A big challenge in figuring out how the 2026 NFL Draft might unfold: It’s hard to know exactly what to expect from the teams picking up top. Five of the top six selections in Round 1 belong to franchises that have made (or are still in the process of making) a coaching change; the Jets are the outlier, and they’re overhauling almost their entire staff aside from head coach Aaron Glenn.

Perhaps some clarity will come between now and April 23, when the draft opens in Pittsburgh. For now, we’ll do our best to connect the dots.

In our latest mock draft, The Athletic senior writer Nick Baumgardner and college football writer Scott Dochterman go two rounds deep with picks (odd-numbered selections made by Scott, even-numbered by Nick, except for a flip for the Broncos and Patriots’ selections). Where are the best fits in this draft class?

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Raiders ranked last in total offense this season. They not only need a quality quarterback, but also a franchise game changer.

Enter Mendoza, who blends the requisite rocket arm with every positive intangible teams desire. Don’t mistake his unbridled optimism for weakness — he’s as tough as any quarterback in the game.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State

If a chance to select a quarterback presents itself later in the first round, New York should be ready. But the Jets need so much and can start here by taking the best player available. Reese has traits that are awfully reminiscent of what we’ve seen from Micah Parsons.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Mauigoa allowed only two sacks (and none from Week 4 on) and three QB hits all season, according to PFF. A consensus All-America left tackle for the College Football Playoff runner-up, Mauigoa could walk in and anchor the Cardinals’ offensive line for a decade.

4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Titans could go edge at No. 4 (Texas Tech’s David Bailey), but everything in GM Mike Borgonzi’s world right now has to be about helping quarterback Cam Ward. There are spots in need of upgrades all over the place, but the Titans are pretty desperate for a true WR1. Tate (or Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson) fits.

5. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson has everything necessary to become WR1 on an NFL depth chart, and a Pro Bowler. He was one of the nation’s most prolific pass catchers the past two years and is a complete route runner. If he rejoins former teammate Cam Skattebo and combines with a healthy Malik Nabers, this Giants offense would be radically improved.

6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Browns are starting over at head coach (again), and this feels like another situation that will not be very friendly toward a young QB, be it Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel or a new face. Cleveland still needs so much help offensively that it’d be smart to spend these precious assets on its core.

Fano is my favorite offensive lineman in the draft. He’s an outstanding athlete, with potential as a right or left tackle.

7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech

Along with their offensive injuries, the Commanders’ 27th-ranked defense was a major reason for the team’s plummet.

Bailey was a force on the nation’s No. 3 total and scoring defense. A unanimous first-team All-American, he finished with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. He would change Washington’s defense in an instant.

8. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

There may not be a better pound-for-pound football player in this draft class. Incredibly intelligent, explosive and absolutely fearless, Downs is one of the most unique defensive backs we’ve seen in quite a while. He could help a team’s culture overnight.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami

Miami led the nation in sacks, and Bain was an offense-wrecking machine. He frequently drew double teams, yet still finished with 9.5 sacks and 83 total pressures, according to PFF. Lined up alongside Chris Jones, Bain immediately would revitalize the Chiefs’ slumping defense.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn

One of these years, the Bengals will figure out the trenches. For now, though, defensive line remains an area of need.

Faulk, one of the youngest prospects in the class, is a freaky talent at 6 feet 6 and 285 pounds. He could help solve a few different problems in Cincy.

11. Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy was considered one of the top cover cornerbacks entering the season after posting four interceptions and nine pass breakups in 2024. But he wound up missing the year while recovering from a torn ACL suffered last January, though he’s expected to be fine for his rookie season.

The Dolphins allowed quarterbacks to complete an incredible 72 percent of pass attempts last season, so McCoy would help right away.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

One of the most unique players in the draft, Styles is a 6-4, 243-pound linebacker who used to be a safety — and still runs like one. He brings coverage instincts, improved (and improving) work as a run fitter and a pretty fearless mindset. Styles could be the linebacker version of Seattle safety hybrid Nick Emmanwori.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

No college football pass catcher displayed better hands, route running or toughness than Lemon, who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. Perhaps his dimensions (5-11, 195) won’t wow scouts, but his production and intangibles are top-shelf. He was the reason USC won nine games this season and would be a gift for Matthew Stafford and company.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

A big, powerful athlete with quick hands and plenty of grit in the run game, Ioane played both guard spots, right tackle and even a bit of center at Penn State. One of the few consistent bright spots for the Nittany Lions this season, Ioane just feels like a Raven. 

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Injuries stunted much of Tampa Bay’s offensive success, but the Bucs really could have used a high-level tight end. Enter Sadiq, who caught 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He’s a physical marvel, a mismatch for defenders and a willing blocker. He’s TE1 in this draft class.

16. New York Jets (from IND): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

This is a bit higher than where the Giants selected Jaxson Dart last year, but the idea would be similar.

Simpson has high-level potential as a processor plus arm talent and legit athleticism. His level of experience is incredibly low for a potential first-round QB, though, so a complete scouting effort will be necessary. 

17. Detroit Lions: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Lions’ offensive line could use a youth infusion, and Lomu, more than any of the other available offensive tackles, would fit perfectly with what Dan Campbell wants. He is durable (800 snaps at left tackle last season) and allowed only two quarterback hits all year, according to PFF. It’s possible he could step in at guard before shifting outside, if required.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

This feels like the steal of our mock, but if Kansas City passes on Love at No. 10 and no one else trades up, this isn’t an unimaginable outcome.

The Vikings need help in the backfield, and Love could enter the Bijan Robinson-Jahmyr Gibbs-Christian McCaffrey tier before long.

19. Carolina Panthers: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

A massive interior defender with both one- and two-gap capabilities, McDonald is an elite run stopper who also would help the Panthers’ pass rush, which finished tied for 28th in production this season. McDonald isn’t necessarily a pass rusher himself, per se, but his presence would allow others to find openings.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Cisse was known as one of the fastest players in South Carolina’s program last year after transferring from NC State. That’s some serious gas on a team that includes world-class sprinter Nyck Harbor, who has topped 22 miles per hour on the GPS.

Dallas gets the corner it needs.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Whether or not Aaron Rodgers returns at quarterback, the Steelers need an anchor at left tackle.

Proctor has incredible size (6-7, 366) and freakish athletic ability. He’s still young and needs development, but if he reaches his potential, watch out.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Is this too low for Woods? His stock ultimately could depend on testing and interviews, as his final year at Clemson was not on the level of his first two (though most of the team struggled in 2025). The Chargers would be getting a player with serious potential here.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M

The SEC’s defensive player of the year, Howell finished with 11.5 sacks and 41 total pressures, according to PFF. He has a sleek build (6-3, 248) but holds up well on the edge, and his explosiveness ranks among the best in this year’s class.

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Trying to land QB2 in this draft class (whether it’s Simpson or another prospect) should be on the table for Cleveland, either by trading up or sticking at 24 and hoping he falls. If that doesn’t work, though, landing Boston — a big receiver who runs like a smaller receiver (with great ball skills) — would be a fine alternative.

25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

A preseason foot injury cost Banks (6-6, 330) all but three games this season, but he returned for the Gators’ final two contests. Perhaps no interior defensive lineman can match Banks’ skill set, and he’s likely to blow up at the Senior Bowl this week. If that happens, though, Banks will not be around at No. 25.

26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

An outstanding run fitter capable of playing all three downs, Allen is a future NFL green-dot player (the defender who wears the helmet communication system), perhaps even as a rookie. His size (6-1, 235) is a touch below ideal, but his explosion and nose for the ball more than make up for it.

27. San Francisco 49ers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Injuries crushed the 49ers’ offense, but San Francisco also sorely missed that all-purpose threat formerly occupied by Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

Concepcion was the nation’s most versatile performer and would give Kyle Shanahan a major weapon all over the field, as well as in the return game.

28. Houston Texans: Anthony Hill, LB, Texas

Hill could be a bit of a wild card, but his blend of size (6-3, 238) and athleticism is basically ideal for an NFL stack linebacker. Can he continue to grow in terms of processing the run game in the NFL, though? Hill is a tempting talent, but his landing spot likely will depend on how he interviews.

29. Los Angeles Rams: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

ACC offenses wisely stayed away from Terrell this year, but that didn’t limit his impact. The younger brother of Falcons starter A.J. Terrell, Avieon didn’t record an interception but broke up nine passes and forced five fumbles. His play is reminiscent of former LSU and NFL star Tyrann Mathieu.

30. Denver Broncos: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Don’t look at Delane’s statistics (two interceptions) and instead see how he defended elite talent — according to PFF, he held opponents to just 14 catches for 165 yards all season. The Broncos don’t necessarily need a corner, but they shouldn’t pass up Delane if he’s available.

31. New England Patriots: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

A great athlete at 6-7, 315, Freeling could physically handle either tackle or either guard position. A balanced, powerful and bendy tackle with limited experience, Freeling should have his best days ahead of him.

32. Seattle Seahawks: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson

Parker had an elite close to the 2025 season, with four sacks and 10 pressures in the finale versus South Carolina. The problem? He totaled just six sacks in what was a pretty disappointing junior year. His freshman and sophomore tape, however, is outstanding. Interviews and testing will be big for Parker’s stock.

Could Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss work his way into Round 1? (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

Round 233. New York Jets: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami34. Arizona Cardinals: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss

The QB3 spot in this draft feels up for grabs and Chambliss, who was outstanding during his lone season with Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss after transferring in from Division II Ferris State, already has generated some buzz. A legit dual-threat player, he showed improved processing throughout the year and into the Playoff.

35. Tennessee Titans: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon36. Las Vegas Raiders: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama37. New York Giants: Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

One of the nation’s most underrated offensive linemen, Tiernan (6-7, 325) has the perfect starter kit for an offensive line coach: He’s athletic, coachable and tough. It might take a year for him to catch up to facing NFL edge rushers, but Tiernan has starting potential.

38. Houston Texans (from WAS): Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame39. Cleveland Browns: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

Sarratt was one of Mendoza’s top targets during the Hoosiers’ championship run. He finished the season with 65 catches for 860 yards and a team-high 15 touchdowns. The talented receiver has good size (6-3, 213) and executes well out of his breaks, but his greatest strength is his hands. Just watch how he snagged multiple passes with Oregon defenders draped over him.

40. Kansas City Chiefs: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt41. Cincinnati Bengals: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia42. New Orleans Saints: Zion Young, edge, Missouri43. Miami Dolphins: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville44. New York Jets (from DAL): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee45. Baltimore Ravens: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State47. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati48. Atlanta Falcons: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State49. Minnesota Vikings: Logan Jones, C, Iowa

A unanimous first-team All-American, Jones was a four-year starter and anchored the Hawkeyes’ Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line. He’s fast and explosive, plus set the program record in the squat (705 pounds) and ranks second in the hang clean (470 pounds, behind only Tristan Wirfs).

50. Detroit Lions: Connor Lew, C, Auburn51. Carolina Panthers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana52. Green Bay Packers: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

“Big Citrus,” Iowa State’s explosive interior big man who can play multiple spots along the front, could go a long way toward replacing what Green Bay lost in Kenny Clark.

53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC54. Philadelphia Eagles: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami55. Los Angeles Chargers: Trey Zuhn III, IOL, Texas A&M56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

A 6-3, 330-pound cannonball, Hunter is an athletic, disruptive force who moves very well for his size. In addition to being a pass-rush threat, Hunter once made 41 run stops in a season (2023) from his nose tackle spot.

57. Chicago Bears: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon58. San Francisco 49ers: R Mason Thomas, edge, Oklahoma59. Houston Texans: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington60. Buffalo Bills: Gabe Jacas, edge, Illinois61. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson62. Denver Broncos: Gennings Dunker, G/T, Iowa63. New England Patriots: Romello Height, edge, Texas Tech64. Seattle Seahawks: LT Overton, edge, Alabama