2026 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Noonan 3.0 (Final)
Ok, everyone. Pencils down.
This draft cycle has felt different than others, mostly because many of the premier players in the class are coming from non-premium positions. We've heard a lot of references to this being a "singles and doubles" draft in the past few weeks, with the draft class lacking some of the big-name talent that we're expected to see in 2027. That's always the case, though. The grass is always greener on the other side of the current NFL Draft class landscape.
I expect a lot of trades and a lot of chaos.
That makes this particular exercise pretty difficult, but I promise it's not for a lack of trying.
2026 NFL Draft
Dates: Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25
Start time: Thursday, 8 p.m. ET
Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Saturday Noon ET
TV Channel: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The easiest answer on the test.
2. New York Jets — Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
The betting markets have remained split here, fluctuating greatly from hour to hour and minute to minute with conflicting reports on where the Jets' front office stands in what appears to be a two-man race with Texas Tech's David Bailey.
3. Arizona Cardinals — David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Bailey led the NCAA with 14.5 sacks and ran a 4.50 at the combine, and he gives the Cardinals a solid 1-2 edge rusher duo opposite of Josh Sweat. The OL rumors have given way to the Jeremiyah Love rumors, but I'm holding the line with Bailey.
4. Tennessee Titans — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love feels like a safe top-five bet, with the Giants reportedly interested as well. This is early for a running back, mostly due to the financial implications that come along with it, but Love might be that good.
5. New York Giants — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
It feels like the range for Sonny Styles is anywhere between 4 and 7, but he makes too much sense for the Giants here, especially after moving on from Dexter Lawrence. They were gashed on the ground all year, and Styles gives them a long-term answer with massive upside as he continues to develop.
6. Cleveland Browns — Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Cleveland has another first-round pick at No. 24, and the overwhelming consensus expectation is that they'll leave Round 1 with an offensive lineman and pass catcher. We'll see what the front office prioritizes here, likely based on how they see the board at pick No. 24. They're also one of the many teams in this range who are likely looking to trade down.
7. Washington Commanders — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
I think the Commanders would be open to trading back since they lack Day 2 draft capital, but upgrading the wide receiver room has to be a priority here, and they might make their choice with both Tate and Jordyn Tyson still on the board.
8. New Orleans Saints — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Saints have been heavily linked to the top wide receivers in this class and I think they'd be thrilled to see Jordyn Tyson slip past the Giants and Commanders here.
9. Kansas City Chiefs — Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The Chiefs have multiple needs, but Bain at this range is too good to pass on. He's a big-bodied edge who fits the mold Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo have liked historically. I can't imagine the off-field stuff surrounding Bain Jr. is bothering the Chiefs at all.
10. New York Giants — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs could be the Giants' pick at No. 5, but if they see Jordan Tyson as the clear WR1, they'll need to move on him first and hope Downs falls.
11. Miami Dolphins — Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
The Dolphins need help everywhere under new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, and if we've learned anything about how their former team, the Green Bay Packers, handles the draft, I think that helps guide us here. Green Bay has recently prioritized highly athletic, versatile trench prospects, and Mauigoa is that and more.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Cowboys have defensive needs at all levels, and Mansoor Delane is considered by most to be the final player available in the top tier of defenders in this class. They've been one of the few teams rumored to be looking to trade up, and I believe they'll do so if they can do it without giving up their pick at No. 20.
13. Los Angeles Rams — Makai Lemon, WR, USC
This has been chalk for months, and while it may not be bad chalk, the Rams could do something differently here. Offensive line and perhaps even Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq are viable options as well.
14. Baltimore Ravens — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Another pretty chalky player-and-team marriage here, but one that makes a ton of sense. The Ravens could also be a Kenyon Sadiq team, and they could catch a falling knife, which they've historically done. You can make the case that Ioane is that falling knife, with most scouts considering him one of the safest picks in this year's class.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
The Buccaneers lack top-tier edge talent, and both Yaya Diaby and Anthony Nelson are in the final year of their contracts. Akheem Mesidor is not for everyone, due in large part to his age and injury history, but the Buccaneers are in a win-now window, and a healthy Mesidor is a big upgrade to their defensive group.
16. New York Jets (via IND) — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Michael Mayer didn't stop the Raiders from drafting Brock Bowers, and I don't think Mason Taylor would prevent the Jets from drafting Sadiq. The Jets have been rumored to be in on pass catchers here with their second first-round pick, and Sadiq is a big slot who could fit in Frank Reich's offense in New York.
17. Detroit Lions — Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
One of the biggest favorites in the betting markets at the moment is the Lions taking an offensive lineman with their first-round selection, but I see defensive edge as an equally impactful need. Faulk gives the Lions a long-term answer opposite of Aidan Hutchinson.
18. Minnesota Vikings — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Vikings need to replace a lot of defensive line snaps next to Jalen Redmond. Peter Woods was considered a top 10 prospect in this class at this time last year, but his 2025 performance was underwhelming. He played at a much lower weight than in 2024, but it didn't translate into more burst or production. I think he'll get back to his 2024 playing weight and work nicely for Brian Flores and company.
19. Carolina Panthers — Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
It's been difficult to pinpoint a position of priority for the Panthers, but they'll be without Ikey Ekwonu to start the year, and Freeling is athletic enough to play anywhere along the offensive line.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB) — Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
The Cowboys have prioritized young players (22 or younger) at premium positions in six of the past seven first rounds. Lawrence has been one of my favorite prospects to study in this year's class, and I'm not surprised by his rise up industry big boards.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
I've been torn between pass catcher and offensive line for Pittsburgh, but the connections to Cooper's former wide receiver coach at Indiana, who's now the wide receiver coach in Pittsburgh, make a ton of sense.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
I've been torn between offensive line and defensive line help for the Chargers. I think they need an infusion of young talent along the defensive line after losing Odafe Oweh in free agency, and T.J. Parker fits the style of player that Jim Harbaugh tends to like at edge.
23. Philadelphia Eagles — Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Proctor is a massive human being at nearly 6'7" and 352 pounds, and he gives the Eagles a long-term starter at a premium position. Lane Johnson seems to be on retirement watch every offseason, and GM Howie Roseman is also looking to add talent along the trenches.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX) — K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Browns GM Andrew Berry prioritizes youth and athletic traits, and Concepcion is a perfect complementary receiver for a team that desperately needs to address the position. If the Browns take a wide receiver at pick no. 12, this will likely be an offensive lineman.
25. Chicago Bears — Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
This is a home run for the Chicago Bears. I could see the Bears moving up (Tampa Bay?) to jump some of the rumored Thieneman teams in the high teens to lock up Thieneman, who would be a weapon in Dennis Allen's defense.
26. Buffalo Bills — Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
No general manager has been as willing to draft outside the Power 5 conferences as Buffalo's Brandon Beane. Now, those non-Power 5 selections are often Day 2 and 3, but this is a perfect marriage. I'm planting a flag here with Rodriguez, a true three-down linebacker because he can cover (92.9 coverage grade per PFF) and is as efficient a tackler as you'll find. It'll look like a reach on draft day, but it won't 2-3 years from now when Rodriguez is the best linebacker in this class.
27. San Francisco 49ers — Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
The 49ers have a ready-to-win roster if they can manage to stay healthy. Lomu can play guard and swing outside when needed, giving the 49ers long-term flexibility along the offensive line.
28. Houston Texans — Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The Texans have been linked to Blake Miller, and I think he's the target if the address offensive line. This is a very strong roster, but if Miller is gone, additions at either DT or LB could be on the table.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
I like the fit here with Colton Hood because his physical style fits this scheme. Chris Johnson and Jermod McCoy could also be options.
30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN) — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Dolphins are a tough team in this exercise because they have so many needs. Their secondary is dreadfully non-competitive if the season were to start today, and they didn't do anything about it in free agency. They also have the most unserious wide receiver room in the league, and I think Denzel Boston is a first-round talent in this class.
31. New England Patriots — Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
RT Morgan Moses played well in 2025, but he's 35 years old. Iheanachor is a high-upside prospect with an interesting athletic profile and background. I could see an edge rusher here, but protecting Drake Maye should be the top priority.
32. Arizona Cardinals (via SEA) — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
It won't cost the Cardinals much to move up a few spots here, jumping ahead of the Jets to take a swing on Alabama's Ty Simpson. This is live to happen with a handful of teams here, starting in the late 20s.
