For us mock writers, it is always a little more exciting when the draft order is set, and we can begin speculating on teams’ moves a little more accurately, as opposed to thinking about all of the contingencies that come with the top half of the order not being finalized.
With the College Football Playoff at the Semifinal stages now, we have just three games left in the season to evaluate players, while the rest have submitted all of the film that they can.
1) Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
With the Raiders securing the top pick in the draft, it feels inevitable that they will go with Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza with the pick. Mendoza has shone brighter as the lights have gotten brighter, and the Raiders should be excited to bring in a winner.
Mario Cristobal on Fernando Mendoza:
“He combines everything you would want in an elite quarterback. He’s two steps ahead of the defense at all times. He can make you pay with his feet or with his arm. He understand protection really well. He anticipates like none other.” #iufb
— IndianaHQ (@IndianaHQ) January 12, 2026
This is massive praise for an opposing coach to give to Mendoza, but that is how good he has been. Against two top defenses in the nation in this Playoff, Alabama and Oregon, Mendoza has completed 86.1% of his passes.
He threw eight touchdowns without throwing an interception and has led Indiana one game from playing for a national title.
2) New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Dante Moore led Oregon to an 11-1 record in the regular season, won a Playoff game before being eliminated by top-ranked Indiana in the quarterfinals. In fact, Indiana was the only team to defeat Moore’s Ducks, as they were defeated by the Hoosiers twice.
While there are rumors that Moore may return to Oregon on a large NIL deal to run it back, we are operating with the expectation that a top prospect will enter the draft and begin his development at the next level. Moore has the tools and leadership to be successful at the next level and could provide the Jets with stability at the position for once.
3) Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
I have thought for months now that Arvell Reese is the best prospect in this draft, and I think he is too good for Arizona to pass on for a potential Kyler Murray replacement.
At Ohio State, he played linebacker and is exceptional at it. Still, with a solid 6-foot-4 frame, he can fill several roles for Arizona. Ohio State coach Ryan Day said he has “never coached a player with the versatility and talent of Reese.” Which, to me, means that he could take this defense to the next level, and adapt his role to the team’s needs as well.
4) Tennessee Titans: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
This is not a destination match that I see among my compatriots, but I think defensive players will want to sign and play with Jeffrey Simmons if the team proves that it is committed to making the offense work. After watching Cam Ward progress with an uninspiring wide receiver room, getting him a wideout with potential to be a legitimate number one would go a long way for this team as a whole.
Jordyn Tyson is the top receiver in a class that I think isn’t getting much love, but in a few years will be considered a strong wide receiver class. Tyson caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in only nine games. He has prototypical size at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, and I think he is just what the doctor ordered for this offense.
5) New York Giants: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
While it will be important for the Giants to reinforce their wide receiver room either later in the draft or in free agency, I think that Keldric brings the Giants exactly what they are looking for to complement Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns and improve their run defense immediately.
Faulk is a physical specimen at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, and has drawn comparisons to Calais Campbell with more athleticism. This sounds like a terrifying sight for opposing offensive lines. Faulk is one year removed from a seven-sack campaign, and I don’t think teams will be able to plan for him in the NFL as they did in College with the aforementioned Burns and Lawrence by his side.
6) Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Carnell Tate has been a mover up draft boards as the next stud wideout to come from Ohio State. He had 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. He established himself as a deep threat this year against elite competition and raised his yards per catch by 3.1 year-over-year.
He is 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds and has the potential to be a matchup nightmare and a legitimate number one option for Shadeur Sanders, or whoever Cleveland decides to play at under center.
7) Washington Commanders: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
With Washington looking to rebuild its defensive line, for Rueben Bain Jr. to fall to them at seven, considering where he was discussed being picked just a few months ago, this could be an absolute steal for the long run. Bain possesses skills in both stopping the run and getting pressure on the quarterback, as he is coming off a career year with 8.5 sacks. He is big, strong, athletic, and just what the doctor ordered for the Commanders here.
8) Dallas Cowboys (via proposed trade with NO): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Proposed Trade: #8 overall and #42 overall (second round) for #12 overall and #20 overall
This pick was where I felt the draft could get a bit spicy. I think the Saints would benefit from moving back and adding two first-round-level talents more than picking at eight. After seeing what the Cowboys did with Javonte Williams, bringing in a bell-cow-style back with massive potential could bring them back to the prime Ezekiel Elliott days.
Love is head and shoulders above any running back prospect in this draft, and there will be several teams looking to draft him, so I think the Cowboys jump ahead to take the Heisman finalist here.
9) Kansas City Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
While the Kansas City defense was their bright spot this season, they don’t have any defensive backs with the upside of Mansoor Delane to be a top corner in this league and completely shut down a team’s primary option. While Delane lacks the top-end speed that some teams desire from their corners, he makes up for it with elite instincts and awareness that allow him to have incredible potential as an NFL player.
While some have Kansas City looking for an offensive weapon to replace Travis Kelce, either immediately or soon, as his career is definitely on the back end, I think they should focus on bringing more upside to an excellent defense and address the offense in free agency.
10) Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is the kind of player who comes in and can totally reshape how a defense is structured and gameplanned. How they attack teams, and the Cincinnati Bengals need to start investing more resources in their defense to become dynamic for Joe Burrow’s next healthy season (which we all hope is next year).
Look for the Bengals to surprise some people by adding to the defense beyond just Downs and make a deep run next year.
11) Miami Dolphins: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy’s injury was about the only thing that could stop him from flying up draft boards, as he has ideal size for an NFL corner and plays with good instincts, which he showed in a stellar sophomore season in 2024-25.
I think the Dolphins’ decision to bring in McCoy is a smart move, as they have had success developing defensive backs in the past, and he has the upside to be among the elite in the league.
12) New Orleans Saints (via proposed trade with DAL): David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Proposed Trade: #8 overall and #42 overall (second round) for #12 overall and #20 overall
David Bailey paced the Big 12 with 14.5 sacks in 14 games last season, and this is precisely the kind of production that the Saints will want to bring in to either replace or wait in the wings for a year behind the legendary Cameron Jordan.
This pick may change if the Saints decide to retain Jordan, or if the hypothetical trade doesn’t happen, but I think this is an excellent fit for the Saints to avoid missing a beat if Jordan doesn’t decide to run it back.
13) Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
I have been back and forth between these next two picks, but the ability to shut down opposing pass-rushers and his experience at both tackle positions have me going with Spencer Fano at this position. He completed the entire 2025 season without allowing a sack or a QB hit on 382 pass blocking snaps, and in watching him play, he plays with the tenacity that you would expect from your offensive line, which is infectious when he is making plays.
I think Sean McVay falls in love with his tape and brings him into an already awesome offense.
14) Baltimore Ravens: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Francis Mauigoa is poised for success in the NFL, and I believe that playing in Miami’s pro-style offense has prepared him for the next level, potentially making him the first pick for the new regime that comes in to Baltimore. He doesn’t take plays off, has proven to be coachable, and continues to improve year over year, so he is a great tackle prospect regardless of the scheme he is in.
Look for the Ravens to be thinking about protecting their investment in Lamar Jackson with this pick as well.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles has been a staple in Ohio State’s dominant defense, and he would be a perfect running mate for Lavonte David. He came up as a safety and still possesses some of those instincts, but when he switched to linebacker, he began to realize the massive potential he has. He will be ready for the next level after playing elite competition at Ohio State and consistently performing well.
16) New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
I expect the Jets to bring in another weapon for Moore, who will also take some of the target share from Garrett Wilson, who is coming off a tough, injury-filled season for New York. His speed and skill set will give the Jets another option with tremendous upside to complement Wilson, and for Moore (or Fields) to throw to, thereby improving this offense.
17) Detroit Lions: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The younger brother of All-Pro CB A.J. Terrell checks all of the boxes, skills-wise, to be a starting cornerback in the NFL for a long time, but teams are just worried that he may be too small to go against the best in the world. What Detrout will love is his nose for the big play, as exhibited by his three sacks and five forced fumbles this season. Look for the Lions to bring him in and Terrell to make an immediate impact on a defensive back room that showed how bad it needed depth this season.
18) Minnesota Vikings: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
While the Vikings may be upset to miss out on Love, Clemson’s Peter Woods will help them quickly quell any draft-day blues, as he is a highly physical and high-motor player who excels against both the pass and the run. Adding a player like Woods to an already solid defensive front will create more pressure on opposing offenses and create more havoc in what is becoming one of the best divisions in football.
19) Carolina Panthers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
With the Panthers surprising many with how well they held their own in their Wild Card round game against the Rams, they will look to get more pressure on the quarterback with their draft pick, and Cashius Howell is a great fit to do just that. He had 11.5 sacks in his most recent season and has consistently shown the ability to bring it. Howell was a finalist for some of the most prestigious awards in college football and was the SEC defensive player of the year.
20) New Orleans Saints (via proposed trade with DAL): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Proposed Trade: #8 overall and #42 overall (second round) for #12 overall and #20 overall
Even Saints fans are pleasantly surprised by how well the find of Tyler Shough worked out for New Orleans, but there needs to be another threat opposite All-Pro WR Chris Olave to take this offense to the next level. Boston has taken his game to the next level in his second season as a starter, with 881 yards on 62 catches and 11 touchdowns. He is a mismatch nightmare for defenses with his 6-foot-4 frame, physicality, and quick feet, and would bring another element to an on-the-rise Saints team.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Alabama QB Ty Simpson has passed every test that has been thrown at him, and with the way Rodgers performed in their playoff game against the Texans, I would be shocked to see him get another chance at it. Simpson has played against elite-level talent and has the arm talent to be the next franchise quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
After a down year for almost everything to do with Penn State, Olaivavega Ioane was a star for the Nittany Lions at guard. He is excellent in both pass-blocking and rush-blocking situations and has an extremely high floor, which is essential for an interior offensive lineman getting picked this early.
23) Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Brandon Cisse has the potential to create an extremely dynamic duo with Quinyon Mitchell in Philadelphia, as he plays with a perfect blend of physicality and explosiveness that makes him a nightmare for opposing receivers. He also plays with great instincts and footwork, which have been consistent and have allowed him to be one of the highest risers in this draft class.
24) Buffalo Bills: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Initially, I had the Bills going with a receiver here in the first round, but given that they always seem to find the perfect scheme fits on offense. I think that a player like T.J. Parker can come in and provide them with a brilliant and gifted defensive player who knows when to use his strength and when to use his brain to get him in a good position to make a play.
25) Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
I think the scarcity created by A’Mauri Washington returning to Oregon for another year helped solidify Kayden McDonald’s position in the first round of this draft. McDonald is a menace on running downs and has shown potential to make plays in the passing game. Still, the inconsistency in that part of his game is why he is in the latter part of this round, as he has all of the talent and strength in the world to be a dominant force for Chicago in the future.
26) Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Colton Hood would bring Cleveland someone with the potential to be a legitimate number-one corner in the NFL. He possesses sound fundamentals, excellent route recognition, and toughness, which he has consistently demonstrated at each of his college football stops.
He stepped into a bigger role in the SEC after Jermond McCoy was injured and has looked great in it. His main knock is his lack of experience, but that isn’t enough to move him out of the first round for me, as Cleveland needs to grab a player with upside like this, especially after trading Greg Newsome II.
Look for the Browns to be one of the winners of this draft with how well they perform with these two first-round picks.
27) San Francisco 49ers: Kaydn Proctor, OT, Alabama
There aren’t many people on earth who are 6-foot-7 and 360 pounds, and are both athletic and skilled enough to be dominant in the SEC. Kaydn Proctor was a five-star recruit who lived up to the hype. He overpowers defenders and has impressive athleticism.
If Proctor masters his technique, he could end up as a top player from this draft class and help San Francisco stay among the top teams in the league.
28) Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Caleb Lomu is a relatively safe option as a pass-protecting tackle. He’s been elite during his time with the Utah Utes, showcasing himself as part of an excellent offensive tackle duo with teammate Spencer Fano. Lomu is more refined right now, using his strength to anchor in pass protection while being technical with his hand usage.
I think bringing in Lomu will help CJ Stroud have enough time to progress if he is to do so, as I think people want to see a big leap from Stroud next season, and I think the Texans know how good their defense is, so they will do everything they can to help him succeed.
29) Los Angeles Rams: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
While Garrett Nussmeier hasn’t had as eye-popping numbers as he did last season, there seems to be a certain maturity to his game compared to the past. Sean McVay will be looking for a quarterback to come in after Matthew Stafford calls it quits.
Nussmeier has all of the skills required to be successful in the NFL, and with elite wide receiver options and a coach like McVay, he won’t have to feel like he has to play hero ball out there. This seems like a perfect fit to me.
30) New England Patriots: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
While I had suggested that the Patriots trade for a veteran linebacker at the deadline to stabilize their defense, someone with as much experience as CJ Allen in big games is very prepared for this moment. He is a fast, smart, and physical player who could become the anchor in the middle of this Patriots defense for a very long time, considering the track record of success Georgia has had in developing players at the position as well.
31) Denver Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Anthony Hill is a highly skilled linebacker with strong instincts and excellent speed. He was a force in 2024 and has struggled to repeat that success, but I think he can fill a linebacker spot on a talented, schematically sound Broncos defense and be an outstanding player in the NFL. Look for the Broncos to place him in a position where he can succeed and develop his game.
32) Seattle Seahawks: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
It is impressive to see both edge rushers from the Texas Tech defensive line getting drafted in the first round, but they were both stellar. He has good size, at 6-foot-3, and athleticism, and recorded a career-high ten sacks. Seattle looks like a force under Mike MacDonald, and with defense being his calling card, I would be shocked if he went any other route with this pick.
