NFL · 1 week ago

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

Grant White

Host · Writer

40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Zachariah Branch
- WR
- Georgia Bulldogs
As is the case every draft, the Chiefs will snag a wideout who is capable of stepping onto the field and making an immediate impact. Zachariah Branch will do good things in KC.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
It's nothing more than a formality. Fernando Mendoza will be a Raider when Las Vegas steps to the podium in Pittsburgh.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
- Arvell Reese
- LB
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Jets have a number of holes to plug on their sinking ship. If they didn't already have a stockpile of running backs, they may have gone in another direction. For now, Arvell Reese is the most logical pick for them.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Jeremiyah Love
- RB
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Titans need to invest in their offensive line, but they can't afford to pass up Jeremiyah Love.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
- Caleb Downs
- S
- Ohio State Buckeyes
There's no telling what the Giants will do when they step to the podium. Targeting the premier safety in the draft could be the best move for long-term success, though.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Carnell Tate
- WR
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Browns' lack of offensive playmakers has been their undoing for the past few years. Carnell Tate is the perfect wide receiver to build around moving forward.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
- Mansoor Delane
- CB
- LSU Tigers
The Commanders desperately need a top-end secondary defender. It may be a bit of a reach, but Mansoor Delane is the right player to target.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- David Bailey
- EDGE
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
Of the bottom-feeding teams, the Saints had one of the better defenses in the NFL. Still, they can't afford to pass up David Bailey to strengthen their defensive line.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Sonny Styles
- LB
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Chiefs' defense has been one of the top units in the league for the past decade. Still, they can't afford to pass up Sonny Styles if the linebacker is still available.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Francis Mauigoa
- OT
- Miami Hurricanes
The Bengals need to overhaul their defense, but with the top positional players off the board, they'll need to go in a different direction. Francis Mauigoa will help Cincinnati extract maximum value from its offense.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Kenyon Sadiq
- TE
- Oregon Ducks
A new era was born, as the Dolphins elected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa and bring Malik Willis into the fold. Equipping him with the best tight end in the draft is the best move for Miami.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
- Rueben Bain Jr.
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The Cowboys' defensive line has undergone some major changes over the past few seasons. Rueben Bain Jr. will be the steadying force for years to come.
12. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Monroe Freeling
- OT
- Georgia Bulldogs
Sean McVay understands the importance of a dominant offensive line. They may be tempted to bolster their defense, but Monroe Freeling lands in LA.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Spencer Fano
- OT
- Utah Utes
The Ravens need to improve their offensive line, and this is the draft class to do it. Spencer Fano is an anchor that Baltimore can rely on to improve its offensive fortunes.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Kayden McDonald
- DT
- Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buccaneers will want to add to their defensive line in this spot. Don't be surprised if they go edge rusher, but Kayden McDonald and Vita Vea could be one of the most dominant interior tandems in recent memory.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
- Jordyn Tyson
- WR
- Arizona State Sun Devils
With their defensive stalwart locked up, the Jets will set their sights on an offensive playmaker with the 16th pick. Jordyn Tyson will wreak havoc alongside Garrett Wilson.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Akheem Mesidor
- EDGE
- Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The Lions are looking for a top prospect to help them regain their playoff form. Akheem Mesidor upgrades an area of need for Detroit.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Caleb Lomu
- OT
- Utah Utes
Protecting J.J. McCarthy is of primary importance for the Vikings. Caleb Lomu is the best offensive lineman on the board, and is destined for Minnesota.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Makai Lemon
- WR
- USC Trojans
The Panthers need to add to their offensive coffers, particularly in the wide receiver department. They'll have their choice of top prospects, and Makai Lemon is the next name off the board.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
- Jermod McCoy
- CB
- Tennessee Volunteers
The defensive rebuild continues when the Cowboys step to the podium for their second pick of Round 1. With the defensive line issues solidified, Jermod McCoy enters the secondary as a top contributor.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Omar Cooper Jr.
- WR
- Indiana Hoosiers
Defense has been the longstanding identity of the Steelers, but they desperately need some more offensive contributors. Expect them to bolster their receiving depth with the addition of Omar Cooper Jr.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Blake Miller
- OT
- Clemson Tigers
Like several teams ahead of them, the Chargers need to prioritize their offensive line. Blake Miller has emerged as a top name in this year's class and won't slip past Los Angeles.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Peter Woods
- DT
- Clemson Tigers
The Eagles are loaded on offense, and we expect them to look toward upgrading their defensive line at the draft. Peter Woods will make an immediate impact in Philly.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- T.J. Parker
- EDGE
- Clemson Tigers
The Browns could look at adding another wide receiver in this spot, but the prospect of lining up T.J. Parker opposite of Myles Garrett is a dream scenario for Cleveland.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Dillon Thieneman
- S
- Oregon Ducks
Imagine how far the Bears could have gone with a competent pass defense last season. Dillon Thieneman addresses a major area of need.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Denzel Boston
- WR
- Washington Huskies
The Bills have gotten by without a standout wide receiver for the past couple of seasons. Denzel Boston steps into a crowded room, but will soon become a primary target.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Zion Young
- EDGE
- Missouri Tigers
The Niners have been looking toward free agency to add to their defensive line. None of those players would have the same impact as Zion Young.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
- Max Iheanachor
- OT
- Arizona State Sun Devils
The Texans have invested a lot in their offensive line, but there is still room for improvement. Max Iheanachor would be a welcome addition, who will undoubtedly improve their run protection packages.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- CB
- Toledo Rockets
At some point, the Chiefs will look to add a wide receiver early in the draft. With the top names off the board, KC instead adds Emmanuel McNeil-Warren to replace their lost secondary pieces.
30. Denver Broncos (14-3)
- CJ Allen
- LB
- Georgia Bulldogs
The Broncos' linebackers corps is aging, and an injection of youth will help them defend their AFC West crown. CJ Allen lines up in Denver next season.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
- Keldric Faulk
- EDGE
- Auburn Tigers
The Patriots will look to reinvigorate their pass-rush with the addition of Keldric Faulk.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Avieon Terrell
- CB
- Clemson Tigers
Defense was the hallmark of the Seahawks' success last season. The defending Super Bowl champions will add to that strength with Avieon Terrell.
33. New York Jets (3-14)
- Lee Hunter
- DT
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Jets could go several directions at the start of Round 2. Reinforcing the trenches with the addition of Lee Hunter would be a good place to start, though.
34. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Colton Hood
- CB
- Tennessee Volunteers
The Cardinals have holes to fill across their roster, but acquiring a premier cornerback is the best move to build a more competitive franchise.
35. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Germie Bernard
- WR
- Alabama Crimson Tide
It's time to arm the Titans' offense with players who can be part of the future nucleus. Germie Bernard should build rapport with Cam Ward.
36. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Anthony Hill Jr.
- LB
- Texas Longhorns
The Raiders have made some strong moves to start the offseason, but they still need to prioritize the linebackers' corps. Getting Anthony Hill Jr. in this spot would be a steal.
37. New York Giants (5-13)
- Cashius Howell
- EDGE
- Texas A&M Aggies
This is a deep class of edge rushers, and the Giants should plan on bolstering their pass-rush in Round 2. Cashius Howell will turn heads in the NFL.
38. Houston (via Washington Commanders)
- Caleb Banks
- DT
- Florida Gators
Imagine the damage the Texans' defense would do with the addition of Caleb Banks. The Florida Gators product won't slide past Houston.
39. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Brandon Cisse
- CB
- South Carolina Gamecocks
The Browns are building for the future, and that means drafting talent on both sides of the football. There are several quality corners available, but we expect them to use this spot to nab Brandon Cisse.
40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Zachariah Branch
- WR
- Georgia Bulldogs
As is the case every draft, the Chiefs will snag a wideout who is capable of stepping onto the field and making an immediate impact. Zachariah Branch will do good things in KC.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Fernando Mendoza
- QB
- Indiana Hoosiers
It's nothing more than a formality. Fernando Mendoza will be a Raider when Las Vegas steps to the podium in Pittsburgh.

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

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