With the early stages of free agency in the books, here's my new forecast for the first 32 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. I'm not projecting any trades here, but with plenty of time remaining before Round 1 begins on April 23 in Pittsburgh, there are still moves to be made. In fact, just as we were about to publish this mock, news broke that the Broncos are sending the No. 30 overall pick to the Dolphins as part of a deal for WR Jaylen Waddle. Another major twist or turn could certainly materialize, which makes this one of my favorite times of the year!
NOTE: NFL Network and 麻豆国产 will have live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23-25.
Las Vegas used free agency to reel in three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum at center, which should aid in Mendoza鈥檚 development. I still expect the Raiders to add a veteran quarterback this offseason, so they won't need to rush the rookie onto the field.
I go back and forth between Reese and Texas Tech鈥檚 David Bailey here. Reese, with experience playing on the line and off the ball, gives the Jets more scheme flexibility in their 3-4 defense.
Arizona lands the draft's top offensive lineman in Mauigoa. He's a plug-and-play guy at right tackle.
Tennessee addressed a lot of its defensive needs in free agency, which frees the team up to take my No. 2 player in the draft to help Cam Ward.
Styles would be a monster playing behind the Giants' dynamic front line.
It feels like the Browns need to land an offensive tackle and receiver with their two first-round selections. In this simulation, they鈥檙e willing to gamble that a Round 1-caliber OT will be waiting for them at Pick No. 24, selecting the highly enticing Tate here.
Washington was aggressive to fill needs at edge rusher in free agency. Bain has the versatility to play from the edge on early downs and then slide inside in sub packages, making him a nice complement to Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson.
With few young, established pass rushers on the roster, New Orleans could use some fresh legs off the edge. Bailey gives the Saints a true fastball to throw at opposing offenses.
Fano can start immediately at right tackle and eventually kick inside to guard if necessary. The Chiefs will have excellent information on him because of Andy Reid's relationship with former Utah head coach (and former BYU teammate) Kyle Whittingham.
The Bengals can take the best defensive player available here. Downs has versatility, and his Big Ten pedigree will be well received by Cincinnati's decision-makers.
There are still a lot of holes to fill on Miami's roster. The Dolphins solve a corner spot with Delane, one of the draft's most consistent players on tape.
McCoy's draft range is somewhat difficult to predict, considering he missed all of last season with an ACL tear and we have yet to see him work out for scouts. His 2024 game film is excellent, though.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Rams were in on for Eagles star A.J. Brown, which points to their desire to add at receiver. Lemon has the characteristics they covet in wideouts, with toughness, strong hands and the ability to pick up yards after the catch.
Tyson would be a fun new weapon for offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who might see some similarities between the Arizona State product and a player he coached with the Bears last season, Luther Burden III.
Tampa Bay lands a productive pass rusher (35.5 college sacks, including 12.5 with Miami last season) who can set the tone off the edge with his physical play.
Cooper would be an awesome complement to veteran receiver Garrett Wilson. The former Hoosier is a tough pass catcher who can play inside and outside.
Freeling has the most upside of any tackle in this year's draft -- and the Lions have a void to fill at the position after parting ways with Taylor Decker.
I wanted to find a different option for the Vikings after slotting Thieneman here in my last mock draft, but every time I do this exercise, the Oregon safety ends up staring me in the face at Pick No. 18. He's a perfect fit.
The Panthers add more firepower for Bryce Young. With his ability to separate before and after the catch, Concepcion forms a strong pass-catching trio with Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
Parker is a polarizing player this year after his production dipped in 2025. But he had a strong finish to the season, and he followed that up with an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl.
Broderick Jones has underwhelmed at left tackle. With Miller in the fold, Troy Fautanu could move to the blind side in Jones' place, thus clearing a spot for the rookie at RT.
The Chargers thank their lucky stars that their need on the interior matches up with the best player still available. Ioane would be their most talented guard.
When it comes to addressing needs, GM Howie Roseman tends to be a year early instead of a year late. Right tackle Lane Johnson is under contract -- but the Eagles get some insurance for the 13-year veteran now. Proctor could also slide inside to guard if needed.
Cleveland's gamble back at Pick No. 6 pays off, as a left tackle prospect with first-round talent is still available here. I'm not projecting any trades in this mock, but if the Browns do indeed take a receiver with their initial first-round choice, it will not shock me if they look to move up from No. 24 for an OT.
McNeil-Warren has the size, length and playmaking ability to fill the void left by Jaquan Brisker -- in fact, I believe EMW would be an upgrade at the position.
The level of concern about Howell's lack of length (30 1/4-inch arms) will vary from team to team, but his first-step quickness is unquestioned after he posted the fastest 10-yard split (1.58 seconds) of any player from the defensive line group at this year's NFL Scouting Combine. New Bills DC Jim Leonhard comes from Denver, where the Broncos won off the edge with Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, who both ranked among the top five at their position last season in average get-off, per Next Gen Stats.
This is the second time I've mocked Sadiq to the 49ers this year. He would be an amazing new toy for Kyle Shanahan.
There are a lot of that I have in the second-round range. I have a feeling one of them is going climb into Round 1. In this case, Houston stays in state to add Bisontis.
The Chiefs land one of the most complete cornerbacks in the draft. Hood can cover and play the run, filling a big void in a secondary that is being rebuilt.
The Dolphins will need to address wide receiver after dealing away Jaylen Waddle, but they are armed with a lot of Day 2 picks to find value at that spot in a year with a deep class at the position. Miami fills another major need with Faulk, who has the versatility and athleticism to fit well in Jeff Hafley's defense.
McDonald gives New England a run-stopping force on the interior. He can do the dirty work and let Milton Williams get up the field.
I see a steep drop at the running back position this year after Price. He would slide right into the mix in Seattle, with Kenneth Walker III departing and Zach Charbonnet coming off injury.












