NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict first round before draft
NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict first round before draft
Jack McKessy, USA TODAYTue, April 14, 2026 at 10:04 AM UTC
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NFL mock draft roundup: Experts predict first round before draft
Only one week remains until the 2026 NFL Draft, and outside of the top pick, nothing appears certain.
How the top 10 picks will shake out in this year's draft is anyone's guess. The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to draft quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana with the No. 1 pick.
The New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans and New York Giants pick – in that order – after that, and all four teams have enough roster needs that they could go in a variety of directions. Each team's decision will have cascading effects on teams selecting later, creating even more uncertainty for teams picking near the end of the draft's first night.
So even as the draft draws nearer, all draft experts can do is guess how each team will prioritize its greatest needs in the first round.
USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, NFL.com's Gennaro Filice and CBS Sports' Mike Renner released their latest projections this week. Here's how the first round could look according to each draft expert from around the web:
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1 / 0Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft -
Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio StateOn a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.
2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Predictions before NFL draft1. Las Vegas RaidersUSA TODAY Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaNFL.com: QB Fernando Mendoza, IndianaCBS Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
USA TODAY Sports: "Mendoza has given every reason for the Silver and Black to believe he'll be a quick study in Klint Kubiak's scheme."
NFL.com: "Frankly, it feels like this selection has already been made, with everyone envisioning the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in silver and black for months now."
2. New York JetsUSA TODAY Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas TechNFL.com: Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio StateCBS Sports: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
USA TODAY Sports: "From January through March, the consensus opinion had Arvell Reese was pegged for the spot. Now, Bailey is the hot name linked to Gang Green."
CBS Sports: "Aaron Glenn needs a pass rusher right now, and Bailey fits the bill with an FBS-leading 14.5 sacks last year."
3. Arizona CardinalsUSA TODAY Sports: Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio StateNFL.com: Mock trade from the Cardinals – Dallas Cowboys draft Edge David Bailey, Texas TechCBS Sports: Edge Arvell Reese, Ohio State
USA TODAY Sports: "Unlocking the full extent of Reese's abilities necessitates some creativity, but Arizona shouldn't be scared off by past missteps, be they in evaluation or development."
NFL.com: "What if Jerry (Jones) ultimately decides to flip those two first-rounders (Nos. 12 and 20) for the third overall draft slot, where he can snatch up last season’s FBS co-leader in sacks?"
4. Tennessee TitansUSA TODAY Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio StateNFL.com: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio StateCBS Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
USA TODAY Sports: "The 6-5, 244-pounder can get wherever he needs to be in order to snuff out a play, and having a heady and hyperathletic figure in the middle could help bind together a rapidly reimagined defense."
CBS Sports: "Love is a difference-maker perfectly suited for the modern game."
5. New York GiantsUSA TODAY Sports: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre DameNFL.com: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre DameCBS Sports: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
USA TODAY Sports: "Love would provide Jaxson Dart with a true game-breaker capable of easing the lift for the rest of the Giants' offense."
NFL.com: "John Harbaugh has openly expressed his belief that you have to take the best player available when you hold such a lofty draft pick ... Love is universally viewed as one of this draft’s elite prospects."
6. Cleveland BrownsUSA TODAY Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio StateNFL.com: Mock trade from the Browns – Kansas City Chiefs draft Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)CBS Sports: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
USA TODAY Sports: "Tate could give the 2026 edition of Cleveland's offense the chance to at least keep drives rolling and eventually serve as a go-to target when the team picks a direction for a long-term answer at quarterback."
NFL.com: "Kansas City sends Cleveland its third-round pick (No. 74 overall) to leap up three slots and grab a defender who nearly single-handedly wrecked this past season’s College Football Playoff."
7. Washington CommandersUSA TODAY Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio StateNFL.com: S Caleb Downs, Ohio StateCBS Sports: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
USA TODAY Sports: "While cornerback Mansoor Delane deserves to be squarely in the conversation here, Downs can handle almost any assignment thrown at him and be a force multiplier for a unit that's still not on solid ground."
CBS Sports: "The Commanders have already added multiple players to get more athletic in their front seven, and this would be the cherry on top. Styles is the freakiest linebacker to come out in some time -- maybe ever."
8. New Orleans SaintsUSA TODAY Sports: WR Makai Lemon, Southern CaliforniaNFL.com: CB Mansoor Delane, LSUCBS Sports: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
USA TODAY Sports: "With his mastery of working the underneath and intermediate areas, Lemon would pair well with deep threat Chris Olave and open up Kellen Moore's aerial attack."
NFL.com: "The body-language analysts among us liked the general manager’s interaction with Delane at LSU’s pro day."
9. Kansas City ChiefsUSA TODAY Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSUNFL.com: Mock trade from the Chiefs – Cleveland Browns draft WR Carnell Tate, Ohio StateCBS Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
USA TODAY Sports: "Delane could become the new staple for a Chiefs secondary that has repeatedly managed to pivot after parting with top talent."
CBS Sports: "Bain's off-field concerns must be vetted, but he qualifies as a game-changer on the field."
10. Cincinnati BengalsUSA TODAY Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, TennesseeNFL.com: CB Jermod McCoy, TennesseeCBS Sports: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
USA TODAY Sports: "McCoy looks and plays the part of a top cover man, making him a prime target for a defense still looking to forge an identity."
NFL.com: "McCoy’s evaluation is muddied by the fact that he didn’t play a snap in 2025 while recovering from a torn ACL, but the 2024 tape’s impressive."
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1 / 0NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana11. Miami DolphinsUSA TODAY Sports: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)NFL.com: WR Makai Lemon, Southern CaliforniaCBS Sports: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
USA TODAY Sports: "Mauigoa would be a sturdy addition capable of dictating terms up front."
CBS Sports: "The Dolphins arguably have the worst secondary on paper in the NFL. Delane is a high-floor corner with the kind of scheme versatility new head coach Jeff Hafley will love."
12. Dallas CowboysUSA TODAY Sports: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)NFL.com: Mock trade from the Cowboys – Arizona Cardinals draft OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)CBS Sports: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
USA TODAY Sports: "Should a top-tier defensive prospect slide out of the top 10, the Cowboys will be poised to pounce."
NFL.com: "Mauigoa’s frequently mocked to the Cardinals -- at No. 3 overall. If Arizona is able to select the first offensive tackle after turning one first-rounder into two, Monti Ossenfort will be one happy general manager."
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta)USA TODAY Sports: OT Monroe Freeling, GeorgiaNFL.com: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&MCBS Sports: WR Makai Lemon, Southern California
USA TODAY Sports: "Freeling could take over at some point for right tackle Warren McClendon Jr., who is entering the final year of his deal."
CBS Sports: "Lemon feels like a Rams receiver with his savvy as a route runner and physical play style."
14. Baltimore RavensUSA TODAY Sports: TE Kenyon Sadiq, OregonNFL.com: OL Spencer Fano, UtahCBS Sports: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
USA TODAY Sports: "Sadiq could help create mismatches while allowing the attack to continue living out of two-tight-end sets."
NFL.com: "Fano’s sub-33-inch arm length induces concerns about his NFL viability as a bookend blocker, but his hyper athleticism and people-moving ability in the run game raise the possibility of a conversion to the interior."
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15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersUSA TODAY Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, AuburnNFL.com: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn StateCBS Sports: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
USA TODAY Sports: "The Buccaneers gravitate toward sharp leaders who can acclimate to the pro game quickly. Faulk qualifies as that."
CBS Sports: "Ioane would pair with Tristan Wirfs on the left side to form one of the NFL's top blindside-protecting duos."
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis)USA TODAY Sports: WR Omar Cooper Jr., IndianaNFL.com: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona StateCBS Sports: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
USA TODAY Sports: "[T]here might be a significant appeal for Gang Green to bring aboard someone who can create for himself after the catch rather than a figure whose contributions depend almost entirely on the flow of the offense."
NFL.com: "This might be the best all-around receiver in this class. ... The problem is his extensive injury history: The Arizona State product missed multiple games in each of his four college seasons due to various health issues."
17. Detroit LionsUSA TODAY Sports: OT Kadyn Proctor, AlabamaNFL.com: OT Blake Miller, ClemsonCBS Sports: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
USA TODAY Sports: "The 6-7, 352-pound blocker's penchant for displacing people in the run game should endear him to (Dan) Campbell right away."
CBS Sports: "The Lions' need at tackle is desperate enough to take whoever falls at 17. Fortunately, it's one of the strongest positions in the class."
18. Minnesota VikingsUSA TODAY Sports: S Dillon Thieneman, OregonNFL.com: S Dillon Thieneman, OregonCBS Sports: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
USA TODAY Sports: "Since his star turn at the combine, Thieneman has been linked heavily to a Minnesota team that could be headed for a changing of the guard at safety."
NFL.com: "With Harrison Smith seemingly walking off into the sunset after patrolling Minnesota’s secondary since Barack Obama’s first term as president, the Vikings need a safety. And Thieneman provides the kind of versatility Brian Flores lives to exploit."
19. Carolina PanthersUSA TODAY Sports: OT Spencer Fano, UtahNFL.com: TE Kenyon Sadiq, OregonCBS Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
USA TODAY Sports: "Fano ... could further bolster Bryce Young's protection, either with a move to center or as an eventual replacement for right tackle Taylor Moton."
CBS Sports: "The Panthers go wide receiver in the first round for a third straight year. Concepcion brings juice and separation ability that no one else on the roster can match."
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay)USA TODAY Sports: CB Avieon Terrell, ClemsonNFL.com: Mock trade from the Cowboys – Arizona Cardinals draft QB Ty Simpson, AlabamaCBS Sports: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
USA TODAY Sports: "While Terrell might lack elite physical traits, he can capture the interest of the Cowboys with an extensive track record of shrewd playmaking in various phases."
NFL.com: "In this simulation, the Cardinals’ new head coach gets some fresh blood at the game’s most important position, possibly spoiling a Pittsburgh plan to select Simpson at No. 21."
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21. Pittsburgh SteelersUSA TODAY Sports: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn StateNFL.com: OL Kadyn Proctor, AlabamaCBS Sports: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
USA TODAY Sports: "Need isn't much of a factor for the Steelers, but Ioane would cover for one of the few notable short-term voids as a true enforcer on the interior."
CBS Sports: "The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy to do what Mike Tomlin never could quite get done -- develop a young quarterback. Before injuries hit, Simpson flashed plenty of tools over the first half of the season to grow at the NFL level."
22. Los Angeles ChargersUSA TODAY Sports: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)NFL.com: Edge Keldric Faulk, AuburnCBS Sports: DL Peter Woods, Clemson
USA TODAY Sports: "With Odafe Oweh off to Washington, Mesidor can step in to keep (Khalil) Mack fresh with his pro-ready approach to pass-rushing."
NFL.com: "At 6-6, 276 pounds, Faulk offers the kind of physicality, frame and run-stuffing game Jim Harbaugh fancies."
23. Philadelphia EaglesUSA TODAY Sports: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona StateNFL.com: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)CBS Sports: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
USA TODAY Sports: "Lane Johnson would make a fine mentor to Iheanachor, a former basketball standout who could become an outright force up front if he continues along his impressive growth trajectory."
CBS Sports: "The Arizona State tackle has all the tools to eventually replace Lane Johnson at right tackle."
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville)USA TODAY Sports: OT Blake Miller, ClemsonNFL.com: WR Jordyn TysonCBS Sports: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
USA TODAY Sports: "Beyond some spot work as a blindside protector, Miller spent the overwhelming majority of his four years as a starter at right tackle. Still, the Strongsville, Ohio, native has the frame and athleticism to be a fixture of whatever front he joins."
NFL.com: "With a hype train that’s been chugging along for months, Freeling could be long gone by this point. The concern is that he enters the NFL with just 18 college starts under his belt."
25. Chicago BearsUSA TODAY Sports: Edge T.J. Parker, ClemsonNFL.com: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, ToledoCBS Sports: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
USA TODAY Sports: "As someone who consistently looks to walk back whoever stands in front of him, Parker seems like he was built to brawl in the NFC North."
CBS Sports: "Faulk fits perfectly with the Bears' long and physical edge room."
26. Buffalo BillsUSA TODAY Sports: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona StateNFL.com: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&MCBS Sports: Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCF
USA TODAY Sports: "[E]ven though he could be a divisive figure who tumbles on draft day due to injury concerns, Tyson still could give the Bills something they've long lacked: a weapon capable of creating consistent separation on the outside."
NFL.com: "Howell’s 30 1/4-inch arm length is a legit concern, but new Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard spent the past two years in Denver watching Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper terrorize quarterbacks with substandard measurements."
27. San Francisco 49ersUSA TODAY Sports: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&MNFL.com: OT Caleb Lomu, UtahCBS Sports: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
USA TODAY Sports: "Adept at breaking free of coverage and making things happen with the ball in his hands, Concepcion is the kind of target whose skill set could be maximized in Kyle Shanahan's system."
CBS Sports: "He needs to improve his nastiness and play strength, but when Trent Williams decides to hang it up, Lomu should be ready."
28. Houston TexansUSA TODAY Sports: OG Keylan Rutledge, Georgia TechNFL.com: OT Max IheanachorCBS Sports: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
USA TODAY Sports: "Rutledge's unrelenting demeanor as a blocker could help Houston do a better job of setting the tone in the run game."
NFL.com: "[T]he former basketball and soccer player possesses rare athletic traits at 6-6 and 321 pounds."
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams)USA TODAY Sports: Edge Malachi Lawrence, UCFNFL.com: CB Colton Hood, TennesseeCBS Sports: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
USA TODAY Sports: "Once considered somewhat of a sleeper, Lawrence might be set to take on a more prominent role in the draft than many initially expected."
CBS Sports: "Johnson has a strong history in press coverage that should translate well to Steve Spagnuolo's scheme."
30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos)USA TODAY Sports: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego StateNFL.com: Edge T.J. Parker, ClemsonCBS Sports: IOL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
USA TODAY Sports: "Determined and polished, Johnson might currently be somewhat overlooked in the first-round conversation."
CBS Sports: "The Dolphins land one of the draft's top pass protectors in Bisontis. His ability to maintain a firm pocket stands out on tape."
31. New England PatriotsUSA TODAY Sports: Edge Zion Young, MissouriNFL.com: WR Omar Cooper Jr., IndianaCBS Sports: Edge R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
USA TODAY Sports: "The 6-6, 262-pounder seems to embody the persistence and physicality New England is on the hunt for on the edge."
NFL.com: "Cooper’s a well-rounded player with a mature game that could immediately fill the slot role in New England."
32. Seattle SeahawksUSA TODAY Sports: CB Colton Hood, TennesseeNFL.com: CB Avieon Terrell, ClemsonCBS Sports: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
USA TODAY Sports: "While the defending champs settled an uncertain outlook in the secondary by bringing back Josh Jobe, Hood could add more depth and keep Seattle flexible on the back end of its defense."
CBS Sports: "He's a physical, competitive corner and a much better tackler than (Tariq) Woolen was in this defense."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL mock draft roundup: New predictions one week before NFL draft
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