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: March 30

2026 NFL First-Round Mock Draft: All 32 Picks

Previous Mock Drafts

• 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 2.0: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Despite some in the media recently making the 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.

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 2.0: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

While some critiqued the lack of “bend” for Reese at his Pro Day, he is still a heavy favorite to be the second pick. The Jets have made a lot of additions to a defense that was 32nd in passing EPA allowed and 30th in generating pressure in 2.5 seconds or less, but they could still use an impact player like Reese, even if he plays a more hybrid role rather than strictly edge rusher.

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

The Cardinals could go in several directions here, including a trade down. With Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum still free agents, the Cardinals currently have a glaring hole at right tackle. Spoiler alert: Arizona will also invest in a quarterback early in this draft, so it’s the prudent move to invest in the offensive line here.

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

While many believe this could be the landing spot for Jeremiyah Love, the track record of GM Mike Borgonzi and new head coach Robert Saleh would suggest it will be a defensive player, most likely at a premium position. Adding the FBS leader in sacks last year would give the Titans a bookend opposite newly acquired Jermaine Johnson.

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

Projected Trade: The Saints acquire pick No. 5 from the Giants for pick No. 8, No. 73, and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Tate seems to be separating himself as the WR1 of this class and has meetings scheduled with almost every team drafting in the top 10, starting with Tennessee. New Orleans moves up a few spots to ensure they can add him as another weapon to this offense for Tyler Shough.

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.

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

Projected Trade: The Cowboys acquire pick No. 6, No. 39, No. 206, and No. 249 from the Browns for pick No. 12, No. 20, and No. 112.

With two first-round picks, Dallas has the ammo to be aggressive and not take any chances that they miss out on a premium defensive player by just sticking at 12 and hoping one falls to them. Delane had a very impressive Pro Day to go along with a very impressive tape from LSU last season to cement himself as the top corner in the draft. If reports are accurate that Dallas has taken Jermod McCoy off their board due to injury concerns, then that would not even be a fallback option in the very likely case that Delane is off the board at 12. While they do give up pick 20 here, they also get back pick 39, which would still be in a very good range to target a linebacker with their second pick.

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.

7. Washington Commanders, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

This is most likely the floor for Love, as he is considered by many as the highest graded player in the draft. Washington has added to the running back room this offseason, but still could use an explosive three-down back to help give them a more balanced attack, which head coach Dan Quinn said was his vision for the offense this offseason.

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 York Giants, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Projected Trade: The Saints acquire pick No. 5 from the Giants for pick No. 8, No. 73, and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

The Giants are able to move down a few spots, pick up a third-round pick this year, which they didn’t have, along with a pick in next year’s draft, and still have a choice between Styles and fellow Ohio State teammate Caleb Downs. New head coach John Harbaugh has shown throughout his time in Baltimore that he covets elite linebackers, and if you couple that with GM Joe Schoen‘s tendency to target elite RAS numbers in Round 1, then Styles is someone who checks all the boxes.

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. 

9. Kansas City Chiefs, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

The Chiefs have lost several starters on defense this offseason, so they can just go best player available on that side of the ball. That would be Bain in this mock, who would go higher if not for some question marks about his arm length. Bain finished his career second in total hurries, behind only Will Anderson per PFF.

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Cincinnati has added several starters to a defense that ranked 29th in EPA per play and 30th in points per game allowed last season, but they are still in a spot to take the best player available on defense. Per consensus big boards, Cincinnati is able to land the last defensive player that is considered to be in the top-10 tier, so they would consider themselves lucky if it falls this way on draft night. They may also be a team looking to trade up a couple of spots just to be safe.

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

Projected Trade: The Rams acquire pick No. 11 and No. 151 from the Dolphins for pick No. 13 and No. 91.

Reports are that the Rams have been in on possible wide receiver trades this offseason, but having failed to pull the trigger on any moves, they move up a couple spots to grab last year’s Biletnikoff winner in Lemon.

Who Calls the Shots in Rams Draft Room? 

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

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

Projected Trade: The Cowboys acquire pick No. 6, No. 39, No. 206, and No. 249 from the Browns for pick No. 12, No. 20, and No. 112.

Is the sixth pick overall a little rich for Freeling? Maybe, but Cleveland is able to move down six spots, pick up an extra first rounder in the process, and still get the player most people think they could take at six if they were to stay there. 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 left tackle off the board.

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.

13. Miami Dolphins, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Projected Trade: The Rams acquire pick No. 11 and No. 151 from the Dolphins for pick No. 13 and No. 91.

Miami could go in multiple directions here, but after trading down a couple of spots and acquiring more draft capital, the Dolphins take the only consensus first-round tight end in Sadiq. While their new general manager comes from Green Bay, who notoriously didn’t take wide receivers in the first round, Miami is in a spot where they need to give their newly signed quarterback some weapons. Sadiq, unlike some of the wide receivers available, meets the athletic profile that Green Bay typically targets in the first round.

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. 

14. Baltimore Ravens, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Ravens already had some questions on their interior offensive line, and that was before losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency. Fano played primarily at tackle in college, but scouts think he may be better suited to kick inside due to his arm length. The fact that he practiced taking snaps in front of teams at the Combine suggests that center could even be in his future.

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

Projected Trade: The Steelers acquire pick No. 15 from the Bucs for pick No. 21, No. 76, and No. 135.

With seven picks in the first four rounds, Pittsburgh has plenty of draft capital to make a move up to grab Ioane. Unlike some of the other offensive lineman prospects, there are no questions about what position Ioane will play at the next level. In fact, some think 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.

16. New York Jets, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

McCoy would have been in the conversation for first cornerback selected if not for an injury that kept him out not only for all of last season but also kept him out of doing any work at the Combine, so there will be a lot of eyes on his Pro Day. After failing to record even 1 interception as an entire team last season, the Jets make a bet on McCoy’s talent and upside to improve their secondary.

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

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

There has been some talk about Detroit moving Penei Sewell from right tackle to left tackle to fill the void left by Taylor Decker. Why not keep Sewell at right tackle if you can get someone who started the last three seasons at Alabama, had the fourth-highest grade for any tackle from PFF last season, and has a very impressive 9.28 RAS for someone his size?

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 2.0: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

This seems like a very obvious fit after Thieneman’s performance at the Combine and with Harrison Smith likely to retire. Minnesota did not address 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. Philadelphia Eagles, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Projected Trade: The Eagles acquire pick No. 19 from the Panthers for pick No. 23, No. 98, and No. 215.

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. Whether or not they do ultimately trade A.J. Brown this summer, the Eagles still could use another weapon in their wide receiver room. That will be especially true if they do end up trading Brown. Tyson could turn out to be the best receiver in this draft. He is only falling into this range due to injury concerns.

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.

20. Cleveland Browns, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Projected Trade: The Cowboys acquire pick No. 6, No. 39, No. 206, and No. 249 from the Browns for pick No. 12, No. 20, and No. 112.

Faulk seems to be a tricky evaluation for most scouts, but with three picks in the first round, the Browns are in a position to take a swing on a 20-year-old prospect with elite physical traits, especially given the fact that all of a sudden there is some uncertainty with the long-term future of Myles Garrett in Cleveland.

See the 12th pick for more on the Browns’ draft plans.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 21-32

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

Projected Trade: The Steelers acquire pick No. 15 from the Bucs for pick No. 21, No. 76, and No. 135.

The fact that Mesidor is already 25 years old will probably exclude him from some teams’ draft boards in the first round. For a team like Tampa Bay that is in win-now mode and has a clear need for an edge rusher, GM Jason Licht can make an exception and add Mesidor, who had a 20.8% pass rush win rate last season. He should be able to come in and help right away.

Who Calls the Shots in Buccaneers Draft Room?

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

22. Los Angeles Chargers, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

The Chargers have been active in free agency to bolster their offensive line, which was considered their biggest need this offseason. However, they did lose Odafe Oweh, so they can replace him with someone who has very comparable measurables to Oweh and is also one of the biggest risers on draft boards since the process started this offseason.

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. Carolina Panthers, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Projected Trade: The Eagles acquire pick No. 19 from the Panthers for pick No. 23, No. 98, and No. 215.

The Panthers did address their need at left tackle by signing Rasheed Walker, but the length and dollar amount of the contract suggest there isn’t much faith that he will be the long-term answer. This gives Carolina the chance to develop Lomu, who has a 9.88 RAS, and allows him to build up his play strength, which is one of the few knocks scouts have on him.

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. 

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana

With their third pick of the first round, Cleveland again goes to a premium position and gets a much-needed upgrade to their wide receiver room. After leading the Big Ten in yards per catch in 2024, Cooper had another big year in 2025. He helped Indiana to a National Championship and recorded 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 12th pick for more on the Browns’ draft plans.

25. Chicago Bears, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

The Bears could use some help all along their defensive line. Young, who had better than an 82 grade on both pass rush and run defense per PFF, fits the physical prototype that GM Ryan Poles typically targets. The Bears are doing their homework on Young. They met with him at the Combine and also scheduled a top-30 visit.

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: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Even after the trade for D.J. Moore, Buffalo is still looking to add to their wide receiver room. They are doing their due diligence on many of the receivers in the draft, specifically Concepcion, whom they met with at the Combine and also for a top-30 visit.

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: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

It seems as if Trent Williams will be on the 49ers next year, but they still need to start making plans for his eventual replacement. Even if Miller, who played right tackle in college, does not ultimately make the transition over to left tackle, he may win the starting job on the right side on day one.

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: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon

This may be a spot where teams start calling up to move back into the first round, as the Texans do not have any glaring needs on the roster at the moment. If you were to pick one, you could make a case for defensive tackle. In McDonald, they get the best run-stuffing defensive tackle in college last year, per PFF.

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

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

After trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams to get this pick and losing Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook in free agency, the Chiefs currently have a few open spots in their secondary. Terrell has often been compared to McDuffie by scouts and could immediately be his replacement in Kansas City next year. Terrell, who has been hampered by a hamstring issue, did not work out at his Pro Day. He then had a setback at his own private workout, which will cause him to drop on some draft boards.

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

30. Miami Dolphins, Top Draft Pick Prediction: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Previous selection in Mock Draft 2.0: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

The new regime in Miami has stated they want to build from the inside out, so they are still able to do that here after adding Kenyon Sadiq with their first pick of the round. Parker was considered a potential top-five pick at the beginning of the year. Even in what was deemed a disappointing season, Parker still had over a 74 grade on both pass rushing and run defense from PFF.

See the 13th 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 2.0: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

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 Iheanachor, who didn’t start playing football until after high school and started 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. Arizona Cardinals, Top Draft Pick Prediction: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Projected Trade: The Cardinals acquire pick No. 32 from the Seahawks for pick No. 34 and No. 143.

If Simpson is going in the first round, it seems it will most likely be from a team trading up like the Giants did with Jaxson Dart last year. With only four picks currently in the draft, this allows Seattle to move down a couple of spots and not only grab another pick but also most likely still get the player they were gonna take at 32. This also would solidify why Arizona would go offensive line with their first pick, as they are supporting their quarterback of the future.

See the 3rd pick for more on the Cardinals’ draft plans.

Previous Mock Drafts

Mock Draft 2.0: March 17 Update

Mock Draft 1.0: March 5 Update