With summer scouting now over, it’s time for a much-anticipated article. Today, I’ll be going through my first mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft!
There are a couple of house rules. Arch Manning is not in this mock draft because every reliable inside source indicates that he will return to school for his fourth season of college football in 2027. Also, this mock is based on my own personal summer scouting board, not on the consensus board.
We will also be using the team order that is on PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator. Some of the pick alignments don’t make sense (like 31st and 32nd both being AFC teams), but we’re going to stick with it. Let’s get started!
1. New York Giants
Trevor Goosby - OT, Texas
The New York Giants kick off my 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 with the selection of Texas Longhorns OT Trevor Goosby. The Giants have holes all over their roster, but offensive tackle made the most sense here with my board.
This leaves Goosby as the choice, my fourth overall player and my OT1. Goosby is young and hasn’t played a great deal of college football, but the tape he showed when he stepped in for an injured Kelvin Banks late in the 2024 season was, frankly, dominant. He’s a freaky athlete with a lot of power in his punch, and I expect him to break out in 2025.
2. Cleveland Browns
Cade Klubnik - QB, Clemson
The Cleveland Browns are now on the clock, and they’ll select their franchise quarterback by drafting Clemson Tigers QB Cade Klubnik. The Browns had quite the interesting offseason with their quarterback room, and I’m not the biggest believer in either of the Browns' 2025 quarterback selections, Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel, long-term.
Enter Klubnik, my 11th overall player and my QB1, to take the keys to Cleveland’s franchise. The Clemson product is athletic, smart, and possesses all the arm talent and accuracy to succeed at the next level.
3. Tennessee Titans
Jordyn Tyson - WR, Arizona State
The Tennessee Titans conclude the top three with the selection of Arizona State Sun Devils WR Jordyn Tyson. The Titans’ EDGE room is rather barren, but I chose to give new franchise quarterback Cam Ward a true WR1 to complement Calvin Ridley, as well as their pair of rookie receivers in Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike.
Tyson, my fifth overall player and WR1, can absolutely be a true X in Tennessee’s scheme. His ability to constantly create separation, win contested catches, and pile up yards after the catch give him an all-around skillset that the Titans are searching for.
4. New York Jets
Fernando Mendoza - QB, Indiana
The New York Jets are up with the fourth pick, and they’ll select Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza. Justin Fields is a short-term option in all likelihood, and with that in mind, I believe they’ll look to get their guy under center, and it comes in the form of Mendoza.
Mendoza, my 13th overall player and QB2, is a prototypical pocket passer with great size and excellent arm talent. He’s a surgeon as a processor and is accurate to all three levels of the field. He lacks some of the athleticism and pocket feel that you may like in a top-five quarterback selection, but he can still extend some plays.
5. New Orleans Saints
LaNorris Sellers - QB, South Carolina
The New Orleans Saints round out the top five with the selection of South Carolina Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers. The Saints quarterback room is a mess as they continue to search for the next franchise guy, and I have them taking a home run swing on Sellers.
Sellers is my 37th overall player and my QB3, so I’m not as high on him as others, but quarterbacks always get pushed up the board with how many teams are in search of the next great. Sellers has a lot to clean up, but he has the highest ceiling of any player in this class with his combination of arm talent and athleticism.
6. Carolina Panthers
Rueben Bain Jr. - EDGE, Miami FL
The Carolina Panthers are up next, and they’ll select Miami Hurricanes EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. Carolina may have the worst starting EDGE duo in the NFL, but they do have a couple of fun rookie pass rushers in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. Still, Bain Jr. has all the makings of a future number one pass rusher.
Bain Jr., my third overall player and my EDGE1, has an interesting build for an EDGE at 6’3” and 275 pounds, but his explosion and power are unmatched in this class. He plays like a bull in a china shop, and hopefully, he can put together a healthy 2025.
7. Las Vegas Raiders
Peter Woods - DT, Clemson
The Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock, and they’ll select Clemson Tigers DT Peter Woods. Las Vegas’s DT room is, honestly, dreadful after the departure of Christian Wilkins, and if Woods is still on the board here, they should sprint the draft card to the table.
Woods, my top overall player and DT1, is an explosive athlete who possesses unreal power and strength. His advanced play as a run defender and pass rusher makes him an easy prospect to like and a slam dunk pick here at seventh overall.
8. Indianapolis Colts
Garrett Nussmeier - QB, LSU
The Indianapolis Colts are next up, and they’ll take another swing at a quarterback in the form of LSU Tigers QB Garrett Nussmeier. Yet another mess of a quarterback room, and a possible regime change throughout the staff and front office, a Nussmeier would be a solid starting point for a new regime.
I’m not nearly as high on Nussmeier as consensus, as he’s my 55th overall player and QB4, but with the understanding of quarterbacks rocketing up the board, I could see Nussmeier being the Colts’ move. He’s an old-school gunslinger in every sense of the term. If he can clean up some of the turnovers and accuracy, he’ll be a lot higher on my final big board.
9. Dallas Cowboys
Jeremiyah Love - RB, Notre Dame
The Dallas Cowboys select Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love. Dallas may have the worst running back room in the NFL in 2025, and they can immediately fix that by selecting a blue-chip running back.
Love is my sixth overall player and my RB1. The athletic juice he brings is unbelievable, and his vision and shiftiness really allow that to shine. If he can stay healthy in 2025, I don’t see any reason he shouldn’t be picked in the top half of the 2026 first round.
10. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
Makai Lemon - WR, USC
Concluding the top 10, the Cleveland Browns are back on the clock with the selection they gained from the trade with Jacksonville that landed the Jaguars Travis Hunter this past draft. Cleveland will select USC Trojans WR Makai Lemon to help their earlier selection of Klubnik.
Lemon, my ninth overall player and WR2, would turn Cleveland’s group of weapons into a dangerous group. Lemon is my pick for the best route runner in the entire draft, and his ability to play through contact at his size is insanely impressive.
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11. Seattle Seahawks
Spencer Fano - OL, Utah
The Seattle Seahawks are now on the clock, and they’ll select Utah Utes OT Spencer Fano. Whether he ends up as a tackle or a guard, Fano would be a slam-dunk pick for the Seahawks, even after the great selection of OL Grey Zabel this past draft.
Fano, my eighth overall player and OT2, is easily the best OL athlete in this class; he moves like a tight end. His tenacity in the run game is unreal, and he absolutely displaces defenders. He lacks some length, so he may have to kick inside, but he’d be awesome anywhere on the offensive line.
12. New England Patriots
Caleb Downs - S, Ohio State
Next up, the New England Patriots select Ohio State Buckeyes S Caleb Downs. I debated giving Drake Maye a weapon or an offensive lineman, but with Downs still on the board, this feels like a pick that new head coach Mike Vrabel would pound the table for.
Downs, my 15th overall player and S1, may be the smartest player in this class. His versatility as a deep safety, box safety, and nickel defender would make him an instant dynamite chess piece for Vrabel’s defense.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)
Jermod McCoy - CB, Tennessee
The Los Angeles Rams are now up with the selection they gained from the Atlanta Falcons when the Falcons traded up for James Pearce Jr. this past draft. In need of cornerback help, the Rams draft Tennessee Volunteers CB Jermod McCoy.
McCoy, my seventh overall player and CB1, is coming off an ACL tear in January of 2025, so it may be a few games before he takes the field for the Vols this season, but wow, his tape is impressive. He has the best agility of any cornerback in this class, and he can mirror just about any receiver in the country. Combine that with his excellent ball skills, and I think he’s an easy selection for LA to make.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Noah Thomas - WR, Georgia
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock, and they’ll select Georgia Bulldogs WR Noah Thomas. Pittsburgh is still in need of receiver help, even after the addition of DK Metcalf, and Thomas would be an excellent selection here.
Thomas, my 16th overall player and WR3, is an athletic freak at his size. His ability to change direction without losing speed is unbelievable, and he’s a monster at the catch point. If he can be slightly more productive this season, I’m confident that he can end up in this range of the first round.
15. Miami Dolphins
Olaivavega Ioane - G, Penn State
Rounding out the top 15, the Miami Dolphins turn in the card for Penn State Nittany Lions G Olaivavega Ioane. Miami’s offensive line has been a problem, to say the least, the past couple of seasons, and this pick absolutely bolsters a major need.
Ioane, my 12th overall player and IOL1, packs a punch and might be the strongest offensive lineman in this class. He’s also an athletic freak at his size, and can absolutely move enough to be a dominant run blocker in Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
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16. Chicago Bears
T.J. Parker - EDGE, Clemson
At the midpoint of the draft, the Chicago Bears select Clemson Tigers EDGE T.J. Parker. EDGE is a big need for Chicago outside of Montez Sweat, and this pick would give the Bears a dynamite pass rush duo.
Parker, my 10th overall player and my EDGE2, isn’t some mind-blowing, bendy athlete. What he does possess is powerful acceleration into the chests of offensive linemen. He may have the most refined pass rush plan so far in this class.
17. Arizona Cardinals
Kadyn Proctor - OT, Alabama
The Arizona Cardinals are now on the clock, and they select Alabama Crimson Tide OT Kadyn Proctor. Young Cardinals left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. has taken incremental steps towards being a stud-level left tackle. Jonah Williams is a fine player at right tackle, but Proctor would be a sizable upgrade theoretically.
Proctor, my 25th overall player and my OT3, absolutely has to shed some of his weight; there’s no reason he should be 370 pounds. Yet, he’s still a nimble athlete and possesses the power and grip strength that NFL organizations dream of.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Caleb Banks - DT, Florida
Up next, the Minnesota Vikings select Florida Gators DT Caleb Banks. Minnesota’s defensive tackle room has some aging veterans in the form of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Injecting some youth in the form of Banks would help Vikings’ DC Brian Flores’ unit continue to wreak havoc.
Banks, my second overall player and DT2, has unreal movement ability at his size. His getoff and twitch, combined with his hand usage, make him a dynamite pass rusher from any alignment. He isn’t any slouch against the run, either.
19. Denver Broncos
Connor Lew - C, Auburn
Concluding the teens range of this mock draft, the Denver Broncos select Auburn Tigers C Connor Lew. Denver is a very well-rounded team, but center is a position they could stand to upgrade.
Lew, my 21st overall player and my IOL2, is about as athletic as you’ll see at the center position. He’s not a people mover and needs to get stronger, but his accuracy at the second level of the defense as a run blocker blew me away.
20. Houston Texans
Bryce Foster - C, Kansas
The Houston Texans begin the 20s by selecting Kansas Jayhawks C Bryce Foster. Houston could use help at just about every offensive line position, but Foster made the most sense here.
Foster, my 23rd overall player and my IOL3, has more than enough athleticism and strength to be a high-level NFL center. What jumped out to me the most was his IQ in pass protection. His ability to recognize pass rush stunts instantly displays his elite feel for the game.
21. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Keith Abney II - CB, Arizona State
The Dallas Cowboys are up next with the selection from the Green Bay Packers following the Micah Parsons trade. I have them selecting Arizona State CB Keith Abney II. While a case can definitely be made for EDGE here, with Trevon Diggs’s up-and-down play as of late, I chose to dip into the cornerback pool
Abney II, my 17th overall player and CB2, is a feisty and smart outside corner with admirable technique. His fluidity in coverage, along with his ball skills, make him a desirable option for cornerback-needy teams.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keldric Faulk - EDGE, Auburn
Next on the clock, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Auburn Tigers EDGE Keldric Faulk. Tampa Bay hit on their Yaya Diaby selection a couple of years ago, and I liked their David Walker selection this past draft, but the rest of their EDGE room could use some work.
Faulk, my 14th overall player and EDGE3, is raw as a pass rusher, but his ceiling is mighty high. He brings high-floor run defense, great length, and a great first step to the table. If he can refine his pass rush plan, he could be a top 10 pick.
23. Los Angeles Chargers
Francis Mauigoa - OL, Miami FL
The Los Angeles Chargers are on the clock next, and they’ll select Miami Hurricanes OT Francis Mauigoa. I project a move to guard at the next level for Mauigoa, which would give Jim Harbaugh and co. arguably a top 10 offensive line.
Mauigoa, my 33rd-ranked player and OT5, is a solid all-around player. He’s athletic and has been productive in both the run and the pass. However, even with his athleticism, I think he loses in too many ways in space at tackle, which would make a move to guard a positive one in my opinion.
24. Washington Commanders
Matayo Uiagalelei - EDGE, Oregon
Next up, the Washington Commanders select Oregon Ducks EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei. Washington’s EDGE group is aging and in need of some youth, and I think Uiagalelei is the perfect fit for Dan Quinn’s defense.
Uiagalelei, my 26th overall player and EDGE4, showed a lot of promise as a true sophomore. While a productive pass rusher, it involved a lot of clean-up sacks, and he still needs to improve his pass rush plan in one-on-one situations. Still, his frame, plus athleticism, and ability as a run defender make him a solid selection for the Commanders here.
25. Cincinnati Bengals
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - S, Toledo
The Cincinnati Bengals are up, and they’ll select Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The Bengals need help all over the defense, and McNeil-Warren makes the most sense here. Hopefully in this scenario, Cincinnati would have no problems signing their first round pick to their rookie deal.
McNeil-Warren, my 18th overall player and S2, is a tall, rangy athlete who can cover ground in a hurry. His instant acceleration, IQ in deep zone, and ability to high point the football in contested situations make him a highly intriguing option for any defensive coordinator.
26. Los Angeles Rams
Isaiah World - OT, Oregon
The Los Angeles Rams are next, and they’ll fill out the card for Oregon Ducks OT Isaiah World. With the aging Rob Havenstein on the right and the injury-riddled Alaric Jackson on the left, the Rams should be in the market for an offensive tackle with their second selection.
World, my 29th overall player and my OT4, has a “first off the bus” type build, and is an absolute freak at his size, playing with solid leverage as well. If he continues to improve his hand usage and prove himself against better competition, he could be a top half of the first round type of prospect.
27. Detroit Lions
Anthony Lucas - EDGE, USC
The Detroit Lions slot in next, and they’ll take USC Trojans EDGE Anthony Lucas. Detroit could use some more pass-rush juice opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and Lucas has the chance to be just that.
Lucas, my 27th overall player and EDGE5, may be my biggest projection of summer scouting. He pressured the quarterback a ton, but has zero career sacks, so this is maybe even more extreme than the Shemar Stewart situation. Still, he’s as athletic as anyone else his size and shows some really advanced flashes that I’m betting on big time.
28. San Francisco 49ers
Dillon Thieneman - S, Oregon
The San Francisco 49ers are on the clock, and they’ll select Oregon Ducks safety Dillon Thieneman. The argument could be made for offensive line to be the pick here, but I think their safety room is in dire need of talent.
Thieneman, my 24th overall player and S3, is an instinctive and versatile safety. I think he’s a little stiff as an athlete, but he has range vertically and has excellent IQ in zone coverage.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Cashius Howell - EDGE, Texas A&M
The Kansas City Chiefs conclude the 20s as they select Texas A&M Aggies EDGE Cashius Howell. The Chiefs have arguably the best defensive player in football in Chris Jones, but their EDGE room could use an injection of athletic ability.
Howell, my 28th overall player and EDGE6, is an electric athlete off the edge and may have the best spin move I’ve ever seen. He’s still a work in progress against the run, but taking a chance on an elite athlete with the high-end reps Howell has shown would be good process by the Chiefs here.
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Will Lee - CB, Texas A&M
As we approach the end of the first round, the Philadelphia Eagles select Texas A&M Aggies CB Will Lee III. It’s very hard to find a hole on Philly’s roster, but the outside starting corner job opposite Quinyon Mitchell (and with Cooper DeJean in the slot) is a place they could improve.
Lee III, my 22nd overall player and my CB3, is the typical size plus speed corner. He possesses great length and quick feet, which allow him to cover a lot of space and blanket defenders. It wouldn’t be difficult for me to envision him being a future Pro Bowler in that scheme with that supporting cast.
31. Baltimore Ravens
Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
At 31st overall, the Baltimore Ravens call for Utah Utes OT Caleb Lomu. Baltimore is another roster that is hard to find a glaring weakness on, outside of maybe wide receiver. Yet, I chose to go the offensive tackle route with the injury history of Ravens OT Ronnie Stanley.
Lomu, my 38th overall player and OT6, showed a lot of promise at just 19 years old last season. He’s a plus athlete with solid technique in pass protection. If he continues to add weight and get stronger, he’s absolutely a guy that will rise up my big board.
32. Buffalo Bills
Kamari Ramsey - S, USC
Concluding this mock draft, the Buffalo Bills select USC Trojans safety Kamari Ramsey. Safety is a position that Buffalo could stand to improve, and they look to do so with the selection of Ramsey.
Ramsey, my 34th overall player and S4, has elite range as a deep safety and has versatility as a nickel defender as well. His ability to close and make plays on the ball would be a welcome sight for the backend of the Bills’ defense.
Final Thoughts
And that concludes my first 2026 NFL Mock Draft. This was an awesome summer scouting process, and I can’t wait to continue to dive into these prospects as they play this fall.