2026 NFL Mock Draft From Brendan Donahue: All 32 First-Round Picks

With the NFL Combine behind us, we are squarely in NFL Draft season.

Brendan Donahue, the #2 most accurate mock drafter over the past five NFL seasons according to The Huddle Report, gives you his 2026 NFL Mock Draft, making predictions for every team and every pick in the first round.

Last Updated: March 5

2026 NFL First-Round Mock Draft: All 32 Picks

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2026 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-10

1. Las Vegas Raiders, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

After leading Indiana to a National Championship, an undefeated season, and earning the Heisman trophy, Mendoza’s next accomplishment will be becoming the first pick in the 2026 draft. He is already a -7000 favorite, so while Mendoza has announced he will throw at his Pro Day and presumably go through the interview process, he basically is just going through the motions before he hears his name called first overall on April 23.

Who Calls the Shots in Raiders Draft Room? 

GM John Spytek (second year) probably controls the roster, though it’s unclear. Last year, when Pete Carroll was head coach, the team declined to clarify who had final say (though it was probably Carroll, who had final say in Seattle). Spytek climbed through the scouting ranks, so he’s well-qualified to run the draft room. 

2. New York Jets, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

While Fernando Mendoza is a lock to be the first pick in the draft, the No. 1-ranked player on The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s big board is not Mendoza. It’s actually Reese. The Jets were 32nd in passing EPA allowed and 30th in generating pressure in 2.5 seconds or less. Reese was not primarily an edge rusher at Ohio State, but many scouts are projecting him to follow a Micah Parsons archetype and be able to successfully transition there in the NFL.

Who Calls the Shots in Jets Draft Room? 

Darren Mougey (second year) probably has final say over the roster. Mougey came up in the college scouting department with the Broncos, so he will likely control most draft-day decisions. However, both Mougey and Aaron Glenn report directly to owner Woody Johnson 一 a messy arrangement which often leads to a power struggle. 

3. Arizona Cardinals, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

With Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum both pending free agents, the Cardinals currently have a glaring hole at right tackle. Enter Mauigoa, who has started at right tackle for Miami ever since his freshman year. He only allowed 8 sacks his entire career, with only 3 total over his last two years.

Who Calls the Shots in Cardinals Draft Room? 

GM Monti Ossenfort (fourth year) has final say over the Cardinals' roster. Ossenfort is a former director of college scouting (Patriots) and director of player personnel (Titans), and his assistant GM is former Lions director of college scouting Dave Sears. 

4. Tennessee Titans, Top Draft Pick Prediction: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Titans had a rather large overhaul this offseason, but they did keep GM Mike Borgonzi in place. Although he has final say, he most likely will be taking into strong consideration input from new head coach Robert Saleh, who will look to bolster a defense that ranked 28th in EPA per play allowed. Bailey tied for the most sacks in FBS last season and will be able to provide immediate help along the defensive line, whether pending free agent Arden Key returns or not.

Who Calls the Shots in Titans Draft Room? 

Mike Borgonzi (second year) joined the Titans after 15 years in the Chiefs organization and has final say over the roster. Borgonzi previously spent three seasons as Kansas City’s assistant GM, but he does not have a background in college scouting, so director of college scouting Jon Salge likely plays a critical role in the selection process. 

5. New York Giants, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Although new head coach John Harbaugh may push for Caleb Downs, considering the talent at the position he had over his years in Baltimore, the priority should be giving last year’s first-round pick Jaxson Dart what he needs to succeed. That includes upgrading the offensive line after Dart suffered multiple concussions last season. Fano, who played both left tackle and right tackle in college, did not allow a sack last year while playing every snap at right tackle.

Who Calls the Shots in Giants Draft Room? 

GM Joe Schoen (fifth year) has final say over roster decisions. He spent the previous five seasons as the assistant general manager to Brandon Beane in Buffalo. Schoen’s background is in college scouting with the Panthers and Dolphins. 

6. Cleveland Browns, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

As of right now, the entire Browns starting offensive line from last season is scheduled to hit free agency. Left tackle Dawand Jones will be coming back from a torn ACL. They recently traded for Tytus Howard, who is expected to play right tackle. This pick addresses the other side of the line. Freeling is rising up draft boards and may be the best left tackle in this draft.

Who Calls the Shots in Browns Draft Room?

GM Andrew Berry (seventh year) has final say on the roster. Chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta previously played a significant role, but left the NFL to return to baseball this year. Director of college scouting Max Paulus (fifth year) likely has significant input on the draft.

7. Washington Commanders, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

The Commanders were 31st in EPA allowed and 28th in rushing EPA allowed per carry last year, so they could use an upgrade at both linebacker and on the edge. Styles stole the show at the NFL combine with his testing numbers and now has people thinking he will be able to play multiple roles at the next level, which would be perfect for Washington.

Who Calls the Shots in Commanders Draft Room? 

GM Adam Peters (third year) has final say over the personnel decisions. He previously spent seven years with the 49ers, most recently as John Lynch’s assistant GM. He also previously served as the Broncos’ director of college scouting under John Elway. Head coach Dan Quinn likely has significant input in selecting defensive players, as he’s always had strong preferences on who fits his scheme. 

8. New Orleans Saints, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Saints ranked 31st in gaining 20 or more yards on dropbacks last year, so getting a more vertical threat is imperative to help QB Tyler Shough. Pairing Tate with another former Ohio State wide receiver (Chris Olave) will give the Saints a nice combo at the position.

Who Calls the Shots in Saints Draft Room?

GM Mickey Loomis likely has final say, though the power dynamic has been unclear since the departure of Sean Payton (who previously had final say). Since Loomis does not have a background in scouting, assistant GM and director of college personnel Jeff Ireland likely has substantial input in the draft.

9. Kansas City Chiefs, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Chiefs were last in the league in runs of over 20 yards last season, and both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are pending free agents. With Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL, it is time to give him some help and the offense a more balanced attack. Love is considered the top player in the draft on many big boards and will immediately give the Chiefs a weapon in the backfield that they have lacked the past few years.

Who Calls the Shots in Chiefs Draft Room? 

GM Brett Veach (ninth year) officially has final say over the roster, but Andy Reid’s opinion carries significant weight. The two have worked together since Reid hired Veach as a coaching intern in 2004, and Veach followed Reid to Kansas City in 2013. 

10. Cincinnati Bengals, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Similar to Jeremiyah Love, Downs is considered one of the top players in the draft, but he falls a bit due to his position. There are also some rumors going around that Downs may be dealing with an injury, so we will have to see if we get some clarity on that between now and draft day. If he is medically cleared, this would be a great pick for the Bengals, who were a mess on defense for most of last season.

Who Calls the Shots in Bengals Draft Room?

Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin has final say over roster construction.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 11-20

11. Miami Dolphins, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

There were already some questions on what position Bain would play in the NFL before the Combine, and then his arms measured at just under 31 inches, which would be the shortest for any edge player drafted in the first round in the last 20 years. However, the tape is so good on Bain that he is still considered a lock to go early in the first round. Miami would have to consider him here given their needs on the defensive line, particularly on the edge.

Who Calls the Shots in Dolphins Draft Room?

First-year GM Jon-Eric Sullivan has final say over the roster. Sullivan has spent his entire 22-year career in Green Bay, with over a decade of that time spent in the college scouting department. Assistant GM Kyle Smith also has a background in college scouting. 

12. Dallas Cowboys, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Another player with shorter arms at the position than NFL teams look for, but the tape and production at the college level are too good to pass up. As the primary coverage player last season:

• 26.7 passer rating allowed
• 90.7 PFF overall grade (#3)
• 91.0 PFF coverage grade (#4)

Who Calls the Shots in Cowboys Draft Room? 

Director of player personnel Stephen Jones effectively acts as the general manager with significant input from VP of player personnel Will McClay. Obviously, owner Jerry Jones has been known to step in and make decisions as well.

13. Los Angeles Rams, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

The Rams would probably prefer Downs or Delane to fall to them here, but with both of them off the board, they go with another player who put on a show at the Combine. Sadiq would join his former teammate Terrance Ferguson to give the Rams another weapon for MVP Matthew Stafford.

Who Calls the Shots in Rams Draft Room? 

GM Les Snead (15th year) has final say over personnel decisions.

14. Baltimore Ravens, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Ravens were 29th in generating pressure on non-blitzes, 27th in pass rush win rate, and have multiple pending free agents on the edge. At just 20 years old, Faulk has a unique size and skillset where teams will most likely play him at both edge and inside, which is also what he did at Auburn.

Who Calls the Shots in Ravens Draft Room? 

GM Eric DeCosta (eighth year as GM, 28th year in organization) controls roster construction and has maintained a similar approach to his former boss, Ozzie Newsome.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

The biggest knock on Mesidor is that he will be 25 in his rookie season. On the field, there are not many questions. Given Tampa Bay’s needs on the edge, GM Jason Licht may go outside of his normal parameters for first-round picks to get an immediate impact pass rusher who was the fourth-ranked edge player by PFF last season.

Who Calls the Shots in Buccaneers Draft Room?

GM Jason Licht (13th year) has final say over the roster. 

16. New York Jets, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

With two picks in the first round and after already addressing the defense with their first pick, the Jets add a much-needed weapon to their offense. While Lemon may not have done himself any favors with his interviews at the Combine, he was the highest-rated receiver on passes of over 20 yards with a grade of 97.8 and was the only player in the Power 4 to have 500 yards on deep passes and 500 yards after the catch last season.

See the 2nd pick for more on the Jets' draft plans.

17. Detroit Lions, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

Banks’ measurements and testing at the Combine were truly unique:

• Height: 98th percentile
• Weight: 89th percentile
• Hand Size: 94th percentile
• Arm Length: 94th percentile
• Wingspan: 99th percentile (longest at the Combine since 1999)

At that size, he also ran a 5.04 40-yard dash, had a 32-inch vertical jump, and a 9-foot-6 broad jump, giving him a 9.84 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). Those are the kind of traits I could see Detroit wanting next to Aidan Hutchinson as they try to improve a defense that was 22nd in points allowed last season.

Who Calls the Shots in Lions Draft Room? 

GM Brad Holmes (sixth year) has final say over personnel decisions. Holmes was a longtime director of college scouting with the Rams before joining Detroit, and managing the draft is his strength. 

18. Minnesota Vikings, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

This seems like a very obvious fit at Thieneman’s performance at the Combine and Harrison Smith‘s likely retirement. His 9.67 RAS performance at the Combine, matched with his 91.0 grade from PFF last year, likely cemented his spot in the top 20 of this draft.

Who Calls the Shots in Vikings Draft Room?

Before being fired, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had final say over the roster, but since his background was not in scouting, director of college scouting Mike Sholiton likely played a significant role in the draft. Interim GM Rob Brzezinski also has no background in scouting, so while he might have final say, it’s safe to assume this late change at GM gives Sholiton significant influence over this year’s draft process. 

19. Carolina Panthers, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Last offseason, the Panthers thought they were getting Milton Williams until they were outbid by the Patriots at the last second. They never really found an impact player to put next to Derrick Brown. Woods was considered to be a potential top-five pick coming into the season, but after a disappointing year, that will no longer be in the cards for him. However, he has the tools to be a very good player at the next level if he puts it all together.

Who Calls the Shots in Panthers Draft Room?

GM Dan Morgan (third year) previously served as assistant GM in Carolina under Scott Fitterer. Morgan has final say but likely leans heavily on others in the draft. Director of college scouting Jared Kirksey likely plays a key role in the draft due to Morgan’s limited scouting experience. 

20. Dallas Cowboys, Top Draft Pick Prediction: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

With two picks in the first round, the Cowboys should use them both on defense. After addressing their secondary with their first pick, they now add a much-needed linebacker. They ranked 30th in rushing EPA allowed last season and have multiple pending free agents at the position.

See the 12th pick for more on the Cowboys' draft plans.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 21-32

21. Pittsburgh Steelers, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Depending on who you talk to, some think Tyson is the best wide receiver in this draft. There are some injury concerns, though, that could cause him to fall a bit. Tyson was a very productive player when on the field. He lined up primarily on the outside, but he also saw work in the slot. The Steelers could use help at both of those spots.

Who Calls the Shots in Steelers Draft Room?

GM Omar Khan (fourth year) took over from Kevin Colbert, who ran the team for 23 years. Khan likely has final say over the roster, though it is a collaborative effort with assistant GM Andy Weidl (fourth year). Mike Tomlin previously had a strong voice, and Mike McCarthy will certainly be included, but he likely holds less influence due to his lack of familiarity with the Steelers’ process, which has remained largely unchanged for years.

22. Los Angeles Chargers, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

The offensive line was decimated by injuries last season. Help is coming back at the tackle position, but they could still use an upgrade on the interior line. Ioane is widely considered to be the best pure guard in the draft, so this would be an obvious pick if he is still available. However, we saw how high Tyler Booker went in last year’s draft, so the Chargers may need to trade up to secure Ioane.

Who Calls the Shots in Chargers Draft Room?

It’s unclear who has the final say over the roster, though it is assumed that power belongs to Jim Harbaugh (third year). However, the draft is likely run primarily by GM Joe Hortiz (third year), who was previously the Ravens' longtime director of college scouting.

23. Philadelphia Eagles, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

GM Howie Roseman has a track record of drafting players that fall in the draft due, and McCoy fits that prototype. He was considered a top-10 pick at one point, but he was forced to miss all of last season due to a torn ACL and did not work out at the Combine.

Who Calls the Shots in Eagles Draft Room? 

GM Howie Roseman (17th year) has final say over the roster. Roseman has held the title of general manager and/or executive vice president of football operations since 2010, but he did not control the roster during Andy Reid‘s and Chip Kelly’s tenures. Roseman gained full control of personnel decisions in 2016.

24. Cleveland Browns, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana

Cooper Jr. was one of the hottest names at the Combine and seems to be getting a lot of first-round buzz. After leading the Big Ten in yards per catch in 2024, Cooper had another big year in 2025, helping Indiana to a National Championship. His season was highlighted by possibly the catch of the year for the comeback win against Penn State. His performance at the Combine, earning an 8.80 RAS, answered any questions scouts may have had about his physical traits at the next level.

See the 6th pick for more on the Browns' draft plans.

25. Chicago Bears, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

The Bears could use some help along their defensive line. McDonald will immediately improve a run defense that was 21st in EPA and 30th in yards allowed to running backs before contact.

Who Calls the Shots in Bears Draft Room? 

GM Ryan Poles (fourth year) has final say over roster construction. Poles was previously with the Chiefs since 2009, working under GM Brett Veach as director of player personnel.

26. Buffalo Bills, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Bills may have swung and missed with Keon Coleman, but that does not mean they should stop swinging at wide receivers early in the draft to help Josh Allen. Boston would give Buffalo a much-needed weapon on the outside as well as another red zone option. Boston scored 22 touchdowns in his final 25 games at Washington.

Who Calls the Shots in Bills Draft Room? 

GM Brandon Beane (ninth year) officially has final say over the roster. Former head coach Sean McDermott’s opinion carried significant weight 一 McDermott and Beane were hired together in 2017 and also worked together for six seasons in Carolina 一 but Joe Brady likely does not have as much say given his inexperience and more limited relationship with Beane. 

27. San Francisco 49ers, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Whether or not Trent Williams is on the 49ers next year, they need to start making plans for his eventual replacement. There are questions about whether Proctor will play tackle or guard at the next level, but the Niners also have an immediate need at left guard. Even if Williams is back, Proctor can start at guard and then possibly kick out to tackle in the future.

Who Calls the Shots in 49ers Draft Room? 

GM John Lynch (ninth year) has final say over personnel decisions, but he works closely with Kyle Shanahan.

28. Houston Texans, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

The Texans already had questions along their offensive line before trading away Tytus Howard, so the best remaining offensive lineman on the board will most likely be the pick here. While Caleb Lomu may have a higher ceiling, Miller has 54 collegiate starts under his belt and is better suited to come in and play on day one.

Who Calls the Shots in Texans Draft Room? 

GM Nick Caserio has final say over the roster. This is Caserio’s sixth year with Houston, but likely only his fourth with full control 一 former executive VP Jack Easterby (who played a confusing role in the organization) previously held significant power as well. Assistant GM James Liipfert is the team’s former director of college scouting, and likely plays a significant role in the draft process as well. 

29. Kansas City Chiefs, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

After trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams to get this pick, the Chiefs currently have a few open spots in their secondary with Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook pending free agents. Terrell has often been compared to McDuffie by scouts and could immediately be his replacement in Kansas City next year.

See the 9th pick for more on the Chiefs' draft plans.

30. Denver Broncos, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

With few holes on the roster, Denver has the liberty of truly going best player available, though they probably will be looking to trade down for future draft capital. If they stay put, McNeil-Warren would be a nice chess piece to add to an already very talented defense.

Who Calls the Shots in Broncos Draft Room? 

It’s unclear. GM George Paton (sixth year) initially had final say over personnel decisions, but the hiring of Sean Payton (fourth year) might have changed that a few years ago. Payton previously had final say in New Orleans and likely would not have taken a job where he did not have significant control over the roster. However, the Broncos have been significantly less aggressive in the draft than the Saints under Payton, an indication that Paton is still running the draft room. 

31. New England Patriots, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Does a debate about arm length for a Patriots first-round pick sound familiar? After overlooking the typical arm length threshold with Will Campbell last year, the Patriots take an edge rusher with even shorter arms than the aforementioned Rueben Bain Jr, which would make him the new record holder for shortest arms for an EDGE drafted in the first round in the last 20 years.

Who Calls the Shots in Patriots Draft Room?

Head coach Mike Vrabel (second year) has final say over personnel decisions. The team never hired a GM after Bill Belichick left, leaving Eliot Wolf in charge. Wolf remains the Executive VP of Player Personnel. Ryan Cowden, a former scout who now serves under Wolf as the VP of Player Personnel, is also likely involved. Director of College Scouting Tony Kinkela is in his first year on the job after getting promoted from a scouting role.

32. Seattle Seahawks, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

With corners Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen headed to free agency, the Seahawks are in a good position in the draft to address that position. After hitting on a DB from South Carolina in the draft last year (Nick Emmanwori), GM John Schneider goes back to the well with Cisse.

Who Calls the Shots in Seahawks Draft Room? 

GM John Schneider is entering his 17th year in this role, but it will be just his third with final say over the roster, as Pete Carroll previously held that power. Schneider does not have a background in college scouting, so VP of Player Personnel Trent Kirchner, VP of Player Acquisition Matt Berry, and Director of College Scouting Aaron Hineline likely have strong voices in the draft room due to their experience on the scouting side of things.