It’s 2026 NFL draft week, which means it’s time for a mock draft.
PennLive’s Johnny McGonigal and NJ.com’s Cayden Steele, our Philadelphia Eagles beat writers, linked up for a two-second, in-depth mock.
Steele handled the odd-numbered picks while McGonigal took the even picks, going back and forth, covering all 64 selections and making a few first-round trades.
Here’s how we think the first and second rounds of the 2026 NFL draft could pan out in a few days.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Mendoza kicks off a new era in Las Vegas. He offers a safe floor.- Steele
2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech: Some viewed the Jets cancelling Bailey’s top-30 visit as a red flag. I view it as them knowing all they need to know. — McGonigal
*Trade: Commanders trade No.7 and No. 71 overall to the Cardinals for No. 3
3: Washington Commanders (via the Cardinals): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Commanders move up to land the best player in the draft. Love could make a Bijan Robinson-type of impact in the NFL. - Steele
4. Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State: Reese has been projected to land either No. 2 or 3 overall. Robert Saleh will run this one to the podium. — McGonigal
The spine of New York’s defense became weak after the Dexter Lawrence trade. Styles could shore up the middle and become one of the league’s best linebackers. - Steele
*Trade: Browns trade No. 6 overall to Cowboys for No. 12 and a 2027 2nd rounder.*
6. Dallas Cowboys (via Browns): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State: Jerry Jones makes a splashy move to land a blue-chip talent for new defensive coordinator (and former Eagles defensive backs coach) Christian Parker. Downs is worth this level of investment. — McGonigal
7. Arizona Cardinals (via Commanders): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Arizona improves the right side of its offensive line with this selection. Fano moves well and plays with great technique. - Steele
8. New Orleans Saints: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU: Oddly enough, the Saints have never selected an LSU player in the first round. That changes as New Orleans addresses a major need in its secondary. — McGonigal
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami FL
Bain could supercharge Kansas City’s defensive line. He’s violent, powerful and explosive at the point of attack. — Steele
10. New York Giants: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State: Is it a surprise to have Tate available here? Yes. But the Giants, after trading Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for this pick, come away with two Ohio State stars in the top 10 picks. — McGonigal
