2026 NFL Mock Draft: Fernando Mendoza Lands in Las Vegas, Jets Start Another Rebuild With Dante Moore
As division titles are decided and playoff seeding is finalized, the NFL inches closer to draft season. With Week 17 in the books, we’re just one week away from the order of picks 1-18 being finalized. On the contrary, bowls and college football playoff games are underway, making now a great time to get to know emerging prospects and see where familiar faces land.
In my 2.0 mock, I took a deeper dive into each team’s situation and the factors that could influence the pick, which is now ready for you to review below.
1) Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
After losing 34-10 to the struggling New York Giants, the Raiders jumped them for the honor of selecting first overall. In previous mocks, many slotted in Oregon quarterback Dante Moore at No. 2; however, Mendoza is now available.
His big-stage poise, along with polished mechanics and anticipation, makes this selection effortless. If given the right pieces and coaching staff, Mendoza could go head-to-head with AFC West foes Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix down the line.
2) New York Giants: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
Reese has emerged as a blue-chip prospect playing under former NFL defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. While splitting time between edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, he’s shown elite physical skills, allowing him to generate 6.5 sacks despite limited pass-rushing snaps.
Although the Giants already have a loaded edge unit, with superstar Brian Burns, 2025 3rd overall pick Abdul Carter, and 2022 5th overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, the ladder has seen diminished production this season and only has one year left on his deal. Replacing Thibodeaux with Reese keeps the pass rush group among the league’s most promising.
3) New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The Jets made a half-commitment to Justin Fields last offseason, and it’s safe to say it’s blown up in their face. It’s time they look for a permanent solution to try competing with fellow AFC East quarterbacks Josh Allen and Drake Maye.
In Moore, the Jets secure the best available option. He stands tall in the pocket, and when forced out, his polished mechanics allow him to deliver an accurate ball even when on the run. Significant arm strength will also allow Moore to push the ball down the field, no matter the weather.
4) Tennessee Titans: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
It might’ve taken a while, but as the season has rolled on, the NFL world has seen more consistency from 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward. The improvisational skills, arm strength, and scrambling are all crucial factors that Ward possesses.
Now, they badly need to supply him with weapons. While Chimere Dike has had a decent rookie year, Ward needs bona fide No. 1 and 2 receivers around him. Tyson has the potential to be a valid No. 1 as a modern deep threat. His smooth acceleration allows precise route running, creating separation that looks too easy against opposing defensive backs.
5) Arizona Cardinals: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Cardinals have one of the most mysterious quarterback situations in the league. While it appears they’ll part ways with former top pick Kyler Murray, backup Jacoby Brissett has stepped in and looked more than servicable at times. However, we’ve seen it before with the Indianapolis Colts in the late 2010s. Brissett is good, but not the long-term answer.
Enter Simpson, whose pocket passing ability is up there with both Mendoza and Moore. He does an excellent job of managing the pocket, stepping up or exiting at the right time while still keeping his eyes down the field to get the throw off. Simpson could develop nicely, throwing to Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr.
6) Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
With the top quarterbacks off the board, general manager Andrew Barry builds up the offense to see if Shedeur Sanders could be the future. He’s shown a mix of promise and inconsistency, typical for a young quarterback with a poor supporting cast around him.
Few quarterbacks can perform well with a receiving corps of Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and Harold Fannin Jr. Tate – the 8th-ranked receiver according to PFSN’s CFB WR impact grades – brings top-tier body control and hands that aren’t currently present in Cleveland.
7) Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Downs, a top-five talent, slips to seven in this scenario due to the positional value. For Washington, he’d immediately step into the backend of the defense and become an instant impact player. Adding him to the box with Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner – if he comes back, it would be a scary sight for running backs.
Downs also provides versatility in coverage, able to line up in the slot against smaller, quicker receivers or larger, more physical tight ends.
8) New Orleans Saints: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Behind the scenes, head coach Kellen Moore and the Saints are laying the groundwork for a promising offense. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has shown signs of being a franchise cornerstone, although he doesn’t have the best weapons around him.
Acquiring Love would give them the type of running back they don’t have – one that can turn any play into a huge gain and run their offense through. With a solid offensive line, Love could be utilized similarly to Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor.
9) Kansas City Chiefs: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Chiefs’ pass rush has been showing cracks for a couple of seasons, but it was finally exposed this season. They have 32 sacks on the year thus far – half as many as their division rival, the Denver Broncos, and rank near the bottom of the league.
Faulk’s physicality provides a much-needed presence on Kansas City’s defensive line. If he can learn under Chris Jones, expect Faulk to be one of the top versatile linemen in the league years from now.
10) Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
Similar to the Chiefs, Cincinnati’s pass rush has been underwhelming, with only 29 sacks this season. Star Trey Hendrickson didn’t provide the boost that was expected, and young first-round picks Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy have developed very little.
Bain Jr. has been dominant since the second he stepped onto the Miami campus, with a first step that’s nearly unstoppable while boasting an array of pass rush moves. He should provide an instant juice to whichever defensive line he joins.
11) Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
After trading away cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and cutting Kendall Fuller, the Dolphins made little effort to replace them. The JuJu Brents could end up working out down the line, but they still need a significant influx of talent.
Delane has given up only 147 yards and an opposing passer rating of 26.7 this season. His physicality enables him to excel in man coverage, complemented by fluid athleticism.
12) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The Rams have done an excellent job of hitting on late draft picks and signing bargain free agents to create one of the league’s best defenses. The only weak point is their cornerback group, which isn’t bad, but is aging and lacks depth.
Jermod McCoy can help with both issues. After transferring from Oregon State, he made a name for himself in the SEC before tearing his ACL in the 2025 preseason. In 2024, he proved himself as a lockdown corner, using his experience as a track star to defend 13 passes and pick off four passes.
13) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The Buccaneers have lost seven of their last eight games, with their defense allowing over 3,500 yards during that span. They’re also giving up 25.2 points a game, ranking near the bottom of the league. The Buccaneers need a boost in talent.
Styles, the other star Buckeye linebacker, is excellent at getting downhill to attack the opposing runner. His instincts and athleticism enable him to transition seamlessly between linebacker, safety, and the slot – a versatility that defensive coordinators covet.
14) Dallas Cowboys: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
When Jerry Jones said trading away Micah Parsons would improve their run defense, he wasn’t wrong. The team ranks 32nd in PFSN’s Defense Impact metrics. However, it instantly depleted their pass rush. Jadaveon Clowney leads the team in sacks with 5.5 – a sign they badly need to restock the cupboard.
Howell was able to produce 12 sacks this season, along with 27 hurries, and was a significant contributor to Texas A&M’s success. His hot motor, football IQ, and effective inside counter move should translate well to the NFL.
15) Detroit Lions: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
Whether or not left tackle Taylor Decker retires after the season, the Lions could use an upgrade on their offensive line. Both the left tackle spot and interior play have declined over the past year, as seen in Jahmyr Gibbs’ production dip.
Mauigoa can start day one at left tackle or slide inside to guard to begin his career. He possesses incredible physical tools that allow him to hit the second level and open up wide running lanes, which will significantly benefit Gibbs and David Montgomery.
16) Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Outside of Nnamdi Madibuike, the Ravens really don’t have one above-average player on the defensive line. That was widely exposed when Madibuike went down for the year with a neck injury he sustained in week 2.
Here, the Ravens add Woods to sure up the interior defensive line. The former Freshman All-American still needs to develop some more pass-rush moves, but has the versatility to play any position on the defensive line. He’s one of the can’t-miss prospects in the draft.
17) Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
After another season as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, Brian Flores has again proven to be one of the league’s best. His multiple scheme keeps opposing offenses on their toes, despite having a below-average cornerback group.
Terrell possesses legitimate track speed, with a rumored sub-4.4 40-yard dash, complemented by the physicality and play recognition necessary to excel at the position. Don’t be surprised if he makes a Pro Bowl early in his career.
18) New York Jets (via Colts): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets don’t have much talent in their receiving corps. While Adonai Mitchell has made some plays after being acquired from Indianapolis, the jury is still out on whether he can be a real WR2. Plus, giving Dante Moore a second weapon would only enhance his development.
Lemon could be the most explosive player in the entire draft. He’s been the spark plug for the Trojans’ offense, racking up 79 catches, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdowns, displaying body control and soft-zone understanding that should make him an instant problem for defenses.
19) Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Bryce Young has indeed shown himself to be a capable NFL quarterback. Whether that’s enough for him to win a playoff game, we don’t know, but there’s only one way to find out: Keep giving him great weapons to throw to.
Sadiq is a mismatch nightmare, too big and strong for cornerbacks and safeties, while too fast and elusive for linebackers. He can be an actual chess piece if in the right system.
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Steelers’ cornerback room has crumbled from the high standards set during the preseason, with Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. battling inconsistency, while Darius Slay Jr. was cut weeks ago. The group badly needs an influx of talent and a long-term outside corner opposite Porter Jr.
Hood has shown proficiency in both man and zone, using his leverage to stop opposing receivers from getting in and out of cuts as quickly as they’d like. These factors, along with his competitiveness, should make him a starter for years.
21) Dallas Cowboys (via Packers): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Cowboys have built one of the league’s best offensive lines, hitting on first-round draft picks Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker. It’s given them a massive boost in keeping Dak Prescott healthy and in establishing the run game. Right tackle Terrance Steele hasn’t been bad this season, but he is aging and closer to a swing tackle than a full-time starter.
The Cowboys can’t afford to pass up on Fano, whose movement skills and natural leverage have made him one of college football’s top quarterback protectors. Here, he starts immediately at the correct tackle.
22) Los Angeles Chargers: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Despite having a solid pass rush duo in Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, the Chargers’ defensive line leaves much to be desired. While they have some solid run-stoppers, such as Teair Tart, the high-level talent is lacking.
At 6’6″ and 329 pounds, Banks has a rare frame while showcasing uncanny athletic skills. His power comes naturally, enabling performances like his 3.5 TFLs against Ole Miss in 2024. As he continues growing into his body, he’ll be an unstoppable force in the trenches.
23) Buffalo Bills: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
The Bills’ defense has been inconsistent throughout the season, primarily due to injuries at the middle linebacker position. Matt Milano is often injured and is no longer the All-Pro he was in 2022, and Terrel Bernard isn’t healthy enough to be a dependable option going forward.
Allen offers closing speed the modern linebacker needs to compete with quick receivers, as well as exceptional block-shedding that also allows him to affect the run game.
24) Los Angeles Rams: Caleb Lomu, T, Utah
Rob Havenstein, the Rams’ long-time right tackle, has seen only limited action this year due to an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve about halfway through the season. While he has been an excellent option for a long time, he’s not getting any younger at 34, and his contract expires after this season.
Lomu is a solid replacement. He uses fluid movement skills to neutralize defensive linemen, demonstrating notable recovery ability when initially beaten. He should keep Stafford protected as his career twilights.
25) Philadelphia Eagles: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The worst-kept secret in the NFL is A.J. Brown’s unhappiness in Philadelphia. It has become so bad that a split seems inevitable this offseason. If Brown does leave, there’s no one outside of Devonta Smith to keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night.
Adding Boston gives the Eagles a similar, big-bodied receiver who can create separation through sneaky acceleration, not commonly seen in a 6’4 “receiver. He should be able to thrive in the intermediate range to start his career and build from there.
26) Houston Texans: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Keeping C.J. Stroud upright should be the top priority for Houston, though they aren’t currently set up to do so. Journeyman Trent Brown is currently the starter at right tackle, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
At 6’8 and 318 pounds, World has premier tackle dimensions with experience playing on the right side. His high IQ enables him to identify stunts and delayed blitzes, a skill that is becoming increasingly important as defensive schemes become more complex.
27) Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Browns have dealt with numerous injuries along their offensive line, most notably at the tackle positions. Left tackle Dawand Jones underwent season-ending knee surgery three months ago, while right tackle Jack Conklin has missed 11 games in what’s likely his final year in Cleveland.
Proctor’s athleticism is quite impressive for standing at 6’7 and 369 pounds. He doesn’t just look to block his man, but take him entirely out of the play. Here, Cleveland gets more physical and nasty upfront.
28) San Francisco 49ers: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
Even with Nick Bosa, the 49ers desperately needed pass-rush help. Now that he’s down, that weakness has been exposed further. Although defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has gotten all he can with the current group, upgrades are much needed.
Heading into the Orange Bowl against Oregon, Bailey has 13.5 sacks, second in the nation and leading the Big 12. The Unanimous All-American has below-average size at 6’3 and 250 pounds, but makes up for it with a deep bag of pass rush moves.
29) Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
It’s impressive how well the Chicago Bears’ secondary has performed despite having limited talent on the defensive line. Though Gervon Dexter Sr. is a nice piece, free agent signee Grady Jarrett has been disappointing, and Andrew Billings offers no pass-rushing upside.
McDonald brings elite size and a motor that allows him to make plays while getting double-teamed. He adds some pass rush juice, with three sacks on the year, though his specialty will be collapsing the pocket.
30) New England Patriots: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Maye is in the lead to lock up the MVP award, doing so with an older Stefon Diggs and a collection of WR3s. An infusion of pass-catching talent would go a long way in making the offense more explosive.
Concepcion is a crafty route-runner who creates separation subconsciously. He’s at his best after the catch, showcasing blazing speed that could see him shoot up draft boards around the combine.
31) Denver Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
The Denver defense has no holes and has been one of the top two units, even with a variety of injuries. Here, the Broncos aren’t drafting for need, but to restock, as starting middle linebacker Alex Singleton is set to be a free agent.
Denver replaces Singleton with Hill Jr., who lit up the stat sheet, recording 70 tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. The Broncos’ front office should covet his leadership and production.
32) Seattle Seahawks: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Guard Anthony Bradford has been one of the only vulnerabilities on one of the league’s top offenses. If the Seahawks can find a solid replacement for him, they’ll be on their way to becoming one of the best units in the league.
Ioane is nimble for his size, showing foot quickness that allows him to move swiftly up to the second level. His addition would create even bigger holes for Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
Article written by
Jack Aaron
