The 2026 NFL draft is later today, taking place in Pittsburgh from Thursday, April 23, to Saturday, April 25. The next college stars look to start their careers in the pros next fall. This draft looks to be one of the most athletic groups of players in a while. Most notably, most groups set the record for fastest 40-yard times at the NFL Scouting Combine in late February.
Now, to the NFL mock draft.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The 2026 Heisman Trophy winner and national championship-winning quarterback has emerged as the consensus number 1 pick for the Raiders. Fernando Mendoza’s leadership ability stands out among other prospects in this draft; there are almost no problems with him. When he is called to make a big-time play, he will make that play. Especially, the game-winning run late in the fourth quarter of the national championship.
The Raiders’ offseason was helped by building around him with the signings of center Tyler Linderbaum, wide receiver Jailen Nailor, and guard Spencer Buford. The Raiders also have other key playmakers in Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.
2. New York Jets – LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
The Jets need a player who can bring a different sense of physicality to the team, and that is what Arvell Reese is all about. An absolute game changer for the Buckeyes this past college season, either rushing the quarterback or defending the run. Reese absolutely lit up the NFL Scouting Combine, putting up numbers that linebackers cannot do. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and impressed in the on-field drills, also measuring in at 6-foot-4, 231 pounds. The Jets will have a fun time using Reese next season.
3. Arizona Cardinals – OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
The Cardinals certainly need a lot of talent to fill out the roster, but drafting Francis Mauigoa can help solidify a dominant tackle he will become. Mauigoa is a bully in the run game and is regarded as one of, if not the best, tackles in this draft. His ability to push back defenders and create holes for his running back stands out on his tape. Francis is also great at moving out in open space and climbing to the second level in screen plays and outside zone runs.
4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Adding Jeremiyah Love to the Titans will be a home run pick; he is a game-changing type of player. The Heisman finalist and Doak Walker winner will give 100 percent effort on every play. If breaking tackles, protecting the quarterback, and his playmaking ability are key reasons why he’s a top prospect in this draft. In three seasons, Love had 2,882 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns on 433 attempts, also adding six receiving touchdowns. At the combine, he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash and showcased his agility in the drills.
5. New York Giants – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Safeties rarely go in the top five of the draft, but for Caleb Downs, it is a different story. The Giants already have Javon Holland, and plugging Downs into the defense will be scary for opposing offenses. His intelligence and instincts on the field set him apart from other prospects in this draft. Watching him play this season, his open-field tackling stood out. On top of that, he can also defend the pass well – you can put him on tight ends, wide receivers, or running backs, and he will shut them down.
6. Cleveland Browns – OT Spencer Fano, Utah
The Browns have lost their whole offensive line this offseason and can start regrouping by taking Spencer Fano. The nation’s best interior lineman allowed zero sacks all season. He can get out into space and get up the field to block. With a talented backfield behind him in Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, they will benefit from having to run behind him. Fano can be played as a swing tackle or even inside at guard.
7. Washington Commanders – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
The talk of the offseason has been about Ohio State’s linebacker, Sonny Styles. The kid is an absolute freak of nature. At the combine, he ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and had a 43.5-inch vertical. On the field, he missed one tackle all season for the Buckeyes. Styles is a very good downhill runner and can fill the gaps well. As a former safety, he can cover well in pass.
8. New Orleans Saints – EDGE Ruben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
The Saints lost Cameron Jordan this offseason and look to replace him with a talented edge rusher. Rueben Bain Jr. is a scary sight for linemen, showcasing dominant pass-rush ability. The narrative of his short arms is just false, as he proved all season why he is a top 10 pick. He can bully you or use his athleticism to get to the quarterback. Put him in run downs, and he also excels in getting into the backfield, making TFLs.
9. Kansas City Chiefs – EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
The Chiefs missing the playoffs and getting a top ten pick is not what many expected before the season. With that, they can add a gifted player in David Bailey. The nation’s leader in sacks and pressures is a dog. Bailey possesses 4.50 speed and shows it in his explosive pass rushes. He has a lethal spin move and a quick burst off the line. The last time a Texas Tech talent went to the Chiefs, we all know what happened.
10. New York Giants – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
The Giants continue to upgrade their secondary and, hopefully, find a true No. 1 cornerback. Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane is a physical defensive back in coverage with great play instincts. He has great closing speed, especially running a 4.34-4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day. Delane doesn’t shy away from being physical in the run game, posting a 74.4 run defense grade by PFF.
11. Miami Dolphins – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Dolphins lost Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle this offseason and desperately needed a wide receiver. Carnell Tate, another potential first-rounder from Ohio State, is a route technician. He is smooth in his routes and has quick feet. Tate is also 6-foot-3 and can go up and haul it in, deep down the field. Even in the running game, Tate can put in a block.
12. Dallas Cowboys – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman is the typical run-stopping, ball-hawking safety that teams want. The Purdue transfer was a crucial part of Oregon’s success on the defensive side this past season, totaling 92 tackles, five pass deflections, and two interceptions. You can play him in the box or at deep safety, showing his versatility for teams this upcoming draft.
13. Los Angeles Rams – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Monroe Freeling, the 6-foot-7 tackle from Charleston, is an absolute force in protection and can be the reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford’s bodyguard. He is a brick wall and doesn’t get moved often, allowing one sack all year. Considering his big frame, Freeling can move well into space. He will surely be one name teams cannot pass up.
14. Baltimore Ravens – OG Vega Ioane, Penn State
The best guard talent in the draft, Vega Ioane, can complete the Ravens’ offensive line. A mauler in the run game for Penn State this past season. Putting him in front of Derrick Henry will be scary for opposing teams. He is an elite pass blocker, too, allowing zero sacks and QB hits, per PFF. The Ravens should look no further and not pass on Ioane.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami (FL)
The other stud edge rusher from Miami is a tackle’s worst nightmare. Ahkeem Mesidor was a sixth-year senior, as some argue that is a concern, but that is not true because he has proven himself throughout his college career. He has a fiery burst off the line and is also very physical. The EDGE can convert that speed to power well. Buccaneers’ fans should not be upset if they draft Mesidor.
16. New York Jets – WR Makai Lemon, USC
The 2025 Biletnikoff winner is a fun prospect to watch. Malaki Lemon is a slot receiver and has that “got it” factor. Lemon rarely drops the ball, posting a 2.8% career drop rate. Get him the ball in space, and he will make a play. A polished route runner of a veteran, he has the physicality to win a 50/50 ball. Pairing him with Garrett Wilson can help this offense thrive with the talent they bring.
17. Detroit Lions – OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Already having one of the best tackles in the league in Penei Sewell, getting another top tackle across from him can put the Lions among the best units across the league. Proctor is a bully in protection, always wanting to finish his reps. He has violent hands and a good anchor. You can even get him the ball, as Alabama had plays for him in the red zone. Don’t let the Lions see this, because we already know they use offensive linemen in creative ways.
18. Minnesota Vikings – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy is one of the best corners in this draft. A physical back in coverage, he loves to get into receivers’ faces. Alongside his physicality, he has a 4.37–4.38 speed in his game. At his pro day, McCoy jumped a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-feet-7-inch broad jump. This translates to the gridiron. He had four interceptions and nine pass deflections in 2024. McCoy did not play this past season because of a torn ACL in 2025.
19. Carolina Panthers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
A unicorn, some might say, Kenyon Sadiq is unlike any tight end we have seen. He broke the 40-yard dash tight end record at the Combine with a 4.39 time. Sadiq plays with a different toughness, able to beat anyone who matches up with him or even in blocking. He has the route running of a wide receiver, so don’t put a linebacker on him. Getting him on this offense with Bryce Young and Tet McMillan is an out-of-the-park type pick.
20. Dallas Cowboys – EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
The second first-round pick the Cowboys have this draft, which should be used on a defensive player. Keldric Faulk is regarded as one of the best run-stopping edge rushers in this draft, which is why he lives in the backfield. Faulk has a big frame at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, and uses it perfectly to disrupt plays. His pass-rushes don’t stand out, but they can be developed.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
The other first-round tackle on the Utes, Caleb Lomu, is a unit. Lomu is a rock in pass protection and has strong hands. He can move out into space well, considering his big size at 6-foot-6, 304 pounds. Whether or not Aaron Rodgers returns next season, their next quarterback will be pleased to have him on his line.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Peter Woods is a force in the middle of the line, making plays in pass or run downs. He is a quicker defensive tackle than most, running a 4.75 40-yard dash. Clemson has shown his versatility playing him at nose tackle, 3-technique (on the outside shoulder of guards), or even at EDGE. In his three years at Clemson, Woods had 13 TFLs and 5.0 sacks.
23. Philadelphia Eagles – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
With the departure of Reed Blankenship to the Texans in free agency, the Eagles look to replace him in this draft. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a baller and loves to create turnovers. This past season, he had two interceptions and three forced fumbles. McNeil-Warren has great play instincts and reads the field well. He can play at deep safety, in the box, or at nickel, which shows his ability to play everywhere on defense.
24. Cleveland Browns – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
The Browns may have their future in Shedeur Sanders at quarterback, and they need weapons for him down the field. Jordyn Tyson is an explosive receiver with a quick release. He has quick routes and great run-after-the-catch ability. Get him the ball, and he’ll make something happen. Tyson has very good hands, posting a low 1.6% drop percentage in 2025.
25. Chicago Bears – EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson
TJ Parker isn’t the type of player who will make you jump out of your seat, but he is the player who keeps a defense on schedule. He is a bigger edge rusher and excels in stopping the run. Parker has long arms, which allow him to have stronger bull rushes. He can be a great complement on the other side of the line to Montez Sweat.
26. Buffalo Bills – EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell is one of the best edge rushers in the country. The Bowling Green transfer was a problem this past season, having 11.5 sacks and 14.5 TFLs. He is an explosive player off the edge, and at the combine, he ran a sub-4.6 40-yard dash. Howell could be an exciting player for teams next fall, and certainly if the Bills get him.
27. San Francisco 49ers – OT Blake Miller, Clemson
The 49ers have a hole to fill at left tackle, which is why Blake Miller should be their guy. The 6-foot-7 tackle is a warrior and a tank, as he started 54 consecutive games. He has great power in his blocking and is a people mover. The Niners already have Trent Williams, so learning under him can greatly benefit Miller.
28. Houston Texans – DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
The Texans now have one of the best defensive units in the league, but adding Kayden McDonald will make them better. The big nose tackle is an absolute unit in the run game, clogging up the interior. He was the highest-ranked run defender on PFF by a defensive lineman, 92.0. McDonald is also a decent pass rusher and can bring the juice against the center.
29. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Avieon Terrell is the younger brother of AJ Terrell, the Falcons’ lockdown corner. After trading away Trent McDuffie to the Rams, the Chiefs look to replace him. Aveion Terrell is a very physical player in coverage, as Steve Spagnuolo loves these types of corners. He loves to bump receivers off the line to gain leverage. In the run game, he won’t be afraid to make a tackle.
30. Miami Dolphins – CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Colton Hood is a very smart, instinctive player. He covers ground quickly and reads quarterbacks’ eyes well. In pass coverage, he is physical and doesn’t get beaten often. That physicality also translates into the run game. He’s got top athleticism, showing off at the combine with his 4.44 40-yard dash and 40.5-inch vertical.
31. New England Patriots – DT Caleb Banks, Florida
Caleb Banks is 6-foot-6, 327 pounds, so you just know the dude is a gamer. The Super Bowl runner-ups need a big boy to infiltrate the middle and stop the run. Banks does not care if there is a guy in front of him because he will run you over. Getting him on Mike Vrabel’s team will be a match made in heaven for Banks.
32. Seattle Seahawks – CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
The Seahawks lost Riq Woolen in free agency and have priorities to replace him. Brandon Cisse is a beast all over the field, specifically in run-stopping. He earned an 89.2 run-defense grade by PFF this past season. In his pass coverage, he is a sticky defender who hardly gets beaten. Like Hood, he too is an athletic defender. At the combine and pro day, he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash, jumped 41 inches, and 10-feet-11-inches in the broad jump.
The post 2026 NFL Mock Draft by a Gen Z journalist appeared first on ClutchPoints.
