Over half the NFL is now turning its attention toward the offseason and the draft. Nate Tice and Charles McDonald provide some answers to their needs.
The 2025 NFL regular season is in the books! That means 18 teams are looking forward to the 2026 NFL Draft, among other notable offseason events. Who should your team target? We take our latest shots right here.
In this mock draft, Charles McDonald makes the odd-numbered picks, and Nate Tice makes the even. Draft order via Tankathon.
More 2026 NFL mock drafts: 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0
1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders need a quarterback. Fernando Mendoza is the best quarterback in the draft. Easy. Mendoza fits the profile of a top-10 pick with his ability to run the offense at a high level, strong arm talent and enough mobility to keep plays alive under duress. No one is confusing him for a Drake Maye- or Josh Allen-level athlete, but he’s not the stiff many have made him out to be. This is a fine and logical pick for the Raiders.
2. New York Jets — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
It is still not 100% that Moore is even declaring for this year’s draft, but in this exercise he’s entered his name. Moore has shown much improvement this year, he’s accurate and can put the ball where he wants when kept clean. He’s a solid athlete and can create enough as a player, but he’s best when operating from the pocket and on plays he has spent time on. Moore could stand to add some bulk to his frame (listed 6-foot-3, 206 pounds), but a strong finish to the season could encourage the Jets to take a chance as a player to build around with their young offensive line.
3. Arizona Cardinals — Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Depending on what the Jets (and Dante Moore) decide to do, this could be a quarterback pick, but if not, the Cardinals should just run to turn this card in and take the best defensive player in the draft in Arvell Reese. Reese is an explosive, violent defender with tremendous upside as a long-term front seven player for the Cardinals. He won’t alleviate every problem this team has, but it’s a great start.
4. Tennessee Titans — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Titans could stand to move back in this draft to accumulate as many selections as possible to build out their roster around Cam Ward and Jeffery Simmons. Here they select Tate, a player that can be both a safety net and big play-option for Ward. Tate has length and excellent hand-eye coordination which gives him a large catching radius, especially near the sidelines and in the red zone. His strides eat up ground and his route running has added real polish this season, opening up his ability to attack at all three levels. There are a lot of flavors of wide receivers this year at the top of the draft (Denzel Boston, Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon) and beyond. Tate’s all-around game and QB-friendliness seems like a natural pairing with the dynamic Ward.
5. New York Giants — Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Giants have fallen out the range to consider a quarterback, which it was reported they might do, but they still need several upgrades on offense. With Malik Nabers coming back from injury in the fall, offensive tackle makes a ton of sense here.
6. Cleveland Browns — Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami (FL)
There are a dearth of quarterback options in this year’s draft class, so the Browns attention turns to another dire position of need: offensive line. Mauigoa might have been the most consistent offensive lineman of this year’s class, at least among players that entered the season highly regarded. While I do think Mauigoa would be best at guard at the next level, he’s more than earned the right to start out at tackle. The Browns are about to need both, so perfect.
7. Washington Commanders — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
Washington desperately needs to get younger and more explosive in the front seven, and gets a gift with Rueben Bain Jr. falling to the seventh pick. There have been concerns about Bain’s arm length and how that will affect him in the NFL, but he’s got the build and athleticism to physically bully offensive tackles off the edge. He’d be a perfect fit in Dan Quinn’s front that will ask him to play with aggression.
8. New Orleans Saints — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy didn’t even play a snap this year while he recovered from a knee injury at the end of the 2024 season, but he still has a chance of being the first cornerback taken in this year’s class. The Saints could look at a few positions, and an edge like David Bailey or Keldric Faulk is tempting, but outside cornerback stood out as a position that needs to be addressed this offseason. There are a few options in discussion here, but McCoy brings true No. 1 upside because of his size and twitchiness (at least pre-injury) and would represent the potential to add a needle-moving type player in the defensive back room.
9. Kansas City Chiefs — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Chiefs can go a lot of ways with this pick, but here they take the best player in the draft in Caleb Downs, who plays a position of need anyways. Downs’ versatility and nose for the ball would be a perfect fit in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and he could be the instant impact defender Kansas City needs to shore up another run for the playoffs when Patrick Mahomes gets healthy.
10. Cincinnati Bengals — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Trey Hendrickson is a free agent and has seemed perennially unhappy in Cincinnati amidst constant disputes over his contract. And regardless, the Bengals need to add firepower to their front seven. Linebacker could be looked at here, but the Bengals decide to go with a Hendrickson replacement in Bailey, a flamethrower off the edge that is constantly attacking and moving toward the quarterback. Pressures and sacks are why Bailey was brought to Lubbock and why NFL teams will be interested in him, and while defending the run isn’t his calling card, he has improved in that area, too.
11. Miami Dolphins — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Miami’s defense had its moments this year, but the Dolphins don’t quite have the personnel to get over the hump yet and play good defense for an extended stretch. Their cornerback room still needs multiple upgrades and they can get a good one here with Mansoor Delane from LSU. Delane is a transfer from Virginia Tech that hit the ground running for LSU with a size and speed combination NFL teams will covet in man coverage prospects.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
While the thought of passing on a talented running back like Jeremiyah Love might be too much for Jerry Jones to handle, the Cowboys’ defense must add more talent this offseason. They currently don’t have a defensive coordinator, but Faulk’s versatility and strength against the run make him a fit regardless. Faulk is long, can hold up against the run, align at multiple spots, is young, and has developed more as a pass rusher this season, even if his box score numbers weren’t overwhelming. He can be more of a DeMarcus Lawrence replacement than Micah Parsons.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons) — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Rams use their first of two first-round picks on Sonny Styles to solidify their linebacker room. Styles has an element of speed and range to his game that the Rams could really use on defense, and he would give them a much sturdier front seven than the boom-or-bust one they have.
14. Baltimore Ravens — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
ANOTHER first-round wide receiver for the Ravens, but this one is different, I swear! Rather than another undersized speedy route runner like Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, or Hollywood Brown, Boston is an outside ball-winner that will instantly be a top red zone option for Lamar Jackson to work with. I’m higher on Boston than most, but I think he has real No. 1 receiver potential with juice to stretch the field (he was used as a punt returner at Washington at 6-foot-4) and the body control and route running to align anywhere. I can already picture Boston being Jackson’s best friend on extended plays.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Every position group on Tampa Bay’s defense could use an upgrade, but they get a strong cornerback prospect here in Avieon Terrell, younger brother of Falcons star cornerback, A.J. He can come in and make their blitz-happy defense a little more sound by giving them sticky coverage on the back end they’ve been missing.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts) — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Woods had an underwhelming final season at Clemson but it’s hard to not get excited about the flashes he has displayed throughout his career, this year included. Woods is strong enough to eat double-teams but also disruptive enough to get into the opponent’s backfield and create defensive explosives. That lets him stay on the field for all three downs for the defense and get wielded however the play-caller wants. Woods could still end up as one of the best defenders in this entire draft, a building block the Jets desperately need.
17. Detroit Lions — Vega Ioane, OL, Penn State
The Lions aren’t far from getting back to being NFC contenders, but they’ll need to get a bit more talented on their offensive line to have a more consistent offense to close out seasons and games. Vega Ioane from Penn State has the size and athleticism that Dan Campbell has grown to covet in his offensive linemen and fits their bruising style of play.
18. Minnesota Vikings — A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
The Vikings could add to any part of their defensive unit and I would understand. After signing defensive veterans Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to add some juice to their defensive line for 2025 (both are under contract for 2026, but also now north of 30 years old), the Vikings add a player in Washington that can be a literal and figurative building block for them. Washington has emerged as another defensive tackle in this class that can hold the point of attack in the run game and brings some dynamic ability to get into the opponent’s backfield. Pairing him with Jalen Redmond could create a fun interior duo that can be the tip of the spear for the Vikings’ defense for years to come.
19. Carolina Panthers — T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
The Panthers still need a ton of playmakers on both sides of the ball, but getting after the passer has been a huge problem for them. They start to attempt to alleviate that with the selection of athletic Clemson rusher T.J. Parker here.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers) — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Jerry Jones can breathe easy, because Love is still there for Dallas’ second selection! The Cowboys have a young and talented offensive line with quality coaching under Klayton Adams, who was able to turn the run game into a weapon in 2025. Love is a true first-round quality running back that can take any play to the house as a runner and receiver. Putting him behind the Cowboys’ line with a dangerous passing attack could make things go supernova on offense in Big D.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Makai Lemon, WR, USC
DK Metcalf’s recent suspension has shown the Steelers’ wide receiver room is way too thin. Getting another player who can get open on their own would go a long way for whoever is playing quarterback for this team next year. Makai Lemon would be an ideal secondary receiver across from Metcalf and give the Steelers a strong wide receiver room again for the first time in years.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Another quality defensive tackle in this year’s class, and it’s exactly what the Chargers need. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is able to get the most out of his coverages, but they have lacked the beef on the inside to hold up against the better run teams in the NFL, especially when Teair Tart isn’t on the field. McDonald would do just that: eat double-teams for his faster teammates to make plays and create more third-and-longs for Minter’s scheme to put the screws on opposing passing games.
23. Philadelphia Eagles — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Philadelphia needs to make another high-end investment at offensive tackle, even if it won’t pay off immediately. Lane Johnson isn’t going to play forever and flexibility at such an important position is how they were able to build this juggernaut over the past handful of seasons. Caleb Lomu is one of the top players in the draft with serious long-term upside as a tackle, and now they can stash him for a year or two.
24. Buffalo Bills — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyson could have a chance to be the No. 1 wide receiver taken (he’s fighting for that spot on my big board), but his injury history in college will give NFL teams concern about his long-term health at the next level. When on the field, Tyson is explosive with excellent body control to contort for throws away from him. He’s also can turn underneath throws into big plays with the ball in his hands. Tyson would give Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense a different flavor of playmaker in their pass-catching group of zone beaters.
25. Chicago Bears — Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
The Bears’ defense has been effective, but not consistent. That’s partially due to their defensive play, which has left a lot to be desired. Christen Miller had an up-and-down season for Georgia, but closed out strong and looks like a viable starter as an interior defender in the NFL.
Freeling still hasn’t officially declared, but I am keen on seeing his decision. In an offensive tackle class that has evaluations all over the place, Freeling’s excellent tools and growth this year has made him start to stand out more as the season went along. He is an explosive athlete with length that looks to have added real strength to his game, especially with his ability to anchor. He’s added real polish to his game, he’s cleaned up mistakes and his hand usage and pop on contact is way more consistent. Freeling could be a big riser throughout the process, and his overall athleticism would make him a perfect understudy for Trent Williams.
27. Houston Texans — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
This is a home run swing. Proctor has had a high-profile career going back to being a five-star recruit coming out of high school, but has some concerns about how he’ll handle NFL speed considering his playing weight is pushing 370. If he can figure out how to improve that part of his game, he does have the athletic ability to instantly become one of the most promising tackle prospects in the league.
28. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars) — Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
You think we’re done with the Browns’ offensive line? It’s slim pickings at the quarterback spot. Wide receiver could be looked at here, but why not just take an offensive line unit that had potential to be nuclearly bad in 2026 and inject some optimism going forward? Especially with Quinshon Judkins carrying the football behind it. Pregnon is an explosive blocker with light feet that could help shore up the interior of the pocket for whoever is playing quarterback for the Browns in the future.
29. Los Angeles Rams — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
A shiny toy for Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay to close out their second first-round pick. The Rams already have a couple talented tight ends in Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson, but Sadiq can be the true gamebreaking receiving threat that opens up another door for what’s already an elite offense.
30. New England Patriots — Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
Hunter is another transfer that has made an impact since he arrived in Lubbock. Hunter is massive but still has the light feet to beat offensive linemen at the snap of the ball and stay on the field on pass rushing downs. The Patriots’ run defense fell off as the season went along, and especially when Milton Williams (who has been worth every penny for New England) was sidelined with an injury. Hunter would help that out immediately with enough pass-rushing juice to impact the game on every down.
31. Denver Broncos — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Broncos could use a draft pick investment at middle linebacker for the long term can get the perfect fit for the personnel they already have in CJ Allen from Georgia. Allen has been a starter since his freshman season with a ton of experience in Kirby Smart’s defense. He might not be the fastest guy out there, but he’s tough, tackles well and keeps things in order.
32. Seattle Seahawks — KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a revelation this year as the focal point of the Seahawks’ passing attack, and has a real chance to win Offensive Player of the Year. But Seattle could still stand to add more juice to the wide receiver room for the future. Tory Horton has moments as a rookie, but also battled injuries (which were also a reason for his fall in the draft) and ended up on injured reserve. The Seahawks traded for Rashid Shaheed, who is explosive and while he has improved as a route runner, still fits more as an auxiliary option in a passing attack (and will be a free agent after this year). Concepcion adds a big-play element and more “real” wide receiving ability than you would think given his middling size. He plays big, is dynamic with the ball in his hands, and can also be used as a returner as well. The Seahawks have been explosive this year through the air, Concepcion turns the dial up even further.
Category: General Sports
