2026 NFL Mock Draft Round 1: Full First-Round Predictions | The Flex Spot

2026 NFL Mock Draft Round 1 with all 32 picks. Fernando Mendoza to the Raiders, Arvell Reese to the Jets, and every first-round pick with analysis.

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2026 NFL Mock Draft (Round 1) | Full First Mock With 10 Days Until Draft Night

By The Flex Spot

April 13, 2026

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State University

We are officially ten days away from the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday, April 23rd. With the 2025 season in the books and the draft right around the corner, this is my first official mock draft for the 2026 class.

I considered current team needs after free agency, best player available, and overall fit. Plenty can still change over the next ten days, but this is how I see the first round playing out right now.

2026 NFL Mock Draft Round 1

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 - LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

The Jets have plenty of needs, so they go best player available here. 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. New defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn gets a building block who can move around and make plays right away. The Jets defense was terrible in 2025, and this is a strong start to fixing it.

3. Arizona Cardinals - OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

The Cardinals have lots of needs, but my gut feeling is they take the best tackle available to strengthen the offensive line. 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 kick-starts their rebuild by locking in protection for whoever becomes their next franchise quarterback next year or beyond.

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 - DE Reuben Bain, Miami

It feels like Bain is a little underrated, but I think a team like the Giants will see the superstar potential and make him a top-five pick. He 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. He would be a great fit in this Giants defense and bring the pass-rush juice they need.

6. Cleveland Browns - WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

The Browns need a wide receiver, and Tate brings pedigree from a great program. 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. Andrew Berry wants to make a splash, and this gives them their franchise wide receiver with proven production.

7. Washington Commanders - DE David Bailey

They go best player available because the value is too good to pass up. Bailey transferred to Texas Tech and tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks in 2025 while adding 19.5 tackles for loss, 71 pressures (tied for second in FBS), and earning first-team Associated Press All-American honors, Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, and Lombardi Award finalist. At 6-foot-4 and around 251 pounds, he brings immediate production as an edge rusher with a quick first step and strong hands. He makes their defense better right away.

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 - WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

They add a new weapon for Patrick Mahomes to pair with Rashee Rice. 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. Tyson gives them a strong receiving group for years to come alongside Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker. You cannot go wrong giving Mahomes more weapons, and they will stay contenders every year.

10. Cincinnati Bengals - CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

They need cornerback help, and he is the best player left on the board. 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 is a safe, reliable pick who will help their secondary immediately.

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 - S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

This is a home-run pick. Downs is hyper-talented and could go earlier, but if he is here the Cowboys will be thrilled. He 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.

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 - CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

The Bucs already needed cornerback help and then lost Dean in free agency. McCoy may be the best player available and lines up at their biggest position of need. 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. It is an easy choice.

16. New York Jets - WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

In this mock they took Arvell Reese at number two. Now they get the best wide receiver available to pair with Garrett Wilson and boost the offense. In 2025 he 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. On paper they are starting to look good. They just need a quarterback.

17. Detroit Lions - OL Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

He and Penei Sewell will anchor this line. 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 - DL TJ Parker, Clemson

They acquired this pick from trading Micah Parsons. 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.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers - S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

They are fortunate he is still available. It is a positional need, and he is a physical freak with impressive measurables. In 2025 he recorded 77 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions (including a 37-yard pick-six), and three forced fumbles. Over his career he amassed 214 tackles and 11 tackles for loss while showing closing speed, toughness, and range. At the combine he ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash with a 1.58-second 10-yard split and posted a 35.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-2 broad jump at 6-foot-4 and 201 pounds. Good value at pick 21 after a strong college career at Toledo.

22. Los Angeles Chargers - CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

They need cornerback help, and Terrell is really solid. In 2025 he started 12 games and recorded 48 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss with three sacks, nine pass breakups, and five forced fumbles (tying a school single-season record for a defensive back). He earned third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-ACC honors while allowing just 29 catches for 340 yards and three touchdowns on 573 coverage snaps. He improved his tackling grade and showed versatility in the slot. He had a nice college career with good production and fits exactly what they are looking for in the secondary.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Denzel Boston, Washington

This is a classic Howie Roseman pick. I believe they will trade A.J. Brown, and this becomes his replacement. In 2025 Boston had 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding strong production in prior seasons (63 catches for 834 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024). At the combine he posted a 35-inch vertical and a 4.28-second 20-yard shuttle. He stands around 6-foot-4 and 209-212 pounds with good body control. Boston is still good value at this spot even though the wide receiver class is deep. He could go higher, but if he is here I like it for the Eagles.

24. Cleveland Browns - OT Blake Miller, Clemson

This mock has back-to-back Clemson players. After taking Tate earlier, they add a nice offensive line piece. 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 Browns as a reliable, durable anchor.

25. Chicago Bears - DE Peter Woods, Clemson

I think he edges out Kendrick Faulk based on my gut feeling. The Bears want to boost their defensive line, and Woods fits what they are looking for. In 2025 he recorded 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks on 562 snaps while posting solid run-defense grades. Over his time at Clemson he showed explosive traits. At his pro day he ran a 4.75-second 40-yard dash with a strong 1.67-second 10-yard split. He stands 6-foot-2.5 and 298 pounds with good power and burst. He had a good career at Clemson with solid measurables and should help immediately.

26. Buffalo Bills - LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

He has great production and star potential. Rodriguez is a difference-maker who makes plays all over the field with light feet and a highlight-reel collection of interceptions and forced fumbles (he tied a single-season NCAA record with seven forced fumbles in 2025). In 2025 he recorded 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions, and seven forced fumbles while earning All-American honors. Over his final two seasons he posted 255 tackles. The Bills need linebacker help, and he can be a leader on their defense after a productive career at Texas Tech.

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. At his pro day he ran a 4.67-second 40-yard dash with a 35-inch vertical and 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 (the fastest by a tight end since at least 2003), a 43.5-inch vertical, an 11-foot-1 broad jump, and 26 bench press reps. He recorded one of the highest NGS overall draft scores 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. 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. If they leave the draft with Tyson and Mesidor, that is a home run on both sides of the ball.

30. Miami Dolphins - CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

They went wide receiver with their first pick in this mock. Now they add a cornerback to help the defense in a position of need. In 2025 Cisse started all 12 games and recorded 27 tackles, one interception, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble. At his pro day he ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash with a 41-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad jump while measuring around 6-foot and 190 pounds. He had a solid college career at South Carolina with good measurables.

31. New England Patriots - WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

They need wide receiver help. There are rumors they may trade for A.J. Brown, but I think he will go somewhere else. If they do not get him, this is a smash pick for Concepcion. 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 alongside Drake Maye.

32. Seattle Seahawks - DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Back-to-back Texas A&M players close out the first round, and both are great values at positions of need. 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 and earning first-team Associated Press All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and finalist honors for multiple awards. 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 Seahawks culture. They could go running back here, but there are good options later in the draft, so they take Howell now.

Final Thoughts

There you have it. That is my first official mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft with ten days to go.

A lot is going to change between now and draft night, but this is how I see the board right now based on team needs, player value, and overall fit.

Let me know what you think - what I got right or completely wrong.