2026 NFL mock draft: Top 10 pick predictions off free agency

Money is flying across the NFL, as groups start agreeing to free agency offers, re-signings and big-name trades. And in flip, those moves — and in some instances, non-moves — have affected how the 2026 NFL draft would possibly unfold. For instance, the Chiefs signing working again Kenneth Walker III means they in all probability will not goal Jeremiah Love at No. 9.

So let’s type by means of the shifting workforce wants, prospect targets and potential methods of franchises slated to pick within the prime 10 of April’s first spherical, basing our predictions off all of the strikes we have seen to date. Keep in thoughts that loads of free agent signings nonetheless lie forward as the brand new league yr begins Wednesday. Look at this as snap reactions to the free agency frenzy as we begin to get a clearer image of what would possibly occur on April 23 in Pittsburgh.

Here’s a crack at how signings, trades, cuts and departures would possibly have an effect on every workforce choosing within the No. 1 by means of No. 10 positions — and the prospect who makes probably the most sense to fill roster holes. I additionally answered massive questions for groups choosing outdoors the highest 10 which have seen their draft wants shift, together with the Ravens after backing out of the Maxx Crosby commerce.

Last up to date: 12 pm ET on March 11.

Jump to a workforce within the prime 10:
ARI | CIN | C.L.E. | K.C. | L.V.
NO | N.Y.G. | NYJ | TEN | WSH
Questions on the rest of Round 1

Fernando MendozaQB, Indiana

There is one pick that will not change this week, this month, subsequent month… you get the purpose. Mendoza would be the No. 1 choice and supplies the Raiders a beacon of hope round whom to construct their franchise going ahead. He’s an correct, strong-armed, big-bodied quarterback who met the mark at each problem of Indiana’s national championship run. The Raiders fortified the middle place in entrance of their soon-to-be rookie QB with a three-year, $81 million deal for Tyler Linderbaum.

David BaileyEdge, Texas Tech

The Jets have maximized their cap house to date, trading for security Minkah Fitzpatrick and signing underrated edge rusher Joseph Ossai to a three-year deal. They additionally reached offers with Kingsley Enagbare and 37-year-old linebacker Demario Davis.

But the work is much from executed to repair a weak cross rush, which nonetheless wants younger expertise. No FBS participant had extra sacks in 2025 than Bailey (14.5), who was a dominant drive throughout his lone season at Texas Tech. He pressured a complete of eight fumbles over the previous two seasons and is among the most violent disruptors within the class.

Arvell ReeseEdge, Ohio State

The Cardinals may definitely tackle the offensive line at this pick, as proper deal with is a main want with Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum nonetheless on the market as free brokers. But when choosing this excessive, it is a reminder that one of the simplest ways to rebuild a roster and maintain success is by being disciplined in drafting for worth. Reese, who has as a lot upside as any defensive participant on this class, would give Arizona a constructing block in its entrance seven.

Carnell TateWR, Ohio State

Much of this offseason for Tennessee might be devoted to enhancing the supporting solid round second-year quarterback Cam Ward. Signing slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson was a superb begin, however including Tate would additional that dedication. He is a sure-handed, nuanced and detailed route runner who averaged over 17 yards per reception throughout his remaining school season. Tate is among the many most pro-ready prospects and would carve out a big position in Tennessee from the soar.

Caleb DownsS, Ohio State

A busy begin to free agency for the Giants included inking former Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a three-year deal. This pick for me in the end got here all the way down to Downs and his school teammate Sonny Styleshowever including Edmunds lowered the necessity for a linebacker at this spot. Downs’ three-year run in school, dealing with all types of duties and communication, reinforces why his upside might be so important for New York’s protection.

Monroe FreelingOT, Georgia

A busy week for the Browns has been led by three main offensive line additions: proper deal with Tytus Howard (via trade), save Zion Johnson and heart/guard Elgton Jenkins. All three gamers signed offers value eight figures yearly, however I believe Cleveland will take this O-line funding one step additional.

Freeling has been a favourite of mine all through the predraft course of and has as a lot upside as any offensive deal with on this class. He may grow to be Cleveland’s beginning left deal with, as his potential to reflect rushers together with his lateral agility and size at 6-foot-7 (34¾-inch arms) stand out. The excellent state of affairs for Freeling could be spending time as a sixth offensive lineman proper out of the gate, however most groups choosing this excessive cannot supply that.

Jeremiah LoveRB, Notre Dame

The Commanders landed among the finest free agent cross rushers in Odafe Owehwhich checks the field for his or her most urgent want and permits basic supervisor Adam Peters to take my No. 2 prospect on this class. We can debate the deserves of taking a working again early in perpetuity, however Love is a dynamic, dual-threat participant who would immediately supercharge what was a middle-of-road backfield final season.

Teaming up Love with Jayden Daniels might be a whole lot of enjoyable. They presently have two working backs beneath contract: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (seventh-round pick in 2025) and Rachaad White (free agency signing).

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Makai LemonWR, USC

after linebacker Demario Davis reunited with the Jets, the Saints introduced again their 2019 seventh-round pick Kaden Elliss. But broad receiver is a place they have not prominently addressed but, as they need assistance alongside Chris Olave. Lemon would thrive in that position. The distinctive run-after-catch wideout had a dominant 2025 season, averaging the third-most receiving yards per sport within the FBS (96.3). Lemon confirmed off his toughness, spectacular catch radius and playmaking abilities in the course of the sphere.

Francis MauigoaOT, Miami

With the expected release of beginning proper deal with Jawan TaylorMauigoa would fill in seamlessly in Kansas City. The three-year starter at proper deal with is among the steadiest gamers within the class, exhibiting nice stability, nimble footwork and total physique management at Miami. He’s a drive within the working sport, which might be essential to get new Chiefs working again Kenneth Walker III going subsequent season. And defending Patrick Mahomes is at all times the next precedence; the truth that he’s getting back from an ACL tear solely underscores that significance.

Rueben Bain Jr.., Edge, Miami

The Bengals spent in free agency at some important spots, agreeing to multi-year deals with edge rusher Boye Mafesafety Brian Cook and defensive deal with Jonathan Allen. But that should not be sufficient to fulfill the workforce’s pass-rush want, which was an enormous challenge in 2025 (the Bengals tied for final in cross rush win charge). Plus, Joseph Ossai departed for the Jets and Trey Hendrickson won’t be back in 2026.

Bain is a tenacious and highly effective participant who overcomes his lack of size with brute drive on the level of assault. He had 9.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for losses and 71 pressures in 2025.

Big questions for picks Nos. 11-32

Now that the Ravens hold their first-round pick after backing out of the Maxx Crosby commerce, who may they aim at No. 14?

It’s a bit ironic that the Ravens have the same want because the Raiders at inside offensive line, particularly with heart Tyler Linderbaum heading to Las Vegas. The excellent situation for Baltimore could be both Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane or Utah’s Spencer Fano being obtainable at No. 14.

Each participant presents higher upside alongside the inside, though Fano could be a projection since he was a university offensive deal with however has simply 32⅛-inch arms. Baltimore should shore up the offensive line with its remaining sources.

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Given what we have seen in free agency, which first-round pick past the highest 10 are you most sure about?

The truthful reply: None. But primarily based on what we’ve got seen to date, it is troublesome for me to examine the Lions passing on a left deal with if Freeling or Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor attain them at No. 17. I’ve Freeling graded increased, whereas Proctor has the ability of a forklift. Taylor DeckerDetroit’s former left deal with, requested a release from the workforce forward of his eleventh season.

If you needed to make a prediction proper now, which workforce will draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson?

I’m becoming a member of my colleague Jordan Reid’s parade and forecasting the Cardinals to make a transfer for Simpson. With Kyle Murray set to be releasedArizona’s seek for a brand new QB is formally on; the Cardinals additionally probably confirmed their playing cards by adding Gardner Minshew on a one-year deal as a depth/bridge choice. Taking Simpson at No. 3 could be an enormous attain to me, however Arizona may commerce into the 20s someplace and land him — akin to what the Giants did to get Jason Dart final yr.