Other than the last two picks, the order of the first round of the 2026 draft is set. Because there’s no actual football this week, and also because it’s unreasonably cold, I felt it was time for my first mock draft of 2026.

Here we go:

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Raiders hit the reset button after one season under Pete Carroll. Vegas is expected to hire Klint Kubiak as head coach & he’ll certainly want to hit reset at the quarterback position, too. Geno Smith was an unmitigated disaster this past season & with Vegas holding the top pick it seems inevitable that Mendoza will don silver & black in 2026. He’s the only quarterback in the 2026 draft worthy of a top 15 pick.

Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami-Fl

The Jets desperately need a quarterback, but with Dante Moore returning to Oregon for one more year, they’re more likely to go with a bridge QB and stock up with draft capital for next year’s better class of signal callers. If the Jets stay in this spot, they should go with the best player available. There’s an argument to be made if that’s Bain or Arvell Reese, but Bain plays the more premium position. New York didn’t have a single interception this season, bolstering the pass rush should help rectify that.

Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Cardinals are likely moving on from Kyler Murray, but there’s no viable replacement at this point in the draft. New head coach Mike LaFleur has offensive background, so I expect his first pick to be on that side of the ball. Grabbing the top tackle in the class is the way to go.

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

The Titans could use some more weapons for second year quarterback Cam Ward, but with Robert Saleh taking the reins, I feel like defense is the direction they’ll go with this pick. Reese can play off ball linebacker or be an edge rusher. Saleh is well aware of how valuable an elite linebacker can be after coaching Fred Warner is San Francisco.

Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

After Malik Nabers & Cam Skattebo went down, the Giants dearth of offensive weapons was well apparent. New York uses another high draft pick on a wide receiver giving Jaxson Dart two prime targets.

Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Browns will almost certainly focus on the offensive side of the ball in this draft. They could use receivers, but protecting Shedeur Sanders or whoever is under center should be a high priority, too. Lomu joins Utah teammate Spencer Fano as a top ten pick.

Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Washington went all in after Jayden Daniels impressive rookie campaign and sported the oldest roster in the NFL. It fell flat, now the Commanders need to get younger across the board. Wide Receiver is an option here, but adding a young, physical specimen to the defensive line is too much for Dan Quinn to pass up.

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Saints found something in Tyler Shough, now they need to get him more weapons besides Chris Olave. Tyson could be the top receiver in the draft, despite some injury concerns.

Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Chiefs championship window closed emphatically this season. They need to retool an aging roster to open it back up. Woods could be the heir apparent, while learning from defensive line stalwart Chris Jones.

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Is there any doubt that the Bengals will focus on defense in this draft? Cincinnati’s defense was historically bad, they need help everywhere. Edge rusher is a consideration, but none felt worthy of this pick. Downs might be the single best player in this class, but positional value pushes him almost out of the top ten.

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

I feel like new Dolphins head coach, Jeff Hafley, will use his first draft pick on the defensive side of the ball. Delane is the top cornerback in the draft and will lock down one half of the field for Miami.

David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

After trading away Micah Parsons, the Cowboys struggled to generate a consistent pass rush and their defense cratered. Enter Bailey. He’s a little undersized, but is a dynamic pass rusher that should help Dallas’ beleaguered defense.

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami-Fl

The Rams will remain a Super Bowl contender as long as Matthew Stafford returns at quarterback. Upgrading his protection should be high on the list of priorities for LA. Mauigoa is a thick and stout blocker that may slide inside to guard.

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Baltimore was a complete disappointment across the board, but the defense was especially troubling. New coach Jesse Minter is a defensive guy and I think he’ll fix that, he starts with McCoy, a toolsy corner with shutdown upside.

Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

LaVonte David is a franchise icon, but there’s no guarantee he’ll return next season. Styles could step in and be the next generation of great Buccaneers linebackers.

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

As I stated earlier, the Jets need a quarterback and here would be a decent spot to grab Ty Simpson, but with the draft capital they have for 2027, I think NY is better served going elsewhere. Lemon is a YAC demon and would be a great complement to Garrett Wilson.

Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

Detroit’s secondary was their biggest liability in 2025, but that was mostly due to injury. The interior offensive line was a close second. Ioane is the best pure guard in the draft and a day one starter.

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Love deserves to be a top ten pick, but positional value pushes him down the board. The Vikings need an upgrade at running back as Aaron Jones is aging & Jordan Mason underwhelmed. Love has the ability to become Minnesota’s Jahmyr Gibbs.

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

There’s several directions the Panthers can go here, but I have them taking Terrell to complement Pro Bowl corner Jaycee Horn.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

I have Dallas sticking to defense with their second first round pick and taking a stout run defender in McDonald.

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

I honestly believe Aaron Rodgers has played his last game in the NFL, so Pittsburgh definitely needs a quarterback. Here they have Simpson fall into their laps.

Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

I have the Chargers adding an interior pass rushing threat in Banks, who needs to improve against the run to be a true three down defender.

Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Lane Johnson is a future Hall of Famer, but he was hampered by injuries and his career is winding down. Proctor is a massive human being that could benefit from some seasoning learning behind Johnson.

KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Cleveland needs weapons for whoever they have under center. Concepcion can be used as a deep threat or YAC monster.

TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

I’m certain the Bears are going to be defense heavy in this draft, especially the pass rush. Parker fits the profile of what Dennis Allen prefers in defensive ends.

Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Buffalo has needed to give Josh Allen a true number one receiver since Stefon Diggs’ departure, now that the McDermott era is over maybe they finally will.

Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

George Kittle will likely miss most of the 2026 season, so why not take a prospect that has drawn comparisons when he falls in your lap?

CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

I have Houston taking a page from Philly’s book and taking Georgia defenders even when you don’t really need them. Allen is a great, athletic coverage linebacker.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Rams use their own first round pick to add a potential shutdown corner to their defense.

Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

The Broncos could lose a piece or two off their defensive line. Miller is a good run defender and has shown flashes as an interior pass rusher.

AJ Haulcy, S, LSU

I have the Patriots adding a tone setter to the back end of their defense. Haulcy is a do everything type of safety.

Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

Seattle doesn’t have many needs, corner may be one. Abney is a fast, physical corner with positional versatility.

*These draft positions are not finalized yet