The Madness of Free agency has slowed down, Now Meaning we have the NFL Draft coming. So it’s time for my 2026 NFL mock draft, predicting where these teams fulfill the dreams these young Football players have had since they were little. Selecting them in the NFL draft. So I’ve made a 2026 NFL Mock draft from pick one to thirty-two finishing out the first round out of the seven rounds in the NFL draft. Predicting out of all the top players which ones will be lucky enough to fit all the criteria these teams are looking for such as skill position needed Majorly, Great player in their eyes, etc. Which all is thought over when selecting a player in the NFL Draft. 

#1 Las Vegas Raiders Select: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
The Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which shouldn’t be a difficult selection for them with a clear need at quarterback that hasn’t been filled since 2022, when they had Derek Carr. So, with a Heisman-caliber quarterback and national champion Fernando Mendoza on the board coming off a career year with 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions I think this pick will be in within seconds, maybe a minute or two.

#2 New York Jets Select: Arvell Reese, Linebacker, Ohio State
The New York Jets hold the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, with multiple needs. With two first-round picks, that will help them fill those needs. With the first one, I believe they’ll go defense after one of the worst defensive seasons ever. I think Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is going to be able to help that secondary and defensive line, which were their two biggest struggles last year. First, he can help drop back in coverage when needed. Even though he was never the best in coverage at Ohio State, he can still do it at a productive level. Anyone who watched him last season knows he can be a disruption on the defensive line, which I think is the best way to fill both needs in a draft where you can’t fill everything.

#3 Arizona Cardinals Select: Francis Mauigoa, Tackle, Miami
The Arizona Cardinals hold the third overall pick in the NFL Draft, going into a clear rebuild year with Jacoby Brissett most likely at quarterback. They have to fill a need, and I think they go offensive line because their offense was one of their biggest struggles last year. Protecting their quarterback will help them at least compete. If they want to do that, they have to take the best offensive lineman available. I think that is Francis Mauigoa from Miami. This pick is for the future. Next year, they can select a quarterback and already have the offensive line in place, which is one of the best ways to help a quarterback develop.

#4 Tennessee Titans Select: Sonny Styles, Linebacker, Ohio State
The Tennessee Titans hold the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft, with multiple needs just like the Jets. They could go offense or defense, either of which would help. However, with the Titans hiring Robert Saleh as head coach, a defensive-minded coach—I believe they will lean toward defense. Their biggest defensive need is linebacker, after one of the worst linebacker units in the league last season. This pick allows them to select one of the best linebackers in the draft, an athletic player who can play multiple roles on defense.

#5 New York Giants Select: Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State
The New York Giants hold the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft, coming into this draft with a young but talented roster. You could argue they are just a good secondary away from competing for a Super Bowl if everyone returns healthy, including Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. With the secondary being their biggest remaining need, Caleb Downs’ skill level makes it hard to believe they would pass on him if he is still available at No. 5.

#6 Cleveland Browns Select: Monroe Freeling, Tackle, Georgia
The Cleveland Browns hold the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft. After selecting their franchise quarterback last year in Shedeur Sanders and already having one of the best defenses in the league, I believe they will focus on improving the tackle position, which struggled last season. I think the second-best tackle in the draft will be available here in Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, and that he fits exactly what they need.

#7 Washington Commanders Select: Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Notre Dame
The Washington Commanders hold the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft. They have a solid team but were impacted heavily by injuries last season, which lowered their win total. That season may actually help them long-term because it gives them a chance to land a top prospect. Their biggest need is running back, and Jeremiyah Love is a talented option who could completely change their running back room after a disappointing season.

#8 New Orleans Saints Select: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge Rusher, Miami
The New Orleans Saints hold the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft. I originally thought they might select a franchise running back, but they already addressed that need by signing Travis Etienne. Now I believe they will turn to defense, specifically edge rusher. Rueben Bain Jr. stands out as the best defensive end in this draft and fits their biggest remaining need.

#9 Kansas City Chiefs Select: David Bailey, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech
The Kansas City Chiefs hold the ninth pick in the NFL Draft. They are in a strong position with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback and a strong running game, but their defense needs help. They lost several cornerbacks and lacked a consistent pass rush outside of George Karlaftis and Chris Jones. I think they could go cornerback or defensive line, but because edge rusher depth drops quickly, they select David Bailey from Texas Tech.

#10 Cincinnati Bengals Select: Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon
The Cincinnati Bengals hold the tenth overall pick in the NFL Draft. They are close to returning to the playoffs or even a Super Bowl contender. Their biggest remaining need is at safety, and Dillon Thieneman, the second-best safety in the class, falls perfectly to them here.

#11 Miami Dolphins Select: Carnell Tate, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The Miami Dolphins hold the eleventh overall pick in the NFL Draft. They are clearly entering a rebuild after trading Jaylen Waddle and losing Tyreek Hill. That leaves Jalen Tolbert as their top receiver, which is not ideal. Wide receiver is a clear need, and Carnell Tate is widely considered the top receiver in the class. If the board falls this way, this pick could be one of the fastest selections in the first round.

#12 Dallas Cowboys Select: Mansoor Delane, Cornerback, LSU
The Dallas Cowboys hold the twelfth overall pick in the NFL Draft. They have two clear needs after a long Super Bowl drought: cornerback and edge rusher. After trading away Micah Parsons and releasing Trevon Diggs, both positions are major holes. I think they start with the best cornerback available in LSU’s Mansoor Delane, especially with the edge rusher depth still available later.

#13 Los Angeles Rams Select: Spencer Fano, Tackle, Utah
The Los Angeles Rams hold the thirteenth pick in the NFL Draft, acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. As a Super Bowl contender, they use this pick to protect Matthew Stafford, who is nearing retirement. Offensive tackle is their biggest need on the offensive line, and Spencer Fano is the best option available.

#14 Baltimore Ravens Select: Olaivavega Loane, Guard, Penn State
The Baltimore Ravens hold the fourteenth overall pick in the NFL Draft. After losing center Tyler Linderbaum, they need help on the interior offensive line. Guard and center are both needs, and Penn State’s Olaivavega Loane is one of the best interior linemen available here.

#15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select: Kenyon Sadiq, Tight End, Oregon
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the fifteenth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Injuries and free agency losses have created multiple needs, including wide receiver after Mike Evans left in free agency. However, I believe they go tight end and use Kenyon Sadiq as a versatile weapon who can function as both a receiver and tight end.

#16 New York Jets Select: Makai Lemon, Wide Receiver, USC
The New York Jets hold the sixteenth overall pick, acquired in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. After trading Sauce Gardner, they use this pick to build around their future quarterback. Wide receiver is a key need, and Makai Lemon gives them a reliable weapon.

#17 Detroit Lions Select: CJ Allen, Linebacker, Georgia
The Detroit Lions hold the seventeenth overall pick. After losing linebacker Alex Anzalone and not replacing him in free agency, linebacker becomes an obvious need. CJ Allen is a strong fit to fill that role.

#18 Minnesota Vikings Select: Jermod McCoy, Cornerback, Tennessee
The Minnesota Vikings hold the eighteenth overall pick. They need an elite cornerback to stabilize their secondary and remain competitive. They continue building toward contention, and McCoy fits that need.

#19 Carolina Panthers Select: Jordyn Tyson, Wide Receiver, Arizona State
The Carolina Panthers hold the nineteenth overall pick. They continue building around Bryce Young, and wide receiver remains a major need. Jordyn Tyson is a strong option at this point in the draft.

#20 Dallas Cowboys Select: Akheem Mesidor, Edge Rusher, Miami
The Dallas Cowboys hold the twentieth overall pick, acquired from the Green Bay Packers in a trade involving Micah Parsons. After addressing cornerback earlier, they now replace Parsons with Akheem Mesidor.

#21 Pittsburgh Steelers Select: Blake Miller, Tackle, Clemson
The Pittsburgh Steelers hold the twenty-first overall pick. Offensive tackle was a major issue last season, and Blake Miller is a strong candidate to stabilize the position.

#22 Los Angeles Chargers Select: Kayden McDonald, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State
The Los Angeles Chargers hold the twenty-second overall pick. Injuries at offensive tackle have been an issue, but they also need help inside on defense. McDonald adds depth and potential long-term stability.

#23 Philadelphia Eagles Select: Keldric Faulk, Edge Rusher, Auburn
The Philadelphia Eagles hold the twenty-third overall pick. After losing edge rusher Jalen Phillips in free agency, they replace him with Keldric Faulk.

#24 Cleveland Browns Select: Kadyn Proctor, Tackle, Alabama
The Cleveland Browns hold the twenty-fourth overall pick, acquired from the Jaguars. They double down on offensive tackle to fix one of the weakest units in the league.

#25 Chicago Bears Select: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo
The Chicago Bears hold the twenty-fifth overall pick. After losing multiple safeties in free agency, safety becomes their top need.

#26 Buffalo Bills Select: Caleb Banks, Defensive Tackle, Florida
The Buffalo Bills hold the twenty-sixth overall pick. Defensive tackle is their main need next to Ed Oliver, who currently lacks consistent help.

#27 San Francisco 49ers Select: Cashius Howell, Edge Rusher, Texas A&M
The San Francisco 49ers hold the twenty-seventh overall pick. They add an edge rusher to pair with Nick Bosa, filling a long-standing need on the opposite side.

#28 Houston Texans Select: Emmanuel Pregnon, Guard, Oregon
The Houston Texans hold the twenty-eighth overall pick. They continue improving their offensive line to better protect C.J. Stroud, especially on the interior.

#29 Kansas City Chiefs Select: Avieon Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson
The Kansas City Chiefs hold the twenty-ninth overall pick, acquired in a trade. After addressing defensive line earlier, they now replace Trent McDuffie at cornerback.

#30 Miami Dolphins Select: Omar Cooper Jr., Wide Receiver, Indiana
The Miami Dolphins hold the thirtieth overall pick, acquired from the Broncos. They continue rebuilding their receiver room after major roster changes.

#31 New England Patriots Select: Peter Woods, Defensive Tackle, Clemson
The New England Patriots hold the thirty-first overall pick. Defensive tackle becomes their top need after addressing other positions in free agency.

#32 Seattle Seahawks Select: Colton Hood, Cornerback, Tennessee
The Seattle Seahawks hold the thirty-second overall pick. After losing Tariq Woolen in free agency, cornerback becomes a key need, and Hood is a strong fit.