2026 NFL Mock Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, with a strong mix of quarterbacks, elite defensive talent, and explosive playmakers across the board. Teams are looking to solidify their futures, and several franchises in the top 10 are expected to make franchise-altering decisions. From legacy names like Arch Manning to rising stars on both sides of the ball, this class offers plenty of intrigue.

Here’s a quick breakdown of our projected first-round picks, with brief explanations for each selection.

Now let’s get to it!

UPDATED 5/6/25 (FIRST!)

1. New Orleans Saints – Arch Manning (QB, Texas)
A hometown hero story begins. The Saints roll the dice on legacy and upside to ignite a franchise reset.  Shough being there will not stop this selection if NO earns the top spot.

2. Tennessee Titans – Bear Alexander (DT, Oregon)
The top player in the portal last year and a consistent game changer brings another dominant force up front! Alexander brings power and explosiveness to Tennessee’s interior line.

3. Cleveland Browns – Drew Allar (QB, Penn State)
With quarterback uncertainty lingering, Allar’s arm talent and size make him an ideal future centerpiece. Yes they acquired a million QBs last year but you know the rule, when you have 2 quarterbacks you really have zero (5 in this case.)

4. New York Jets – Garrett Nussmeier (QB, LSU)
Nussmeier offers a mix of athleticism and grit that could finally stabilize the Jets’ quarterback carousel.  If Justin Fields cannot get NY to the playoffs then competition will very likely be drafted.

5. Cleveland Browns – Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn)
Back on the clock, Cleveland snags a high-motor edge rusher to strengthen their front seven.  This would be the guy traded for Travis Hunter, so he better be a difference maker!

6. New York Giants – Rueben Bain Jr. (DE, Miami)
No QB?  In this scenario the investment in Dart is too great to give up on after one year.  Rueben Bain’s relentless pass-rush ability gives the Giants another threat off the edge on a rookie contract.  Between Burns and Thibodeaux, someone is getting traded.

7. Carolina Panthers – Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
Arguably the top defensive back in the draft, Downs is a do-it-all playmaker for Carolina’s secondary.

8. Las Vegas Raiders – Suntarine Perkins (DE, Ole Miss)
The Raiders go after raw speed and pass-rushing upside to spark their new defensive identity.  You know Pete Carroll loves drafting players with elite physical traits.

9. Indianapolis Colts – LaNorris Sellers (QB, South Carolina)
In this scenario AR5 fails to produce the level of consistent play that the Colts envision, so they prepare to move on.  Indy continues their swings at quarterback, betting on Sellers’ dynamic dual-threat skill set.

10. New England Patriots – Kayden Proctor (OT, Alabama)
Another OL?  Why not.  Mike Vrabel never met a baller in the trenches he didn’t like.  Proctor helps shore up a struggling offensive line with elite size and strength at left tackle.

11. Seattle Seahawks – Nyck Harbor (WR, South Carolina)
Harbor is a terror on the College Football 25 video game, and if he produces in real life he will land as a top day pick.  A track-speed receiver with elite size, Harbor brings explosiveness to Seattle’s offense.  Just imagine Milroe and Harbor on the same team!

12. Los Angeles Rams – Kevin Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
Concepcion is a crisp route-runner with reliable hands—an ideal addition for Stafford’s (or his successor’s) arsenal.  We have him climbing up the boards as the season and process moves along.

13. Miami Dolphins – Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
McCoy adds physicality and ball skills to a secondary that’s aging and injury-prone.  Jalen Ramsey’s replacement?

14. Arizona Cardinals – Zachariah Branch (WR, Georgia)
Branch is a lightning-quick weapon in the slot, built for big plays and special teams impact.

15. Dallas Cowboys – Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
The Cowboys go trenches, grabbing a strong interior disruptor to anchor their defensive front.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers – Cade Klubnik (QB, Clemson)
Pittsburgh swings for upside at QB, hoping Klubnik can be the answer long-term.  In this scenario whoever starts for Pittsburgh in 25-26 is close to retirement.

17. Denver Broncos – Duce Robinson (WR, Florida State)
A massive target with TE-like size and WR fluidity, Robinson boosts Denver’s offensive options.  Bo Nix can never have enough options.

18. Chicago Bears – Matayo Uiagalelei (DE, Oregon)
Chicago targets versatility off the edge—Uiagalelei offers size, strength, and athleticism.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LT Overton (DT, Alabama)
Tampa adds youth and toughness to the defensive line with this powerful interior presence.

20. Minnesota Vikings – Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
Delane is a sticky cover corner with great instincts—just what Minnesota’s secondary needs.

21. Houston Texans – Christien Miller (DT, Georgia)
Another Georgia trench warrior—Miller fits perfectly in DeMeco Ryans’ defensive blueprint.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Daniel Harris (CB, Georgia)
Length, speed, and SEC-tested—Harris offers high-end cornerback potential in LA.

23. Los Angeles Rams – Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)
A mauler in the run game with room to grow in pass pro, Mauigoa protects the Rams’ future.

24. Green Bay Packers – Antonio Kite (CB, Auburn)
Kite brings a physical edge and strong coverage skills to reinforce the Packers’ defensive backfield.

25. Cincinnati Bengals – Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
A slasher with burst and pass-catching ability, Love injects fresh energy into Cincy’s backfield.

26. Washington Commanders – TJ Parker (DE, Clemson)
The Commanders reload their edge rotation with a powerful and polished rusher in Parker.

27. San Francisco 49ers – Harold Perkins Jr. (LB, LSU)
Perkins is an electric athlete who can fly sideline-to-sideline—classic 49ers defensive speed.

28. Detroit Lions – Elijah Pritchett (OT, Alabama)
Pritchett helps future-proof Detroit’s offensive line and offers flexibility at either tackle spot.

29. Buffalo Bills – Dilon Thieneman (S, Oregon)
A cerebral and explosive safety, Thieneman steps into a big role in Buffalo’s evolving secondary.

30. Baltimore Ravens – Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)
Tate gives Lamar Jackson another young, reliable wideout with clean routes and sticky hands.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Iapani Laloulu (OG, Oregon)
KC adds interior line muscle with this road-grading guard to keep Mahomes protected.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Jyaire Hill (CB, Michigan)
The Eagles get younger in the secondary with a long, athletic corner who can match up with top WRs.