2026 NFL Mock Draft: Rams Select Matthew Stafford’s Successor, WRs Fly Off the Board, and More
With championship weekend complete and only the Super Bowl remaining, the countdown to draft season is officially on. As fans and analysts start spinning through scenarios in tools like PFSN’s NFL Mock Draft Simulator, the real movement begins on the field, where the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl give prospects a chance to elevate their stock — or, at the very least, solidify it.
Just last year, former North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel dominated the Senior Bowl so thoroughly that he elevated himself from a Day 2 pick into first-round conversation, eventually getting selected by the Seattle Seahawks at No. 18 overall. Now, many others will hope to follow in his footsteps.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
After another dominant performance to cap his career in the College Football Playoff national title game, this pick is nearly written in stone.
The Raiders desperately need a franchise savior — someone who can elevate the players around him. Given the right coaches, another receiver, and offensive line upgrades, the Raiders’ offense could become an underrated unit featuring Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, with Mendoza as its leader.
2) New York Jets
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
With Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore returning to school and with how the board is shaping up, many assume this pick will be an edge rusher — the only question is which one.
With Aaron Glenn recently bringing in Wink Martindale for an interview, who runs a 3-4 defensive scheme, Reese could be the pick here. Similar to Jalon Walker last year, he shows prowess both as a stand-up linebacker and rushing off the edge. Reese, Jermaine Johnson II, and Will McDonald IV would form an intriguing pass-rushing trio.
3) Arizona Cardinals
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
What do the Cardinals do at quarterback? Who knows, but it is highly unlikely this pick solves that issue outright, even if it helps address it. For years, Arizona has desperately needed a franchise tackle to pair opposite Paris Johnson Jr., but has not found one.
4) Tennessee Titans
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Titans’ defense is far from a finished product, but the lack of talent at one position jumps off the page: pass rusher. While Arden Key and Jihad Ward are solid rotational pieces, neither should be starting.
The group badly needs an influx of talent, which Bailey can provide. The Red Raider totaled 14.5 sacks, tied for the nation’s lead. His explosiveness off the edge should lead to instant production, which new head coach Robert Saleh will value.
5) New York Giants
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Giants’ offense is intriguing on paper, led by rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Even if Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo are healthy to start next season, the skill positions could use more juice.
Tate — a polished route runner with strong hands and upper-tier ball skills — would complement Nabers well and give Dart the big vertical threat he needs to stress defenses.
6) Cleveland Browns
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
The Browns have issues across the roster, but with how frequently their quarterbacks were under pressure this season, upgrading protection must be a priority. With uncertainty at both tackle spots, selecting one makes sense.
Mauigoa is a true mauler in the run game and consistently opened lanes for Mark Fletcher Jr. while keeping Carson Beck protected. While he could become a Pro Bowl guard, Cleveland keeps him at tackle for now as it sorts out its quarterback situation.
7) Washington Commanders
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
With edge rushers flying off the board, a second straight Miami Hurricane comes off next. The Commanders’ defense ranked No. 30 in PFSN’s Defensive Impact rankings, which did not help their battered pass rush unit.
Bain Jr.’s explosive first step and violent hand usage make him an instant-impact player. His motor jumps off the screen, and given head coach Dan Quinn’s affinity for edge rushers, this could be the pick come late April.
8) New Orleans Saints
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
After shipping Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks, the Saints are dangerously thin at receiver — especially with a young quarterback in Tyler Shough they are trying to develop.
Tyson may be the most explosive receiver in the draft, capable of working both outside and in the slot. Most importantly, he consistently played his best against top defenses such as BYU, Texas Tech, and TCU.
9) Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs sprint to the podium with this pick. They have desperately needed another element in the run game. Neither Isiah Pacheco nor Kareem Hunt profiles as a long-term RB1.
Love is widely considered the draft’s second-best player and would have gone much earlier if not for positional value. His vision, patience, and receiving versatility would be a perfect fit alongside Patrick Mahomes.
10) Cincinnati Bengals
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Bengals’ defense needs help everywhere. In 2025, it was historically bad, surrendering 235.1 passing yards per game. With so many holes, Cincinnati should take the best available defensive player.
Enter Downs, another top-five prospect who slipped due to positional value. His playmaking ability, coverage instincts, and physical mentality could transform a defense as much as one player realistically can.
11) Miami Dolphins
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Dolphins have intriguing defensive pieces, but none at cornerback. The unit lacks depth and talent beyond Jack Jones.
McCoy’s fluid athleticism, length, and frame give him elite ball skills that are increasingly essential in today’s NFL. His recovery speed allows him to match up with top receivers, regardless of size or speed.
12) Dallas Cowboys
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Cowboys had another historically poor defense in 2025, largely due to linebacker struggles. Kenneth Murray Jr., Jack Sanborn, and Logan Wilson all struggled with consistency.
Styles brings elite sideline-to-sideline speed at 6’4, 243 pounds. If newly hired defensive coordinator Christian Parker continues developing his football IQ, Dallas could land a long-term starter.
13) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Thanks to the Falcons, the Rams own an extra first-round pick. Matthew Stafford is playing outstanding football, but at 37, the future must be considered.
Here, Los Angeles stashes Simpson for at least a year. His arm talent and pocket poise are evident; refining decision-making behind a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback could accelerate his development.
14) Baltimore Ravens
Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
The Ravens’ defensive line needs reinforcements, particularly with Nnamdi Madibuke sidelined as he recovers from a potentially career-threatening neck injury.
While not yet an elite pass rusher, Woods is a dominant interior presence with upside against both the run and the pass. His anchoring ability makes him an immediate contributor.
15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Todd Bowles is a strong defensive coach, but the cornerback unit has been a weakness. With Jamel Dean set to hit free agency, the need becomes more pressing.
Delane was LSU’s top cornerback, showcasing speed, agility, and strength. If 2024 second-round pick Benjamin Morrison rebounds, Tampa Bay could form a promising young duo.
16) New York Jets (via Colts)
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Beyond Garrett Wilson, the Jets lack proven depth at receiver. While John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell flashed occasionally, neither profiles as a reliable WR2.
Slot specialist Makai Lemon is viewed by some as the draft’s best route runner due to his elite separation ability. His yards-after-catch upside should secure him a top-16 selection.
17) Detroit Lions
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
In 2025, the NFL world saw the Detroit Lions take a step back. While the playcalling was poor, resulting in the firing of offensive coordinator John Morton, the offensive line play was the weakest it has been in years. With left tackle Taylor Decker considering retirement and inconsistent interior play, increasing Jared Goff’s protection should be a priority.
Proctor’s 6’7″, 369-pound frame provides incredible strength at contact, amplifying his run-blocking skills. While he played tackle at Alabama, he also offers upside as a plug-and-play guard.
18) Minnesota Vikings
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Vikings put themselves in a difficult salary-cap position by signing defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. While both remain quality pieces, their salaries are too large relative to the impact they provide. Because of this, at least one could be cut, opening a need along the defensive line.
Faulk is a bigger edge rusher at 6’6″ and 285 pounds, showcasing strength and power that were largely unmatched in the SEC. While not the quickest, he shows pop in his first step, leading scouts to believe he has upside as a pass rusher in addition to his excellent run defense.
19) Carolina Panthers
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Tetairoa McMillan has proven to be an excellent pick at No. 8 overall last year, but a Bryce Young-led offense still needs more weaponry if it wants to compete for the division. Jalen Coker showed intriguing potential in the wild-card loss to the Rams, but he remains too inconsistent to be considered a legitimate WR2.
If head coach Dave Canales uses Sadiq correctly, he’ll become one of Young’s most trusted targets. Bigger than any cornerback or safety and faster than any linebacker, Sadiq’s athleticism is too intriguing to pass up at No. 19.
20) Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Cowboys’ cornerback room is dangerously thin, especially after releasing former Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs. While Shavon Revel Jr. is an intriguing young piece, fellow outside corner Caelen Carson and slot defender Reddy Steward should not be full-time starters.
Cisse’s man-to-man coverage skills are among the best in the draft. He’s sticky in coverage, with long arms that help him break up passes at the catch point. He should benefit from Parker, the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, who helped develop Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell.
21) Pittsburgh Steelers
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
There is a new era in Pittsburgh, with Mike Tomlin out and Mike McCarthy in. For the first time in the modern NFL, the Steelers have an offensive-minded head coach. When evaluating the offense, the lack of explosiveness at wide receiver stands out.
Concepcion can provide that and more thanks to his versatility and all-purpose impact. His precise route running allows him to create easy separation from cornerbacks — something that should translate immediately to the NFL. He would pair well with DK Metcalf.
22) Los Angeles Chargers
Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Justin Herbert took a beating from opposing defensive linemen this season. The backup tackles struggled mightily after injuries to Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, as did the starting interior linemen.
Ioane was one of the few bright spots for Penn State, showcasing impressive interior play. With his strength and hand power, he is a strong contributor in the run game, consistently moving defensive tackles to open running lanes. Both Herbert and Omarion Hampton would benefit from his presence.
23) Philadelphia Eagles
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Cracks in the once-dominant Eagles’ offensive line have started to show. Longtime right tackle Lane Johnson missed significant time, and the unit as a whole struggled to open lanes for Saquon Barkley.
With World, the Eagles land a Day 1-ready tackle who has shown the toughness and physical talent to succeed at the next level. He also offers guard versatility if Philadelphia prefers to start his career on the inside.
24) Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Whether Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, or a mystery quarterback starts for the Browns next season, the offense needs more talent at receiver. Jerry Jeudy’s motor has been inconsistent, and while Isaiah Bond flashed potential, he has not shown true dependability.
Boston has excellent contested-catch ability and projects as a true X receiver at 6’4″, 209 pounds. His above-average route running for his size and strong ball-tracking skills should make him a lock to go in the first round.
25) Chicago Bears
Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
It is safe to say the 2024 free-agent signing of Grady Jarrett did not pan out. Outside of Gervon Dexter Sr., the Bears lack a defensive lineman capable of both stopping the run and consistently pressuring the passer.
Banks fills that void. His elite physical profile at 6’6″, 330 pounds allows him to clog running lanes naturally. His explosive first step also gives him upside as a pass rusher.
26) Buffalo Bills
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Bills were fortunate to land veteran linebacker Shaq Thomson on a one-year deal. He provided stability and made key plays while Matt Milano and Terrell Bernard dealt with injuries, though Buffalo still needs a long-term answer.
The leader of Georgia’s defense, Allen shows strong play recognition and high football IQ, processing pre-snap reads at an NFL level. Combined with his speed and range, he projects as a quality starter.
27) San Francisco 49ers
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The 49ers added depth along the defensive line last year, drafting Alfred Collins and C.J. West in the middle rounds, though neither made a significant impact. Outside of the rookies, established talent is limited.
McDonald consistently held his ground against double teams at Ohio State, showing his ability to plug rushing lanes. His leverage and interior disruption should allow him to contribute immediately.
28) Houston Texans
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled in the playoff loss to New England, though poor protection was an issue throughout the season. Rookie Aireontae Ersery had difficulties on the left side, while veteran Trent Brown held his own at times on the right but is set to hit free agency.
Lomu gives Houston a potential cornerstone tackle with fluid movement and strong lateral agility. His wide base and awareness of angles help him stay square with rushers and prevent them from bending the edge.
29) Los Angeles Rams
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Rams cornerback Darious Williams was exposed in the NFC Championship while attempting to cover Jaxon Smith-Njigba. While he has had a solid career, regression has limited his ability to consistently contain top receivers.
Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, the brother of A.J. Terrell, has fluid hips and quick feet that make him one of the best man-coverage corners in the draft. His instincts and coverage ability should appeal to the Rams’ defensive staff.
30) Denver Broncos
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
The Broncos’ defense proved its value this season, helping carry the team to an AFC Championship appearance. While upgrades are not urgent, reloading is necessary with linebacker Alex Singleton set to hit free agency.
Hill Jr. can contribute immediately thanks to his elite sideline-to-sideline range. He moves like a safety but delivers real pop at 238 pounds.
31) New England Patriots
Cassius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Head coach Mike Vrabel did an excellent job elevating the Patriots’ defense, but additional talent is needed. Harold Landry III missed time this season, and K’Lavon Chaisson may not return in free agency.
Howell offers an explosive first step and a strong burst off the line of scrimmage. His 11.5 sacks suggest production that could translate quickly to the NFL.
32) Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Like the Broncos, the Seahawks relied heavily on defense during their conference championship run. However, cornerback Tariq Woolen struggled at times, including against Puka Nacua, and is approaching free agency.
Hood excels in man and press coverage, frequently jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. He also has strong ball skills, which Seattle will need if Woolen departs.
