2026 NFL Mock Draft: Full First Round Projection, Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall 

Fernando Mendoza is widely expected to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Beyond that, the top of the draft remains wide open.Here is the latest first-round mock draft:

2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Projection



1. Las Vegas Raiders

QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Raiders are almost certain to take Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, with the first overall pick. The main question is whether he starts immediately or begins the season behind veteran Kirk Cousins.


2. New York Jets

Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Bailey led the FBS with 14.5 sacks in 2025 and brings a polished, pro-ready game. He fits perfectly into Aaron Glenn’s win-now defensive scheme.


3. Arizona Cardinals

Edge/LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Reese is one of the most talented and athletic defenders in the entire draft. His versatility and explosiveness make him an ideal front-seven playmaker for Arizona.

4. Tennessee Titans

RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

After adding several pieces in free agency, the Titans can afford to draft one of the best pure playmakers in the class. Love is a dynamic, three-down running back who would give their offense a major boost.


5. New York Giants

S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Downs is considered by many to be the best player available. His range, instincts, and playmaking ability would be a significant upgrade for the Giants’ secondary.

6. Cleveland Browns

OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

The Browns continue rebuilding their offensive line. The 6-7, 315-pound Freeling projects as a strong, long-term solution at left tackle.


7. Washington Commanders 

LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Styles brings elite athleticism and sideline-to-sideline speed to a Washington defense that badly needs playmakers.

8. New Orleans Saints

WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Tate is a polished, high-floor receiver who would immediately improve the Saints’ passing attack alongside Chris Olave.


9. Kansas City Chiefs

CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

After losing both starting cornerbacks in the offseason, Kansas City adds a lockdown corner with excellent coverage skills.


10. Cincinnati Bengals

Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)

Bain is a relentless and productive pass rusher who would add toughness and explosiveness to Cincinnati’s defensive front.


11. Miami Dolphins

WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Tyson’s route-running and separation skills make him a strong addition to Miami’s receiving corps.


12. Dallas Cowboys

CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

Despite missing the 2025 season with an ACL injury, McCoy remains a high-upside corner with elite speed.


13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta)

WR Makai Lemon, USC

Lemon adds another high-quality weapon to join Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in the Rams’ offense.


14. Baltimore Ravens

IOL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Widely regarded as the top interior offensive lineman in the draft, Ioane would provide an immediate upgrade to Baltimore’s offensive line.


15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Sadiq is an athletic, big-play tight end who would form a dangerous tandem with Cade Otton.


16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis)

DT Peter Woods, Clemson

The Jets continue strengthening their defense with this high-upside interior pass rusher.


17. Detroit Lions

OT Francisco Mauigoa, Miami (FL)

A powerful, reliable tackle who can anchor the right side of the offensive line.


18. Minnesota Vikings

S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

A direct replacement for the departing veteran Harrison Smith.


19. Carolina Panthers

OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Long-term protection and insurance at the tackle position.


20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay)

Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn

A young, high-ceiling pass rusher with excellent physical tools.


21. Pittsburgh Steelers

OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

A massive, athletic tackle with huge upside for the offensive line.


22. Los Angeles Chargers

DT Caleb Banks, Florida

A big, powerful interior lineman who fits Jim Harbaugh’s defensive style.


23. Philadelphia Eagles

S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

A ball-hawking safety to help rebuild the secondary.


24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville)

WR Denzel Boston, Washington

A big, physical receiver who can become a red-zone threat.


25. Chicago Bears

Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson

A productive pass rusher to boost the Bears’ defensive line.


26. Buffalo Bills

LB CJ Allen, Georgia

A reliable, sure-tackling linebacker to strengthen the defense.


27. San Francisco 49ers

OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

A long-term successor for Trent Williams at left tackle.


28. Houston Texans

OT Blake Miller, Clemson

A tough, experienced tackle to secure the right side of the line.


29. Arizona Cardinals

QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

(Acquired via trade)

The Cardinals trade up to secure a high-upside quarterback for the future.


30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver)

CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

A competitive, physical corner to improve the secondary.


31. New England Patriots

WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

A versatile, elusive receiver to help support Drake Maye.


32. Seattle Seahawks

CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

An athletic cornerback with excellent coverage ability. 



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