2026 NFL Mock Draft: Mendoza, Miami, and Ohio State Stars Make the Trek to Pittsburgh

It's already April? It's already NFL Draft season? Wow, that time sure went fast...

    I'm looking at this year's NFL Draft and thinking to myself one thing: how did the draft order end up like this? I mean, the Chiefs picking in the top 10? New England in the 30s? The Seahawks are Super Bowl Champions again? If you told me those three points as of the writing of my mock draft last year, I would've been shocked. It just goes to show that the NFL never fails to surprise me.

    With free agency in the rear view mirror, we now are on the road to the Steel City and the NFL Draft. That means it's once again time for me to compose my annual mock, where I pair the league's top eligible draftees with their newest NFL homes. The University of Miami, Ohio State, and Clemson each have their fair share of names, but there's plenty of talent throughout this year's group. If you are a first-time reader, I do not predict any trades in my mock draft, as trying to factor trades in would cause the entire draft to go sideways. If you are not a first-time reader, welcome back and thank you for returning. Here's my mock draft for 2026, and I don't think it should be any surprise at who's leading the way...

1. Las Vegas Raiders - QB Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)

    This pick was solidified on January 4 when the Raiders clinched the number one pick in the Draft for the first time in 19 years. The Silver and Black are openly seeking a quarterback and Mendoza is all there's. The defending Heisman Trophy winner tossed 41 touchdowns to six interceptions in his lone season with the Hoosiers, leading them to an unlikely National Championship triumph. He completed 72 percent of his passes, looking calm, cool and collected in the process. In 2007, the Raiders took the top quarterback on the board at 1: LSU's Jamarcus Russell. It's time to right those wrongs as not only Wrestlemania, but Mendoza Mania takes place at Allegiant Stadium in 2026. Oh, and here's a nice Tyler Linderbaum for added protection.

2. New York Jets - LB Arvell Reese (Ohio State)

    So this pick was 100% going to be Dante Moore had he declared, but his return to Oregon has shifted this pick to Reese. The Jets have their pick of the litter at 2 and recent reports have linked them to the Ohio State linebacker. It's easy to see why; he had 69 tackles to go along with 6.5 sacks in his First-Team AP All-American caliber season. A finalist for the Butkus Award, the heartbeat of the Ohio State defense finds his way to MetLife Stadium to work with Aaron Glenn as the focal point of his unit going forward. Quarterback will still be something to keep an eye on in the later rounds, unless the Jets believe Geno Smith truly will lead them to the promised land.

3. Arizona Cardinals - OT Francis Mauigoa (Miami)

    I feel like Arizona's pick is going to sway one of two ways: Mauigoa or one of the elite edge rushers. The Cardinals are probably going to be rolling with Jacoby Brissett under center for the second year in a row, so they give him a little bit of help with the top lineman in this year's class. Mauigoa is a big body, standing 6'5" and weighing 329 pounds. He spent three years at Miami and was a captain in 2025. This sets up the Cardinals for two top draft picks at their tackles: Mauigoa on the right side and former top-10 pick Paris Johnson Jr. on the left.

4. Tennessee Titans - RB Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)

    The Titans had plenty of cap space at their disposal in free agency, and they certainly put that to good use. Wan'Dale Robinson, Cordale Flott, John-Franklin Myers and others decided to call Nashville home. With their fair share of additions on the defensive side on the ball, it's time to give Cam Ward an explosive running back to help him out a bit. Love was a star at Notre Dame, racking up 2,497 yards and 35 touchdowns over the past two seasons. His combine numbers were quite impressive, a 4.36 40-yard dash and a 1.55 10-yard split. The Doak Walker winner and Heisman Trophy finalist heads to Tennessee, who have a rich history of ball carriers. 

5. New York Giants - LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State)

    I'm leaning towards the Giants taking an Ohio State defender at 5, whether that be Styles or Caleb Downs, but Styles seems to be the more logical move. The senior from Ohio State actually started out at safety and later converted to linebacker in his junior year. The result was a success, as his statistics took a leap forward and hence, a rise in his draft stock. He had 46 solo tackles in 2025 and 82 total, down from his 2024 campaign yet still leading the Buckeyes defense. His best game in 2025? Against the Hoosiers, Styles had an impressive 12 total tackles. The First-Team All Big Ten defender lines up alongside Brian Burns as the Giants roster gets restructured under new coach John Harbaugh.

6. Cleveland Browns - WR Carnell Tate (Ohio State)

   Cleveland has a very important decision to make at 6. Do they go for a desperately needed wide receiver, or do they look to replace some of the offensive linemen they lost in free agency? I think based on Arizona's pick at 3, this decision may not be theirs to make. Wide receiver it shall be then. Tate was another Buckeye who had a strong 2025. 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns is a nice season, even while missing three games with a calf strain. The Browns select their compliment to Jerry Jeudy and hope that a tackle is still on the board at 24. If not, they may have to reach or select one in the later rounds. Let's check back on them in 18 picks.

7. Washington Commanders - S Caleb Downs (Ohio State)

    That's right. Three consecutive Ohio State players, and four in the top seven, will hear their names called by Roger Goodell on April 23. It was a disappointing season in Washington, marred by the injury to star quarterback Jayden Daniels. The silver lining is a top-10 draft pick. I could see them going Mansoor Delane or even Rueben Bain Jr. here, however the hunch is telling me Downs is the pick. The winner of the Jim Thorpe award, the star safety had both a pair of forced fumbles and interceptions as well as 45 solo tackles. There's also a new defensive coordinator in Washington, Daronte Jones, who would love to work with someone like him. Downs becomes the highest selected safety since 2016, when the Jets selected Jamal Adams at 6.

8. New Orleans Saints - EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami)

    I'm not going to lie, I expected New Orleans to be picking much higher, and I'm glad the Saints exceeded my expectations in 2025. Tyler Shough seems to be the guy at quarterback, and while they would take another wideout, I think the fact that the top pass rusher is still on the board changes their tune a bit. Personally, I'm super high on Bain. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year showed out last year, racking up 54 tackles, 15.5 TFLs and 9.5 sacks. He also collected eight tackles in the National Championship Game against Indiana. Cameron Jordan is most likely not returning to New Orleans, so Bain is a natural replacement opposite Bryan Bresee.

9. Kansas City Chiefs - CB Mansoor Delane (LSU)

    This is just a natural fit, right? The Chiefs, who lost both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Rams, are in search of their replacements at corner and wouldn't you know it, the top cornerback on the board fell to them at 9. Delane has 45 tackles and a pair of picks at LSU after spending the first three years of his college career at Virginia Tech. He also had a 4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day. Kansas City finally grabs their much-needed CB as they look to return to form in 2026.

10. Cincinnati Bengals - EDGE David Bailey (Texas Tech)

   Enjoy your Trey Hendrickson replacement, Cincinnati. The Bengals needed a pass rusher anyway, and with Hendrickson joining the division rival Ravens, whichever of Bain or Bailey is available should be the pick. In this case, it's the Texas Tech senior who led all of FBS with 14.5 sacks and 52 total tackles. His 19.5 tackles for loss was second in FBS behind only Nadame Tucker of Western Michigan. Bailey has a wide range of where he can end up, he could go as high as Arizona at 3, but he slides perfectly into the Bengals' lap.

11. Miami Dolphins - OT Monroe Freeling (Georgia)

  Miami is going to be a run-first team in 2026, with Jaylen Waddle being shipped off to Denver and Malik Willis replacing Tua Tagovailoa under center. De'Von Achane will be receiving his fair share of carries and will need some room to run. Enter Monroe Freeling, the top left tackle in the class. Freeling only took two penalties in all of 2025 and allowed just one sack. The 6'7", 315-pound South Carolina native heads to the Dolphins as Willis' top protection.

12. Dallas Cowboys - CB Jermod McCoy (Tennessee)

   With two first round picks, it's safe to say that this is a big draft for Dallas. The Cowboys had an up-and-down 2025, but one weakness for them was their secondary. McCoy, who did not play in 2025 due to a torn ACL, has seen his draft stock soar due to his impressive Pro Day. His vertical jump was 38 inches with a 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds. This calmed the nerves of teams that were looking to take him, one of them being the Boys. He joins DaRon Bland in the secondary as the Cowboys look to get back into NFC East contention.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta) - OT Spencer Fano (Utah)

    Another year in which I have to give kudos to the Rams for some savvy work at the Draft, this time for acquiring the Falcons' first-rounder as they traded for James Pearce Jr. last year. Los Angeles explored trading for A.J. Brown, so it would not surprise me if they went receiver here. With that said, they can also add an elite tackle like Fano at 13. He impressed at the Combine; a 4.91 40-yard time and a 32" vertical jump for a tackle definitely caught my eye. Oh, yeah, he also allowed a total of zero sacks last season with the Utes. Fano goes to an immediate contender, lining up to protect the defending MVP, Matthew Stafford.

14. Baltimore Ravens - WR Makai Lemon (USC)

    Something tells me it's either going to be Peter Woods or a high-impact receiver at 14 for Baltimore, and I think Lemon is going to go before Jordyn Tyson. While I like them both, Lemon also seems like the better fit for Lamar and the Ravens. He had 79 receptions in 2025 for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Trojans in his junior season. Lemon also won the Biletnikoff Award as the country's top wide receiver, beating the likes of both Tyson and the earlier-selected Carnell Tate. Baltimore needs another pass catcher to pair with Zay Flowers, and Lemon instantly becomes an upgrade over Rashod Bateman.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - EDGE Keldric Faulk (Auburn)   

    The ending of last season left a sour taste in the mouths of the Buccaneers, which was not made easier by the loss of franchise legend Mike Evans in the offseason. They selected his replacement last year with Emeka Egbuka, but many fans would tend to think their defensive front appears to be the biggest need. Faulk did see his numbers dip a little bit in 2025, but he can generate a pass rush and collect sacks, something the Buccaneers need. He's also very young, as he has not even turned 21 years old yet. Tampa needs some explosiveness and youth in the front seven. Faulk can provide just that.

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis) - WR Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)

    This is one of two first-round picks received from the Sauce Gardner trade, and New York needs another wideout to pair with Garrett Wilson. With the selection of Reese at 2, they can focus on that side of the ball at 16. I think they like what they saw out of Mason Taylor, so they select the deep threat from the Sun Devils. Tyson missed four games last year with hamstring issues, yet he still led the team with 711 yards and eight touchdowns. He had a 1,101-yard campaign in 2024. With Hines Ward as his coach at ASU, Tyson has seen his draft stock rise, and the Jets nab him at 16 to help out Geno Smith or whatever quarterback they may select in the future.

17. Detroit Lions - OT Caleb Lomu (Utah)

    The Lions are another team that could use an offensive tackle in the draft after the retirements of both Frank Ragnow and Dan Skipper. With the elite Penei Sewell on the right, they're looking for someone to man that left-hand side, so they select Lomu. The 304-pound tackle lined up opposite Spencer Fano on the Utes, and much like his draft counterpart, he allowed zero sacks in his 2025 campaign. The First-Team All Big 12 tackle could not land in a more perfect situation, as Dan Campbell and Detroit find the next great offensive lineman.

18. Minnesota Vikings - S Dillon Thieneman (Oregon)

    This is another one of those picks that just makes sense. The Vikings need help at safety, especially after the retirement of Harrison Smith. If we see an unexpected slide from Caleb Downs, he's certainly the pick, but they'd be more than happy with Thieneman as well. The First-Team All Big Ten safety collected 92 tackles in his senior season at Oregon, including 12 combined tackles during their upset win over Texas Tech. His prior two seasons at Purdue were stellar as well, with over 100 total tackles each. Brian Flores gets his new prized possession on defense.   

19. Carolina Panthers - TE Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon)

    Back-to-back picks for the Ducks as Sadiq finds his way to Charlotte. The Panthers returned to the playoffs in 2025 and also had the Offensive Rookie of the Year in Tetairoa McMillan, so why not add another weapon to help out Bryce Young? Sadiq, the top tight end in the class, collected 51 receptions for 560 yards with an impressive eight touchdowns in 2025. Those 51 receptions were an Oregon record for a tight end, and he was a finalist for the John Mackey Award. He unseats Tommy Tremble and Ja'Tavion Sanders as the Panthers top tight end option, aiming to repeat as NFC South Champions.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay) - OT Kadyn Proctor (Alabama)

    Finally, an Alabama player goes in the first round! With the secondary issue solved with Jermod McCoy, the Cowboys should shift focus to their offensive line and snag Proctor at 20. He's a big-bodied tackle, weighing in at 352 pounds. That's exactly what Dallas and Dak Prescott should be looking for. Across 610 snaps, Proctor allowed just two sacks in his stellar senior season with the Crimson Tide. With McCoy and Proctor in the fold, it seems like a solid draft for Jerry Jones and company. I don't envy the pressure that's being put on the young tackle, however. This is the pick from the Micah Parsons trade, and with how his first year in Green Bay turned out, I don't think there are any regrets in Wisconsin.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers - OG Olaivevega Ioane (Penn State)

    Regardless of whether or not Aaron Rodgers comes back, Ioane would be a dream scenario for the Black and Gold. The Steelers lost Isaac Seumalo in free agency and Ioane can easily slide into that left guard position. The 320-pounder from Penn State was a Second-Team AP All American and First-Team All Big Ten. In his four years for the Nittany Lions, he only allowed three sacks and took five penalties. The top interior lineman in this class, he does not have to go far to find his NFL home. 

22. Los Angeles Chargers - DT Peter Woods (Clemson)

   There's a cluster of teams from the mid-teens to the end of the first round that I could see selecting Woods, as there's a lack of true elite interior defensive linemen in this class. If I had to take a swing, this feels like a Chargers pick. Woods had 30 total tackles and a pair of sacks in his 2025 season with Clemson. He was a First-Team All ACC at defensive tackle across his 12 games as well. The Bolts did sign Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency and brought back Khalil Mack. However, Woods adds some youth and extra size to LA's front seven. The top DT on the board, he finds a home with Jim Harbaugh's group.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - EDGE Akheem Mesidor (Miami)

   I dabbled with putting a receiver here in case the Eagles decide to move on from A.J. Brown, and I almost gave them CJ Allen because of the Georgia connection. However, in this scenario, the Birds hold onto Brown and select the edge rusher from Miami instead. Mesidor was a star for the Hurricanes' defense in 2025, collecting 12.5 sacks en route to a National Championship Game berth, where he sacked Fernando Mendoza twice. He also had four forced fumbles and 17.5 tackles for loss. Philly lines up Mesidor opposite Jalen Carter to wreak havoc on NFC offenses. 

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville) - OT Blake Miller (Clemson)

    Cleveland took a gamble by taking Carnell Tate at 6 hoping that a tackle would be on the board at 24, and fortunately for them, the risk paid off with Miller. Even better, he's from nearby Strongsville, Ohio, so this could be a homecoming of sorts. He's a natural right tackle, was a First-Team All ACC and set the Clemson record for most consecutive starts by a non-specialist and total career snaps. He has the experience that Cleveland's looking for, and they get two players with ties to Ohio. Not a bad draft for the Browns at all.

25. Chicago Bears - DT Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)

   Chicago saw quite the jump last season, and their NFC North crown was one of the NFL's biggest surprise stories. There's a core to build around here, filled with lots of exciting young players, but the defensive line can get even younger. McDonald partook in his first season as a starter, with 31 solo tackles and three sacks for a loaded Buckeyes defense. He also won a First-Team AP All American award and started all 14 games for Ohio State. With Grady Jarrett aging, McDonald slides in as the perfect replacement while the Bears look to defend their crown.

26. Buffalo Bills - S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)

    For the first time in a while, it seems like there is a bit of doubt in Buffalo following the team's recent loss to the Broncos. They could give Josh Allen another weapon on offense (see the aforementioned A.J. Brown above), yet I think their safety room could use another body. McNeil-Warren had three stellar seasons with the Toledo Rockets, and he saved his best season for last with 77 solo tackles, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He also impressed with a 4.52 40-yard dash at the Combine. The Bills get younger on defense whilst adding one of the top safeties in the class, but they know what the real goal is. Super Bowl or bust.

27. San Francisco 49ers - OT Max Iheanachor (Arizona State)

    It's been an offseason full of transition for the Niners. Mike Evans has entered as the new WR1 while the future of Brandon Aiyuk is still murky. This is still a strong team, but with Brock Purdy's injury concerns, a new right tackle could be the play. Iheanachor, the native of Nigeria, only started playing football in 2021. In comparison, that's the same year the 49ers picked Trey Lance at 3. Iheanachor also allowed zero sacks in 2025 and was a Second-Team All Big Ten lineman. While he still may need some development, Kyle Shanahan's system is the perfect place for someone like Iheanachor to learn and grow.

28. Houston Texans - LB CJ Allen (Georgia)

    Is Houston in a spot where they can pick the best player available? I think so. The Texans roster looks loaded, specifically on defense, but let's make that great group even greater, shall we? Allen had a dominant 2025 for the Bulldogs, complete with 88 tackles and eight of them for loss. He collected several awards as well; a First-Team All American and First-Team All SEC doesn't sound too shabby. So why do I have him going to H-Town? He just seems like a Demeco Ryans guy, a hard worker from a school that's produced great linebackers over the years. He joins Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. while the AFC South quarterbacks shiver.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LA Rams) - WR Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)

  Well, it looks like Kansas City gets their wide receiver not at 9, but at 29 instead. The pick acquired for Trent McDuffie, I always pictured the Chiefs utilizing their pair of firsts to solve issues on both sides of the ball, and Cooper Jr. at the back end of the first round is great value. One of the players whose draft stock was risen by Curt Cignetti, Cooper Jr. led the Hoosiers with 937 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. However, he's 22 years old, so he's one of the older receiving prospects. Brett Veach and company know that this is a win-now window, so age should not be a factor for the Chiefs. Cooper Jr. gets Patrick Mahomes throwing to him, and as someone coming straight from the National Champions to the NFL's most recent dynasty, he should be pretty stoked.

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver) - CB Avieon Terrell (Clemson)

    Could the Dolphins use this pick acquired from Jaylen Waddle for his replacement? Would not shock me, but my thought is that new GM Jon-Eric Robinson would rather spend first rounders on the offensive line and the defense rather than the receiving room. The brother of Falcons' corner A.J. Terrell, Avieon set school records at Clemson with eight forced fumbles as a defensive back. He even had three sacks as a DB with the Tigers. Terrell reminds me a lot of his brother, and if the Dolphins get their own version of A.J., they hit a home run at 30.

31. New England Patriots - EDGE T.J. Parker (Clemson)

       The Patriots are back on top as kings of the AFC and with some new faces on both sides of the ball. Romeo Doubs enters the receiving room while adding veteran Kevin Byard to fill a safety need. New England could use another pass rusher after losing K'Lavon Chiasson to Washington. TJ Parker and Zion Young are both available, however I'm leaning Parker due to Young's off-the-field issues. His 2024 season was better than 2025's (11 sacks compared to five) and he had six forced fumbles that season, but the signs for a return to form are there, especially in Mike Vrabel's system. Parker's selection marks the third pair of back-to-back picks in this mock as he makes the trek to Foxborough. 

32. Seattle Seahawks - CB Colton Hood (Tennessee)

    For the second time in franchise history, the Seahawks are Super Bowl Champions. Many congratulations to them and their fans! While nothing beats winning a Lombardi Trophy, much like prior winners, the roster did experience quite a bit of turnover, losing Riq Woolen, Coby Bryant, Boye Mafe and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. Any of those positions could be filled here, but I really like the pairing of Mike MacDonald and Colton Hood. The Volunteer had 50 tackles in 2025 in his first year as a full-time starter with eight passes broken up. Hood becomes the Riq Woolen replacement in a tough NFC West, where Seattle looks to repeat as Super Bowl winners.

    There you have it, another (hopefully) successful mock draft in the books. As I am every year, I look forward to seeing where these prospects will start their NFL careers. There are also some prospects that did not make my first round projections. Names like Zion Young, Brandon Cisse, Cashius Howell and others would have to wait until Day 2 to hear their names called. And what about Ty Simpson? Does a team take a swing and select him in the first round? It all transpires in just two weeks' time. Thank you for reading, and enjoy the draft festivities in Pittsburgh! Now I could really go for some Primanti Bros., all this Pittsburgh talk is making me crave my favorite sandwich spot.