The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and teams are finalizing their draft plans ahead of the big event in Pittsburgh.
There's a lot of uncertainty about how the first round will shake out, where some insiders believe we could see a trade-heavy first night with deep position groups at wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback and linebacker. There is a lack of depth in the later rounds of the draft, which could prompt a flurry of trades early on.
In our latest NFL Wires mock draft, our editors make their updated picks for the first round, which includes the Dallas Cowboys making a big jump into the Top 10 to land an impact edge rusher while the Cleveland Browns make three first-round picks in the process.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This pick couldn’t be more simple. Mendoza is undeniably the top QB in this draft and the Raiders need a long time franchise QB. Taking the Heisman Trophy and National Championship winning QB at the top of this draft is a complete no-brainer. Probably why his one and only pre-draft visit was to Las Vegas. Just turn in the card right now. – Levi Damien, Raiders Wire
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Reese or David Bailey are the two players connected here the most, but the Jets go with Reese based on the higher upside potential and versatility. That will help with the new looks head coach Aaron Glenn says his defense will have in 2026 as well. – Nick Wojton, Jets Wire
3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Cardinals have big needs at tackle, EDGE and quarterback. Taking Ty Simpson third overall would be crazy work, so here we look at either tackle or the edge. While the Cardinals could go with Francis Mauigoa, taking someone who can only play right tackle feels like a forced pick. Plus, they have a number of players who could be their starting right tackle. At the edge, they got 5.5 sacks from everyone combined other than Josh Sweat, and they did nothing in free agency. While Rueben Bain is intriguing, the Cardinals likely will have Bailey’s physical and athletic profile above Bain. – Jess Root, Cards Wire
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
There was consideration given to Rueben Bain Jr. with this pick. Still, the Titans can’t afford to pass on Love, who would give an immediate boost to the team’s offense, providing second-year quarterback Cam Ward with a top-tier skill position player. It could be argued that Love is the best overall player in the draft, and positional value shouldn’t prevent them from loading up, becoming more explosive, and taking some pressure off their young quarterback. – Dan Benton/Bryan Manning Titans Wire
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
If Jeremiyah Love were to fall, the Giants would scoop them up at No. 5 overall. However, that’s not how the dominoes fell here. Luckily for Jim Harbaugh & Co., there are quality players – potentially Day 1 impact starters – readily available. Sonny Styles is one of those players. He could come in and play alongside Tremaine Edmunds on the inside, or he could be used in a Kyle Hamilton-like role, splitting time between safety and off-ball linebacker, providing a big-hitting, run-stopping force on defense. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire
6. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE): Rueben Bain, Jr., Miami - TRADE!
Trade terms:
- Browns receive: Nos. 12, 20
- Cowboys receive: Nos. 6, 39
If the Cowboys stayed at 12, they’d be hoping against hope a top defender fell to them,, but the opportunity to select an elite edge rusher was too much to pass up. With this trade, they still get two prospects, and in this thin draft, 20 and 39 tags are far closer than most years. Dallas has to emerge from trading away Micah Parsons with an edge prospect, and landing on Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark and Bain as the basic return feels like a win, especially considering Parsons’ ACL tear late last season. Bain, paired with Donovan Ezeiruaku will combine with veterans Rashan Gary and James Houston as the edge rotation. With 2.39, Dallas will look for a corner, preferably Chris Johnson of San Diego State who has inside out versatility. Dallas will a linebacker, and that’s where 3.92 may come in, or more than likely a trade using a 2027 pick (Jordyn Brooks, come on down). – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Jeremiyah Love and Sonny Styles would’ve been tempting if they still available. Fortunately, the Browns traded down, therefore passing on Tate, who gives Jayden Daniels and the Commanders a new, young weapon in the passing game. We’ve heard how none of these receivers are a Ja’Marr Chase, considering you are picking them in the top 10. That may be true, but Justin Jefferson was picked 22nd overall in 2020. Tate has some elite skills, and in Washington he doesn’t immediately need to step into a starring role. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The defensive line needs help but there isn’t a prospect I like here without Bailey or Bain on the board. Ultimately it came down to three players: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, LSU corner Mansoor Delane, and Lemon. Downs and Delane would be three-down starters in Brandon Staley’s secondary but we can’t ignore the lack of depth behind Chris Olave at wide receiver. Lemon gives Tyler Shough another weapon who can get open with ease, make tough catches when needed, and score lots of touchdowns in the red zone. He’s exactly the kind of tone setter they need offensively. – John Sigler, Saints Wire
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Initially, I had a deal in place to trade this selection to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for the No. 20 pick and a 2027 first-rounder. In all honesty, I’d rather have that package than Sadiq, but the former Oregon Duck is a more-than-worthy consolation prize. As it stands, Sadiq is the consensus-best tight end in the class and would have the benefit of at least one season learning from Travis Kelce. When paired with Patrick Mahomes, Sadiq should prove to be exactly the type of tight end prospect who can fill Kelce’s shoes after his eventual retirement. While it would have been nice to guarantee Kansas City two consecutive draft classes with multiple first-round picks, any move that adds explosion to the Chiefs’ offense will pay dividends in short order. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Bengals need best player available. It’s probably going to be in the secondary. The signing of Bryan Cook to pair with Jordan Battle at safety in no way rules out Caleb Downs at No. 10. After all, they need a starter in the slot and Downs projects as a guy who can take plenty of snaps there. That would give them solutions at every critical spot to run with boundary starting corners DJ Turner and Dax Hill. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Miami lost several cornerbacks this offseason, and while they signed a group of veteran free agents on short-term deals to take their spots, they still lack a true No. 1 cornerback in the room. Putting that type of pressure on a rookie in a division that boasts Josh Allen and Drake Maye is a lot, but Delane could step in and take over that role immediately after a strong collegiate career at LSU, where he earned All-American honrs in 2025. – Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire
12. Cleveland Browns (from DAL): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Trading back in the draft, landing additional assets, and then still landing one of the top offensive tackles in the class is a dream scenario for a team that needs as many draft assets and young contracts as possible. Spencer Fano, while he played right tackle at the college level, is an A+ athlete with the skillset to learn left tackle. His on-field workout at the NFL Combine was described as one of the best ever, and his tape shows a player with strong hands and elite foot speed in his pass set. He rounds out a completely overhauled offensive line for the Browns this offseason. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Though there are concerns about Tyson’s durability and injury history, he has the talent to be the best wide receiver from this class a few years from now. And his skill set perfectly fits what the Rams are looking for. He can be a vertical threat alongside Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, while also operating as a true X receiver after Adams either retires or moves on to another team. Tyson’s ability to elevate over defenders and create easy separation makes him an intriguing target for the Rams – and really, any team in need of a receiver. Giving Matthew Stafford another weapon in what could be his final year would make a lot of sense, even at the risk of him being oft-injured in Los Angeles. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
The consensus pick is Ioane, and if not for the Rams drafting Jordyn Tyson as insurance for Puka Nacua, the Ravens might go wide receiver, with uncertainty centered around Rashod Bateman. Even with John Simpson returning on a three-year, $30 million deal after two years spent with the Jets, upgrading the offensive guard position is imperative for a team looking to take pressure off quarterback Lamar Jackson. In 2025, right guard Daniel Faalele was the clear weak link of Baltimore's offensive line and is currently a free agent. While Baltimore has said all the right things about Emery Jones, Ioane would be a Day 1 starter at a critical position. Ioane plays with intense power and quickness, using 330 pounds of elite force, playing in 44 games and making 32 starts at Penn State. According to PFF, he allowed zero sacks and three pressures in 310 pass blocking snaps in 2025. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Bucs took a gamble on Benjamin Morrison in the second round of last year's draft, and it did not pay off. He played hurt all year and looked like a shell of himself compared to what Notre Dame fans had enjoyed in previous seasons. Between that and the departure of Jamel Dean, picking Jermod McCoy makes too much sense, especially after his Pro Day workout. McCoy seems to be healthy and back to himself following an ACL tear in January of 2025, and he could become a new CB1 with the Bucs. – Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire
16. New York Jets (from IND): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
It’s all about getting a partner for Garrett Wilson here. While there is some thought to potentially grabbing a quarterback here like Ty Simpson, the Jets could grab a more solidified prospect like Cooper instead. Cooper burst onto the scene with Indiana last season after he recorded 69 catches, 937 yards and 13 touchdowns en route to a National title. – Nick Wojton, Jets Wire
17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Lions signed Larry Borom in NFL free agency, but Detroit needs its long-term answer to pair with three-time first-team All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell after Taylor Decker’s release. At 6-foot-7, 315 pounds, Monroe Freeling is a prototypical size. Freeling will need to continue to improve his run blocking, but with just 17 collegiate starts, there’s plenty of reason to believe that Hank Fraley and Detroit will get the best out of Freeling. – Josh Helmer, Lions Wire
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
This is a mock draft pick that makes too much sense for both parties at this point. Thieneman comes in as a replacement for a potentially retiring Harrison Smith as the team needs dominant play from their safeties. The Oregon defender can come in and make an impact right away with his range and dual-threat ability to protect the run and pass. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire
19. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Although they captured their first NFC South title since 2015, the Panthers didn’t see much growth out of their offense this past season. Carolina averaged 295.6 yards (27th) and 18.3 points per game (27th) in 2025, both of which were actually down from their 2024 marks (298.0 yards and 20.1 points). Concepcion could elevate the unit and quarterback Bryce Young by serving as the home-run threat they’ve been missing. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire
20. Cleveland Browns (from GB, via DAL): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The run on wide receivers between pick 12 and here forces the Browns’ hand to take a wide receiver of their own. Here, they land Washington’s Denzel Boston to give them a type of receiver that their room currently lacks. The closest they have to a ball winning wideout is Cedric Tillman, who is in a contract year off of back-to-back years riddled with injuries. Boston moves well for his size, is a catchpoint savant, and an all-around dependable receiver. He would fill the long-term gap at X on the Browns’ roster. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami
Two things directed us to take former Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa here. First and foremost, Mauigoa is a Top 10 talent and should he slide, there’s no way the Steelers can pass on him. The start of the season is in doubt for Broderick Jones and adding Mauigoa makes perfect sense. He’s got excellent pop with his hands, exceptional balance and high football IQ. The other reason this picks makes so much sense is that the team’s other big need, wide receiver, is completely picked over by this point. Mauigoa gives the Steelers a 10-year starter and should they kick Troy Fautanu in to guard, helps keep Jones around at the same time. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis, OL, Texas A&M
The Chargers could very well trade back, as they only have five picks. However, they’re unable to find a partner so they stay put and address their biggest need. Cole Strange, who they signed in free agency, will likely start at right guard. Bisontis will compete with Trevor Penning for the starting left guard spot. Keeping quarterback Justin Herbert upright is an absolute must. Bisontis brings an impressive resume in pass protection, having allowed only one sack in his final season. In offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme, he has the functional athleticism to pull, reach the second level, and effectively block. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
At 6-6, 330 pounds, Max Iheanachor started all 14 games at right tackle in 2024 for Arizona State, playing on 923 of ASU's 974 offensive snaps on the season, earning a 78.1 grade from PFF, 38th best in America. Iheanachor played a key role in Cam Skattebo's career year and fifth-place finish in the Heisman voting. Iheanachor took it up a notch in 2025. An elite athlete who played soccer and basketball before joining the football team in junior college, Iheanachor's combination of size and quickness is similar to Lane Johnson's, and the Eagles would provide the backdrop for a slow development into the NFL style of play. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire
24. Cleveland Browns (from DAL via JAX): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
New defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg has a love for Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts, who he coached as a rookie a year ago. If Rutenberg gets his way, the Browns could look to add a cerebral, versatile safety to their roster early in the draft this year as well. They have spent a ton of time with Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, and he fits the bill of a Rutenberg safety here. With Ronnie Hickman Jr. still hanging in the balance as a tendered restricted free agent, and with Grant Delpit entering a contract year with the Browns, safety has become a big need. McNeil-Warren would immediately fill that need and bring the Browns a Day 1 impact starter. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire
25. Chicago Bears: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
There’s been a lot of discussion about the Bears taking a defensive player with the 25th pick, and while defensive line and safety are certainly the biggest needs on the team, GM Ryan Poles has always had a best-available approach. There’s also smoke building around Chicago potentially going offensive tackle in this situation with Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the 2026 season after rupturing his patellar tendon back in January. If Kadyn Proctor is sitting there at No. 25, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Bears pull the trigger and find a long-term answer at left tackle entering the 2026 season. –Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire
26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
With the change to a 3-4 base defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, Allen makes a ton of sense for the Bills. Allen can fly around the field, and yes the Bills could use a nose tackle for this season reason, but Allen could help shore up a weak run defense in recent years. – Nick Wojton, Bills Wire
27. San Francisco 49ers: Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
There are some notable questions with Mesidor, who didn’t break out in college until his age 24 season. He’ll be 25 on Draft Day. While that’s certainly a red flag some teams will have to contend with, there’s enough combination of need and value here that could push San Francisco to pull the trigger on a player who would be a 30-year-old first-time free agent if he plays out all five years of his rookie contract. Mesidor is a three-down player who plays with the level of strength and violence on the edge that should allow him to step in and be effective on Day 1. Perhaps his ceiling isn’t high because of his developmental arc, but the 49ers need immediate contributors and Mesidor looks to fit that bill. They’re trying to take advantage of a Super Bowl window. His age can be a problem they deal with in 2029. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire
28. Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
While defensive tackle remains an immediate need, the value of Lomu falling this far is too good to pass up. He’s a work in progress in run blocking, but his elite pass protection makes his ceiling far higher than most linemen in the draft. With light feet and strong hands, Lomu in time could be an All-Pro for the Texans’ trenches. The good news? Braden Smith is expected to start at right tackle, so he’ll have time to refine his run-blocking skills while serving as depth in 2026. And the Texans are back on the clock 10 picks later, so they can wait to draft the best defensive tackle left at pick No. 38. – Cole Thompson, Texans Wire
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn Tigers
After getting Patrick Mahomes a new sidekick with the No. 9 pick, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach turns his attention to Kansas City’s lackluster pass rush. Faulk is among the youngest players in this class, and has rare size and athleticism that will likely warrant a selection in the teens or early twenties. While it may take some time for Faulk to develop into a true sack-master at the NFL level, the raw value of this selection should prove to be worth any potential wait. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire
30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
After trading Jaelan Phillips at last year’s deadline and releasing Bradley Chubb this offseason, the Dolphins left themselves thin on the edge. While they still have 2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson, the competition between Joshua Uche, David Ojabo, Robert Beal Jr. and Cameron Goode isn’t a very intriguing one. Enter Howell, the Rockhurst High School product who spent three seasons at Bowling Green and two at Texas A&M. Howell recorded 127 tackles, 27 sacks, 15 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception in 56 games between the two schools. He also earned All-Conference honors twice and All-American honors once, while receiving the SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award this past year. He could help make the defense formidable in the first year under defensive-minded head coach Jeff Hafley. – Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire
31. New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Most expect the Patriots to draft an edge rusher at No. 31 overall, but they could pivot given the dire need for depth at offensive tackle. Will Campbell isn't going anywhere on the left side. However, there are legitimate concerns with Morgan Moses' sustainability on the right side at 35 years old. Patriots fans saw enough of Drake Maye running for his life during the postseason. If Moses ever goes down with an injury, it would be more of the same for the 23-year-old quarterback. This isn't a deep draft class for offensive tackles, but Blake Miller is a standout with all of the right physical traits to be a long-time starter in the NFL. He is devastating in pass protection, but he could use some work in run-blocking. Drafting a future starter with high upside to work in behind Moses is the safe bet for New England at No. 31. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire
32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
The Seattle Seahawks have only drafted three running backs in the first round in franchise history, and Price could be the fourth. The Seahawks have a considerable need at the position, despite signing Emanuel Wilson in free agency. Losing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs is a blow, but one that can be mitigated by drafting Price. With Zach Charbonnet healing from his ACL injury, Seattle will need all the help on the ground they can get. – Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: Cowboys trade up, Browns land 3 first rounders
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