Finally, we have made it to draft week. We’ve already had some drama — with the New York Giants trading Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th overall pick on Saturday night — and you should expect much more drama in the days ahead.
Will Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love get drafted earlier than some think he will? My latest intel suggests that might be the case. Can the Dallas Cowboys execute a trade to land a defensive player that I hear they really like? Potentially. Will Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson get selected in the first round? I think so, but someone might have to make a move to get him.
Oh, and what will the Giants now do with their two top-10 picks? There’s one player I hear they’re targeting ahead of Thursday’s first round.
Let’s dive into the answers to those questions in my final mock draft. Remember, I’ll be a part of NFL Network’s live coverage for the first two nights of the 2026 NFL Draft from Pittsburgh.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
This is the pick no one’s questioning. We know the Raiders are going to take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1. We’ve known this for the entire process. I’ve really loved what they’ve done around Mendoza. They’ve got running back Ashton Jeanty. They signed All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum, and I love that. Left tackle Kolton Miller should be back after missing the majority of the season with an ankle injury. So, now they’ve got some juice, and they aren’t in dire straits.
Fernando Mendoza in Joel Klatt’s top 50 players 🏈 Joel Klatt Show
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge rusher, Ohio State
This is where things get interesting. This should be a three-player discussion at No. 2, with Arvell Reese, edge rusher David Bailey and linebacker Sonny Styles in the mix. I don’t think anybody — including those in the Jets’ organization — thinks this team will be a top-end competitor this year. When you look at the draft capital they have this year and next, you’re building for the future. So, bet and bank on potential here with Reese. He’s got the highest upside of anyone in the draft. I think he has the potential to be a Defensive Player of the Year, and he’s got Micah Parsons-esque versatility.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Cardinals are a really interesting selection. Most people believe they’re looking to shore up the edge. They probably could and maybe they will, but I can’t get out of my head a little thought — and it comes with some intel — of the Cardinals loving Jeremiyah Love. We know they also like Ty Simpson, but this is too rich a spot to draft him. With the thought of potentially making a move for Simpson later in mind, why don’t the Cardinals draft Love? A lot of people believe Love is the best non-quarterback in the draft. Arizona would get a running back who can move between the tackles, hit home runs on the outside and catch passes as a slot receiver.
Jeremiyah Love in Joel Klatt’s final mock draft 🏈 Joel Klatt Show
4. Tennessee Titans: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
I’ve heard rumblings that there could be some movement along Tennessee’s offensive line. I think quarterback Cam Ward’s former Miami teammate, Francis Mauigoa, should be the pick if that’s the case. Mauigoa was dominant and was huge in Miami’s College Football Playoff run. Don’t be surprised if this is the fourth overall pick.
5. New York Giants: David Bailey, edge rusher, Texas Tech
Are the Giants trying to package their two top-10 picks to move further up? I don’t know about that. But I do know they love one of these offensive players in this draft. I think they’re moving around and trying to position themselves into a place where they can target and draft Jordyn Tyson. I don’t think they’ll need to draft him at No. 5, though. I know pass rusher isn’t a specific need for the Giants, but if you can get the best pure pass rusher in the draft, you go and do that. I’ve also been told the Giants aren’t in on Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
6. Cleveland Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Browns have left tackle questions. The problem? There isn’t a pure left tackle good enough to use the No. 6 pick on. Fano, who played right tackle the last two seasons, does have some left tackle experience, at least. Fano’s a great player and was the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year this past season. The Browns could move him over and fill that hole on the left side.
7. Washington Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Washington needs defense. In this scenario, there are some excellent defensive players on the board. The Commanders would have to be happy that they could get at least one of Sonny Styles or Caleb Downs. They really can’t go wrong picking either one, but they can say to themselves, “You mean we can get a Fred Warner-type?” Styles just blew everyone out of the water at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’s the perfect combination of height, weight and athleticism. He also has versatility in his background, starting out as a safety before moving down to linebacker.
[2026 NFL Draft: Will Ohio State Have Four Top-10 Picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?]
8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
In one of many current episodes of my digital present, “The Joel Klatt Present,” NFL Community analyst Daniel Jeremiah in contrast Carnell Tate to Saints extensive receiver Chris Olave, who can also be an Ohio State alum. I like the thought of pairing these two collectively. I additionally marvel if the Saints would decide Downs. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is aware of how impactful an elite security will be, as he coached Derwin James throughout his years as the top coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. However New Orleans wants to present second-year quarterback Tyler Shough some weapons. Giving Shough a gentle, downfield risk in Tate could be good.
Carnell Tate in Joel Klatt’s prime 50 gamers 🏈 Joel Klatt Present
9. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Chiefs have gotten to shore up their secondary. I believe there is a perception on the market that the Chiefs may go for offensive assist, which is why the Giants might need to choose Jordyn Tyson at No. 5. So, do not be stunned if the Giants take Tyson at No. 5. However I believe If that is the case, possibly Kansas Metropolis actually wants assistance on protection — significantly within the secondary. Delane is the highest nook within the draft, making this an ideal match and worth for the Chiefs at No. 9.
10. New York Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Fact be informed, I had a earlier version of a mock draft able to go — till the Giants opted to commerce defensive sort out Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals for the tenth general decide. That mock draft won’t ever see the sunshine of day, although, and I now know that they are focusing on Tyson, like I mentioned earlier than. Tyson’s had some harm historical past, however he is acquired nice athletic bloodlines and groups have actually fallen in love with him. He is rising up draft boards as we get nearer to the draft.
Jordyn Tyson in Joel Klatt’s closing mock draft 🏈 Joel Klatt Present
11. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
First-year head coach Jeff Hafley is not in an awesome place. The Dolphins must construct up their roster whereas carrying a whole lot of lifeless wage. One approach to overcome that’s by drafting the perfect participant obtainable. Bear in mind, Hafley was as soon as Ryan Day’s defensive coordinator at Ohio State, that means I do not suppose there’s any NFL head coach who’ll have higher intel on Downs than Hafley. Miami has wants in every single place, and Downs is usually a tone-setter for the rebuild.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Rueben Bain Jr., edge rusher, Miami (Fla.)
The Cowboys have big-time wants at edge and the secondary. Rueben Bain has slipped right here in my mock draft, and it is in no way tied to the current report about his alleged reckless driving incident. Groups have recognized about that for fairly a bit. His fall right here is extra associated to his arm size. Some may suppose that is not an enormous deal, however Bain is not a pure pace rusher. In the event you’re an influence rusher, like Bain is, you have to get into the offensive lineman and lengthen off it. That is why his arm size issues to some extent. Nonetheless, Bain’s too good for the Cowboys to move up. Dallas has to take Bain at No. 12, so long as he is obtainable. Bain performs his butt off on each play and nonetheless produced when groups targeted on stopping him.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
I do suppose there’s an opportunity the Rams actually love Carnell Tate and attempt to transfer as much as get him. Do not be stunned if that occurs. I additionally suppose they’d like Makai Lemon. He is excellent for the Rams’ offense, and I believe I need to see him in Sean McVay’s offense greater than the rest on this 12 months’s draft. Lemon’s spatial consciousness is off the charts. He is so good in the course of the sphere. He understands protection and find out how to create area. He is additionally an absolute canine at making contested catches.
14. Baltimore Ravens: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State
This, in fact, goes to occur. It may not really feel like essentially the most Ravens decide of all-time, nevertheless it feels prefer it. The Ravens at all times sit there and get the most important no-brainer or finest worth decide within the draft. Vega Ioane is the perfect offensive lineman on this draft. He does play on the inside, in order that’s why he slides a bit, however the Ravens get the hardest and nastiest offensive lineman obtainable at No. 14, working to the commissioner to get the decide in. Baltimore additionally has to exchange Tyler Linderbaum within the inside of that offensive line.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Akheem Mesidor, edge rusher, Miami (Fla.)
I considered a large receiver right here, with Mike Evans leaving for the 49ers. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay additionally has an enormous want at edge rusher. Akheem Mesidor is comparatively previous for a prime prospect (he’ll be 25 when the 2026 season begins). He did produce at a excessive degree, although. That maturity may also repay for whoever drafts Mesidor.
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy would have been a top-10 decide in final 12 months’s draft had he been eligible and never damage his knee in January.. McCoy labored out at Tennessee’s professional day and ran a sub-4.4 within the 40. He is displaying in exercises that he is again from the ACL tear he suffered final offseason.
[2026 NFL Draft: Joel Klatt’s Top 50 Prospects Show Changing of the Guard in CFB]
17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Former Lions left sort out Taylor Decker was launched earlier this offseason, and we all know that it is a group that has closely relied on their offensive line for achievement prior to now. I have been informed that Kadyn Proctor will not make it previous the Lions at No. 17. The assumption has been that proper sort out Penei Sewell will transfer to left sort out in 2026. Nevertheless, drafting Proctor means the Lions can hold Sewell on the place he has earned three All-Professional nods at, whereas having Proctor play left sort out.
18. Dallas Cowboys (commerce with Minnesota Vikings): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
I really like doing trades in mock drafts, nevertheless it’s arduous to work one out that is smart for each groups. Dallas jumps up a few picks as a result of it’s going to be valuing Dillon Thieneman at security. Minnesota additionally has a security want, however the Vikings may be wonderful with drafting Toledo security Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The Vikings would additionally solely transfer again two picks on this situation. Thieneman had nice tape in his first two seasons at Purdue earlier than transferring to Oregon, the place he performed a bit extra of a unique security place. He performed nearer to the road of scrimmage this previous season and was requested to react and play extra instinctively. He did not do a poor job at that, however he is higher served taking part in free security.
Dillon Thieneman in Joel Klatt’s closing mock draft 🏈 Joel Klatt Present
19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
I believe the Panthers ought to proceed to encompass quarterback Bryce Younger with expertise. I do know they only drafted Tetairoa McMillan at extensive receiver this previous season, however the Panthers may also assist ease among the points with their offensive line and working sport by taking Sadiq. He is an awesome blocker and is usually a actual red-zone risk.
20. Minnesota Vikings (commerce with Dallas Cowboys): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
As I discussed earlier, the Vikings would most likely roll with McNeil-Warren right here and get a few later-round picks within the course of. He is really glorious at punching the ball out, forcing 9 fumbles in his faculty profession.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
I’ve no inside info on this, however do not you suppose we’ll get Aaron Rodgers information earlier than the draft takes place in Pittsburgh? In the event you get that, then you definately give Rodgers one thing he has at all times needed with the Packers: a first-round extensive receiver. I really like Omar Cooper, particularly after calling the sport the place he made the unbelievable game-winning landing seize towards Penn State. He matches what the Steelers need to do, and he is nice with the ball in his fingers.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Parker, edge rusher, Clemson
The Chargers need assistance alongside the sting. We all know coach Jim Harbaugh desires to construct a run nicely and have his protection work from the inside and outside. T.J. Parker was broadly thought-about to be a surefire top-10 decide getting into the 2025 season. He did not have the season that many had hoped for him, although. I do not know what occurred at Clemson this previous season, however the expertise continues to be there with Parker.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Perhaps the Eagles go along with an edge rusher or a large receiver with the A.J. Brown commerce rumors nonetheless lingering. They will additionally seize Lane Johnson’s inheritor obvious at proper sort out with this choice. Miller is a very skilled and good participant. We all know the Eagles are at their finest when their offensive line is main the way in which for them.
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Browns have an enormous want at extensive receiver, and Denzel Boston can assist them in an enormous manner. He is a big-bodied receiver who’s terrific down the sphere and within the pink zone. He has had a whole lot of manufacturing in his profession, and he’ll compete for the ball in 50-50 conditions. It is a particular space of want for the Browns, and so they can get a top quality participant late within the first spherical.
25. Chicago Bears: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
I believe the Bears would’ve cherished to have drafted a kind of safeties concerned with the commerce I had earlier on this mock draft, however Chicago can nonetheless seize a left sort out with a whole lot of potential. Monroe Freeling is a prototypical left sort out, and you may ideally have him defending quarterback Caleb Williams’ blindside for years to come back.
26. Arizona Cardinals (commerce with Buffalo Payments): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Payments haven’t got a second-round decide, and somebody goes to be itching to get again into the primary spherical to get Ty Simpson. I believe this decide is tailored to get traded. The Cardinals have the chance to not solely get Simpson, but additionally get him on a first-round rookie contract, that means they might have an additional 12 months of group management. Simpson has been a bit polarizing. I am excessive on him, although, and suppose he is a superb participant. Though he is a contact undersized, he could make all of the throws, particularly outdoors the numbers and down the sphere. Simpson additionally is aware of what it takes to be a pacesetter, displaying that when he led Alabama to a comeback victory over Oklahoma within the CFP. My one space of concern for him is that he solely began for one season.
Ty Simpson in Joel Klatt’s closing mock draft 🏈 Joel Klatt Present
27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Trent Williams is not going to play at left sort out endlessly. Lomu could be an excellent decide right here. Whereas he struggled towards Texas Tech, Caleb Lomu was principally glorious at left sort out for Utah this previous season.
28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
The Texans may look to bolster their offensive line right here, however I believe they’ll have a look at their protection and say, “How can we get even higher?” Defensive sort out is one space they’ll enhance. Kayden McDonald was terrific in his one 12 months as Ohio State’s beginning defensive sort out. His potential to get off and get into the backfield is attractive.
29. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams): Keldric Faulk, edge rusher, Auburn
When Faulk walks right into a room, you already know that is what an edge rusher is meant to seem like. The one downside is that his manufacturing in faculty would not line up with how he seems to be. Faulk is 6-foot-6 and weighs 270; he seems to be like an Adonis. He is acquired all of the athleticism and potential on the earth. Nevertheless, he by no means led Auburn in sacks or tackles for loss in a season throughout his time there. That is surprising to me. Perhaps it was the turmoil inside the program that prompted his lack of manufacturing, and if there’s a company which may really feel assured sufficient to show that round for Faulk, it might be the Chiefs. That group continues to develop defensive gamers in a top quality manner.
30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Once more, the Dolphins want expertise. Chris Johnson is a very gifted participant with a number of ball manufacturing and has been a late riser on this draft. Groups like his size as nicely, and whereas I am unsure in regards to the match right here, Johnson must be a first-round decide.
31. New England Patriots: Cashius Howell, edge rusher, Texas A&M
Many consider that Eagles wideout A.J. Brown may wind up in New England later this offseason. It additionally signed Romeo Doubs, so I am unsure if there’s a lot of a necessity at extensive receiver. I believe the Patriots roll with Cashius Howell, who matches what coach Mike Vrabel desires to do on protection. Howell was a stand-up edge rusher with a number of manufacturing at Texas A&M. He was electrical and unblockable for a lot of the 12 months. He has quick arms, however he would not depend on energy.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Jadarian Worth, RB, Notre Dame
I am leaning on what Jeremiah informed me on “The Joel Klatt Show” final week, which was that Jadarian Worth’s draft ground and ceiling is decide No. 32. Seattle desperately wants assist at working again with Kenneth Walker leaving and Zach Charbonnet rehabbing from his ACL tear. I do know Worth was Love’s backup, however he is clearly the second-best working again on this draft. There actually is not one other beginning working again within the draft, both. So, they’re caught right here. Love may also return kicks, and I believe Mike Macdonald will love his mentality.
