2026 NFL Mock Draft: Final First-Round Predictions | The Flex Spot

Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft for Round 1. Mendoza to the Raiders, David Bailey to the Jets, Jeremiyah Love to the Titans, and every pick with analysis.

NEWS

MOCK DRAFTS

2026 NFL Mock Draft: My Final First-Round Predictions for Draft Night

By The Flex Spot

April 22, 2026

DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

With the 2026 NFL Draft tomorrow, Thursday, April 23rd, this is my final 2026 NFL mock draft. The 2025 season is in the books, free agency has reshaped rosters, and now it is time for one last look at how the first round could unfold.

I considered current team needs after free agency, best player available, and where prospects fit best. Plenty can still change, but this is how I see it playing out right now.

My Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft

1. Las Vegas Raiders - QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

This has been a lock since before the national championship game, and it is basically 100 percent. Mendoza had a magical 2025 season that earned him the Heisman Trophy, the AP Player of the Year award, the Walter Camp Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, and the Maxwell Award. He led the FBS with 41 passing touchdowns on 3,535 yards while completing 72 percent of his throws with just six interceptions. His 79.2 percent adjusted completion percentage ranked second in the country. He also added 276 rushing yards and seven scores as Indiana won the national title. The Raiders get their franchise quarterback to build around, and he fits perfectly with new head coach Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers, and the rest of the young skill players already in place.

2. New York Jets - DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

The media has been split on whether the Jets will pick David Bailey or Arvell Reese. I think they end up going with Bailey. The production is incredible. He was great at Stanford too before transferring. In 2025 he tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks while adding 19.5 tackles for loss and earning first-team Associated Press All-American honors, Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, and Lombardi Award finalist status. He makes their defense better right away and gives their defense a much needed boost under defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn. The Jets defense was terrible in 2025, and this is a strong start to fixing it.

3. Arizona Cardinals - LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

The Cardinals take whoever the Jets do not take. I think it will be Arvell Reese, and they go back to the Ohio State well after Marvin Harrison Jr. a few years back. He is the best defensive player available. Some mocks have the Cardinals taking Love here, but I do not think they can go running back this early with so many holes on their team. Reese had a standout 2025 season with 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks while earning first-team Associated Press All-American honors, Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, and finalist for the Butkus Award. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, he ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine and showed hybrid linebacker-edge versatility. He will be a difference-maker on their defense for years to come.

4. Tennessee Titans - RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

This makes too much sense. Love gives Cam Ward the best offensive weapon in the draft class. In 2025 he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns on 199 carries (6.9 yards per carry) while adding 27 receptions for 280 yards and three scores. He was a Heisman finalist, Doak Walker Award winner, unanimous All-American, and set a Notre Dame record with 21 total touchdowns. He led the team in rushing for the second straight year and showed elite vision, contact balance, and home-run speed. The two of them should form a dynamic offensive duo for years to come.

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

Boom. They get another playmaker to add to this ascending offense with Dart, Nabers, Skattebo, and Wandale Robinson. I think they could go with their favorite wide receiver, and it is possible Tyson edges out Tate. In 2025 Tyson had 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games despite missing time with hamstring injuries. He showed reliable hands and route-running skill and earned third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Big 12 honors. He gives them a strong receiving group for years to come.

6. Cleveland Browns - OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

I think the Browns want to get a good offensive tackle and wide receiver. I think they take the best offensive lineman in the draft here and wait to pick a wide receiver later in the first round since there should still be some options available. Mauigoa anchored Miami's line for three seasons as a physical, reliable right tackle. In 2025 he earned consensus first-team All-American honors and the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the conference's top blocker. He posted an 87.0 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus and allowed just one sack on over 1,400 pass-blocking snaps in his college career with a 93.7 percent win rate on true pass sets. This pick helps lock in protection up front.

7. Washington Commanders - WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

He is possibly the best player available at a position they want to improve. They add a big-time playmaker at a position of need to pair with fellow Ohio State alumni Terry McLaurin and star quarterback Jayden Daniels. In 2025 he had 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns (17.2 yards per catch) in 11 games while earning second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors. He showed strong contested-catch ability at 85.7 percent and big-play skill despite missing three games with a calf strain.

8. New Orleans Saints - LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

He had a tremendous national championship game and season overall, and he can be a superstar. In 2025 he led the Buckeyes with 82 tackles while adding 6.5 tackles for loss. At the combine he posted a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, a 43.5-inch vertical jump (one of the highest ever for a linebacker), an 11-foot-2 broad jump, and other elite numbers that ranked him first among linebackers in several athletic categories. This is good value at number eight for a player who can transform their defense and make plays all over the field.

9. Kansas City Chiefs - CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

They traded Trent McDuffie, so this is a huge position of need for them. Delane had strong college production at LSU with consistent coverage skills, zero touchdowns allowed, and zero penalties in 2025 on 358 coverage snaps. He showed the tools to match up with every style of receiver and ran well at his pro day. He would be a day-one starter and a contributor for their defense for years to come. They get the best corner in the draft.

10. New York Giants - S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

This strategy pays off for the Giants, as they go wide receiver with pick five and still get a perfect fit on defense for them at 10. He is a defensive playmaker, and coach Harbaugh would be thrilled to get him at pick 10. Downs had a strong college career at Ohio State with pedigree as a top safety prospect who can cover, hit, and lead the back end. He posted elite athletic testing, including a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at around 206 pounds, and ranks as one of the highest-graded safeties in recent classes.

11. Miami Dolphins - WR Makai Lemon, USC

They traded away Waddle and need wide receiver help. Lemon had terrific production at USC with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025 while earning high marks for football IQ, body control, and toughness. He could have a career similar to another Trojan, Amon-Ra St. Brown. They take the best wide receiver available, and I believe Lemon is the guy if the board falls this way.

12. Dallas Cowboys - DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

The Cowboys take best player available at a position of need. Bain Jr. earned 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors, the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end, and consensus first-team All-American status after posting 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks while adding an interception and a forced fumble. He posted a 92.9 overall PFF grade (highest among edge rushers) with 57 pressures. At 6-foot-2 and 263 pounds, he brings power, quick hands, and a high motor. The Cowboys want to improve their defensive line, and he would bring the pass-rush juice they need.

13. Los Angeles Rams - OT Spencer Fano, Utah

He is very talented and had a solid college career at Utah. In 2025 he started all 12 games, won the Outland Trophy, and earned unanimous All-American honors while allowing zero sacks and just five hurries on 822 offensive snaps. At the combine he ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash (second-fastest among offensive tackles), posted a 7.34 three-cone (best at the position), and recorded one of the highest overall combine scores among all offensive tackles. There was only one offensive tackle taken in the top 12 in this draft, so the Rams get good value on a guy who can anchor their line for years.

14. Baltimore Ravens - OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

This is too good of a fit. They lost Linderbaum in free agency, and Ioane slides in perfectly at this spot. In 2025 he earned an 87.0 pass-blocking grade (12th among FBS guards) and allowed just four hurries on 311 pass-blocking snaps with zero sacks or hits allowed across 613 snaps. He earned First-Team All-Big Ten and First-Team All-American recognition and gives them a great offensive line piece for years to come.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

He had great production in college, and he fits a real position of need. The Bucs need to get the pass rush going. SEC Defensive Player of the Year for 2025, he is the real deal and a great fit for the Bucs and Todd Bowles in a make-or-break year for him. In 2025 Howell recorded 31 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks (tied for seventh in the FBS) while leading the team in pressures. At the combine he ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash with a 1.58-second 10-yard split and a 9-foot-7 broad jump. He had excellent production and will fit right in with the Buccaneers culture. He brings the edge presence they need.

16. New York Jets - QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

I think if the Jets think that Ty Simpson is their guy, they will pick him here and not mess around. They also want a wide receiver, but I think they can pick their wide receiver with their next pick since it is a pretty deep draft at the position. In 2025 Simpson completed 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns with five interceptions while adding 93 rushing yards and two scores. He showed good decision-making and arm talent as a mobile, accurate passer. He does not have to start right away. He can learn from Geno Smith. I feel confident this is the pick if he is available (it is possible a team trades up in front of the Jets to pick him).

17. Detroit Lions - OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

He and Penei Sewell will anchor this line. It is back to back Alabama players. Proctor had a strong career at Alabama as a massive 6-foot-7, 352-pound tackle who started early and developed into a reliable bookend. In 2025 he earned All-American honors and allowed just two sacks over 527 pass-blocking snaps with strong grades in both run and pass blocking. At the combine he ran a 5.21-second 40-yard dash, posted a 32.5-inch vertical, and recorded 25 bench press reps. He will be a great fit on the Lions offense.

18. Minnesota Vikings - S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

He had a tremendous college career with insane measurables. In 2025 he recorded 96 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions (including game-winners) while earning first-team All-Big Ten and All-American honors. At the combine he ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash with a 1.52-second 10-yard split and posted a 41-inch vertical and 10-foot-5 broad jump. He can step in as the replacement for Harrison Smith with his diagnostic skills, range, and soft hands. He may go before pick 18, but if he is here I love this pick for the Vikings.

19. Carolina Panthers - OL Monroe Freeling, Georgia

Another great value pick. He will help the entire offense run better and continue improving alongside Bryce Young, Tet McMillan, and Dave Canales. In 2025 he started 13 games and earned SEC Coaches All-SEC Second Team honors while posting an 85.6 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. At the combine he ran a 4.93-second 40-yard dash (with a 1.71 10-yard split), posted a 33.5-inch vertical and 9-foot-7 broad jump, and recorded one of the highest Relative Athletic Scores in offensive tackle history (9.99 out of 10). He had a solid college career at Georgia and can be an anchor on their line for years.

20. Dallas Cowboys - LB CJ Allen, Georgia

They go defense again after Rueben Bain Jr. with their first pick. They need linebacker help, and this guy had great production on a good Georgia team. In 2025 he recorded 88 tackles (47 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four pass breakups while earning first-team All-SEC and consensus All-American honors. He will be a difference-maker on this Cowboys defense with his tackling, instincts, and playmaking ability from a championship program.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Blake Miller, Clemson

They need offensive line help, and he is a really solid pick. Miller had a strong college career at Clemson, starting all 54 games of his career (a school record for consecutive starts by a non-specialist) and playing over 3,700 offensive snaps. In 2025 he earned first-team All-ACC honors as a right tackle. At the combine he ran a 5.04-second 40-yard dash with a 32-inch vertical and showed excellent movement skills for his 6-foot-7, 315-317-pound frame. He fits well with the Steelers as a reliable, durable anchor.

22. Los Angeles Chargers - CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

They need cornerback help, and Terrell is really solid. It is back to back Clemson picks in this mock. In 2025 he recorded 48 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, five forced fumbles (a Clemson single-season record for a defensive back), and nine pass breakups while earning second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-ACC honors. He had a nice college career with good production and fits exactly what they are looking for in the secondary.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

I believe the Eagles are going to trade A.J. Brown, and Cooper Jr. steps in as the direct replacement on the outside opposite DeVonta Smith. Drafting his successor in Round 1 gives Philadelphia an immediate path forward at the position without losing a beat in the passing game. In 2025 Cooper Jr. had 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns (13.6 yards per catch) while earning second-team All-Big Ten honors and tying for third in the FBS in receiving touchdowns. At the combine he ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and posted a 37-inch vertical. He is great value at pick 23 even in a deep wide receiver class, and his size, speed, and red-zone production make him a clean stylistic fit for what Brown was doing in this offense.

24. Cleveland Browns - WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

In this mock draft they went with the best offensive lineman in the draft, and now they still get a really solid wide receiver. In 2025 he had 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns (15.1 yards per catch) while adding versatility as a rusher and punt returner (he won the Paul Hornung Award). He showed strong YAC ability and route-running. He had fantastic college production and can be a true number-one receiver for a long time.

25. Chicago Bears - S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

He slips to the Bears. It is a positional need, and he seems like a really good pick for them. They are fortunate he is still available. It is a positional need, and he is a physical freak with impressive measurables (including a strong 40 time and jumps for his size). Good value at pick 25 after a strong college career at Toledo where he showed closing speed, toughness, range, and nine forced fumbles.

26. Buffalo Bills - DE Malachi Lawrence, UCF

He has rocketed up the boards, and I think this is a home run pick. In 2025 he recorded 28 tackles, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles while showing explosive pass-rush ability that has him rising rapidly on draft boards. He fits in great with the Bills and brings the edge presence and disruption they need on defense.

27. San Francisco 49ers - DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

The Faulk slide ends here. The 49ers want to add defensive line depth, and Faulk has lots of potential with great measurables. He stands 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds. In 2025 he started all 12 games as a team captain and earned third-team All-SEC honors with 29 tackles (23 solo), 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, four pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. Over his college career he posted 109 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 10.0 sacks across 37 games. At the combine he posted a 35-inch vertical and 9-foot-9 broad jump, and he ran a 4.67-second 40-yard dash at his pro day with 17 bench press reps. He had a solid college career at Auburn as a young, athletic edge rusher with upside, and this is good value after he slid a bit in the mock.

28. Houston Texans - TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Another slide ends. The Texans cannot pass up adding a weapon like this to the offense. He can help in two-tight-end sets with Schultz and as a slot weapon. Sadiq had a versatile college career at Oregon and posted an eye-opening combine with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash (fastest by a tight end since at least 2003) plus elite jump scores and the third-highest NGS overall draft score (93) in the class. He adds a new dimension to their attack.

29. Kansas City Chiefs - DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

If he were younger he might have gone earlier, but at 25 he is ready to produce right away, and that works perfectly for the Chiefs. He had amazing production in college. If they leave the draft with Tyson and Mesidor, that is a home run on both sides of the ball. In 2025 he recorded 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks (tied for third in the FBS) while adding four forced fumbles. He earned first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American honors.

30. Miami Dolphins - DL TJ Parker, Clemson

They picked Lemon earlier in the draft and now they get a defensive playmaker. Parker edges out some other options because of his consistent production over three years at Clemson. In 2025 he recorded 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks while adding 41 pressures. Over his career he posted 126 tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks. At the 2026 combine he ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash with a 1.61-second 10-yard split, posted a 34-inch vertical, and a 10-foot broad jump. He stands 6-foot-4 and 263 pounds with good power and a quick first step. He brings pedigree and should step in and contribute right away.

31. New England Patriots - OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

He has had a meteoric rise, and I think he fits in well with the Patriots after going with Will Campbell in the first round last year. Now they add another tackle, and these two can be anchors on the line with Drake Maye for a long time. In 2025 he started all 12 games at right tackle and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors. He allowed zero sacks across 484 pass-blocking snaps while surrendering just three quarterback hits and 11 hurries. He showed strong college production and athletic traits with excellent size, movement skills, and pass-protection upside that have scouts excited about his potential as a bookend.

32. Seattle Seahawks - CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

He slides to 32. This is because of injury concerns. I think the Seahawks can take a risk because of the huge upside he has (as they are defending Super Bowl champs). He can pair with Witherspoon at corner and really lock down opponents top wide receivers if McCoy can stay healthy. He earned second-team All-American honors in 2024 with 44 tackles, four interceptions, and seven pass breakups while allowing just two touchdowns on 393 coverage snaps. He posted a strong pro day (unofficial 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical) after missing 2025 with a knee injury.

Final Thoughts

With the draft tomorrow, this is my final 2026 NFL mock draft and my last full prediction for how Round 1 could play out.

Comment your thoughts below and let me know what you agree with and/or what you hate!