NFL · 10 hours ago

ESPN’s Full First-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft Predictions

John Canady

Host · Writer

32) Seattle Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Avieon Terrell gives Seattle a disruptive and instinctive cornerback who thrives on creating turnovers. Despite not having the ideal size, the Clemson product consistently finds ways to impact the football, whether through tight coverage or forcing fumbles. His aggressive play style and natural coverage ability make him a strong fit for a defense built on takeaways.

“That ability to punch out the ball would make him a good asset for a Mike Macdonald defense.” - Yates

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1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza steps in as the clear franchise answer for Las Vegas after a Heisman campaign that checked every evaluators’ box. The Indiana signal-caller thrives with timing, touch, and command of the full field, pairing high-level accuracy with enough mobility to extend plays when things break down. The Raiders have already started building the infrastructure around him. While his transition under center will be a point of emphasis early, Mendoza’s poise and production suggest he won’t take long to settle in as the face of the offense.

“The draft starts at No. 2, as this pick has been etched in stone basically since the order was decided.” - Yates

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2) New York Jets: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey gives the Jets exactly what they still lack up front, a true difference-maker off the edge. After leading the FBS with 14.5 sacks, the Texas Tech product brings an explosive first step and relentless motor that immediately upgrades New York’s pass rush ceiling. Even after an active offseason, this is a unit that still needs juice, and Bailey’s ability to consistently win one-on-one fits the identity the Jets are trying to reestablish defensively.

“Bailey happens to thread the needle of taking a player with a grade commensurate with the No. 2 pick and at an area the team must continue to invest in.” - Yates
3) Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese lands in Arizona as one of the more intriguing defensive chess pieces in the class. The former Ohio State standout blends length, burst, and versatility, toggling between off-ball linebacker duties and pass-rush opportunities with ease. His production per rep jumps off the page, and there’s a sense his best football is still ahead of him. For a Cardinals team retooling its identity, Reese offers both immediate impact and long-term upside on the edge.

“He hasn’t ‘scratched the surface’ as a pass rusher.” - Yates
4) Tennessee Titans: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles feels like a tone-setter pick for Tennessee and a perfect fit in a defense looking to get faster and more versatile. The Ohio State linebacker plays with rare range and instincts, backed by elite testing numbers that validate what shows up on tape. Styles impacts every phase, whether he’s closing downhill, carrying in coverage, or adding pressure as a blitzer, giving the Titans a centerpiece defender with modern three-down value.

“Styles has put together about as good of a final season and predraft process as you could ask for.” - Yates
5) New York Giants: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs brings a rare level of polish and playmaking ability to the back end, making him one of the safest defensive prospects in the class. His ability to impact the game from multiple alignments stands out, whether he’s triggering against the run or covering ground in deep zones. For a Giants defense trending toward more versatile looks, Downs gives them a high-IQ presence who can elevate the entire secondary.

“Downs has been a dominant force longer than any other defender in this class.” - Yates
6) Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Carnell Tate gives Cleveland a much-needed injection of reliability and explosiveness at receiver. The Ohio State wideout pairs strong hands with vertical ability, averaging 17.2 yards per catch while rarely putting the ball on the ground. Tate’s ability to win at multiple levels and stretch coverage should immediately open things up for the Browns’ offense, giving them a legitimate go-to option in the passing game.

“He’s versatile and can stretch the field for new coach Todd Monken.” - Yates
7) Washington Commanders: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love would be a statement pick for Washington and an instant offensive weapon. The Notre Dame back is as dynamic as it gets in this class, combining elite speed with natural receiving ability and physicality in pass protection. Love doesn’t just add production; he changes how defenses have to play the Commanders, taking pressure off the quarterback while adding explosive potential every time he touches the ball.

“I’d argue the floor of Love would be at No. 7, as this would be a home run move for the Commanders.” - Yates
8) New Orleans Saints: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Rueben Bain Jr. steps into New Orleans as a potential cornerstone for the next era of its defensive front. The Miami edge rusher wins with power, violence in his hands, and a relentless approach against both the run and pass. Despite questions about his length, Bain’s production speaks for itself, and he profiles as a player who can contribute early while continuing to refine his pass-rush arsenal.

“He’s a well-rounded player who had 18.5 tackles for loss and 71 pressures in 2025.” - Yates
9) Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson gives Kansas City exactly what it has been searching for: a true game-breaking presence on the outside. The Arizona State receiver is electric with the ball in his hands, capable of turning routine touches into explosive plays while also stretching the field vertically. Health will be part of the evaluation, but when available, Tyson brings a dimension to the Chiefs’ offense that few players in this class can match.

“He changes an offense when healthy.” - Yates
10) Cincinnati Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane gives Cincinnati a much-needed answer on the outside, bringing a physical, technically sound presence to a secondary still searching for consistency. The LSU corner thrives in man coverage, pairing fluid movement with strong ball skills and the confidence to challenge receivers snap after snap. After holding opposing quarterbacks to a staggering 27.7% completion rate when targeted, Delane profiles as an immediate impact starter who can help stabilize the Bengals’ defense.

“Opposing QBs completed only 27.7% of their passes when he was the targeted defender.” - Yates
11) Miami Dolphins: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Francis Mauigoa staying home in Miami would be a foundational move for a Dolphins team trying to rebuild its offensive identity in the trenches. The powerful tackle brings a steady presence in pass protection while flashing the mobility to climb and create lanes in the run game. With long-term questions along the offensive line, Mauigoa offers both immediate help and future stability as a plug-and-play option.

“Mauigoa is a steady, well-built pass protector with raw power and the ability to get to the second level.” - Yates
12) Dallas Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward swing for Dallas, but one that could pay off massively. When healthy, the Tennessee corner is widely viewed as the best pure cover man in the class, using elite length and timing to disrupt receivers at every level. The ACL recovery looms large, but if McCoy returns to form, the Cowboys may be landing a true CB1 at tremendous value.

“At his best, McCoy is the top coverage cornerback in this class.” - Yates
13) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Monroe Freeling lands in Los Angeles as a long-term investment with rare physical tools. The Georgia tackle brings prototypical size and athleticism, flashing the kind of upside that teams don’t pass on outside the top tier of the draft. While he may not be forced into action immediately, Freeling gives the Rams a potential cornerstone at left tackle with the benefit of developing in a stable environment.

“He has the most upside of any offensive lineman in this draft.” - Yates
14) Baltimore Ravens: OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Spencer Fano fits exactly what Baltimore covets up front: a versatile, athletic lineman capable of sliding across multiple positions. Whether he ultimately settles at guard or center, Fano’s movement skills and fluidity stand out, especially for a player with tackle experience. For a Ravens team retooling its interior, this is the kind of piece that can quickly become a tone-setter.

“No matter what position Fano ends up at, he has premier fluidity and movement skills.” - Yates
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Akheem Mesidor gives Tampa Bay a relentless force off the edge, bringing production and edge-setting toughness to a unit in need of both. After reshaping his body and transitioning from the interior, Mesidor’s burst and pass-rush nuance have taken his game to another level. Fresh off a dominant postseason stretch, he arrives as a ready-made contributor who can help reignite the Buccaneers’ pass rush.

“The relentless Mesidor would help achieve that goal.” - Yates
16) New York Jets (via IND): WR Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon injects much-needed explosiveness into the Jets’ offense, offering a dynamic complement to Garrett Wilson. The USC standout plays bigger than his frame, consistently winning through contact and turning short touches into chunk gains. With elite run-after-catch ability and strong hands in traffic, Lemon adds a playmaking element that New York’s offense has been missing.

“His hallmarks are his toughness, run-after-catch skills, and strong hands.” - Yates
17) Detroit Lions: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor gives Detroit a physically imposing answer at left tackle, stepping into a major void with rare size and strength. At his best, the Alabama product overwhelms defenders in the run game while showing flashes of high-end pass protection. There’s still refinement needed, but Proctor’s combination of experience and upside makes him a logical successor on the Lions’ offensive line.

“The upside is immense for the 20-year-old left tackle.” - Yates
18) Minnesota Vikings: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Dillon Thieneman brings range, instinct,s and playmaking ability to a Vikings defense that thrives on versatility. The former Purdue standout has been productive from the moment he stepped on a college field, showcasing elite ball skills and the speed to erase mistakes on the back end. With a strong combine performance reinforcing his tape, Thieneman profiles as a modern safety capable of impacting every level of the defense.

“He displayed exceptional ball skills, range, and overall play.” - Yates
19) Carolina Panthers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is the kind of offensive weapon that can reshape how defenses approach Carolina. With rare athletic testing numbers for the position, the Oregon tight end is a mismatch waiting to happen, capable of stretching seams and creating explosive plays after the catch. Add in his red-zone production and willingness as a blocker, and Sadiq offers a complete, high-upside addition to the Panthers’ offense.

“Sadiq separates himself with elite athleticism.” - Yates
20) Dallas Cowboys (via GB): EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
R Mason Thomas gives Dallas another jolt of energy off the edge, playing with the kind of power and edge that defensive coordinators covet. The Oklahoma product consistently disrupts with heavy hands and a relentless motor, showing the ability to impact both the passing and running games. Even with some missed time, his production and physical style make him an ideal piece for a Cowboys defense looking to reestablish its identity.

“Thomas is my type of football player as an explosive, powerful, and relentless pass rusher.” - Yates
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane feels like a classic Steelers pick, a tough, physical interior lineman built to anchor the run game and protect the pocket. The Penn State guard plays with power and consistency, routinely winning at the point of attack while rarely giving up ground. With a clear opening along the interior, Ioane steps in as an immediate starter who fits Pittsburgh’s identity to a tee.

“Ioane is a physical, rugged guard who shows crunching power at the point of attack.” - Yates
22) Los Angeles Chargers: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren brings range, instincts, and playmaking ability to a Chargers secondary quietly entering a transition phase. The Toledo standout flashes natural ball skills and the fluidity to cover ground sideline to sideline, while consistently finding ways to disrupt the football. With production across multiple seasons and a knack for takeaways, McNeil-Warren offers both immediate impact and long-term stability on the back end.

“He is extremely fluid and long, with great play vision and natural disruption skills.” - Yates
23) Philadelphia Eagles: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. adds another layer of explosiveness to Philadelphia’s offense, particularly in space where he thrives. The Indiana receiver is dangerous after the catch, turning routine completions into chunk gains while also bringing value as a physical blocker in the run game. With uncertainty surrounding the future of the receiver room, Cooper gives the Eagles a versatile weapon who can contribute in multiple ways.

“He's one of the best players in space from this class.” - Yates
24) Cleveland Browns (via JAX): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Caleb Lomu lands in Cleveland as a much-needed long-term solution at left tackle, bringing balance and technical consistency to the position. The Utah product held his own against top competition, showing reliable pass protection and controlled aggression in the run game. While he still has room to grow physically, Lomu fills a critical need and has the tools to develop into a steady presence up front.

“Lomu did not surrender a sack in 2025.” - Yates
25) Chicago Bears: EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
Zion Young gives Chicago a much-needed injection of power and physicality off the edge, addressing one of the league’s least productive pass rush units. The Missouri standout wins with heavy hands and a strong frame, consistently collapsing the pocket and holding up against the run. His ability to slide inside on passing downs only adds to his value as the Bears continue to rebuild their front.

“He uses heavy, power hands and his 6-6 frame to engage and run through offensive tackles.” - Yates
26) Arizona Cardinals (via proposed trade with BUF): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Ty Simpson gives Arizona its quarterback of the future after addressing the defense earlier in the round, completing a strategic and patient approach to the draft. The Alabama passer shows poise in the pocket and can deliver accurate throws when in rhythm, flashing the arm talent needed to attack all levels. With veteran options in place, Simpson can develop at his own pace while offering long-term upside at the position.

“Arizona can land the clear-cut second-best quarterback in this class here.” - Yates
27) San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Keldric Faulk is a traits-driven selection for San Francisco, bringing size, versatility, and long-term upside to the defensive front. The Auburn edge defender has shown flashes of high-end production, particularly in 2024, and profiles as a player who can develop into a more consistent pass rusher with the right coaching. His ability to hold up against the run adds to his appeal in a rotational role early on.

“His skill set is too good to ignore.” - Yates
28) Houston Texans: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Peter Woods lands in Houston as one of the more polarizing prospects in the class, but one with undeniable explosiveness. The Clemson defensive tackle wins with a quick first step and the ability to penetrate gaps, even if the production hasn’t fully matched the flashes. In the right system, Woods could unlock another level and become a disruptive interior presence for an already strong defense.

“The right scheme would allow him to take his disruptive first step into opposing backfields frequently.” - Yates
29) Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR): EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Cashius Howell gives Kansas City another dynamic presence off the edge, adding much-needed juice to its pass rush rotation. The Texas A&M standout pairs burst with bend, consistently threatening tackles with his ability to turn the corner and close on quarterbacks. Despite not having ideal length, Howell’s production and play style make him a natural fit for a Chiefs defense looking to stay aggressive up front.

“He was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 11.5 sacks in 2025.” - Yates
30) Miami Dolphins (via DEN): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
KC Concepcion becomes a critical piece in Miami’s offensive rebuild, bringing explosiveness and scoring ability to a depleted receiver room. The Texas A&M playmaker has a nose for the end zone and the versatility to contribute as both a receiver and return specialist. While refinement is still needed, Concepcion’s big-play ability gives the Dolphins something they desperately need on the perimeter.

“He's among the most explosive players in the class.” - Yates
31) New England Patriots: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Denzel Boston offers New England a much-needed presence on the outside, bringing size, reliability, and production to its receiving corps. The Washington wideout moves smoothly for his frame and consistently wins in contested situations, making him a strong target for a developing quarterback. With proven hands and red-zone ability, Boston fills a major void in the Patriots’ offense.

“He is a smooth-moving, versatile wideout who could make splash plays with quarterback Drake Maye.” - Yates
32) Seattle Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Avieon Terrell gives Seattle a disruptive and instinctive cornerback who thrives on creating turnovers. Despite not having the ideal size, the Clemson product consistently finds ways to impact the football, whether through tight coverage or forcing fumbles. His aggressive play style and natural coverage ability make him a strong fit for a defense built on takeaways.

“That ability to punch out the ball would make him a good asset for a Mike Macdonald defense.” - Yates

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1) Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza steps in as the clear franchise answer for Las Vegas after a Heisman campaign that checked every evaluators’ box. The Indiana signal-caller thrives with timing, touch, and command of the full field, pairing high-level accuracy with enough mobility to extend plays when things break down. The Raiders have already started building the infrastructure around him. While his transition under center will be a point of emphasis early, Mendoza’s poise and production suggest he won’t take long to settle in as the face of the offense.

“The draft starts at No. 2, as this pick has been etched in stone basically since the order was decided.” - Yates

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ESPN’s Full First-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft Predictions

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