2026 NFL mock draft: Chiefs take potential superstar; 49ers find Aiyuk's replacement

The first 30 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft are now locked in, and the Seahawks and Patriots will complete that list once we know the result of Super Bowl LX on Sunday.

I have evaluated the current rosters of the teams for whom draft spots have already been determined, analysed the pool of college talent available, and predicted each team’s pick in my latest 2026 mock draft.

Read on for my take on who the Jets pivot to second overall after Dante Moore returned to Oregon, how the Chiefs snag a game-changer at No. 9, and why the Eagles should prepare for the future at No. 23.

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1. Las Vegas Raiders
Mock pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2025 interception leader Geno Smith clearly isn't the answer for a team desperately needing a reboot. Tom Brady and Co. should ignore the temptation to trade down, and instead make the best quarterback - and Heisman winner - their top selection and the new face of the franchise.

As the man who spearheaded the Hoosiers' College Football Playoff National Championship win, Mendoza brings a winning mentality to a Raiders team that is dearly in need of exactly that.

Pairing him with Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers would set Las Vegas on the path to becoming relevant once again.

2. New York Jets
Mock pick: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

Dante Moore's decision to return to college was a worst-case scenario for the Jets. Not only are there no other quarterbacks within range at this pick, but even if GM Darren Mougey planned to go in a different direction, the value of the pick in potential trade-down scenarios has taken a significant hit.

I've seen some mocks suggesting Miami's Francis Mauigoa would be an option here, but that makes no sense to me. The Jets, for as many holes as they have in their roster, already have two young, ascending first-round options at the position in Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu.

It's tempting to suggest that Reese would help to replace soon-to-be-free agent Quincy Williams, but should they take Reese this highly, the Jets would be advertising their intention to feature him as more of a pass rusher than an off-ball linebacker.

A rotation involving Will McDonald, Jermaine Johnson and Reese would be a terrifying prospect.

3. Arizona Cardinals
Mock pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Cardinals would dearly love to be in a position to take Mendoza, but they lack the ammunition to trade up, and really, why would the Raiders pass on a blue-chip prospect they desperately need?

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With Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum likely to hit free agency, Arizona take arguably the best offensive lineman in the draft. It would mean finding a bridge QB in the meantime, but Arizona are more than one offseason away from seriously competing anyway.

4. Tennessee Titans
Mock pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Titans have talent on the interior of their defensive line, but there's a dearth of impact players on the edge. A case could be made for Bain, and I had him here originally, but I've since flipped to Bailey.

I firmly believe Bailey's explosive first step and ability to play all three downs, combined with the rest of his mouthwatering skillset, will make him a star at the next level.

5. New York Giants
Mock pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Wan'Dale Robinson really stepped up in 2025, but he's scheduled to become a free agent in 2026.

Letting Robinson go and pairing Malik Nabers with Tate would not only be sound business, but it would give John Harbaugh and Jaxson Dart the tools they need to challenge for the division next season.

6. Cleveland Browns
Mock pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The jury is still out on Pro Bowl-bound Shedeur Sanders after Todd Monken's refusal to commit to the youngster as the future starter, but there are no quarterbacks worthy of this selection anyway.

Instead, the Browns should focus on arguably their next biggest need - shoring up the protection for whoever is under center.

Fano is that guy. He came on strong in the back half of the year and presents an immediate upgrade at the position.

7. Washington Commanders
Mock pick: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami

The Commanders could go in multiple directions here. Caleb Downs would surely appeal.

However, with major question marks at the edge position, and given Bain's upside, he gets the nod. The Titans have talent on the interior of their defensive line, but there's a dearth of impact players on the edge.

I've switched Bain's spot with Bailey's in this list, but that change speaks more to Bailey's talent than any knock on the man from Miami.

8. New Orleans Saints
Mock pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Saints have several other needs, including linebacker, should Demario Davis move on or choose to retire. If either were to happen, it would make Ohio State's Sonny Styles an excellent option.

But the value of the #8 pick would be better spent on Tyson, a difference-maker with the size and big-play ability to give the Saints, and Tyler Shough, an excellent complement to Chris Olave at wideout.

Devaughn Vele came on strong to end the year, but he doesn't have Tyson's upside, and Olave is about to enter the final year of his rookie deal, too.

9. Kansas City Chiefs
Mock pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

It took a great deal of restraint not to pick Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq here while we await news of Travis Kelce's retirement plans. In the end, we simply could not let Downs slide any further.

He may not play what most consider to be a premium position, and the Chiefs arguably have greater needs. But Downs is a baller whose positional versatility and talent give him the chance to follow in the footsteps of Kyle Hamilton and Derwin James.

10. Cincinnati Bengals
Mock pick: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

At this point, it would be a surprise to see Trey Hendrickson back in the building after his relationship with Cincy soured ahead of the 2025 season.

Without him, the Bengals have a pool of players - albeit young players - who are yet to prove they can get the job done.

Faulk not only fills a need but also has the ceiling to become the best of the young Cincy's edges in time.

With that said, he's also the kind of player I see dropping on boards as April nears. Could we see a swap between Faulk and Howell in this mock? Possibly.

11. Miami Dolphins
Mock pick: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

I originally had Arizona State WR Jordan Tyson here on the assumption that Tyreek Hill would part ways with the Dolphins. After Simpson declared, he's their guy.

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Tua's days in Miami appear numbered, and the Dolphins know any rebuild starts with finding his replacement.

Simpson may lack experience after only one year starting for Alabama, and he didn't acquit himself well in the SEC Championship against Georgia, but his accuracy and upside are undeniable.

12. Dallas Cowboys
Mock pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

As otherworldly gifted as Love is as both a runner and receiver, we don't consider him to be the best value pick at the position. The Cowboys also have much bigger needs on defense.

But Jerry does things his own way, and if they don't ink Javonte Williams to an extension, and Jaydon Blue isn't considered ready to inherit the role, Dallas could do a lot worse than taking Love.

Fantasy managers would absolutely love this landing spot. Love would likely be the top rookie option, even in superflex leagues.

13. Los Angeles Rams (pick acquired from the Falcons)
Mock pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Rams have a great roster, but one glaring weakness is at corner. Two of their corners sit in the top 10 in most touchdowns allowed, and Emmanuel Forbes' inability to wrap up tackles is a huge problem.

Enter McCoy.

14. Baltimore Ravens
Mock pick: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

This defense needs help, and by adding a player of Woods' calibre to pair with Nmandi Madubuike on the interior, it gives the Ravens - now led by defensive supremo Jesse Minter - every chance to return to their former glory.

Edge rusher Cashius Howell was also an option here. But the Ravens' front office is famed for picking the best player available, and with his unrivalled power and explosiveness, Woods fits the bill.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mock pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

This is a dream scenario for the Bucs, who may be without Lavonte David if the 35-year-old opts to retire. Rookie linebackers (unless they're Carson Schwesinger) typically don't hit the ground running, but with the lack of options available to Todd Bowles, Styles would step into a busy role from the get-go.

In addition to addressing a need, Styles is fundamentally sound and is an explosive, impact player.

16. New York Jets (pick acquired from the Colts)
Mock pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

It's possible the Jets bundle some of their ample draft ammunition and leapfrog Miami to pick Simpson. It's also possible Simpson slides, and they simply snag him at 16 by remaining patient.

USC wideout Makai Lemon would also fill a need here. He may yet move up to this spot as the weeks unfold.

But the potential to replace Quinnen Williams with a player of McDonald's calibre is too appealing. Jowon Briggs impressed toward the end of the season, and he can continue to progress alongside McDonald, forming the makings of an excellent defensive line interior.

McDonald would immediately bolster the Jets' run defense, and he has the potential to continue developing as a pass rusher.

17. Detroit Lions
Mock pick: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

If Taylor Decker chooses retirement, finding an offensive tackle will be the top priority here. In that case, Utah's Lomu would probably be the Lions' selection.

Otherwise, Brad Holmes finally finds a much-needed long-term partner for Aidan Hutchinson at the edge rusher position.

Consensus drafts suggest I'm too high on Howell. I don't care. I predict he'll be a game-changer at the next level.

18. Minnesota Vikings
Mock pick: Mansoor Delane, CB LSU

Safety and tight end are needs. Center should also be a priority if Ryan Kelly retires. Otherwise, finding cornerback help makes sense.

Minnesota, with an interim GM in place, remains patient and selects the best player available at the position, Delane. He's a playmaking ball hawk who would add a lot to a secondary that slipped in 2025.

Delane is one of several players who I think will gain impetus in the coming months. I suspect I'll move him up long before April arrives.

19. Carolina Panthers
Mock pick: T. J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

The Panthers generated 32 sacks this season, ranking 30th in the league. They have the dominant Derrick Brown on the defensive interior and have invested in edge rushers in previous drafts, but need further reinforcements along the defensive line.

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Adding Parker to a group including Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen would surely give Carolina the tools needed - should they reach the playoffs again next year -  to generate more than the single sack they managed against the Rams in the Wild Card round this time around.

Akheem Mesidor was strongly considered as an alternative.

20. Dallas Cowboys (pick acquired from the Packers)
Mock pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Cornerback is arguably a bigger need. Safety, edge rusher and linebacker are not far behind. But it's hard to pass up Lomu, arguably one of the most gifted players remaining.

Lomu is one of the top pass protectors in the draft. Once he becomes comfortable playing at right tackle, he could immediately challenge Terence Steele, who gave up more pressures than any other offensive tackle in the NFL this year.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mock pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

It's entirely possible Pittsburgh could be in dire need of a QB if Rodgers retires.

But with none in range here, and considering they have a window with T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward still in their prime, a bridge option in free agency would surely be the preference if #8 is not there in 2026.

Lemon was initially slated to the Browns at No.24, but after the Steelers' playoff exit at the hands of the Texans, which resulted in them landing the 21st pick, Pittsburgh get in their first and adds the speedy slot merchant.

Whoever lines up under center in 2026 needs more than D.K. Metcalf at WR, and with Calvin Austin set to hit free agency, Lemon would be a great addition.

I'm still unsure that he'll be available here and may move him up in the coming weeks.

22. Los Angeles Chargers
Mock pick: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

The Chargers' offensive line has been a shambles all year, a point clearly evident in their loss to the Patriots in the Wild Card game.

Several of their issues can be attributed to their offensive tackles' play, but with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt set to return, the Bolts are set at the position.

The same cannot be said of the interior, where Ioane would represent a major upgrade.

23. Philadelphia Eagles
Mock pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Dallas Goedert, who has been a major contributor for the Eagles throughout his career, is scheduled to become a free agent in 2026.

Sadiq would fill that void, certainly as a weapon in the passing game, and has shown flashes that could lead to him becoming an asset as a run blocker, too.

Philly might have taken Lomu in a forward-planning move had the Cowboys not taken him at #20.

24. Cleveland Browns (pick acquired from the Jaguars)
Mock pick: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Browns may be kicking themselves after losing out on Lemon, but patiently waiting for Boston to fall to them would be a shrewd move.

He has the size and sure hands to become a go-to receiver for whoever starts for Cleveland at quarterback next season.

25. Chicago Bears
Mock pick: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Chicago's secondary has been excellent at taking the ball away in 2025, but not nearly as good at doing everything else required in order to stop top-tier passing offenses.

Nahshon Wright has been a real find, and with a little cap gymnastics, the 2026 cap-strapped Bears could find a way to re-sign him. If not, Clemson CB Terrell would be a great addition.

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Chicago needs an edge rusher (Miami's Akheem Mesidor, perhaps?) and help on the defensive interior. But considering the pool of players remaining, A.J. Terrell's brother Avieon was arguably the top option available at No. 25.

26. Buffalo Bills
Mock pick: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

It's a bit of a reach to suggest a lack of capable wideouts cost the Bills a chance at Super Bowl LX, and ultimately, Sean McDermott his job. But it certainly didn't help their cause.

Yes, they have a couple of WRs with potential to develop over time. But Allen needs more, and perhaps Joe Brady looks to kick off his tenure by fixing the Keon Coleman aberration.

I considered Texas A&M's K.C. Conception here, but considered Branch the better choice.

27. San Francisco 49ers
Mock pick: K.C. Conception, WR, Texas A&M

The 49ers select the next wideout on the board and the successor to Brandon Aiyuk, who looks very unlikely to be back after San Francisco voided part of his remaining deal for his failure to report.

An edge rusher to complement Nick Bosa would have been nice, but in Mykel Williams, they have a project to address that spot.

With Juan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne set to hit free agency, wideout is the priority.

28. Houston Texans
Mock pick: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Trent Brown is scheduled to become a free agent, and probably isn't worth the money he would want, given his age and inability to stay healthy.

Proctor had a nightmare start to the 2025 season against Florida, but allowed only one sack and 16 pressures in his next 14 games. That kind of protection is the stuff C.J. Stroud dreams about.

His ability to move to right tackle, assuming Aireontae Ersery remains at left tackle, could be key. Assuming he can, taking Proctor would allow Houston to kick Tytus Howard back inside.

29. Los Angeles Rams
Mock pick: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

I agree with NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah on this selection.

Rob Havenstein, 33, is set to become a free agent. A month ago, I thought Warren McClendon could be the answer. Les Snead and Co. may think he can be, but after watching McClendon throughout the playoffs, I'm much less convinced.

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Miller is reliable, has improved every year throughout college, and could step in as a day-one starter. At worst, he could replace McClendon, who becomes a free agent next season, once he gets up to speed.

30. Denver Broncos
Mock pick: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia

A wide receiver would be a good choice here, but if Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad leave in free agency, off-ball linebacker will be the Broncos’ greatest need. In that event, C.J. Allen should be their man.

I have some reservations about Allen's ability to hang in pass coverage, but there are few in this class who are any better in almost every other respect. His leadership qualities would be an added bonus.

Final thoughts

I'm much higher than consensus on Mauigoa and Simpson, much lower on Delane, and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren doesn't even crack my top 32.

With so many moving parts still to come, including potential trades, shifting priorities, and high-end talents like Akheem Mesidor and Colton Hood still in the pool, this draft landscape is far from settled.

As always, the intrigue lies in how teams choose to navigate the draft. I'll sift through the noise between now and April, zero in on what I think really matters, and remain open-minded about shuffling players around.

Be sure to check back after Super Bowl LX for another updated version of this mock, when the Seahawks and Patriots make up the final two teams on this board.