In the blink of an eye, the 2026 NFL Draft is almost here. As the sands pass through the hourglass, the first round on Thursday, April 23 draws closer.
With the opening frame coming into focus, all 32 picks continue to be projected by media and fans alike. Which elite-level collegiate prospects will hear their names called early as they make the transition to the pros?
Below, we’ll conduct a fresh 2026 NFL mock draft for the first round. No trades take place in this mock. For a reference, here’s Mock 1.0 on Playbook.
Make your picks for the 2026 NFL Draft on PrizePicks now.
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2026 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Predictions
Here’s an updated 2026 NFL Draft mock for the first round, including some payouts for potential top-10 pick outcomes on 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)
No changes here. Following an excellent collegiate campaign at Indiana, including a Heisman Trophy and a CFP National Championship, Fernando Mendoza is the consensus No. 1 overall pick. It’s safe to say the Las Vegas Raiders could use a stabilizing force in their QB room.
Fernando Mendoza No. 1 Overall Pick Payout: 33.33x No | N/A Yes
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State)
Second verse, same as the first! The New York Jets could go in a variety of directions here, but head coach Aaron Glenn seems set on constructing his style of defense. What better way to do that than adding Arvell Reese into the fold?
Regardless of whether you view Reese as a hand-in-the-dirt pass rusher or more of an off-ball linebacker, his athletic profile and upside are too great to pass on.
Arvell Reese No. 2 Overall Pick Payout: 2.04x No | 1.69x Yes
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)
Going with Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey was almost the move here, but let’s hold onto the Francis Mauigoa pick one more time. The Arizona Cardinals could use him as a “safe” pick to shore up the offensive line and recently hosted him on a top-30 visit.
Mauigoa’s plus profile as a run blocker, paired with great agility metrics and hand strength, could be enticing for a regime that needs to nail this selection.
Francis Mauigoa No. 3 Overall Pick Payout: 1.17x No | 3.7x Yes
4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)
Our first shakeup of Mock 2.0 sees the Tennessee Titans pass on RB Jeremiyah Love and instead take a swing on adding to their defense. Staying true to the roots of new HC Robert Saleh, Bailey is the pick.
Bailey’s weight (251 pounds) and wingspan (79”, 44th percentile) might throw some folks off, but he possesses rare explosiveness that could turn him into a Pro Bowl pass rusher in the NFL.
David Bailey No. 4 Overall Pick Payout: 1.13x No | 4.54x Yes
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
Another repeat pick, to close out the top five, but is there anything more Harbaugh (John, in this case) than going after a top-flight linebacker to lead a defense?
Sonny Styles is a historically good athlete, boasting a 10.0 Relative Athletic Score, and could be a coverage ace for years to come.
Sonny Styles No. 5 Overall Pick Payout: 1.44x No | 2.63x Yes
6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
Georgia OT Monroe Freeling was the pick in Mock 1.0, but there appears to be some steam gaining for the Cleveland Browns to do the more sensible thing for once and add a premier wideout.
Carnell Tate has a tremendous vertical profile, tested well enough pre-draft, and could assist Cleveland’s offense as it continues to seek out the right long-term QB.
Carnell Tate No. 6 Overall Pick Payout: 1.31x No | 3.22x Yes
7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
Love slides a bit farther down the board in Mock 2.0, landing with a Washington Commanders team that could use a standout to complement players like Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols. Having racked up 40 TDs in his last two collegiate seasons, Love is a do-it-all piece in the backfield.
Jeremiyah Love No. 7 Overall Pick Payout: 1.17x No | 4.34x Yes
8. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
The New Orleans Saints could use just about everything on the defensive side of the ball. With Bailey off the board this time, it’s fitting that they get perhaps the best chess piece in the entire class.
Caleb Downs can function as a traditional free safety, but his ability to slide into the slot or operate from the box makes him a can’t-miss prospect early in round one.
Caleb Downs No. 8 Overall Pick Payout: 1.03x No | 7.69x Yes
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)
Recent news of Reuben Bain Jr.’s 2024 automobile accident may not necessarily hurt his draft stock too much. If he’s available at ninth overall, he makes too much sense for the Kansas City Chiefs to pass on.
In Bain, K.C. lands a partner for DE George Karlaftis and a player who allows DT Chris Jones to age more gracefully.
Rueben Bain Jr. No. 9 Overall Pick Payout: 1.14x No | 2.56x Yes
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense is chock-full of key pillars like QB Joe Burrow and WRs Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Here, they snag an elite CB prospect for DC Al Golden to work with.
Delane’s coverage stats are fantastic, as were his 4.38-second 40-yard dash time and 1.5-second 10-yard split. He’s an easy plug-and-play pick.
Mansoor Delane No. 10 Overall Pick Payout: 1.14x No | 5x Yes
11. Miami Dolphins: Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
Having traded WR Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, there’s a huge void to fill in the receiver room. Makai Lemon is a different type of player, but one could argue he’s the most complete player at his position in this class.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
The Dallas Cowboys still land an outstanding CB prospect at pick No. 12 but get Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy instead of Delane this time around.
McCoy may have been regarded as CB1 if not for an ACL injury that wiped out plenty of his draft buzz in the last year-plus. With that said, running a 4.40 40-yard dash with a 38” broad jump is one way to get back on the map.
13. Los Angeles Rams: Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
Let’s throw caution to the wind here and swap Utah OT Spencer Fano for ASU WR Jordyn Tyson. Medical concerns have Tyson’s draft stock as a mixed bag, but there’s no denying his talent level and production when on the field.
Davante Adams isn’t getting any older, and the Los Angeles Rams know it.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane (iOL, Penn State)
This is one of the first-round mock picks that has near-zero reason to change. It’s no secret that the Baltimore Ravens need serious help along the interior of their O-line, and Olaivavega Ioane is as solid as they come in that regard. Ioane hasn’t allowed a sack in two seasons.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)
Keldrick Faulk of Auburn gets the edge here over Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, largely thanks to his youth and upside. There’s a case to be made that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use a more veteran-style presence to generate pressure, but Faulk’s mix of size (6’6”, 280 pounds) and floor as a run defender is intriguing.
16. New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)
The selection of Omar Cooper Jr. is hands-down the biggest surprise of Mock 2.0 to this point. Because of his ability to win over the middle of the field, though, he’s a near-perfect fit with WRs Garrett Wilson and AD Mitchell. This is rich for Cooper, no doubt, but the proverbial “big three” of wideouts is already gone.
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17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)
Taylor Decker isn’t walking through that door, and the Detroit Lions need a long-term partner opposite Penei Sewell. Georgia’s Monroe Freeling went much earlier in Mock 1.0 but kicks things off for Detroit here.
Freeling’s elite-level measurables and athletic testing make him a nice middle-of-the-round addition for the Lions, giving them five years of club control in the process.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
There isn’t a much more direct player and team fit, in this writer’s opinion, than Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman and the Minnesota Vikings. As Minny moves past the Harrison Smith era, it lands an uber-athletic defensive back who can do a little bit of everything — including pick off passes and stop the run — in the secondary.
19. Carolina Panthers: Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama)
OT Ikem Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in the Carolina Panthers’ playoff defeat to the Rams. That could keep him out for all of this coming season, making tackle a need as QB Bryce Young continues to develop.
Proctor is a huge prospect (6’6”, 352 pounds) who could potentially step in for Ekwonu or even transition to the right side if needed.
20. Dallas Cowboys: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
Despite having already addressed the secondary, the Dallas Cowboys dip back into the pool of defensive prospects and go for Mesidor at No. 20. There’s no such thing as a sure hit to be a starter or even a rotational contributor, but Mesidor’s ability to generate negative plays in the run game and control some pass-rush reps is rock-solid.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Spencer Fano (OT, Utah)
While the world awaits a retirement decision for QB Aaron Rodgers, the Pittsburgh Steelers are more than a QB away from contending. Alabama field general Ty Simpson was the pick last time, but now it’s Fano.
Capable of playing along the offensive line, including both tackle spots, Fano’s blend of athleticism and competitive fire makes him a strong selection at No. 21.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
This is the first of back-to-back picks we’re keeping the exact same. Similar to his brother John, Jim Harbaugh is all about the trenches. Although Florida’s Caleb Banks has a sky-high ceiling, Clemson’s Peter Woods is no slouch.
Woods is a dominant interior presence at his best. If the Los Angeles Chargers can help him find consistency and keep him on the field, this could be a steal.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
The Philadelphia Eagles know they can’t run things back with (newly re-signed) TE Dallas Goedert forever. Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is far and away the most exciting TE prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
A 9.5 RAS score and some alignment versatility could make him exactly what the doctor ordered for QB Jalen Hurts. It’s hard to see Sadiq slide beyond this point.
24. Cleveland Browns: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
Dubbed “EMW” by many during the pre-draft process, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would be a fun piece in the Cleveland Browns’ secondary. A lengthy safety (6’3”, 78” wing) he has good click-and-close ability while also having a nose for the football.
25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
Someone like Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald would make decent sense here, as would Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker. Instead, we’re keeping it consistent with Banks heading to Chi-Town.
If not for injury concerns, Banks may not even be here. His athletic profile and production earlier in his collegiate tenure remain enough for a swing this late in round one.
26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
Making a trade for DJ Moore from the Bears isn’t going to fool anyone into believing the Buffalo Bills have a good WR room. QB Josh Allen could use another weapon to throw to, and KC Concepcion’s vertical profile is tantalizing. Coming off a 9-TD season with the Aggies, he might slot in as a perfect complement to an interesting group at New Highmark Stadium.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah)
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This pick simply makes a bundle of sense for the San Francisco 49ers.
San Fran is reportedly trying to work something out with LT Trent Williams, but thinking ahead is wise anyway. Caleb Lomu is a smooth operator in space who’s still a little rough around the edges regarding fundamentals. This is a hand-in-glove fit at 27th overall.
28. Houston Texans: Emmanuel Pregnon (OG, Oregon)
Flipping sides from Mock 1.0, the Houston Texans invest in the offensive trenches here. Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon had tremendous agility scores during the pre-draft process and also has 97th-percentile hands and a 94th-percentile 82” wingspan. He’s an experienced guard prospect who may not offer a ton of upside, but the floor could be nice for a contender.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
DC Steve Spagnuolo and GM Brett Veach double-dip on defense in round one, landing Tennessee CB Colton Hood at No. 29. Hood is a Chiefs-style corner who can disrupt timing at the line of scrimmage and also use his physicality and straight-line athleticism throughout routes. There will be an adjustment period for him in the NFL, but he’s a good scheme fit.
30. Miami Dolphins: Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that even with a hamstring injury hurting his pre-draft runway, Avieon Terrell remains the pick for the Dolphins at No. 30. His technique and fluidity make him a potential first-round pick, as does his willingness to factor into the run game.
31. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)
It’s a different Clemson trenches player going to the New England Patriots in Mock 2.0. This simulation involves Parker, who lit up the circuit with a 4.68-second 40-yard dash. A lack of great short-range explosiveness and overall twitch could put a damper on his ceiling, but the reigning AFC champs need win-now levels of talent.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame)
Having lost RB Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs and with Zach Charbonnet recovering from a significant knee injury, this is more of a need-based reach than anything else.
Despite not having many picks to work with, the Seattle Seahawks address a pressing concern by adding Jadarian Price. The backup to Love at Notre Dame is a walking big play and can catch passes out of the backfield; he’ll play a complementary role again.
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Make 2026 NFL Draft Predictions on PrizePicks
Well over 200 prospects will hear their names called in the 2026 NFL Draft, but only 32 can come off the board in the first round. Regardless of who you’re hoping your favorite team lands, you can start calling the shots now.
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