2026 NFL Mock Draft: Five first round receivers as browns snag Makai Lemon
By Martin Richardson
The 2026 season is nearly upon us and I, like most of you, will be doing many mock drafts to see if you can get the guy you think will make the difference to your franchise. Well, the wonderful guys at The Touchdown have asked me to put together a mock draft and see what I think could happen in the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. We’re just about a month away from the big weekend and I cannot wait, so let’s dive straight in with the pick everyone expects to happen at number 1.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza - QB, Indiana
Let’s not kid ourselves here, this should be a locked in number one pick up and down the land. With a whopping 41 total touchdowns in his junior year, the Raiders would be stupid to pass on such a talent and hand their new HC a talent to build around from day one.
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese - LB, Ohio State
Whether as a LB or an EDGE, Reese is perhaps one of the best defensive players in the draft. The Jets could look at someone like Caleb Downs or Sonny Styles here and it not be a shock, such were their Combine performances; but adding someone like Reese to their defense is a no brainer.
This behemoth of a defensive prospect who is 6’4” had 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for a loss as well as All American credentials to his name. The Jets are levelling up with this this pick all over their defense, which is much needed given their performance last season, and Aaron Glenn’s declaration that calling defense is his ‘superpower’ means he needs to get this right otherwise he will be in trouble in 2027.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa - OT, Miami
I think it’s fair to say that in 2027 the Cardinals will be looking to find their future QB. But with Mendoza off the board, they will pivot elsewhere and look to that future and pick up a tackle/ guard prospect that will help the Cardinals with his massive size and his quick feet.
Such assets make him a threat in the passing game and his ability to simply maul an opponent with his impressive hand movements add equal threat in the run game. Mauigoa will make an instant impression and improvement on the line for the Cardinals. Give him the reps now so he is ready to be a bigger factor in 2027.
4. Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love - RB, Notre Dame
The Titans spent BIG in Free Agency, and it will be interesting to see if it comes off in 2026. Bringing in Wan’Dale Robinson in the worst kept free agency move of 2026 means that the like of Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate would be off the agenda here, so why not take a generational running back talent in Jeremiyah Love. With over 20 total touchdowns and 1,500+ yards, this gives the Titans a chance to secure success at a position that was not the most exciting in 2025, and also gives Fantasy football talking heads their first ‘rookie of the year’ candidate.
5. New York Giants
Sonny Styles - LB, Ohio State
The Giants have the O-Line, they have the QB, they have a maniac at RB (who doesn’t believe in CTE or asthma) and an elite talent at WR. However, injuries ruined any chances of development and success for the Giants. So how do they improve? They take perhaps one of the best players in the draft and perhaps at the linebacker position in recently history.
After that ridiculous performance at the Combine, the Ohio State, All American linebacker could be the face of that Giants defense for the new Harbaugh era. He has excellent reach, speed and power and missed only 2 tackles in 2025, as well as over 100 tackles. He lives for the big game tackles and can impose his will in the backfield or up front on the defensive line when he rushes in to cause absolute chaos.
6. Cleveland Browns
Monroe Freeling - OT, Georgia
The Browns still have a team that requires so many issues being resolved in 2026. They need a star WR, but that could well come later in the draft with their second pick. Here they need to make sure they finish off improving that offensive line. With savvy moves or Titus Howard and ex-Packer Elgton Jenkins, there is still a glaring need at LT. Some may say this a little rich here for a LT, but Freeling is a giant: he is 6’7” (did anyone else do the stupid meme in their head? No just me, sorry) and has a wingspan of 81’, which is outrageous. For someone so big he has great flexibility and a centre of gravity that makes him the right pick for the Browns to address the skill positions later in the draft.
7. Washington Commanders
Rueben Bain Jr. - EDGE, Miami
The drop off from the Commanders was a surprise to most, so now they need to bounce back. Some key veterans are out of contract, and they need to make some youthful improvements. Enter Rueben Bain Jr. Like comic book namesake, Bain is a monster on the defensive line and he just doesn’t quit. I’m not having this idea that because he has ‘shorter arms’ than most other EDGEs in the draft he’s not a top prospect; he finished with nearly 10 sacks on the season, and his speed makes him a threat that the Commanders cannot ignore.
8. New Orleans Saints
David Bailey - EDGE, Texas Tech
The Saints at this point are very happy with how the draft has fallen in my opinion. They have the opportunity here to take a defensive force in David Bailey. In a division that is quite simply awful (sorry fellow NFC South fans), the capability to draft someone like Bailey to wreak havoc on the Bucs’, Panthers’ and Falcons’ mediocre offenses will be exciting times for Saints fans heading into 2026.
He is fast, shifty and can get to the QB quickly and given you have the likes of Baker Mayfield and Bryce Young (who love to hold onto the ball) twice a season, someone like Bailey makes absolute sense at this pick. Add to this how he announced himself at the Combine with an outrageous performance, Bailey is an outrageous pick up and as a Bucs fan this pick scares and annoys me.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Mansoor Delane - CB, LSU
Once again, the Chiefs don’t hand out a deal to a player in their secondary, in this case it was Trent McDuffie. So, with the first of their two first round picks (thank you Rams) it makes perfect sense to get one of the best corners in the draft, Mansoor Delane. If you’ve heard it once, I’m not ashamed to mention it again: this is a corner who allowed ZERO touchdowns and ZERO penalties in the SEC. That is incredible.
He has the ability to be a top man corner where you simply line him up against the WR1 on the opposing team and let him work. This is an absolute no brainer for the Chiefs and it makes that extra pick further down the draft a bonus, especially after how he performed on his recent pro day as well.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Caleb Downs - S, Ohio State
The Bengals pick up one of the best players in the draft here. There are some that have them an EDGE here, such as Faulk, but with the investment they’ve thrown at that position in recent times, I can see them taking a best player available approach and take Caleb Downs. I think Downs is an elite talent and to get someone like him here feels like an absolute steal. He’s been initially compared to Kyle Hamilton but even then, some people have said he’s the best safety prospect ‘ever.’ And as Nick Emmanwori has shown, talent and ability are more valuable than the notion of ‘positional value’.
11. Miami Dolphins
Carnell Tate - WR, Ohio State
All is not well down in Miami. Prior to free agency big names were being released; during free agency Tua was shown the door and Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded to a divisional rival, all in the name of resetting and going again in 2026/2027. They did make a little splash with Malik Willis coming in at QB, but in a shock move they sent star WR Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos for a first-round pick and change. Therefore, this pick makes total sense.
The Dolphins get a WR who can step into the hole left by Waddle. His ability to win the ball in those tough contested catches is certainly a plus for anyone taking an interest in Tate, as is his crisp route running. With a pick like this, it sets out the intent that the rebuild in Miami has purpose the vision is clear, irrespective of all that dead cap talk.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Jermod McCoy - CB, Tennessee
Elite coverage, vocal leader and momentum shifter: all these are phrases that make McCoy exactly what NFL teams are looking for. McCoy injured his ACL in January, but at the Combine, where he didn’t work out, he stated that he was full fit and ready to go. But you would say that when in your shop window I suppose. Regardless, the Cowboys need help on defence, it’s so well documented: 30th in yards allowed, 23rd in rushing yards allowed and dead last in both passing yards and points allowed. So with someone like a fit and healthy McCoy in the secondary, a man who in 2024 had four interceptions and draws comparisons to Darius Slay due to his elite man coverage ability, this could be a great pick up for a team looking to rebound in 2026.
13. Los Angeles Rams
Spencer Fano - OT, Utah
Les Snead couldn’t help himself, could he? Prior to free agency, he and the Rams were sitting pretty with two first round picks, but a big move for Trent McDuffie blew up draft boards everywhere and now they can pivot to other needs. But what are those needs? Some say they may go WR here, but I think they have at least one more solid season from Davante Adams, so the need is not essential here.
For me, they look to keep Stafford as protected a possible able take a lineman that has dropped a little since the Combine has elevated other players: Spencer Fano. Having added 10lbs of mass to his already bulky frame, Fano logged the highest scores for an offensive lineman in the 2026 Combine. Having someone as big and as talented on the front to keep Stafford safe and give him the time to throw the ball is an exciting option for Snead and McVay.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Olaivavega Ioane - IOL, Penn State
I won’t lie, the Ravens will be sore with that pick from the Rams, as Fano took some centre reps at the Combine and that would certainly appeal to a Linderbaum-less Ravens offensive line. So what can they do to help that position, they can draft an elite guard prospect who can help keep star QB Lamar Jackson safe and protected. Ioane allowed only 0.7% of pressures last season for Penn State and that is what makes someone like him an immediate starter for NFL rosters. He is a big unit, over 330lbs of mass to protect the QB and keep defenses at bay.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CJ Allen - LB, Georgia
We arrive at my team, the Buccaneers and there is some real possibility that the Bucs take any number of positions to improve their diminishing roster, be it from players moving on like Mike Evans; or from recent retiree Lavonte David. It could well be a CB, with the likes of Terrell still available; but GM Jason Licht has an eye for a mid-round steal at CB (starting CB Zyon McCollum being a fifth-round pick in 2022).
They could also look to address their pash rush, but there is depth there in this year’s draft, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see a move for someone like Cashius Howell if he drops or Gabe Jacas. But, in round one, I really think that the Bucs have an opportunity to get their locked in linebacker to replace Lavonte David and learn from Alex Anzalone.
For me, it has to be CJ Allen; the rangy, old-school linebacker boasts strong leadership qualities that the Bucs on their porous defense needs. His ability to diagnose the plays and adapt his game play to what is happening at lightning quick speed makes him an asset immediately for any team in the NFL.
16. New York Jets
Jordyn Tyson - WR, Arizona State
With their second pick in the first round, the Jets need help on offense. After securing the defensive skills of Caleb Downs at pick two, the Jets can pick up a WR to complement the often-frustrated Garrett Wiliams. In order to do that, at pick 16 they take top WR talent Jordyn Tyson. At 6’1” Tyson is a perfect WR to be used outside as a deep threat with his raw pace as well being used inside with his power and fluidity on the run. It would be remiss of me not to mention that he has ruptured every possible ligament in his knee at Colorado: his MCL, PCL and ACL have all gone at some point, but if he is healthy and ready to go, the Jets would be wise to take him here.
17. Detroit Lions
Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
The Lions have a chance here to sure up their offensive line and help enhance the game the run game and QB play to much higher levels than in 2025. Therefore the pick of Caleb Lomu makes sense: a big 300lb plus unit that allowed zero sacks and only 8 pressures in all 12 of his games in 2025. His balance and poise allows him to redirect his positioning well and give time to the QB if needed or move a man to help in the running game, which would be a great help for the likes of Messrs Gibbs and Montgomery.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman - S, Oregon
His stock has risen as the draft process has gone on, with teams falling in love with how he can be a big tackling, high octane player in the secondary. With the capability to be a box safety and play close to the line, Thieneman reached nearly 100 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a couple of sacks as well. A great combine brought him to the attention of some, and the Vikings have the chance to pick up an impact starter at the midway point in the draft.
19. Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq - TE, Oregon
The more mock drafts I did for this article, the more and more I see this as a perfect landing spot for someone like Sadiq. Sure, there are first round TE concerns (I’m a Bucs fan, we know how this feels, don’t we OJ Howard) but Sadiq is different. With 8 touchdowns for Oregon last year, Sadiq offers the Panthers another weapon to pair with Rookie of the Year Tet McMillan and resurgent QB Bryce Young. What I would say is that if he performs well at the combine, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if his stock continues to rise (those pesky Chiefs best not take him as the heir to Travis Kelce’s thrown).
20. Dallas Cowboys
TJ Parker - EDGE, Clemson
The Cowboys double up on defense after picking up Jermod McCoy and with this pick take a great EDGE rusher who is creeping up the draft boards. Parker’s had a great combine and this will no doubt increase his stock heading into the draft which is good as this will no doubt make up for his slight regression in 2025, compared to his 11 sacks in 2024. Parker has excellent hands and his long arms will serve him well going into his rookie season. With Parker and McCoy, that porous Cowboys defense picks up two elite level players to sure up that side of the ball.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Avieon Terrell - CB, Clemson
The move for Michael Pittman Jr makes me pivot away from a previously obvious need at WR, so instead they get a top CB to add to their roster. The younger brother of AJ enters the draft and has all the starting credentials that you need. He caused 8 forced fumbles and had 2 interceptions on the season. His small frame is nothing to be worried about as all you need to know is that he plays big. He can break up plays and is excellent in man coverage. But that’s not all, he is equally good in slot coverage as well and makes sense for the Steelers to take a player with such excellent versatility.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Kadyn Proctor - OT, Alabama
Oh, look it’s another Alabama lineman who is big, burly and loves blocking, which let’s face it, is exactly what the Chargers need in 2026. They were decimated on their offensive line last year, so how do they solve it: draft a utility player who can play at tackle or guard in Proctor. A little on the larger side, so this is one to watch, but even for a larger gent, he has great feet and can set himself well against the rush, not to mention that weight providing a heavy anchor on the line to give Justin Herbert time to find the likes of Ladd McConkey again in 2026.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Keldric Faulk - EDGE, Auburn
Someone is taking Faulk in round one, but I honestly cannot call where that would be. The Bengals could take him at 10, but they need instant success and Faulk could be a little too rich for them there. I could see the Bucs taking a punt on him, but their pass rush is dire and wouldn’t want to take a project type player.
However, who would take a project player who others have passed over in the draft? Who would do that? The Eagles and Howie Roseman would, without a shadow of a doubt. They live for picks like this. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense that they would pick someone like Faulk, a raw, talented EDGE who, if given the right situation to learn his trade would improve his game and unlock that talent which he certainly has.
24. Cleveland Browns
Makai Lemon - WR, USC
After picking up their starting LT in Monroe Freeling at pick 6, which may seem a little rich, but Freeling is the real deal, the Browns can use this pick to address their skill positional needs. With the likes of Tate and Tyson off the board, the Browns turn to Makai Lemon and he is great WR for the Browns to utilise in both the slot and out wide. Should whoever is under centre in 2026, Watson or Sanders or Gabriel, like the to keep it safe and short in the air, having someone like Lemon who spent 70% in the slot makes total sense and from that he managed over 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Browns need offensive help, and Lemon fits the bill here.
25. Chicago Bears
Kayden McDonald - IDL, Ohio State
The Bears have an opportunity here to take advantage of the positional picks other teams have taken and pick up a top, top talent at DT. McDonald is a big unit at 6’3” and over 320lb but has all the power and mobility to make him one scary unit in Chicago. With an ability to cause utter carnage in the run game, McDonald is an instant starter and will have teams adapting around his presence instantly. The Bears will hit a home run with this pickup in round 1.
26. Buffalo Bills
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - S, Toledo
The Bills have made some interesting moves, bringing in some veteran presence on both sides of the ball, none more so than trading a premium pick for DJ Moore from the Bears. But here they get some young help on the defensive side of the ball to learn from veteran presence Geno Stone at safety. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has a top talent, with his massive 32’ inch arms that will dominate a back field for any team, but it’s the Bills who will benefit from his lateral explosiveness and his physical prowess.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Akheem Mesidor - EDGE, Miami
One of the older boys in this draft as he hits 25, but with that comes experience in playing in all different systems, whether it be in a three, a five or even a seven as a true edge in some instances. Mesidor has the ability to move quick and realign when he needs to make the most impact. Just shy of 275lbs, Mesidor is just the right size to be as strong as possible when forcing the issue in the passing game and has the power to be quick in the running game too. One thing to consider is that his medical history will need to hold out, and if it does, he can make an instant impact for the 49ers on defense.
28. Houston Texans
Peter Woods - IDL, Clemson
At this point, why wouldn’t the Texans add a solid defensive option to a defense that was spoken about in the same breath as the ’85 Bears? Which means they add the 6’3” unit to their defensive line. He is quick for a DT with great shedding ability to shift forward and away from his opponents. His ability to move has been described as ‘in-human’ and ‘explosive’ which would appeal to that imposing defense down in Texas. That power and movement means he has all the credentials to be a great pass rush threat once he’s bedded into the system.
29. Kansas City Chiefs
Denzel Boston - WR, Washington
With their second pick, the Chiefs add a redzone threat that will elevate their offence in ways that the likes of Worthy and Rice haven’t yet. Boston is very different to those two; touching 6’4” he is instantly a redzone mismatch, with a very low drop rate of 1.2% and giving someone like Patrick Mahomes, when fit, would love that kind of weaponry in his arsenal in 2026.
30. Miami Dolphins
Colton Hood - CB, Tennessee
Thrust into the action as a CB1 due to an injury to Jermod McCoy, Hood stepped up and then some. His 4.5 tackles for loss and eight pas breakups make him a top prospect to anyone in need of secondary help. He is explosive in his play, sometimes to his detriment, but the Dolphins here need someone who can cause chaos for wide receivers in play callers in the AFC. His ability to play that close, press-man coverage will be ideal when coming up against the likes Josh Allen and Drake Maye twice a year.
31. New England Patriots
KC Concepcion - WR, Texas A&M
Here we have an interesting pickup by the Patriots. The release of Stefon Diggs to get rid of that massive cap hit, and any controversy, leaves a need at WR, so they turn to Concepcion. Now Kyle Williams dynasty owners may hate this pick up, but someone like Concepcion will be a great addition to the Patriots offense in 2026. Great in the air and in the ground game too, with over 1100 yards, 300 of which are on the ground, the Patriots are picking up a great option here to improve their offense.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Zion Young - EDGE, Missouri
The Seahawks have lost a lot after their Super Bowl win, but they have also spent a lot on keep their own in house too, so it will be interesting to see what they do in the draft. There isn’t a RB worth taking here at this point in the draft, so the likes of Mike Washington could be available in the second round should they want to look into someone who has plenty of upside. Speaking of, enter Zion Young. Coming off a carrier year with 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles, the massive 6’5” defensive giant, who boasts 33” arms, could be a great pick up for the current Super Bowl winners.
MARTIN RICHARDSON
NFL/FANTASY FOOTBALL ANALYST
A Yorkshireman living in Lancashire, Martin is a massive NFL fan but his heart belongs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also a huge Fantasy Football enthusiast and spends far too long crunching the numbers! Follow him at @MRBucsFan31