Attempting to chart the course of the NFL draft even a day out can be a dicey proposition. Attempting to make accurate projections a full year out is an exercise in futility.
The best way to approach a way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft, then, is as a thought exercise. The coming college football season will inevitably result in great shifts, as the likes of Cam Ward, Jalon Walker and Derrick Harmon were hardly household names at this point a year ago before rocketing into the first round. But the early forecast can provide an informative sketch of where things stand at the moment. And while some of college football’s biggest stars – including Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams and South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart – still must wait an additional year before becoming draft-eligible, there are several stars who will prove to be compelling figures for the next 12 months.
One additional note here: Arch Manning’s omission from this forecast is intentional rather an oversight. While the Texas quarterback will no doubt be the focus of draft talk in the coming months, it’s too difficult to peg whether he will be able to deliver on the unprecedented hype after just two starts. Perhaps equally as important, there’s no guaranteeing that a passer who has been uncommonly patient in resisting the transfer portal while remaining a backup will feel any pressure to make the leap after next season.
With a draft order loosely based on where each team’s Super Bowl odds stand, here’s our way-too-early projection for next year’s first round.
2026 NFL mock draft
1. Cleveland Browns – Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
In passing up Travis Hunter to acquire an additional first-round pick for 2026, the Browns sent a clear signal that they’re pinning their hopes for a full relaunch one year from now. A central part of that effort will be getting a clean break from the Deshaun Watson debacle by positioning themselves for a marquee quarterback. Allar isn’t the clearcut front-runner to go No. 1, but the Medina, Ohio, native possesses several qualities that could make him a hometown hero in this scenario. The 6-5, 238-pounder exhibits truly elite arm strength that he can unleash in a moment’s notice, both from the pocket and on the run. While he still has to grow more consistent with his footwork and anticipation, he could claim the top spot on draft boards if he makes another significant leap comparable to the one he took last season.
2. New Orleans Saints – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
This goes a lot further than the local connection. Not only was Nussmeier’s father, Doug, a fourth-round draft pick of the Saints in 1991, he’s also the team’s newly hired offensive coordinator under first-year coach Kellen Moore. The younger Nussmeier defies the typical characterization of a coach’s son at quarterback, as he whips passes into tight windows with daredevil decision-making. Even though New Orleans took a shot on Tyler Shough in the second round, it might take a superlative performance from the Louisville passer to extend the team’s streak of not taking a first-round quarterback since Archie Manning in 1971. Nussmeier can be the catalyst New Orleans needs as it embarks upon a long-awaited rebuild.
3. New York Jets – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
A safety hasn’t been selected in the top three picks since 1991, when Eric Turner went No. 2 overall to the Browns. Yet while Downs inevitably will have trouble warding off players at premium positions to secure a spot this high, he’s unquestionably one of college football’s most electric figures thanks to his outstanding instincts both in coverage and stopping the run. He would be an immediate tone-setter for Aaron Glenn as the coach tries to instill a culture of accountability for Gang Green.
4. New York Giants – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Much as John Mara might like another crack at a Manning behind center, Big Blue can instead forge ahead with setting Jaxson Dart up for success. The Giants go big – literally – with the 6-7, 360-pound Proctor, who can pair with left tackle Andrew Thomas to provide the steady protection that the franchise has long lacked.
5. Tennessee Titans – T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
Addressing the problem behind center was a natural call for Tennessee at the No. 1 overall pick, but it left the franchise ill-equipped to boost a flagging edge rush, with second-rounder Oluwafemi Oladejo only doing so much to reshape the group. The 6-3, 265-pound Parker, who tied for ninth in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 11 sacks while adding six forced fumbles, could serve as the spark to get the defense going.
6. Carolina Panthers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Even after taking Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2, Carolina’s pass rush likely will remain in dire straits for another season. That could leave the Panthers clamoring for someone who can create chaos, and the 6-6, 270-pound Faulk could take over for Jadeveon Clowney as a supersized edge rusher capable of creating a serious jolt.
7. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
Once the Browns have their long-term answer at quarterback in tow, they could turn their attention to safeguarding him. The mountainous Mauigoa (6-6, 315 pounds) still has to rein in his aggressiveness, but it’s rare to find his blockers who boast his quickness and explosiveness, particularly at his size.
8. Las Vegas Raiders – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
After a stellar debut as a freshman, Woods played out of position on the edge for much of last season before being bumped back inside. That might have obscured just how much of a problem the 6-3, 315-pounder can pose for offenses. Pairing Woods with fellow Clemson product Christian Wilkins would give Las Vegas two matchups problems on the interior.
9. Indianapolis Colts – Suntarine Perkins, LB, Mississippi
After frequently operating as an undersized edge rusher at just 6-1 and 210 pounds, Perkins is bound to be utilized differently at the next level. But the playmaking flair he exhibited in racking up 10 ½ sacks last season can’t be denied, and Indianapolis’ defense looks desperate for difference-makers.
10. New England Patriots – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
A defense that ranked last in the NFL in sacks (28) still looks likely to have trouble creating pressure despite adding Milton Williams and Harold Landry III in free agency. By adding Bain, who broke out as a true freshman with 7 ½ sacks before being hampered by a soft-tissue injury, New England could rev up its edge rush to the level that Mike Vrabel will demand.
11. Miami Dolphins – Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Patrick Paul is being entrusted to fill the shoes of Terron Armstead at left tackle, but proper protection for Tua Tagovailoa is paramount. If the 2023 second-round pick stumbles, the Dolphins could set their sights on Barber, an ascendant blocker and smooth mover at 6-6 and 314 pounds.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Whether it’s closing in on quarterbacks as a blitzer, thumping in the run game or dropping back in coverage, Hill has a preternatural sense for finding the ball. The 6-3, 237-pound dynamo would be a scintillating figure on the second level of the Cowboys’ defense, and Jerry Jones likely would be willing to shrug off questions of positional value more so than many other general managers.
13. San Francisco 49ers – Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Replacing Trent Williams is a nearly impossible proposition, not only for San Francisco but also the player tasked with taking over for the 11-time Pro Bowl selection. But a 49ers team in transition has to take on the task, and the 6-8, 303-pound World – who transferred from Nevada this offseason – has the rare blend of size, strength and athleticism that’s worth gambling on.
14. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Patience could pay off for Los Angeles, as the Rams can reap the rewards of this year’s trade back with the Falcons by landing a player who could reshape their secondary. The jump from Oregon State to Tennessee didn’t prove to be too much for McCoy to handle, as the 6-0, 193-pounder snared four interceptions and earned second-team All-American honors after locking down the Southeastern Conference. His placement here could be precarious after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in January, but if he’s able to bounce back and return to action, he would have a strong case to be the first cornerback selected next year.
15. Seattle Seahawks – Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon
DeMarcus Lawrence signed a three-year deal this offseason, but the four-time Pro Bowler will be 34 before the 2026 season starts. Uiagalelei would be a formidable addition to Mike Macdonald’s pass rush, and he has plenty of juice to get after the quarterback, as evidenced by his 10 ½ sacks last season.
16. Arizona Cardinals – Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
In a class that looks to be light on top-flight receivers in the early going – at least ones who are draft-eligible – Stewart has the chance to set himself apart from his peers. The 6-0, 175-pounder consistently creates separation with his quick-twitch movements, making him a fitting running mate for Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride in the Cardinals’ aerial attack.
17. Chicago Bears – LT Overton, DE, Alabama
With a heavy focus on reworking their offense in recent years, the Bears haven’t taken a defensive player in the first round since selecting Roquan Smith in 2018. That drought could come to an end with Overton, who offers inside-outside versatility at 6-5 and 280 pounds as both a stout run defender and emerging pass rusher.
18. Houston Texans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
He’s not on Ashton Jeanty’s level yet, but Love looks prepared to seize the title of college football’s most dynamic back – he’s already mastered the art of hurdling defenders – and a ball carrier worthy of a first-round pick. After averaging 7.0 yards per carry last season, the 6-0, 206-pounder can take some strain off C.J. Stroud and serve as a successor to Joe Mixon, who doesn’t have any guaranteed money for the final year of his contract in 2026.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers – Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
The Steelers managed to patch up the hole at cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr., but 34-year-old Darius Slay in only on a one-year deal. Jackson stands 6-1 and 195 pounds with speed to burn – he tied the California high school state record for the 100 meters dash at 10.25 seconds – and figures to be the kind of high-end athlete that Omar Khan gravitates toward.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tyreak Sapp, DE, Florida
Haason Reddick is only signed to a one-year deal, so Tampa Bay could once again be retooling its pass rush next spring. After notching a team-leading seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season, the 6-3, 273-pound Sapp figures to be the type of player who could help Todd Bowles maintain a consistent level of pressure against opposing passers.
21. Denver Broncos – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Some high-priced extensions are likely in the pipeline for a Denver defense that broke out in a big way last season, with edge rusher Nik Bonitto and defensive end Zach Allen each due for deals that should be near the top of their respective markets. The Broncos can continue to fortify their front with Banks, a 6-6, 325-pound transfer from Louisville whose length and explosiveness allows him to create havoc for opposing quarterbacks.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
Even with Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams and Malaki Starks – among others – off to the NFL, don’t expect Georgia’s well of defensive talent to dry up anytime soon. Miller might be next in line to be a future first-round pick, as the 6-4, 305-pounder showed plenty of flashes of disruptiveness against both the run and pass before being knocked out for the remainder of the campaign with a shoulder injury.
23. Minnesota Vikings – Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
The 6-5, 337-pound nose tackle sat out the 2023 season after transferring from Miami, but he didn’t take long to establish himself as a massive disruptor on the interior. With his ability to command double teams and collapse pockets, Jackson could be a force multiplier on Brian Flores’ defense – so long as the coordinator is still around in 2026 after receiving head-coaching consideration this past cycle.
24. Green Bay Packers – Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
If the Packers were willing to break from precedent in selecting wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round on Thursday, why not once more next year? At 6-0 and 178 pounds, Muhammad is significantly lighter than the cornerbacks who typically catch Green Bay’s eye. But if he can bulk up and cut down on some of the deep meltdowns that have marred his otherwise stellar play, the instinctive cornerback could follow former Texas teammate Jahdae Barron into a spot on Day 1.
25. Cincinnati Bengals – Keon Sabb, S, Alabama
If Cincinnati is going to reassert its contender status and account for an investing strategy that tilts heavily toward its offense, it will need to round out its defense with playmakers on rookie contracts. Sabb, a Michigan transfer who started just seven games last year before being sidelined by a foot injury, could patrol the back end of the unit while still making his mark in the run game.
26. Washington Commanders – Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
With Washington fully embracing its expedited arrival to the NFC’s contending class by making bold moves to support Jayden Daniels while the quarterback is on a rookie contract, why not take another stab at trying to put the offense over the top? While Brian Robinson Jr. – who is entering the final year of his rookie contract – has been reliable, Singleton would change the complexion of the Commanders’ attack with his breakaway speed while still maintaining the power and versatility to be a three-down threat.
27. Buffalo Bills – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
When you have to slow the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, it never hurts to have a robust group of defensive backs capable of deterring deep shots. Thieneman intercepted six passes as a freshman at Purdue, and his transfer to Oregon might further highlight how much he could aid a defense that doesn’t offer much excitement with its current safety tandem of Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin.
28. Detroit Lions – Cayden Green, G, Missouri
Controlling the line of scrimmage will always be paramount for Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, and Detroit could again address its interior offensive line after taking guard Tate Ratledge in the second round this year. Green isn’t on the same level as his former Missouri linemate Armand Membou, but he’s an ascendant prospect who’s steady in both the pass and run game.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
With a modest build at 5-11 and 180 pounds, Terrell doesn’t quite size up physically to his older brother, Atlanta Falcons standout cornerback A.J. Terrell. But his route-recognition and ball skills help him play with an urgency that would make him an attractive option for the Ravens, who ranked 31st in passing yards allowed last season and are seemingly always on the hunt for high-end cornerbacks.
30. Rams – LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Maybe this seems like a stretch for a team that reached an accord with Matthew Stafford this offseason and now is operating at least somewhat on the veteran’s timeline. But even though Sellers is far from a finished product as a passer, the 6-3, 242-pound dual-threat option offers immensely tantalizing growth potential that could be harnessed if he is allowed to sit and learn behind Stafford before ascending to the top spot.
31. Kansas City Chiefs – Nyck Harbor, WR, South Carolina
A leap of faith is required to make this projection, but let’s have some fun. Despite recording just 26 catches for 376 yards last season, the 6-5, 235-pound target – who has twice taken the No. 1 spot on The Athletic’s ‘Freaks List’ – might stand alone as college football’s best overall athlete. With 10.11-second speed in the 100-meter dash, Harbor could step in alongside fellow downfield dynamo Xavier Worthy to provide another major weapon to help the team prepare for the post-Travis Kelce era.
32. Philadelphia Eagles – Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
Is this a luxury for a team that already has A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in the fold? Sure. But with the Eagles set to decline Jahan Dotson’s third-year option, per multiple reports, Williams can round out the receiving corps as a tertiary threat.