After a lengthy wait spanning most of February, all of March, and a huge chunk of April, the 2026 NFL Draft is finally almost here.
Thursday, April 23 sees the first round of the draft take place in Pittsburgh, and 32 prospects will hear their names called on the big stage.
Much has changed over the last several weeks regarding stock, as well as team needs and even where some franchises pick in round one. With that in mind, let’s take a crack at predicting how things could unfold.
Below, we’ll conduct one last no-trades 2026 NFL mock draft for the first round. For reference, check out Mock 1.0 and Mock 2.0 right here on Playbook.
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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for First Round
Without further ado, here’s a final 2026 NFL mock draft, including payouts for potential top-10 pick outcomes via PrizePicks Team Picks.
Payouts indicate real-money earnings if a 2026 NFL Draft prediction is correct; for example, 2x on a $100 entry would pay out $200 on PrizePicks Team Picks. “Yes” payouts represent a specific outcome occurring, whereas "No" payouts indicate the opposite.
Payout data for the top 10 picks is from PrizePicks Team Picks and is live as of writing but is subject to change.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
Simply put, the Las Vegas Raiders need someone who can help right the ship and be stable for the team. Fernando Mendoza profiles as just that. While he may not have a generational-level ceiling, all signs point to him being Vegas’ franchise man as the consensus No. 1 pick.
Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall Pick Payout: 33.33x No | N/A Yes
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State)
There’s been plenty of smoke for Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey here, even after his top-30 visit was canceled. Despite that, we’re sticking with OSU’s Arvell Reese.
Reese is on the smaller side for a true defensive end (he may not be one), but his versatility is second to no one as a front-seven piece. New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn lands yet another fiery competitor on defense.
Arvell Reese No. 2 Overall Pick Payout: 1.92x No | 1.81x Yes
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)
Similarly to New York, the Arizona Cardinals have been linked to Bailey plenty. Following the same trend, though, the pick of OT Francis Mauigoa is holding steady. Mauigoa is a plus athlete with the upside to be the club’s starting RT for several years into the future.
Francis Mauigoa No. 3 Overall Pick Payout: 1.03x No | 10x Yes
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
Back to the roots of Mock 1.0 at pick No. 4. Bailey is undoubtedly an intriguing prospect, but Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love could make life infinitely easier on young QB Cam Ward.
Love’s open-field athleticism, short-area burst, durability, and receiving chops make him a rare halfback worthy of top-five NFL Draft buzz.
Jeremiyah Love No. 4 Overall Pick Payout: 1.53x No | 2.38x Yes
5. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
Now that they’ve traded DT Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals, the New York Giants have pick Nos. 5 and 10 in the first round. This puts them in a position to land two premier talents, and WR could make sense with the first of those offerings.
Jordyn Tyson’s injury history is extensive, sure, but it’s difficult to not get excited thinking about the prospect of him and Malik Nabers catching passes from QB Jaxson Dart.
Jordyn Tyson No. 5 Overall Pick Payout: 1.17x No | 4.16x Yes
6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
The Cleveland Browns could go in a multitude of directions at sixth, including trading down. Offensive line is a possibility, but Ohio State WR Carnell Tate’s blend of route-running chops, size, and vertical ability might be too enticing to pass on. Back-to-back WRs off the board.
Carnell Tate No. 6 Overall Pick Payout: 1.21x No | 4x Yes
7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
Bailey is far from perfect as a prospect, especially in run defense. Given his natural explosion and ability as a pass rusher, however, this is an immense value get for the Washington Commanders. D.C., like Cleveland, could address a few different positions at seventh overall.
David Bailey No. 7 Overall Pick Payout: N/A No | 16.66x Yes
8. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
Sensing a theme here? Teams that pick in the top 10 oftentimes have several holes in their rosters. The New Orleans Saints are no different, so it’s fitting that they land a premier defensive player capable of being a Swiss Army knife.
Caleb Downs can operate from a deep safety alignment, slot into nickel sets, or even creep down into the box. This is a hand-in-glove fit for just about any franchise.
Caleb Downs No. 8 Overall Pick Payout: 1.08x No | 5x Yes
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)
Coming off a down year filled with issues, the Kansas City Chiefs would be wise to invest in either their defensive line, receiver room, or secondary. They do the former at No. 9, adding Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr.
Bain is a powerful, compact pass rusher who’s only here in this scenario because of alarmingly short arms. If he can defy those odds and find NFL success, it’s thanks to the rest of his well-rounded profile.
Rueben Bain Jr. No. 9 Overall Pick Payout: 1.16x No | 4.76x Yes
10. New York Giants: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
Another Ohio State Buckeye to round out the top 10! Sonny Styles is as athletic as they come at the LB spot, and new Giants HC John Harbaugh seems like someone who’d love acquiring his services. Styles and Tyson is a heck of a haul for a team that may have already been better than its 4-13 record in 2025-26.
Sonny Styles No. 10 Overall Pick Payout: 1.01x No | 9.09x Yes
11. Miami Dolphins: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
Down WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Miami Dolphins absolutely could use an injection of talent at the position. With Tyson and Tate off the board, they still find perhaps the most complete receiver in the class in Makai Lemon. His ability to compete for contested catches and run silky-smooth routes makes him a natural fit.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
Investing at CB makes the most sense for the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12, full stop. Instead of opting for Jermod McCoy and his medical questions this early, though, Jerry Jones tries LSU’s Mansoor Delane instead.
Delane’s combination of length, fluidity, and ball skills could help save a secondary that was among football’s worst last season.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Spencer Fano (OT, Utah)
We’re heading back to our initial mock with the Los Angeles Rams’ selection of Utah OT Spencer Fano. Fano’s an impressive athlete who wouldn’t have to start right away, giving a ready-made contender some future-focused developmental talent and long-term star upside.
It isn’t pretty, but it does seem realistic.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane (iOL, Penn State)
Only a handful of picks throughout numerous mocks feel like slam dunks, but this is one of them.
Penn State G Olaivavega Ioane is stout, quick, and brimming with potential. With that said, he also could have a floor that figures to vastly improve the interior of a suspect Baltimore Ravens offensive line.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)
The logic for Auburn EDGE Keldrick Faulk at 15th overall is the same as last time. He’s still incredibly young, and his run-defending ability could be exquisite at the next level. Should he add to his toolbox as a pass rusher, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be hugely happy campers.
16. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)
Was Mock 2.0 just days early to the Omar Cooper Jr. party regarding the Jets? There are plenty of outlets and analysts now making that projection as Thursday approaches.
Cooper can win on intermediate and in-breaking concepts, serving as a nice complement to someone like Garrett Wilson and/or AD Mitchell. It’s a reach, in this writer’s opinion, albeit for quality need and pressing fit.
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17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)
The middle of round one in Mock 3.0 — the ultimate edition — settles into a nice groove of consecutive picks without changes from the simulation prior. The Detroit Lions continue kicking that can down the road, opting for Georgia OT Monroe Freeling. This is a bank on long-term flexibility and an eye-popping athletic profile.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
One could copy and paste the logic provided for the Ravens pick with Ioane. Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman is not only a tremendous athlete, but he factors into both the run and pass games and can be a ball-hawk. This pick is sensible for almost any team picking 15-20.
19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
In past mocks, the Carolina Panthers bolstered their defensive backfield and offensive line. This run has them making more of a luxury pick, but it’s something that could help QB Bryce Young nonetheless.
Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq tested quite well during the pre-draft stretch and is an immediate (and considerable) upgrade over Tommy Tremble.
20. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
Remember when the Philadelphia Eagles drafted both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the same class? That’s precisely what the Cowboys do here with Delane and McCoy.
When healthy, McCoy is a shutdown corner with great ball production and an alpha mentality. Running a 4.40-second 40-yard dash this spring may ease some concerns as well.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama)
All roads usually come back to questioning what the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to do at QB. Regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers returns, Alabama’s Ty Simpson makes some sense. Let’s roll with another Tide star, though.
Kadyn Proctor is a huge tackle prospect with, predictably, plenty of power but surprising movement skills. As Pittsburgh irons out QB in the future, he could be a reliable piece.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
There’s no reason to change this selection. The Los Angeles Chargers need assistance in the trenches, and the flashes of dominance are there for Peter Woods. He does lack elite timing and burst, also nursing a hamstring injury as of late, but the ceiling might be immense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
With the future of star WR A.J. Brown uncertain at best, the Philadelphia Eagles could find themselves needing a replacement sooner rather than later. Washington’s Denzel Boston is a big-bodied target with a great catch radius, potentially serving as a top-flight threat in the red zone for QB Jalen Hurts.
24. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah)
Many predict that if they stick at pick No. 6, the Browns could address the offensive tackle spot that early. Instead, they circle back and take a swing on developing the best of Utah’s Caleb Lomu.
Lomu is a raw prospect, but given his smoothness and quickness, his athleticism might just be harnessed in a place like the Dawg Pound.
25. Chicago Bears: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
Something along the defensive line appears to be the ticket for the Chicago Bears at 25th overall. Switching things up from Florida DT Caleb Banks, Bain’s Miami teammate Akheem Mesidor gets the call in this simulation.
Mesidor, an older prospect, graded out with a 37.5% pass rush win rate in 2024 and plays with a motor that burns hot all the time. Chicago could use that.
26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
Akin to teams like the Chiefs every offseason, it’s always a smart idea for the Buffalo Bills to consider giving QB Josh Allen another weapon on offense. Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion isn’t just a deep threat to this writer, as his post-catch profile and in-between game are legitimate as well.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
With RT Colton McKivitz under contract for multiple seasons and LT Trent Williams’ financial dispute recently getting resolved, the San Francisco 49ers don’t necessarily need a tackle now. That opens up the door for someone like EDGE Cashius Howell.
Think of the same vibes as Cooper to the Jets: Howell may not be a true first-round pick, but he’s a suitable profile for San Fran and addresses a need.
28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
OSU’s Kayden McDonald makes his second appearance in this mock series for the Texans. He’s a terrific run-stuffing interior lineman, also possessing good get-off at the line and a quick processor. He’ll need some fine-tuning and good fortune to become a real threat as a pass rusher, but this is a perfectly fine add for the Houston Texans.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! Same pick, different mock. The Chiefs need a CB after losing both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Rams. Hood is a stylistic match for DC Steve Spagnuolo, as his physicality and linear athleticism could play well in K.C.’s secondary.
30. Miami Dolphins: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
To be clear, it’d make near-perfect sense if Avieon Terrell remained the pick for Miami at 30th. The value proposition of landing Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is too great, however.
EMW had a great pre-draft runway, is a well-built safety, and gives the Dolphins some toughness in the secondary.
31. New England Patriots: Max Iheanachor (OT, Arizona State)
Third mock, third different trenches selection for the New England Patriots. Head coach Mike Vrabel clearly has some interest in Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor, whose stock has soared in the weeks leading up to the draft. This is a bank on a great athlete and maybe an insurance policy for those currently on the roster.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Johnson (CB, South Carolina)
The defending champion Seattle Seahawks only have a small handful of picks to work with, but the good news is they don’t have too many needs either.
After watching CB Riq Woolen walk out the door this offseason, GM John Schneider drafts an athletic specimen in South Carolina CB Chris Johnson. Johnson’s more of a zone fit but has the length, competitiveness and discipline to thrive in various calls.
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Make 2026 NFL Draft Predictions on PrizePicks
The 2026 NFL Draft is on the horizon, meaning it’s time for football fans to make predictions on where some of the top prospects may end up.
Don’t wait until the clock starts ticking — make your 2026 NFL Draft picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.
You can make predictions on specific 2026 NFL Draft picks, team selections, position groups, and more. Additionally, the NFL tab is already open with Super Bowl LXI winner picks available.
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