2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 Projections for 2026 NFL Draft Before Week 11
This article was originally published on Sportsnaut.
The first 10 weeks of the 2025 NFL season have passed, with a clear tier of playoff contenders and Super Bowl hopefuls emerging while other franchises are beginning preparations for the 2026 NFL Draft. While this year’s class doesn’t have any household names, some of the best college football players this season have seen their draft stock soar int he last two months.
Let’s dive into our latest 2026 NFL mock draft, deliverign Round 1 projections and analysis for each pick heading into Sunday’s Week 11 slate.
1. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami (FL)
It’s certainly a bad look for the Tennessee Titans to have the first overall pick in the NFL Draft in consecutive years, but it’s not Cam Ward’s fault. While he needs a lot more help on the offensive side of the ball, the 2026 NFL Draft is defense-heavy at the top. Rueben Bain Jr. would provide desperately-needed help to a Titans defense that has very little in the front seven outside of Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat. Bain offers the upside to become a perennial Pro Bowl edge rusher, and he’d pair with Simmons and Sweat perfectly.
2. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
It is certainly popular in consensus 2026 NFL mock drafts to have the New Orleans Saints taking a quarterback. However, this feels like a multi-year rebuild for New Orleans and the roster isn’t necessarily in place to take a quarterback prospect who is very good but not great. Instead, the Saints add a potential All-Pro safety in Caleb Downs. He’s a do-it-all safety who can impact a defense like Kyle Hamilton has in Baltimore. New Orleans can keep filling out the supporting cast and then take its next franchise QB in 2027.
3. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Jaxson Dart has demonstrated more than enough this season to prove the New York Giants need to build around him. That starts in the 2026 NFL Draft, addressing an offensive line that has a glaring hole at right tackle. Enter Miami’s Francis Mauigoa. He’s the best lineman in the 2026 class, and the added benefit is that he’s already playing right tackle in college, so there would be no concerns about his transition to a new position. Mauigoa’s athleticism would help out Dart in pass protection, while his strength and size would make him a great road grader for Cam Skattebo.
4. Cleveland Browns: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Cleveland Browns have put themselves in a position where taking a quarterback feels necessary. Fortunately, Fernando Mendoza falls right into their lap. While he doesn’t have elite arm strength and he’s only an average athlete for the position, Mendoza is a great processor and he gets the football out quickly. He also is great at making accurate throws even when pressured. Whether Kevin Stefanski sticks around in Cleveland or not, Mendoza’s NFL-ready skills will be coveted by any head coach.
5. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
The run on defensive standouts continues in our 2026 NFL mock draft. There’s no great incentive for the New York Jets to use their top pick on a quarterback, not when they have five first-round picks in the next two seasons. Instead, general manager Darren Mougey provides head coach Aaron Glenn with his new star defender. Arvell Reese is an outstanding linebacker, but he’s been deployed more as an edge rusher this season. The NFL comparisons have varied from Jalon Walker to Edgerrin Cooper, with more upside as a pass rusher. He’s exactly the kind of versatile chess piece Glenn’s defense needs.
Related: New York Jets QB Options Outside of the 2026 NFL Draft
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
It simply hasn’t worked out with Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders. So, general manager John Spytek needs to find his quarterback of the future, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson is one of the biggest risers in the 2026 NFL Draft. He just runs the Crimson Tide’s offense so well, both showing a great understanding of timing and anticipation while also demonstrating the ability to make on-target throws to all areas of the field. Simpson might not have any elite physical skills, but he’ll likely check the boxes that matter to Spytek and Tom Brady.
7. Miami Dolphins: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, AUburn
The new Miami Dolphins front office could go in any number of directions in the 2026 NFL Draft, so the BPA strategy is the best option. After trading edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, Miami needs to find his long-term replacement as Bradley Chubb will likely be a cap casualty in a year or two. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk offers outstanding potential and versatility, which makes him an ideal option for Miami’s multi-year retool defensively.
8. Washington Commanders: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Terry McLaurin injury this year has captured just how thin the Washington Commanders are at wide receiver, with the Deebo Samuel trade doing nothing to fix that. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson can be the next No. 1 receiver for Jayden Daniels, providing him in the next few seasons that will be reminiscent of his LSU days with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. After snagging Tyson in Round 1, Washington could focus its Day 2 and 3 picks on the defensive side of the ball.
9. Cincinnati Bengals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The 2025 NFL season has once again demonstrated that the Cincinnati Bengals need to do a better job both protecting Joe Burrow and providing him with an NFL-caliber defense. Unfortunately, only one of those can be addressed in the first round. Spencer Fano’s athleticism makes him a natural fit at left tackle, but Cincinnati could use him at guard in 2026 while Orlando Brown Jr. plays out the final year of his deal.
10. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy hasn’t played this season due to his recovery from an ACL tear, but he’s on track in his recovery to go through offseason workouts. When healthy, he’s the best cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Los Angeles Rams don’t have a ton of needs, but a No. 1 cornerback is missing on this defense, and adding McCoy would only make the pass rush more effective.
11. Arizona Cardinals: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Kyler Murray’s time with the Arizona Cardinals is over, and the new regime needs to find its quarterback. It might be in the organization’s best interest to draft Dante Moore and give him a season to develop behind the scenes, bringing in a veteran bridge starter for the 2026 season. What matters is that Moore boasts the arm strength and confidence to truly unlock Marvin Harrison Jr. If the Ducks quarterback hits in the NFL, the Cardinals could have one of the best passing attacks in the league by 2028.
Related: Kyler Murray Landing Spots for 2026
12. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
There’s an obvious temptation here to have the Dallas Cowboys selecting Jeremiyah Love, but this pass rush is in desperate need of help. There are some off-field concerns with Texas Tech Red Raiders edge rusher David Bailey, but his production this season and profile as a pass rusher make it worth the gamble. Pairing him with Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams, and DeMarvion Overshown would give Dallas a front seven that can help mask some of the issues in the secondary.
13. Baltimore Ravens: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Carnell Tate has obviously been overshadowed at Ohio State by Jeremiah Smith, but he’s absolutely a first-round talent and he’s pro-ready thanks to the help of Brian Hartline. While wide receiver might not be the most glaring need for the Baltimore Ravens, Zay Flowers hasn’t exactly made the jump to becoming a true No. 1 guy. Pairing Tate with Flowers could give Lamar Jackson the receiver tandem he needs as he transitions to using his legs less often nearing his 30s.
14. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is the best running back in the 2026 NFL Draft, and there isn’t anyone remotely in a close second. With the Minnesota Vikings seeking to find every way they can to create the best supporting cast possible for J.J. McCarthy, the next step is giving him an all-purpose running back. Love would have All-Pro potential in this Vikings offense.
15. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Houston Texans already have an elite defense, but DeMeco Ryans is always looking for more premium talent and there’s room for improvement on the interior. Clemson’s Peter Woods is a top-10 talent who hasn’t quite played like it this fall. However, putting him on a defensive line with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr might give Woods a chance to put up numbers next season that could position him to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
16. Carolina Panthers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Carolina Panthers will need to be in the quarterback market this offseason, considering the lack of progress shown by Bryce Young. However, there is not a viable option available for the Panthers at this time. Instead, Carolina addresses a secondary that needs a long-term CB2 opposite Jaycee Horn. Avion Terrell has been one of the best cornerbacks in college football this season, and while there would likely be some early growing pains in his rookie year, the upside for Carolina comes in the seasons ahead, when it could have an outstanding cornerback tandem.
17. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Kansas City Chiefs certainly won’t be picking this high when the actual 2026 NFL Draft rolls around, but there is a chance tight end Kenyon Sadiq could slide a bit further than expected. With a Travis Kelce retirement imminent, the Chiefs’ offense will need to find the next big-bodied offensive weapon who can easily create separation and make plays after the catch. Sadiq carries perennial Pro Bowl upside long-term, especially with Patrick Mahomes targeting him.
18. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The athleticism of Kadyn Proctor is evident—just look at how willing Alabama is to put him in the backfield and even use him on a screen pass. He also offers remarkable size, providing any NFL coaching staff with a building block for an outstanding left tackle. In an ideal world, he would land with the San Francisco 49ers and spend a season learning from Trent Williams before taking over on the blindside.
19. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
After selecting their QB1 in Fernando Mendoza, the Browns now need to start building a better receiving corps around him. Washington Huskies wideout Denzel Boston is having an outstanding season, recording 8 touchdowns and 730 receiving yards on 52 receptions. The 6-foot-4 receiver can serve as both a deep threat for Mendoza and a reliable target capable of making contested catches.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered 2025 with an aging secondary, and the results have left plenty to be desired. With Darius Slay unlikely to return and Jalen Ramsey moved to free safety, there is a glaring hole at cornerback. LSU’s Mansoor Delane offers ideal size at 6 feet and has demonstrated impressive skills in man coverage this season. He is also an instinctual player with above-average athleticism and an intensity that Mike Tomlin will appreciate.
21. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
The Dallas Cowboys offense has looked significantly better this season with a true No. 2 wide receiver on the field. It is possible that George Pickens receives the franchise tag this offseason, but Dallas might decide to let him walk and find their new No. 2 wideout in the 2026 NFL Draft. Louisville’s Chris Bell is not an elite athlete, but he knows how to get open, with his hands and body control likely to make him a quarterback’s best friend at the next level.
22. Chicago Bears: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Chicago Bears offense has taken significant strides forward this season with Ben Johnson as the play-caller. However, the offensive line still needs work. Utah has an excellent track record of developing offensive linemen, and Caleb Lomu is another standout in this class. With Lomu at left tackle, Chicago could have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL in just a few short years.
23. Buffalo Bills: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Buffalo Bills receiving corps, not play-caller Joe Brady, is the team’s biggest offensive issue right now. Khalil Shakir plays his role very well, but he does not have any additional help, which makes it easy for teams to limit how effective he can be and how he is used. Makai Lemon is a bit undersized at 5-foot-10, but he is a YAC wonder who might also be one of the best draft-eligible wide receivers at creating separation.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the right call by selecting Emeka Egbuka in Round 1 last offseason, but linebacker remains a glaring need for this defense. Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen does not offer great size, but he makes up for it with his athleticism, tenacity, sound tackling, and motor. He could become an above-average starter in the middle of the Buccaneers defense.
25. Detroit Lions: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Even with Alim McNeill and Aidan Hutchinson healthy, there is still room for improvement on the Detroit Lions’ defensive line. Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker has taken a step back from a breakout season in 2024 (19.5 TFLs, 11 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles), but it is not due to a lack of talent. In Detroit, Parker would have the benefit of facing a lot of one-on-one blockers, and he would have a better chance to develop thanks to the Lions’ coaching staff.
26. Los Angeles Chargers: LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
With retirement on the table for Khalil Mack in 2026, the Los Angeles Chargers need to find a No. 1 edge rusher. Alabama’s LT Overton offers good size, but he’s not going to wow anyone with athleticism. He does, however, offer somf versatility for a defensive coordinator and he has some room to add bulk.
27. Los Angeles Rams: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Coming into the season, it looked like LaNorris Sellers would have a chance to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It just never came together this fall, as he could not quite make the leap everyone wanted to see. The physical tools are still undeniable, though. If Matthew Stafford returns in 2026, Sellers could spend his rookie season being coached up by Sean McVay before taking over the reins of the Rams offense in 2027.
28. New England Patriots: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
The improvements shown by Kayshon Boutte this season at least open the door for the New England Patriots to hold off on taking a wide receiver in Round 1. With that said, we’ve also seen what this Patriots passing game looks like when Boutte is sidelined. Chris Brazzell, at 6-foot-5, can stretch the field vertically, and he showcases some nice body control and awareness.
29. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
With Riq Woolen likely departing via free agency this offseason, cornerback could become a need the Seattle Seahawks want to address early. Colton Hood transferred to Tennessee and has thrived in the SEC, emerging as one of the lone standouts on the Volunteers defense. He lacks ideal size, but his tenacious playing style and willingness to get physical both in coverage and as a run defender would seem to fit what Mike McDaniel likes.
30. Denver Broncos: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
One of the best defenses in the league gets even stronger. With Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad potentially not returning to the Denver Broncos next season, it will be time to find Vance Joseph a new linebacker. Sonny Styles has been one of the best linebackers in the nation this season. While his instincts and discipline need more work, you cannot teach the size and athleticism he brings to the table.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
It seems increasingly plausible that A.J. Brown will not be back with the Philadelphia Eagles next season. If that happens, Howie Roseman will need to find Jalen Hurts a new No. 2 wide receiver. Drops are a bit of an issue for KC Concepcion, but what cannot be ignored is how dangerous he is with the football in his hands. He might not be a No. 2 wideout immediately, but this would be an upside pick for Philadelphia.
32. New York Jets (via IND): A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
No, we do not have the Jets using a first-round pick on a quarterback in our 2026 NFL mock draft. The front office acquired all of those draft picks in 2027 to get their quarterback then, with this class focused on building a defensive core. Oregon Ducks defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington fills the void created by the Quinnen Williams trade, providing Aaron Glenn’s defense with an incredible interior athlete who can align at multiple spots and create pressure.
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