2026 NFL Mock Draft: Top Picks Focus on the Trenches
The 2025 NFL Draft is in the rear-view mirror, meaning it is time to turn the page to our 2026 NFL Mock Draft. Here is an early look at who could be the top prospects for next April’s draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Team Needs and Top Picks
Continue reading as we break down this 2026 NFL Mock Draft. Learn all about these prospects in this full first-round breakdown as the trenches dominate Round 1.
1. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
It is a wide-open race for QB1 next year, and Sellers has the best traits of all the top quarterbacks. His film is more day two right now, but the flashes are super exciting. Notably, Anthony Richardson is the easy comp for Sellers. However, he will have more starting experience and production under his belt. Justin Fields isn’t the long-term answer for the Jets, so this would be an obvious quarterback pick if New York is in this position.
2. New Orleans Saints: Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
A player with the chance to be the top defender in the draft, Faulk is physically gifted. He doesn’t have enough attention yet. However, he should play on an underrated Auburn team next season. New Orleans was a potential landing spot for a defensive end in the 2025 draft, and should be a spot they look at with no true difference-maker along their defensive front.
3. Cleveland Browns: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Only a few years ago, the Browns had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin are past their primes, and the Browns failed to address the offensive line in the 2025 draft. Lomu is the better of the Utah tackles and was very impressive in his first year as a starter last fall. Overall, this move would allow Dawand Jones to play his more natural position, right tackle, and let the Browns move off of Conklin.
4. Tennessee Titans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
In a class that lacks true weapons, the Titans should take the best player available. Woods would pair nicely with T’Vondre Sweat and Jeffrey Simmons, while giving the Titans one of the best interior defensive lines in the NFL. Defensive end could also be an option here, as the Titans desperately need some pass rush from the outside.
5. New York Giants: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
If the Giants are picking this high next season, it would most likely mean the end of the Daboll/Schoen era in New York. The new regime might like Jaxson Dart or elect to take their own quarterback. Klubnik was an afterthought going into the 2024 season. However, he took a big jump, including a high-level performance against Texas in the College Football Playoff.
6. Carolina Panthers: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
A former linebacker, Dan Morgan, the Panthers’ GM, will look to find his green dot player soon. Allen is one of the better linebacker prospects in recent memory and would give a pretty below-average defense a nice jolt.
7. Indianapolis Colts: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Another team that might be looking at a new front office and coaching staff if they don’t make the playoffs, the Colts will need to find their next quarterback if Anthony Richardson doesn’t improve. Nussmeier would have most likely been a first-round pick had he declared this season. He is pretty accurate and has a solid arm. Nussmeier’s decision-making must improve to be viewed this highly.
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
There were rumblings that the Raiders would take an offensive tackle in this year’s draft, with Kolton Miller in the last year of his contract. If they do decide to part ways with Miller, Bowry would be a great replacement. Additionally, he has left tackle feet and really impressive movement skills. Bowry is in the same mold as Christian Darrisaw and Josh Simmons, who took big jumps in their last college seasons.
9. Los Angeles Rams (Via Atlanta Falcons): Christian Gray, CB, Notre Dame
The top cornerback in the draft, Gray, would be an excellent piece for the Rams to add. Gray can take away the football, is fluid in coverage, and has high-level instincts. The makeup is there for him to not only be a first-round selection but also a top-10 pick.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Caleb Downs, DS, Ohio State
Jacksonville’s safety room is pretty barren, and it needs a player like Downs. A two-year starter at Alabama and Ohio State, Downs has made big play after big play on the national stage. Overall, there aren’t many weaknesses to his game, making him a lock first-round pick.
11. Miami Dolphins: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Dolphins right tackle Austin Jackson is serviceable, but the team could look to upgrade the position. Miller’s athleticism and effectiveness on the move are perfect scheme fits, and he will be a rare four-year starter in college. The Dolphins will need to protect Tua’s blindside, and Miller has the traits, experience, and consistency to be that player.
12. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
It was a surprise that Banks decided to return for his senior season, but he has a chance to vault himself into a top 15 pick. The Cardinals are determined to create a massive defensive line, and without many quality offensive playmakers in this year’s draft, they shouldn’t shy away from going back to the well next year. Banks, Darius Robinson, and Walter Nolen would be an exciting and versatile trio upfront.
13. Dallas Cowboys: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The Cowboys expect a better season from Tyler Guyton this fall, but if he doesn’t improve off of a worrisome rookie season, the Cowboys could be back in the tackle market. World hasn’t faced quality competition in his collegiate career so far. However, his combination of size and athleticism is fantastic. In the end, he will be drafted in the top 20.
14. New England Patriots: Damon Wilson II, DE, Missouri
A massive get in the transfer portal for Missouri, Wilson II has a great blend of speed and bend. He flashed as a freshman and sophomore at Georgia, playing a more limited role. Now at Missouri, he should be given the ability to play a lot more and just rush the passer. New England went offensive-heavy in the draft. However, they still have a big need for a marquee pass rusher.
15. Seattle Seahawks: Kamari Ramsey, DS, USC
General Manager John Schneider has always loved smart and tough safeties, which is exactly what Ramsey is. He was very good at UCLA and took another jump at USC last season. His instincts are off the charts, and Ramsey is always in the right spot. He doesn’t miss tackles and is excellent in coverage, too. It is hard to find safeties as well-rounded as Ramsey.
16. Houston Texans: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
A freak athlete with immense play strength and explosiveness, Orange is the top returning defender in the Big 12. He was a force down the stretch for Iowa State, making several impact plays. Orange is stout against the run and can get after the quarterback. Houston just took two of his teammates in this year’s draft and has a significant need at defensive tackle. The Texans would quickly become Iowa State South with this pick.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
For a team that always seems to have great receivers, the Steelers haven’t had a quality number two option in a few years. Tate might not be an elite receiver prospect. However, he is very good and comes from a program that churns out receivers. He’d pair nicely on the outside with DK Metcalf. If Pittsburgh is picking higher, a quarterback would definitely be in play.
18. Chicago Bears: Anto Saka, DE, Northwestern
After going all-in on offense, the Bears need to add pass rush help next year. Saka has explosiveness comparable to Jared Verse and the acceleration to turn pressures into sacks. He has the talent to take over games and is an ascending prospect. Expect Saka to be one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the country next season.
19. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Cornerback is a position group the Vikings have struggled to find long-term answers on the outside under their current regime. Terrell has the same tools that made his brother a first-round cornerback and is even more pro-ready than AJ was going into his junior season.
20. Los Angeles Chargers: Max Llewellyn, DE, Iowa
The upside is there for Llewellyn to be viewed as a better prospect than Lukas Van Ness. When on the field last season, he produced and had several wow plays as a rusher. Llewellyn’s spin move is excellent, and he is a bulldozer coming downhill on speed to power. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh will love his relentlessness, and the Chargers need a young number one rusher, which Llewellyn has the talent to be.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joshua Josephs, DE, Tennessee
Elite bend and athleticism showed up all over Joseph’s tape. He has just as much talent as James Pearce Jr. and was even better at getting after the quarterback last season. As the focal point of the Tennessee defense this season, Joseph should be in line for double-digit sacks. Ultimately, he is the type of rusher Tampa Bay has coveted as of late.
22. Denver Broncos: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Broncos have valued big-bodied wideouts under Sean Payton, making Tyson a good fit for them. Had Tyson declared this year, he would have most likely been a second-round pick. Returning to the Big 12 will allow him to be an All-American and rise to first-round status.
23. Los Angeles Rams: Ryan Baer, OT, Pitt
At Rob Havenstein’s age, the Rams could look to find his successor. Baer is a mauler in the run game, with the ability to displace defenders consistently. The Rams have valued big offensive linemen who can really create movement, making Baer a great fit. Baer is explosive and plays with urgency in pass protection. All the traits are there for him to be a long-term starter in the NFL.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Bengals may have some more pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea for them to invest in another offensive playmaker. Love is the clear-cut top running back in the 2026 draft and worthy of a first-round selection.
25. Green Bay Packers: DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Jaire Alexander’s future with the Packers, which would leave the cornerback room in dire need of help. McKinney was overshadowed by Travis Hunter but also had an excellent season last year. He’d pair nicely with Carrington Valentine and Javon Bullard as potential long-term options at cornerback.
26. San Francisco 49ers: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
Forced into action due to injury at certain points last season, Goosby looked very good in his limited reps. He might not declare because he’ll only be a one-year starter, but Goosby looks like a future first-rounder. The 49ers need an eventual replacement for Trent Williams, and if he retires after next season, they could have four holes along the offensive line. San Francisco will need to address at least a few of them in the top 100 next year.
27. Washington Commanders: TJ Parker, DE, Clemson
A pro-ready defensive end, Parker might not have elite tools, but he is incredibly productive and a day-one starter. The Commanders were able to get away with a below-average pass rush unit last season, but they need players who can win one-on-one matchups. Parker projects as a quality number two edge at the next level.
28. Kansas City Chiefs: Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati
The Chiefs made an excellent decision, taking a tight end out of Cincinnati a little over a decade ago, and could find Travis Kelce’s successor in next year’s draft. Royer is an elite athlete who can separate from defenders with ease. His hands are great, and he can play in the slot or line up inline. He’d give the Chiefs a dynamic weapon who can develop into a mismatch nightmare for Andy Reid to work with.
29. Detroit Lions: Calvin Clements, OT, Kansas
The Lions gave Taylor Decker a contract extension this offseason, but it’s very easy to get out of, and they must find his replacement to continue to bolster a top unit in the league. Clements is a younger tackle prospect, but his talent shows a first-round upside. He is quick out of his stance and has the range to stay in front of rushers. Clements has the makings of a future Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle and should be a high pick whenever he declares.
30. Buffalo Bills: Adonijah Green, DE, Louisville
The Bills have coveted long pass rushers, and it doesn’t get much better than Green. His long arm move is tough to stop, and he has the speed to track down quarterbacks. When given opportunities last season, Green consistently got to the quarterback, with several reps that showed top-end potential. He’s a gifted rusher who could be the long-term option opposite Greg Rousseau.
31. Baltimore Ravens: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Current right guard Daniel Faalele will be a free agent after the season, and left guard is also a question. Mauigoa is a college tackle but projects best inside at the next level. He is a safe prospect who excels as a run blocker. He’d step in and start at one of the Ravens’ guard spots from day one.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Eagles have let it be known that they want to trade Dallas Goedert. Sadiq might never be the blocker to be a complete tight end. However, he is a high-level receiving option. Right now, he’s a tier below Colston Loveland and Brock Bowers, who both went top 15, but what he can do as a wideout is worthy of a first-round selection. Sadiq rounds out the first round of this 2026 NFL mock draft.
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Cleveland has Jacksonville’s pick. And if Cleveland is selecting 3rd overall they sure are not picking the 2nd best lineman on Utah, they will take a QB.