2026 NFL Mock Draft: First 12 Picks Predictions and Analysis

Nick Pedone|published: Mon 23rd March, 09:03 2026

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

The NFL Draft is one month away.

Pittsburgh will become the center of the football world as college stars cross the stage to start their professional careers.

There are currently five teams with first-round draft selections. Certainly, the first-round will be shaken up a bit more before it concludes – as teams will trade around throughout the duration of the draft.

Let’s take a look at how the NFL Draft will start.

1. Las Vegas Raiders, Fernando Mendoza QB, Indiana

No brainer.

2. New York Jets, David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The bad news for the Jets is that there’s not a quarterback worth taking in this slot. The good news is that they have plenty more picks and Bailey is a stud pass rusher.

Even though he might never become a player like Myles Garrett, the Jets will take whatever they can get, and Bailey is one hell of a player.

3. Arizona Cardinals, Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

University of Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. talks at Media Day during the College Football Playoff on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.

New Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur knows how good the AFC West is. You’re nothing without a stout defense. Bain Jr. changes everything for the Cardinals – who need a little bit of talent everywhere.

4. Tennessee Titans, Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

This could end up being the best player in the draft. The last time the Titans were good, Derrick Henry was unstoppable. This selection would take an unbelievable amount of pressure off of Cam Ward, which should be the objective.

5. New York Giants, Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles stole the show at the NFL Combine. When you turn on the tape, you see a tremendously complete linebacker.

New Giants head coach John Harbaugh might not be able to help himself. The Giants invested in a linebacker in free agency, but that’s never a guarantee.

6. Cleveland Browns, Monroe Freeling, OL, Georgia

The Browns need everything offensively. A potentially franchise-changing left tackle is a great place to start. Freeling might need a little development so No. 6 overall could be a reach, but the Browns desperately need to address this spot.

7. Washington Commanders, Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tyson and Terry McLaurin would be a dynamic receiving tandem. While Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is expected to be the first receiver drafted, the Commanders are in a spot to gamble on upside while Jayden Daniels is on his rookie deal.

8. New Orleans Saints, Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Saints can’t help themselves from drafting another Ohio State wide receiver. Tate at No. 8 overall is a tremendous value – even if he doesn’t have the early-career success of Emeka Egbuka.

9. Kansas City Chiefs, Jermod McCoy, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

It’s no secret that the Chiefs need immediate cornerback. Insert McCoy, who would immediately get thrown into a major starting role.

10. Cincinnati Bengals, Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Bengals need to continue to invest in protecting Joe Burrow. Lomu is arguably the best offensive lineman in this class.

11. Miami Dolphins, Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs for a first down before he is stopped by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30), defensive back Rod Moore (19) and defensive end Cameron Brandt (9) in the second half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Dolphins desperately need wide receiver help after trading Jaylen Waddle and seemingly letting Tyreek Hill walk in free agency after releasing him. Lemon could be a game-changer with Malik Willis.

12. Dallas Cowboys, Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Arguably the best player in the draft, Jerry Jones lands himself a defensive star. The Cowboys would be tremendously lucky to be able to make this pick.

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