Creating an NFL first-round mock draft means making educated guesses about 32 picks. Each selection impacts every choice that follows.
Draft-day trades make predictions even harder. Teams moving up and down create endless possibilities.
Sporting News approaches this with one mock that includes potential trades. Here’s our 2026 edition with deals that could shake up the first round.
NFL Mock Draft 2026 (first round with trades)
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 236 pounds)
The Raiders won’t field trade offers for their franchise quarterback. Mendoza’s pro day was another hit for his draft status in Klint Kubiak’s offense.
2. New York Jets
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 241 pounds)
The Jets want a playmaker for their defense under Aaron Glenn and Brian Duker. Reese gives them a chess piece who can rush the passer and cover.
3. Washington Commanders (TRADE up with Cardinals)
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 212 pounds)
The Commanders love Love as their new power back. Rachaad White is a complementary option. Love can be the workhorse to boost Jayden Daniels’ game with David Blough calling plays.
4. Tennessee Titans
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-2, 263 pounds)
The Titans need pass rush help. Bain fits Robert Saleh’s defense as a traditional pass rusher who can get after the quarterback.
5. New York Giants
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-5, 244 pounds)
The Giants want one of Ohio State’s stars on defense. With Reese gone, Styles brings playmaking ability. He’d be a good first pick for Dennard Wilson building a Ravens-style foundation.
6. Cleveland Browns
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 206 pounds)
The Browns want defensive playmakers at every level behind DPOY Myles Garrett and DROY Carson Schwesinger. Downs can be active like Kyle Hamilton, who new coach Todd Monken just saw in Baltimore.
7. Arizona Cardinals (TRADE down with Commanders)
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-4, 251 pounds)
The Cardinals have options between Reese, Bain and Bailey for pass rush. With multiple needs as a rebuilding defense, they need someone who can rush and cover for Nick Rallis.
8. Dallas Cowboys (TRADE up with Saints)
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 187 pounds)
The Cowboys love Delane but need to move into the top 10 to get him. They have flexibility with two first-rounders. It makes sense to jump Kansas City, another team tied to the best corner in the draft.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-2, 192 pounds)
The Chiefs have two first-rounders so they won’t panic losing out on Delane. Tate gives their offense another big-play threat for Patrick Mahomes.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-2, 298 pounds)
The Bengals need interior pass rush help. Woods has risen up draft boards during the evaluation process. He’d be a solid anchor while they address edge rusher later.
11. Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-1, 188 pounds)
The Dolphins wanted Delane as they try to land a top corner who can make plays on the ball. They have needs at many positions with Jeff Hafley as head coach and can’t afford to trade up. McCoy is a good consolation.
12. New Orleans Saints (TRADE down with Cowboys)
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 203 pounds)
The Saints wanted a top pass rusher but they’re fine sliding back and addressing another need. With Tate gone to Kansas City, Tyson is ideal to support Chris Olave and Tyler Shough.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)
The Rams are set at tackle after Rob Havenstein’s retirement, thanks to Alaric Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr. Fano could be a swing backup with run-blocking skills to potentially play guard.
14. Detroit Lions (TRADE up with Ravens)
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Lions are moving on without Taylor Decker and need a left tackle opposite Penei Sewell. The Ravens will oblige since they’re less locked into one need. Going for Mauigoa would be aggressive by GM Brad Holmes.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6-3, 259 pounds)
The Bucs are flexible but linebacker takes precedence for Todd Bowles’ defense. They need an edge rusher or inside playmaker to help replace Lavonte David. Mesidor has risen to first-round status alongside former teammate Bain.
16. New York Jets (from Colts)
Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 192 pounds)
The Jets could use a slot receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson for Geno Smith. Lemon can get open in the middle like fellow former Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown.
17. Baltimore Ravens (TRADE down with Lions)
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)
The Ravens pivot from a shot at Mauigoa to taking the best interior lineman available after losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency. Ioane would upgrade left guard to help new right guard John Simpson.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (6-0, 201 pounds)
The Vikings need to replace Harrison Smith with Josh Metellus as their only returning safety. Thieneman impressed at the Combine as an athlete who can make plays in coverage.
19. Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 241 pounds)
The Panthers follow their first-round hit on receiver Tetairoa McMillan by getting another big target for Bryce Young. Sadiq can give them their first game-changing tight end since Greg Olsen.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 276 pounds)
The Cowboys will be happy to address pass rush after giving up a future pick to move up for Delane earlier. Jerry Jones gets aggressive but it accelerates the defensive improvement under coordinator Christian Parker.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Steelers need to improve pass protection, assuming Aaron Rodgers is still their quarterback for 2026. Broderick Jones has disappointed. Miller can help right away as a tough athlete.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 186 pounds)
The Chargers are watching pass rush and interior offensive line, but with Ioane and Faulk gone, they can address cornerback opposite Donte Jackson for Chris O’Leary’s defense.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6-4, 201 pounds)
The Eagles wanted Thieneman to address their secondary need but should love McNeil-Warren meshing with his former college teammate, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-6, 304 pounds)
The Browns need to grab the next best offensive lineman to address their rebuild up front. Lomu could star at tackle or guard to help replace Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller.
25. New England Patriots (TRADE UP with Bears)
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 366 pounds)
The Patriots love Proctor’s frame and athleticism to boost their offensive line at right tackle or guard. He’d support Will Campbell and help Drake Maye and the running game.
26. Buffalo Bills
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-3, 253 pounds)
The Bills need a pass rusher for their defense under Jim Leonhard. Howell is their type of productive, versatile option.
27. San Francisco 49ers
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6-7, 315 pounds)
The 49ers need to think about replacing Trent Williams at left tackle soon. Freeling would be ideal to stash for a smooth transition at the position.
28. Houston Texans
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 326 pounds)
The Texans keep building their defense by addressing weak spots. McDonald fills a hole for inside pass rush while maintaining run stopping ability.
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams)
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (6-0, 196 pounds)
The Chiefs love what Concepcion can do as an open-field weapon beyond his nickname. He’s dangerous with the ball and adds another big-play element for Mahomes.
30. Las Vegas Raiders (from Broncos through TRADE UP with Dolphins)
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (6-0, 196 pounds)
The Raiders pull off a coup by moving back into the first round with the Dolphins. They give Mendoza one of his college targets as his go-to guy in the NFL.
31. Chicago Bears (TRADE down with Patriots)
T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-4, 265 pounds)
The Bears can go several directions but pass rush opposite Montez Sweat is important. Parker is an ideal addition for Dennis Allen’s defense.
32. Cleveland Browns (TRADE up with Seahawks)
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6-1, 211 pounds)
If the Jets pass on Simpson twice and he’s sitting at No. 33, the Browns should think about moving up from No. 39 for a third first-rounder. Simpson has been tied to Monken, who once recruited him in college.
