With free agency cooling off, it’s time for the second draft of my 2026 NFL Mock Draft, as I attempt to go back-to-back as the world’s most accurate Mock Drafter (according to Fantasypros.) As always, send me any questions in the comments below.
1. Raiders – Fernando Mendoza (QB – IND)
This one has been set in stone for some time now, as Dante Moore’s return to college removed any intrigue that might have existed. Without a controversy of epic proportions, Fernando Mendoza will be selected first overall in April. The National Champion is a safe prospect who needs some development but should turn into the first solid starter for the Raiders since Derek Carr.
2. Jets – Arvell Reese (EDGE – OSU)
The Jets need a quarterback, but it would be a total waste to pick one this early. New York has needs across the board but the best player of a premium position in this draft Arvell Reese and that will likely be the pick. The former Buckeye profiles as an every down linebacker who still has some question marks, as his explosive 2025 came a little out of nowhere.
3. Cardinals – David Bailey (EDGE – TTU)
The Cardinals need a right tackle, but for me it’s too early for any of this class. Instead, they take David Bailey, a speedy edge rusher out of Texas Tech. His size limits him a little and he may struggle to start on early downs, but his sack production would give Arizona the defensive boost they’ve needed for years.
4. Titans – Jeremiyah Love (RB – ND)
There has been buzz for some time that the Titans adore Jeremiyah Love and will take him at 1.04. This doesn’t make much sense given they already have two good running backs and a greater need at edge rusher. Maybe if Reese or Bailey were available, this would change things, though many insiders including Adam Schefter have outright claimed Tennessee won’t draft Love. This is a situation to monitor as it will dictate the direction of the remainder of the draft. Love is a true every down back who can contribute straight away in all facets of the game.
5. Giants – Sonny Styles (LB – OSU)
There is a lot of noise around the Giants loving Caleb Downs, and Jeremiyah Love will supposedly be the pick if he is available. Neither makes any sense at all. The Giants have running backs coming out of their ears and three functional safeties. What they badly need is a linebacker overhaul and while Tremaine Edmunds gives them one solid piece, Sonny Styles would be a real difference maker as the elite off-ball linebacker in this class.
6. Browns – Francis Mauigoa (OT – MIA)
The Browns badly need a quarterback, but I expect that will wait until they’ve had a better look at Deshaun Watson post-injury and Shadeur Sanders. Instead, I expect their first round picks will be an offensive tackle and a wide receiver. Carnell Tate is very possible here, but with all OTs still on the board, I’m going for the class’s best and safest tackle, Francis Mauigoa. There’s plenty of buzz around Monroe Freeling in this range but don’t be sucked in, I don’t think he’ll sniff the top ten.
7. Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr (EDGE – MIA)
The Commanders are likely the floor for Jeremiyah Love. But with the running back likely long gone by this point, it’s highly likely Washington reinforces their mediocre edge rushing unit. David Bailey would be the preference here but assuming he doesn’t fall, Rueben Bain Jr is the next best option.
8. Saints – Carnell Tate (WR – OSU)
Reports suggest the Saints love Caleb Downs, but they have no need for a safety, as it’s arguably their strongest position. Instead, I expect them to target a pass catcher so that they don’t need to rely on Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton. Carnell Tate is a safe option who profiles as a number 2 behind Chris Olave, though Jordyn Tyson has more upside and it’s possible he’s the first receiver off the board instead.
9. Chiefs – Spencer Fano (OT – UTA)
“The Chiefs have an alarming list of needs for a perennial Super Bowl contender.” That’s what I said last year and that statement is still true, except the Super Bowl contender part. For me, their greatest needs are edge rusher, cornerback and defensive tackle, though reports suggest they’ll target an offensive tackle and a wide receiver here. That is where the value lies in this range so that wouldn’t be a shock. Given who is available, I’m prioritizing protecting Patrick Mahomes and selecting Spencer Fano, whose short arm issues are overblown. Though if Rashee Rice’s legal issues are as serious as many believe, Jordyn Tyson would be a better bet here.
10. Bengals – Caleb Downs (S – OSU)
The Bengals once again find themselves in a range where the value doesn’t match their needs. Ideally, they’d love to get their hands on Sonny Styles or wait a little later for a defensive tackle (and trading down is possible), but instead I have them improving a secondary that still needs work. Cornerback would make more sense, but Caleb Downs is one of the best players in this draft class and I think it’s unlikely he makes it out of the Top 10.
11. Dolphins – Jordyn Tyson (WR – ARST)
The Dolphins have needs everywhere but in the first round, it makes sense for them to attack their secondary and wide receiver corps, though O-line isn’t out of the question. While they reportedly like Mansoor Delane, Jordyn Tyson is tempting value here as an upside receiver who could be their new number one in the wake of Jaylen Waddle’s departure.
12. Cowboys – Mansoor Delane (CB – VT)
The Cowboys need upgrades across their defense, so I’d expect they spend both first round picks on this side of the ball, depending on what is available. In this case, cornerback is the most obvious choice. Mansoor Delane is the top cornerback in a weak class and can help the Cowboys rebuild their weak secondary.
13. Rams – Makai Lemon (WR – USC)
The Rams have the most well-rounded roster in the league, but Puka Nacua’s off-the-field issues and Davante Adams’s age mean receiver could soon be a real issue. Makai Lemon isn’t a clean prospect give his poor Combine interviews, but Tony Pauline reports this is his floor and for now, I’m inclined to agree.
14. Ravens – Keldric Faulk (EDGE – AUB)
The Ravens also need a receiver and would likely take one of the top three if they’re available. But they also need help on both sides of the trenches. Given the lack of value in selecting an interior O-lineman here, I’m giving them some edge help instead in Keldric Faulk. This is just a little earlier than most have him these days, but I expect he goes somewhere in the mid to late teens.
15. Buccaneers – Kenyon Sadiq (TE – ORE)
The Buccaneers must improve their front seven on defense, but with no obvious edge or linebacker prospects available, I think they may go elsewhere (though don’t discount a surprise CJ Allen pick). Kenyon Sadiq is an elite athlete and would elevate the Buccaneers offense that lacks the size/speed combo Mike Evans offered them.
16. Jets – Jermod McCoy (CB – TEN)
Receiver and edge are both on the table for this pick, but with no obvious players available, I’m thinking the Jets try to replace Sauce Gardner using a pick they ironically received from his trade. Jermod McCoy was excellent for the Vols and could turn into a quality cover corner, though there is some risk he may ultimately be isolated to nickel packages.
