2026 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets forced to pivot at #2 as QB Dante Moore returns to Oregon

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

I 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 I think the Las Vegas Raiders take first overall, how the Kansas City Chiefs start their comeback tour at #9, and which player the New York Jets take at #2 after QB Dante Moore declared he is returning to Oregon.

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

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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: 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, which 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.

Instead, they either trade down to acquire wide receiver help or stay put and take Reese, a playmaker capable of replacing soon-to-be-free agent Quincy Williams, with the versatility to also line up on the edge and terrorise opposition quarterbacks.

By taking Reese this highly, the Jets advertise 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?

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: 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 David Bailey, 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 really stepped up in 2025, but he's scheduled to become a free agent in 2026. Letting him 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 Shedeur 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. He's so good that I wouldn't be surprised if he went at #4 and Bain went here instead.

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

The Saints have several other needs, including linebacker (should Demario Davis choose to retire), making Ohio State's Sonny Styles an option. He'd be a fine addition.

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 in the passing game.

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 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 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.

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.

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, 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: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

It's possible the Jets bundle some of their ample draft ammunition and leapfrog Miami to pick Simpson. USC wideout Makai Lemon would also fill a need here, too.

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 in what would be 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 which case, Utah's Caleb Lomu would probably be their selection.

Otherwise, 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

Safety, tight end, and possibly center (if Ryan Kelly retires) are among the Vikings' needs, but corner should be the top priority.

But Minnesota patiently stay put and takes 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.

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 get in their first and add 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 play of their offensive tackles, 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 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 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.

Final thoughts

With so many moving parts still to come, including potential trades, shifting priorities, and high-end talents like Alabama's Kadyn Proctor and Georgia's Zachariah Branch 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 the Divisional round 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.