2026 NFL mock draft: Latest first-round projections after free agency
· Yahoo Sports
The first couple of weeks of NFL free agency are in the books, which featured some big signings and trades that will have big implications heading into the 2026 season.
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But the fun has only just started, as we're about one month away from the 2026 NFL Draft, which is shaping up to be another intriguing one. With all of the big moves going down in free agency, things are starting to become more clear for several teams while others still have needs across the board.
Our NFL Wires editors are sharing their initial picks for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, where their respective teams fill some big holes left after the first couple of weeks of free agency.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This one has been in the books for a while now. After years of being not quite terrible enough to do a proper rebuild, the Raiders get the Heisman Trophy winning National Champion as their hopeful franchise quarterback. – Levi Damien, Raiders Wire
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State
This spot could easily go to a Rueben Bain or a David Bailey, but Arvell Reese is the more finished product off of the edge. The Jets pass rush is a priority, and Reese will provide more of an explosiveness for the immediate future, while Bailey and Bain would be more of a project pick. The Jets need upside off the edge now. – Josh Petry, Touchdown Wire
3. Arizona Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
While many have a tackle locked in here, the Cardinals still have a big need rushing the passer off the edge. Josh Sweat had 12 sacks last season, but the Cardinals got almost nothing from anyone else. The Cardinals can address tackle in Round 2, but the pass-rushing talent goes down. Bailey had 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss for the Red Raiders last year. It would be the first time that Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort drafts a player outside the Big Ten or SEC in Round 1, but with Reese off the board, this is the direction. – Jess Root, Cards Wire
4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Titans would run the card to the podium for Jeremiyah Love, who immediately gives them a productive boost on offense. Arguably the best player in the draft, Love is a game-changing dual-threat capable of breaking off a big play at any moment. – Bryan Manning, Titans Wire
5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Throw positional value out the window – head coach John Harbaugh pays no attention to it, and won’t allow it to dictate his decisions. If Love were available with this pick, the Giants would likely call his name. Since he wasn’t, the choice came down to Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, and Carnell Tate. In the end, Harbaugh goes with the dynamic Styles, who fortifies the inside linebacker position alongside Tremaine Edmunds, and gives the Giants extreme athleticism on defense. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire
6. Cleveland Browns: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Browns have worked to overhaul their offensive line throughout NFL free agency to this point. The one spot left to fill still is at left tackle. While both Spencer Fano and Francis Mauigoa are on the board here for the Browns (who would in all likelihood love to trade down instead), Georgia’s Monroe Freeling is the one without concerns about what position is their true position. He’s young, long, and athletic; this will check a ton of boxes for the Browns. Oh yeah, and his tape down the stretch is good and leaves you believing his best football is still even ahead of him. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire
7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, USC
With Bailey, Love and Styles off the board, Washington adds the draft’s top receiver. Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson were also appealing, but the Commanders go with the next great Ohio State wide receiver.
– Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire
8. New Orleans Saints: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The good news is the Saints could draft almost any position and get an upgrade. Francis Mauigoa would be a better right guard than Cesar Ruiz. Rueben Bain Jr.’s game tape speaks for itself. That’s also true of Jordyn Tyson. And Caleb Downs could be a real star in Brandon Staley’s secondary. But Lemon has the easiest path to getting on the field and helping the Saints win games right now, and without Tyson’s injury concerns. Chris Olave can’t keep doing it alone in the receiving corps and Devaughn Vele needs to prove his body can hold up to those big hits over the middle. Lemon’s tough style of play will give the offense a much-needed edge. – John Sigler, Saints Wire
9. Kansas City Chiefs: Caleb Downs, DB, Ohio State
Caleb Downs is the most dynamic defensive back in this class, and Kansas City seems to be set on completely rebuilding its secondary after watching the unit effectively execute a mass exodus in the opening days of free agency. The Chiefs can’t afford to miss a blue-chip prospect like Downs with this No. 9 selection, especially given their unique need for a starting-caliber safety. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire
10. Cincinnati Bengals: Rueben Bain, EDGE, Miami
As expected, the Bengals lost Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson in free agency, clearing the way for first-round products Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy. That won’t stop them from adding more versatility up front, though, especially as they like to kick Stewart inside. Bain adds to the rotation and has huge upside, improving a pass-rush that will shorten coverage times for a secondary already improved with the signing of free-agent safety Bryan Cook. This would be Caleb Downs if he were on the board, though, as they need a starter in the slot corner spot and overall versatility in the secondary. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire
11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The need for top cornerbacks in the AFC East hasn’t been this high in a while, with Josh Allen and Drake Maye leading the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, respectively. The Dolphins have aggressively targeted defensive backs through the first wave of free agency, signing Darrell Baker, Marco Wilson, Alex Austin, Zayne Anderson and Lonnie Johnson Jr. However, they could still use a true No. 1, and Delane can be just that. The unanimous All-American could lock down opposing teams’ top option, allowing one of Miami’s other young cornerbacks to focus on their responsibilities. This is just a question of which cornerback they take if they’re both on the board - Delane or Jermod McCoy? – Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire
12. Dallas Cowboys: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
This is the Cowboys nightmare. Reese, Downs, Styles, Bailey, Bain were all gone; Love, too. Delane? Out of there. So what does Dallas do? Try to trade back, of course. But none of the other front offices were interested in moving up here, so then Dallas decides on who to take.
In real life, I’d imagine the Cowboys take one of Aveion Terrell or Dillon Thieneman, but here’s a different argument. Dallas drafting an elite, seam-stretching tight end is the way to go. Whether or not George Pickens is in the long-term plans, adding a RAC machine to the position may not make much difference for a top-5 regular-season offense, but will mean the world when Dallas finally returns to the playoffs. In a weird draft class, going outside the box may be the way to maximize value here, much better than reaching for a defensive talent here. – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire
13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
I was hoping Sadiq would fall to me at No. 13, but the Cowboys sniped him one spot too soon. It would’ve been nice to add either Carnell Tate or Makai Lemon, too, but both of them went in the top 10. Tyson is by no means a bad consolation prize. In fact, if not for the injury concerns, he might be WR1 in this class. The Rams need a No. 3 receiver to go with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, and Tyson would be an excellent fit. He can be a vertical threat with his ability to elevate over defenders in jump-ball scenarios, while also creating easy separation thanks to his precise route running. Los Angeles is in a spot to take the best player available regardless of position, so wide receiver, offensive tackle, cornerback and even running back could be in consideration. But in this scenario, Tyson’s upside is too good to pass up. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire
14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Right guard Daniel Faalele was the clear weak link of Baltimore's offensive line and is currently a free agent. While Baltimore has said all the right things about Emery Jones, Ioane would be a Day 1 starter at a critical position. Ioane plays with intense power and quickness, using 330 pounds of elite force, earning second-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation as an offensive guard. Ioane was selected to the All-Big Ten Second Team in 2024 and to the Honorable Mention Team in 2023. He'll exit State College after playing in 44 games and making 32 starts at Penn State. According to PFF, he allowed zero sacks and three pressures in 310 pass blocking snaps in 2025. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ahkeem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Bucs need someone to be able to set the edge on a consistent basis in 2026. They cannot wait to see what they have in David Walker, coming off a torn ACL Yaya Diaby seems to be what he is at this point, and none of the other free agents or draft picks have hit. This is DEFCON red for the Bucs pass rush situation, and a 25-year old rookie who can pin his ears back on day one and get to the quarterback is what they need. Mesidor was a massive reason as to why Miami made the National Championship game this past year, and he could be the final domino to fall to help this Bucs defense reach the next level. – Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire
16. New York Jets (from IND): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Jets and WR Garrett Wilson need some help on the outside after going defense earlier in the round. Denzel Boston provides a massive catch radius, and can high point the ball over smaller defenders with his 6-foot-4 frame. Not only is he a weapon to help space the field, but he provides another red zone opportunity for New York. – Josh Petry, Touchdown Wire
17. Detroit Lions: Keldric Faulk, EDGE Auburn
While there’s still some intriguing offensive tackle options on the board, the Lions desperately need to find some help opposite All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit adds one of the top EDGE talents in Keldric Faulk out of Auburn. The 6-foot-6, 276-pound defensive lineman had seven sacks in 2024. Hutchinson is a happy man on draft night as the Lions’ defense gets better. – Josh Helmer, Lions Wire
18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The team is being forced to wait and see what they have at the safety position in 2026 while Harrison Smith decides between playing and retiring. This is a roster that has a small window to win now, depending on quarterback play, but they need a complete secondary. Thieneman is everything they look for at the position. Giving him to Brian Flores could be nightmare fuel for the NFC North and the rest of the NFL with his range, instincts, and athleticism. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire
19. Carolina Panthers: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Between the signing of left tackle Rasheed Walker and the organizational pillar that is right tackle Taylor Moton, the Panthers may not have an immediate starting role for Mauigoa in 2026. But they do have an out on the 31-year-old Moton in 2027, which would clear up approximately $21 million in cap space off a post-June 1 move. So the slide ends here for Mauigoa, who can serve as a top-end depth piece this upcoming season and then as the starting right tackle for years to come. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
We came very close to adding Terrell’s teammate Peter Woods here. Adding him as the Osa Odighizuwa replacement would’ve been an insane turn of events for the Cowboys’ run defense, but that may be solvable later in the draft. The same can’t be said for corner with Dallas only having No. 92 and No. 112 remaining through the top four rounds. Terrell is a turnover machine and fits everything Christian Parker wants in his DBs. A quartet of DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, Terrell and the one-year rental of Cobie Durant can win games, especially with the Jalen Thompson - PJ Locke - Malik Hooker triumvirate at safety. Dallas has to go sign every remaining FA linebacker, though. – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Thanks to an active first wave of free agency, the Steelers have shored up several depth charts ahead of the 2026 NFL draft. This allowed us to look at the highest-rated player on our board and still provide the offensive line some insurance at the same time. Utah’s Caleb Lomu is a ridiculous talent and is one of the best all-around offensive linemen in the entire draft. With Broderick Jones’ future in doubt thanks to an injury and upcoming free agency, drafting a player who can step in Week One and play at a high level was a simple choice. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire
22. Los Angeles Chargers: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Chargers re-signed Khalil Mack to a one-year deal. However, this position group still needs more juice, and they have to be thinking about the long haul with a running mate to play opposite Tuli Tuipulotu, given that this could be Mack’s final year. Parker is a physical edge rusher who can get after the quarterback and do the dirty work against the run. He finished with 21.5 sacks at Clemson. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
The Lane Johnson era has to end at some point, and Miller is the type of prospect who'll keep the dominance at right tackle elevated for years to come. The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder was a four-year starter at Clemson, and followed a Freshman All-American season with three straight All-ACC selections. Miller set the Clemson records for career offensive snaps (3,778) and consecutive starts by a non-specialist (54). while starting every game of his collegiate career from 2022-25. Miller finished his career as one of only two Clemson offensive tackles since 1986 to have multiple seasons of 950+ snaps. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire
24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Investing in their offensive line with the first pick in this mock draft at No. 6 overall, the Browns now have the tough task of giving their wide receiver room a facelift. This is one position they have not addressed in free agency, either, outside of signing a special teamer in Tylan Wallace. Enter the national championship-winning Omar Cooper Jr. Strong hands, quick off the line of scrimmage, vertical juice, and lethal after the catch, Cooper adds much-needed talent to the Cleveland wide receiver room. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire
25. Chicago Bears: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Bears have defensive needs across the board, including safety which could also be an option here. But given Chicago didn’t make a significant move in the defensive trenches, adding a disruptive defensive tackle like Peter Woods feels like a smart move, especially considering edge rusher is a deeper group in the draft. Woods is explosive, speedy and a strong run defender who also brings interior pressure. He’d help elevate Chicago’s defensive line and has the potential to thrive in Dennis Allen’s defense. –Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire
26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
This pick could be a WR, offensive lineman, or literally any position on defense. With the Bills facing some departures among free agents on the defensive side of the football, we chose the latter. CJ Allen is a sure tackler, and can run with any offensive weapon on the opposing side. He was also a 2025 All-American at Georgia. – Josh Petry, Touchdown Wire
27. San Francisco 49ers: Cassius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Bryce Huff’s sudden retirement opens even more questions on the defensive line for the 49ers. They bolstered their interior in last year’s draft and traded for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa this offseason. Their top two edge defenders are Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams who are both coming off ACL tears. Howell gives them a pure pass rusher off the edge in the vein of a Dee Ford or Bryce Huff — both players who had success when lining up across from Nick Bosa. Howell may not be an every down player because of his 6-2, 253-pound frame and 30 ¼-inch arm length. He’s also not going to have the versatility to play inside and outside that San Francisco has coveted in recent years. However, he racked up 25 sacks across his final three college seasons and his pass rush upside is something the 49ers should be willing to bet on in the first round of this year’s draft. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire
28. Houston Texans: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
How 27 teams passed on Fano is beyond me, but even if general manager Nick Caserio wanted to trade out of this spot, he’d be foolish not to take the Outland Trophy Winner. A two-time All-American, Fano dominated as a right tackle for the Utes during his three seasons in Salt Lake City, allowing just three sacks in over 2,100 reps. He’s already one of the better run blockers in the class, thanks to his strong lower-body anchor and excels in one-on-one pass blocking sets. Yes, Houston added both Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith this offseason, but both contracts are front-heavy, so either could be a rental option while Fano learns how to play in the run-heavy offense. Even if he rarely plays in 2026, the Texans are building for the future at this point in the first round. Is there a better foundational piece than a talent like Fano? I think not. – Cole Thompson, Texans Wire
29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): K.C. Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
After targeting a defensive back with the No. 9 selection, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach lands an exciting pass-catcher to pair with Patrick Mahomes when the star quarterback returns to the field in 2026. Veach has struggled to find a wide receiver who is ultra-compatible with Andy Reid’s notoriously temperamental offense, and Concepcion joins Kansas City as the savvy GM’s latest attempt to strike gold at the position in Round 1. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire
30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Dolphins have several holes to address, and while they have two offensive tackles under contract for 2025, they take the best player available here. Miami will have to decide which side Proctor and Patrick Paul play going forward, but that's a great problem to have. It would also give them the flexibility to move on from Austin Jackson and get something in return before he hits the market next year. If they want to keep Jackson, either he or Proctor could slide inside to fill a guard spot, which is a more immediate need. – Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire
31. New England Patriots: Zion Young, DE, Missouri
The need is greater at edge rusher for the Patriots, even if the team ultimately fails to sign star wide receiver A.J. Brown. They signed Romeo Doubs in free agency, and they could always link back up with Stefon Diggs, who is still a free agent, for another season. However, on the edge, they lost K'Lavon Chaisson, and they released veteran Anfernee Jennings. They currently have the worst pass-rushing unit in the league.
Dre'Mont Jones should be a solid addition to the roster, and Harold Landry III is good when healthy, which isn't a sure thing these days. Zion Young is an explosive pass-rusher with the potential to become a real difference-maker on defense. The Patriots need youth and speed on the edge so much that I envision them double-dipping at the position. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire
32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
The Seattle Seahawks did not lose as much of their roster as many would have assumed a Super Bowl champ would, but one area they did get plundered a bit was cornerback. Longtime starter Riq Woolen left the Emerald City for the City of Brotherly Love, leaving Seattle with a bit of a hole at the position. I expect the Seahawks to address cornerback with their first pick of the 2026 NFL draft, even if John Schneider decides to trade out of the first round. – Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: Latest first-round projections after free agency