2026 Idealistic Mock Draft
We are just a few short days away from Draft Day. For this mock draft, I make every single pick as if I’m selecting for that team. This is not a predictive mock draft.
This is a NO TRADES mock draft, so I’ll be sticking and picking for all 32 spots.
A list of the players I selected and where I selected them from is at the bottom of the article.
Las Vegas Raiders
R1: #1 - Fernando Mendoza
QB - Indiana
The Las Vegas Raiders have been at the bottom of the NFL barrel for a few years now. The Geno Smith and Pete Carroll experiment was an absolute disaster both on and off the field. With GM John Spytek in charge and Klint Kubiak at the helm, the Raiders are looking for a major organizational reset. Fortunately for them, they possess the first overall pick in the draft and the perfect player is right there for the taking.
Fernando Mendoza won it all in his only season with the Indiana Hoosiers. He was one of the most dominant Heisman winners ever and helped make an Indiana team that was the laughing stock of college football just a few years ago National Champions.
Mendoza is a prototypical top-prospect quarterback. He’s got good size and build for the position. While he might not have a rocket arm, it’s still a very good one and he can any throw required. Mobility might not be a strength of his, but it’s certainly not a weakness, best illustrated by his 7 rushing touchdowns last season.
There is nobody better to help the Raiders turn the page. Mendoza is a phenomenal player and an even better leader and person. He is a no-brainer first overall pick and if for some reason he isn’t, the entire Raiders organization needs to be fired before they step foot in the building.
New York Jets
R1: #2 - Arvell Reese
EDGE - Ohio State
The Jets currently own the longest streak of consecutive seasons without making the playoffs in the NFL, at a whopping 15 seasons. This year looks like it’s going turn that number to 16, but the building blocks are certainly there for the Jets to make some noise in 2027 and 2028. They own a war chest of draft picks over the next two seasons, featuring picks 2, 16, 33, and 44 this year and three first round picks in 2027.
Reese has the potential to make a Micah Parsons-type impact at the next level. He played all over the field for Ohio State in a “joker” type of role, but at the next level he will most likely settle in as an edge rusher in a 3-4 defense. The Jets’ recent trade for nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat signals a commitment to this scheme.
At 6’4” 241lbs, Reese is an athletic freak. He posted a ridiculous 4.46 40-yard dash and 1.58 10-yard split at the combine. His best attribute might be his play strength. He’s incredibly violent at the point of attack and easily displaces offensive lineman that weigh 80lbs more than he does.
There is plenty of work that he needs to do when it comes to developing a pass rush bag, but his potential is too tantalizing for the Jets to pass up here.
Arizona Cardinals
R1: #3 - Rueben Bain Jr.
EDGE - Miami
The Arizona Cardinals should be doing everything they can to trade out of this spot, but if I’m staying put and making the pick, I’m taking Rueben Bain Jr.
Bain is the sixth-ranked player on my board, and I selected him here even with my top three still available because I don’t view running back, safety, or linebacker as pressing needs for Arizona.
The Cardinals drafted Walter Nolen in the first round last year, and pairing him with Bain could create an electric front. The last two Super Bowls were won in the trenches, and this would be Arizona’s way of building that kind of foundation.
Bain played EDGE at Miami, but I believe his best fit at the next level is inside as a 5-technique. That said, his versatility gives him the ability to line up outside and still be highly effective.
Short arms are a concern, but his power, play style, and bend give me confidence he’ll succeed at the next level.
Tennessee Titans
R1: #4 - Sonny Styles
ILB - Ohio State
Last year, the Tennessee Titans fielded the fifth-worst scoring defense in the league. Now it’s up to new head coach Robert Saleh to fix it.
Sonny Styles feels like the ideal candidate to become Saleh’s version of Fred Warner.
He’s an incredibly intelligent player in the body of a freak athlete. At 6’5” with 4.46 speed, Styles has rare physical tools, and that athleticism shows up on tape.
As a former safety, he’s an excellent coverage dropper, much like Warner. In today’s NFL, the spine of a defense has become increasingly important, and Styles has the traits to be a foundational piece.
New York Giants
R1: #5 - Caleb Downs
S - Ohio State
The top player on my board comes off the board here to the Giants. With what is essentially a brand-new regime led by John Harbaugh, New York makes a splash pick at No. 5 before, as I’d put it, eating its vegetables at No. 10.
Downs is a phenomenal, fluid athlete with the highest football IQ in this class. The Giants already have two serviceable safeties in Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin, but Downs brings an added dimension to the back end.
As we’ve seen with Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori, Cooper DeJean, Brian Branch, and others, the nickel defender has become one of the most important positions in modern NFL defenses. Downs has the potential to be that caliber of player for the Giants in this scenario.
Cleveland Browns
R1: #6 - Carnell Tate
WR - Ohio State
The Browns enter this draft with plenty of needs, but two glaring holes stand out: offensive tackle and wide receiver. Thanks to last year’s Travis Hunter trade, Cleveland owns picks No. 6 and No. 24 in this draft. Like Arizona, I think the Browns are a prime trade-down candidate, but since I’m sticking and picking, I’m making the selection here.
With this pick, I went with Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Tate is an incredibly safe prospect who, in my view, is being underrated by the general consensus.
He’s an X receiver with the flexibility to line up all over the field. Tate has a strong frame, smooth route-running ability, and some of the best hands I’ve seen from a prospect in quite some time. Add in outstanding contested-catch ability, and you have a receiver who consistently makes life easier on his quarterback.
Now, who’s getting him the ball is a different story…
Washington Commanders
R1: #7 - Jeremiyah Love
RB - Notre Dame
The Washington Commanders have a few areas that could use an upgrade, and running back is certainly one of them. I’m generally hesitant to endorse taking a running back in the top 10, but this feels like one of the cases where it makes sense.
Washington signed Rachaad White in free agency and already has rookie standout Jacory Croskey-Merritt on the roster, but Love would represent a significant upgrade over both. White could still serve as a designated third-down back and quality backup, as he did last season, but Love would be the featured option.
Love is a freak athlete with elite top-end speed, strong vision, and underrated pass-catching ability. The combination of him and Jayden Daniels would be a nightmare for defenses to defend on the ground.
This would be a strong move to help Washington push its way back to the NFC Championship.
New Orleans Saints
R1: #8 - David Bailey
EDGE - Texas Tech
Despite picking in the top 10, the Saints had about as strong a season as their fans could have hoped for. Tyler Shough emerged as a viable starting quarterback, and New Orleans looked like a quality team by the end of 2025.
The Saints’ defense could use more juice up front, and Bailey would provide exactly that. He’s a pass-rush artist and a terror off the edge, leading the NCAA with 14.5 sacks, fueled in large part by his lightning-quick first step.
A pairing of David Bailey and Chase Young on the edge would be nightmare fuel for offenses in a wide-open NFC South.
Kansas City Chiefs
R1: #9 - Max Iheanachor
OT - Arizona State
I was very close to going with a corner here, but the most important thing for the Chiefs is making sure a Hall of Fame quarterback coming off a torn ACL is protected. Kansas City hasn’t picked this high since 2013, when it also selected a tackle.
Iheanachor is widely regarded as a raw prospect, but his film is significantly better than you’d expect for a player carrying that label. He grew up playing soccer and basketball and didn’t begin playing football until junior college, which helps explain both the upside and the developmental projection.
He was already climbing draft boards, but his performance at the Senior Bowl significantly boosted his stock.
Reports suggest the Chiefs may not be fully sold on last year’s first-round pick Josh Simmons, and Iheanachor has the traits of a future Pro Bowl left tackle.
New York Giants
R1: #10 - Francis Mauigoa
OT - Miami
With their first-round pick, the Giants made a splash by landing Caleb Downs. But John Harbaugh is a coach who values building through the trenches, and that philosophy comes into play here.
The Evan Neal experiment has been an outright disaster, and Mauigoa could provide a viable replacement at right tackle. He’s an incredibly strong, sturdy athlete who could also slide inside to guard, which I believe may ultimately be his best position.
Either way, Jaxson Dart appears to be New York’s quarterback of the future, and the Giants need to do everything they can to protect him.
Miami Dolphins
R1: #11 - Mansoor Delane
CB - LSU
Miami is entering the first year of a brand-new regime, and there’s a lot of work to do. Honestly, I’d be stunned if the Dolphins aren’t picking in the top five next year. In addition to No. 11, they also hold pick No. 30 in this draft.
Cornerback has become one of the most important positions in the modern NFL, and Miami is in desperate need of help there. While I personally prefer Jermod McCoy, I think Delane is the better pick for the Dolphins in this spot.
Delane may not have ideal size, but he plays bigger than he’s listed. His high football IQ, paired with elite speed and quickness, makes him a strong selection at such a premium position.
He would be an excellent foundational piece to begin Miami’s rebuild.
Dallas Cowboys
R1: #12 - Dillon Thieneman
S - Oregon
This is the first of Dallas’ two first-round picks, and they would be remiss not to target defense with both.
The Cowboys’ secondary is the biggest weakness on the roster right now, and Thieneman would provide the perfect safety blanket. He started all three years of his college career in the Big Ten—two at Purdue and one at Oregon. He has solid size for the position and is an excellent athlete, best illustrated by his 4.35 40-yard dash.
Dallas has been vulnerable over the top for years, and that issue was especially exposed when a past-his-prime Russell Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns against them.
Thieneman would be a strong step toward making this a league-average defense.
Los Angeles Rams
R1: #13 - Makai Lemon
WR - USC
This pick pains me to make. Lemon is my favorite receiver in this class, and it’s no secret the Rams have been exploring the wide receiver market.
While Carnell Tate might fit every NFL offense, I think Lemon has the highest ceiling.
He’s a true competitor on and off the field—fearless over the middle and a relentless blocker. There’s a reason he draws comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown, and that’s before even factoring in the USC connection.
If any coach-quarterback duo can maximize Lemon’s potential, it would be Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. As a Seahawks fan, I really hope this one doesn’t come to fruition.
Baltimore Ravens
R1: #14 - Olaivavega Ioane
IOL - Penn State
Ioane might be the safest pick in this year’s draft. The only reason I don’t have him higher in my mock is positional value.
With the departure of Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, the Ravens have a clear need on the interior of their offensive line. Ioane is a stout player and an excellent athlete for the guard position.
For a team that leans heavily on inside zone concepts like Baltimore, strong guard play is essential.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
R1: #15 - Akheem Mesidor
EDGE - Miami
This is the first pick where I don’t love many of the available options given Tampa Bay’s needs. The Buccaneers need significant help on defense, particularly at edge rusher and linebacker.
In this instance, I decided to go with Akheem Mesidor. Mesidor is an interesting prospect because he will be a 25-year-old rookie. He profiles as the type of player built for a contender—while Tampa may not be one yet, they are desperate enough to need a player like him.
Mesidor is an excellent pass rusher with a well-developed arsenal, thanks in part to his work with Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. Age and injury history are the main concerns, but he should still be an immediate impact player at the next level.
New York Jets
R1: #16 - Jermod McCoy
CB - Tennessee
The New York Jets became the first team in NFL history to finish a season without an interception. After trading away Sauce Gardner, their secondary became utterly exposed, and they now need serious help on the back end.
Enter Jermod McCoy. If McCoy were coming off his 2024 season heading into this draft, I would have seriously considered him for the Jets at No. 2—I like him that much. The concern, however, is that after suffering a devastating knee injury, he missed the entirety of 2025.
Even so, McCoy’s tape was so impressive that, in my opinion, he’s still worth this selection for a Jets team that desperately needs juice in the secondary.
Detroit Lions
R1: #17 - Spencer Fano
OT - Utah
To the shock of many, the Lions released long-time left tackle Taylor Decker this offseason. It seems like the current plan is going to be to move All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell over to the left, but that would still leave a vacancy on the right side.
Spencer Fano would be a great pickup for the Lions and they’d be ecstatic if he was still on the board here. The Outland Award winner wouldn’t miss a beat sliding it on the right side for a Detroit team looking for a bounce back season.
Minnesota Vikings
R1: #18 - Kayden McDonald
DT - Ohio State
The Minnesota Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are known for running a aggressive defense built to force turnovers. However, their biggest weakness last season was an underwhelming run defense, which allowed the 12th-most rushing yards per game in the NFL.
Kayden McDonald is the ideal player to help address that issue—quite literally a space-eater in the middle. The massive Ohio State defensive tackle was a dominant run stuffer in college and could help fill the void left by Jonathan Allen, who departed in free agency.
McDonald does offer some pass-rush upside, but his true value is consistent and predictable: he impacts the run game at a high level every snap.
Carolina Panthers
R1: #19 - Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
S - Toledo
The Carolina Panthers put up one heck of a fight against the second-best team in football during the Wild Card round. Their offense showed it could score, but ultimately the secondary let them down.
McNeil-Warren is an excellent way to address that issue. The Toledo safety is effective as a deep-third defender, but he’s also comfortable coming downhill and delivering hits in the box.
Carolina is looking to build on its momentum from winning the NFC South last season, and McNeil-Warren would be a strong step in that direction.
Dallas Cowboys
R1: #20 - CJ Allen
ILB - Georgia
With the Cowboys’ second first-round pick, I’m staying focused on strengthening the spine of the defense.
Corner could certainly be in play depending on how the board falls, but I believe linebacker CJ Allen is the right addition for the middle of Dallas’ defense here.
Allen is a vocal leader with a high football IQ and strong zone-dropping instincts. He processes quickly, plays with discipline, and consistently puts himself in position to make plays within the structure of the defense. He also looks like the next in a long line of Georgia linebackers who translate into reliable NFL starters.
Pittsburgh Steelers
R1: #21 - Chase Bisontis
IOL - Texas A&M
Had CJ Allen been available here, he would’ve been the pick. Since he isn’t, I decided to go with Chase Bisontis. The Steelers have a few strong young building blocks on the offensive line in Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, but there’s still work to be done.
If their plan is truly to run it back with a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers, protecting him becomes an absolute necessity. Regardless, at some point they’re going to have a young quarterback in the building, and having a well-established offensive line in place will go a long way in accelerating his development.
Los Angeles Chargers
R1: #22 - Emmanuel Pregnon
IOL - Oregon
With this pick, the Chargers are building one hell of an offense. They played almost the entire 2025 season without their All-Pro-caliber offensive tackles, and that showed up in the postseason. Add in the fact that their interior offensive line wasn’t strong to begin with, and it created a recipe for disaster.
The additions of Tyler Biadasz and Pregnon help solidify the interior and could elevate this group into a top-five offensive line when healthy. After the beating Justin Herbert took last year, keeping him upright and healthy has to remain the top priority in Los Angeles.
Philadelphia Eagles
R1: #23 - Monroe Freeling
OT - Georgia
The run on offensive linemen continues with Freeling heading to Philadelphia, and it ain’t stopping here. Hall of Fame tackle Lane Johnson isn’t getting any younger, and given his injury history, Freeling would provide valuable tackle depth until he’s ready to step in and take the reins.
Freeling is a high-ceiling prospect, and there may not be a better landing spot for him than Philadelphia, even without Jeff Stoutland. The Eagles still have one of the best tackle duos in football and plenty of valuable experience for him to learn from while sitting behind them for a season or two.
Cleveland Browns
R1: #24 - Blake Miller
OT - Clemson
Earlier, Cleveland addressed a major need at wide receiver with Carnell Tate. Here, I’m taking Clemson tackle Blake Miller to address their offensive line.
Miller is a solid prospect with a high floor. He started a whopping 54 games in college, showcasing impressive durability and consistency. His combination of size and athleticism should translate well to the next level.
The additions of Miller and Tate could help the Browns begin to stabilize and accelerate their rebuild.
Chicago Bears
R1: #25 - Keldric Faulk
EDGE - Auburn
Keldric Faulk is a fun upside pick for a Chicago team looking to repeat as NFC North champions. The Bears need significant help across their defensive line, and Faulk would instantly upgrade the EDGE group against the run.
Faulk has produced plenty of “almost” plays in college, and if he’s able to take that next step and consistently finish at the quarterback, he could end up being a real steal at this point in the draft.
He has the traits to be a meaningful addition to a young Bears team on the rise.
Buffalo Bills
R1: #26 - KC Concepcion
WR - Texas A&M
Buffalo traded for DJ Moore earlier this offseason, but if they get the opportunity to address the wide receiver position with a player like KC Concepcion on the board, they have to seize it.
Concepcion is an elite route runner and a dynamic after-the-catch threat. Add in the fact that he’s a fantastic returner, and you get a player who can get fans on their feet every time he touches the ball.
His one major red flag is that he can be prone to drops. However, given how strong he is in contested catch situations, I think that’s something that can be cleaned up at the next level. This gives Josh Allen another much-needed weapon as he continues pushing toward that elusive Super Bowl.
San Francisco 49ers
R1: #27 - Jordyn Tyson
WR - Arizona
The Niners’ injury luck can’t possibly get worse… can it?
Tyson is a freak athlete with excellent contested-catch ability and strong yards-after-the-catch skills. The biggest concern is his availability. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his college career, though we saw just how dominant he can be during Arizona State’s playoff run in 2024.
Had it not been for the injury history, I would have Tyson ranked firmly inside my top 15.
Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, the departures of Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings, and George Kittle’s Achilles injury, the 49ers are in clear need of offensive weapons—and Tyson certainly fits that mold. The only question is whether he can stay on the field.
Houston Texans
R1: #28 - Caleb Lomu
OT - Utah
The second tackle from Utah comes off the board here to the Texans. Everyone remembers how poorly C.J. Stroud played in the playoffs, but I think we’re ignoring just how bad Houston’s offensive line was last year. There’s a reason they’re projected to have at least two new starters in 2026.
Lomu can play right tackle or slide inside to guard for Houston, and he would be a major upgrade at either spot. With a tackle duo of Aireontae Ersery and Lomu, the Texans would be in strong shape up front for the next several years.
Kansas City Chiefs
R1: #29 - Chris Johnson
CB - San Diego State
Here, I have the Chiefs using the pick they received for trading Trent McDuffie on his replacement. When organizations attempt moves like this, it can be hit or miss—sometimes you land a Justin Jefferson, other times you end up with a Treylon Burks.
After trading McDuffie and losing Jaylen Watson this offseason—coincidentally both to the Rams—the Chiefs have a clear need at cornerback.
Johnson is a silky-smooth corner who isn’t afraid to come up and tackle. He would be an excellent fit in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Miami Dolphins
R1: #30 - Denzel Boston
WR - Washington
Just like the Chiefs, the Dolphins will use the pick they acquired from a trade to select a player at the same position they moved on from.
Boston is a prototypical outside receiver who would instantly become Miami’s top target (outside of Devon Achane). My expectation is that the Dolphins will be among the top three teams in the league in run rate next season following the addition of quarterback Malik Willis.
That said, Willis developed strong chemistry with Romeo Doubs during his time as Green Bay’s starter, and I think he could build similar confidence with Boston.
New England Patriots
R1: #31 - Kenyon Sadiq
TE - Oregon
The top tight end in this class finally comes off the board here, landing with the Super Bowl runners-up.
In this scenario, I’m assuming A.J. Brown is already a member of the Patriots, which is why I’ve passed on wide receiver at this spot.
Sadiq would bring a different dimension to this New England offense. With Brown and Doubs working as the deep and intermediate threats, Sadiq would operate as a major yards-after-catch weapon underneath.
Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are both getting up there in age, and Sadiq offers a very different skill set anyway.
This is another move to give Drake Maye more support and continue building out the Patriots’ offense.
Seattle Seahawks
R1: #32 - Colton Hood
CB - Tennessee
The Super Bowl champions lost several key contributors on the defensive side of the ball in free agency, and this would be an excellent way to help fill that void.
While Jermod McCoy gets a lot of attention—and rightfully so—his teammate Colton Hood is a strong prospect in his own right. Hood’s uncle, Roderick, played nine seasons in the NFL and helped train Patrick Peterson. He now serves as Colton’s trainer.
Hood brings a strong blend of size and athleticism. His excellent closing speed is particularly effective in baiting quarterbacks into mistakes and breaking on the ball.
