2026 NFL mock draft: Jeremiyah Love joins Fernando Mendoza in top 5 after scouting combine
With my sixteenth combine in the books, it’s time to translate what occurred in Indianapolis into the way it might have an effect on the early rounds of the NFL Draft. Obviously, free company remains to be going to be a serious domino in the method, however the combine provides us breadcrumbs to how groups are considering.
I gathered loads of NFL suggestions throughout combine week and included a few of it in this mock draft (together with one fascinating commerce state of affairs, famous beneath by an asterisk).
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
It was stunning how little Mendoza-to-Vegas buzz there was in Indianapolis. But that seemingly displays how a lot of a foregone conclusion this pairing appears to be at No. 1.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State
Reese had probably the most spectacular exercises at this yr’s combine — full cease. His athletic testing was excellent, as anticipated, however his on-field efficiency was much more outstanding. His mix of velocity, explosion and violence separates him in this class.
“Dude stole the freaking show,” an NFL scout stated.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
In phrases of NFL ceiling, Mauigoa won’t be on the extent of previous No. 3 picks. But this can be a totally different draft, and he brings a excessive ground — one which might instantly improve the Cardinals’ proper sort out spot.
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Should the Titans, at this level in their roster building, make investments a premium choose at working again? Debatable. But with cash to spend in free company, Tennessee needs to be in a way more secure place earlier than we get to April.
An AFC scout for a crew that already has a longtime working again referred to as Love “the best player in the draft.” Instead of getting hung up on positional worth, the Titans ought to give attention to “impact value” and what a expertise like Love might don’t just for the run sport, however the passing sport and offense general. Head coach Robert Saleh spent the final yr watching Christian McCaffrey’s impression on the San Francisco 49ers and will see comparable potential in Love.
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
For a lot of the season and pre-draft course of, I felt like I needed to persuade doubters of why Styles deserved to be a top-10 choose. After his workout in Indianapolis, the skeptics have disappeared.
But it wasn’t simply what Styles did on the sphere, which prompted a standing ovation when he walked into one crew’s interview room. His interviews with NFL groups have been “phenomenal,” in response to a crew supply.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
“Easily the best O-line workout this year.”
The suggestions from others matched that reward from a crew supply and was universally glowing about Fano’s combine efficiency. (“He confirmed the big grade I put on him,” was one other good reply from a crew scout.)
His shorter arms (32 1/8 inches) shall be interpreted otherwise by every crew, however Fano is just too well-liked throughout the league for him to fall down boards.
7. Washington Commanders: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
Head coach Dan Quinn and normal supervisor Adam Peters are on the lookout for velocity and violence off the sting, and Bailey gives each. He took a bounce as a run defender this previous season and would enhance the Commanders’ move rush instantly.
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Social media appears to care greater than NFL groups about Tate’s 40-yard sprint time — he clocked in at 4.53 seconds, though that official time has been under dispute. He averaged 32.5 yards per landing catch in 2025 and confirmed the power to win in any respect three ranges of the sphere, which is one thing quarterback Tyler Shough would like to see in the Saints’ offense.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami
It shall be fascinating to see how the Chiefs tackle their a number of wants this offseason. If they wait till the draft to make a splash at edge rusher, Bain — and his capacity to constrict the pocket together with his energy — would make sense. He stays a polarizing prospect amongst NFL groups. He’s received quite a lot of followers, and loads of critics.
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Count the Bengals amongst a number of groups that typically don’t draft safeties early in the primary spherical. But Downs is totally different and can pressure entrance workplaces to rethink that stance. His intelligence, intangibles and on-field impression instantly will make the opposite 10 defenders on the sphere that a lot better.
11. Miami Dolphins: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Over the previous few months, I’ve been pushing Freeling as an ascending prospect with expertise value an early-pick funding. His combine efficiency was uneven (NFL scout: “His testing was good. His positional workout wasn’t good at all.”), however a 1.71-second 10-yard break up in the 40 at his measurement is spectacular.
Freeling could be an excellent constructing block for a brand new normal supervisor, Jon-Eric Sullivan, seeking to revamp the roster.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
In the historical past of their franchise, the Cowboys have drafted just one LSU cornerback (Morris Claiborne) — and it didn’t go effectively.
Delane doesn’t have elite measurement or velocity (we are going to see if he runs a 40 earlier than the draft), however he has an excellent really feel for protection in man or zone, anticipating and driving on routes.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
History tells us the Rams don’t draft cornerbacks in the primary few rounds, however that place on their depth chart wants nearly a whole makeover. Terrell, whom a number of scouts singled out as having the top cornerback exercise on the combine, makes performs towards each the move and run.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State
Good gamers have a behavior of falling to the Ravens in Round 1, and this may be simply the latest instance. Ioane is likely one of the greatest gamers in the draft, though his lack of positional versatility might assist him land in Baltimore’s lap.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
I don’t assume normal supervisor Jason Licht is essentially seeking to goal a decent finish with a top-15 choose, but it surely wouldn’t be stunning if the Bucs imagine Sadiq is one of the best participant obtainable right here. He’s been TE1 in this class from the summer time till now, and his freaky combine efficiency was the cherry on top.
16. New York Jets (from IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Maybe the Jets will go for extra measurement at receiver to enrich Garrett Wilson, however Lemon has the aggressive DNA that ought to converse to go coach Aaron Glenn and normal supervisor Darren Mougey. Glenn had a front-row seat for Amon-Ra St. Brown with the Detroit Lions — it’s wager he would wish to add a stylistically comparable participant.
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama
The (*5*) provides the Lions choices on draft evening, but it surely doesn’t remove offensive line from being the transfer right here. Proctor has the expertise to offer Detroit quick depth at each sort out and guard, particularly after the discharge of Graham Glasgow. He’d be a long-term constructing block.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
With Harrison Smith’s future in question, the Vikings can have security close to the top of their want listing this offseason.
Thieneman was anticipated to check effectively on the combine. Based on the reactions from groups, he surpassed even these excessive expectations and solidified himself in the mid-first-round vary. (NFL scout: “It’s hard to find anything bad with ‘T-man.’”)
19. Carolina Panthers: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami
General Manager Dan Morgan, a member of the Hurricanes’ Ring of Honor, isn’t going to draft a Miami participant due to the connections to his alma mater. But it wouldn’t damage, particularly with the Panthers in the marketplace for a charged-up edge rusher.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
The Cowboys addressed their secondary at No. 12 in this mock, they usually add an edge rusher right here.
One of the youngest prospects in the category, Faulk will enter the league as a bodily edge setter with a creating pass-rush arsenal.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The third extensive receiver off the board in this mock, Cooper has the ball expertise that will make him an excellent match for the Steelers’ quick-strike offense. His sturdy decrease physique and toughness make him a chore for defenders to complete to the bottom.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
This is a worth choose for the Chargers. McCoy, now greater than a yr faraway from ACL surgical procedure, didn’t work out on the combine and stays a wild card in this class. There is perhaps a reduction sticker on his tag come draft weekend.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Iheanachor would give the Eagles short-term insurance coverage behind Lane Johnson, and a long-term reply at proper sort out. He’s nonetheless comparatively new to soccer, so a yr spent sitting behind a future Hall of Famer could be a grasp class for Iheanachor’s growth.
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Make it back-to-back Sun Devils off the board.
Without any considerations about sturdiness, Tyson seemingly could be a top-10 choose. However, a lingering hamstring difficulty may create doubt in the minds of some decision-makers, which might in flip lead a crew comparable to Cleveland to search out superior worth in the again half of Round 1.
25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Woods is a irritating research, as a result of the expertise is obvious however doesn’t equate to constant disruption. Still, his “good” tape is sufficient for groups searching inside assist to contemplate him in the late first spherical.
26. Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
If the Bills draft a large receiver in the primary spherical, ought to they go together with a speedy, smaller possibility or an even bigger, extra bodily goal? Boston could be the latter, with excellent measurement and ball expertise (and he isn’t a slug, both).
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Lomu will profit from one other yr of power growth, which would depart him prepared simply in time to doubtlessly take over for Trent Williams at left sort out. His athletic footwork and motion management counsel he has a shiny future.
28. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU)*: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The solely proposed commerce in this mock draft has the Cardinals getting again into the primary spherical (simply forward of the Rams) to nab a quarterback, giving up a second-rounder (No. 34) and 2027 third-rounder to take action. This could be back-to-back years the Texans have traded right down to No. 34 with a crew on the lookout for a quarterback (they made an identical deal final yr with the Giants, who then chosen Jaxson Dart).
With the Kyler Murray period in the rearview, the Cardinals could possibly be in the combo for Malik Willis in free company or get artistic on draft weekend to handle their quarterback spot. Simpson has the NFL-level processing and instincts to be a starter, though his professional ceiling is the query mark.
29. Los Angeles Rams: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
With Davante Adams in the ultimate yr of his deal, Concepcion would give the Rams’ offense quick firepower plus a long-term answer if Adams isn’t on the roster in 2027. His dynamic inside-outside versatility could be a enjoyable addition to an already thrilling passing assault.
(Note: The Rams have traded this pick to the Chiefs as a part of a bundle for CB Trent McDuffie, a league supply informed The Athletic.)
30. Denver Broncos: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
The Broncos have been doing their homework on McNeil-Warren, a protracted, athletic security who makes performs in protection and versus the run. Safety won’t be the Broncos’ No. 1 want, however McNeil-Warren’s vary could be a pleasant match in their secondary.
31. New England Patriots: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson
Upgrading the move rush (in a number of methods) is predicted to be top precedence for the Patriots this offseason. And Parker is a well-rounded participant who gives a dependable basis constructed on leveraged energy and a constant motor, which can converse to Mike Vrabel.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Seahawks plucking one other Gamecocks defensive again in this yr’s draft could be a enjoyable story. But extra importantly, Cisse would give Seattle much-needed cornerback depth, particularly if Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen each depart in free company.
Second Round
33. New York Jets: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
34. Houston Texans (from ARI)*: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Houston discovered its left sort out (Aireontae Ersery) in the second spherical final season and will do the identical at proper sort out this yr. Miller is an iron man with the expertise and intangibles that match what the Texans covet.
35. Tennessee Titans: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
36. Las Vegas Raiders: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
37. New York Giants: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
38. Houston Texans (from WAS): Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
39. Cleveland Browns: D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Drop him on the nickel and Ponds would make an already stout protection even higher. His measurement isn’t very best, however Ponds could be in the CB1 dialog if he have been two inches taller.
40. Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
41. Cincinnati Bengals: Zion Young, edge, Missouri
42. New Orleans Saints: R Mason Thomas, edge, Oklahoma
43. Miami Dolphins: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
44. New York Jets (from DAL): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
I really like what the Jets have been capable of do in this mock: a high-level move rush risk in Reese; a dynamic move catcher in Lemon; a green-dot linebacker in the center in Allen. And now at cornerback, Johnson, one of many extra underrated prospects in the draft.
45. Baltimore Ravens: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCF
47. Indianapolis Colts: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
48. Atlanta Falcons: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
49. Minnesota Vikings: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
50. Detroit Lions: Dani Dennis-Sutton, edge, Penn State
51. Carolina Panthers: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
I’m speculating right here, however I believe it’s honest to say Rodriguez is the kind of linebacker that Morgan would tremendously admire. Because of Rodriguez’s toughness, athleticism and instincts, this may be an excellent match for each side.
52. Green Bay Packers: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
53. Pittsburgh Steelers: Treydan Stukes, CB/S, Arizona
54. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Jacas, edge, Illinois
55. Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
56. Jacksonville Jaguars: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
57. Chicago Bears: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
With Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker each hitting free company, security could possibly be a key want for Chicago in the draft. Luckily for the Bears, this can be a deep security class. Haulcy, who’s just like Byard in a number of methods, could be good worth right here.
58. San Francisco 49ers: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
59. Houston Texans: Gennings Dunker, G/OT, Iowa
60. Buffalo Bills: Derrick Moore, edge, Michigan
61. Los Angeles Rams: Keionte Scott, DB, Miami
62. Denver Broncos: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
63. New England Patriots: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
64. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
With Kenneth Walker III anticipated to signal elsewhere and Zach Charbonnet working again from a knee harm, Seattle shall be energetic in the working again market. Price has NFL starting-caliber expertise together with his run instincts and get in touch with stability.
(Correction: An earlier model of this text incorrectly reported the timing of when a crew gave Sonny Styles a standing ovation. The ovation got here after his exercise, not after his crew interview. The article has been corrected.)
