2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Raiders take Fernando Mendoza, Steelers land Ty Simpson - NBC Sports
The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and with it, the anticipation for the future of each team is at an all-time high. But who will be the first to make their move? This mock draft takes a look at the potential first-round picks, with a focus on the teams that need the most help. From the Raiders' search for a long-term quarterback to the Steelers' need for a future franchise signal-caller, this draft is full of intrigue and potential.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Raiders have a clear need at quarterback, and Mendoza could be the answer. With his ability to attack down the field off of play action, he fits perfectly with Klint Kubiak's strategy. But is he the long-term solution the Raiders are looking for?
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
With Steve Wilks' departure, Aaron Glenn will take a more hands-on approach with the defense. The return of Karl Dunbar to the organization could hint at a shift towards a 3-4 look, making Bailey a strong contender. His first step, agility, and pursuit speed make him a force to be reckoned with.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
Arizona's roster is better than its 2025 season would suggest, but they need a game-changer on defense. Reese's tenacity, movement skills, and overall control stand out. While his pass rush plan is still a work in progress, his heavy hands and athleticism paint an optimistic future.
4. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The Titans' pass rushers are the engine of Robert Saleh's defenses, and he wants multiple styles at that spot. Bain Jr. would bring a heavyweight boxer who leaves blockers collecting themselves after each strike. With an abundance of cap space, Tennessee can allocate resources to help Cam Ward, making Bain Jr. a prime pick.
5. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Giants need to bolster their offensive line, and Mauigoa could be the answer. Whether at right tackle or guard, his play strength and anchor stood out in 2025, with notable improvement in pass protection. Wide receiver could be an option, but bringing back Wan'Dale Robinson could address that position later in the draft.
6. Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Browns need multiple selections on offense, given the state of their offensive line and wide receiver room. Tate's size, route running, and body control make him a perfect fit for the Todd Monken era, providing a No. 1 target on the outside.
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
With his size, range, and three-down ability, Styles has some of the best tape of any prospect in this draft. His speed would help get Dan Quinn's unit back on track, making him a valuable addition to the middle of the field.
8. New Orleans Saints: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Tyson's quick separation and control, along with his ability to climb the ladder in contested situations, make him a standout wide receiver. If not for injuries, he would likely be the first wide receiver off the board. Adding him to the Saints offense would create a real problem for opposing teams.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Patrick Mahomes took over as starting quarterback. Love is an all-scheme runner who creates his own yards, churns through contact, and can break an explosive gain on any given carry. His passion and exceptional play make him a standout prospect.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
Downs can help the Bengals' struggling defense in multiple areas. With his sixth sense and ability to match up down the field against tight ends, he's a top-five player in this draft. His instincts, football IQ, and physicality make him a future first-round pick.
11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
McCoy showed promise in 2024, despite missing all of last season due to an ACL tear. His athleticism and consistent plays on the ball make him a valuable addition to the Dolphins' cornerback room, which needs a makeover.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Delane is physical and sticky in coverage, projecting as a No. 1 corner at the next level. His game improved in 2025, and he arrives in the NFL with a resume of over 1,300 coverage snaps across four years. Strengthening the secondary is crucial in this division.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Lemon is a fascinating prospect, not very big or breakaway fast, but quick with tremendous ball skills. He thrives in the middle of the field out of the slot and would excel in Sean McVay's offense. With Davante Adams' age and injury history, Lemon could be a short-term spark and long-term solution as the No. 2 option.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Ioane has the size and strength the Ravens front office covets to stabilize their offensive line. He can stall power rushers and drive defenders in the run game, making him a plug-and-play starter at right guard.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Buccaneers need an edge pass rusher after the Haason Reddick signing fell flat. Howell, despite being an outlier in length, has impressive tape and production over the last three seasons. His twitchiness, flexibility, and big moves make him a strong contender.
16. New York Jets (via Colts): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Boston uses his big frame to shield defenders and plucks the ball out of the air, hauling in 20 touchdowns over the last two seasons. His mass, length, ball skills, and run blocking make him a valuable addition to the Jets' receiving room.
17. Detroit Lions: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Parker looked like a blossoming star in 2024 but struggled this season. However, his power rushing abilities and thick build make him a strong contender. A tandem of him and Aidan Hutchinson would strengthen the Lions' trenches.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
McDonald's size and raw strength would give the Vikings a run-stopping force at nose tackle. Running back Jeremiyah Love or one of the top cornerbacks falling here would be a dream for Minnesota, but McDonald is a strong option.
19. Carolina Panthers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Panthers have quietly improved their front seven, but they need an impact off-ball linebacker. Allen, a tenacious and high IQ leader, can help terrorize the run game, making him a valuable addition.
20. Dallas Cowboys (Via Packers): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Faulk is a jumbo-sized edge pass rusher with length. While he didn't shine in 2025, his strength and ability to control blockers make him a strong contender. At 20 years old, he's just beginning to tap into his potential.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Steelers need to plan for the future of the quarterback position beyond Aaron Rodgers. Simpson had a hot and cold season at Alabama, but his pre-snap IQ and intermediate throwing stood out. With a better run game and the potential to sit behind a veteran, he could be a first-round pick for a team looking for a franchise signal-caller.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Fano played both tackle spots in college, and his athleticism could make him a candidate to start at guard in Mike McDaniel's offense. With the return of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater at tackle, Fano could be a key addition to the interior, revitalizing the Chargers' offense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Eagles' offense has questions, with Dallas Goedert set to be a free agent and A.J. Brown showing signs of improvement. Sadiq is one of the best athletes at the tight end position, lethal off manufactured touches, and a dominant run-blocker. His demeanor and versatility make him a valuable addition.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars): Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
After securing a No. 1 wide receiver in Carnell Tate, the Browns shift their focus to the offensive line. Proctor, who could be a long-term home at guard, is a strong contender for this pick. Pairing him with Tate would give Todd Monken a strong foundation to build upon.
25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Woods was more dominant in 2024 than 2025, making him a strong contender for the Bears. His quick first step and ability to thrive in multiple alignments make him a disruptive force. Woods can disrupt by firing through gaps and shows power to work straight through interior blockers.
26. Buffalo Bills: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Golday is a rising star, having played every linebacker spot and even 488 snaps in the slot over the last two seasons. His physicality at the point of attack makes him a valuable addition to the Bills' front seven.
27. San Francisco 49ers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
With Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne pending free agents, and Brandon Aiyuk's era ending, the 49ers could be thin at wide receiver. Concepcion had 26 catches of 15+ yards in 2025 and his short-area burst and ability to beat man coverage will be a much-needed reinforcement.
28. Houston Texans: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
The Texans need to put more help in front of C.J. Stroud. Pregnon, a four-year college starter who has played both guard spots, thrived in the zone run game in 2025, making him a strong contender.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Rams have multiple cornerbacks with expiring contracts, and Hood's physical and aggressive man coverage ability would allow defensive coordinator Chris Shula to mix things up.
30. Denver Broncos: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
With John Franklin-Myers potentially hitting free agency, the Broncos' talented defense could have a hole up front. Banks, who looked like a top 15 pick in 2024, is a massive human with long arms that disrupts the pocket with power and surprising quickness.
31. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
This pick could upgrade the Patriots at two spots, with Will Campbell moving inside to guard and Lomu taking over at tackle. If Campbell returns to tackle in 2025, Lomu could be the eventual replacement for Morgan Moses.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Abney is a smooth and fluid cover corner who excels at congesting his assignments at the catch point. With Josh Jobe and Tariq Woolen as pending free agents, he can supplement a loaded secondary featuring Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori.
