College football culminates today with the 2026 NFL Draft slowly on the horizon. With Miami facing Indiana in the National Championship, two teams and several talented prospects will have the nation watching.
As for the NFL, plenty of teams’ offseasons bring their own mix of hope and uncertainty as they balance immediate needs with long-term vision, searching for players who can change the trajectory of their franchise. This mock draft is constructed using the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator. The result is based on current team needs, roster construction, and league-wide trends, offering a realistic snapshot of how the opening round could unfold.
1) Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
There may not be a more certain choice for the Las Vegas Raiders than Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. Although the team has yet to name a head coach, it’s still a solid bet that the 6-foot-5 Heisman Trophy winner will be the Raiders’ quarterback in 2026.
The Raiders might not have another chance to strengthen their offensive rebuild, which has been in progress for several seasons, especially after adding Brock Bowers in 2024 and Ashton Jeanty in 2025. Pairing a potential franchise quarterback like Mendoza with these talented players could be the final piece to their offensive puzzle.
2) New York Jets
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
With Dante Moore returning to college football in 2026, it’s premature to choose another quarterback from this draft class, regardless of what other analysts might suggest. The New York Jets should focus on embracing their rebuild by selecting the best player available in the draft: Ohio State’s Arvell Reese.
The versatile defender ranks as PFSN’s No. 1 linebacker prospect and No. 2 EDGE prospect, proving to be the 2026 class’s most imposing defensive player and well worth a top-three pick in the NFL Draft.
3) Arizona Cardinals
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Arizona’s future plans are uncertain, particularly concerning the head coach and starting quarterback for the Cardinals next season. However, one thing is clear: their offensive line struggled significantly in 2025. Therefore, selecting one of the top tackle prospects, Francis Mauigoa, would be a sensible decision.
Mauigoa is an exceptional athlete, standing 6-foot-6 inches tall and weighing 315 pounds. He has all the qualities necessary to become a foundational piece for an offensive line that desperately needs stability and physicality.
4) Tennessee Titans
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
While selecting a wide receiver might seem like a logical choice, especially considering the Titans’ lackluster offensive weapons, passing on a potential cornerstone EDGE prospect like Rueben Bain could prove to be a mistake for Tennessee.
It’s evident that the league’s top teams are built from the inside out, and if the Titans are serious about improving their franchise, choosing a strong bullrusher like Bain to disrupt opposing offenses could be the key to their future success.
5) New York Giants
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Under the coaching of John Harbaugh, the Giants could be in a strong position to make a run in 2026. If Wan’Dale Robinson is not re-signed, expect the Giants to actively seek a weapon to pair with Malik Nabers, giving Jaxson Dart another top target to develop alongside.
USC’s Makai Lemon is coming off a Biletnikoff-winning season, proving himself to be the nation’s top receiver. He checks every box as a high-level talent for the 2026 draft. If paired with Nabers, they could form one of the best up-and-coming receiving duos for years to come.
6) Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Cleveland is in desperate need of a top-tier weapon for whoever will be playing quarterback next season. If that player is Shedeur Sanders, selecting a true X-receiver like Carnell Tate from Ohio State would be an excellent choice to help stretch the field.
Not only would Tate be a fan favorite as a former Buckeye, but he would also significantly elevate Cleveland’s receiving corps, which has struggled for some time. His game is characterized more by physicality than by speed, making him a serious threat to a quarterback willing to take risks and let the ball fly.
7) Washington Commanders
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Despite the fact that the safety position is often undervalued in the NFL Draft, there’s no way a player as talented as Caleb Downs will slip out of the top ten. A team like the Washington Commanders could greatly benefit from adding someone of his defensive caliber to their secondary.
Currently, aside from Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil, Washington lacks any standout players in that position. For this mock draft, Downs currently holds the No. 1 Prospect Grade from PFSN, with a tape showcasing both elite athleticism and a football IQ beyond his years.
8) New Orleans Saints
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
In several recent mock drafts, Jordyn Tyson is projected to the Saints. However, given his injury history, it may be wise to consider a different receiver who might be more likely to stay healthy. Enter David Bailey from Texas Tech, who has emerged as a top ten pick this season due to his impressive performance as a key player on one of the nation’s best defenses.
Bailey recorded an impressive 14.5 sacks and three forced fumbles during the 2025 season, establishing himself as one of the country’s most effective defensive disruptors. He plays with relentless energy and consistently hunts for the ball late in plays.
9) Kansas City Chiefs
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Now, as for the Chiefs, they might be the only team that has the leeway of choosing a receiver who may have some red flags but could become a significant asset if his career progresses without major injuries. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson has all the qualities of a true WR1 in the NFL, as his tape showcases his skills in every play.
He brings an energy that can elevate an offense, turning short throws into substantial gains and compelling defenses to account for him on every snap. Pairing Tyson with one of the top quarterbacks in the game, Patrick Mahomes, could help the Chiefs return to their position at the top of the league.
10) Cincinnati Bengals
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Cincinnati Bengals also enter the draft with a clear need to improve play in the trenches after failing to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks during the 2025 season. Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods profiles as an ideal solution, bringing rare athleticism in a 300-plus-pound frame and the ability to contribute right away on defense.
Widely viewed as the premier defensive lineman available, Woods checks every box evaluators look for. He plays with relentless energy, shows strong football intelligence, and fires off the snap with impressive burst. His polished hand usage, highlighted by effective swipes and counter moves, sets him apart from most prospects at his position.
11) Miami Dolphins
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane put together a dominant season, surrendering just 147 receiving yards. His blend of physical play, refined technique, and natural instincts has positioned him as a strong candidate to be the first cornerback selected in the draft.
For Miami, Delane would add a cerebral presence to the secondary, a defensive back who wins with anticipation, versatility, and disciplined aggression rather than simply leaning on elite traits. From an athletic standpoint, he stands out for his smooth, effortless movement skills. Delane transitions seamlessly out of his backpedal, displaying sudden burst and sharp change-of-direction ability with no unnecessary motion.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu emerged as one of the most reliable linemen in the country during the 2025 season. Standing 6-foot-6, he didn’t surrender a single sack across more than 350 pass-blocking snaps, showcasing rare consistency for a player at his stage of development. Evaluators praise his advanced technical foundation and see clear potential for him to grow into a long-term anchor up front.
READ MORE: 2026 NFL Draft: PFSN’s Consensus Top 10 Offensive Tackles Include Caleb Lomu, Spencer Fano
Lomu’s feel for pass protection is already close to NFL-ready, making him an immediatecolt asset in limiting edge pressure and helping keep Dak Prescott upright. He also fits seamlessly into a zone-based rushing attack, where his agility and body control allow him to flow laterally, secure the edge, and work efficiently up to the second level.
13) Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Envision an offense loaded with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, complemented by the versatility of KC Concepcion. Concepcion plays with an edge, willingly attacking traffic on in-breaking routes and showing toughness in contested situations.
He’s a savvy route runner who generates separation through deception and timing using subtle head movements, tempo variation, and precision rather than pure speed. Despite his age, Concepcion carries himself like a seasoned pro, reading coverages quickly and anticipating defenders’ reactions.
14) Baltimore Ravens
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Kayden McDonald has shown at Ohio State that when surrounded by the right supporting cast, he can become a disruptive force in the middle. His robust base and exceptional balance enable him to withstand contact from multiple blockers while remaining upright, often extending plays long after most defenders would be neutralized by a double team.
What truly separates McDonald is his hand usage. He fires his hands with speed and force, shedding blocks decisively and treating 300-pound linemen as inconveniences rather than roadblocks. That combination of strength, technique, and persistence makes him a constant problem for opposing offenses.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles has flown under the radar on an Ohio State defense packed with marquee names, yet his impact has been impossible to ignore. At just over 6-foot-4, Styles blends explosive athleticism with outstanding power, giving him one of the most imposing physical profiles in college football.
His adaptability allows him to line up in multiple roles, playing downhill as a box defender, rotating deep as a safety, or holding his own in the slot. He also adds real value as a pressure player, flashing natural hand technique and the flexibility to turn the corner, making him a legitimate threat when used on blitzes or as a stand-up edge defender.
16) New York Jets (from Colts)
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
After dealing with Sauce Gardner, New York is left with a significant void in its defensive backfield, one that looms large heading into the draft. Clemson corner Avieon Terrell offers a consistent takeaway threat during his time with the Tigers. Terrell has a knack for disrupting offenses both in coverage and in run support.
What separates Terrell is the ease with which he moves. Receivers rarely gain clean separation because Terrell shrinks throwing windows with disciplined footwork, precise timing, and outstanding body control. He plays with patience and confidence, trusting his eyes and technique to keep him in the perfect position from snap to whistle.
17) Detroit Lions
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano has quietly built an impressive résumé, entering the season with just three sacks allowed over his first two years and finishing the 2025 campaign without adding to that total.
What separates Fano from most linemen his age is his movement ability. He’s unusually light on his feet for his frame, able to redirect smoothly and look comfortable climbing to the second level. Fano consistently stays a step ahead mentally, diagnosing defensive movement, recognizing stunts and twists early, and adjusting on the fly to keep pressure at bay.
18) Minnesota Vikings
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Bringing in Jeremiyah Love would give the offense a dimension it has been missing, a true catalyst in the backfield. He’s not limited to traditional run duties, offering real value as a pass catcher who thrives in open space and can be featured as part of the aerial attack.
Love’s game jumps off the tape. At 6-foot, 214 pounds, he pairs explosive acceleration with a mature approach as a runner. His ability to shift laterally and manipulate linebackers allows him to press the line of scrimmage, freeze defenders, and attack creases with precision and control.
19) Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq has firmly established himself as the top tight end in the draft class, standing out as a go-to weapon in Oregon’s offense. With sure hands, the ability to separate, and dependable ball skills, Sadiq consistently delivers when targets come his way.
His football intelligence is what sets him apart. Sadiq reads coverage exceptionally well, instinctively finding open windows and adjusting routes as plays unfold. Pairing Sadiq with Tetairoa McMillan would give Carolina two high-upside pass catchers capable of stretching defenses and developing alongside Bryce Young.
20) Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk brings the kind of size and power that can translate immediately to the NFL. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 288 pounds, he’s a rare athlete with the frame and movement skills to fill a variety of roles along the defensive front.
He combines brute strength with surprising agility, making him a strong fit for defenses that ask their linemen to be active in both run support and pressure packages. His physicality demands attention from opposing offenses, often forcing them to adjust their blocking schemes.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Although he didn’t suit up in 2025, Jermod McCoy’s 2024 tape still checks every box teams want to see from a top defensive back. The film alone is enough to remind evaluators why he remains firmly on draft boards.
He plays with impressive discipline, rarely getting fooled by double moves, and shows an advanced understanding of route concepts. That recognition allows him to stay proactive in coverage, trusting his reads and playing with confidence instead of hesitation. Against bigger targets, he holds his ground in press, while keeping his technique clean and controlled.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Denzel Boston has established himself as one of the most dangerous contested-catch receivers in college football, leveraging his 6-foot-4 frame to overpower defensive backs at the catch point. His size is an obvious advantage, but what makes him even more challenging to defend is how advanced his route running is for a receiver of his build.
The Washington standout has been a constant scoring presence, hauling in 19 touchdowns between the 2024 and 2025 seasons and turning every target into a potential trip to the end zone. Boston creates space in ways that aren’t captured by straight-line speed. He’s deliberate at the stem of his routes, using subtle body lean, pacing, and long-stride acceleration to manipulate corners before separating late.
23) Philadelphia Eagles
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor’s sheer 6-foot-7 size is impossible to miss, yet it’s his movement skills that truly separate him. He covers ground laterally with surprising quickness, showing comfort on pulls and when climbing to the second level.
READ MORE: Kadyn Proctor NFL Draft Profile: Scouting Report for the Alabama Offensive Lineman
Proctor’s power at the point of attack is overwhelming. He consistently drives defensive linemen backward, creating immediate push that opens rushing lanes. Against top-level competition, he’s proven capable of collapsing fronts and controlling the line of scrimmage on a snap-to-snap basis.
24) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Olaivavega Ioane has earned his spot atop the guard rankings in this draft, putting together a stretch of dominance that includes not allowing a sack since 2023. For a Browns unit in need of reinforcements across the board, Ioane offers immediate value and long-term stability wherever he lines up.
When you watch the tape, Ioane looks right at home in the trenches. He’s built to handle physical confrontations, anchoring down against power and maintaining a strong, balanced base. Rushers who try to overwhelm him with strength alone are routinely neutralized, as Ioane absorbs contact and prevents defenders from gaining any real ground.
25) Chicago Bears
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is an eye-catching prospect because of how fluid he is for a safety of his size. He plays with a clear competitive edge, bringing an aggressive mindset that shows up in high-leverage situations and giving the Bears a defender who actively seeks to influence the game.
The Toledo standout pairs that athleticism with physicality and instincts. McNeil-Warren uses his length effectively, delivers punishing hits, and reads the field well from a deep alignment. His ability to diagnose plays quickly and close with purpose makes him a reliable presence in the middle of the secondary.
26) Buffalo Bills
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Colton Hood answered the call for Tennessee when Jermod McCoy went down, stepping into the CB1 role and stabilizing the secondary during a pivotal stretch of the season. Taking on the responsibility of the top corner spot, the transfer held quarterbacks to a 69.8 passer rating and found the end zone twice on defense.
Hood brings a physical, confident style to the position. He’s active in run support, doesn’t shy away from contested catches, and attacks the ball aggressively at its peak. His competitive nature also shows up in the third phase, where his return background on special teams adds instant versatility and roster flexibility at the next level.
27) San Francisco 49ers
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
R Mason Thomas changes plays before they have time to develop, winning almost immediately off the snap. His lightning-quick get-off forces tackles into rushed footwork and compromised leverage, often causing protection to collapse before it’s fully formed.
The film production matches the traits. As a two-year starter at Oklahoma, Thomas routinely overwhelmed offensive linemen with his explosiveness, stacking up pressures and sacks by consistently beating blockers to the spot.
28) Houston Texans
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Caleb Banks could provide a significant lift to a Texans defense that has already established itself as one of the league’s better units. Possessing a towering 6-foot-6, 329-pound frame, Banks offers rare mass on the interior while still flashing impressive quickness for a player his size.
His power consistently compresses the pocket, forcing double teams and leaving quarterbacks with little room to maneuver. Although a foot injury will be part of the evaluation process, his earlier film tells the real story. The 2023 and 2024 tape shows a fully healthy Banks as a dominant interior force, capable of overwhelming blockers and dictating the action at the line of scrimmage.
29) Los Angeles Rams
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
If the Rams are planning ahead at quarterback, Ty Simpson fits the mold of a passer worth grooming for the future. His fundamentals are sharp, allowing him to stay composed under pressure. He gets the ball out on time, maintains a stable platform, and delivers with a compact stroke that remains consistent even in chaotic pockets.
Simpson’s mental processing stands out. He reads defenses quickly, works through progressions without hesitation, and keeps options alive beyond the first read. Beyond the physical and mental traits, his leadership is evident.
30) New England Patriots
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Georgia linebacker CJ Allen has built his reputation on physicality and force, delivering statement hits and powering through blockers with authority. Over the regular season, Allen had an impressive 81.8 in PFSN’s CFB LB Impact Metrics for his efforts.
Allen may not match the size profile of some early-round linebackers, but his play consistently outweighs the measurables. He wins with instincts, toughness, and a well-rounded skill set that translates seamlessly to the NFL. Allen’s ability to diagnose, finish, and impact the game in multiple ways makes him the type of linebacker who can contribute immediately on Sundays.
31) Denver Broncos
Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Bo Nix could benefit from another trustworthy option in the passing game beyond Courtland Sutton. If a tight end isn’t the best value at this point in the draft, adding a wide receiver becomes the logical move, and Sarratt fits the mold as a steady, possession-style target who can quickly become a go-to option.
Elijah Sarratt has emerged as a reliable offensive weapon for Indiana, using his 6-foot-3 frame to consistently make an impact near the goal line at every stop in his career. His greatest strength, however, shows up between the numbers, where he demonstrates a polished understanding of route spacing.
32) Seattle Seahawks
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Given the success the Gamecocks found with Emmanuel Emmanwori, taking another swing on defensive back upside makes sense. Brandon Cisse has quietly built an intriguing profile as a junior corner for South Carolina, showcasing the ability to line up in multiple spots across the secondary.
For Cisse, the next step in his development lies in refining his press-man technique. He can occasionally lose efficiency at the line of scrimmage, overextending early and sacrificing hip flexibility against releases. His athletic traits and instincts jump off the tape, putting him firmly on the radar as a potential late first-round option.
