2026 NFL Mock Draft: Top 10 Predictions

1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza (QB)

Few things in life are certain but the Raiders selecting the reigning Heisman winner has been pretty set in stone since the end of the regular season. Mendoza will likely sit behind Kirk Cousins during his rookie season, giving him plenty of time to learn the ropes and adjust to the NFL. The Raiders will be hoping this pick turns out better than their last number one overall selection (we're looking at you JaMarcus Russell).

2. New York Jets - Arvell Reese (LB/EDGE)

Unfortunately, with the 2026 quarterback class being thin on top talent and having traded away both Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner during last season, the Jets will likely turn the defensive side of the ball with their first selection. Reese has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons, due to his ability to line up in multiple positions and New York will struggle to pass up on a player with so much upside. 

3. Arizona Cardinals - David Bailey (EDGE)

The Cardinals feel like a prime candidate to move down and trading away the No.3 pick could help them gain a lot of capital to help fill the gaps in their team. However, in this scenario, they stay put and select arguably the best rusher in the class. Arizona could go O-Line here but the idea of pairing Bailey with Josh Sweat, might be too good to pass up. Overall, Cardinals fans could be in for a long season against the gauntlet that is the NFC West.

4. Tennessee Titans - Jeremiyah Love (RB)

Tennessee will be hoping that Cam Ward can build on a fairly positive rookie season but to do that, they need to surround him with talent. Drafting Love could be a real game changer for the Titans and will help give them a real offensive identity, that they have lacked since the Derrick Henry era.

5. New York Giants - Sonny Styles (LB)

The rumours say that the Giants aren't 100% sold on Styles but that could all be a smokescreen. After being the standout performer of the Combine, Styles saw his draft stock rocket and would give New York a real field general. The Giants have already been active in the past week, trading Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals, so could also look to move out of this pick but should they stay, Styles should be the selection. 

6. Cleveland Browns - Spencer Fano (OT)

It feels like the Browns could go tackle or receiver at 6 but we've gone with the Utah standout here. Francis Mauigoa has been struggling with a back injury, which could leave the gap for Fano to become the first offensive lineman off the board. Cleveland's linemen were riddled with injuries throughout 2025, so Fano should give them some consistency to build on in the future.

7. Washington Commanders - Carnell Tate (WR)

Even with plenty of defensive talent still available at this pick, the Commanders opt for their choice of this years pass catchers. To get back into playoff contention, Washington will be relying on Jayden Daniels staying healthy and getting back to his electric best. Pairing him with Tate could help this offense fly and will give the Commanders a future WR1 for when Terry McLaurin moves on. 

8. New Orleans Saints - Mansoor Delane (CB)

Another team that could go in multiple directions with their first pick, the Saints opt for the fairy tale pick and keep Delane in Louisiana. The clear No.1 corner in this year's draft, Mansoor Delane would instantly improve New Orleans' secondary. 

9. Kansas City Chiefs - Reuben Bain Jr (EDGE)

If drafting was purely based on tape, then Bain would likely be in contention for being a top 3 pick but concerns about his arm length will seem him slip on draft day. The Kansas City dynasty could be over and now they might be looking for future building blocks to give Mahomes and co. the best chance of winning another Lombardi in the next decade.

10. New York Giants - Caleb Downs (S)

Another Buckeye going to Big Blue! Jordyn Tyson could be the pick here but this wide receiver class is deep enough that the Giants could fill that need in later rounds. Taking Downs, who is widely considered the best player available in 2026, would give Harbaugh a smart, hard hitting safety similar to how he utilised Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore.