NFL · 1 week ago

USA Today Reveals Full First-Round Predictions Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

John Canady

Host · Writer

32) Seattle Seahawks: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Jadarian Price is a slashing, versatile running back ready to complement a new Seahawks backfield after Charbonnet’s injury. His speed, vision, and hands make him a multi-dimensional threat capable of filling multiple roles in Seattle’s offense.

"Price could nicely fill Walker’s role – maybe one of Shaheed’s too – if the Seahawks opt to make him a bigger part of the offense." - Davis
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza has been the clear No. 1 pick for months, and the Raiders are ready to roll. The six-foot-five, 236-pound Heisman winner led the FBS with 41 TD passes, guiding Indiana to a national championship. Mendoza is a cerebral quarterback with elite processing and leadership skills, ready to become the face of the franchise from Day 1.

"His interactions at the combine only reinforced his reputation as an outstanding teammate and person." - Davis
2) New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey exploded onto the national scene in 2025, tying for first in the FBS with 14½ sacks while posting a 20.2% pressure rate and 19½ tackles for loss. His versatility across schemes makes him an ideal fit for the Jets’ evolving front, especially after the team traded Jermaine Johnson II. Bailey is the kind of edge rusher who can change games immediately.

"Bailey is scheme diverse, which could also be a boon for a team switching to a three-man front." - Davis
4) Tennessee Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love is a dynamic, every-down back with 6.9 yards per carry and 55 receptions over the last two seasons. His versatility as a runner and pass catcher makes him a perfect complement to QB Cam Ward. Love could transform Tennessee’s offense while preserving the workload of Tony Pollard during his rookie season.

"Love could create an offense primed to surge ticket sales when the Titans move into their new stadium." - Davis
5) New York Giants: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is a complete safety with elite anticipation and field vision. He can dominate in the slot, box, or center field and has the potential to be a game-changer for New York’s secondary. Downs’s presence could immediately elevate the Giants’ defense, offering a rare combination of intelligence, athleticism, and playmaking ability at safety.

"Downs’s ability to read the field could render him a professional game changer." - Davis
6) Detroit Lions (via trade w/ CLE): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Monroe Freeling, 21, offers immense upside at left tackle despite only 16 college starts. He combines athleticism, size, and quickness to protect the blind side of Jared Goff. Freeling could become a cornerstone for Detroit’s offensive line, especially if GM Brad Holmes executes a trade to secure him in the first round.

"Freeling probably has the highest ceiling among all the left tackle prospects." - Davis
7) Washington Commanders: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Carnell Tate is a polished, ready-made receiver with 51 catches for 17.2 yards per reception in 2025. Pairing him with veteran Terry McLaurin provides immediate depth and explosiveness to Washington’s passing game. Tate’s speed and route-running prowess make him a natural fit for a team seeking playmakers.

"Tate should add another explosive element to an offense that already has big-play capability." - Davis
8) New Orleans Saints: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane is the top cornerback available and brings lockdown potential to New Orleans’ secondary. At 6-foot, 187 pounds, he can handle outside coverage and potentially contribute in the slot. Delane offers immediate improvement to a Saints team needing stability at corner.

"Delane almost certainly is the premier corner available this year." - Davis
9) Kansas City Chiefs: OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Francis Mauigoa, 6-foot-6, 329 pounds, could be the long-term solution protecting Patrick Mahomes. With three years of starting experience, Mauigoa strengthens an offensive line that gave up career-high pressure in 2025. He brings size, strength, and consistency to Kansas City’s pass protection.

"Mauigoa could vastly improve the odds Mahomes won’t continue running for his life in 2026." - Davis
10) Cincinnati Bengals: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles, 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, flashed freakish athleticism with a 4.46 40-yard dash and 43½-inch vertical leap at the combine. Converted from safety, he combines intelligence, leadership, and physical traits that make him an immediate impact player at linebacker for a defense in transition.

"Styles might only fall this far given how teams invested in off-ball linebackers this offseason." - Davis
11) Miami Dolphins: WR Makai Lemon, USC
With Jaylen Waddle gone, the Dolphins need a high-volume target to jumpstart their passing game. Makai Lemon caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs in 2025, showing he can operate inside and outside the numbers. His polished route running and reliable hands make him an immediate weapon for Malik Willis. His presence could elevate Miami’s young receiving corps while also bringing strong leadership to a rebuilding offense.

"USC's Makai Lemon is the type of player who can instantly stretch a defense and give a quarterback confidence in the passing game." - Davis
12) Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
After missing 2025 with a torn ACL, McCoy is 20 months removed from surgery and ready to contribute. The Cowboys’ secondary lacks long-term stability beyond DaRon Bland, and adding McCoy provides a physical corner who can thrive in press coverage while learning alongside veteran support. His upside as a starter is high, especially in a secondary that’s in transition.

"McCoy's combination of size, athleticism, and recovery timeline makes him a compelling addition for a team looking to revamp its secondary." - Davis
13) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
The Rams need a big-bodied target to complement Puka Nacua and fill the void left by Davante Adams. Denzel Boston has 20 TD catches since 2024 and excels in the red zone as well as on boundary routes. His size, catch radius, and contested catch ability make him a natural fit for Matthew Stafford and an immediate weapon in scoring situations.

"Boston is a physically gifted receiver who can transition seamlessly into an NFL offense and make an immediate impact in the red zone." - Davis
14) Baltimore Ravens: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. is a disruptive force off the edge, racking up 9½ sacks and 15½ tackles for loss in 2025. Short arms haven’t slowed him down, as he consistently wins against NFL-level tackles. Baltimore could use Bain to pressure quarterbacks and reinforce a pass-rushing group that’s looking for depth and high-floor productivity.

"Bain plays with the physicality and motor that fits the Ravens’ blueprint, and he can dominate even against top-tier competition." - Davis
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Akheem Mesidor is a mature, productive edge rusher at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, who led the ACC with 12½ sacks in 2025, including 5½ in the CFP. At 25 years old, he provides immediate impact for a Buccaneers team in win-now mode, giving Tampa Bay a new, disruptive presence on the defensive front.

"He will be 25 by draft night but could provide instant production for a team that should be an instant contender." - Davis
16) New York Jets (via IND): OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Spencer Fano is a flexible offensive lineman capable of playing tackle or moving inside to center if needed. With the Jets planning for a future franchise quarterback, Fano provides immediate starting experience and positional versatility to stabilize a young offensive line.

"Fano would be an immediate starter with the position flexibility of ex-Jet Alijah Vera-Tucker." - Davis
17) Cleveland Browns (via trade w/ DET): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson is a polished wide receiver who caught 136 passes (18 TDs) over the last two seasons despite battling injuries. Tyson brings size, reliable hands, and route-running ability, giving the Browns a weapon for a young quarterback in a rebuilding offense.

"Tyson is a complete package who could be quite an asset for QB Shedeur Sanders or whomever the long-term answer here is." - Davis
18) Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman is a rangy safety with the athleticism to cover multiple roles in the secondary. With Harrison Smith’s future uncertain, Thieneman provides both an immediate boost and a long-term option, capable of making plays all over the field.

"One of the combine's standouts, the Ducks All-American is a player who can be weaponized all over the field." - Davis
19) Carolina Panthers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is an explosive tight end with a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and a 43½-inch vertical. His speed and leaping ability make him a mismatch for defenders, giving the Panthers a dynamic weapon in the passing game where they’ve lacked consistent production.

"The first tight end in combine history to record a sub-4.4 40 certainly made some money in Indianapolis." - Davis
20) Dallas Cowboys (via GB): DL Peter Woods, Clemson
Peter Woods is a versatile defensive lineman capable of lining up inside or outside in Dallas’ new three-man front. He pairs well with Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, bringing strength, agility, and the ability to disrupt opposing offenses consistently.

"A gifted lineman who has yet to approach his maximum potential, Woods could settle in alongside Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark." - Davis
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane is a powerful interior lineman at six-foot-four, who can physically dominate defenders while moving with surprising agility. He’s a versatile blocker capable of playing guard or lining up at tight end in certain packages, ready to strengthen Pittsburgh’s offensive line.

"Arguably the best blocker in this draft, Ioane could move into the spot vacated by Isaac Seumalo." - Davis
22) Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
T.J. Parker is an athletic edge rusher who ran a sub-4.7 40-yard dash at the combine. Parker’s combination of size, speed, and power makes him a viable “Mack-lite” replacement, ready to create pressure on quarterbacks in multiple fronts.

"Parker isn’t Khalil Mack – who is? – but could be a heckuva a Mack-lite backfill for the veteran." - Davis
23) Philadelphia 76ers: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Blake Miller is a consistent right tackle with the length and footwork to contribute immediately. With Lane Johnson in a year-to-year contract situation, Miller provides a potential long-term solution on the right side and instant depth for Philadelphia’s offensive line.

"The All-ACC right tackle might be too good to pass up, given Lane Johnson is in year-to-year mode." - Davis
24) Cleveland Browns (via JAX): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Caleb Lomu is a talented left tackle who needs to add some strength but has the agility and technique to anchor the Browns’ recently overhauled offensive line. He brings developmental upside and immediate starting potential.

"Lomu could nicely provide the final piece to Cleveland’s recently overhauled offensive line." - Davis
25) Chicago Bears: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a big, physical safety with a knack for big hits and ball awareness. With All-Pro departures in Chicago’s secondary, he provides a blend of size, instincts, and playmaking ability that could quickly make him a starter.

"McNeil-Warren could equate to a nice recovery plan for the Bears' back end." - Davis
26) Buffalo Bills: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is a raw but athletic defensive end, capable of lining up inside or outside on passing downs. He adds depth and a high-upside presence to a Bills defense that can afford to bolster its pass rush.

"Faulk can fill an area of concern, given the Bills’ wideout issue seems solved by the trade for DJ Moore." - Davis
27) San Francisco 49ers: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Avieon Terrell is a versatile cornerback who can play outside or in the slot. With injuries weakening San Francisco’s secondary in 2025, Terrell brings immediate coverage ability, athleticism, and a chance to stabilize the unit.

"Terrell brings the coverage skills and versatility that the Niners desperately need in the wake of last year’s defensive injuries." - Davis
28) Houston Texans: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. is a reliable slot receiver who can step into a starting role behind Nico Collins. With smooth route-running and a high-volume target profile, Cooper offers stability and playmaking potential in Houston’s passing game.

"He might be too good to pass up for a team that doesn’t appear to have many glaring needs." - Davis
29) Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Colton Hood is a physical cornerback ready to step into the starting lineup and anchor a rebuilt Kansas City secondary after McDuffie and Watson departed. He brings consistency, instincts, and coverage ability to an important position.

"With McDuffie and Watson gone, K.C. gets to work rebuilding its secondary with a guy who should be a plug-and-play starter." - Davis
30) Miami Dolphins (via DEN): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor is a dominant left tackle, combining size and nimbleness to protect the quarterback effectively. Paired with Patrick Paul, Proctor provides the long-term foundation for Miami’s offensive line, giving QB Malik Willis reliable blindside protection.

"Proctor can block out the sun, yet is an impressively nimble athlete." - Davis
31) New England Patriots: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Max Iheanachor is a developing, athletic tackle capable of stepping in opposite Will Campbell. His length, footwork, and upside could immediately improve New England’s offensive line, giving QB Drake Maye better protection in the playoffs.

"Iheanachor isn't a finished product but is a wondrous athlete who might not even need a full season to displace Moses." - Davis
32) Seattle Seahawks: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
Jadarian Price is a slashing, versatile running back ready to complement a new Seahawks backfield after Charbonnet’s injury. His speed, vision, and hands make him a multi-dimensional threat capable of filling multiple roles in Seattle’s offense.

"Price could nicely fill Walker’s role – maybe one of Shaheed’s too – if the Seahawks opt to make him a bigger part of the offense." - Davis
1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza has been the clear No. 1 pick for months, and the Raiders are ready to roll. The six-foot-five, 236-pound Heisman winner led the FBS with 41 TD passes, guiding Indiana to a national championship. Mendoza is a cerebral quarterback with elite processing and leadership skills, ready to become the face of the franchise from Day 1.

"His interactions at the combine only reinforced his reputation as an outstanding teammate and person." - Davis

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USA Today Reveals Full First-Round Predictions Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

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