2026 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys, Giants double-down on defense; Chiefs protect Mahomes

Everyone loves a mock NFL draft at this time of year, and I'm no different, especially when a blockbuster trade causes mayhem days before the event kicks off.

After factoring in each team’s roster needs and weighing up the talent pool available, here’s my latest mock predicting where each prospect goes in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

What do the Giants do at No. 10 after the Lawrence trade? Which team will be tempted by Jeremiyah Love’s game-breaking ability? Is polarising QB Ty Simpson worth a Day 1 pick? Read on to find out.

Stream the 2026 NFL Draft live on DAZN

The 2026 NFL Draft begins tonight in Pittsburgh, and fans worldwide can watch every round live on DAZN - for free.*

Round 1 starts at 1am BST / 8pm ET / 5pm PT, where Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love and Carnell Tate will hear their names called and take their first steps toward NFL stardom.

Days two and three follow on Friday and Saturday, with rounds two through seven producing plenty of their own headline names. Streaming times can be found here.

*Excluding Canada

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Mock pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

This one is locked in. Mendoza remains the top pick.

Cousins will probably start, but the future belongs to the Heisman-winning leader of the College Football National Championship-winning Indiana Hoosiers.

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

2. New York Jets

Mock pick: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

While the Jets haven’t completely given up hope on moving up to grab Mendoza, I can't see Las Vegas passing up the opportunity to land their face of the franchise, and neither, it seems, can Darren Mougey.

After trading Jermaine Johnson to the Titans, targeting an edge rusher makes even more sense for the Jets than before.

The real question is how Mougey and Co. rate David Bailey compared to Ohio State's Reese. If they have similar grades on both, there's an argument for trading down.

For me, it's extremely close between both players, who have switched places in this version of my mock.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Mock pick: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

I have flipped between offensive tackle and edge at this spot. I fancy the Cardinals trading down, but will head into the draft with an edge here.

Reese, who was originally No. 2, is more of a gamble than Bailey owing to his lack of refinement as a pass rusher.

With that said, his athleticism is otherworldly, and he fills a need on the edge as a great complement to Josh Sweat.

4. Tennessee Titans

Mock pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

This is where it gets really interesting because the Titans have many needs, at edge, WR, and RB

In the end, I've circled back to my previous mock and handed Love - a home-run hitter who can also excel in the passing game - to the Titans.

5. New York Giants

Mock pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

For me, this was a two-way tie between Sonny Styles and Carnell Tate at one point. Then Tremaine Edmunds and Darnell Mooney landed in New York, and I began exploring the possibility of Caleb Downs instead.

After thinking about this for far too long, I decided to stick with Styles.

Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson likes using two off-ball linebackers, and I'm not convinced that adding Edmunds or bringing back Micah McFadden should get in the way of drafting an athletic phenom like Styles.

6. Cleveland Browns

Mock pick: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

I suspect most Browns' fans would prefer Carnell Tate here, but I'm not out to please crowds.

Cleveland has options after adding versatile offensive lineman, Tytus Howard, but they would still greatly benefit by adding an offensive tackle they can rely on for several years ahead. The uber-athletic Freeling is that man.

Don't worry, Browns fans, I'll find your WR later in this round.

7. Washington Commanders

Mock pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Other mock drafts have the Commanders taking Caleb Downs here. In my opinion, and despite the hints Quinn dropped at the Annual League Meeting, the addition of Nick Cross in free agency makes safety less of a priority.

Some have the Commanders shoring up their linebacker group. Clearly, I'm a bigger believer in the combination of Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal than most.

Tate comes from a long line of impressive Ohio wideouts and is as NFL-ready as any receiver in this draft class. He would fill a huge need and give Jayden Daniels a legitimate weapon behind Terry McLaurin.

8. New Orleans Saints

Mock pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

I've been on the Lemon bandwagon for a while, but this is still the earliest I have projected him to go. Back-to-back with Tate.

In adding the young wideout, the Saints would equip Tyler Shough with the weapon he needs to take the next step in his development, and a player who can take a little pressure off Chris Olave.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Mock pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

I had Bain here last time around, and despite the tragic report circulating last week, I still think a team will take him in the top 15.

But that news, combined with the moves I've made ahead of Bain in this version of the mock, has me thinking the Chiefs prioritise finding a replacement for Jawaan Taylor before coming back for an edge with pick No. 29.

10. New York Giants (from Bengals)

Mock pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

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The Dexter Lawrence trade leaves New York with an enviable choice here. Do they take Tyson? Do they trade down and hope to snag Omar Cooper or KC Concepcion? I can definitely see either of those outcomes happening.

If they stay put, for me, and while Tyson is tough to pass over, I think Ohio safety Caleb Downs is the right call.

With Styles added to the linebacker ranks at No. 4, New York adds a second blue-chip prospect capable of helping to create a dynamic, new-look defensive identity.

11. Miami Dolphins

Mock pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Dolphins could go in any number of directions here. They must address edge, wide receiver, interior offensive line, tight end, cornerback, and safety, among other positions.

I can see Rueben Bain appealing to Miami, and they could certainly use him. Otherwise, as the top corner and undeniably one of the best players remaining, Delane is the pick.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Mock pick: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

Regular viewers of the Cowboys know Dallas needs defensive help in the worst way. They finished last in the league in points allowed, and the secondary was a major reason for their problems.

Jerry Jones said it best: “Had we played a lick of defense last year, we would've had ourselves a real playoff run.”

Will Bain drop this far? That remains to be seen. The tragic report shared last week certainly won't help his draft stock.

13. Los Angeles Rams (pick acquired from the Falcons)

Mock pick: Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

I had Alabama's Ty Simpson here previously, but by a hair’s breadth over a receiver. I'm back to a receiver here, albeit a different one.

Tyson, health permitting, would give Matthew Stafford an enviable array of weapons and the successor to the ageing Davante Adams.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Mock pick: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

Ideally, the Ravens would have taken a WR, but there are none worthy of this pick.

In the absence of a Linderbaum replacement with a first-round grade, let alone pick 14, they turn their attention to the guard spot.

New arrival John Simpson will occupy one of the guard spots, but there's a dearth of talent and depth at the other. Ioane would fix that.

It should be noted that, in this scenario, trading down is also an option.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mock pick: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

An off-ball linebacker would have been nice after Lavonte David’s retirement, but I don't like any in this range. Besides, the addition of Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom should suffice, for now at least.

Instead, let's give the Bucs an injection of juice at the edge position. YaYa Diaby is a good player, as is new arrival Al-Quadin Muhammad, but the latter is 30.

16. New York Jets (pick acquired from the Colts)

Mock pick: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Having found a blue-chip prospect on the defensive side of the ball, New York circles around to do the same on offense.

Cooper would immediately upgrade a unit that lacks playmakers behind Garrett Wilson.

17. Detroit Lions

Mock pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Following the release of Taylor Decker, finding an offensive tackle to help keep Jared Goff clean should be the top priority here.

Fano could be that man. With Penei Sewell holding down one side of the line and Fano developing on the other, Detroit's offense could be potent.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Mock pick: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

This has become one of the safest projections in the draft. With the release of Harrison Smith, Minnesota needs to start planning for the future at safety.

Thieneman’s instincts, range, and versatility make him a natural fit in Brian Flores’ defense.

19. Carolina Panthers

Mock pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

I had Kadyn Proctor here last time out, reasoning that Ikem Ekwonu's knee injury and Taylor Moton's age may tempt the Panthers to seek help at offensive tackle.

I'm still a little higher on Ja'Tavion Sanders' upside than most, but let's assume the Panthers overlook Sadiq's so-so college production and are tempted by his incredible athleticism and upside.

20. Dallas Cowboys (pick acquired from the Packers)

Mock pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Jacob Rodriguez was my pick last time around. I still believe he's massively underrated, as does Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly, but with McCoy now dropping to No. 20, he's the pick because I cannot see Dallas passing up the opportunity to prioritise rebuilding their cornerback room.

The Tennessee man put concerns to bed about his ACL with a dominant pro day, and would combine with DaRon Bland to help rebuild this Cowboys' secondary into a much-improved unit.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mock pick: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

I had Ty Simpson here previously, but I think the Steelers punt the position to next year, safe in the (secret) knowledge that Rodgers will be back.

Instead, Pittsburgh upgrades a position where neither of the incumbent players has proven capable of keeping any quarterback upright.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Mock pick: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

The Chargers desperately need help on the interior of their offensive line, and while I didn't have Bisontis going this early in my previous mocks, the more I watch, the more I like.

He still has work to do as a run blocker, but after giving up only two sacks in the last two years, I believe the 21-year-old can develop into an asset for Justin Herbert and the Bolts

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Mock pick: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

It's time to find a long-term replacement for Lane Johnson. It came down to Arizona State's Max Iheanachor, Utah's Lomu, or Proctor.

Proctor isn't a natural right tackle, but he can learn the position while Johnson remains in place for another year.

24. Cleveland Browns (pick acquired from the Jaguars)

Mock pick: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Concepcion is explosive, has proven adept in beating man and zone coverage, and can do some real damage in space.

Drops have been an issue, but if he can clear those up, he has as much potential as any receiver in the 2026 draft class.

25. Chicago Bears

Mock pick: Keldrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Montez Sweat needs help, and I'm not convinced 2025 big-money signee Dayo Odeyingbo is the answer.

There are better pure pass rushers than Faulk remaining on the board, but what he offers is a little more unique, giving the Bears a long, versatile player who could even slide inside on obvious passing downs.

Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is also an option with this pick.

26. Buffalo Bills

Mock pick: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

I had a wideout here before the Bills traded for D.J. Moore. The next pressing need is at cornerback.

Maxwell Hairston and Christian Benford have two spots locked down, but I'm concerned about their depth after Taron Johnson and Tre'Davious White exited this offseason.

Guard is the other option here.

27. San Francisco 49ers

Mock pick: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Niners fans may not like this choice, given the team’s other needs at wideout and at edge spot.

For me, the addition of WR Mike Evans, along with the faith San Francisco must have in early 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams, alongside Nick Bosa, makes both positions a lower priority.

If anything, guard was the priority here, but I can't see two going in the first round.

In McNeil-Warren, San Fran would add a physical safety who can be much more effective in the box than Ji'Ayir Brown.

New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris may be able to elevate the play of Brown and Malik Mustapha, but equipping Morris with someone with the potential to at least replicate some of what Antoine Winfield and Tykee Smith achieved under him in Tampa is too tempting a situation to pass up.

I may change my mind on this in the coming weeks. Watch this space.

28. Houston Texans

Mock pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

The Texans have made significant moves to address their offensive line, allowing us to pivot to other positions.

McDonald gives Houston a potentially elite run-stuffer who can occupy double teams while Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson wreak havoc on the edges.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (pick acquired from the Rams)

Mock pick: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Sadiq was originally the pick here, but I'm no longer convinced he slides this far despite my concerns about his lack of college production.

Wide receiver Denzel Boston would surely be appealing at this pick, but let's address the other glaring need at edge.

Zion Young and Cashius Howell were options here, but Parker's production gives him the edge.

30. Miami Dolphins (pick acquired from the Broncos)

Mock pick: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Losing Bradley Chubb leaves the Dolphins very light at the edge spot.

Adding someone like Young would give Miami a physical presence capable of developing into a three-down menace.

31. New England Patriots

Mock pick: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Romeo Doubs was a nice addition, but Drake Maye still needs more weapons after the departure of Stefon Diggs, so if a trade for AJ Brown doesn't materialise, Boston should appeal.

Taking Arizona State's Max Iheanachor could also appeal if faith in Will Campbell is moving inside. Personally, I saw enough in the regular season to suggest Campbell can improve in year two, and I believe the Pats' front office may think likewise.

32. Seattle Seahawks

Mock pick: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Kenneth Walker's exit almost tempted me into going with Jadarian Price here. I still think he's a possibility here despite the addition of Emanuel Wilson in free agency.

However, Hood seems a better value pick with Riq Woolen no longer in Seattle.

Final thoughts

I don't address every team's most pressing need, preferring, in certain cases, to focus on the best player available at each pick instead.

DT Caleb Banks, OT Max Iheanachor, and Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price do not make it into my mock, but it's entirely possible they could find their way into the back half of the 2026 NFL Draft first round.

If I'm wrong on anything, and I will be, then Fano, Bain, Mauigoa and Faulk may go higher than I have them, while Freeling, Lemon and Mesidor could be taken lower than predicted.

Let's see where the chips fall on draft night. There's not long to wait now.