Connect with us

Sports

Josh Frey’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Published

on

Advertisement

Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) looks on during the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The NFL Combine is upon us, so now seems as good a time as any to put out an NFL mock draft.

This year’s draft is not quarterback heavy, which could lead to a much more wide-open first round than we’ve seen in recent years. Here is how I see the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft playing out as of February 27.

2026 NFL Mock Draft

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) scrambles past Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Raiders are playing coy about how they’re going to go about this draft, but if they keep this pick, there doesn’t seem to be much mystery here. Fernando Mendoza just won a Heisman Trophy and national championship, and now, he’s going to be the first overall pick of the NFL Draft.

2. New York Jets: LB/EDGE Arvelle Reese, Ohio State

The Jets have plenty of holes on defense that need to be plugged, particularly after parting ways with both Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Arvelle Reese is a versatile defender who can rush the passer and step back into coverage, so New York can fix a couple problems with one selection here.

Advertisement

3. Arizona Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

If the Cardinals are going to keep Kyler Murray healthy this season, they will need to reinforce their offensive line. Francis Mauigoa has great NFL size and strong instincts in pass protection that should make him an instant starter alongside Paris Johnson.

4. Tennessee Titans: EDGE Rueben Bain, Miami

It’s back-to-back Hurricanes off the board, and this time, the Titans take Rueben Bain to create a formidable duo with Jeffery Simmons on their defensive front.

5. New York Giants: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Jermaine Eluemunor is heading into free agency this spring, which could leave a hole at right tackle for the New York Giants to fill. Spencer Fano has spent the past two seasons at that position for the Utah Utes, so this should be a pretty seamless transition.

Advertisement

6. Cleveland Browns: OT Monroe Freeling, Georiga

The top end talent is limited at the offensive tackle position, and while Cleveland has another pick at No. 24, they jump at the chance to pick up one of the better left tackles in this class before it gets too late.

7. Washington Commanders: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

The Commanders need to see some improvement on defense, and Mansoor Delane is my top cornerback in this draft class. He’s got elite coverage skills on the boundary and very well could go even higher in this draft if a team opts to prioritize their secondary rather than offensive line.

8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

The Alvin Kamara era inevitably is coming to an end in New Orleans in the next couple years, but until then, the Saints will have a very formidable 1-2 punch out of the backfield to help support QB Tyler Shough by taking the dynamic Jeremiyah Love.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

The Chiefs are going to feel stung if Love goes off the board right ahead of them, but they get a great wide receiver for Patrick Mahomes to throw to. Carnell Tate is the most sure-handed receiver in this draft class, and at 6’3″, he is a big target who can eat up space on his routes.

Advertisement

10. Cincinnati Bengals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

The Bengals have a strong offense as long as Joe Burrow stays healthy, but the defense is in desperate need of reworking. Caleb Downs is an elite safety project who can do just about anything, and he’s a good start towards revamping the secondary.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.

11. Miami Dolphins: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

The Dolphins could be moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, which would make this a rebuilding year for Miami. This wasn’t a good team in any category during 2025, but they really need to improve the secondary.

12. Dallas Cowboys: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Dallas stays in the state of Texas here by picking up David Bailey. After trading away Micah Parsons, they need a new future off the edge, and they hope they found a cornerstone here.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

As long as Jermod McCoy is fully healthy, he is worthy of being a first-round pick. The NFL Combine will be a great opportunity for him to prove that.

14. Baltimore Ravens: WR Makai Lemon, USC

The Baltimore Ravens do it again. A top end talent at a position of need falls right into their lap, and they stop the Makai Lemon fall.

Advertisement

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

It’s another Buckeye off the board. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a springy off-ball linebacker who can cover receivers while also being a physical run stopper. Sonny Styles checks those boxes.

16. New York Jets: DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Quinnen Williams is no longer around, so the Jets reset by taking a top defensive tackle prospect after grabbing Arvelle Reese with the second overall pick. New York has a brand new defensive front to build around.

17. Detroit Lions: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

The Lions have a chance to create a strong duo on their defensive front with Aidan Hutchinson, and they do exactly that with the selection of Cashius Howell.

18. Minnesota Vikings: DT Caleb Banks, Florida

The Minnesota Vikings need to find answers at their defensive tackle position after striking out in free agency last year. Caleb Banks can do everything in the trenches, and he’ll be a fun piece for Brian Flores to utilize.

Advertisement

19. Carolina Panthers: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

The run of defensive front prospects continues as the Panthers try to build their pass rush around Keldric Faulk, who possesses some great athleticism off the edge.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Quinyon Mitchell immediately turned into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and now, there is another high-end Toledo defensive back available in Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Dallas jumps at the chance to shore up their secondary.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

The Steelers need a true WR2 behind DK Metcalf. While Jordyn Tyson has some injury concerns, he is a silky smooth route runner with great speed to give Pittsburgh a different look at the wide receiver position.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Olaivega Ioane, Penn State

Jim Harbaugh’s influence continues in LA. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt being anchors at the tackle positions, the Chargers still need to figure things out on the interior. Olaivega Ioane is a start.

Advertisement

23. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Dallas Goedert might not be back in Philadelphia, which offers the Eagles a chance to get younger at the tight end position. Kenyon Sadiq is a great pass catcher at the position and could become the replacement.

NFL mock draft
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Quarterback remains a problem in Cleveland, but there isn’t really an option worth taking here at No. 24. Instead, they build up their wide receiver room with Denzel Bostom.

25. Chicago Bears: DT Christen Miller, Georgia

The Bears have Gervon Dexter, but they need someone else in the middle of their defensive line to help stop the run. Christen Miller can help in that department.

26. Buffalo Bills: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

Elijah Sarratt won’t blow anyone away with his speed, but he is about as precise a route runner as there is in this class. Buffalo has a severe need at wide receiver, and Sarratt is a high floor prospect who can immediately contribute.

27. San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Zion Young, Missouri

Wide receiver is a need for the 49ers here, but with both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from torn ACLs, they add another pass rushing presence to the group with Zion Young.

Advertisement

28. Houston Texans: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

The Texans will put off adding a running back until later in the draft, allowing them to add another piece to a defense that was already elite in 2025. Kayden McDonald provides insurance for a defensive tackle room that could see a lot of faces depart in free agency.

29. Los Angeles Rams: CB Keith Abney, Arizona State

The Rams have three cornerbacks entering free agency this offseason. Odds are they will need to fill a hole at that spot.

30. Denver Broncos: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

The Broncos will be looking to get a bit younger at linebacker this offseason, and CJ Allen is a solid player in coverage who can add some dynamic athleticism to this team.

31. New England Patriots: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

If there is one thing that is certain following the Super Bowl, the Patriots need to get better at protecting Drake Maye in 2026. Kadyn Proctor is a mammoth of a human being at 6’7″ and 366 pounds, and he’ll create a dynamic tackle duo with Will Campbell.

Advertisement

32. Seattle Seahawks: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

If Rashid Shaheed leaves in free agency, the Seahawks will need to find a way to fill that speedy void that really made a difference for them on offense and special teams. KC Concepcion returned two punts for touchdowns in 2025 while being a deep threat on offense for the Aggies.


avatar
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

So what are you doing tomorrow night?

Published

on

Bayley is arguably one of the most talented WWE stars on the current roster. The former Women’s Champion is widely regarded as a locker room leader. She recently received a message from a 14-time WWE champion.

A fan recently posted an old clip featuring Bayley and Charlotte Flair. The Queen responded to the post and wrote that she was the 36-year-old RAW Superstar’s favorite. The former Hugger reacted to The Queen’s tweet, writing, “Tequila goes nicely with Ben & Jerry’s.” This led Flair to ask the Grand Slam Champion whether she was free tomorrow.

“So what are you doing tomorrow night???” Flair wrote.

You can check out Flair’s tweet below.

Advertisement

The Queen has won 14 world titles in WWE. She has held the Women’s Championship 13 times and the Divas Title once.


WWE icon picked Bayley as her dream opponent

In an interview with ESPN, AJ Lee was asked to name her dream opponent in the Stamford-based promotion. The Black Widow said a bout against Bayley would be a “dream match”.

Lee added that she and The Role Model last locked horns when she was the Divas Champion. The WWE icon concluded by saying that she would love to find out how a match between her and the RAW Superstar would unfold at this stage of their careers.

“My dream match would be Bayley. I think I’ve gotten to have like one match with her way back in the day when I had the Divas Title. So it would be really cool to see who we both are now, and get my hands on her in the ring,” she said.

For now, The Black Widow is all set to square off with Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship tonight at Elimination Chamber 2026. That said, it will be interesting to see what plans Triple H and the creative team have in store for The Role Model as the Stamford-based promotion gets closer to WrestleMania 42.

Advertisement