NFL Draft 2026: Final Mock Draft Projections Released

With less than a week until the 2026 NFL Draft, analysts have unveiled their final projections for the first round, offering insight into how the selections might unfold based on team needs and player evaluations.

The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. Mendoza, standing at 6-foot-5 with a powerful arm, is expected to fit well into Klint Kubiak’s offensive system. This marks the third consecutive mock draft predicting Mendoza to go first overall.

The New York Jets are slated to take Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 2, despite earlier speculation about Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. The Jets recently canceled their top-30 visit with Bailey, suggesting their direction is toward Reese.

Arizona Cardinals are projected to select Bailey with the third pick. While the Cardinals could address offensive line needs, Bailey’s status as a blue-chip edge rusher makes him an attractive option for a defense seeking additional firepower.

Tennessee Titans are expected to choose Notre Dame wide receiver Jeremiyah Love at No. 4. Though some analysts question the fit, Love has been consistently linked to Tennessee since the NFL Combine, with betting markets also favoring this pairing. The Titans would provide quarterback Cam Ward with an explosive receiving option.

The New York Giants, holding two top-10 picks, are projected to select Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa with their first selection. With protecting quarterback Jaxson Dart as head coach John Harbaugh’s top priority, Mauigoa represents the best offensive lineman available.

Dallas Cowboys are expected to trade up to No. 6 to select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. The Cowboys, along with the Kansas City Chiefs, have shown interest in moving up in what’s considered a weaker draft class. Styles’ versatility as a do-it-all defender could immediately strengthen Dallas’ struggling defense.

Washington Commanders are projected to take Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 7. Tate would provide a clear path to becoming the team’s No. 1 receiver in the coming years, complementing current star Terry McLaurin.

The New Orleans Saints are expected to address their receiving corps by selecting Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson at No. 8. Despite Chris Olave’s presence, the Saints need additional receiving weapons, and Tyson’s stock has risen significantly following strong private workouts.

Kansas City Chiefs are projected to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 9. With the trade of L’Jarius Sneed to the Los Angeles Rams and the departure of Jaylen Watson in free agency, the Chiefs need to bolster their secondary. Delane could serve as a shutdown cornerback to help fill the void.

The Giants’ second first-round pick, acquired from Cincinnati in the Dexter Lawrence trade, is projected to be Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 10. Downs could emerge as Harbaugh’s next Kyle Hamilton-type player in the secondary.

The draft continues with Miami Dolphins selecting USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 11, Cleveland Browns taking Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano at No. 12, and Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta) choosing Georgia’s Monroe Freeling at No. 13.

Baltimore Ravens are projected to select Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 14, followed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane at No. 15 to strengthen their interior offensive line.

The remaining first-round projections include New York Jets (via Indianapolis) selecting Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper at No. 16, Detroit Lions taking Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor at No. 17, and Minnesota Vikings choosing Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at No. 18.

Carolina Panthers are expected to select Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 19, while Cleveland (via Dallas) takes Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion at No. 20 in a projected trade scenario.

Pittsburgh Steelers are projected to select Utah tackle Caleb Lomu at No. 21, Los Angeles Chargers taking Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor at No. 22, and Philadelphia Eagles choosing Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston at No. 23.

Cleveland (via Jacksonville) is expected to select Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No. 24, Chicago Bears taking Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk at No. 25, and Buffalo Bills selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald at No. 26.

San Francisco 49ers are projected to take Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 27, Houston Texans selecting Clemson tackle Blake Miller at No. 28, and Kansas City (via Los Angeles) choosing UCF edge rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 29.

Miami (via Denver) is expected to select Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor at No. 30, New England Patriots taking Clemson edge rusher TJ Parker at No. 31, and Seattle Seahawks closing the first round with San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson at No. 32.

This projection reflects the complex interplay of team needs, player evaluations, and potential trade scenarios that will unfold during the draft’s opening night.