2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jeremiyah Love goes No. 4 overall
By Nick Cosgrove
The College Playoff semi-finals are over. As more players declare for the draft or choose to stay in college, the pool of available prospects is constantly changing.
While it’s impossible to predict the draft this far out – especially with free agency yet to happen – the teams that have been eliminated from the NFL playoffs have already begun their assessments in heavy detail.
The first 24 pick positions are set and will only change via trade.
This draft is merely my opinion, based on what I believe teams need and which players are available at the time of writing.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza - QB, Indiana
The Raiders are in dire need of a franchise quarterback. Mendoza is very good at getting the ball out on schedule. Is his arm huge? No – but he does possess the ability to make the necessary NFL-level throws. He consistently shows excellent ball placement and, while not a true dual threat, has enough mobility to escape and extend plays when required.
2. New York Jets
Dante Moore - QB, Oregon
The history of the Jets suggests this pick won’t go smoothly. That said, Moore has some impressive traits. His accuracy was strong throughout the season and his deep ball is one to admire. He can throw accurately from multiple arm angles and remains precise when rolling out left or right. He can scramble too. Moore started five games at UCLA in 2023 before spending last season sitting behind Dillon Gabriel. Even when factoring in his 15 starts this year, I’m not convinced that is quite enough.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Caleb Downs - S, Ohio State
Arizona may move on from Kyler Murray, which would normally point to a quarterback, but there are no options worth taking this high. Safety, however is a clear need. Downs is the younger brother of NFL wide receiver Josh Downs and the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs, and his football knowledge shows on tape. His excellent pre-snap instincts allow him to play faster than his stats might suggest. He’s reliable in coverage and as an open-field tackler.
4. Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love - RB, Notre Dame
Tennessee’s run game needs investment and this guy is the man for the job. I introduce to you: Reggie Bush 2.0. High praise? Absolutely. Love shows outstanding vision and burst between the tackles and to the outside. His tackle-breaking ability, paired with true breakaway speed, means routine runs quickly turn into touchdowns. As a pass catcher, he adds further value, allowing him to be deployed in multiple ways and giving the offense a new dimension.
5. New York Giants
Arvell Reese - LB, Ohio State
After addressing quarterback and adding an elite edge added in last year’s draft, the Giants now need to invest at linebacker. Reese is a complete football player who jumps off the screen. His instincts allow him to make plays look impossible, and he plays with the confidence of someone who has been playing the game forever. He’s also just as effective when deployed off the edge. As a famous trainer said; “To beat this guy, you need speed!”
6. Cleveland Browns
Rueben Bain Jr. - EDGE, Miami
Myles Garrett broke the sack record this year but he needs help. Bain provides that. He has strong hands, and his rip move – combined with speed and power – regularly overwhelms opposing tackles. His bend allows him to get to the quarterback, while his awareness against misdirection stands out. He can set the edge against the run, shed blocks, and pursue ball carriers. His arms may be shorter than ideal, but don’t let that fool you.
7. Washington Commanders
David Bailey - EDGE, Texas Tech
The Washington defense has been awful all year, so repairs are overdue. Bailey began his career at Stanford, spending three seasons getting after the quarterback, before refining his game at Texas Tech this year. He became a true finisher, matching three years of Stanford production in a single season with the Red Raiders. Bailey flat-out gets after the quarterback, and his 20.2% pressure rate led the nation.
8. New Orleans Saints
Jordyn Tyson - WR, Arizona State
Despite exceeding my expectations this season, the Saints still have a clear need at wide receiver. Tyson lit up defenses for two years with the Sun Devils. His superpower is being open even when it looks like he’s covered completely. He can outmuscle defensive backs and regularly turns 50-50 balls into 70-30 situations. A hamstring injury limited his playing time this year, but the talent is obvious.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Carnell Tate - WR, Ohio State
It’s been a down year for the Chiefs, and adding a new receiver could reinvigorate the offense, particularly with a potential Travis Kelce retirement looming. Tate comes from Ohio State’s hugely successful wide receiver pipeline. He follows Egbuka from last year, with Jeremiah Smith already a lock for the first round in 2027. Tate posted good numbers and delivered consistent production. He’s a precise route runner with strong hands and outstanding body control. A lower-body injury caused him to miss time earlier in the season, but he returned and performed well.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Peter Woods - IDL, Clemson
The Bengals needed to reboot the defense last year, and that work is still ongoing. In a season where Clemson struggled across the board, Woods also endured some inconsistency. He wasn’t elite, but his skill set is exactly what NFL teams look for. His strength should stand out at the Combine. At the next level, Woods projects well as a 3-tech, though he has the versatility to move around. While primarily an interior defender, he can also be disruptive off the edge.
11. Miami Dolphins
Makai Lemon - WR, USC
If Tua is done and Quinn Ewers is the man going forward, he’ll need a reliable target. Every team wants a receiver who puts his body on the line and gives everything for the team – ask Lemon to run through a brick wall and he’ll ask how fast. He plays with passion and determination, a true warrior at the position. He plucks the ball away from his body and runs with a fierce, aggressive approach after the catch. He finished the season ranked inside the top 10 nationally in receiving yards.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Sonny Styles - LB, Ohio State
Dallas needs investment on the defensive side of the ball, and with key pieces gone, replacements are required. Styles is a former safety, and it shows. He has outstanding speed, and his burst allows him to effectively spy the quarterback. He’s another prospect who should test extremely well at the Combine. Styles is also a reliable, secure tackler.
13. Los Angeles Rams
Jermod McCoy - CB, Tennessee
Picking high because of last year’s trade, the Rams can address a crucial need. Injuries are a cruel part of the game and McCoy unfortunately suffered an ACL tear in January 2025, costing him his junior season. Even so, he still has a chance to be the first corner off the board in April. His ball production alone should earn him serious first round interest.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Keldric Faulk - EDGE, Auburn
The Ravens season ended because they couldn’t generate pressure on a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers. This pick helps address that issue. Faulk can win with both outside and inside moves, using powerful hands move blockers. His tape shows strong instincts, and he makes his presence felt against both the run and the pass. He’s also scheme versatile.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mansoor Delane - CB, LSU
Tampa Bay has pieces on offense, but needs to invest defensively. When watching Delane, it’s his instincts and coverage savvy that immediately stand out. He’s technically sound and displays fantastic ball skills. Delane excels in both man and zone coverage, and his yards allowed per target ranked inside the top five nationally. Despite a down year for LSU, his play did not suffer.
16. New York Jets
Caleb Banks - IDL, Florida
Another pick for the Jets brings another opportunity to move the franchise forward. Banks offers versatility in both position and scheme, lining up at defensive end or tackle. He can control blockers, locate the ball, and shed in time to make plays as a two-gap defender. While he lacks some technical refinement, he has the burst, length, and flexibility to develop at the next level.
17. Detroit Lions
Cashius Howell - EDGE, Texas A&M
Detroit missed the playoffs because they couldn’t stop teams from scoring, and adding Howell for DanCampbell is strong step towards fixing that. Howell spent two years at Texas A&M after beginning his career at Bowling Green. He’s arguably the most advanced pass rusher in this class, with explosiveness and a first step that consistently threatens the outside shoulder of offensive tackles. He also has a deep pass-rush toolbox and understands how to chain moves together throughout a game. Shorter arms may affect his draft stock, but the tape is impressive.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Avieon Terrell - CB, Clemson
With no running back other than Jeremiyah Love worth selecting here, investing in the secondary makes sense. Terrell became the first Clemson player under Dabo Swinney to record at least three forced fumbles, multiple interceptions and multiple fumble recoveries in a single season. He’s a competitive press corner with a solid frame. His timing and technique when breaking up passes stand out on tape.
19. Carolina Panthers
Denzel Boston - WR, Washington
The more weapons Bryce Young has, the better production will be. Boston has developed into a very strong route runner who consistently causes problems for opposing defenses. He uses his size and physicality to shield defenders from the football, while his length and catch radius make life miserable for opposing cornerbacks. The way he quickly identifies and exploits openings in coverage jumps off the tape.
20. Dallas Cowboys
Spencer Fano - OT, Utah
Dallas needs to protect Dak Prescott to give him the best possible chance to succeed. Fano started 12 games at left tackle in 2023 before logging 24 starts at right tackle over the past two seasons. He does a great job of keeping his large frame between the pass rusher and the quarterback. Technically sound, Fano uses a strong punch to compensate for his less-than-ideal arm length.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Francis Mauigoa - OT, Miami
It might be easier to list the positions where the Steelers don’t need help, but the offensive line is a logical starting point. Mauigoa has spent his entire college career at right tackle, though he could slide inside and become a quality guard at the pro level. He gets to depth quickly in pass protection and meets speed rushers effectively. In the run game, he fires off the ball and uses his size to wall off defenders. He has the traits to develop into a strong zone blocker, though improved footwork will be required. A true mauler.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Kayden McDonald - IDL, Ohio State
While injuries have contributed to protection issues around Justin Herbert, the Chargers’ inability to stop opponents has left them gassed late in games. Enter the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. McDonald enjoyed a breakout season, emerging as a dominant interior presence with rare strength and quickness for his size. With limited production in 2023 and 2024, another year in college might have helped, but he has declared. He’s an active defender who consistently hunts the football.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Romello Height - EDGE, Texas Tech
The Eagles are always drafting a year or two ahead of need, and this pick follows that philosophy. Height brings high-level athleticism and quickness as a pass rusher, allowing him to contribute on third downs early. He may lack the size and strength to be a full-time player at the next level, but his role value is clear.
24. Cleveland Browns
Kadyn Proctor - OT, Alabama
If your offensive line is struggling, drafting a tackle is a good place to start. Proctor had a rough opening against Florida State, but he settled in after that and looked much improved. He consistently handled both inside and outside moves as the season progressed. Proctor is a mountain of a man with elite power, physicality, and pedigree. His unrefined technique creates a boom-or-bust profile, and he may ultimately find his long-term home at guard.
25. Chicago Bears
Olaivavega Ioane - IOL, Penn State
The Bears would benefit greatly from a younger, quicker offensive line, and Ioane fits that need. He drives defensive tackles off the ball and sustains his blocks effectively. He can climb to the second level and torque defenders out of position, and for a player of his size, he’s incredibly agile. He is the top pure guard in the class thanks to his ability to halt defenders and generate movement on command.
26. Buffalo Bills
TJ Parker - EDGE, Clemson
There’s an argument that the Bills are wasting the best of Josh Allen, and their defensive struggles play a part in that. Parker is a powerful pass rusher capable of running through offensive linemen. He has the length to keep blockers off his frame and the hand usage to shed at the top of his rush. A heavy hitter, Parker can jar the ball loose at the quarterback and consistently set the edge.
27. San Francisco 49ers
KC Concepcion - WR, Texas A&M
The 49ers need to invest at wide receiver, and Concepcion brings dynamic playmaking ability. He’s an open-field weapon who has grown beyond manufactured touches and easy completions. Concepcion reshaped his narrative, evolving from a gadget player into an explosive run-after-catch weapon. He’s now a well-rounded, high-impact receiver with a high ceiling.
28. Houston Texans
Kenyon Sadiq - TE, Oregon
Tight end is a clear positional need for the Texans, and Sadiq fits the bill. He’s loaded with physical traits, showing the explosion to hurdle defenders in the open field. His vision and speed create consistent conflict after the catch, and given his size/speed combo, he’s nearly impossible to match up with. He’s a strong candidate to be the first tight end off the board.
29. Los Angeles Rams
Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
A position that could have been addressed last year still needs long-term attention. Lomu showed real promise as a redshirt freshman in 2024. He’s an effective positional blocker who and a good fit for zone-heavy run teams. While he lacks the raw power of a true mauler, there’s an edge to his game, and he blocks through the whistle. For his height, he changes direction well and can anchor when needed.
30. New England Patriots
R Mason Thomas - EDGE, Oklahoma
The Patriots need a top pass rusher, even after exceeding expectations this season. R Mason Thomas brings a blend of athleticism, physicality, and competitiveness that allows him to convert speed to power effectively. These traits should help the 6’2″, 249-pound edge defender become a productive third-down rusher, even if he lacks ideal NFL size and length.
31. Denver Broncos
CJ Allen - LB, Georgia
Sean Peyton doesn’t need much to make his offense function, so adding another defensive piece makes sense. Allen burst onto the scene at Georgia, where his multi-sport background hinted at his exceptional athletic profile. His instincts and nose for the football were evident all season, and he showed growth in coverage while demonstrating the versatility modern NFL defenses value.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood - CB, Tennessee
Protecting the back end of the defense is a smart investment, and at this stage of the draft, Hood represents strong value. He plays with confidence and man coverage tenacity, regularly shutting down top receivers. Hood attacks the football, comes downhill with explosiveness, and limits yards after the catch. He’s turned his side of the field into a no-throw zone, and quarterbacks rarely challenge him – a sign he’s been one of the best corners in the country.
NICK COSGROVE
Guest Contributor
Nick is a co-host of the College Football_UK podcast and has been studying the draft since 2021. Find him on X @NickCosgroveUK