NFL · 3 weeks ago

ESPN’s Jordan Reid Reveals Full First-Round Mock Draft Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

32) Seattle Seahawks: G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
Chase Bisontis gives Seattle more competition and depth along the interior offensive line, something they’ve been trying to solidify. He’s dependable and has the traits to develop into a long-term starter. This continues a clear effort to build from the inside out.

“Bisontis would provide immediate competition at right guard for Anthony Bradford.” - Jordan Reid
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza feels like the clean, no-drama answer for Las Vegas, a quarterback who checks every box and gives the Raiders a real identity under center after years of searching.

“Finished with an FBS-high 41 touchdown passes to only six interceptions while leading the Hoosiers to a historic 16-0 record and a national championship.” - Jordan Reid
2) New York Jets: LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese gives the Jets exactly what they should be chasing right now, a high-ceiling defensive chess piece who can grow into the centerpiece of a rebuilding front seven.

“An interchangeable player with explosive power who has the ability to be a high-caliber starter at either linebacker or edge rusher.” - Jordan Reid
4) Tennessee Titans: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey would turn Tennessee’s defensive front into one of the most dangerous units in football, adding elite burst off the edge to a group already loaded with talent.

“Bailey's first step is lethal, which helped him to an FBS-high 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss last season.” - Jordan Reid
5) New York Giants: LB Sonny Styles, New York Giants
Sonny Styles landing in New York would give the Giants a tone-setter in the middle, a linebacker built to anchor everything defensively and bring some edge back to that unit.

“A rare linebacker prospect in a draft class that lacks true high-end options at high-leverage positions.” - Jordan Reid
6) Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Carnell Tate fits what Cleveland has been missing: a polished, reliable target who can step in right away and help stabilize a passing game in need of consistency.

“A diverse route runner with excellent hands who could be an immediate starter in new coach Todd Monken's system.” - Jordan Reid
7) Washington Commanders: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love would instantly change the math for Washington’s offense, giving them a home-run threat who pairs perfectly with a dynamic quarterback.

“An explosive play waiting to happen and would unlock multiple layers of the playbook that Washington couldn't access last season.” - Jordan Reid
8) New Orleans Saints: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane gives New Orleans a true lockdown presence on the outside, someone capable of elevating the entire secondary with his polished approach.

“A polished technician who can play press-man while being equally good in zone coverage.” - Jordan Reid
9) Kansas City Chiefs: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. feels like a classic Kansas City move, adding another relentless pass rusher who fits the physical identity Steve Spagnuolo covets.

“A densely built, heavy-handed playmaker with alignment versatility.” - Jordan Reid
10) New York Giants (via CIN): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs would be a tone-changing addition for the Giants’ defense, bringing elite instincts and versatility to a secondary that needs a true playmaker.

“One of the smartest football players I've ever studied.” - Jordan Reid
11) Miami Dolphins: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Spencer Fano gives Miami a long-term answer in the trenches, offering versatility and reliability to help stabilize an offensive line in transition.

“Capable of playing any spot up front.” - Jordan Reid
12) Dallas Cowboys: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman fills a glaring need for Dallas, bringing range and physicality to a secondary that struggled to hold up last season.

“Capable of playing on the roof of the defense at free safety while also being able to run the alley and be reliable in run support.” - Jordan Reid
13) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): WR Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon slides into Los Angeles as a perfect fit for Sean McVay’s system, a dependable playmaker who can thrive alongside established stars.

“What was most impressive was his 21 forced missed tackles.” - Jordan Reid
14) Baltimore Ravens: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane would immediately toughen up Baltimore’s interior, giving them a reliable presence who excels at keeping the pocket clean.

“He didn't allow a single sack over the past two seasons and is the definition of a tone-setter up front.” - Jordan Reid
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy addresses a real concern for Tampa Bay, offering the kind of upside and shutdown ability that could reshape their secondary.

“Has shown true shutdown ability when healthy.” - Jordan Reid
16) New York Jets (via IND): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson gives the Jets a much-needed complement at receiver, adding versatility and playmaking ability to a thin depth chart.

“There are scouts who believe that Tyson is the most talented receiver in this year's class and would be a top-10 pick if not for the injury concerns.” - Jordan Reid
17) Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Monroe Freeling gives Detroit a long-term answer at left tackle while allowing Penei Sewell to remain a dominant force on the right side. He’s not a finished product yet, but the traits are obvious, and this is the type of swing the Lions can afford to take with their roster foundation already in place. If it clicks, they’re looking at a cornerstone protector for years to come.

“Freeling isn't as polished as some of his counterparts in this class, but his upside is through the roof because of his balanced base, length, and continued ascension.” - Jordan Reid
18) Minnesota Vikings: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq might not fill Minnesota’s biggest need, but he brings a different dimension to the offense that’s hard to ignore. His speed and versatility would allow the Vikings to get creative, especially in mismatches against linebackers and safeties. This feels like a value play that could quietly elevate the passing attack.

“Sadiq is a speedy (4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash) receiving tight end whom Minnesota could use in multiple ways in its offense.” - Jordan Reid
19) Carolina Panthers: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. continues to feel like a perfect fit for Carolina as they look to maximize Bryce Young’s development. He’s polished, competitive, and thrives in contested situations, giving the Panthers a reliable option who can win in key moments. Adding another weapon like this keeps the focus on building around their young quarterback.

“Cooper has strong route stems, doesn't let DBs alter his tempo, and can win in traffic.” - Jordan Reid
20) Dallas Cowboys (via GB): CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Chris Johnson addresses a glaring issue for Dallas, adding another ascending talent to a secondary that gave up too many explosive plays. His rise during the predraft process speaks to how highly teams are starting to view his upside. This is the type of pick that could stabilize a unit that struggled all season.

“He has shot up the board through the predraft process and is in position to be the third cornerback off the board.” - Jordan Reid
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
KC Concepcion gives Pittsburgh a dynamic weapon who can thrive in space and keep the offense on schedule. With established pieces already in place, he doesn’t have to carry the load right away but can still make an immediate impact in the short and intermediate game. His explosiveness adds something this group has been missing.

“Concepcion is a big play waiting to happen, as he can instantly accelerate and decelerate.” - Jordan Reid
22) Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Akheem Mesidor fits what the Chargers need right now: a high-motor edge rusher who can contribute immediately while learning behind established veterans. He brings production and versatility, which should allow him to carve out a role early in the rotation. With questions around the future of the position, this pick makes a lot of sense.

“Mesidor would be an excellent fit into the pass-rush rotation as a relentless player with a repertoire of moves.” - Jordan Reid
23) Philadelphia Eagles: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Max Iheanachor feels like a classic Eagles move, getting ahead of a future need before it becomes urgent. He’s raw, but the upside is undeniable, and Philadelphia is one of the best spots for him to develop without pressure. If he reaches his ceiling, this could be a long-term answer at a premium position.

“He still has to learn how to sequence his frame and hand usage when latching into rushers, but he has unlimited potential and would have time to develop in Philadelphia.” - Jordan Reid
24) Cleveland Browns (via JAX): OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Blake Miller gives Cleveland a steady presence up front, something they desperately need after last season’s struggles in protection. His experience and toughness should allow him to step in right away and compete for a starting role. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of pick that can quietly fix a major issue.

“Miller is a rock-solid option with a lot of experience (54 career starts).” - Jordan Reid
25) Chicago Bears: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
T.J. Parker brings a physical edge to Chicago’s defensive front, giving them a complementary rusher to pair with Montez Sweat. He wins with power and can wear down blockers over the course of a game, which fits what the Bears have been missing. This adds needed depth and upside to their pass rush.

“His game centers around pure strength, as Parker is a power rusher who can overwhelm blockers at the point of attack.” - Jordan Reid
26) Buffalo Bills: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald slots perfectly into Buffalo’s defensive identity, doing the kind of work that doesn’t always show up in the box score but is essential to success. He can anchor the middle, eat up blocks, and still create disruption when given the chance. This is a scheme fit through and through.

“His 7.8% run stop rate last season topped all FBS defensive linemen.” - Jordan Reid
27) San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Malachi Lawrence would give San Francisco exactly what it needs: an explosive edge presence to help revive a pass rush that fell off dramatically last season. His burst and closing speed stand out immediately, and he fits the type of player the 49ers have consistently developed well. This could be a sneaky, impactful addition.

“The 49ers were last in the NFL with 20 sacks last season and need impactful rushers off the edge.” - Jordan Reid
28) Houston Texans: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor is the kind of high-upside gamble Houston has to consider given its ongoing struggles in the trenches. His size and power are rare, and if everything comes together, he could become a dominant force up front. The Texans need answers, and this is a swing worth taking.

“The 6-foot-7, 352-pound Proctor might have the most upside of any blocker in this class.” - Jordan Reid
29) Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Colton Hood fills an immediate void for Kansas City, bringing a polished skill set that fits seamlessly into their defensive scheme. He has the versatility to handle multiple coverages and the instincts to contribute early. With major losses at the position, this feels like a necessary move.

“Hood is a polished technician who is capable of playing man, but his eye discipline in zone also stood out last season.” - Jordan Reid
30) Miami Dolphins (via DEN): EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Keldric Faulk gives Miami another building block in the trenches as they continue reshaping the roster. He’s already reliable against the run, and there’s clear room for growth as a pass rusher. With time to develop, this could turn into a very strong pick.

“At 6-foot-6, 276 pounds, Faulk is NFL-ready as a run defender but will need further development to scratch his ceiling as a pass rusher.” - Jordan Reid
31) New England Patriots: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell fits what New England has been missing: a true pass-rush specialist who can bring juice off the edge. He may not be a complete player yet, but his ability to pressure quarterbacks should get him on the field early. This is a clear role-based addition with upside.

“Howell will likely have to start his career as a designated pass rusher as he adjusts to being a three-down player at the next level.” - Jordan Reid
32) Seattle Seahawks: G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
Chase Bisontis gives Seattle more competition and depth along the interior offensive line, something they’ve been trying to solidify. He’s dependable and has the traits to develop into a long-term starter. This continues a clear effort to build from the inside out.

“Bisontis would provide immediate competition at right guard for Anthony Bradford.” - Jordan Reid
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza feels like the clean, no-drama answer for Las Vegas, a quarterback who checks every box and gives the Raiders a real identity under center after years of searching.

“Finished with an FBS-high 41 touchdown passes to only six interceptions while leading the Hoosiers to a historic 16-0 record and a national championship.” - Jordan Reid

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ESPN’s Jordan Reid Reveals Full First-Round Mock Draft Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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