2026 NFL Mock Draft 4.0
Draft order is determined by current standings.
1. New Orleans Saints - Ty Simpson (QB/Alabama)
Tyler Shough finally gets a chance to make his case as the team’s long-term answer at quarterback after being named starter this week, but if things do not improve in New Orleans they will certainly be looking to use their top pick on a singal caller.
The consensus No. 1 quarterback has been a carousel this year, but right now Simpson looks to be the guy. Simpson offers an intriguing blend of cerebral passing, pocket maneuverability, and high-level accuracy. The Alabama signal-caller has surged up draft boards in his first year as a full-time starter, showcasing the poise and anticipation New Orleans would need in a foundational QB to lead their new era.
2. New York Jets - Fernando Mendoza (QB/Indiana)
I have to give Justin Fields credit for how he handled the adversity of last week, between being benched, badmouthed by Jets owner Woody Johnson, thrust back into the starting lineup and ultimately leading New York to their first win. That being said, it appears New York has already decided Fields is not the long-term answer they were hoping for.
Instead, armed with a high draft pick, they land Fernando Mendoza, who has put Indiana on the map this season. Mendoza leads the nation in touchdown passes with 24 and has thrown just three interceptions.
3. Tennessee Titans - Rueben Bain (EDGE/Miami FL)
Tennessee took their quarterback of the future last year with Cam Ward, now they take the crown jewel of this year’s defensive class. Bain mixed in with Jeffrey Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat could give the Titans some formidable pieces in their front seven.
4. Cleveland Browns - LaNorris Sellers (QB/South Carolina)
LaNorris Sellers is one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, drawing comparisons to dual-threat stars like Josh Allen and Cam Newton.
However, Sellers is a developmental prospect who must refine his pocket presence and decision-making. Concerns include a high rate of turnover-worthy plays, slow time-to-throw as he works through progressions, and a tendency to hold the ball too long, leading to sacks.
5. Miami Dolphins - Dante Moore (QB/Oregon)
Tua Tagovailoa was solid in last week’s hammering of the Falcons, but it seems like Miami is rapidly headed to a rebuild that could see him, Head Coach Mike McDaniel and General Manager Chris Grier all gone.
Dante Moore offers elite arm talent and a quick, clean release, showcasing the poise and accuracy to thrive in a downfield passing attack. Though he needs to further hone his pocket work against pressure, his high-end physical traits make him an ideal long-term heir to the Miami offense.
6. New York Giants - Jordyn Tyson (WR/Arizona State)
When Malik Nabers tore his ACL last month, it reminded us just how thin New York is at wide receiver. There may be more pressing needs for the Giants, like a tackle, but Tyson is simply too good to pass up. With Jaxson Dart playing well, a healthy Nabers and Tyson could finally put them on the upswing.
7. Baltimore Ravens - Peter Woods (DL/Clemson)
A quintessential Ravens pick, Peter Woods is a dominant, versatile defensive lineman who can play all over the line and thrives against the run. Woods boasts elite athleticism, twitch, and power for his size (around 315 pounds), making him an immediate interior anchor for one of the NFL’s most defense-focused franchises. While his pass-rush finishing needs refinement, he projects as a long-term, high-impact force.
8. Las Vegas Raiders - Spencer Fano (OT/Utah)
The Raiders solidify their offensive line with Spencer Fano, a technically proficient and highly athletic tackle with experience on both sides of the line. Fano is widely praised as an elite run blocker, using exceptional footwork, leverage and power to anchor the line. While he needs to add more functional mass to consistently anchor against NFL power rushers, he projects as a long-term, high-floor starter.
9. Arizona Cardinals - Caleb Downs (S/Ohio State)
The Cardinals select a versatile, generational safety prospect to anchor their defense for the next decade. Downs possesses elite football intelligence, instincts and tackling ability, which allows him to thrive anywhere on the field; from deep safety to an in-the-box playmaker. He is one of the safest picks in the draft, projecting as an immediate defensive cornerstone who will become a coach’s favorite.
10. Cincinnati Bengals - Francis Mauigoa (OT/Miami FL)
The Bengals prioritize protecting their franchise quarterback by selecting Francis Mauigoa, a powerful and highly athletic offensive tackle. Mauigoa’s violent hands and stout anchor make him a premier pass protector with an immediate ceiling as a high-level NFL right tackle. His strength and aggressive play style also make him a devastating force in the run game, providing a crucial upgrade for Cincinnati’s trenches.
11. Washington Commanders - Keldric Faulk (EDGE/Auburn)
The Commanders inject significant talent into their defensive front by selecting Keldric Faulk, a physically dominant and versatile defensive lineman. Faulk boasts a rare blend of size, elite length and athleticism, making him a devastating force against the run immediately. While his pass-rush technique is still developing, his powerful bull rush, quick first step, and ability to align anywhere from the edge to the interior defensive line make him a cornerstone defender with immense Pro Bowl upside in Washington’s defense.
12. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta) - Jermod McCoy (CB/Tennessee)
The Los Angeles Rams address a significant long-term need in their secondary by selecting Jermod McCoy, one of the premier ball-hawking cornerbacks in the class. McCoy possesses a blend of high-end athleticism, excellent instincts and is a physical, quick-footed playmaker in man coverage. He projects as a potential shutdown corner, offering the Rams a much-needed injection of elite talent and ball production to anchor their secondary for years to come. While he is recovering from an ACL injury, his 2024 tape demonstrated the traits of a top-tier cornerback.
13. Minnesota Vikings - Avrell Reese (LB/Ohio State)
The Minnesota Vikings secure one of the most athletic and versatile defensive prospects in the class with Ohio State linebacker Avrell Reese. Reese is an elite athlete for his size, showcasing sideline-to-sideline range as a run defender and explosive speed as an interior or edge blitzer. He projects as a perfect “Will” linebacker fit for an aggressive, multiple-front defense like the one run by the Brian Flores, giving them a dynamic playmaker who can impact the game as a run stopper, pass rusher and in coverage.
14. Houston Texans - Jeremiyah Love (RB/Notre Dame)
The Houston Texans inject a dynamic, big-play threat into their offense with the selection of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Love is considered by many to be the top running back in the 2026 class, boasting elite speed, burst and versatility to be a true three-down weapon. He is a home-run threat who can create chunk plays as a runner, excels in space, and is a strong pass-catcher, providing a game-changing piece for quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ ascending offense. The pick addresses the need for a long-term, high-end catalyst in the backfield to complement their passing game.
15. Dallas Cowboys - T.J. Parker (EDGE/Clemson)
Dallans lands their Micah Parsons replacement. Parker is a powerful, technically refined and high-floor defensive end who excels as a three-down player. He showcases elite functional strength and advanced hand usage to win at the point of attack, making him a devastating force against both the run and the pass.
16. Carolina Panthers - Mansoor Delane (CB/LSU)
Carolina snags one of the top cornerbacks in this class. Delane is a versatile, high-football-IQ corner who excels in both man and zone coverage, demonstrating excellent route recognition and competitive temperament.
17. Chicago Bears - Kadyn Proctor (OT/Alabama)
The Chicago Bears secure a foundational left tackle by selecting Kadyn Proctor, a mammoth offensive lineman with rare athleticism for his 6-foot-7, 360-plus pound frame. Proctor is a dominant run-blocker who brings elite size, strength and long-term potential to anchor the blind side for quarterback Caleb Williams. This pick solidifies the trenches, addressing a critical need with a high-ceiling player, despite the need for some technical refinement.
18. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville) - Makai Lemon (WR/USC)
The Cleveland Browns add a highly skilled weapon to their passing attack with Makai Lemon, an explosive and nuanced route runner who excels at creating separation. Lemon’s outstanding football IQ and quickness allow him to dominate from the slot, finding soft spots against zone coverage and immediately generating yards after the catch. He provides the Browns’ offense with a versatile and reliable target who and provides an immediate weapon for Sellers.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers - Garrett Nussmeier (QB/LSU)
Pittsburgh has flirted with bringing back Aaron Rodgers, and bringing in a veteran is always in the cards, like Indianapolis, Tampa Bay and Seattle have done in recent years. But for now, quarterback is very much in the mix for a team who is competitive enough to challenge for a spot in the playoffs but not competitive enough to get over the hump.
20. San Francisco 49ers - Carnell Tate (WR/Ohio State)
Unless they can trade him, Brandon Aiyuk will definitely be on the roster next season along with Ricky Pearsall while Jauan Jennings is slated to hit free agency. The biggest problem with the trio is that they can’t consistently stay healthy enough to spend enough time together on the field to jell. To make matters worse, George Kittle is 32.
21. Los Angeles Chargers - David Bailey (EDGE/Texas Tech)
The Chargers secure a dynamic edge rusher in David Bailey, a high-motor disruptor with an elite first step and exceptional bend to turn the corner. His explosive pass-rushing arsenal and ability to generate pressure immediately provide a much-needed complement to the Chargers’ defensive front. Bailey projects as a designated pass-rush specialist who can become a dangerous weapon on third downs, bolstering a unit that prioritizes getting after the quarterback.
22. Kansas City Chiefs - Kenyon Sadiq (TE/Oregon)
With Travis Kelce in what seems like his swan song season, the Chiefs spend an early pick on his replacement.
23. Los Angeles Rams - Caleb Lomu (OT/Utah)
Caleb Lomu is an athletic and technically refined left tackle who offers a high-upside protector for the quarterback, allowing only a minimal amount of pressure in his college career. His excellent mirror ability and foot quickness are ideal for the Rams’ wide-zone blocking scheme, providing a cornerstone player who can immediately compete for a starting tackle spot and solidify the front line for years to come.
24. Detroit Lions - Avieon Terrell (CB/Clemson)
Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, boasts elite quickness, loose hips and excellent instincts, making him a superb man-coverage corner. Crucially for the Lions’ hard-nosed defensive identity under Dan Campbell, Terrell is an elite run defender for his position and a major turnover threat, having a knack for forcing fumbles.
25. Buffalo Bills - Matayo Uigalelei (EDGE/Oregon)
A physical and high-upside edge rusher, Matayo Uiagalelei brings an impressive frame, exceptional length and an explosive first step, allowing him to win with speed around the edge or convert it to power. He is considered a fantastic fit for the Bills’ scheme, which prioritizes bigger defensive ends who can consistently set the edge against the run while still providing high-level pass rush disruption. With his production (including 10.5 sacks in 2024) and his room to develop a more diverse pass-rush repertoire, Uiagalelei has the tools to become an every-down impact player for a contending Bills defense.
26. Seattle Seahawks - Sonny Styles (LB/Ohio State)
An immensely versatile and physically imposing linebacker, Sonny Styles perfectly fits the mold of a modern, hybrid defender for new defensive schemes. Styles, safety convert, possesses a rare combination of size, speed and fluid movement that allows him to excel in coverage against tight ends and running backs.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - C.J. Allen (LB/Georgia)
A potential successor to Lavonte David, C.J. Allen is lauded for his exceptional football IQ, violent tackling style and quick read-and-react ability, making him a dominant force against the run and a highly reliable presence in the middle of the defense.
28. Denver Broncos - Denzel Boston (WR/Washington)
At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Denzel Boston is a dominant contested-catch receiver with exceptional ball skills, body control and a massive catch radius, making him an immediate threat in the red zone and on downfield throws. He projects as a prototypical boundary receiver who can out-muscle and box out defenders, bringing a much-needed physical presence to the Denver receiving corps, particularly as veteran Courtland Sutton ages.
29. New England Patriots - L.T. Overton (EDGE/Alabama)
L.T. Overton is a scheme-versatile monster whose unique size, strength and athleticism allow him to dominate from multiple alignments, whether as a stout run defender on the edge or an interior pocket pusher.
30. Philadelphia Eagles - Cashius Howell (EDGE/Texas A&M)
The Eagles pass rush situation is so dire, they dragged Brandon Graham out of his storybook NFL ending to return for the season. Cashius Howell is just one of three players with 10 or more sacks this season.
31. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay) - Anthony Hill Jr. (LB/Texas)
Anthony Hill Jr.’s elite sideline-to-sideline speed and aggressive, downhill approach perfectly suit the Cowboys’ defensive scheme. Hill excels as a blitzer and a run defender, but needs to refine his block-shedding technique to maximize his potential as a three-down starter.
32. Indianapolis Colts - Colton Hood (CB/Tennessee)
The Colts have three solid cornerbacks, but all of them will be 30 or older next season. Hood provides a youth injection who can be eased into the lineup.
