For as much flack as this year’s NFL draft has received for its lack of top-end talent, its unpredictability has undoubtedly captivated the football world.
So, for one last time, let’s try to predict it anyway.
Here is our final first-round mock draft for 2026 . . .
Mendoza to Vegas has been locked in wire to wire. The draft really starts after the Raiders officially mint the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion as this year’s No. 1 overall pick.
The Jets have had outsiders flip-flopping their projections between Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey from the jump. Ultimately, they take the former—whose versatility and sky-high potential give head coach Aaron Glenn one heck of a chess piece to work with.
Projected trade: New Orleans receives No. 3, No. 104; Arizona receives No. 8, No. 42
Between Arizona's willingness to move down and the small supply of top-tier pass rushers, this spot may be earmarked for a trade—as possibly teased by FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer on Wednesday. As far as potential suitors go, Bailey doesn't feel like a fit for the Kansas City defense and Dallas may not want to part with both No. 12 and No. 20 to get here.
But this could be an avenue to visit for the Saints and general manager Mickey Loomis, who is certainly no stranger to pouncing up on premium positions in the draft.
After getting sniped on Bailey, the Titans pivot to another impact defender in Styles. The ultra-athletic All-American 'backer may be head coach Robert Saleh's new Fred Warner.
Drafting a running back this high is usually bad business, at least as far as the salary cap crunch on positional value is concerned. But the Giants really seem to be feeling the Love, whose abilities as an offensive weapon can bring the unit and second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart up a notch.
Although the Browns seemingly want to move down the board, sticking and picking the safest wide receiver in this class could be the smarter decision in growing their offense.
Projected trade: New York receives No. 7, No. 147; Washington receives No. 16, No. 44
Washington will enter the draft with their top three picks at No. 7, No. 71 and No. 147—so they should be exploring trade-down options to pick up some much-needed capital. The Jets fly at the opportunity to swoop up Tyson thanks to the second-round pick from their trade of Quinnen Williams.
The Cardinals make out here. Not only do they nab their starting right tackle at a palatable spot, but they also added a second-rounder to their chest—which could be used to climb back up into the first round for a particular quarterback.
Patience pays off for the Chiefs, as the last of this draft's top pass rushers falls into their lap at No. 9.
Taking a running back and a safety with two top-10 picks might appear to be malpractice in the eyes of many. But for head coach John Harbaugh and the Giants, it may their dream scenario and part of their freshly-laid foundation.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (via TB): Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
16. Washington Commanders (via NYJ): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
19. Philadelphia Eagles (via CAR): Blake Miller, OL, Clemson