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

With the NFL Free Agency 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: April 13

2026 NFL First-Round Mock Draft: All 32 Picks

Previous Mock Drafts

• Mock Draft 3.0: March 30 Update
• Mock Draft 2.0: March 17 Update
• Mock Draft 1.0: March 5 Update

Explore more of our NFL Draft coverage:

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-10

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Despite the signing of Kirk Cousins and some in the media recently making a case that Ty Simpson is the top quarterback in the class, every consensus big board disagrees. Mendoza will not only be the first quarterback off the board, but he will be the first player off the board on draft night. He is -20000 to be the first overall player selected.

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

There are a lot of prominent voices in the draft community suggesting that this pick will be David Bailey, but we are in misinformation season. Reese still seems like the better fit with the higher upside in Aaron Glenn’s defense, so for now, I am sticking with him here and ignoring the noise.

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: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Here is the first true wildcard of the draft. The Cardinals could go in many different directions, including a very real possibility of trading out. There have not been many leaks coming out of Arizona, so most assume they will go with a right tackle since it’s such a glaring need. Value does not really meet that need here, though, so they take the FBS leader in sacks last season to bolster a defense that was 26th in EPA per play allowed.

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: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

With Bailey and Reese off the board, this most likely makes the decision easier for Tennessee to go with the best player available, which would be Love. This pick would help support second-year quarterback Cam Ward by adding a dynamic weapon out of the backfield who can both run and catch. Love is also considered an outstanding blocker for the position.

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: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0 (Saints): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

The Giants ranked last in the league in yards allowed per rush and rushing EPA per play allowed last season, so while offensive line or even a trade back may be considered here, the prudent move for new head coach John Harbaugh would be to stick and pick his future leader of the defense, like he had on so many teams in Baltimore.

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: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0 (Cowboys): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

In previous iterations, I’ve had Cleveland taking an offensive tackle first and a wide receiver second with their two first-round picks. However, if they go by consensus big boards, it would make more sense to go wide receiver first and tackle second. Depending on how the first five picks go, Cleveland may also look to trade down here.

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: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Another team that may be looking to trade down with no second-round pick, especially if the draft falls this way. If they can’t find a trade partner, Delane fits everything GM Adam Peters typically looks for in a first-round pick. The Commanders have made several additions to their defense, which ranked 31st in EPA per play allowed last year, but not at the cornerback position. They also released Marshon Lattimore.

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: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0 (Giants): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

It seems like Cam Jordan will not be returning next season, so the Saints need to address their pass rush. Jordan himself seems to agree (see below). He also added that he does not have any concerns about Bain’s arm length. There is a report circulating now about an incident in 2024 that teams will have to fully vet, but Bain has been cleared of any charges related to that incident.

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. Dallas Cowboys, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Projected Trade: Dallas acquires picks 9, 29, and 148 from Kansas City for picks 12 and 20

The Cowboys see the top-tier defensive players that they are targeting being selected and decide not to take any more chances. Many feel that Downs would be a perfect fit under new DC Christian Parker, and Dallas is having him in for a top-30 visit, which is a good indicator they have serious interest in Downs.

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.

10. Cincinnati Bengals, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Cincinnati is able to stay put, let the board fall to them, and still get a top defensive prospect. Now that McCoy was able to perform drills for teams, including running a 4.38 forty, that should help ease concerns about his injury and put him firmly back into the mix to be a top-10 pick.

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: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0 (Rams): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The message out of the new regime in Miami is that they want to build out from the trenches, so Fano would be a good start. He can play multiple positions along the offensive line and start right away at tackle or guard. He also checks a lot of the boxes that the new front office typically looked for in first-round picks in Green Bay, including his 9.80 relative athletic score.

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. Kansas City Chiefs, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Projected Trade: Dallas acquires picks 9, 29, and 148 from Kansas City for picks 12 and 20

Tyson has a wide range of outcomes due to his injury history and not working out at all at the Combine or his Pro Day, but he recently announced that he will be holding an individual workout for teams on April 17th. If all goes well, he could hear his name called as early as the top 10.

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. 

13. Los Angeles Rams, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0 (Dolphins): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Peter Schrager, who is as plugged into the Rams as any reporter, recently said, “Makai Lemon is everything that Les Snead and Sean McVay love. He is tough as nails, and he’s an absolute dog.” A team without many needs, the Rams adding to the wide receiver room with the Biletnikoff winner would be a nice luxury for the current Super Bowl favorites.

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: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Ravens have rumored interest in both Jordyn Tyson and Sadiq per ESPN, so with Tyson already off the board, Sadiq is the pick to fill the spot left by Isaiah Likely. New OC Declan Doyle came from Chicago, where they took Colston Loveland in the first round and used a lot of 12 personnel. Having Sadiq to pair with Mark Andrews would provide a good scheme fit for him.

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

Projected Trade: Cleveland acquires picks 15 and 193 from Tampa Bay for picks 24, 70, and 107

So instead of taking Freeling at six, Cleveland gets their wide receiver there and now maneuvers back up to also land Freeling. In this scenario, the Browns are able to walk away from the first round with two players they considered at No. 6. Per PFF, Freeling had a 1.8% pressure rate allowed, which was the best among all left tackles in college football last season. Couple that with a 9.99 RAS, and you can see why he will most likely be the first pure left tackle off the board.

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

16. Philadelphia Eagles, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Projected Trade: Philadelphia acquires picks 16 and 210 from New York for picks 23 and 78

GM Howie Roseman rarely sits on his hands in the first round. He has traded his original draft pick six of the last seven drafts and has traded up in the last three. Usually, his target is someone who is falling in the draft for some reason, and in this case, Mauigoa could fall on draft night due to injury uncertainty that caused him to have to do a medical recheck. Also, most teams in the top 15 do not need a right tackle, and some teams could view him as a guard.

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.

17. Detroit Lions, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

This pick gives Detroit some options, as there has been some talk about moving Penei Sewell from right tackle to left tackle to fill the void left by Taylor Decker. Proctor started the last three seasons at Alabama at left tackle and had the fourth-highest grade for any tackle from PFF last season, but some think he may be better at right tackle at the next level.

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

I’ve had this pairing for every mock I’ve done so far, as this seems like a very obvious fit after Thieneman’s performance at the Combine and with Harrison Smith likely retiring. The Vikings have not addressed his replacement in free agency. Thieneman's 9.67 RAS to go along with his 91.0 grade from PFF last year should have cemented his spot in the top 20 in 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: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0 (Eagles): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Panthers are doing their homework on potential first-round wide receivers, as they should to give Bryce Young even more support. Carolina is going to decide on his long-term future with the team sooner rather than later. One of the best separators in the class, Concepcion would bring another dynamic to the Panthers offense.

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. Kansas City Chiefs, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Projected Trade: Dallas acquires picks 9, 29, and 148 from Kansas City for picks 12 and 20

Johnson has been a steady riser throughout the draft process, and in the recently released Beast by Dane Brugler, he had Johnson as his third cornerback and 24th player overall. That was 14 spots higher than his last ranking in February, when he had him 38th. It makes sense when you see he had the second-highest PFF grade of all corners last season and then had elite testing with a 9.84 RAS. After losing multiple starters in the secondary, Johnson will be an immediate starter. Even after this trade, Kansas City still holds the 40th pick, which will be a good range where they can then address their pass rush.

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

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 21-32

21. Pittsburgh Steelers, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0 (Bucs): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

Ioane, unlike some of the other offensive line prospects, has no questions about what position he will play at the next level. With 32 starts in his college career and only committing one penalty last year, which was a false start, Ioane is one of the most ready plug-and-play prospects in the entire class.

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: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

The Chargers have been active in free agency to bolster their offensive line, so now the defensive line, specifically on the edge, should be the biggest priority heading into the draft. Lawrence has been a steady riser throughout the draft process after a very impressive Combine where he posted a 9.9 RAS, which is something the Chargers typically look for in first-round picks.

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. New York Jets, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana

Projected Trade: Philadelphia acquires picks 16 and 210 from New York for picks 23 and 78

There is a lot of recent buzz that the Jets have serious interest in Cooper. 16 may be a bit of a reach for him based on consensus big boards, but in this mock, the Jets are able to trade back and acquire a third-round pick, which they don’t currently have.

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

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Projected Trade: Cleveland acquires picks 15 and 193 from Tampa Bay for picks 24, 70, and 107

Faulk is the definition of a traits versus production prospect. He is also the youngest player in the draft and can play multiple spots along the defensive line. That is something that GM Jason Licht typically bets on. After trading down to pick up more draft capital, this is a good spot to do it.

Who Calls the Shots in Buccaneers Draft Room?

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

25. Chicago Bears, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Ben Johnson said the Bears are looking for “trained killers” on defense. McNeil-Warren fits that description. His scouting reports refer to him as a physical safety, and Dane Brugler added that McNeil-Warren is “not shy dropping the shoulder and driving through middle-field targets.”

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: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Bills will most likely be targeting the defensive line early in the draft. The question is, will it be on the edge or inside? Buffalo was 31st in defensive rushing EPA allowed last year, so getting the best run-stopping defensive tackle in the draft may be the smarter move. McDonald is also considered to be a very good scheme fit for new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.

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: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Whether or not Trent Williams is on the 49ers next year, they need to start making plans for his eventual replacement. Lomu could start at guard right away and then move back out to left tackle in the future, which is where he played at Utah.

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

The Texans have made a lot of additions to their offensive line, but there is more work to be done. There is some speculation that newly signed Braden Smith could kick into guard, which would then make right tackle a glaring need again. That can be filled immediately by Miller, who had 54 collegiate starts.

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. Dallas Cowboys, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

Projected Trade: Dallas acquires picks 9, 29, and 148 from Kansas City for picks 12 and 20

The fact that Mesidor is already 25 years old will probably exclude him from some draft boards in the first round. That's probably not true for Dallas, who are in win-now mode and has made it clear they are still looking to upgrade their pass rush with their offer for Maxx Crosby. Local Dallas reporter Bryan Broaddus has been clear that the team is very high on Mesidor and that they would even consider him at 12.

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

30. Miami Dolphins, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Again, going with what Green Bay typically looks for in Round 1 picks and assuming Miami follows that same philosophy, Hood checks off a lot of the boxes. After fortifying the trenches with their first pick, the Dolphins address the secondary here, which was 27th in passing EPA allowed last season.

See the 11th pick for more on the Dolphins' draft plans.

31. New England Patriots, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Am I reading too much into the video of Mike Vrabel working with Iheanachor and putting in extra time with him at the Arizona State Pro Day? Yeah, maybe, but he also did the same thing with last year’s first-round pick Will Campbell. Current right tackle Morgan Moses has no guaranteed money after this season, so finding his replacement now and allowing him to develop for a year may be the best thing for both the Patriots and Iheanachor, who didn’t start playing football until after high school and started his college career at the JUCO level.

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: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Previous selection in Mock Draft 3.0 (Cardinals): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

There aren’t many needs for the defending Super Bowl Champions, but they could use some depth on the edge after losing Boye Mafe in free agency. Parker, who is still just 21 years old, was considered a potential top-five pick coming into the season. After a disappointing year at Clemson, he is now considered more of a late-day one/early-day two pick.

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.

Previous Mock Drafts

Mock Draft 3.0: March 30 Update

Mock Draft 2.0: March 17 Update

Mock Draft 1.0: March 5 Update