2026 NFL Mock Draft: Is Mendoza a lock to the Raiders at #1? Steelers find WR help at #21

With the Wild Card round of the 2025/26 NFL playoffs behind us, the first 24 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft are now locked in.

We have evaluated the current rosters of the teams for whom draft spots have already been locked in, compared them with the pool of college talent available, and predicted each team’s pick in our latest 2026 mock draft.

Read on to see who the Las Vegas Raiders take first overall, how the Kansas City Chiefs start their comeback tour at #9, and who the Pittsburgh Steelers take at #21.

The remaining teams will be added to the list after the Divisional Round, once the losers' draft pick slots have been locked in.

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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. Mendoza + Ashton Jeanty + Brock Bowers is the making of a dangerous offense.

Did you watch Mendoza's performance in the CFB semi vs Oregon? Phew.

2. New York Jets
Mock pick: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Justin Fields was a fun experiment until he wasn't. The Jets are loaded with early draft picks in the next two years, but it's all for nought if they cannot nail down a quarterback. It hasn't been confirmed that Moore will declare, but assuming he does and given his high upside, he should be Darren Mougey's selection.

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

The Cardinals would dearly love to be in a position to take Mendoza or Moore, but barring a trade up, that seems unlikely. Instead, and with Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum likely to hit free agency, they 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: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami

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 Arvell Reese, David Bailey or Keldrick Faulk, but Bain is the guy here. He really profiles like a Spags kind of player.

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

Wan'Dale Robinson has really stepped up in 2025, but he's scheduled to become a free agent. Letting him go and pairing Malik Nabers with Tate would not only be sound business, it would also put Jaxson Dart - and the Giants offense - in position to challenge for the division next season.

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

The jury is still out on Sanders, 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: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Commanders could go in multiple directions here, with Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese surely appealing. Either would make an excellent selection and would fill a need. However, with major question marks at the edge position, and given Bailey's mouthwatering skillset and excellent production, he gets the nod.

8. New Orleans Saints
Mock pick: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Demario Davis has been an excellent servant for the Saints, and despite stating his intention to return for another season, he cannot keep going forever. New Orleans also has a potential out on Carl Granderson's deal, who isn't worth the $18m cap hit due in 2026.

One man clearly cannot do the job of two, but by selecting Reese, New Orleans would secure a rare talent capable of playing both positions.

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 talents 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 the relationship 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 Cincy's edges in time.

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

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

Tua's days in Miami appear numbered, and Mike McDaniel confirmed there would be competition at the position. 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. 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.

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, pairing him with Nmandi Madubuike on the interior, it gives them every chance to return to their former glory.

Edge rushers Cashius Howell and T.J. Parker are options here, too. 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: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

It's possible the Jets bundle some of their ample draft ammunition and leapfrog Miami to pick Simpson. It's also possible they backfill for Quinnen Williams' loss by adding Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald.

But finding a talent such as Tyson at 16 is too good an opportunity to pass up. Pairing Garrett Wilson, Tyson, and Adonai Mitchell sounds like fun. And with Dante Moore on board - acquired at No.2 - the Jets have the makings of an exciting offense for years to come.

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

There are some nice DTs available at this selection, led by Kayden McDonald, but the Lions have invested heavily in the position in recent years. WR Makai Lemon is still sat there, too, but Detroit believe in the future of Isaac TeSlaa behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

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

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

The Vikings patiently stay put and take the best player available in Delane. He's a playmaking ball hawk who would add a lot to the secondary.

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.

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.

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 became 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, they pip Cleveland to 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.

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.

While several of the issues can be attributed to the offensive tackles, once Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are healthy again, 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 fills 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 had the Cowboys not taken him at #20 in this mock.

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

Final thoughts

With so many moving parts still to come, including potential trades, shifting priorities, and high-end talent like Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald still on the board, this draft landscape is far from settled. As always, the intrigue lies in how teams choose to navigate it.

Be sure to check back after Wild Card weekend for another updated version of this mock, when more of the 2026 NFL Draft order comes into focus, and additional teams are added to the board.