In my first 2026 NFL mock draft, I'm using team needs and relying a bit more heavily than usual on my prospect grades/evaluations to determine who lands where in Round 1. But as we get closer to the start of this draft -- which will take place on April 23-25 in Pittsburgh -- my mocks will have less to do with how I see these players and more to do with what I think the teams want to do with each pick.
NOTES:
- Pick Nos. 31 and 32 will be determined by the outcome of Super Bowl LX.
- NFL Network and NFL+ will have live coverage of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 26.
Ultra-accurate quarterback who is able to pick apart defenses -- provided he gets proper protection.
Reese has rare traits and the versatility to play linebacker or edge. He also has the highest upside of anyone in this draft class.
In this draft, this is not an ideal spot for quarterback or offensive line, but Fano might offer the best potential of anyone available as a pass protector.
Bailey is like a basketball player on grass with his ability to elude offensive tackles and slash into the pocket. The Texas Tech product, who tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks this past season, offers explosive sack potential early in his pro career.
Delane is a smothering presence outside with the ability to stay tight on all three levels and take the rock away.
Whether the Browns' quarterback is already in the building, in this draft class or currently on another roster, Tate will make that man's job much easier.
Faulk has impressive size, can play in odd or even fronts and is still filling out his frame. The upside trumps the unremarkable 2025 production.
Love instantly lifts a healthy portion of the workload from QB Tyler Shough's shoulders as a three-down home run hitter.
There are other needs, but Bain simply fits the mold of what Brett Veach and Andy Reid look for in a rugged QB hunter and two-way player off the edge.
Protecting Joe Burrow must continue to be the priority, so the Bengals can wait on addressing the pass rush. In the hypothetical world of this mock, Mauigoa bumps inside to guard and shores up Cincy's interior.
Several names make sense in this spot to improve the Dolphins, but adding a big, talented cornerback might be the priority. McCoy probably wouldn't be available for Miami if he hadn't missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL.
Besides being a menace in the box and as an overhang nickel, Downs is a culture piece, which Dallas desperately could use on defense.
Press corner who plays with excellent physicality from snap to whistle in coverage and in run support.
Proctor's play was a bit inconsistent in 2025, but he's still a mashing run blocker with the ability to slide inside to guard now and eventually man either tackle spot.
Styles is a safety-turned-linebacker who can run, fill his run fits and offer plus cover talent. He's frequently compared to Fred Warner, which is about as big a compliment as you can get as an off-ball 'backer.
In a draft full of competitive ball-winners, Lemon is one of the best. He plays bigger than his listed size (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) and is pro-ready.
Bully deluxe! When it comes to energy, attitude and block destruction, Young is that guy -- and he has rush upside with more development.
Terrell is a sticky, man-cover cornerback with the ability to irritate at the catchpoint and play inside or outside.
The Panthers, who just finished tied for 28th in sacks, must create better pass-rush production in 2026. Mesidor might be the most technically skilled player in this edge crop.
With George Pickens set to test free agency, the Cowboys could find a plug-and-play replacement who studied under Hines Ward at Arizona State.
The Steelers could pull the trigger on quarterback Ty Simpson here, but if not, adding another big-bodied ball-winner could be high on their list of priorities.
Do they still turn in actual cards? If so, the Chargers need to sprint this one up! Ioane might be a Nittany Lion, but he's cut from the Harbaugh mold.
Considering Jalyx Hunt led Philadelphia with just 6.5 sacks this season, the Eagles need to bring more heat from the outside. Howell is a splashy edge rusher with limited impact on the run at this juncture.
The Browns desperately need help at left tackle. Lomu is a better pass protector than run blocker at this stage.
With Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all headed for free agency, Chicago figures to have a need at safety. But the Bears also need to find a way to plug up the middle of their defensive front. Banks offers size, length and upside.
McNeil-Warren is one of the most physically imposing safeties in this draft and he plays as big as he measures (a long 6-2, 202 pounds).
Sadiq has high-volume potential as a moveable piece/flex tight end -- especially in Kyle Shanahan's offense. And with the Achilles injury to George Kittle, this makes even more sense.
Houston needs help on the offensive line, but the best available prospect in this scenario could be a defensive lineman. McDonald is an ascending talent with the "SWARM" mentality DeMeco Ryans looks for.
Simpson trailed off over the latter portion of the season, but there were more than enough flashes in 2025 to warrant consideration in this spot.
Few receivers cook quite like Concepcion when it comes to separating from man coverage.
Freeling's a long-limbed tackle prospect with excellent athletic ability, but his game needs more seasoning.
John Schneider loves to trade out of the first round, but Seattle has a clear need at the guard spot opposite last year's first-round pick, Grey Zabel. Bisontis provides the kind of toughness and scheme versatility that should be appealing.
