Jordan Katz’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Posted on January 5, 2026 Updated on January 5, 2026

Welcome back to Draft SZN! It is officially one decade of Mock Draft coverage for me and the Draftstock.net website! I want to thank all of you who have continued to follow along throughout the years. It really means a lot to me that not only do you all continue to take time out of your days to read my Mock Drafts, but you also interact with my mock drafts on various social media platforms. It truly means the world to me.

With that being said, it is now time for the first installment of the 2026 NFL Mock Draft season! We have a very interesting NFL Draft class. Although there may not be many flashy stars, this class boasts some incredibly talented football prospects who have the potential to become outstanding pros.

A few rules for this mock draft that are different than my other mock drafts. I tried to stay away from trades, except for a bold call at the back end of the draft. The order for the playoff teams is also based on winning percentage and strength of schedule.

For those about to mock, we salute you. Let’s go!

ROUND ONE

1) Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB Indiana- The Heisman Trophy winner projects as the favorite to be the number one overall selection in April. Mendoza makes NFL-level throws at all three levels, and most importantly, he sees NFL-open windows and delivers the ball accordingly. For me, Mendoza is not a slam-dunk first overall selection if Dante Moore declares. Having said that, he is the selection at this time.

2) New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB Oregon- Dante Moore has a chance to be the top overall selection if he declares. First off, he makes the layup throws (Moore boasted the third-best completion percentage in the FBS). Because the NFL game mimics collegiate progressions in terms of processing one side of the field and moving to the backside (see Kirk Cousins’s outstanding press conference from late in the season), having the ability to quickly get the ball out on time and on target in the 0-5 yard window is incredibly important. Moore can do this. Furthermore, Moore makes off-platform throws look easy, and he changes his arm slot depending on the throw he needs to make. Some question if he has the upper-echelon arm strength needed to be elite, but to me, he has all the makings of a long-time starter in the NFL.

3) Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT Miami- The Cardinals need a franchise quarterback, but no option exists at this spot in the draft. For now (because Arizona likely trades out), Arizona can turn to its next biggest offensive need; the offensive line. Mauigoa should lock down one of the tackle spots for the Cardinals. He’s a beast in the run game, and when he strikes accurately in pass protection, it is game over for edge rushers. I like Mauigoa as a right tackle, or even a guard in the NFL (he could be an all-pro inside, where he gets to attack first with his hands and footwork).

4) Tennessee Titans: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE Ohio State- One of the biggest risers in 2025 was Arvell Reese. After recording just half a sack in 2024, Reese notched 6.5 sacks in 2025 and 25 pressures as well. He can do it all along the defensive front, showing great ability to stack-and-shed versus the run, and fill the required gap assignments. Reese is probably the best defensive player in the draft class, and the Titans could use playmakers on that side of the ball.

5) New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR Arizona State- The Giants need a playmaker opposite Malik Nabers to elevate their offense in 2026. Fortunately, the perfect compliment exists at the top of this draft. Tyson is a contested catch monster. 50/50 balls are more like 75/25 when thrown his way. He’s also a better route runner than he’s given credit for.

6) Cleveland Browns: Carnell Tate, WR Ohio State- “WR-U” has put out another top-tier prospect; Carnell Tate. Tate’s meteoric rise over the last two years has a lot to do with his improvements as a route runner. His downfield ability was always his strength, and at 6’3 with long strides, that portion of his game translates nicely to the NFL. However, his ability to separate at the top of the stem and his footwork in his routes have elevated his play. Tate should be a main attraction on Sundays wherever he’s drafted.

7) Washington Commanders: David Bailey, EDGE Texas Tech- Washington needs pass rushers, and they are in a perfect range in this draft to pick one. Bailey boasts one of the best pressure rates in college football. He has an explosive get-off and the ability to dip-and-bend around the edge. He also has a nose for the football; Bailey has forced eight fumbles in the last two years.

8) New Orleans Saints: Reuben Bain Jr, EDGE Miami- The top three edge rushers in this draft are fairly interchangeable. It will be great “draft theater,” debating who is the best between Bailey, Bain, and Keldric Faulk, but all three have NFL tools with inconsistent collegiate production (Bailey has one breakout season). Bain’s ability to dip-and-bend off the edge, combined with his quick first step, should make him a quality pass rusher at the next level.

9) Kansas City Chiefs: Spencer Fano, OT Utah- The Chiefs’ regression in 2025 had a lot to do with the struggles of their offensive line. Fano’s ability to play left tackle and right tackle makes him an attractive NFL prospect, but I would leave him on the right side. He mirrors edge rushers nicely when kicking out in pass protection. 

10) Cincinnati Bengals: Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn- The Bengals’ defense was historically bad in 2025, so expect them to pursue that side of the ball heavily in the offseason. Faulk generates pressure in a multitude of ways, but it’s his ability to play the run that jumps off the page for me. He’s disciplined and can win with power or finesse. 

11) Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S Ohio State- Until Miami figures out what they plan to do on the offensive side of the ball, I’m going to mock defensive playmakers at this spot. Downs would be a top-five selection if the NFL valued safeties in that fashion. He’s a good open field tackler, he makes impact plays downhill, and he makes good reads from the back.

12) Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB LSU- The cornerback group is probably the most wide open position group in the draft in terms of who will be first off the board. Delane, Avieon Terrell, and Jermod McCoy could all be the first selection. For now, Delane’s ability to be sticky in man-coverage and react quickly in off-coverage gives him the advantage.

13) Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons): Kenyon Sadiq, TE Oregon- Keep an eye on the Rams moving out of this spot, either forwards or backwards. They have very few needs and can make a move for a game-changer at the top of the draft or future assets. 

If they stay put, Sadiq would add another dimension to their already dynamic offense. He wins with size and quickness at the top of the route, and he’s an elite threat in the red zone.

14) Baltimore Ravens: Jeremiah Love, RB Notre Dame- Love to the Ravens is my early bold prediction of this mock draft cycle. Derrick Henry’s age did start to show during the 2025 campaign. Adding Love to not only be his successor, but to create a tandem at the position, is exactly what Baltimore needs to become Super Bowl contenders again in 2026.

15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: .Jermod McCoy, CB Tennessee- Despite an ACL tear and missing all of 2025, McCoy still has first-round buzz. He has the best ball skills of the big three cornerbacks in this draft, and arguably the best instincts. If the medicals come back clean at the Combine, he could sneak into the top 10. 

16) New York Jets (from Colts): Makai Lemon, WR USC- Of the big three receivers in this class, the best statistically in 2025 was Lemon. He runs routes without fear, he plays bigger than his size (5’11), and he is tough to tackle in the open field. Lemon also shows late hands when catching the ball, which is my favorite trait for receivers to possess. 

17) Detroit Lions: Peter Woods, IDL Clemson- Woods had an up-and-down 2025 campaign, but he is an explosive athlete along the interior with the ability to win from multiple spots along the defensive front. I think he’s a player who crushes the draft process and winds up higher than mock draft experts expect.

18) Minnesota Vikings: Olaivavega Ioane, IOL Penn State- I do not expect the Vikings to be picking in round one of this draft. They make the most sense to acquire a veteran quarterback on the trade market if one becomes available. 

If they choose to stick with JJ McCarthy, they need to improve the interior of their offensive line with this selection. Ioane gave up just two sacks in his collegiate career at Penn State; he’s NFL-ready in terms of pass protection. 

19) Carolina Panthers: Sonny Styles, LB Ohio State- Despite having improved drastically in 2025, the Panthers’ defense can still take another step next year. Styles can sure up the second level. He diagnoses well, he’s quick to attack downhill, and he makes impact plays in the run game. My favorite part of his game is his sideline-to-sideline speed; he’s an elite athlete who covers a lot of ground.

20) Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Cashius Howell, EDGE Texas A&M- Following the trade of Micah Parsons, Dallas is in desperate need of help off the edge. Howell boasted 11.5 sacks in 2025 because of his athleticism off the edge and ability to run the arch to the quarterback. This is a very natural fit in the middle of round one.

21) Pittsburgh Steelers: A’Mauri Washington, IDL Oregon- If a third quarterback emerges, expect Pittsburgh to pursue them heavily (I doubt whomever it is would have enough juice to be worthy of a top-10 selection). If not, “BPA,” is probably a viable draft strategy for the Steelers.

The discourse around Washington reminds me a lot of Arik Armstead from back in the day. His one year of production was so great, and he showed so much on tape, that he could find himself in the top 10-15 picks come April. Keep an eye on his combine testing, because his athleticism jumps off the page on tape.

22) Los Angeles Chargers: Kelley Jones, CB Mississippi State- Right now, the only mock draft analyst banging the proverbial drum for Jones is Mel Kiper. However, I think that is simply because many feel he won’t declare. At 6’4 with elite athleticism and NFL length, I think Jones could fly up draft boards if he chose to declare.

23) Philadelphia Eagles: KC Concepcion, WR Texas A&M- It may finally be time for the AJ Brown divorce from Philadelphia. If it is, Concepcion is a perfect fit in Philly’s offense. His best ability is with the ball in his hands, and Head Coach Nick Sirianni likes it when Jalen Hurts gets the ball out quickly. Concepcion’s playmaking in space should make him an attractive top 50 selection in April. 

24) Buffalo Bills: Denzel Boston, WR Washington- Everything the Bills hoped Keon Coleman would be, Denzel Boston is. He’s a contested catch monster, he’s a threat vertically from the “X-position,” and he’s dynamic in the red zone. This is the most obvious fit in the back end of round one, and this pick will stay throughout the draft cycle for me, assuming Boston tests well at the combine. 

25) Chicago Bears: Kayden McDonald, IDL Ohio State- While he lacks a consistent level of collegiate productivity, McDonald was one of the biggest breakout stars of 2025. He showed elite athleticism for his size, which helped him notch 8.5 sacks this season. McDonald could go much higher than experts expect if he has a quality showing during the draft process.

26) San Francisco 49ers: Zachariah Branch, WR Georgia- This draft has several quality playmakers with the ball in their hands, and Branch is no exception. He’s great in space, and as an added dimension, he handles returns, which now has a much bigger NFL impact than in years past. I expect him to be a top 40 selection if he tests well at the Combine in March.

27) Houston Texans: Caleb Lomu, OT Utah- Lomu has some of the best footwork in the class in pass protection. He’s quick to kick out off the snap, and he cuts off edge rushers trying to run the arch. He has average strength in the run game, he doesn’t drive defenders, and his hands are inconsistent. However, if a team falls in love with his athleticism, they could take him in the top 20. 

28) Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Trevor Goosby, OT Texas- The Browns need to reload on their offensive line, whether they find a quarterback in this offseason or they do not. Goosby has great size and NFL length, and could fly up draft boards during the process. 

29) Los Angeles Rams: Kayden Proctor, OL Alabama- Many are in love with Proctor’s length and powerful grip strength, but I think his lower body needs developing. His feet are heavy at times in pass sets. A team like the Rams, who does not need to start him right away, makes perfect sense for him in this draft.

30) *TRADE* Philadelphia Eagles (from Patriots): Zion Young, EDGE Missouri- Eventually, if I keep calling AJ Brown to be traded, I will be right at some point… right?

The AJ Brown saga had many twists and turns during the 2025 campaign. Ultimately, I cannot imagine him going through another season in an offense where he is not featured.

If Brown is put on the trade block, keep an eye on the Patriots. Not only would Brown elevate the Patriots’ offense even further, but Head Coach Mike Vrabel has familiarity with Brown. Plus, Stefon Diggs has a very movable contract (or cutable if the off-the-field issues get worse).

This trade feels like a perfect match, and one that could come to fruition in a few months.

The Trade: The New England Patriots trade the 30th overall selection to the Philadelphia Eagles for AJ Brown and a 2027 conditional 3rd round pick.

31) Denver Broncos: CJ Allen, LB Georgia- There are a few standout off-ball linebackers in this draft class, and one of them is CJ Allen. Allen racked up 88 combined tackles in 2025, but more importantly, he misses very few tackles that he should make. He’s an elite athlete, and it shows in coverage when matched on tight ends and slot receivers. Allen can be a difference maker in the middle of the defense at the next level.

32) Seattle Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB Clemson- Seattle needs to continue to revamp the secondary to elevate their defense even further. Terrell does not have elite ball skills, but he is sticky in man-coverage and shows good footwork.