Quick take: This 2026 NFL Mock Draft from Lead NFL Draft Analyst Bobby Bishop highlights all 32 first-round selections and features three major trades. The New York Jets move up to 1.01 for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, while the Tennessee Titans land wide receiver Jordyn Tyson as part of the blockbuster deal.
NFL Draft nerds are beginning to gain more clarity for April 2026, but nothing is set yet. Many college prospects still have games remaining. The draft order is still in flux. Evaluations are far from finalized. I do my best to merge my big board with team fit, making sure an NFL team may truly select that player. The order of selections is based on the NFL Draft order after Week 14. Without further ado, here is my mock draft 2.0 for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Go here for Lead NFL Draft Analyst Bobby Bishop’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 and see our Mock Draft Hub for fantasy football content.
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ROUND 1 | 2026 NFL MOCK DRAFT 2.0
(Click here) Full 1st Round Condensed Table for All 32 Selections
In the table below are the top 32 selections for the 2026 NFL Draft according to Bobby Bishop:
| Pick | NFL Team | Name | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York Jets (via TEN) | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
| 2 | New York Giants | Arvell Reese | EDGE/LB | Ohio State |
| 3 | New Orleans Saints | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | Miami |
| 4 | Las Vegas Raiders | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon |
| 5 | Cleveland Browns | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama |
| 6 | Washington Commanders | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State |
| 7 | Tennessee Titans (via NYJ) | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State |
| 8 | Arizona Cardinals | Spencer Fano | OT | Utah |
| 9 | Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn |
| 11 | Minnesota Vikings | LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina |
| 12 | Miami Dolphins | Peter Woods | DT | Clemson |
| 13 | Kansas City Chiefs | David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech |
| 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Makai Lemon | WR | USC |
| 15 | Carolina Panthers | Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State |
| 16 | Dallas Cowboys | T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson |
| 17 | Detroit Lions | Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami |
| 18 | Houston Texans | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame |
| 19 | Baltimore Ravens | Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU |
| 20 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon |
| 21 | Buffalo Bills | Denzel Boston | WR | Washington |
| 22 | Philadelphia Eagles | Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee |
| 23 | Tennessee Titans (via IND) | Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah |
| 24 | San Francisco 49ers | Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama |
| 25 | Los Angeles Chargers | Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | Penn State |
| 26 | Cleveland Browns (via JAX) | KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M |
| 27 | Dallas Cowboys (via GB) | CJ Allen | LB | Georgia |
| 28 | Seattle Seahawks | Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee |
| 29 | Los Angeles Rams | Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina |
| 30 | Denver Broncos | Kayden McDonald | DT | Ohio State |
| 31 | Chicago Bears | Matayo Uiagalelei | EDGE | Oregon |
| 32 | New England Patriots | Chris Bell | WR | Louisville |
🚨 MOCK TRADE
New York Jets receive 2026 1.01
Tennessee Titans receive 1.07, 1.23, 2027 IND 1st
No. 1 | New York Jets (via TEN—mock)
Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | 6’5’’ | 225 lbs
Could the New York Jets pull off a massive trade up to choose the best (and maybe only) franchise QB in the draft? In my mock trade, they utilize the Sauce Gardner picks to get it done, and they hold onto their own 2027 1st round selection in the process. If the New York Jets are able to execute a deal like this, I believe they will select Fernando Mendoza, the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mendoza has been a revelation in an otherwise down QB class. He is the only QB at the top of the class with multiple seasons of starting experience and elite production. Mendoza has very limited mobility; he is a pure pocket passer. He sees the field well, goes through reads, and hits the open receiver with great accuracy and rhythm. Mendoza has a smooth and quick release. Indiana is a lock for the College Football Playoffs, where Mendoza will have plenty of opportunities to cement himself as the 2026 QB1.
No. 2 | New York Giants
Arvell Reese | EDGE/LB | Ohio State | 6’4’’ | 243 lbs
Could the Giants trade back and target a receiver? Certainly, but I have them staying put and selecting the best player available, Arvell Reese. This pick could be transformative for the Giants defense. Yes, they have solid edge rushers already in Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, with Kayvon Thibodeaux also showing flashes of potential. The edge rusher label doesn’t fully encapsulate the chess piece that is Arvell Reese.
Reese is a defensive weapon that could be moved around the field. I believe Reese has superstar written all over him. Reese can play off-ball linebacker, stepping back into coverage or blitzing the quarterback with elite closing speed. In the age of mobile quarterbacks, Reese can eliminate that option for the offense as an exceptional QB Spy. He can rush the passer. He can stop the run. The Giants may prefer to draft a wide receiver, but the best player available is the best defender in the draft: Arvell Reese.
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No. 3 | New Orleans Saints
Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | Miami | 6’3’’ | 275 lbs
The Saints may prefer to take a chance on a quarterback, but I’m not sure they are sold on that course of action. After drafting a 2nd Round quarterback last April and trading away their WR2 at the trade deadline, I do not see an arrow pointing toward adding a quarterback in this draft. This rebuild is going to take a few years, and it will be better to build the team back up first. Then, drop the QB into an environment where he can be successful. Tyler Slough is a perfectly acceptable bridge until that happens in 2027 or 2028.
For the above reasons, I have the Saints taking the best player available here: Miami’s edge rusher, Rueben Bain Jr. Bain’s 2025 surface stats are not going to wow anybody. He only has 4.5 sacks, but he has consistently fought his way into the backfield with 57 pressures. Of Power 4 Edge Rushers with at least 200 pass rush snaps, Bain ranks second with a pass rush win percentage of 23.9%. Miami is firmly on the College Football Playoffs bubble, so hopefully chaos can push the Hurricanes into the playoffs for Bain to have more high leverage games.
No. 4 | Las Vegas Raiders
Dante Moore | QB | Oregon | 6’3’’ | 206 lbs
The Raiders may not be quite ready to add their quarterback of the future, but this team needs some juice. They prioritized best player available the last two seasons despite Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers feeling a bit like Corvettes parked in a trailer park. If they have conviction regarding any QB2 becoming their franchise quarterback, they should go ahead and pull the trigger.
Dante Moore has been extremely impressive this season. He goes through reads and finds the open man in rhythm, but can also improvise and make splash plays when the pocket breaks down. While pressured, Moore has completed 61.5% of his passes and has only thrown 1 interception. He has the arm strength to make any throw asked of him at the next level. Some have debated if Moore needs another year to develop, but with his Top-10 draft stock and a new OC coming to Oregon next year, returning to school seems very risky. If he declares, Dante Moore will be very much in the mix to be the second quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 5 | Cleveland Browns
Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama | 6’2’’ | 208 lbs
The Browns selected two quarterbacks last April, but I seriously doubt that either will be the longterm answer at the position. Ty Simpson has been the breakout quarterback of the year. Vaulting up draft boards, Simpson went from completely off the radar to a potential top-10 pick. If he declares and falls to them, the Browns would be thrilled to snag a franchise quarterback with their first selection, especially in a division which already has 2 of the top 5 quarterbacks in the league.
From a clean pocket, Ty Simpson has been an assassin, maintaining a 69.9% completion percentage and a 22:3 TD to interception ratio. Simpson has looked like a veteran at times, but some teams will shy away from his lack of experience. This season is Simpson’s first as a starter. He has shown cracks in his armor when throwing the ball deep (41.5% completion percentage and a 5:3 TD to interception ratio on throws 20+ yards down the field). He heavily struggled against the tough Georgia defense in the SEC Conference Championship. Simpson’s stock is at a crossroads, pending his College Football Playoff tape.
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I could easily see Simpson cashing in on NIL, staying at Alabama, and competing to be the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. If he declares, I believe a team will fall in love with the upside enough (or have so much QB desperation) to make him QB3 and a top-10 pick.
No. 6 | Washington Commanders
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State | 6’3’’ | 195 lbs
Few things have gone right for the Commanders this season, foremost among the issues has been Jayden Daniels’ injury woes. In 2024, we saw the vision of the transcendent talent that he possesses. The Commanders have an opportunity to take advantage of the down year to surround him with more talent for the future. With this selection, the Commanders add youth to their receiver room by selecting my WR1, Carnell Tate.
Despite being in the shadow of Jeremiah Smith, Tate has flashed this season. A 6’3’’, 195 lb human being should not be able to move like he does. Tate’s ability to cut on a dime and then burst to his spot makes him one of the better route runners I’ve seen among big-bodied receivers. He has caught an unbelievable 85.7% of his contested catch opportunities, looking like a power forward grabbing a rebound against a point guard. Tate is the type of young weapon whose chemistry with Jayden Daniels could grow to become one of the better stacks in all of dynasty fantasy football.
🚨 MOCK TRADE
New York Jets receive 2026 1.01
Tennessee Titans receive 1.07, 1.23, 2027 IND 1st
No. 7 | Tennessee Titans (via NYJ — Mock)
Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State | 6’2’’ | 200 lbs
Last year, the Tennessee Titans made Cam Ward the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, they need to provide an environment for his success through protecting him and giving him weapons. With this pick, I focused on giving him his new best receiver. There is an active, three-headed battle for WR1 at the moment with Jordyn Tyson landing as my WR2 in the 2026 class at the moment. If selected by the Titans, Tyson would immediately vault to be the best receiver on the team.
Tyson is a flat-out baller. He is a route-runner extraordinaire that creates separation in abundance. He plays with a high IQ and excels at locating the soft spots in zone defenses. Tyson has extremely reliable hands, with only 1 drop in 2025. He reminds me of Cooper Kupp, a savvy, intelligent, and crafty receiver who will make his quarterback’s life much easier. Cam Ward will be working extremely hard this offseason to make a sophomore jump, and the Titans need to work just as hard to surround him with talented players, like Tyson.
No. 8 | Arizona Cardinals
Spencer Fano | OT | Utah | 6’6’’ | 302 lbs
Whether Jacoby Brissett or Kyler Murray under center, the Cardinals have been one of the worst teams in the league (29th) at allowing their QB to be sacked, averaging 3.5 sacks allowed per game. They need to improve their offensive line this offseason, and Spencer Fano is the best offensive lineman in the draft.
Fano has dominated at Utah with steady improvements each season. As a freshman, he only allowed 21 pressures and 2 sacks. He improved to just 14 pressures and 1 sack as a sophomore. This season, Fano has solidified himself as a top-10 pick, giving up only 5 pressures and zero sacks. Fano could stand to gain a little weight. I would love for him to get closer to 310 or 315, only if he maintains his explosiveness in the process. Regardless, Fano is going to walk into the NFL as a plug-and-play starter at right tackle for some lucky NFL franchise.
No. 9 | Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)
Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State | 6’0’’ | 205 lbs
The Rams are an extremely difficult team to mock because they are a talented football team with almost all their key players under contract for next season. They are in an excellent position to select the best player available, regardless of position. I have them taking Caleb Downs, as a running mate with Kamren Kinchens and a replacement for impending free agent Kamren Curl.
Downs has been the best safety in college football the last few seasons. His athletic traits are off the charts, but his best attribute is his instinct. This season Ohio State DC, Matt Patricia has put Downs frequently in the robber role, where Downs has the freedom to watch the quarterback’s eyes, anticipate routes, and jump the football. Downs has cut off many primary receivers, forcing the quarterback to look elsewhere. Downs has showcased extreme versatility this season, taking snaps at nickel, outside corner, linebacker, and both safety spots. His play level has never dipped no matter his alignment or task. Caleb Downs is one of the best football players in the entire draft.
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No. 10 | Cincinnati Bengals
Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn | 6’6’’ | 285 lbs
Joe Burrow has returned, and the Bengals are going to play their best football of the season down the stretch. I can all but guarantee they play their way out of a top-10 pick. They have a glaring need at edge rusher, hampered by Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson’s injury woes. Myles Murphy has shown some flashes, but Hendrickson is a free agent. It is a position that needs addressing. Keldric Faulk is the best edge rusher available with this pick.
Faulk hasn’t had the best season. Standing out as by far Auburn’s best player, he has been the feature of the opposition’s gameplan each and every week. He has faced double teams and chip blocks from tight ends and running backs consistently. Faulk had production in his college career, with 45 pressures and 7 sacks as a sophomore. Furthermore, Faulk has the makings of a culture-changing player in the locker room. He has received consistent praise for his leadership and attitude on and off the field. At 20 years old, Keldric Faulk is just scratching the surface of his football potential.
No. 11 | Minnesota Vikings
LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina | 6’3’’ | 240 lbs
The Vikings have a quarterback problem. After rehabilitating Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones and letting both walk in free agency, they rode with J.J. McCarthy, who has shown me zero promise of being the future of the franchise. I would love to see Kevin O’Connell get his hands on a quarterback like LaNorris Sellers with unlimited potential. Sellers is far from a finished product.
He needs to improve in his ability to see the field, make quick reads, and not take sacks in the face of pressure. Nobody could have been successful at South Carolina with 5 sliding glass doors as offensive linemen. Sellers’ arm strength, accuracy, ability to throw on the run, and contact balance are all impressive tools. KOC could coach the best out of Sellers and flip this offense back into one of the best in the league.
No. 12 | Miami Dolphins
Peter Woods | DT | Clemson | 6’3’’ | 315 lbs
This rebuild may take a few years, but I love the idea of building from the trenches. Adding Peter Woods, the best defensive tackle in the draft, to play next to Kenneth Grant could create a formidable pair of defensive tackles that the rest of the defense could build around. Despite Clemson’s disappointing 2025 season, Woods’ stock has remained the same. He is a force against the run game from the interior, eating double teams and creating havoc.
No. 13 | Kansas City Chiefs
David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech | 6’3’’ | 250 lbs
The Kansas City Chiefs need edge rusher help. They’ve only sacked the opposing quarterback 1.8 times a game on average (27th in the league). George Karlaftis has 5 sacks, but no other edge rusher on the team has more than 2. The best edge rusher available is David Bailey, the 2025 FBS leader in pressures (70) and sacks (12.5). The Chiefs have had success drafting a player from Texas Tech previously, so they could only dream that this selection turns out half as well.
No. 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers
Makai Lemon | WR | USC | 5’11’’ | 195 lbs
Outside of DK Metcalf, the Steelers have a glaring need at wide receiver. Even if you run 12 personnel exclusively, a team still needs 2 talented receivers at minimum. Makai Lemon emerged in 2025 as one of the best receivers in the country.
He may be slightly undersized, but he has the nuance and wiggle to get open. With the ball in his hands, Lemon is elusive and explosive, averaging 6.4 yards gained after each catch. Lemon’s addition would help the 2026 Steelers QB find more success, no matter who holds the reins.
No. 15 | Carolina Panthers
Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State | 6’4’’ | 243 lbs
When you think of the identity of the best Carolina Panthers teams, they have a ground and pound offense and a defense led by elite linebacker play. At its best, the offense has already resurrected the run first offense; however, the Panthers need an elite off-ball linebacker to stop the run and improve this defense. The best full-time, off-ball linebacker in the draft is Sonny Styles. He is almost like a coach on the field for the Ohio State Buckeyes, helping players get set on defense. He’s massive and freakishly athletic. Styles is a sure tackler, as he’s the only linebacker in the country with over 400 snaps to have 0 missed tackles. I think he would be the perfect addition for this Panthers defense.
No. 16 | Dallas Cowboys
T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson | 6’3’’ | 265 lbs
The Cowboys will go into the offseason with edge rusher as the number 1 priority. They’ll start the process with Donovan Ezeiruaku and James Houston as their only ones under contract. The best edge rusher available here is Clemson’s T.J. Parker. After a dominant sophomore season, Parker’s 2025 season had been quiet until a breakout performance against South Carolina. Parker finished that rivalry game with 3 sacks and 10 total pressures. He lacks the desired length for the position, but he makes up for it with a relentless motor. Parker and Ezeiruaku would be a scary duo for opposing QBs.
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No. 17 | Detroit Lions
Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami | 6’6’’ | 315 lbs
The Lions need to add an interior offensive lineman, but they wouldn’t be opposed to playing an offensive tackle at guard to begin his NFL career. Francis Mauigoa is a pass protecting specialist, only giving up 3 sacks and 28 pressures in 990 pass blocking snaps over the last two seasons. Mauigoa’s floor is right around the late teens. The Lions would love to add his talent to their offensive line to give Jared Goff more time to see the field and distribute the ball to his talented cast of weapons.
No. 18 | Houston Texans
Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame | 6’0’’ | 214 lbs
The Texans defense has been dominant, but their offense has not been adequate. As a big CJ Stroud believer, I sit back and wonder how we can jumpstart this offense and help Stroud get back to his rookie year confidence. Obviously, they need to boost this offensive line, but it’s hard to pass up on the best player available, Jeremiyah Love.
Sure, Woody Marks has shown some flashes, but Love is a blue-chip running back prospect. Love has everything you want in a running back: athleticism, agility, burst, vision, hands, and strength. The Texans would still need to add offensive line help, but Love could be the perfect fire starter for this offense.
No. 19 | Baltimore Ravens
Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU | 6’0’’ | 190 lbs
The Ravens have tried to patch their secondary issues with veterans way past their prime. Nate Wiggins is having a solid sophomore season and will continue to be a core piece of this secondary, but having to defend star receivers like Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and DK Metcalf twice a year should drive the Ravens front office to continue to improve this secondary. Mansoor Delane is an excellent cover corner that would be perfect for this team. Delane has the length to match up with some of the massive receivers in the division and has smooth hips to mirror their cuts. The Ravens would love to add another young corner to their secondary.
No. 20 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon | 6’3’’ | 245 lbs
The Buccaneers have stayed committed to surrounding their franchise QB, Baker Mayfield, with weapons. Their weakest offensive skill position is by far tight end. Cade Otton is a free agent and his mediocre play was exacerbated by a game-losing drop against the Rams in Week 12. The offense values speed and would love to add an athletic tight end like Kenyon Sadiq to their toolbox. Sadiq holds his own as a blocker, and he will be a mismatch against linebackers in the passing game. To maintain their NFC South dominance, the Buccaneers need to continue to invest in their explosive offense.
No. 21 | Buffalo Bills
Denzel Boston | WR | Washington | 6’4’’ | 209 lbs
Josh Allen is on the path to be a Hall of Fame quarterback, but the Bills need to continue to support him with weapons. Keon Coleman has shown flashes of talent but also a lack of maturity which resulted in a multi-week benching. Khalil Shakir is crafty, but he’s not an alpha receiver. The Bills will look to add a receiver this offseason, and Denzel Bostonwould be the perfect fit.
He has a big frame, but his route running and separation are impressive. His hands are extremely trustworthy, as he had only 1 drop this season. Boston fits the role as an X receiver, which would allow Coleman to move to a better role as a large slot. I truly believe Boston would be the best receiver on the Bills from day 1.
No. 22 | Philadelphia Eagles
Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee | 6’0’’ | 193 lbs
Jermod McCoy would have easily been considered a top-10 pick, but he had an ACL tear in January of 2025 that cost him all season. He was dominant in his lone SEC season, picking off 4 passes and consistently providing tight coverage. He should be healthy in time for the combine or any all-star events that he may participate in to showcase his return. The Eagles could desperately use an upgrade for CB2. McCoy and Quinyon Mitchell would form the most talented cornerback duo on rookie contracts in the NFL.
🚨 MOCK TRADE
New York Jets receive 2026 1.01
Tennessee Titans receive 1.07, 1.23, 2027 IND 1st
No. 23 | Tennessee Titans (via IND — Mock)
Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah | 6’6’’ | 304 lbs
I mocked the Titans to acquire this pick as a part of a trade back with the Jets. I gave Cam Ward his new best weapon, Jordyn Tyson, earlier in the mock, but now Ward needs some blind side protection in the form of Utah’s other round 1 offensive tackle, Caleb Lomu. Other than struggling against Texas Tech, Lomu has had a nearly flawless season. He gave up 3 pressures against TTU and only 5 other ones throughout the season. Lomu kept Utah’s QB upright, allowing zero sacks in 2025. Lomu has excellent length and will almost always be able to get his hands on his blocking assignment before they reach him. The Titans are leading the league in sacks given up per game (4), so this selection would go a long way towards helping Ward have a long and fruitful career.
No. 24 | San Francisco 49ers
Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama | 6’7’’ | 366 lbs
The 49ers have a few directions they could go, but I think they would be thrilled to select Kadyn Proctor in the early twenties. Proctor is truly a freak athlete, but he’s still a bit raw. His biggest weakness is getting beat inside. He’s so massive and gets moving so hard to the outside that he sometimes gets caught inside. With good coaching, he will develop into a great tackle, but it may be best for Proctor to start his NFL career at guard. During the final year of Trent Williams’ contract (and maybe even career), Proctor could start at guard, and then move to left tackle in 2027 and beyond.
No. 25 | Los Angeles Chargers
Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | Penn State | 6’4’’ | 330 lbs
The Chargers offensive line has been among the worst in the league in 2025, averaging 3.3 sacks given up a game (27th in the NFL). The good news is the line could be a quick fix. Both offensive tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, should be good to go by training camp; however, they will still need help on the interior. Olaivavega Ioane is the best interior offensive lineman in the draft. Despite all of Penn State’s issues, Ioane flashed. He kept the pocket clean, giving up 3 pressures and 0 sacks all season. Adding Ioane would be a big step towards flipping this line from one of the worst in 2025 to one of the best in 2026.
No. 26 | Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M | 5’11’’ | 190 lbs
The Browns acquired this pick during the Travis Hunter trade back last season, so it could be fitting for them to use it to select a different wide receiver. KC Concepcion has been the leading receiver for one of the best teams in the country.
I love his ability to create extra yards. Concepcion is explosive, averaging 7.2 yards after the catch per reception—almost a first down. I mocked Ty Simpson to the Browns earlier in the draft, so it makes sense to begin to stockpile weapons for him.
No. 27 | Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
CJ Allen | LB | Georgia | 6’1’’ | 235 lbs
The Cowboys linebacker room needs to be completely rebuilt this offseason. Adding CJ Allen, an extremely talented off-ball linebacker, would be a massive addition. Allen has been the best player on a defense that has Georgia set up for a playoff run. He’s a menace against the run, flying all over the field, filling gaps, and bringing down runners. Allen has shown a weakness in coverage at times, but that doesn’t overshadow his ability to blitz and stop the run. He would immediately step in as the Cowboys most talented off-ball linebacker.
No. 28 | Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee | 6’0’’ | 195 lbs
The Seattle Seahawks secondary needs help. Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe are free agents at the end of this season. They need to add at cornerback, and Colton Hood is my best available at this point in the draft. Hood took over the CB1 role for Tennessee this season. His pick 6 against Mississippi State grabbed the momentum of the ballgame. He is a very willing tackler with only an 8.2% missed tackle percentage. The Seahawks would love to add a well-rounded cornerback like Hood on the opposite side of their young superstar Devon Witherspoon.
No. 29 | Los Angeles Rams
Brandon Cisse | CB | South Carolina | 6’0’’ | 190 lbs
Brandon Cisse and Colton Hood are honestly very difficult to separate as prospects. I have Hood slightly ahead because he’s thicker and a better tackler, but Cisse has greater straight line speed, in my eyes. Cisse held quarterbacks to a 47.4% completion percentage when his man was being targeted. He only gave up one touchdown catch on the season. Cisse also played clean football with only 3 penalties called against him on the season. He would be an excellent fit at outside corner on the Rams.
No. 30 | Denver Broncos
Kayden McDonald | DT | Ohio State | 6’3’’ | 326 lbs
The Broncos could use an upgrade over Malcolm Roach at nose tackle, and Kayden McDonald could be the guy. Ohio State arguably has the best defense in the country, and McDonald has played a massive role, eating double teams, stuffing the run, and providing interior pressure to quarterbacks. McDonald is versatile, capable of playing in the A gap or B gap. With championship aspirations in Denver, the trenches have to be deep.
No. 31 | Chicago Bears
Matayo Uiagalelei | EDGE | Oregon | 6’5’’ | 272 lbs
The Bears could use some edge rush help, and Matayo Uiagalelei is the best available to fit in their 4-3 system. At his size, Uiagalelei is so much more than just a pass rusher. He’s an every down defensive end who can set the edge, stop the run, and get off of blocks. Uiagalelei beats tackles with speed, strength, or any of his several finesse moves. Uiagalelei would be a day 1 starter for the Bears.
No. 32 | New England Patriots
Chris Bell | WR | Louisville | 6’2’’ | 220 lbs
Drake Maye has emerged as a superstar, and he doesn’t even have a dominant weapon to target. The best available receiver at the end of the first round is Chris Bell. Despite being jacked, the kid can fly. With the ball in his hands, he looks like Adrian Peterson, galloping away from defenders. Bell destroyed man coverage in 2025 with 3.21 yards per route run when guarded 1-on-1. The Patriots have some guys in the receiving room, but they don’t have a dude like Bell.
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ROUND 2 — Teams without Round 1 Selections
No. 43 | Atlanta Falcons
Chris Brazzell II | WR | Tennessee | 6’5’’ | 200 lbs
The Falcons would love to add an explosive Z receiver, like Chris Brazzell II, who can take the top off the defense. At his best, Michael Penix Jr. is a gunslinger who is confident airing out the football. Adding Brazzell would create more space for Drake London to work underneath (once defenses respect the deep threat).
No. 54 | Indianapolis Colts
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo | 6’2’’ | 202 lbs
The Colts have been the surprise team of the year, but they are starting to cool off a bit. They are giving up 246.3 passing yards a game (27th in the NFL). Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would be the perfect replacement and upgrade for impending free agent Nick Cross.
No. 57 | Jacksonville Jaguars
Chris Johnson | CB | San Diego State | 6’0’’ | 185 lbs
Chris Johnson has risen out of nowhere, and he has really impressed me. He has more interceptions (4) than penalties against (2) this season. The Jaguars could use a cornerback regardless, but if they end up having to make Travis Hunter a receiver only, this selection could become even more of a slam dunk.
No. 59 | Green Bay Packers
Domonique Orange | DT | Iowa State | 6’4’’ | 325 lbs
If you check his stats, Domonique Orange will not impress you. When you watch him play, you see the double teams he eats, allowing other defenders to make plays. The interior of the defensive line has been a weakness for the Packers this season. They need to invest in more beef in the trenches.
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🧠FAQ | 2026 NFL Mock Draft Questions Fans Are Already Asking
Who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft right now?
A: Most early projections point to Fernando Mendoza as the top quarterback available, especially in a class light on proven passers. His playoff performance will determine whether he locks in as the consensus 1.01 or if a late riser challenges him.
Which quarterback could make the biggest jump into the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft?
A: Ty Simpson and Dante Moore are the two passers scouts believe could surge with strong postseason and pre-draft testing. Simpson has the upward trajectory, while Moore has the arm talent NFL teams covet.
What is the strongest position group in the 2026 NFL Draft class?
A: Edge rusher is shaping up as the deepest and most impactful group. Prospects such as Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain Jr., Keldric Faulk, and T.J. Parker give teams multiple first-round-caliber options depending on scheme and athletic profile.
Which team is most likely to trade up for a quarterback in 2026?
A: The Jets, Vikings, and Browns all have clear pathways to aggressive quarterback movement. The Jets’ willingness to package future picks makes them one of the most likely teams to jump the board for a franchise passer.
Who is the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft?
A: LaNorris Sellers draws the widest range of evaluations. His physical tools are elite, but inconsistent processing and decision-making create uncertainty. He’s the type of prospect who could either land inside the top 10 or slip into the late first.
Which wide receiver could become the WR1 of the 2026 class?
A: The battle is between Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson. Tate brings size and contested-catch dominance, while Tyson wins with separation, intelligence, and reliability. Both have WR1 upside depending on landing spot and scheme.
Which team is most likely to draft a wide receiver in the first round?
A: The Steelers, Bills, and Titans all face urgent receiver needs. Pittsburgh lacks a true WR2, Buffalo needs stability behind Josh Allen, and Tennessee must support Cam Ward with higher-end pass-catching talent.
Who is the best defensive player in the 2026 NFL Draft?
A: Arvell Reese has the strongest case as the top overall defender. His versatility—edge, linebacker, spy, run support—matches the modern hybrid prototypes defenses are built around.
What prospect could blow up the 2026 NFL Combine?
A: Kadyn Proctor is a prime candidate. At 6’7’’ and 366 lbs, his athletic explosiveness is rare, and scouts expect exceptional testing numbers that could push him higher than current projections.
Which second-round prospects could sneak into round one by April?
A: Players such as Chris Brazzell II, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and Chris Johnson are already gaining traction. Strong all-star showings plus clean medicals could push any of them into the 20s.
đź”’ Level Up Your IDP Game
Don’t stop here — dive deeper into the world of Individual Defensive Players with our best resources:
- 📝 IDP Hub → All of our IDP articles in one place.
- 📊 IDP Rankings Tiers → Updated IDP rankings for every position.
- 📚 The Glossery → Our Top 500 all-in-one rankings for Superflex, TE Premium, and IDP.
- 📅 Dynasty Calendar → Never miss a key date in your dynasty league.
👉 Take control of your defense — and your dynasty — with the Dynasty Nerds team.
