Now that prospect showcases and the annual Scouting Combine are in the rearview mirror, all focus shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft.
Hosted in Pittsburgh, PA, this year’s draft runs from Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25. Upwards of 200 talented players will hear their names called over a three-day span, and with PrizePicks, fans can predict who lands where.
Below, we’ll conduct a 2026 NFL mock draft for the first round. No trades, no frills — just projections on how the opening 32 picks could shake out. Use PrizePicks Team Picks for an opportunity to turn your 2026 NFL Draft knowledge into cash if you’re right.
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Full 2026 NFL Mock Draft for First Round
Without further ado, let’s jump in and project every first-round pick in our 2026 NFL mock draft.
Payout data for the top 10 picks is from PrizePicks Team Picks. It's live as of writing but is subject to change.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)
This is about as consensus as it gets. Coming off a Heisman Trophy and National Championship-winning campaign at Indiana, Fernando Mendoza feels like the type of QB who can transform the Las Vegas Raiders as their rebuild rolls on.
Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall Pick Payout: 22.22x No | N/A Yes
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State)
The New York Jets have numerous holes they need to patch up, so it’s fitting that Arvell Reese is the pick here. The former Buckeyes standout has the profile of a scary off-ball LB, but his athleticism and versatility could see him play as more of an EDGE, too.
As head coach Aaron Glenn continues to build out his ideal defense, he secures a potential star.
Arvell Reese No. 2 Overall Pick Payout: 2.94x No | 1.4x Yes
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)
Now that the Kyler Murray era is over at QB, the Arizona Cardinals usher in a new regime with HC Mike LaFleur. What better way to jumpstart his tenure than adding a potential bookend tackle for the next decade?
Francis Mauigoa had a solid enough pre-draft process, evidenced by an 8.73 Relative Athletic Score, and may complement LT Paris Johnson Jr. well in the desert.
Francis Mauigoa No. 3 Overall Pick Payout: 1.26x No | 3.84x Yes
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
Tony Pollard is entering the final year of his contract, as is Tyjae Spears. The Tennessee Titans could use a halfback to help out QB Cam Ward, and Love is the cream of the crop in this class.
Jeremiyah Love racked up over 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 40 TDs in his final two years with the Fighting Irish. His long speed, short-area explosiveness, and well-rounded game are elite.
Jeremiyah Love No. 4 Overall Pick Payout: 1.38x No | 2.94x Yes
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
Picking at the LB spot this high is risky business, but Sonny Styles is the kind of athlete that grades well at just about any position.
Styles can flat-out fly around at the second level, and if he can become more decisive in his downhill reads, the New York Giants might get an All-World stopper at pick No. 5.
Sonny Styles No. 5 Overall Pick Payout: 1.36x No | 2.5x Yes
6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)
Let’s get weird. It appears that WR could be on the table for the Cleveland Browns at sixth overall, but their offensive line isn’t what it was a handful of years ago. Monroe Freeling’s tape may not reflect this slot, but his otherworldly athletic testing and upside may be too enticing to pass up.
Monroe Freeling No. 6 Overall Pick Payout: 1.21x No | 3.7x Yes
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
Can you name a better duo than NFL teams and attempting to help out their young star QBs? Coming off a rough sophomore campaign, Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels gets a shiny new toy in the form of Ohio State WR Carnell Tate. Tate’s 6-foot-2 frame could make him a dangerous running mate with WR Terry McLaurin.
Carnell Tate No. 7 Overall Pick Payout: 1.06x No | 5x Yes
8. New Orleans Saints: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
The New Orleans Saints’ defensive front lost some talent, and in our mock, they replenish the cupboard by adding Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey. Bailey is a bit undersized at 6-foot-3 and 251 pounds, but his explosiveness simply can’t be taught. He has double-digit sack potential at his peak.
David Bailey No. 8 Overall Pick Payout: 1.04x No | 5x Yes
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)
Speaking of EDGE prospects who could terrorize QBs, Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. is among the very best. Many will scoff at his sub-31” arms, but his mix of bend and speed-to-power conversion may be second to none.
For a Kansas City Chiefs team looking for a partner for DE George Karlaftis, they gamble on Bain at their highest pick in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Rueben Bain Jr. No. 9 Overall Pick Payout: 1.12x No | 5x Yes
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
Some believe Ohio State (yes, another Buckeye) S Caleb Downs is in the running for best player in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati Bengals, who have struggled to field a remotely competent defense, cash in majorly here.
According to Pro Football Focus, Downs split his 2025 reps between the box (241), free safety (240), slot (146), and along the LOS (44). His versatility alone makes him an intriguing pickup.
Caleb Downs No. 10 Overall Pick Payout: 1.14x No | 5.55x Yes
11. Miami Dolphins: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
Yes, Makai Lemon is just 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds. That isn’t stopping folks from making soft comparisons to reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Year, Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Contrary to some beliefs, Lemon can play in the slot or on the outside. The Miami Dolphins just traded WR Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos and get a replacement wideout here.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
Akin to the Bengals with Downs, the Dallas Cowboys benefit from a premier defensive back talent lasting a bit later into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mansoor Delane’s 4.38-second 40-yard dash and 1.50-second 10-yard split at his pro day did him plenty of good. He may go higher than this, but it’d be foolish to mock him much lower.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Spencer Fano (OT, Utah)
This is the responsible pick. As much as this writer wanted to send Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson to the Los Angeles Rams, they need a future-focused tackle prospect, even as potential Super Bowl contenders.
Spencer Fano might be a year away from offering high-level contributions, but it isn’t like RT Warren McClendon Jr. is a star as is. L.A. can conduct a camp battle of sorts for that role.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane (iOL, Penn State)
The Baltimore Ravens are another team that could go multiple ways with a selection in the middle of the first round. In this scenario, they get some key guard help with the addition of Olaivavega Ioane.
Ioane didn’t allow a single sack in the last two seasons. “Vega” might just be a guard prospect worth consideration this high.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has made it clear that he feels the team needs to pressure opposing QBs more often. Fifteen may be a bit rich for what Auburn’s Keldric Faulk currently is, but there are reasons to invest.
Still just 20 years old, Faulk is brimming with upside. At 6-foot-6 and 280+ pounds, he can also defend the run at a high level. This move bolsters Tampa’s front and builds for the future all at once.
16. New York Jets: Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
This one might be a chalky pick, but it just makes sense. Despite missing time and playing banged up the past two seasons, ASU WR Jordyn Tyson racked up 1,812 yards and 18 TDs. His ability to separate is elite, giving the New York Jets a partner for star wideout Garrett Wilson at 16th overall.
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17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama)
With the Taylor Decker tenure done, the Detroit Lions can’t truly afford to mess around at the tackle spot. Alabama's Kadyn Proctor is a downright massive human being, measuring 6-foot-6 and 352 pounds.
Detroit may ask the young OT to trim down a bit, which is something he’s no stranger to. If he pans out, the Lions could have a standout QB protector for years to come.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
This one feels like another tremendous blend of player range, team fit, and need. The Minnesota Vikings aren’t going to wait around for aging Harrison Smith forever, and Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman is too talented to ignore in the back half of round one.
Thieneman blew up the NFL Scouting Combine and has immense versatility, justifying his first-round status.
19. Carolina Panthers: Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
If not for a torn ACL that held him out of last season, it’s possible that Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy would be regarded as the best CB in this class. Heck, some still have him there, which makes him landing 19th overall an interesting proposition.
The Carolina Panthers’ secondary has some noteworthy names like Jaycee Horn and Tre’von Moehrig; this helps lock down the group.
20. Dallas Cowboys: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
Given how terrible the Cowboys’ defensive backfield was in coverage last season, no one should balk at them double-dipping in the secondary to start the 2026 NFL Draft.
Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren boasts impressive size (6-foot-3, 201 pounds) and aggressiveness. Additionally, his ball skills could improve a unit that sorely missed them in 2025.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)
Keep in mind that this is far more a predictive mock than a “what I would do” one. Twenty-one seems rich for Alabama QB Ty Simpson, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are still in limbo with future Hall of Fame man Aaron Rodgers.
Simpson has already spoken highly of his pre-draft meeting with Pittsburgh. Not many teams are direct fits for him near the end of round one, barring a trade-in for the allure of a fifth-year option. Here, the Steel City takes a flyer on its (hopeful) QB of the future.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
The Los Angeles Chargers could use an injection of talent along the interior of the trenches on both sides. At pick No. 22, especially with Ioane off the board, they opt for defense with the add of Clemson DT Peter Woods.
Woods’ box score production took a hit from 2024 to 2025 (8.5 TFLs to 3.5), and a tweaked hamstring altered his pre-draft testing. Still, he’s a strong lineman who can stop the run, which HC Jim Harbaugh is all about.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
Dallas Goedert is back on a one-year deal, but the Philadelphia Eagles would be wise to plan for a world without him. Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq is one of the best athletes in the class, which could entice GM Howie Roseman.
Sadiq’s blend of route-running prowess, long speed, and verticality might make him a matchup nightmare at the next level. Given Goedert’s lack of long-term security, this makes too much sense.
24. Cleveland Browns: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
With Simpson off the board, that signals to the Cleveland Browns that they can continue with a QB battle of Deshaun Watson vs. Shedeur Sanders. Whoever wins the race, in this simulation, gets to throw to Washington WR Denzel Boston fresh off an 881-yard, 11-TD campaign to close his collegiate career.
25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
Injury concerns could significantly influence Caleb Banks’ NFL Draft stock. At his best, he’s a wrecking ball on the inside of the defensive line. He also tested quite well, which helps. The Chicago Bears, picking later than they’re used to, take a calculated risk regarding a high-upside disruptor.
26. Buffalo Bills: Cashius Howell (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Similar to Bain, some might have reservations about Cashius Howell’s arm length and whether that limits his ability to make an impact. Despite that, he’s an advanced pass rusher and explodes off the line of scrimmage. The Buffalo Bills would benefit from receiving talent, although Howell is a nice consolation prize.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah)
At the age of 37, OT Trent Williams isn’t the San Francisco 49ers’ long-term building block at tackle. That’s without even considering his contract situation with the team. With Utah’s Caleb Lomu, San Fran could net a left-side option with plenty of experience.
28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
Another OSU alum in the first round! DT Kayden McDonald had a mini-breakout in 2025, recording a career-high 9 TFLs and his only trio of collegiate sacks. He may not have the perceived ceiling of some other big-bodied linemen, but his ability to anchor down and stuff opposing ballcarriers is difficult to pass on.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
With the future of WR Rashee Rice being uncertain and 2024 first-round pick Xavier Worthy having underwhelmed to this point, the Kansas City Chiefs sneakily need a receiver. How about a KC to K.C. connection? Concepcion can be a big-play threat and led the SEC with 9 TDs in 2025.
30. Miami Dolphins: Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
The Dolphins lost a ton in the secondary, and they passed on targeting that group earlier in the first round. Clemson CB Avieon Terrell aggravating a hamstring ailment could be a blessing in disguise for Miami, as his talent likely is better than the selection here.
Terrell may be more of a nickel than a boundary corner, and that’s OK. His proven production makes him an interesting late-first pickup.
31. New England Patriots: Blake Miller (OT, Clemson)
The New England Patriots aren’t moving off LT Will Campbell despite his tumultuous rookie campaign. On the other side of the line, RT Morgan Moses is 35 years old, perhaps opening the door for a future-centric selection. Clemson’s Blake Miller has over 3,600 RT snaps under his belt; this is a no-brainer.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks continue a small run of corners to end the opening round. Colton Hood has 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed and is a fringe first-round talent, serving as a step-in for the departed Riq Woolen.
Running back, in some classes, might be possible here. Unfortunately, it’s just too steep a drop-off from Love to the next-best player.
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Make 2026 NFL Draft Predictions on PrizePicks
With workouts for all prospects wrapping up, the big night is less than a month away. There’s never been a better time to make 2026 NFL Draft predictions for how the first round could unfold.
On PrizePicks Team Picks, the possibilities are plentiful. 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.
Keep it right here with the Playbook for continued NFL predictions, picks, news, and analysis all year long.
