👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

First-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Final Projections for All 32 Picks (2026)

Jordyn Tyson - College Football DFS Picks, NCAA CFB Rankings

Andrew's final 2026 NFL mock draft. Read the predictions and fantasy outlook for each pick of the first round with analysis for all 32 selections.

It's Christmas Day.

The NFL Draft is my favorite event of the year, and the picks made tonight through Saturday will shape the future of the league. Think back to last year's Super Bowl Champs. Rookies Grey Zabel and Nick Emmanwori made enormous impacts for the Seahawks. Despite this being a relatively weak class, there's no doubt some teams will get better.

This mock draft is built to be as accurate as possible, not just a projection of what would make sense on paper. In 2024, my final mock ranked 6th in TheHuddleReport's annual accuracy contest. This year the goal is a top-five finish.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

1. Raiders - Fernando Mendoza - QB, Indiana

Mendoza is a potential franchise-altering leader for new Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak. You can read my full breakdown of his film here.

2. Jets - Arvell Reese - EDGE, Ohio State

I'm going to feel bad if I get this wrong because the majority of National insiders are mocking David Bailey here. However, I simply can't get over the cancelled top-3o visit. I also believe Arvell Reese is a better prospect than Bailey because he has more versatility and a higher ceiling.

3. Cardinals - David Bailey - EDGE, Texas Tech

I think the Cardinals want to trade down, but it's going to be tough to find a partner willing to give up enough to get up to No. 3. If they stay put, they do need an EDGE, so David Bailey and his patented spin move make sense.

4. Titans - Jordyn Tyson - WR, Arizona State

Here's a shocker. The Titans could easily take Jeremiyah Love here, but it's also possible they prefer positional value at this spot. Jordyn Tyson has a case for the top receiver in this class. He showed he was healthy last week, and appears like a lock for the top ten.

5. Giants - Jeremiyah Love - RB, Notre Dame

The Giants don't have a need at RB, but Jeremiyah Love is the best player in the entire draft. John Harbaugh likely wants to run the ball, so pairing Love with Cam Skattebo gives New York a dynamic 1-2 punch.

6. Browns - Kadyn Proctor - OT, Alabama

Kadyn Proctor is 6-6, 352 with rare movement skills for a man his size. He's not commonly mocked this high, but that size at left tackle is very appealing to NFL teams.

7. Commanders - Sonny Styles - LB, Ohio State

Dan Quinn is likely coaching for his job, and Sonny Styles has a chance to step in and develop into his next Bobby Wagner. Styles is an athletic freak with the football character that teams love.

8. Saints - Caleb Downs - S, Ohio State

The Saints need help at wide receiver and on defense. In this projection, they get one of the best players in the draft in Caleb Downs. He can play deep, at nickel, or in the box and has the instincts and tackling ability to develop into an All-Pro.

9. Chiefs - Rueben Bain Jr. - EDGE, Miami

The Chiefs aren't very familiar with picking this high, so it's imperative they get this selection right. Rueben Bain has short arms, but his film is dominant. He can be an effective edge rusher from day one in Kansas City.

10. Giants - Olaivavega Ioane - OG, Penn State

The Giants would probably love to come away with Caleb Downs here, but in this projection, he's gone. If they don't take an offensive weapon at five, this could be a spot for Carnell Tate. However, the Giants already took Love so they choose to address the offensive line with Olaivavega Ioane, who is the best guard in the draft.

11. Dolphins - Carnell Tate - WR, Ohio State

Carnell Tate slips in a bit in this projection, and the Dolphins are not in any position to pass on that value. Tate is a polished, technical receiver with a bright future.

12. Cowboys - Mansoor Delane - CB, LSU

There's a very real possibility the Cowboys have to reach a bit in order to take defense here. However, if Mansoor Delane is there, he's a slam dunk. Delane is the best corner in the draft and can play man or zone at a high level from day one.

13. Rams - Francis Mauigoa - OT, Miami

The Rams could take a receiver here, but in this projection, one of the top offensive linemen falls into their laps. Francis Mauigoa was one of the best o-linemen in college football last year and can slot in at guard or tackle depending on how Sean McVay's front five shakes out.

14. Ravens - Makai Lemon - WR, USC

Makai Lemon was one of the most productive receivers in college football last year and has the quickness and ball skills of a top NFL slot. The Ravens need more quality targets for Lamar Jackson, so Lemon makes sense as an immediate upgrade for the WR room.

15. Buccaneers - Akheem Mesidor - EDGE, Miami

Akheem Mesidor is already 25-years-old, so it's reasonable to question his production against younger competition. However, his film is terrific. In Tampa Bay, Todd Bowles needs immediate contributors and Mesidor has the pass-rushing skills that translate.

16. Jets - KC Concepcion - WR, Texas A&M

The Jets need a receiver alongside Garrett Wilson. KC Concepcion has more separation tools than any receiver in this class and added value as a punt returner. He needs to improve his catching technique but his upside is a WR1.

17. Lions - Spencer Fano - OT, Utah

The Lions need to replenish the offensive line. If Spencer Fano falls this far, expect Dan Campbell's team to run to the podium. Fano has the size and movement skills of a solid starting pro tackle.

18. Vikings - Kenyon Sadiq - TE, Oregon

Kenyon Sadiq's lack of elite production has been a talking point this draft season. He's an extremely athletic tight end with blocking ability but was never featured at Oregon. The Vikings coaching staff would be tasked to help him reach his potential as the eventual replacement for T.J. Hockenson.

19. Panthers - Dillon Thieneman - S, Oregon

If Sadiq is there, expect the Panthers to take him. If not, Dillon Thieneman makes sense as a center fielder for their defense. He's instinctive and versatile and made plays all over the field at Purdue and Oregon.

20. Cowboys - Keldric Faulk - EDGE, Auburn

Keldric Faulk has the measurables and football traits to make a splash along the defensive line in the NFL. The Cowboys are still searching for a replacement for Micah Parsons.

21. Steelers - Monroe Freeling - OT, Georgia

Monroe Freeling is not the most polished player, but he has immense upside. The Steelers have questions at tackle and would happily scoop him up if he were to fall this far.

22. Chargers - T.J. Parker - EDGE, Clemson

T.J. Parker wasn't as productive in 2025 as he was in 2024, but he performed well at the Senior Bowl and has the requisite size and athleticism of a solid starting edge rusher.

23. Eagles - Omar Cooper Jr. - WR, Indiana

Rumor has it that the Eagles are trading A.J. Brown to the Patriots. If that's the case, they'll need another wide receiver alongside DeVonta Smith. Omar Cooper Jr. can play inside and outside and has outstanding YAC ability.

24. Browns - Denzel Boston - WR, Washington

After shoring up the left tackle spot with their first pick, the Browns need a wide receiver. In this projection, they select Denzel Boston, who is a big-bodied contested-catch warrior with more wiggle than he's given credit for. Boston would have a clear path to targets in Cleveland.

25. Bears - Blake Miller - OT, Clemson

Blake Miller is an experienced, productive, solid prospect. The Bears have injury concerns for their current left tackle, so need meets value here.

26. Cardinals f/Bills - Ty Simpson - QB, Alabama

The Cardinals trade up from No. 34 to secure their preferred signal-caller. Ty Simpson flashed during the season, but struggled down the stretch. He has starter traits, but his inexperience makes him a high-risk project.

27. 49ers - Max Iheanachor - OT, Arizona State

Max Iheanachor has the physical gifts to develop into a quality starting NFL tackle. He's a bit raw, but the upside is there. He would be an excellent replacement for Trent Williams down the road.

28. Texans - Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah

The Texans need a tackle, and Caleb Lomu has the traits to come in and start on day one. Lomu can mirror in pass protection and has the feet necessary to play left tackle in the NFL.

29. Chiefs - Colton Hood - CB, Tennessee

After addressing EDGE with Rueben Bain Jr., the Chiefs stay on the defensive side of the ball and land a potential lockdown corner in Colton Hood. Hood had a terrific season last year for Tennessee, making plays on the ball and displaying sticky coverage skills that translate.

30. Dolphins - Treydan Stukes - DB, Arizona

The Dolphins are extremely thin in the secondary, and Treydan Stukes is getting a lot of hype as a potential first-round selection. The film shows an instinctive, fast playmaker who can tackle and play man coverage.

31. Patriots - Zion Young - EDGE, Missouri

Zion Young has the length and tenacity to win on the edge in the pros. The Patriots lost K'Lavon Chaisson, so Young makes sense here.

32. World Champion Seattle Seahawks - Chase Bisontis - OG, Texas A&M

The Champs could use a corner and running back, but in this projection, they get an upgrade at guard. Chase Bisontis has awesome film and is a plug-and-play starter the second he steps on an NFL field.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the draft!

More NFL Rookie Analysis



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

NFL

Can Makai Lemon Become the Fantasy WR1 of the 2026 Draft Class?
NFL

What Kind of Fantasy Ceiling Can Be Expected From Fernando Mendoza?
NFL

Regardless of Landing Spot, Jeremiyah Love Will Leave the NFL Draft as the Unquestioned 1.01 in Rookie Drafts
Paolo Banchero

Finishes Game 2 Loss With 18 Points
Cade Cunningham

Notches 27 Points, 11 Assists in Slow-Burning Win
Devin Booker

Settles for 22 Points in Game 2
Dillon Brooks

Leads Suns With 30 Points Wednesday Night
Chet Holmgren

Productive on Both Ends Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Notches 37 Points in Game 2 Win
Jalen Williams

Aggravates Hamstring Injury
NFL

Arvell Reese Could Generate Trade Interest in the Top 10 of NFL Draft
DeForest Buckner

Colts Targeting a Training Camp Return for DeForest Buckner
Michael Harris II

Continues to Heat Up With Two-Homer Game on Wednesday
Francisco Lindor

Leaves Wednesday's Game Early With Calf Tightness
JR Ritchie

Earns Promotion, Will Make MLB Debut on Thursday
Jakob Poeltl

Expected to Bounce Back Thursday
Jordan Goodwin

Collin Gillespie Replaces Jordan Goodwin in Starting Unit for Game 2
Rob Dillingham

Undergoes Wrist Procedure
Grayson Allen

Cleared to Play Wednesday
Keldon Johnson

Lands Sixth Man of the Year Award
Jordan Goodwin

Won't Play Wednesday
Mark Williams

Misses Wednesday's Action
Ja'Kobe Walter

Could Miss Pivotal Game 3
Peyton Watson

Remains Out for Game 3
Aaron Gordon

Likely to Play in Game 3
Anthony Edwards

' Status Uncertain for Game 3
Thomas Bryant

Iffy for Game 3
Immanuel Quickley

Questionable for Game 3
Jonathan Isaac

Ruled Out for Game 2
Noah Ostlund

Could Return Thursday
Pontus Holmberg

Will Miss Round 1
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Could Be an Option Friday
Victor Hedman

Traveling With Team
Radko Gudas

Unavailable for Game 2
Los Angeles Rams

Rams Increasingly Likely to Draft a First-Round Wide Receiver?
Yakov Trenin

Considered a Game-Time Decision Wednesday
Shedeur Sanders

Gets First Reps in Team Workouts
Mats Zuccarello

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to Go on Injured List With Flexor Strain
NFL

Chris Bell is Ahead of Schedule in ACL Rehab
NFL

Caleb Banks on Pace for Football Activities in June
Maikel Garcia

Leaves Early on Wednesday With Elbow Soreness
Carson Beck

Could Carson Beck be a First-Round Pick in the NFL Draft?
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Sore Back
Juan Soto

Officially Back in Mets Lineup on Wednesday
J.T. Realmuto

Phillies Place J.T. Realmuto on Injured List With Back Injury
Lucas Giolito

Signs With Padres, Worth a Waiver-Wire Pickup?
Ryan Helsley

Orioles Put Ryan Helsley on Bereavement List on Wednesday
George Pickens

to Play on Franchise Tag in 2026
Quinshon Judkins

Spotted at Voluntary Offseason Workouts
Isaiah Davis

Remains Without a Clear Pathway to Playing Time in New York
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Chiefs Looking to Acquire Kyle Pitts Sr. From the Falcons?
Kaleb Johnson

Does Kaleb Johnson Still Carry Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal?
DK Metcalf

Should Dynasty Managers Be Looking to Sell on DK Metcalf?
Trey McBride

Is Trey McBride Currently Undervalued in Dynasty Leagues?
Carolina Panthers

Kenyon Sadiq Linked to Panthers in Mock Drafts
Wan'Dale Robinson

Could Be Primed for Breakout Year with the Titans
Brock Purdy

Is Brock Purdy a Sneaky Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers?
Arizona Cardinals

Jeremiyah Love a "Logical Pick" if Cardinals Stay at No. 3 in NFL Draft
CFB

Beau Pribula Leading Virginia Quarterback Competition
Jack Eichel

Sets Up Two Goals Tuesday
Artemi Panarin

Records Another Power-Play Goal
Dylan Guenther

Enjoys Multi-Point Outing Tuesday Night
Viktor Arvidsson

Strikes Twice in Game 2 Win
Lane Hutson

Nets First Career Postseason Goal
Brandon Hagel

Records Tampa Bay's First Postseason Gordie Howe Hat Trick
Nikita Kucherov

Ends 16-Game Postseason Goal Drought
Marco Penge

Trending Down Entering Zurich Classic
Sahith Theegala

Eyes Another Strong Week at Zurich Classic
Brooks Koepka

Shane Lowry Teams Up with Brooks Koepka at Zurich Classic
Si Woo Kim

Adds Another Strong Finish at RBC Heritage
Elly De La Cruz

Early-Season Breakout Continues on Tuesday
Wyatt Langford

Pulled Early on Tuesday With Forearm Tightness
Luke Clanton

Hoping to Find Form in New Orleans
Jackson Holliday

Leaves Rehab Game With Hand Discomfort
Corbin Carroll

Returns to Arizona's Lineup Against White Sox
Scottie Scheffler

is Starting to Hit His Stride
Brooks Koepka

Looking for Progress in PGA Return With Partner at Zurich Classic
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Share Recent Form at Zurich Classic
Zack Wheeler

to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Jonathan Toews

Undecided on NHL Future
Jonathan Huberdeau

Expects to Be Ready for Training Camp
DAL

Nathan Bastian Not Expected to Play Before Round 2
Roope Hintz

Doubtful for Game 4
Adam Henrique

Won't Play in Game 2 Against Ducks
Victor Hedman

Doubtful to Play in Round 1
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Unavailable Tuesday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back in Leadoff Spot on Tuesday After Injury Scare
CFB

Ashton Daniels Named Florida State's Starting Quarterback
Juan Soto

Expected to Return on Wednesday
Royce Lewis

Twins Reinstate Royce Lewis From Injured List on Tuesday
Adley Rutschman

Activated From Injured List on Tuesday
Dylan Cease

Continues Strong Start With 12-Strikeout Performance
Raisel Iglesias

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation
Tyler Reddick

Earns His Fifth Win of the 2026 Season at Kansas
Kyle Larson

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Rallies for A New Career-Best Finish at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Leads the Most Laps at Kansas but Misses Out on Victory
Christopher Bell

Falls Out of Contention for Kansas Victory on Final Restart
Mike Malott

Scores Third-Round TKO Win
Gilbert Burns

Retires After UFC Winnipeg Loss
Charles Jourdain

Extends Winning Streak
Kyler Phillips

Drops Decision At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss In His UFC Debut
Jai Herbert

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Karine Silva

Gets Dominated at UFC Winnipeg
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Dominates Karine Silva
Kyle Larson

Should not be Underestimated for the Win at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Can Denny Hamlin Dominate at Kansas Again?
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Should Contend for First Win at Kansas
Tyler Reddick

Fastest in Practice and Qualifying for Kansas Race
Ryan Blaney

Could Score another Top-10 Finish at Kansas
Ty Gibbs

Poised to Continue Hot Streak at Kansas
Chris Buescher

Always Consistent, Has Speed Heading Into Kansas
William Byron

is A Solid DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Carson Hocevar

Poised for Career-Best Run at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Kansas?
Chase Elliott

Is A Favorable DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano be Considered Playable In DFS This Week at Kansas?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Favorable Driver to Consider for Kansas Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Worthy DFS Option for Kansas?
Brad Keselowski

Could Brad Keselowski be A Sneaky DFS Option for Kansas?
Daniel Suarez

Should DFS Managers Roster Daniel Suarez at Kansas?
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF