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Mike Fanelli provides his way too early 2026 NFL Mock Draft. He projects positions of need for all NFL teams in the first round and chooses the most logical player fit.
The 2025 NFL Draft is now in our rearview mirror. Therefore, it’s time for dynasty rookie drafts.
However, it’s never too early to get started on the 2026 draft class. While much will change over the next year, let’s dive into my way-too-early 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
Please don’t yell at me about the draft order. It was set based on the reverse Super Bowl odds via DraftKings.
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Picks No. 1-10
1) New Orleans Saints – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
The Saints spent a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Tyler Shough. However, he will need an impressive rookie season to keep New Orleans from drafting a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, especially since Nussmeier is the team’s offensive coordinator’s son.
2) Cleveland Browns – Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Despite spending two picks on quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns will likely select another one with their early selection in 2026. Allar could have been the first pick in this year’s draft had he declared after totaling 24 passing touchdowns last season.
DREW ALLAR WITH A BEAUTIFUL BALL TO Tyler Warren FOR THE TOUCHDOWN
WHAT A START FOR THE OFFENSE! pic.twitter.com/Oa9TB7cW2s
— Barstool Penn State (@PSUBarstool) January 1, 2025
3) New York Jets – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Hopefully, Justin Fields will be good enough in 2025 to prevent the Jets from drafting a quarterback. Pairing Woods with Quinnen Williams will make life awful for opposing offensive lines.
4) Tennessee Titans – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
While the Titans used their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Oluwafemi Oladejo, they could use more help rushing the quarterback. Parker would give them a No. 1-caliber edge-rusher.
5) New York Giants – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Unfortunately, Andrew Thomas has struggled to stay healthy lately, missing 11 games in 2024 and seven in 2023. Proctor could start at right tackle and give the Giants options if Thomas continues to miss time with injuries.
6) Carolina Panthers – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
The Panthers didn’t select a linebacker during the 2025 NFL Draft. Carolina has lacked a difference-maker in the middle of the defense since Luke Kuechly retired.
7) Indianapolis Colts – LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Hopefully, Anthony Richardson can have a third-year breakout in 2025. However, Colts fans should start looking at the 2026 quarterback class.
8) Las Vegas Raiders – Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Las Vegas signed Maxx Crosby to a massive contract extension earlier this offseason, keeping him on its books through the 2029 season. However, the superstar could use more help chasing down Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix.
9) Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville) – Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Despite having concerns along their offensive line, the Browns didn’t spend a single pick improving the unit in 2025. Therefore, don’t be shocked if Cleveland selects two early in the 2026 NFL Draft, including one in the first round.
10) Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta) – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs was the only player to give Tyler Warren trouble during the 2024 college football season. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula would love having the Ohio State star at his disposal when facing George Kittle and Trey McBride four times a year.
Picks No. 11-20
11) New England Patriots – Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
The Patriots selected Kyle Williams during the 2025 NFL Draft. However, he was the only pass-catcher the team added. Furthermore, Stefon Diggs is the only proven wide receiver on the roster.
12) Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Reportedly, the Dolphins and Jalen Ramsey are heading for a divorce. Yet, Miami waited until the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft to add a cornerback.
13) Seattle Seahawks – Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
While the Seahawks spent two Day 3 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on wide receivers, the team has no long-term answer to pair with Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stewart would be an excellent option.
14) Arizona Cardinals – Suntarine Perkins, EDGE, Ole Miss
Arizona spent a third-round pick on Jordan Burch and added Josh Sweat in free agency this offseason. Yet, it still needs more help rushing the passer.
15) Dallas Cowboys – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Cowboys are at their best when they can run the ball at a high level. Love had 17 rushing touchdowns in 2024 despite playing through an injury late in the year.
JEREMIYAH LOVE GOES 98 YARDS 🤯🔥
THE 12-TEAM CFP IS OFFICIALLY HERE 🍿 pic.twitter.com/zCOZ2E0yWO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024
16) Pittsburgh Steelers – Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
T.J. Watt is on the wrong side of 30 and heading into the final year of his contract in 2025. While the Steelers spent a fourth-round pick on Jack Sawyer, don’t be surprised if they add an edge-rusher early next year, especially if Watt is no longer with the team.
17) Chicago Bears – Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
While D'Andre Swift will remain the Bears starting running back in 2025, the team can get out of his contract next offseason. Don’t be surprised when Ben Johnson spends prime draft capital on an elite running back prospect.
18) Houston Texans – Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
Houston has one of the best edge-rusher duos in the NFL. However, its interior defensive line could use significant help. Banks would be an excellent addition alongside Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
19) Minnesota Vikings – Keon Sabb, DB, Alabama
The Vikings don’t have a significant hole on their roster. However, Harrison Smith isn’t getting any younger, and Minnesota didn’t spend any picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on the secondary.
20) Denver Broncos – Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
How much more help does the Broncos defense need? The answer is none after drafting Jahdae Barron this year. However, John Franklin-Myers is a free agent after the upcoming season and is unlikely to return in 2026.
Picks No. 21-32
21) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Nearly every mock draft had the Buccaneers taking an edge-rusher with their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, they waited until the fourth round to select one. Don’t expect that to be the case again next year.
22) Los Angeles Chargers – Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Los Angeles lacks a No. 1-caliber cornerback on the roster. It can’t keep ignoring that need with several talented wide receivers in the AFC West division.
23) Green Bay Packers – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
While Jaire Alexander didn’t get traded during the 2025 NFL Draft, he might not be on the Week 1 roster. Furthermore, the veteran likely won’t be back with the team in 2026, making cornerback Green Bay’s top need.
24) Los Angeles Rams – Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
The Rams can be aggressive in next year’s draft, thanks to having two first-round picks. Klubnik is a dark-horse candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Last year, he had several impressive performances, including against Appalachian State.
Clemson QB Cade Klubnik vs App State:
🐅 24/26
🐅 378 YDS
🐅 7 Total TDS
🐅 0 INTSAll in the First Half👀 pic.twitter.com/BQYftS4nLQ
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 8, 2024
25) San Francisco 49ers – Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Trent Williams could retire as soon as after the upcoming season. Yet, the 49ers didn’t select an offensive tackle during the 2025 NFL Draft. They must add one early next year, especially if they are going to pay Brock Purdy.
26) Cincinnati Bengals – Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida
Hopefully, the Bengals can keep Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati to pair with new first-round pick Shemar Stewart. However, the interior of their defensive line needs significant help.
27) Washington Commanders – LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Nearly every mock draft had the Commanders using their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on an edge-rusher. However, Washington didn’t select one with its five picks.
28) Detroit Lions – Aaron Anderson, WR, LSU
Reportedly, the Lions entertained trade offers for Jameson Williams during the 2025 NFL Draft. He will be heading into the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 and might not be part of the team’s long-term plans.
29) Baltimore Ravens – Francis Mauigoa, G, Miami
Baltimore spent four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on the offensive line. However, three came on Day 3 of the draft. Don’t be surprised if it spends an early pick in next year’s draft protecting Lamar Jackson.
30) Buffalo Bills – Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
Many were surprised when the Bills waited until the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select a wide receiver. Josh Allen needs another weapon to pair with Khalil Shakir, especially if Keon Coleman doesn’t have a sophomore-year breakout.
31) Kansas City Chiefs – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Chiefs spent a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Nohl Williams. However, they need more help at cornerback, especially with Trent McDuffie heading into the final year of his rookie contract.
32) Philadelphia Eagles – Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida
No team values its defensive line more than the Eagles. Yet, they waited until the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft to add an edge-rusher despite losing Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat this offseason.
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