As a Bears fan, I’m usually deep into mock draft season at this time, but this year I’m just now taking my first look. In between trash talking Packer fans, I decided to do my first mock draft for 2026.
Obviously, the draft order isn’t close to being set. I wasn’t going to mock trades, but with the current top two picks being the Titans & Giants, who both drafted first round quarterbacks last year, I knew I had to trade them out of those spots.
So, here we go:
If Tennessee ends up with the first pick, they’re going to trade out of it, for sure. Two quarterback needy teams have the draft capital to move up for their guy. I think the Jets might be the more motivated and something tells me Simpson will emerge as their guy.The Giants currently have the second pick and will likely entertain offers for it. Cleveland will probably be bringing in a new coaching staff that will want to pick their own quarterback and they have the capital to move up. The Saints are an interesting team at the top of the draft. They may or may not need a quarterback. Tyler Shough has been okay, but New Orleans is in position to take a perhaps higher upside QB. I think they’ll actually roll with Shough and use this pick to add a blue chip pass rusher.The Raiders might have a new coaching staff in place for the draft. Either way, I don’t think Geno Smith has a firm grasp on the QB job. Vegas might be better served going offensive line, but they’ll probably go quarterback.I have the Giants trading out of number two and then adding the top WR to give Jaxson Dart two go to guys with Tyson & Malik Nabers.Safeties rarely go in the top ten, but Downs is a rare talent and fills a need for Washington.I have Tennessee trading out of number one and then landing one of the two guys they were probably considering at one.The Cardinals might be in the quarterback market, so they’re a team to watch. Here, I have them taking the top offensive lineman.The Rams are my Super Bowl favorite AND they have a top ten pick. I have them using it on an offensive tackle.Is there any way that Cincy doesn’t use their first round pick on defense?Is taking a running back in the first round the right move for Minnesota? Probably not, but the Vikings have made some questionable moves lately.Miami might consider defense in the first round, but with Tyreek Hill’s future uncertain, I have them going receiver.Kansas City needs to start rebuilding various parts of their roster, I have them starting in the secondary.Pittsburgh fans would probably prefer a wide receiver, or better yet, a quarterback, but defense feels like a Steelers pick.Carolina would do well to bolster their defense for 2026.Dallas needs to keep building their defense up.One of the reasons for Detroit’s struggles this season is their offensive line is not nearly as dominant as it once was.Texans can’t resist making a fierce defense even scarier.Baltimore could use another reliable target for Lamar Jackson.Tampa adds the top tight end to their offensive arsenal.Bills fans would probably prefer a wide receiver here.Stockpiling pass rushers is what the Eagles do.The Jets got their QB earlier, they get him another receiver here.I feel like the Niners will go either offensive line or receiver here.The Chargers offensive line was decimated this year, if nothing else this gives them depth.The Browns get another receiver for their new quarterback.Dallas continues rebuilding their defense.No obvious area of need for Seattle, so I have them going best player available.Rams have an extra first round pick, could use the second to try to land a successor to Matthew Stafford.Broncos bolster Bo Nix’s receiving corps.Bears will focus heavily on the defensive front seven.New England could use reinforcements for their pass rush.
Nickels and Dimes 