NFL · 4 days ago

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for the First 45 Picks

Grant White

Host · Writer

45. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Eli Stowers
- TE
- Vanderbilt Commodores
The Ravens lost Isaiah Likely this offseason, and Mark Andrews is on the decline. Eli Stowers offers the long-term stability to compete.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
Fernando Mendoza is the beacon of hope the Raiders have been searching for. With some of their other notable offseason moves, the Raiders are ready to compete in 2026.

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
- Jeremiyah Love
- RB
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Jets have been tidally locked to Arvell Reese for the past few months. Watch them go off script and build their offense around Jeremiyah Love.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Olaivavega Ioane
- OG
- Penn State Nittany Lions
Protecting Cam Ward should be the top priority in Tennessee. Finding an interior offensive lineman of Olaivavega Ioane's caliber would be a massive score for the Titans.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
- Carnell Tate
- WR
- Ohio State Buckeyes
Wide receiver depth has been an issue for the Giants, look for them to bolster their pass-catchers early in Round 1. Arguably, Carnell Tate is the best wideout in this year's class.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Makai Lemon
- WR
- USC Trojans
Assuredly, the Browns are selecting a wide receiver with the sixth-overall pick. Who they select is debatable, but we like Makai Lemon's upside the most.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
- Caleb Downs
- S
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Commanders need to prioritize defense in the draft. If things shake out the way we think they do, they should be able to get one of the top defensive prospects, Caleb Downs, with the seventh selection.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- David Bailey
- EDGE
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Saints' defensive line needs a few upgrades. David Bailey will be the first edge rusher drafted, and he'll look awfully intimidating in the black and gold.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Kenyon Sadiq
- TE
- Oregon Ducks
Travis Kelce is getting a little long in the tooth, and the Chiefs need to add to their offensive coffers. Anyone other than Kenyon Sadiq would be a massive shock.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Rueben Bain Jr.
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The Bengals' already atrocious defense somehow got worse this offseason. They may be tempted into drafting a linebacker in this spot, but adding an edge rusher fills a more noticeable gap.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Jordyn Tyson
- WR
- Arizona State Sun Devils
For the past few seasons, wide receiver has been an area of strength for the Dolphins. But after an offseason of change, they desperately need a few new pass-catchers. Jordyn Tyson won't slide past them at 11.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
- Sonny Styles
- LB
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Cowboys are set on offense, but they need a few key defensive upgrades if they hope to compete in 2026. Sonny Styles will be a staple of their defensive schemes next season.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Francis Mauigoa
- OT
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The Rams' draft strategies always pay off. Expect them to get the most out of Francis Mauigoa, and keep the franchise going strong.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Spencer Fano
- OT
- Utah Utes
The Ravens don't have a choice here. They need to take the best offensive lineman available. With only two names off the board, expect them to nab Spencer Fano with the 14th pick.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Mansoor Delane
- CB
- LSU Tigers
The Bucs saw a few departures this offseason, and the secondary remains an area of need. Mansoor Delane is one of the premier corners on the board, and he'll make an immediate impact in Tampa.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
- Monroe Freeling
- OT
- Georgia Bulldogs
The Jets could go a number of different ways with this pick. Still, solidifying their offensive line with Monroe Freeling would be the best move to make.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
- T.J. Parker
- EDGE
- Clemson Tigers
The Lions are looking for another edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. T.J. Parker will wreak havoc on the NFC North for years to come.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Caleb Lomu
- OT
- Utah Utes
Minnesota needs to strengthen its trenches, particularly on offense. It may be a deep class of offensive linemen, but we suspect they'll take Caleb Lomu with their first-round pick.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Denzel Boston
- WR
- Washington Huskies
The Panthers are smart enough to know that they need a top pass-catcher to pair with Tetairoa McMillan. Denzel Boston will be the Robin to his Batman.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
- Aveion Terrell
- CB
- Clemson Tigers
The Cowboys can address both of their defensive shortcomings early in Round 1. With the interior well defended, they can turn to Aveion Terrell to turn the tide in the secondary.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Omar Cooper Jr.
- WR
- Indiana Hoosiers
The Steelers need someone to help DK Metcalf in the passing attack. Omar Cooper Jr. will become a staple of their offensive schemes next season.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Blake Miller
- OT
- Clemson Tigers
The Chargers may be tempted into moving up in the draft to nab a higher-ranked offensive lineman. But with Blake Miller still available, they should be content to draft the Clemson product 22nd.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Keldric Faulk
- EDGE
- Auburn Tigers
With the top offensive linemen gone, the Eagles will focus their attention on their defensive line. Keldric Faulk would replenish some of the lost production this offseason.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Kadyn Proctor
- OT
- Alabama Crimson Tide
The Browns need to overhaul their offense, and adding an offensive lineman early is the best recipe for long-term success. Kadyn Proctor solidifies an area of need.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Jermod McCoy
- CB
- Tennessee Volunteers
Chicago's pass defense was one of the worst in the league last season. Jermod McCoy can be counted on to make an immediate impact.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Akheem Mesidor
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The Bills could have challenged for a Super Bowl last season if they had a competent pass-rush. Akheem Mesidor will be asked to do most of the heavy lifting next year.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Kayden McDonald
- DT
- Ohio State Buckeyes
All of the premium edge rushers will be off the board, but the Niners still need to add to their defensive line. Kayden McDonald will have room to grow in San Francisco.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
- Peter Woods
- DT
- Clemson Tigers
The Texans are in a precarious position at the end of Round 1. With most of the premier players gone, they'll add to their defensive line with Peter Woods.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)
- Dillon Thieneman
- S
- Oregon Ducks
The Chiefs moved on from some noteworthy defenders this offseason. Dillon Thieneman is the logical replacement in the secondary.
30. Miami Dolphins (via Denver Broncos)
- Colton Hood
- CB
- Tennessee Volunteers
The Dolphins have been wheeling and dealing this offseason, acquiring the Broncos' first-round pick. They should use this spot to reinforce their secondary with Colton Hood.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
- Zion Young
- EDGE
- Missouri Tigers
The Patriots should make an edge rusher a top priority in Pittsburgh. Zion Young should fall into their laps with at 31.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- S
- Toledo Rockets
The Seahawks lost some top performers in free agency. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren will help them defend their crown next season.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
33. New York Jets (3-14)
- Zachariah Branch
- WR
- Georgia Bulldogs
The Jets' offensive focus doesn't wane with their third pick in the draft. Adding Zachariah Branch is the piece that completes the transformation.
34. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Ty Simpson
- QB
- Alabama Crimson Tide
If the Cardinals reach for Ty Simpson with the third-overall selection, they are dooming the franchise for another decade. Still, the Bama quarterback should be a priority at the top of Round 2.
35. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Germie Bernard
- WR
- Alabama Crimson Tide
The run on wide receivers continues with the Titans' second-round selection. Germie Bernard will be expected to make an instant connection with Cam Ward.
36. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Emmanuel Pregnon
- OG
- Oregon Ducks
With the franchise quarterback in tow, the Raiders need to find some interior offensive linemen to protect him. Emmanuel Pregnon is one of the best available, and should be available at 36.
37. New York Giants (4-13)
- CJ Allen
- LB
- Georgia Bulldogs
The Giants need to recalibrate on defense, including finding someone to play alongside Tremaine Edmunds. CJ Allen could learn a lot next to the former Pro Bowler.
38. Houston Texans (via Washington Commanders)
- Lee Hunter
- DT
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Texans are built to win now. Adding Lee Hunter to the defensive line elevates their ceiling in the short- and long-term.
39. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Anthony Hill Jr.
- LB
- Texas Longhorns
The Browns added Quincy Williams in free agency, but he's proven to be much less effective in the two seasons since his All-Pro selection. Anthony Hill Jr. would alleviate some of the pressure and help reshape the defense.
40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Gabe Jacas
- EDGE
- Illinois Fighting Illini
The Chiefs will want to reinforce their defense again in Round 2. Gabe Jacas is flying under the radar in a deep edge rusher class, but he's the kind of talent that excels in KC.
41. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Brandon Cisse
- CB
- South Carolina Gamecocks
The Bengals have more than enough offensive firepower, but it's time to get serious on defense. Brandon Cisse is another step in the right direction.
42. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- D'Angelo Ponds
- CB
- Indiana Hoosiers
The Saints had an efficient pass defense last season, but they have a few holes to fill. D'Angelo Ponds should step in and help New Orleans recapture that glory.
43. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- R Mason Thomas
- EDGE
- Oklahoma Sooners
The Dolphins will build the next iteration of their franchise from the defense out. R Mason Thomas will be a mainstay for years to come.
44. New York Jets (via Dallas Cowboys)
- Caleb Banks
- DT
- Florida Gators
Already with their fourth pick in the draft, the Jets will set their sights on defensive stalwarts for the next few picks. Caleb Banks carries on the tradition of premier defensive linemen in New York.
45. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Eli Stowers
- TE
- Vanderbilt Commodores
The Ravens lost Isaiah Likely this offseason, and Mark Andrews is on the decline. Eli Stowers offers the long-term stability to compete.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
Fernando Mendoza is the beacon of hope the Raiders have been searching for. With some of their other notable offseason moves, the Raiders are ready to compete in 2026.

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

‌

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for the First 45 Picks

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES

EDITOR'S PICKS

For the Best of SportsGrid, Grab the App

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES