2026 NFL mock draft: How Round 1 looks before top prospects take the field at the NFL combine
On-field workouts kick off Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
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1 min read
The 2026 offseason heats up with the football world descending on Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. This is the draft cycle's premiere event with top prospects all in one place to get evaluated medically and on the field. This is where players can see their stocks rise or fall dramatically, so now is a great time to assess how the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft stacks up ahead of this massive evaluation week.
The first overall pick seems certain with 2025 Heisman Trophy quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the College Football Playoff champion Indiana Hoosiers going to the Las Vegas Raiders. After his selection, the rest of the 2026 draft's first round could have plenty of different outcomes. This year's group is intriguing since some of its high-end talent line up at non-premium positions like running back (Jeremiyah Love), linebacker (Sonny Styles) and safety (Caleb Downs).
At the NFL's three highest-paid positions after the quarterback -- offensive tackle, edge rusher and wide receiver -- there isn't a can't-miss player who's head and shoulders above the rest. The combine will be enlightening at all of those positions. Before on-field workouts kick off on Thursday, here's a projection at how the draft's opening round could unfold.
NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Mendoza is the slam-dunk pick at No. 1 overall. Not only did he lead the nation in passing touchdowns (41) and total touchdowns (48) in 2025, but he also threw 27 of those passing touchdowns to no interceptions in the red zone. He thrives by throwing with accuracy (72% completion rate, fourth-best in the FBS in 2025), excellent timing, anticipation and touch on his throws to all levels of the field. His athleticism doesn't jump out on tape like 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, but Mendoza can climb the pocket well and deal just fine with throwing off platform. A partnership with new coach Klint Kubiak should be fun.
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Round 1 - Pick 2
The Jets need playmakers on defense after dealing away two All-Pros in defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline. Reese was an inside linebacker in college for most of his career at Ohio State, but he did play 51% of his snaps as an edge rusher in 2025. That's going to be the 2025 Big Ten Linebacker of the Year's ideal, long-term position as a pro. He'll be able to maximize his athletic gifts while still having above average coverage skills for his position when needed, thanks to collegiate reps at inside linebacker. Reese is exactly what the Jets need after becoming the first team in NFL history without an interception on defense in 2025.
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Round 1 - Pick 3
This is the top offensive tackle in the draft. The consensus All-American simply envelopes edge rushers at the point of attack, playing up to his immense size in the run and pass games. Mauigoa is an absolute tank in the run game -- something yours truly observed at the Cotton Bowl -- and he didn't surrender a sack in the final 12 games of the 2025 season. He could be a long-term bookend right tackle in Arizona opposite Paris Johnson Jr.
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Round 1 - Pick 4
Bailey is the most explosive player who was a full-time edge rusher in college in this 2026 draft class, and he maximized that explosion into leading the nation with 14.5 sacks. He thrives with elite timing off the snap and winning early with his signature rip move to get low to the ground and arrive at the quarterback. He also has an incredibly fun spin move to the inside. Creating more push once inside the pocket and holding the point of attack in the run game are places to improve. This pick gives new Titans coach Robert Saleh and All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons a high-end edge rusher to mold.
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Round 1 - Pick 5
Tate is the safest wide receiver in the draft based on measurements and traits. He produced a nation-leading six receiving touchdowns of 30 or more air yards in 2025, which is impressive. He also has a wide catch radius thanks to his wingspan. He's also a strong separator in the middle of his routes downfield, especially playing leverage in zone. However, I wasn't impressed by how he struggled to play through contact at the catch point against Miami in the Cotton Bowl. Factoring in how Tate ate against mostly No. 2 corners in college opposite Jeremiah Smith is also worth noting. Fortunately for Tate, he'll be able to play opposite another true No. 1 in Malik Nabers.
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Round 1 - Pick 6
Regardless of who's playing quarterback for the Browns next season, Cleveland's offensive line could use an injection of youth. Fano is an athletic right tackle with refined technique. His strong suit in pass protection is his high-level balance and footwork, staying step for step with speedy, bendy edge rushers. Improvement is needed against counter moves. Fano did start 11 games at left tackle before moving to right tackle the last two years at Utah, so he's versatile. He doesn't have a top-tier wingspan, but Fano is a pro-ready run blocker.
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Round 1 - Pick 7
Styles is the perfect modern inside linebacker. He played his first two seasons at Ohio State as a safety before transitioning to linebacker, so he comes ready to roll in pass coverage. Styles is able to remain in range of slot receivers in the seam, and he can go step for step with tight ends from sideline to sideline. His wingspan allows him to have nice range as a tackler in the run and pass games. Styles blitzes with a jetpack attached to his back, easily steamrolling running backs attempting to pick him up in pass protection. Styles is a slam-dunk replacement for an aging Bobby Wagner, who is headed for free agency.
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Round 1 - Pick 8
Eight-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Cameron Jordan turned back the clock to lead the Saints with 10.5 sacks in 2025, but he's 36 years old and set to become a free agent. Either way, New Orleans needs to plan for life after Jordan. Yes, Bain is a little undersized in the wingspan department, but that doesn't slow him down. Yours truly watched in person as Bain mauled Ohio State's offensive tackles over and over again in the Cotton Bowl. His superpowers are his play strength, leverage and array of pass-rush moves. Bain will rotate through a rip move, stutter step and powerful hump move to pressure quarterbacks, which he did 83 times in 2025 -- the most in college football. He leveled up against high-level competition with five of his 9.5 sacks coming in the College Football Playoff.
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Round 1 - Pick 9
The Chiefs desperately need fresh blood at running back. The play of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt was so rough early in the season that quarterback Patrick Mahomes was the team's leading rusher through the first six weeks. That's why the Chiefs select Love, the 2025 Doak Walker Award winner, here. He can do everything well. Love explodes through the hole on inside runs, can bounce off defenders because of his power and has breakaway speed to the outside. He also doesn't slow down when he makes a move to make a defender miss. Love runs routes like a receiver. Mahomes gets a new best friend here.
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Round 1 - Pick 10
The Bengals need help on defense on all levels after being the NFL's third-worst scoring defense (28.9 points per game) in 2025. Downs is Swiss Army Knife of a defensive back who can line up in coverage at strong safety, nickel or even in sub packages as a linebacker. Downs is an A-plus blitzer thanks to his instincts, and he's strong against the run with great tackling angles. He would be a Day 1 starter on Cincy's defense.
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Round 1 - Pick 11
New Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley would love nothing more than to have a true No. 1 corner. That's why Delane, a unanimous 2025 All-American, is the pick here. Delane led the SEC with a 24.1 passer rating allowed when targeted, the best in the conference among 82 players with at least 30 targets. He's a smooth operator who can change direction with ease, and he has no issues in press man coverage thanks to his ability to reroute receivers at the line of scrimmage before going step for step with them. No matter what style of receiver he's facing, Delane can hang.
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Round 1 - Pick 12
Dallas needs help at cornerback with DaRon Bland battling nagging foot injuries and Trevon Diggs no longer on the team. Cowboys fans may roll their eyes at this pick after Dallas selected another corner coming off a torn ACL in the 2025 draft's third round in Shavon Revel. McCoy missed the 2025 season with a torn ACL, but he was electric in 2024. He earned first-team All-SEC honors with four interceptions and nine passes defensed. He excels in press man coverage, jamming receivers with one hand in order to remain balanced and under control. McCoy's instincts in zone coverage are top tier as well. Combine all of that with his leaping ability to make plays on the football, and that's why he's a top prospect in this draft. If healthy -- and the combine will be a good gauge of that -- McCoy is an immediate NFL starter. That's what new defensive coordinator Christian Parker needs to start well in Dallas.
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From
Atlanta Falcons
Round 1 - Pick 13
Tyson is perhaps the best big-play wide receiver in this draft class. So much of his film involves him blowing by people to turn decent grabs into explosive plays after the catch. Tyson has elite timing when it comes to corralling deep balls, and in tandem with his breakaway speed, he's an incredibly tough cover. He can also win with his footwork off the line of scrimmage thanks to an ability to explode into his route off a single step. The reason why Tyson drops this low is because of his injury history. However, the Rams take a swing on Davante Adams' long-term replacement here.
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Round 1 - Pick 14
Ioane is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft. As Penn State's left guard, he didn't allow a sack in his last two college seasons, which spanned 27 starts and 776 pass-blocking snaps. Ioane throws people out of the club in the run game and is strong when elevating to the second level to block linebackers and defensive backs. In pass protection, he stays right up on rushers with great knee bend and change of direction. Baltimore's guards struggled in 2025, so this pick mitigates that issue.
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Round 1 - Pick 15
Hood is a playmaker as the SEC's only player with a pick-six and fumble return touchdown in 2025. He was also the only SEC player with four-plus tackles for loss and eight-plus passes defended last season. His speed allows him to run stride for stride down the field on vertical routes, and he's quick when planting and driving to the football in zone coverage. Hood also brings a high motor in the run game. The Buccaneers are set to lose cornerback Jamel Dean in free agency, but Tampa Bay can start over with Hood, who will be just 21 years old for his entire NFL rookie season.
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From
Indianapolis Colts
Round 1 - Pick 16
Lemon earned the distinction of being named college football's top wide receiver as the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner. He thrives out of the slot where he frees himself with quickness and agility off the line of scrimmage, well-timed route running and ball skills. Despite being 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, his play style feels bigger than his stature, which is how he regularly breaks tackles for extra yards. The Jets could use him opposite Garrett Wilson, and the only reason Lemon falls this far is his size.
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Round 1 - Pick 17
The Lions need a cheap edge rusher who can immediately contribute opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Mesidor, who will turn 25 this year, checks those boxes. He ranked top five nationally in sacks (12.5, tied for third in the FBS), tackles for loss (17.5, tied for fifth) and quarterback pressures (67, tied for fourth) in 2025 opposite the aforementioned Bain at Miami. Mesidor has the ideal build, pass-rush technique and motor. The power and handwork never stop, and he does a great job freeing himself from offensive tackles. He can also win with speed rushing inside against guards. Mesidor's wingspan and power allow him to anchor down on the edge in the run game. That's what the Lions need.
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Round 1 - Pick 18
It would be plenty of fun to see McNeil-Warren in defensive coordinator Brian Flores' scheme with his highlight-reel hits, plays on the ball and explosion. He has no issues dropping the boom on opposing wideouts over the middle of the field, and he's fluid with his change of direction, which is a must in Flores' heavy-disguise defense. McNeil-Warren is a worthy successor to Harrison Smith.
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Round 1 - Pick 19
Terrell has great instincts and quickness. The 2025 first-team All-ACC selection set Clemson records for a defensive back in forced fumbles in a season (five) and a career (eight from 2023-25). Terrell has great agility and is light on his feet, which make him an ideal slot corner. He's naturally a great closer in short zone coverage. He occasionally struggles on the outside against bigger receivers, but he's an adept blitzer and strong in the run game. Terrell could add some much-needed youth and playmaking at the nickel corner spot alongside Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson.
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From
Green Bay Packers
Round 1 - Pick 20
The Cowboys still lack depth at edge rusher in the post-Micah Parsons era. Howell, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, can help fix that. His 11.5 sacks were the most by an A&M player since Myles Garrett's 12.5 in 2015. Howell wins in a multitude of ways: speed, a bull rush or nifty counter moves back inside. When defending the run, he's adept at setting the edge and has the explosion to break through the line of scrimmage to create tackles for loss.
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Round 1 - Pick 21
Boston would be a worthy complement to DK Metcalf, regardless of who the Steelers' quarterback is in 2026. Boston is a tank who can line up in the slot and outside and blow through press coverage. He's great at sealing off defenders with his wide catch radius, making him a weapon in the red zone. Another playmaker like Boston is exactly what Pittsburgh's offense needs.
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Round 1 - Pick 22
Faulk can line up anywhere along the defensive line with his prototypical stature. He doesn't have jump-off-the-screen explosion, but he's agile. Faulk frees himself up rushing the passer with a bull rush or rip, though he needs to develop counter moves when his initial plan doesn't work. He's also solid against the run. Faulk is somewhat of a project, but he's a nice talent to add to a Chargers defensive line that could lose Khalil Mack in free agency.
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Round 1 - Pick 23
The 2025 first-team All-Big Ten tight end led the nation in receiving touchdowns at the position with eight while primarily lining up on the line of scrimmage or in the slot. However, Oregon did give him some snaps on the outside and out of the backfield. Sadiq is powerful on his release off the line, which allows him to get open on routes up the seam. That also comes in handy as a blocker in the run game. Sadiq needs to cut down on drops -- he had six in 2025, one shy of the nation's most among tight ends -- but he could be a best-player-available pick for an Eagles team that could lose Dallas Goedert in free agency.
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From
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 1 - Pick 24
The Browns should give the aforementioned Garrett, the 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as much help as possible to prolong his career. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins turns 31 this year, and he ended last season on injured reserve. Hunter is a strong and wide defensive tackle, which made him an outstanding run defender with Texas Tech. He tosses interior offensive linemen out of the way like it's nothing and moves fluidly from side to side, allowing him to lunge for tackles for loss in the run game. Hunter has all the tools in the run game but could stand to improve his pass rush beyond a swim move. Thankfully, Garrett can help him with that.
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Round 1 - Pick 25
The Bears are set to see safeties Kevin Byard, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jaquan Brisker hit free agency. Thieneman can save Chicago some money at the position. He's versatile with an ability to line up in the slot, back deep and in the box. He's an efficient mover who can close on the ball well thanks to quick plant and drive technique. Thieneman has good instincts in the run game, and he'll use them to fly into the path of opposing ball carriers. He does a lot of things well, which makes him an ideal NFL safety in 2026.
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Round 1 - Pick 26
Bills mainstay Matt Milano and fellow linebacker Shaq Thompson are both set to hit free agency, and Buffalo could find nice value in Allen, a 2025 All-American at Georgia. He plays larger than his size in the run game thanks to his instincts and a high motor. Allen is also a textbook tackler who can also run with running backs and tight ends in coverage. He's sound in zone coverage thanks to his communication and football IQ. Overall, Allen is a ready-made pro.
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Round 1 - Pick 27
Twelve-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams will be 38 by the time the 2026 season rolls around, and he can't play forever. Freeling could be a nice apprentice for Williams after being Georgia's full-time left tackle in 2025. The size and agility are there, and he's quick off the line of scrimmage. Freeling needs to work on better connecting on his punches toward opposing defensive linemen, which could be aided by a more balanced foundation, but he's ready to roll in the run game.
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Round 1 - Pick 28
C.J. Stroud could use upgrades along the offensive line, especially with right tackle Trent Brown set to hit free agency. Miller, who played the position at Clemson, possesses the ideal build and adequate agility to block speedy edge rushers, using his hand work and wingspan to redirect them. He can also anchor against power moves like bull rushes and is quick enough to handle games (twists and stunts). Miller could improve getting to the second level in the run game, but he can provide immediate help in Houston.
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Round 1 - Pick 29
Proctor is massive but has the quickness to play offensive tackle in the NFL thanks to his footwork. He uses a strong first step to keep defenders from crowding him off the line of scrimmage, and he can get low to slow down speedier rushers off the edge. He's a road grader on down blocks in the run game. Proctor will have to take care of himself to remain light enough to stay at the tackle position, but he's got a high ceiling. Sean McVay can work with that with Rob Havenstein retiring.
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Round 1 - Pick 30
One of Mendoza's top targets has strong hands and an explosive lower body, allowing him to make plays against tight coverage. Cooper's game-winning catch at Penn State is a perfect example of that. His ability to break tackles is underrated, and he has big-play ability: Cooper's nine receiving touchdowns of 10-plus yards were the most in the Big Ten in 2025. Having another weapon to help further Bo Nix's development certainly won't hurt the Broncos' efforts to break through in the AFC.
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Round 1 - Pick 31
Drake Maye was sacked an NFL playoff record 21 times, including six times in New England's Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks. Lomu's handwork and consistency in remaining upright prevent edge rushers from blowing past his shoulders, and he has strong instincts. He could stand to be more powerful in the run game, but the elements are there for him to be a mainstay tackle in the NFL.
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Round 1 - Pick 32
Several defensive backs from the Seahawks' "Dark Side" defense are set to hit free agency, including Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe and Coby Bryant. The Super Bowl champions may be able to retain all three, but their cap space will be tight with several key players due new deals after their title run. Cisse has ideal NFL size for a cornerback, along with the speed and agility to match. He trusts his vision and top-tier closing speed to shrink throwing windows and make plays on the ball. He can be more physical in press-man coverage and more consistent against the run, but Cisse would land with the perfect coach to help him develop in Mike Macdonald.
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