
Mock Draft 1.0 Post NFL Combine
2026 NFL Mock Draft following the NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis. Full selections and breakdown for the first round after updated measurables, testing numbers, and team meetings. This Post-Combine projection features every first-round pick in the NFL Draft, with analysis on fit, roster impact, and insight on each prospect. With free agency coming up, this projection doesn't take into account what holes teams may fill.
Jason Keith - March 2nd 2026
1. Las Vegas Raiders - QB Fernando Mendoza - Indiana
The Pete Carroll and Geno Smith experiment did not work. The Raiders need a reset and do so with a new Head Coach, Klint Kubiak, and the presumptive first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza is the clear-cut number one Quarterback in this class due to his poised, accurate passing, field vision, strong decision-making, and ability to make layered throws on time.
2. New York Jets - LB/EDGE Arvell Reese - Ohio State
The Jets are in a complete rebuild, and without an elite QB prospect on the board, they look to upgrade their defense. Reese has just as much upside as any player in this class and is a unique athlete. While he didn't play a ton of edge rusher at Ohio State, the flashes were there, and he tested off the charts athletically at the combine, running a 4.46 forty-yard dash at 6'4 and 244 lbs. Even if the transition to edge doesn't go as planned, he can revert to off-ball linebacker.
3. Arizona Cardinals - OT Spencer Fano - Utah
The Cardinals are another team that is starting to rebuild and desperately needs to upgrade its offensive line. Spencer Fano is widely viewed as one of the safest prospects in the class, combining polished technique with high-end athletic upside. At 6’6” with excellent movement skills, Fano excels in pass protection with quick feet, strong hands, and the ability to mirror edge rushers in space. Pairing him with young star tackle Paris Johnson Jr. could give the Cardinals an elite young duo.
4. Tennessee Titans - EDGE Rueben Bain - Miami
While the Titans could look to surround Cam Ward with offensive talent, they also have a major need on the edge. Rueban Bain was dominant all year and played his best in the biggest games. Bain wins consistently with a strong first step, heavy hands, and the ability to convert speed to power. He can be a true three-down edge defender and make an immediate impact. There are concerns about his arm length, but he's been so dominant at every level that I don't see that changing in the NFL.
5. New York Giants - LB Sonny Styles - Ohio State
The Giants have a ton of needs and could look to surround hopeful franchise QB Jaxson Dart with more offensive talent, but the defense was just as big an issue last year. The Giants have a gaping hole at off-ball linebacker, and Sonny Styles ' size-speed combination and positional versatility give him one of the highest ceilings among defensive prospects in this class. While there is room to improve as a blitzer, he has the athleticism to develop those skills.
6. Cleveland Browns - OT Francis Mauigoa - Miami
Despite adding Tytus Howard via trade, the Browns still have four more holes to fill among their offensive line. Mauigoa brings ideal size, length, and power to the position, anchoring well against bull rushers while showing surprising fluidity for a player of his size. While his technique can still sharpen against elite speed rushers, his combination of strength and upside projects him as a future cornerstone on the offensive line.
7. Washington Commanders - EDGE David Bailey - Texas Tech
The Commanders had one of the worst defenses in the league last season, and it wasn't due to the youth of its players. Bailey has shown the ability to bend the corner, close quickly on quarterbacks, and create disruption even when he doesn’t finish the play. While he’s still developing counters and consistency against the run, his athletic upside and pass-rush traits make him an enticing long-term piece for a defense needing impact off the edge.
8. New Orleans Saints - WR Carnell Tate - Ohio State
The Saints need a weapon outside of Chris Olave after trading Rasheed Shaheed during the season last year. Despite a slower-than-expected forty-yard dash, Tate is a smooth, polished route runner with strong hands and natural body control, consistently creating separation at all three levels of the field. He tracks the ball well downfield and thrives in contested-catch situations. This gives the Saints a better chance to evaluate Tyler Shough this upcoming season.
9. Kansas City Chiefs - RB Jeremiyah Love - Notre Dame
The Chiefs are another team that desperately needs to add a weapon, and Jeremiyah Love may very well be the best player in this draft class. He is a dynamic, one-cut runner with outstanding burst and long speed, while also being an elite receiving back. While he can continue to add strength and refine his pass protection, his home-run ability and versatility make him an immediate spark for any offense.
10. Cincinnati Bengals - S Caleb Downs - Ohio State
The Bengals' defense has been one of the worst in the league since their Super Bowl appearance. Downs is one of the few prospects in the class being labeled as a "Blue Chip". He is a versatile safety with excellent range and instincts. He can cover deep zones or slot receivers and plays physically in run support. His one minor flaw is his tackling consistency, but his athleticism, elite football IQ, and playmaking upside make him a top defensive back prospect.
11. Miami Dolphins - CB Mansoor Delane - LSU
The Dolphins need to bolster their secondary, and by selecting cornerback Mansoor Delane, they get a fluid, technically sound corner with quick hips, strong ball skills, and the ability to mirror receivers at all levels. He plays physical in press coverage and shows impressive closing speed on deep routes. While he can refine consistency in run support, his instincts, athleticism, and coverage upside make him an immediate upgrade in a weak Miami secondary.
12. Dallas Cowboys - CB Jermod McCoy - Tennessee
The Cowboys' secondary was not strong last year, and the need for a true number one corner is a top priority. Despite missing the 2025 season with a torn ACL, McCoy showed enough as a true sophomore that he can be an elite CB1 for any team. His size, speed, and ball skills give him the confidence to play press man at a high level despite not being a huge factor in the run game.
13. Los Angeles Rams - WR Makai Lemon - USC
Despite having one of the best WR duos in the league, the Rams add another weapon for Matthew Stafford in Makai Lemon. Davante Adams isn't getting any younger, and Lemon gives them a polished route runner with excellent hands, quick separation, and the ability to make contested catches downfield. While not an elite burner, his technical skill, reliability, and playmaking ability make him an immediate contributor in the Rams’ offense.
14. Baltimore Ravens - WR Jordyn Tyson - Arizona State
The Ravens have never found a true WR1 for Lamar Jackson; Tyson could be an alpha and create a dynamic duo with Zay Flowers that would help bring the Baltimore offense to the next level. He is a smooth route runner with strong hands, elite ball tracking, and the ability to create separation at all levels. While not a pure burner, his technical polish, size, and playmaking ability make him an immediate contributor.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - EDGE Akheem Mesidor - Miami
The Buccaneers need to prioritize the defensive side of the ball, and more specifically, the pass rush. Mesidor combines quickness and athleticism with excellent use of hands to beat offensive tackles around the edge or across their faces. While more of a pass-rush specific player, Mesidor has a relentless play style that could translate to more production against the run.
16. New York Jets - S Dillon Thienemen - Oregon
With so many needs, the Jets can look to add defensive playmakers. Thieneman has excellent range, instincts, and ball skills, capable of covering deep zones or matching up against slot receivers. He’s physical in run support and reads plays quickly, allowing him to make impactful stops. All that matched with his elite athleticism shown in the combine makes him a sure-fire day one pick.
17. Detroit Lions - OG Olaivavega Ioane - Penn State
The Lions built their identity on an elite offensive line, which was much weaker in 2025. Here, they add arguably the best lineman in the draft and the clear best interior offensive lineman in the class in Ioane. Ioane is a powerful, technically sound guard with quick hands, strong leverage, and the ability to open lanes in the run game while holding up in pass protection. He plays with physicality and consistency, showing the potential to be a reliable Day 1 starter.
18. Minnesota Vikings - DL Caleb Banks - Florida
The Vikings need to get better in the middle of their defense. Banks gives them a powerful, explosive athlete who can collapse the pocket against both the run and pass. He wins with leverage, hand technique, and a relentless motor, consistently disrupting plays in the backfield. While refining consistency against elite offensive linemen, his combination of strength, explosiveness, and upside makes him an immediate impact player up front.
19. Carolina Panthers - TE Kenyon Sadiq - Oregon
A year after adding Tetairoa McMillian, the Panthers look to add another elite weapon to their offense. Kenyon Sadiq is the best tight end in this draft and is one of the most explosive tight end prospects we have ever seen, running a 4.39 forty-yard dash. Pair that with sure hands and great after-the-catch ability, Sadiq is one of the premier talents in this class. He is also one of the better blocking tight ends in this class.
20. Dallas Cowboys - EDGE Cashius Howell - Texas A&M
A year after trading one of the league's top pass rushers, it's no surprise that Dallas had one of the worst pass rushes in the league. He is a slightly undersized edge rusher with excellent twitch, tenacity, and production. He wins with speed, power, or smart counters, plays with awareness, and sets the edge effectively against the run. His burst and effort make him a high-upside, energetic force off the edge.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Monroe Freeling - Georgia
The Steelers need to add a tackle opposite Broderick Jones. Why not add another Georgia Bulldog to their front? Freeling has the ideal size, bend, and agility for the position. In pass protection, he’s quick off the snap, bends well, and redirects smoothly against counter rushers, using his punch to control defenders. Despite battling injuries in 2025, he finished the season strong, and with added strength, he projects as a starting left tackle.
22. Los Angeles Chargers - EDGE Keldrick Faulk - Auburn
With Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack both set to be free agents, the Chargers need to add to their pass rush. He has the ideal size and length who lined up all along Auburn’s front. Though he lacks elite twitch and explosion, he moves fluidly and wins as a pass rusher with arm-over moves or steady pocket pressure. While he could play with more ferocity, his size, balance, and potential make him an intriguing prospect.
23. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Colton Hood - Tennessee
Outside cornerback opposite of Quinyon Mitchell was a major hole for Philadelphia this past season. Hood excels with play speed, fluidity, and toughness. In press, he stays balanced and uses his hands to redirect, while off coverage, he reads plays well and stays in position to make plays on the ball. He has the speed to carry vertical routes and shows willingness and reliability against the run.
24. Cleveland Browns - WR Denzel Boston - Washington
The Browns need to add a playmaker on the outside, having one of the least productive wide receiver rooms this past season. Boston is a big-framed wide receiver with exceptional ball skills and production, lining up both outside and in the slot. He uses his size and strength to win against press coverage and create separation at all levels. With a huge catch radius and red-zone ability, he wins contested catches and consistently makes highlight-reel plays.
25. Chicago Bears - DL Peter Woods - Clemson
The Bears need to upgrade their defensive line, and with many of the top edges gone, Woods is a strong selection for their interior line. He's a powerful DT with excellent quickness and violent hands. He is one of the best run defenders in this class. As a pass rusher, his lack of length can limit him, but he flashes a strong club/rip move and can push the pocket when landing his hands first. While not consistent every game, his flashes of impact make him an intriguing prospect.
26. Buffalo Bills - CB Aveion Terrell - Clemson
While wide receiver is a big need here, the top ones are gone. The Bills can look to have an immediate upgrade at cornerback with Terrell. He's an undersized cornerback with excellent quickness, instincts, and a feisty, competitive style. He excels in the slot, using smooth footwork, body control, and closing speed to stay on top of routes. Less effective on the outside against bigger receivers, he compensates with aggression against the run and as a blitzer.
27. San Francisco 49ers - OT Kadyn Proctor - Alabama
The 49ers had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season, mainly due to the injury of Trent Williams. Adding another piece is a top priority. Proctor is a massive tackle with excellent feet and agility for his size. In pass protection, he has an explosive first step and can stall bull rushers, though occasional slow reactions off the snap create minor issues. In the run game, he uncoils well, excels on down blocks, and can move defenders effectively.
28. Houston Texans - OT Caleb Lomu - Utah
The Texans just traded one of the better players on a suspect offensive line from last season. Lomu gives them a left tackle with an ideal frame with room to add strength. In pass protection, his foot quickness is average, and he plays slightly upright, but he stays square and uses his hands well to control defenders. He shows strong awareness against stunts and blitzes. In the run game, he fits cleanly and maintains proper angles, though he lacks knock-back power.
29. Los Angeles Rams - QB Ty Simpson - Alabama
While they could go for a win-now pick, Simpson could give Sean McVay a smooth transition into life after Matthew Stafford. Simpson has sound mechanics, touch, and accuracy, primarily operating out of Alabama’s shotgun. He has quick feet, a compact delivery, and enough arm strength to make all throws, and he moves well on designed boots and rollouts. Overall, Simpson has the tools to develop into an NFL starter, though patience may be required, which is perfect for the Rams.
30. Denver Broncos - LB CJ Allen - Georgia
The Broncos' defense, while already elite, could use another inside linebacker. He shows strong instincts against the run, delivers explosive tackles, and flies around the field with effort. In coverage, he has some tightness but can keep up with TEs and RBs and reads zones well. Praised for his character and leadership, Allen projects as a steady, reliable contributor early in his pro career.
31. New England Patriots - EDGE TJ Parker - Clemson
With many of the top receiving options gone, New England can look to bolster an already elite defense by upgrading their pass rush. Parker is a versatile edge rusher who can slide inside. After a standout 2024 (11 sacks), his production dipped to five sacks in 2025. He’s a powerful, rugged pass rusher with effective hand use and inside quickness, though he lacks elite outside burst. Against the run, he shows knock-back power and frame control.
32. Seattle Seahawks - CB Brandon Cisse - South Carolina
With Tariq Woolen expected to leave in free agency, that leaves outside cornerback as a clear hole for the defending champs. Cisse gives them a fast, twitchy corner who primarily lined up outside. He plays with great vision, using his speed and fluid athleticism to close on the ball, though he isn’t physical in press coverage. Some lapses appeared to be focus-related rather than physical limitations. His athleticism and speed make him a likely riser on draft boards.
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