He has a long track record that Glenn will love.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-  Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

The Buccaneers have struggled mightily on the interior of their offensive line this year, and the return of Cody Mauch will only address so much of that concern. Ioane plays with power and would quickly become one of the strongest run blockers on Tampa’s line.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

This marks yet another season in which the Steelers desperately need to draft a young quarterback but can’t because they win just enough to push quality QBs out of reach. Assuming they don’t reach for a passer here, Denzel Boston makes a lot of sense. The Steelers have been looking for a WR2 for years, and Boston fits that bill with size and contested catch ability.

21. Philadelphia Eagles - T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson

The Eagles can never have too many edge rushers, proven by their trade for Jaelan Phillips at the trade deadline. Parker put together a disappointing final season at Clemson, but he was considered a top ten pick coming into the year, and he still has long arms that knock blockers back with surprising power.

22. Houston Texans - Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Proctor’s size limits his movement skills and makes his hips stiff. He also struggles with elite speed off the edge, meaning some may want him to move inside to guard. However, he does have a powerful frame that moves defenders off the ball, and his understanding of protections improved this year. The Texans desperately need better blocking, and they may reach out to get it.

23. Chicago Bears - A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

The Bears have surprisingly few glaring weaknesses on their roster, if their linebackers can stay healthy. However, adding youth and size to their interior defensive line could go a long way toward improving their run defense. Washington is a safe pick for his power and presence against the run, but he shows flashes of pass-rush speed and handwork.

24. Buffalo Bills - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Bills’ starting linebackers have struggled to stay healthy this year, leading their defense to surrender the fifth-most rushing yards to opponents. Worse, Matt Milano is a free agent this year and carries significant injury concerns over multiple seasons. That Milano uncertainty opens the door for Styles, who is easily the best interior linebacker in this class.

25. Los Angeles Chargers - Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

When Jim Harbaugh joined the Chargers, he wasn’t shy about spouting the importance of offensive line talent and depth. Unfortunately, the Chargers have struggled to field a full line all season, despite prioritizing the position. Adding Lomu would be a luxury pick, but he’s a young tackle with strong movement skills who could start at guard and offer depth at tackle.

26. San Francisco 49ers - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (Fl.)

The 49ers should draft offensive line with this pick, but the value isn’t there in this scenario, and… well, you should always expect this regime to ignore perceived value and draft their defensive linemen. John Lynch has used his first pick on the defensive line in five of his nine seasons as GM, often deviating from popular opinion… and the unit continues to struggle.

Mesidor would be a strong option if the 49ers insist on going defensive line again. Going into the College Football Playoff, Mesidor is 22nd in the NCAA in total pressures, 19th in pressure rate, and 22nd in pass rush win rate. He also plays with good bend but has the frame to kick inside to a defensive tackle when needed.

27. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville) - KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

If the Browns are going to give Sanders a shot, they need to add an explosive receiver like Concepcion. He brings a YAC element that Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman lack. The Aggie’s presence should give the Browns more defensive spacing on their underneath throws once opponents start to respect Concepcion’s speed and playmaking ability.

Jordyn Tyson & Carnell Tate are my top 2 WRs.

Texas A&M's KC Concepcion is closing in on my WR3 in this class. He has speed, explosiveness, positional versatility, ball skills, etc.

Most importantly, he has an answer for the press-man alignment. pic.twitter.com/OYUIdTjH5v

— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) November 13, 2025

28. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay) - Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

With Trevon Diggs a strong cap casualty candidate, cornerback could become a deceptively big need for Dallas this offseason. Terrell is a polished cover man with fluid movement skills and a good understanding of opposing routes. He could start opposite DaRon Bland, allowing the team to deploy Shavon Revel at free safety, where his athleticism and length could thrive.

29. Seattle Seahawks - Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon

The Seahawks have maximized their pass rush for all its worth this season, but age and physical limitations on the edge still cap this elite defense’s upside. Uiagalelei is an underrated edge prospect who collected double-digit sacks this season. He also has the size and athleticism to translate his college numbers into pro production with Mike Macdonald’s help.

30. New England Patriots - Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

Sarratt has a good frame with an above-average feel for the boundary and several impressive catches on his resume. With Omar Cooper Jr. possibly out for the College Football Playoff, Sarratt could earn himself some money and a first-round ticket if he continues to stand out during a deep Indiana playoff run. Don’t be surprised if a team like the Patriots tabs him as their possession receiver.

31. Los Angeles Rams - Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

The Rams have historically valued top-end speed at cornerback, and Kelley Jones has a real shot to lead the position in the 40-yard dash at the Combine. The Bulldog is incredibly fast, tall, and has natural instincts in man coverage. He would fill the Rams’ need for boundary talent before they potentially target a passer on Day Two.

32. Denver Broncos - Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

Alex Singleton is a pending free agent, and the Broncos could save nine million towards the cap by cutting Dre Greenlaw a year into his contract. Those potential losses could make interior linebacker one of Denver's biggest needs. While Hill Jr. was inconsistent in 2026, he still has elite length, closing burst, power, and he plays with freaky range.

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