NFL · 3 weeks ago

PFF’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting Every First-Round Pick

Patrick Kelleher

Host · Writer

#32 Arizona Cardinals (via SEA): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Ty Simpson's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 211 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/8"
- Arm: 30 7/8"
"Here, the Seahawks move down a pair of spots to enable their NFC West rival to select Simpson ahead of the Jets at No. 33. Simpson’s limited starting experience and size very well may drop him until Round 2, but Mike LaFleur and Arizona could like his intermediate precision and work from a clean pocket." - PFF

As the Cardinals continue to rebuild the roster, rookie head coach Mike LaFleur could look to strike and get his QB early on by moving back in the 1st and taking Ty Simpson. Taking Simpson in the 1st also attaches the 5th year option to his rookie deal.
#1 Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza's Combine Measurements (H3)
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 225 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 31 7/8"
"Mendoza’s accuracy, toughness, and ability to rise to the moment — posting a 93.2 PFF passing grade throughout the Hoosiers’ postseason — have made him the clear favorite to be the premier selection all along." -PFF

Mendoza has always been the pick at #1 for the Raiders. He and Klint Kubiak could become a dangerous pairing for years to come.
#2 New York Jets: ArvellReese, LB, OhioState
Arvell Reese's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 241 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 32 1/2"
"Reese’s multifaceted skill set — having earned an 86.5 PFF run-defense grade with a 72.3 PFF pass-rushing mark — gives Aaron Glenn a versatile, young chess piece." - PFF

Whether it's Arvell Reese or David Bailey, Aaron Glenn is looking forward to adding a game-changing talent to his defense.
#4 Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 212 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 32"
"New head coach Robert Saleh could bang the drum for a defensive playmaker like Rueben Bain Jr., but Love’s all-around talent — with a 93.7 PFF rushing and 72.6 PFF receiving grades — is too much to pass up." - PFF

Providing a young QB with a possible game wrecker in the backfield, Jeremiyah Love has all the tools to be on the Saquon Barkley/Bijan Robinson level of production in this league.
#5 New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 244 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 32 7/8"
"With Love off the board, the Giants’ selection will likely come down to former Buckeye teammates Styles and Caleb Downs. The team’s need at linebacker feels greater: Even after adding Tremaine Edmunds, New York must improve a room that placed 25th in overall PFF grade last season." - PFF

John Harbaugh will not pass up the opportunity to add an anchor to the middle of a defense that desperately needs it, especially with the departure of Dexter Lawrence.
#6 Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Carnell Tate's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 192 lbs.
- Hand: 10 1/4"
- Arm: 31 3/4"
"Tate’s sure-handedness and efficient game (91.5-plus PFF receiving grade in the short, intermediate, and deep areas in 2025) would be a major boost for a team with the second-worst receiving corps by receiving grade in 2025." - PFF

Carnell Tate would provide a premier target to whoever is under center in Cleveland's offense. New head coach Todd Monken will be sure to make Tate a focal point.
#7 Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 206 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 30 1/4"
"Downs is simply too tantalizing to pass up. Having secured a 91.0-plus PFF run-defense and coverage grade throughout his decorated three-year career, Downs accelerates Washington’s defensive rebuild and fits wonderfully next to free-agent signing Nick Cross." - PFF

Downs would provide Dan Quinn with an immediate and future captain of the defense, as he is arguably the most complete defensive player in this draft.
#8 New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Makai Lemon's Combine Measurements
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 203 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 30 1/4"
"As New Orleans looks to keep building around burgeoning gunslinger Tyler Shough, adding a wideout next to Chris Olave remains paramount. Questions have lingered surrounding Lemon’s pre-draft interviews, but his productivity (91.4 PFF receiving grade, 2.5% drop rate) is too great to see the Biletnikoff Award winner fall far." - PFF

Kellen Moore will have the chance to give his young QB a dynamic weapon and further develop his offense.
#9 Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami(FL)
Rueben Bain Jr.'s Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 263 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 30 7/8"
"Kansas City’s defensive line needs reinforcement after slotting 23rd in overall PFF grade a year ago, and Bain’s dominance and versatility against both the pass and run are ideal." - PFF

Due to NFL combine concerns and past off-the-field incidents, the Chiefs will have a prime opportunity to add a top EDGE rusher to pair with George Karlaftis.
#10 New York Giants (via CIN): Mansoor Delane, CB LSU
Mansoor Delane's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 187 lBs
- Hand: 30"
- Arm: 8 7/8"
"Secondary is another area of worry for the Bengals after placing 24th in PFF coverage grade, and Delane (90.7 coverage grade) would provide John Harbaugh with a lockdown corner." - PFF

After losing Cor'Dale Flott, the Giants desperately need help in the CB room. After the Dexter Lawrence trade, NY will use their 2nd top ten pick on the best CB in the draft.
#11 Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 188 lbs.
- Hand: 9"
- Arm: 31 1/4"
"Even after missing all of 2025 while recovering from a torn ACL, McCoy’s stupendous coverage skills (89.6 PFF coverage grade, 53.6 passer rating allowed in 2024) give Jeff Hafley a long-term star at cornerback." - PFF

McCoy could very easily have been the first CB taken in this draft had he not missed last season. His size and speed make him a dynamic prospect.
#12 Arizona Cardinals (via DAL): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami(FL)
Francis Mauigoa's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5.5"
- Weight: 329 lbs.
- Hand: 10 5/8"
- Arm: 33 1/4"
"The Cardinals take the best available tackle after moving back, and if it happens to be Mauigoa, they’d be ecstatic. Mauigoa’s future out wide is somewhat up in the air, given his 33 ¼-inch arms, but his mauling run-blocking and independent hand usage — culminating in an 82.6 overall PFF grade last season." - PFF

Arizona would be thrilled to land the draft's top tackle and provide the offensive line with stability.
#13 Los Angeles Rams: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 203 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/8"
- Arm: 30 1/3"
'The Rams seem likely to add another dynamic playmaker in what could be Matthew Stafford’s final season, and Tyson would assemble a ludicrous trio next to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams."

Thinking about an offense where Jordyn Tyson would be the #3 option for Stafford is a scary thought for any NFC West opponents. McVay would have an embarrassment of riches.
#14 Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 320 lbs.
- Hand: 10 1/2"
- Arm: 32 3/4"
"The consensus top guard in this class after producing an 80.0 overall PFF grade in his final season at Penn State. Baltimore needs multiple instant starters along its depleted interior offensive line, and Ioane is a bedrock." - PFF

Ioane has a Quentin Nelson type feel about him. Whoever gets him in this draft is getting an all-pro on the interior of the offensive line for years to come.
#15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Keldric Faulk's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 276 lbs.
- Hand: 9 7/8"
- Arm: 34 3/8"
"Tampa Bay continues to need consistent playmakers along its defensive front seven, and Todd Bowles could take a swing at a developmental piece in Faulk. The former Tiger feels like a player who could hear his name called earlier than anticipated." - PFF

Faulk's ceiling is undeniable with his 6'6, 275+ lB frame. Adding him to a pass rush that struggled to get pressure could help them get back to the top of the NFC South.
#16 Pittsburgh Steelers (via NYJ) : Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Omar Cooper's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 199 lbs.
- Hand: 9 5/8"
- Arm: 30 1/4"
"Pittsburgh will need possibly two starting-caliber offensive linemen, but new head coach Mike McCarthy may elect to round out his receiving corps instead. Cooper’s skill after the catch (career 6.6 yards after the catch per reception) and run-blocking acumen complement D.K. Metcalf and newcomer Michael Pittman Jr. very well."

Assuming Aaron Rodgers will be back in Pittsburgh for another season, Cooper will give Pittsburgh's offense another threat for opposing defenses to worry about.
#17 Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Spencer Fano's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'5.5"
- Weight: 311 lbs.
- Hand: 9"
- Arm: 32 1/8"
"Detroit has a sneakily big need along its offensive line after cutting veteran Taylor Decker, plus experiencing an underwhelming season from Christian Mahogany. Whether playing on the perimeter or inside, Fano and his great run-blocking (13.6% impact run-block rate) are perfect for Dan Campbell’s bunch." - PFF

Spencer Fano feels like a classic Dan Campbell pick: tough, hard-nosed, and physical. Fano will look to fill the shoes of Taylor Decker.
#18 Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman's Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 201 lbs.
- Hand: 9"
- Arm: 31 3/8"
"Thieneman to Minnesota has been one of the more consistent picks across the mock draft sphere, and for good reason. The Vikings have a hole at safety, given that Harrison Smith remains unsigned. Thieneman’s ability to tackle, cover, fill the alley, and even blitz is seamless for defensive coordinator Brian Flores."

Thieneman would fit in very nicely with a Vikings defense that could use depth in the secondary. Brian Flores can use him in many different ways.
#19 Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 241 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 31 1/2"
"The team’s tight end room could use more juice after slotting 31^st in PFF receiving grade, and Sadiq (career 1.72 yards per route run) presents more explosiveness for Dave Canales as Bryce Young undergoes a key season." - PFF

As Bryce Young continues to take strides as a franchise QB, giving him a dynamic weapon like Kenyon Sadiq could take his game and this offense to another level.
#20 Dallas Cowboys: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren's Measurements
- Height: 6'3 1/2"
- Weight: 201 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 32 1/8"
"Despite playing in the MAC, McNeil-Warren assembled a first-round profile with a 94.2 overall PFF grade since 2023. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker helped coach former Toledo standout, Quinyon Mitchell, with the Eagles, and he could guide the next great pro Rocket in McNeil-Warren." - PFF

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren's height in the secondary gives him the ability to act like a ball hawk, something the Cowboys' defense desperately needs.
#21 New York Jets (via PIT): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Denzel Boston's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 212 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/4"
- Arm: 32"
"The run on first-round receivers continues with the Jets’ second selection. New York could opt for either Boston or KC Concepcion, but Boston’s size, separation, and contested catch prowess (76.9% in 2025) would work well with star Garrett Wilson." - PFF

If New York does decide to take a mid to late round flyer on a QB, he would be in a very ideal situation with Boston, Garrett Wilson, and an impressive young offensive line.
#22 Los Angeles Chargers: Kaydn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'7"
- Weight: 352 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/4"
- Arm: 33 3/8"
"Proctor could potentially stick on the perimeter, but his issues against power and moments getting locked out would be mitigated at guard, which would be perfect for Los Angeles. Regardless, Proctor’s 86.1 overall PFF grade should cement him as a bona fide first-rounder, with the potential to be taken much higher than this."

After injuries and lack of depth derailed the Chargers' offensive line by the end of last season, Justin Herbert needs all the protection he can get. Proctor, Joe Alt, and Rashawn Slater have the chance to control the line of scrimmage completely.
#23 Philadelphia Eagles: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Monroe Freeling's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'7"
- Weight: 315 lbs.
- Hand: 10 3/4"
- Arm: 34 3/4"
"With Lane Johnson’s status beyond 2026 uncertain — and with the standout playing just 449 snaps last season — Philadelphia may look to find a long-term tackle. Freeling is a rawer prospect who could use refinement, but his length, strength, and physicality are appealing to the Eagles." - PFF

SEC offensive linemen, specifically from Georgia, are usually a safe bet. This would continue Howie Roseman's admiration for the Georgia Bulldogs.
#24 Cleveland Browns: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Blake Miller's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'7"
- Weight: 317 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/4"
- Arm: 34 1/4"
"After already securing a star receiver in Tate, the Browns add Miller’s 83.5 PFF pass-blocking mark next to offensive line additions Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, and Zion Johnson. That’s a much more stable group that has to play the likes of T.J. Watt, Trey Hendrickson, Cameron Heyward, and Mafe twice a year." - PFF

Whether it's Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson under center, they will greatly appreciate a first round of Carnell Tate and Blake Miller.
#25 Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 326 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/4"
- Arm: 32 1/4"
"After leading the position in both PFF run-defense grade (91.2) and run stop rate (13.8%) in 2025, the Bears would be wise to add McDonald up the middle in tandem with new linebacker Devin Bush and safety Coby Bryant."

McDonald may be the best DT in this draft who can clog up running lanes, along with sneaky pass rush skills.
#26 Miami Dolphins (via BUF): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami(FL)
Akheem Mesidor's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 259 lbs.
- Hand: 10"
- Arm: 32 1/8"
"Miami could attack several positions with this pick, but its edge-rushing room is currently problematic after ranking 29^th in pass-rush win rate. Enter Mesidor, whose 92.5 PFF pass-rush grade is intriguing enough to offset concerns about his age." - PFF

Mesidor would pose a threat off the edge early in Jeff Hafley's tenure as he tries to put together his ideal defensive unit.
#27 San Francisco 49ers: KC Concepcion WR, Texas A&M
KC Concepcion's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 196 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 30 1/4"
"The 49ers will likely consider either a receiver or edge rusher here, and with Mesidor gone, it figures to leave Concepcion as the pick. Concepcion’s career 9.3% drop rate is somewhat alarming, but his natural separation and excellence on horizontal routes would be compelling for Kyle Shanahan." - PFF

With Brandon Aiyuk likely on the way out, Concepcion gives Brock Purdy a weapon on the outside with elite speed.
#28 Houston Texans: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 231 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 30 7/8"
"Most predictions expect the Texans to continue investing in their offensive line, and while that remains a possibility, the team re-signing Ed Ingram while simultaneously adding Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller puts the unit in better shape. Meanwhile, both Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oto’o will be free agents after this year. Rodriguez (93.0 overall PFF grade) is a sleeper to hear his name called on Day 1 following a magnificent campaign and better-than-anticipated athletic testing." - PFF

Jacob Rodriguez has the chance to be one of the top 1st round sleepers in this draft. Rodriguez would add to a Texans defense that is already elite.
#29 Kansas City Chiefs: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Avieon Terrell's Combine Measurements
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 186 lbs.
- Hand: 8 5/8"
- Arm: 31"
"Terrell’s tape and analytical profile (76.9-plus PFF coverage and run-defense grades) could make him a first-round pick, but anguish about a hamstring injury may see a slide. Kansas City would be a ready benefactor after trading away Trent McDuffie and losing Jaylen Watson, with Terrell’s 74.9 zone coverage mark fitting in nicely with Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme." - PFF

If not for his hamstring injury, Terrell would be going earlier in the first round. KC once again takes advantage of pre-draft concerns and grabs a CB with elite potential.
#30 Buffalo Bills (via MIA): Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
Emmanuel Pregnon's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 314 lbs.
- Hand: 11"
- Arm: 33 5/8"
"It feels like the Bills could take many avenues if they stay in the first round, including linebacker, receiver, or defensive line. Pregnon (86.7 overall PFF grade) and his versatile skill-set would compete to start the bat next to the new Bill Austin Corbett." - PFF

Pregnon would give Josh Allen another layer of protection on the interior, making his designed QB runs even more effective and dangerous.
#31 New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'2 1/2"
- Weight: 253 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/4"
- Arm: 30 1/4"
"New England could use more at edge rusher after the team finished 29^th in PFF pass-rush grade at the position during its run to Super Bowl 60. Howell’s arm length may knock him to the second round, but his explosive pass-rushing ability (90.3-plus pass-rush grade in each of the last three years) makes the Patriots unquestionably better."

Howell's speed and quickness off the edge would give Mike Vrabel the ability to use him at multiple levels of the defense.
#32 Arizona Cardinals (via SEA): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Ty Simpson's Combine Measurements
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 211 lbs.
- Hand: 9 3/8"
- Arm: 30 7/8"
"Here, the Seahawks move down a pair of spots to enable their NFC West rival to select Simpson ahead of the Jets at No. 33. Simpson’s limited starting experience and size very well may drop him until Round 2, but Mike LaFleur and Arizona could like his intermediate precision and work from a clean pocket." - PFF

As the Cardinals continue to rebuild the roster, rookie head coach Mike LaFleur could look to strike and get his QB early on by moving back in the 1st and taking Ty Simpson. Taking Simpson in the 1st also attaches the 5th year option to his rookie deal.
#1 Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza's Combine Measurements (H3)
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 225 lbs.
- Hand: 9 1/2"
- Arm: 31 7/8"
"Mendoza’s accuracy, toughness, and ability to rise to the moment — posting a 93.2 PFF passing grade throughout the Hoosiers’ postseason — have made him the clear favorite to be the premier selection all along." -PFF

Mendoza has always been the pick at #1 for the Raiders. He and Klint Kubiak could become a dangerous pairing for years to come.