2026 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs jump into top three as defensive talent flies early
By Jack Brentnall
With the draft now just around the corner, the picture is beginning to settle into focus. Team needs have been clarified, visits and workouts have shaped boards, and league-wide sentiment is starting to solidify.
This final mock draft is a predictive projection of how things could unfold on draft night. As always, there will be surprises, but the aim here is to capture the most likely outcomes.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza - QB, Indiana
In an unpredictable draft class, this is the one constant. Mendoza gives the Raiders their long-term answer at quarterback.
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese - LB, Ohio State
There’s been late noise around David Bailey, but Reese fits what the Jets need. He brings pass rush juice with a versatile, hybrid skill set.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
TRADE! The Chiefs send #9 and #29 to the Jets for #3
David Bailey - EDGE, Texas Tech
Picking at the back end of Round 1 rarely gives Kansas City access to this part of the board, so this is a rare opportunity to be aggressive. Arizona moves back and adds capital, while the Chiefs secure a high-end pass rusher that may otherwise be off the board at No. 9.
4. Tennessee Titans
Jeremiyah Love - RB, Notre Dame
Robert Saleh and the Titans will want to add talent to their defensive front, but if Reese and Bailey are off the board, this feels like the direction Tennessee goes.
5. New York Giants
Caleb Downs - S, Ohio State
Taking a safety this early will raise eyebrows, but this class lacks blue-chip talent. In a league that increasingly values versatility on the back end, Downs makes sense.
6. Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate - WR, Ohio State
Cleveland has clear needs at receiver and offensive tackle, but there isn’t a tackle worth this slot. Tate steps in as a true X and gives Shedeur Sanders a reliable downfield target.
7. Washington Commanders
Sonny Styles - LB, Ohio State
If Washington stays put, this shapes up as a best-player-available decision. Styles offers the upside to develop into one of the league’s premier linebackers.
8. New Orleans Saints
Rueben Bain Jr. - EDGE, Miami
New Orleans could look at receiver or corner, but the front seven still needs reinforcing. With Bain available, this is a clean way to address that.
9. Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa - OT, Miami
Arizona trades back, adds capital, and still lands a long-term answer. Mauigoa can develop into their right tackle while strengthening the offensive infrastructure.
10. New York Giants
Jordyn Tyson - WR, Arizona State
There has been significant interest from the Giants throughout the process, and this fits. Tyson adds another weapon for Jaxson Dart to grow with.
11. Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane - CB, LSU
Miami has flexibility here, but adding a corner of Delane’s calibre gives Jeff Hafley a foundational piece on defense.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Jermod McCoy - CB, Tennessee
McCoy’s medicals will dictate his range, with surgery a possibility. Dallas employs one of the leading specialists in that procedure, which could make them more comfortable betting on his upside.
13. Los Angeles Rams
Makai Lemon - WR, USC
With Davante Adams entering his mid-30s and uncertainty around Puka Nacua, receiver is becoming a need. Lemon’s toughness and polish make him a natural fit.
14. Baltimore Ravens
Olaivavega Ioane - IOL, Penn State
Kenyon Sadiq will be in consideration, but Ioane’s upside is difficult to pass on. Baltimore continues to prioritise the trenches.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Akheem Mesidor - EDGE, Miami
Tampa Bay needs immediate help off the edge. Mesidor’s pro-ready profile fits a team looking for instant impact.
16. New York Jets
Omar Cooper Jr. - WR, Indiana
The Jets continue to build around their quarterback, pairing Cooper with Garrett Wilson to strengthen the receiving corps.
17. Detroit Lions
Kadyn Proctor - OT, Alabama
This is a natural Lions fit. Proctor brings the physical edge they covet while filling a major need at left tackle.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman - S, Oregon
A popular projection for a reason. Thieneman’s range and versatility align perfectly with Brian Flores’ defense.
19. Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq - TE, Oregon
Carolina is prioritising speed on offense, and Sadiq delivers it. He adds a different dimension as a vertical threat.
20. Cleveland Browns
TRADE! The Browns send #24 and #107 to the Cowboys for #20
Monroe Freeling - OT, Georgia
Cleveland has shown strong interest, and jumping ahead of other offensive line-needy teams would make sense here.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Caleb Lomu - OT, Utah
With uncertainty around Broderick Jones, this is forward-thinking roster building. Lomu offers a potential long-term solution at tackle.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Chase Bisontis - IOL, Texas A&M
Bisontis is gaining momentum in the pre-draft process and fits the profile of a player Jim Harbaugh values up front.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Max Iheanachor - OT, Arizona State
A high-end athlete with developmental upside, Iheanachor has the traits to eventually succeed Lane Johnson.
24. Dallas Cowboys
Keldric Faulk - EDGE, Auburn
Dallas continues to invest in their defense with their second pick in the first round. They have been linked heavily with Faulk and have a track record if investing premium picks in the trenches.
25. Chicago Bears
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - S, Toledo
There has been strong reported interest from Chicago, and this would address a need with an ascending defensive playmaker.
26. Buffalo Bills
TJ Parker - EDGE, Clemson
Despite a quieter season, Parker feels like a player who remains firmly in the first round mix. He fits the profile that Brandon Beane tends to prioritise off the edge.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Spencer Fano - OT, Utah
Positional uncertainty could push Fano down the board slightly on draft night, but San Francisco would be an excellent landing spot for his skill set.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
Blake Miller - OT, Clemson
Houston needs stability up front. Miller’s experience and tools give him a strong chance to outperform this slot.
29. Arizona Cardinals
Treydan Stukes - CB, Arizona
Stukes has generated buzz throughout the process, and Arizona has hosted him for a private workout. His explosiveness and versatility fit well in Nick Rallis’ defense.
30. Miami Dolphins
KC Concepcion - WR, Texas A&M
With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle no longer in place, Miami needs to retool at receiver. Concepcion offers playmaking ability to build around.
31. New England Patriots
Denzel Boston - WR, Washington
Boston profiles as an ideal fit for Drake Maye, offering size, catch-point control, and a reliable presence on the outside.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Chris Johnson - CB, San Diego State
Seattle has done extensive work on this cornerback class. Johnson fits the profile and adds another talented piece to the secondary.
Jack Brentnall
Head of NFL Draft Content
Previously the founder of The Jet Sweep, Jack joined The Touchdown as head of Draft Content in 2024. A Scouting Academy alumnus, Jack has been Covering the NFL Draft since 2020. Follow him on Twitter @Jack_Brentnall.