NFL · 1 month ago

2026 NFL Mock Draft 12.0: Bold Predictions for Top 40 Picks

Grant White

Host · Writer

40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Chris Johnson
- CB
- San Diego State Aztecs
With three picks inside the top 40, the Chiefs can employ a number of strategies to rebuild their defense. After they gutted their secondary, adding Chris Johnson makes the most sense.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
The Raiders invested a lot in Kirk Cousins. It's time for Fernando Mendoza to prove that he's the right guy for the job.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
- Arvell Reese
- LB
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Jets could be tempted into trading down to accumulate more draft capital. Irrespective of which team is taking him, Arvell Reese will be the second name off the board.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Carnell Tate
- WR
- Ohio State Buckeyes
With Mauigoa off the board, the Titans will need to pivot to address another area of need. Carnell Tate would form an immediate, and much needed, connecting with Cam Ward.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
- Makai Lemon
- WR
- USC Trojans
The Giants shouldn't be looking at anyone other than wide receivers. Makai Lemon could end up being the top pass-catcher in the draft.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Jeremiyah Love
- RB
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Running backs have fallen out of favor in the first round. Still, Jeremiyah Love won't slide past the Browns at the sixth spot.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
- Caleb Downs
- S
- Ohio State Buckeyes
Caleb Downs is the best safety in the 2026 draft and one of the premier defenders. He's exactly the type of player the Commanders need.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- David Bailey
- EDGE
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Saints need to rebuild their defensive line. Thankfully, they could get as much longevity out of David Bailey as they have from some of their other stalwarts.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Kenyon Sadiq
- TE
- Oregon Ducks
The Chiefs need to find a replacement for Travis Kelce. Kenyon Sadiq is the logical replacement after he wowed everyone at the NFL Combine.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Sonny Styles
- LB
- Ohio State Buckeyes
If Cincinnati's defense performed half as well as its offense, the Bengals would be Super Bowl contenders. They move one step closer with Sonny Styles.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Mansoor Delane
- CB
- LSU Tigers
Considering the state of their franchise, the Dolphins have no choice but to build from the defense out. Mansoor Delane could shift the fortune in the short term.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
- Rueben Bain Jr.
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The Cowboys would be licking their lips at the chance of selecting Rueben Bain Jr. this late in the draft. The Hurricanes' standout is a perfect fit in Dallas.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Monroe Freeling
- OT
- Georgia Bulldogs
With the additions to their secondary, the Rams will be looking to solidify their offensive line early in the draft. Monroe Freeling knows what it takes to win and would be in lockstep with Sean McVay.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Olaivavega Ioane
- OG
- Penn State Nittany Lions
The Ravens desperately need to protect Lamar Jackson and create more running lanes for Derrick Henry. Olaivavega Ioane should help Baltimore accomplish both.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Jermod McCoy
- CB
- Tennessee Volunteers
Jermod McCoy missed a valuable season with the Vols, but quieted any doubters with a solid combine showing. The Bucs will make sure he's one of the first corners off the board.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
- Jordyn Tyson
- WR
- Arizona State Sun Devils
Once considered the standout receiver in this year's class, Jordyn Tyson will be a key figure in the Jets' rebuild.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Kayden McDonald
- DT
- Ohio State Buckeyes
Kayden McDonald is exactly the kind of player who thrives under Dan Campbell's leadership. Watch him accomplish great things in the Motor City.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Kadyn Proctor
- OT
- Alabama Crimson Tide
The Vikings are trying to recapture their 2024 form. Kadyn Proctor would help replenish their offensive line.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Denzel Boston
- WR
- Washington Huskies
Finding another elite wide receiver needs to be a priority for the Panthers. They have several to choose from in this year's class, and Denzel Boston would be the best fit.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- CB
- Toledo Rockets
With reinforcements on the defensive line, the Cowboys should shift their attention to the secondary with their second pick. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is the presence they need.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Omar Cooper Jr.
- WR
- Indiana Hoosiers
The Steelers need to rebuild for a more sustainable future. Omar Cooper Jr. addresses one of their more glaring weaknesses.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Spencer Fano
- OT
- Utah Utes
The Chargers have already started to address their offensive line woes, but there are still gaps to fill. They look like a more competent unit with Spencer Fano in the fold.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Akheem Mesidor
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The Eagles have made some changes to their defense this offseason. Adding Akheem Mesidor to their defensive line is the next domino to fall.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Caleb Lomu
- OT
- Utah Utes
If the Browns nab Jeremiyah Love with the sixth pick, the next logical move is adding an offensive lineman to create space. Caleb Lomu is the best available in this spot.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Dillon Thieneman
- S
- Oregon Ducks
One of the most prolific defenders over the past few seasons, Dillon Thieneman would transform the Bears' secondary.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Avieon Terrell
- CB
- Clemson Tigers
With the addition of Bradley Chubb, the Bills may want to allocate this pick to improving their secondary. Avieon Terrell will be expected to deliver in Buffalo.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Keldric Faulk
- EDGE
- Auburn Tigers
The 49ers aren't deluded enough to believe that Joey Bosa is the answer to their defensive line woes. Keldric Faulk will become a household name in San Francisco.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
- Peter Woods
- DT
- Clemson Tigers
The Texans' defense was one of the best in the league. Still, they will want to bolster their defensive line with Peter Woods.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)
- Zion Young
- EDGE
- Missouri Tigers
The Chiefs have a proven track record for developing premier defenders. Zion Young will be the latest to shine in Kansas City.
30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos)
- Cashius Howell
- EDGE
- Texas A&M Aggies
The Dolphins have been one of the busiest teams this offseason, all in hopes of adding a player like Cashius Howell early in the draft.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
- Chase Bisontis
- OG
- Texas A&M Aggies
The Patriots' offensive line didn't hold up when it mattered most. That could precipitate the addition of Chase Bisontis with the 31st pick.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Colton Hood
- CB
- Tennessee Volunteers
The Seahawks couldn't afford to keep everyone from their Super Bowl-winning roster, and that came at the expense of their secondary. Colton Hood joins a juggernaut in Seattle.
33. New York Jets (3-14)
- Eli Stowers
- TE
- Vanderbilt Commodores
Adding more offensive weapons early in the draft is an ideal solution to the Jets' recent offensive woes. Eli Stowers would become an instant weapon in New York.
34. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Ty Simpson
- QB
- Alabama Crimson Tide
Drafting Ty Simpson in the first round would be a big mistake for the Cardinals. Thankfully, they should be able to land their franchise quarterback early in Round 2.
35. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Caleb Banks
- DT
- Florida Gators
The Titans' shortcomings were evident across the 2025 season. Adding some toughness up front would benefit the rest of the defense. Caleb Banks is the right guy to target with the 35th pick.
36. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Zachariah Branch
- WR
- Georgia Bulldogs
With their franchise quarterback in tow, the Raiders need to find some additional weapons to insulate Fernando Mendoza. Zachariah Branch could end up being one of the best pass-catchers in the draft.
37. New York Giants (4-13)
- Anthony Hill Jr.
- LB
- Texas Longhorns
With a few key adjustments, the Giants could quickly find themselves in contention in the NFC East. Included in that is adding Anthony Hill Jr. to their linebackers corps.
38. Houston Texans (via Washington Commanders)
- Jadarian Price
- RB
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Adding a running back in the draft is a top priority for the Texans. If they don't nab Jadarian Price with this pick, the Texans will have to settle for a lesser-than prospect later in the draft.
39. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- KC Concepcion
- WR
- Texas A&M Aggies
If the Browns take Jeremiyah Love with the sixth pick, they will need to set their sights on a standout pass-catcher in Round 2. KC Concepcion is the best available in this spot.
40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Chris Johnson
- CB
- San Diego State Aztecs
With three picks inside the top 40, the Chiefs can employ a number of strategies to rebuild their defense. After they gutted their secondary, adding Chris Johnson makes the most sense.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
The Raiders invested a lot in Kirk Cousins. It's time for Fernando Mendoza to prove that he's the right guy for the job.

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2026 NFL Mock Draft 12.0: Bold Predictions for Top 40 Picks

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