NFL · 7 hours ago

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for the Top 40 Picks

Grant White

Host · Writer

40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Selection: Germie Bernard
- Position: WR
- School: Alabama Crimson Tide
It doesn't feel like an NFL Draft until the Chiefs select a wide receiver. Given their penchant for snagging talented pass-catchers, they won't be able to make it past the 40th pick without adding to their receivers' corps. Germie Bernard is exactly the type of profile that excels in Kansas City, and we expect Andy Reid to get the most out of the Alabama product.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
- Selection: Fernando Mendoza
- Position: QB
- School: Indiana Hoosiers
The Raiders made their intentions known late last week, as they traded Maxx Crosby to the Ravens. Their eyes are clearly set on the future, which includes Fernando Mendoza for years to come.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
- Selection: Arvell Reese
- Position: LB
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
Despite a litany of talent among the top prospects, Arvell Reese has propelled himself to the consensus number 2 selection. As they typically do, the Jets will find a way to mess this up.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Selection: Jeremiyah Love
- Position: RB
- School: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Cardinals may delude themselves into believing that an offensive lineman is the way to go with this pick. However, we're betting that common sense prevails and Jeremiyah Love ends up in Arizona.
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Selection: Francis Mauigoa
- Position: OT
- School: Miami (FL) Hurricanes
The dream scenario for Tennessee is Jeremiyah Love falling into their laps with the fourth pick in the draft. Still, Francis Mauigoa is an ideal consolation prize as they look to insulate Cam Ward for years to come.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
- Selection: Carnell Tate
- Position: WR
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
This is a deep wide receivers class, particularly atop the draft board. We're betting that the Giants shake up the order and snag Carnell Tate with the fifth pick.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Selection: Jordyn Tyson
- Position: WR
- School: Arizona State Sun Devils
The Browns remain one of the most embarrassing franchises in professional sports. Adding Jordyn Tyson could help them reshape their identity for years to come.
7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
- Selection: Caleb Downs
- Position: S
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
The Commanders desperately need to figure things out on defense; otherwise, no amount of offensive talent will help them compete. Caleb Downs is the upgrade Washington's secondary desperately needs.
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Selection: David Bailey
- Position: EDGE
- School: Texas Tech Red Raiders
With the top offensive playmakers off the board, the Saints will focus on improving their defensive line. David Bailey is the top-ranked edge rusher in this year's class, and he won't slide past the eighth pick in Pittsburgh.
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Selection: Kenyon Sadiq
- Position: TE
- School: Oregon Ducks
This will be the first unexpected pick of the draft. Kenyon Sadiq had an absolutely dominant showing at the combine, and the Chiefs will maximize his productivity for years to come.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Selection: Rueben Bain Jr.
- Position: EDGE
- School: Miami (FL) Hurricanes
There are plenty of holes to fill on the Bengals' defense, but with Rueben Bain Jr. still on the board, this pick will make itself. The edge rusher is the catalyst for change Cincinnati has been looking for.
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Selection: Spencer Fano
- Position: OT
- School: Utah Utes
Fixing the Dolphins will take more than one pick near the top of the draft. While they may seek out one of the premier defenders still on the board, we think it's more likely they take the best player available in Spencer Fano.
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
- Selection: Sonny Styles
- Position: LB
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
The Cowboys could use upgrades in every level of their defense. It may be tempting to swing early at a top defensive lineman, but we expect them to take Sonny Styles in the 12 spot.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Selection: Keldric Faulk
- Position: EDGE
- School: Auburn Tigers
After the acquisition of Trent McDuffie, the Rams can shift their focus at the 2026 NFL Draft. They will be tempted to upgrade their offensive line, but Keldric Faulk is just too good to pass up on.
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Selection: Caleb Lomu
- Position: OT
- School: Utah Utes
A closer inspection of Maxx Crosby's knee reversed the Ravens' decision to trade away this pick. Now, they can use the 14th selection to bolster their offensive line. It's time to insulate Lamar Jackson with the addition of Caleb Lomu.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- Selection: Mansoor Delane
- Position: CB
- School: LSU Tigers
The Buccaneers lost out on a playoff spot, thanks largely in part to their ineffective pass defense. Mansoor Delane offers the stability the Bucs need in their secondary.
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
- Selection: Akheem Mesidor
- Position: EDGE
- School: Miami (FL) Hurricanes
One premier defender doesn't move the needle for the Jets, meaning they can't rest their laurels on Arvell Reese. They need some reinforcements throughout their unit, and Akheem Mesidor will be a staple off the edge.
17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Selection: Jermod McCoy
- Position: CB
- School: Tennessee Volunteers
The smart move here is for the Lions to trade down the draft board. With all of the top edge rushers gone, they could add to their rookie depth by moving out of this spot. If they do end up making the selection, Jermod McCoy is the only player who makes sense.
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Selection: Olaivavega Ioane
- Position: OG
- School: Penn State Nittany Lions
It was painful watching the Vikings' offensive line try and hold up this past season. Olaivavega Ioane is needed to help bolster Minnesota's offensive line.
19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Selection: Denzel Boston
- Position: WR
- School: Washington Huskies
The Panthers will have a choice to make with their first-round pick. Assuredly, it will be used on a wide receiver to bolster their passing attack. With several top names still on the board, we predict they nab Denzel Boston with the 19th pick.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
- Selection: Peter Woods
- Position: DT
- School: Clemson Tigers
An upgrade on the defensive line would go a long way to securing the Cowboys' future. They will have to choose between one of two Clemson Tigers, and the right choice is Peter Woods.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Selection: Colton Hood
- Position: CB
- School: Tennessee Volunteers
The Steelers could be looking for their quarterback of the future. Still, it would be foolish to pass up Colton Hood in favor of a signal-caller who could still be around in later rounds.
22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Selection: Max Iheanachor
- Position: OT
- School: Arizona State Sun Devils
Imagine how good the Chargers would look if Justin Herbert actually had time to operate. Max Iheanachor is a step in the right direction for Los Angeles.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Selection: T.J. Parker
- Position: EDGE
- School: Clemson Tigers
We'll see what happens in free agency, but adding a top-tier edge rusher should be a priority for the Eagles in this year's draft. T.J. Parker is the most reliable option still available.
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Selection: Makai Lemon
- Position: WR
- School: USC Trojans
Why add just one elite wide receiver when you can add two? The Browns' lack of offensive production was worrisome, but Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson would wreak havoc for years to come.
25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Selection: Dillon Thieneman
- Position: S
- School: Oregon Ducks
It seems like a foregone conclusion that the Bears will add the best remaining secondary defender with their first-round selection. It's up for debate, but we see Dillon Thieneman as the premier secondary defender still available.
26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Selection: Lee Hunter
- Position: DT
- School: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Just a few seasons ago, the Bills had an embarrassment of riches on defense. With the pipeline bled dry, restocking their cupboards will be a priority in Pittsburgh. Lee Hunter is the interior presence they crave on the defensive line.
27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Selection: Monroe Freeling
- Position: OT
- School: Georgia Bulldogs
The 49ers need to reevaluate their current roster formation. With aging players sprinkled throughout their lineup, it's time to take an honest accounting of what's needed to succeed in the NFC West. Monroe Freeling is a safe, albeit, needed selection.
28. Houston Texans (12-5)
- Selection: Kayden McDonald
- Position: DT
- School: Ohio State Buckeyes
Depending on how the draft plays out, the Texans could target an offensive lineman with their first pick. But with the top players gone, they should strengthen their defensive line with Kayden McDonald.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams)
- Selection: Derrick Moore
- Position: EDGE
- School: Michigan Wolverines
Part of the Chiefs' aura was an unstoppable defensive line, which wasn't the case last season. Derrick Moore moves them closer to that reputation.
30. Denver Broncos (14-3)
- Selection: CJ Allen
- Position: LB
- School: Georgia Bulldogs
Surely, the Broncos will be looking to upgrade their running back depth at some point in the draft; however, this isn't the spot to do it. The youthful injection of CJ Allen ensures the Broncos stay in contention.
31. New England Patriots (14-3)
- Selection: Kadyn Proctor
- Position: OT
- School: Alabama Crimson Tide
With protection an issue, they have to go back to the well for an O-lineman, not ideal, but the Patriots don't really have a choice. Expect the AFC champs to add Kadyn Proctor to their offensive line at the end of the first round.
32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
- Selection: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
- Position: S
- School: Toledo Rockets
The Seahawks can't afford to keep everyone on defense, and they should have some holes to fill in their secondary. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is an underappreciated asset who will quickly earn a reputation in the NFL.
33. New York Jets (3-14)
- Selection: Omar Cooper Jr.
- Position: WR
- School: Indiana Hoosiers
The Jets went on a spending spree early in free agency, but they still need to build a competent franchise from the ground up. Expect them to target one of the premier wideouts left on the board, with Omar Cooper Jr. lining up opposite of Garrett Wilson next season. Now, if only Geno Smith can figure out a way to get them the ball...
34. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Selection: Zion Young
- Position: EDGE
- School: Missouri Tigers
A new era is on the horizon for the Cardinals, and that means a more functional franchise for its latest crop of rookies. Zion Young should help reinvigorate Arizona's defensive line and will be asked to make significant contributions in his first professional season.
35. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Selection: Avieon Terrell
- Position: CB
- School: Clemson Tigers
The Titans have invested heavily in their offense in the draft, but it's time to set their sights on some younger playmakers on defense. Tennessee was active in replenishing its defense in free agency, but Avieon Terrell offers the long-term upside missing from their latest signings.
36. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- Selection: Blake Miller
- Position: OT
- School: Clemson Tigers
If not for the Ravens' reneging on their deal, the Raiders would have been able to draft an offensive lineman much earlier in the draft. Still, Blake Miller is loaded with potential and should fall to Las Vegas early in Round 2.
37. New York Giants (4-13)
- Selection: Caleb Banks
- Position: DT
- School: Florida Gators
The Giants have been active in free agency, adding and subtracting from various positions. However, they still need to upgrade their interior defensive line. Caleb Banks offers the kind of upside they desperately need, and forms a nasty tandem with Abdul Carter. If Dexter Lawrence rounds back into shape, there may be no stopping the Giants' defensive line.
38. Houston Texans (via Washington Commanders)
- Selection: Emmanuel Pregnon
- Position: OG
- School: Oregon Ducks
For some reason, Houston has been a black hole for offensive linemen. While they looked better in 2025, there is still plenty of room for improvement. Emmanuel Pregnon solidifies the interior o-line and would be an immediate upgrade on the left side.
39. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Selection: Zachariah Branch
- Position: WR
- School: Georgia Bulldogs
The Browns' perpetual rebuild continues. No offense to Jerry Jeudy, but the perennial bottom-feeders have gotten by without a top-tier receiver for the past few seasons. Now, they can add two in the top 39 picks. Former Trojans Makai Lemon and Zachariah Branch reunite as the duo of the future in Cleveland.
40. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Selection: Germie Bernard
- Position: WR
- School: Alabama Crimson Tide
It doesn't feel like an NFL Draft until the Chiefs select a wide receiver. Given their penchant for snagging talented pass-catchers, they won't be able to make it past the 40th pick without adding to their receivers' corps. Germie Bernard is exactly the type of profile that excels in Kansas City, and we expect Andy Reid to get the most out of the Alabama product.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
- Selection: Fernando Mendoza
- Position: QB
- School: Indiana Hoosiers
The Raiders made their intentions known late last week, as they traded Maxx Crosby to the Ravens. Their eyes are clearly set on the future, which includes Fernando Mendoza for years to come.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for the Top 40 Picks

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