DOM'S NFL MOCK DRAFT 2026
This 2026 Draft has all the makings of a memorable one. According to multiple sources, this could be one of the most trade-heavy draft days in recent memory. Even in an already unpredictable draft, projecting trades is borderline impossible, so I’ll mostly stick to the current order, mixing in a few where it makes sense.
Let's get into it.
1. Las Vegas Raiders:
Fernando Mendoza- QB, Indiana
It’s become a trend in my recent mock drafts that the No. 1 overall pick feels like a consensus no-brainer, and that continues here. All signs point to Mendoza as the choice. He’s an elite pocket passer and will have the benefit of learning behind recently acquired Kirk Cousins. The real question isn’t who they choose but how long it takes before Mendoza takes over as the starter.
2. New York Jets:
David Bailey- Edge, Texas Tech
Last Wednesday, the Jets canceled their top-30 meeting with Bailey, leaving people confused and leading some to believe New York could be looking to select Arvell Reese instead. But this feels more like a team that already knows Bailey is their guy and doesn’t feel the need to waste a visit to confirm it.
Bailey had 14.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, leading an elite Texas Tech defense in 2025. While some prefer Reese, Bailey is the most talented true defensive end in the class. And with the Jets recently dealing their former Pro Bowl edge, Jermaine Johnson, to the Titans, they desperately need some young talent at the position. They'll get it here.
3. Arizona Cardinals:
Arvell Reese- Edge, Ohio State
This Cardinals pick could send the draft in so many different directions. Trading the pick could give a team like Dallas or even Kansas City an elite pass rusher, while keeping it could mean drafting Love as the focal point of their offense for the foreseeable future, or a defender who becomes the cornerstone of Arizona’s defense.
With Bailey off the board and Reese still available, I believe it’s more than likely Arizona will field multiple phone calls before turning in this pick, but when it’s all said and done, they should keep it.
Reese is a defensive specimen who could very well be the best overall player in this draft. His upside is higher than most because of his versatility. Reese played both LB and edge in his collegiate career and was able to make his presence felt at both positions. It’s more than likely he’ll be the pick here, even if it’s not the Cardinals making the move.
4. Tennessee Titans:
Jeremiyah Love- RB, Notre Dame
Love is the best RB prospect since Bijan Robinson, and he might be better. Turning on the tape is like watching plays from a video game. He is a true home run hitter who had more TDs than Jahmyr Gibbs in college and, ran a faster 40 than Saquon Barkley. I don't like to put the gold jacket on guys before they take an NFL snap, but Love has the blueprint for one.
The team that jumps on Love will set the tone for the rest of the draft. And while their new coach, Robert Saleh, could be tempted to go defense with someone like Stylese, we've seen what their new OC, Brian Daboll, can do with an elite RB.
5. New York Giants:
Caleb Downs- S, Ohio State
If this is how things end up working out ahead of them, the Giants have a ton of freedom with this pick, especially with the recently acquired 10th overall selection. They can do just about anything here.
I’d be thrilled with any of the three Ohio State Buckeyes in this spot if I’m the Giants. A big-body receiver in Tate, a freak of nature in Styles, or my favorite defensive player in the class, Caleb Downs. And from what I’m hearing, they like Downs the best.
As a New York fan, I truly hope this is the Giants’ first selection. He could give Big Blue a weapon in their secondary that they haven’t had in a long time. In his collegiate career at both Bama and Ohio State, he totaled 256 tackles, 10 pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 6 interceptions.
He reminds me a lot of a young Earl Thomas. Unbelievable play recognition, a true nose for the football, and an absolute athletic freak. He’ll be an instant-impact guy wherever he lands. I just hope it’s East Rutherford.
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| (Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images) |
6. Dallas Cowboys via MOCK TRADE with CLE
Sonny Styles- LB, Ohio State
If the Giants pass on Styles for Caleb Downs, which at this point seems likely, this probably sounds an alarm for Jerry Jones to pick up the phone. There have already been rumors that Jones wants to steal a player the Giants "covet", likely being Styles.
Styles was great for Ohio State last year leading the team in total tackles, anchoring the Buckeyes elite defense. Despite this, Styles was projected to be be a mid-to-late first-rounder until he exploded at the NFL Combine. In truly one of the most magnificent performances I've ever seen. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43.5 inch vertical, and was given a 94/100 on the Athleticism Score. I don't think I've ever said this about a combine, but it's absolutely must-see.
Jerry's got a lot of pressure to make a splash in the draft and moving up to get the NFL version of a unicorn checks that box.
7. Washington Commanders:
Carnell Tate- WR, Ohio State
Last season was a weird year for the Commanders. Coming off of an NFC Championship appearance in 2024, Washington won just 5 games. This was mostly due to a gruesome injury suffered by second-year QB Jayden Daniels. It was clear that the offense was lacking last year, but will they opt to protect Daniels or give him a weapon with this pick?
I believe they'll opt for the latter.
Tate had 51 receptions for 875 yards and 9 TDs last season, while not being the most athletic receiver, his height and route running will propel him to the top of the draft. Plus with Terry McLaurin's injury history, it'll be a luxury to have a top-tier WR2.
8. New Orleans Saints:
Rueben Bain Jr.- Edge, Miami
Bain is one of the more interesting prospects of 2026. Initially, I had him as a top-five pick, and in my personal opinion, I think he should be considered a top edge rusher, right alongside Bailey and Reese.
A massive part of his fall is due to his arms measuring just 30 ⅞ inches at the combine. That mark is the third shortest ever recorded, and while it seems to be a concern for NFL GMs, I don’t put much weight into it.
I like to let the numbers do the talking, and Bain was fourth in the FBS in tackles for loss with 18.5 last year, 9.5 of those being sacks. In addition to that, Bain had some monster performances during the College Football Playoff, something that goes a long way for me.
With Cam Jordan now a free agent, it’s time for new blood at the edge for the Saints, and he’ll be the best option available at eight.
9. Kansas City Chiefs:
Mansoor Delane- CB, LSU
The Chiefs are going to have to address the cornerback position after trading former All-Pro Trent McDuffie to the Rams. And Delane is just about as good a prospect you can get in your secondary, as he didn't allow a single touchdown as the primary defender all season long. He can absolutely shut down an opponent's WR1, and I have full confidence that'll translate to the NFL. He's got great length, which led to 11 PBUs last season, and allows him to keep up with receivers of any size.
10. New York Giants: (via CIN)
Jordyn Tyson- WR, Arizona State
If the Giants do go Downs with the fifth overall pick, it’s likely they go offense with the 10th. Despite the signings of Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin, New York could still use a true number two receiver opposite Malik Nabers.
Tyson could be the best receiver available when it’s all said and done, but injury concerns and his slender frame could cause him to fall a bit. That said, I don’t think he makes it any further than 13.
Tyson had 711 yards and 8 TDs in 2025 despite a nagging hamstring injury. That didn't stop him from thriving both inside and outside the numbers, scoring touchdowns from both positions. He has a ridiculous catch radius, runs a damn smooth route, and is uber athletic. As many have pointed out, his skill set is reminiscent of an old friend of the Giants, Odell Beckham Jr.
11. Miami Dolphins:
Francis Mauigoa- OL, Miami
Quite frankly, the Dolphins need just about every position I can think of on an NFL roster. That said, tackle is arguably the most glaring of those needs, and Mauigoa is at the top of the list when it comes to offensive linemen. He allowed just 2 sacks on over 1,000 snaps in his collegiate career. He's an elite pass protector who could easily be a top 5 selection in this draft, so if he does fall to 11, Miami needs to run this pick in. That’s probably a good idea, because they just gave Malik Willis a $67.5 million contract, and he could probably use some protection.
12. Cleveland Browns via MOCK TRADE with DAL
Spencer Fano- OL, Utah
Whether or not the Browns opt to move back in the draft, they're going to have to resolve some of their issues across the offensive line. I also think Fano, either at six or twelve, is the guy they prefer. He didn't let up a single sack in 2025 and can play well in either tackle spot. He ranked first in both Production Score and Athleticism Score at the combine, and feels like the lineman with the highest ceiling.
13. Los Angeles Rams: (via ATL)
Kenyon Sadiq- TE, Oregon
An aging Davante Adams and a rehabbing Puka Nacua leave the Rams with some question marks at the top of their receiver room. That said, they still have one of the better wide receiver duos in football, and as long as Puka can keep his off-the-field shenanigans to a minimum, they’ll be okay on that front.
Selecting a playmaking tight end like Sadiq can add a whole new wrinkle to the Rams’ offense, specifically in Sean McVay’s system. He led all of college football in touchdowns among tight ends with eight and was a focal point in Oregon’s elite offense.
Mixing him in with two elite outside targets in Adams and Nacua could really open things up for everyone, taking an already top-notch offense to the next level.
14. Baltimore Ravens:
Olaivavega Ioane- OL, Penn State
Losing Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders is a major blow for Baltimore. After giving up 45 sacks in 2025, ranking near the bottom of the league, the offensive line was already shaky. Now, with Linderbaum gone and right guard Daniel Faalele signing with the Giants, the unit has taken a massive step back.
That’s why Ioane makes so much sense here. He’s widely viewed as the top interior offensive lineman in the class. While guards aren’t typically selected this high, Baltimore’s offensive line issues are too urgent to overlook. He justifies the pick, too; he was dominant at Penn State, allowing only two pressures all season. A+ pick for Baltimore.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Akheem Mesidor- Edge, Miami
While Akheem Mesidor played second fiddle to Rueben Bain at Miami, he has the tools to be a team’s primary pass rusher. He broke out last season with 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles, making impact plays as both a pass rusher and a run stopper.
In my eyes, this choice makes the most sense for Tampa Bay. After losing Haason Reddick to the Jets, the Bucs are in need of help off the edge and could use another presence to stabilize the pass rush. While a cornerback or another interior linebacker could also be on the table, adding someone who can take over a game like Mesidor helps address what I consider their most glaring need.
16. Kansas City Chiefs: via MOCK TRADE with NYJ (from IND)
Makai Lemon- WR, USC
Lemon is my absolute favorite player in the entire draft. I loved watching him at USC last year, where he had 79 catches, 1,156 yards, 11 TDs, and won the Biletnikoff Award, given to college football's best receiver.
He has extremely reliable hands, dropping the ball just twice in 2025. He also plays bigger than his size and can go up and make contested catches against just about anybody. Not to mention, he’s a yards-after-catch wizard, very reminiscent of Puka Nacua.
There have been whispers that the Chiefs could use their later pick to move up in the first round for a weapon, and with Rashee Rice in some legal trouble, it's worth the move.
Lemon fits perfectly with Andy Reid's style of offense and could quickly become Mahomes' new favorite weapon.
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| (image via bleacherreport.com) |
17. Detroit Lions:
Monroe Freeling- OL, Georgia
Freeling has been flying up draft boards since the NFL combine where he scored an 81 on the NFL prospect score. That gives him the third-highest ranking among offensive linemen in the class. He was All-SEC for the Bulldogs, allowing just a 1.7% pressure rate last season. Still needing answers at left tackle, the Lions are likely to target a tackle here to solidify the position for the future, and to be honest, Freeling just looks and feels like a classic Dan Campbell guy.
18. Minnesota Vikings:
Peter Woods- DT, Clemson
In what feels like 90% of the mock drafts I've seen, this selection ends up being Dillon Thieneman, but I see the Vikes going in a different direction here. Minnesota was 22nd in defensive pressures in 2025 and was clearly lacking on the defensive line. While Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner both had solid seasons on the outside, I think the Vikings look to upgrade on the inside. Peter Woods is the DT in this year’s class. While he doesn’t light up the stat sheet, standing at 6'3", 315 lbs, he can take up two defenders and allow the guys on the outside to feast. Defensive tackle is a bigger need than safety for the Vikings at the moment, so Woods is the pick.
19. Carolina Panthers:
Keldric Faulk- Edge, Auburn
The Panthers are another team that has a few holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball. I've seen Thieneman mocked here too, but I think he stays on the board for at least one more pick, and they'll opt to go with defensive line.
Carolina was a bottom-five unit in producing sacks last year, getting to the QB just 30 times all season. They picked up Jaelan Phillips in free agency, but they could still use another guy on the other side of him. Insert Keldric Faulk.
At 6-foot-6, Faulk has a massive frame. He’s still young, too, just 21 years old. Despite his age, he plays with a high level of discipline and intelligence. There’s a ton of raw talent here, and it's worth the pick at 19.
20. Dallas Cowboys: (via GB)
Dillon Thieneman- S, Oregon
As much as I hate the Cowboys, I’ve heard rumors of Thieneman to Dallas, and it would be a perfect fit. He was a tackling machine in college, totaling 302 tackles in just three seasons. He’s always around the ball and quick enough to stop runners before they can reach the second level.
While Thieneman is not all that great in man coverage, he did have a handful of interceptions in college and could instantly improve Dallas’ horrid run defense, especially if they pair him with Styles.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Omar Cooper Jr.- WR, Indiana
I went back and forth a lot with this Steelers pick. I originally thought they could take a swing on Ty Simpson, considering the team still doesn’t know if Aaron Rodgers will be playing in 2026. But with a lot of question marks around him, I don’t think Simpson is the right guy for Pittsburgh.
Instead, I believe they’ll address a different need: wide receiver.
Although the Steelers have DK Metcalf and recently traded for Michael Pittman, the loss of Calvin Austin leaves a major hole at the WR3 spot. Plus, considering Pittman’s injury history, it would be smart to add some insurance at the position.
Cooper was Fernando Mendoza’s go-to target at Indiana, finishing with 937 yards (31st in the country) and 13 touchdowns (third in the country). The only question is whether he was a product of elite quarterback play or simply that talented. I believe that with proper development, Cooper could become an excellent NFL player, and who better to develop a wideout than the Pittsburgh Steelers?
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| (image via AP Photo/Lydia Ely) |
22. Los Angeles Chargers:
Kayden McDonald- DT, Ohio State
23. Philadelphia Eagles:
Denzel Boston- WR, Washington
Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that AJ Brown will "likely" be dealt to the New England Patriots after June 1st. If this is the case the Eagles are going to need another weapon for Jalen Hurts, and while DeVonta Smith can be a true number one, the 6' 4"Boston would complement him nicely as a reliable second target.,
The big-bodied receiver hauled in 881 yards and 11 TDs for Washington last year, one of the better stat lines of any wideouts in college football.
He's a big time redzone and deep-ball threat, the perfect replacement for Brown.
24. Cleveland Browns: (via JAX)
Kadyn Proctor- OL, Alabama
Proctor could be drafted anywhere in the first round. It wouldn't shock me if he's the Brown's pick at 6, or if he fell all the way to 24. He's a tad more raw than the rest of the pass blockers, so if I had to guess, he falls just a bit. But he's a 6' 6" ,352 lb monster who allowed just 2 sacks against real SEC competition, so worth a shot.
25. Chicago Bears:
Blake Miller- OT, Clemson
Chicago's offensive line was much improved in 2025, but they still have some room for improvement. With uncertainty at the left tackle position, the Bears will likely look to find a long-term solution.
Although Miller played more on the right side, frankly speaking, the Bears don't have much of a choice drafting at 25. That said, Miller has the talent to move to the other side, allowing only 9 pressures and two sacks in his senior season at Clemson. If he's still here at 25, I see the Bears taking a chance on him.
26. Buffalo Bills:
CJ Allen- LB, Georgia
While the Bills could use another weapon on offense alongside newly acquired DJ Moore, I think they opt for defensive help, specifically against the run. And who better than CJ Allen, an elite run stopper who totaled 88 tackles in 2025.
The Bills allowed the fifth-most rushing yards in 2025, and drafting a player like Allen could immediately help change that.
As one anonymous NFC scout put it, “He gets them lined up, is tough, and is a great leader.” With veteran Matt Milano still a free agent, Allen could be next in line.
27. San Francisco 49ers:
Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
Lomu was an elite-level pass protector in 2025, letting up zero sacks all season long. He stands at 6' 6" and 313 pounds, an absolutely massive presence. But it's not just his size , he's a legitimate athlete running a sub-five-second 40-yard dash and jumping 32.5 inches on his vertical.
The Niners recently extended Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams through 2028, but at 37 years old with a history of injuries, drafting Lomu could be good insurance. He could step in as a reliable backup early on and develop into a starter.
28. Arizona Cardinals: MOCK TRADE with HOU
Ty Simpson- QB, Alabama
Last season, I was confident that a team would trade back into the first round to take a chance on Jaxson Dart, and I correctly predicted the New York Giants as that team. This time around, I look to Simpson as the kind of prospect teams will be targeting in the late first. The Cardinals, Jets, and Steelers all seem like the most likely landing spots.
Simpson was 11th in the country in passing last season, throwing for 3,567 yards, 28 TDs and just five interceptions. The more I watch Simpson, the more I like him. He's got good escapability, throws accurate passes, and rarely turns the ball over. That said, I'm not fully bought in. He struggles under pressure, doesn't have the biggest arm, and has a history of injuries. It's worth a shot for a team starting Jacoby Brissett.
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| (image via: Will McLelland-Imagn Images) |
29. New York Jets: via MOCK TRADE with KC (from LAR)
Jermod McCoy- CB, Tennessee
The Jets traded Sauce Gardner away for an extra first-round pick in both this year's draft and next. Since then, their cornerback play has been nothing short of horrific. They became the first team in NFL history to not record an interception all season long.
McCoy, if he can stay healthy, is the ballhawk the Jets so desperately need. In his last healthy season for the Vols, McCoy had 7 PDs and 4 interceptions.
The concern with him is not with the ACL injury that kept him out this year, but that he needed a second surgery to replace a bone plug used to repair a cartilage defect in his knee. But even factoring in the injuries, the talent is there, and he likely would’ve been a top-15 pick, so the Jets need to roll the dice.
30. Miami Dolphins: (via DEN)
KC Concepcion- WR, Texas A&M
After cutting Tyreek Hill in February and trading Waddle last month, the Dolphins are in desperate need of a WR. If they don't address the need with their first pick, they'll likely take a chance at one of the second-tier receivers later in the round.
Concepcion was the 1st team tall-SEC in 2025, putting up 919 yards and 9 TDs. He averaged 15.1 yards per reception as well, the same average as Jaxon Smith-Njigba had in the NFL last year.
These numbers back up his confidence, too. In a letter to NFL GMs, Concepcion wrote, "I’m the best receiver in this draft. Period."
That might be a stretch, but hey, it might be worth taking him at his word if you're Miami.
31. New England Patriots:
Zion Young- Edge, Mizzou
If there’s anything the Patriots struggled with last year, it was producing sacks. Ranking 26th in the NFL, I fully expect their first-round pick to be used on a pass rusher. Unless they opt to move up for one of the elite guys, Young will likely be the best available at 31. But he’s no consolation prize.
At 6-foot-5, 262 pounds, he has the ability to completely take over a game defensively. He had his best season in 2025, totaling 6.5 sacks and two pass deflections. This is another guy I encourage you to watch for yourself, as his tape does most of the talking.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood- CB, Tennessee
At just 21 years old, Colton Hood could be the best press corner in the class. While he bounced around to different schools, one thing remained the same throughout his collegiate career: his ability to give receivers fits on the outside. His run-stopping ability helps make up for his at-times over aggressive play style.
He may be a bit of a project, but with proper coaching he could become a solid defender, and if anyone has time for a project, it’s the defending champs.
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