sonny-styles.jpg
Getty Images

What if I told you Round 1 would have four trades, six offensive linemen would come off the board and the Big 12 would produce the first defender selected? 

Well, those things actually happened … in my mock draft. Hopefully you’re satisfied with who I have your favorite team selecting.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. You can find more draft coverage at CBSSports.com, including weekly mock drafts and regular evaluations of the top prospects.

NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1 – Pick 1

Fernando Mendoza


QB

Indiana

• Jr

• 6’5″

/ 236 lbs

Projected Team

Las Vegas

PROSPECT RNK

1st

POSITION RNK

1st

PAYDS

3535

RUYDS

276

INTS

6

TDS

48

This has been the worst-kept secret since December, and it makes perfect sense. Vegas is convinced he’s the guy, so this is the right move.

Round 1 – Pick 2

David Bailey


EDGE

Texas Tech

• Sr

• 6’4″

/ 250 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Jets

PROSPECT RNK

20th

POSITION RNK

3rd

The Jets defense recorded only 26 sacks (31st) last year. The best way to improve your entire defense is to add defenders who can pressure QBs. Bailey was one of the best rushers in college football, a tone-setter who fits Aaron Glenn’s archetype and gives this defense the juice it desperately needs.

Round 1 – Pick 3

Arvell Reese


EDGE

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6’4″

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

Arizona

PROSPECT RNK

3rd

POSITION RNK

2nd

The NFC West is a QB gauntlet, with two Super Bowl-winning signal-callers (one MVP) and a third (Brock Purdy) who has already made a Super Bowl with a 67.3% career winning percentage. Defense is a must, and Reese is a violent, rangy defender.

Round 1 – Pick 4

Jeremiyah Love


RB

Notre Dame

• Jr

• 6’0″

/ 214 lbs

Projected Team

Tennessee

PROSPECT RNK

7th

POSITION RNK

1st

RUYDS

1372

YDS/ATT

6.9

REYDS

280

TDS

21

Arguably the best player in the draft, Love can have a three-down impact on every offensive possession. If Tennessee wants to see growth from second-year QB Cam Ward, adding the best offensive weapon in the draft will help his development and give this offense an identity piece.

Round 1 – Pick 5

Francis Mauigoa


OT

Miami (Fla.)

• Jr

• 6’6″

/ 329 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

16th

POSITION RNK

4th

A young QB’s best friend is good protection. The Giants brought back Jermaine Eluemunor to protect the right side, but Mauigoa is too good to pass up here. If needed, he can become an All-Pro guard and turn what was once a weakness into a strength for the G-Men.

Round 1 – Pick 6

Spencer Fano


OT

Utah

• Jr

• 6’6″

/ 311 lbs

Projected Team

Cleveland

PROSPECT RNK

5th

POSITION RNK

2nd

One of the more versatile offensive linemen in the draft with hot tape. Injuries and depth were issues for Cleveland last year on the O-line, and adding Fano helps erase those concerns. His versatility is the selling point.

Round 1 – Pick 7

Carnell Tate


WR

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6’2″

/ 192 lbs

Projected Team

Washington

PROSPECT RNK

18th

POSITION RNK

3rd

REC

51

REYDS

875

YDS/REC

17.2

TDS

9

Washington needs a WR2 with real upside, and Tate gives them a long-term answer while helping stabilize the uncertainty at the position outside of Terry McLaurin.

  Mock Trade from

New Orleans Saints

Round 1 – Pick 8

Sonny Styles


LB

Ohio State

• Sr

• 6’5″

/ 243 lbs

Projected Team

Dallas

PROSPECT RNK

9th

POSITION RNK

1st

Dallas trades up four spots to select Sonny Styles, arguably the most athletic player in the draft, filling a major void in the middle of its defense.

Round 1 – Pick 9

Mansoor Delane


CB

LSU

• Sr

• 6’0″

/ 187 lbs

Projected Team

Kansas City

PROSPECT RNK

14th

POSITION RNK

3rd

Cornerback is a huge need after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Delane is plug-and-play with inside-outside versatility and gives Kansas City immediate help.

  From

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1 – Pick 10

Jordyn Tyson


WR

Arizona State

• Jr

• 6’2″

/ 203 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Giants

PROSPECT RNK

23rd

POSITION RNK

5th

REC

61

REYDS

711

YDS/REC

11.7

TDS

9

When healthy, Jordyn Tyson could be considered the best WR in this draft, and it sounds like he’s healthy. Malik Nabers, Isaiah Likely and Tyson — good luck slowing that trio down.

Round 1 – Pick 11

Jermod McCoy


CB

Tennessee

• Jr

• 6’1″

/ 188 lbs

Projected Team

Miami

PROSPECT RNK

6th

POSITION RNK

1st

Even though McCoy didn’t play a down in 2025, his 2024 tape was impressive. He’s explosive, twitchy and knows how to take a No. 1 receiver away.

  Mock Trade from

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1 – Pick 12

Rueben Bain Jr.


EDGE

Miami (Fla.)

• Jr

• 6’2″

/ 263 lbs

Projected Team

New Orleans

PROSPECT RNK

2nd

POSITION RNK

1st

New Orleans trades back and still gets its guy. Bain is a Saints-type DL — violent, heavy-handed and a disruptive presence. The Big Easy won’t be easy for visiting QBs this year with his addition.

  Mock Trade from

Los Angeles Rams

Round 1 – Pick 13

Caleb Downs


S

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6’0″

/ 205 lbs

Projected Team

Carolina

PROSPECT RNK

8th

POSITION RNK

1st

This is a home run. Downs, Lloyd and Phillips give Carolina a top-10 defensive core instantly, making this unit look beyond scary.

Round 1 – Pick 14

Kenyon Sadiq


TE

Oregon

• Jr

• 6’3″

/ 241 lbs

Projected Team

Baltimore

PROSPECT RNK

24th

POSITION RNK

1st

REC

51

REYDS

560

YDS/REC

11

TDS

8

Baltimore loves unicorns, and Sadiq is a matchup nightmare who gives Lamar Jackson a new dimension. We’ve all seen the magic Jackson and Mark Andrews create, but Sadiq is a different magician. His tricks happen fast — 4.3 fast — and it’s hard to pass that up.

Round 1 – Pick 15

Olaivavega Ioane


IOL

Penn State

• Jr

• 6’4″

/ 323 lbs

Projected Team

Tampa Bay

PROSPECT RNK

15th

POSITION RNK

1st

Ioane is the safest interior offensive lineman available. Last year, Tampa Bay’s running game was inconsistent, and Baker Mayfield took a beating at times. Ioane instantly improves both areas and gives the Bucs the O-line stability they need.

  From

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1 – Pick 16

Makai Lemon


WR

USC

• Jr

• 5’11”

/ 192 lbs

Projected Team

N.Y. Jets

PROSPECT RNK

17th

POSITION RNK

2nd

REC

79

REYDS

1156

YDS/REC

14.6

TDS

13

Lemon is a perfect complement to Garrett Wilson and fills a big need in the passing game.

Round 1 – Pick 17

Monroe Freeling


OT

Georgia

• Jr

• 6’7″

/ 315 lbs

Projected Team

Detroit

PROSPECT RNK

25th

POSITION RNK

5th

A few years back, the offensive line was a major strength for Detroit. Now there are some concerns up front, and Freeling helps address those.

Round 1 – Pick 18

Akheem Mesidor


EDGE

Miami (Fla.)

• Sr

• 6’3″

/ 259 lbs

Projected Team

Minnesota

PROSPECT RNK

30th

POSITION RNK

4th

Minnesota needs a pass rush in a division full of high-end QBs, and Mesidor fits Brian Flores’ style. When you’re facing Jordan Love, Jared Goff and Caleb Williams, defensive pressure is a must.

  Mock Trade from

Carolina Panthers

Round 1 – Pick 19

Omar Cooper Jr.


WR

Indiana

• Jr

• 6’0″

/ 199 lbs

Projected Team

L.A. Rams

PROSPECT RNK

21st

POSITION RNK

4th

REC

69

REYDS

937

YDS/REC

13.6

TDS

14

Cooper is a football player who happens to play WR, a perfect fit for Sean McVay. He loves smart, tough, versatile receivers, so this is very on-brand.

  Mock Trade from

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1 – Pick 20

Kadyn Proctor


OT

Alabama

• Jr

• 6’7″

/ 352 lbs

Projected Team

Kansas City

PROSPECT RNK

4th

POSITION RNK

1st

Protecting Patrick Mahomes is the only correct answer. In 14 games, he was sacked 34 times, the second-most in his career, so keeping him upright is a must. Proctor has All-Pro traits.

Round 1 – Pick 21

KC Concepcion


WR

Texas A&M

• Jr

• 6’0″

/ 196 lbs

Projected Team

Pittsburgh

PROSPECT RNK

12th

POSITION RNK

1st

REC

61

REYDS

919

YDS/REC

15.1

TDS

12

Pittsburgh’s passing game lacked juice a year ago, and Concepcion brings a cooler full of it. He’s instant electricity with a four-down impact and gives the Steelers the explosive playmaker they need.

Round 1 – Pick 22

Peter Woods


DL

Clemson

• Jr

• 6’3″

/ 298 lbs

Projected Team

L.A. Chargers

PROSPECT RNK

19th

POSITION RNK

1st

Interior pressure is the Chargers’ biggest defensive hole, especially in the AFC West. Woods is a high-upside swing, and his potential makes this a slam-dunk selection for L.A.

Round 1 – Pick 23

Blake Miller


OT

Clemson

• Sr

• 6’7″

/ 317 lbs

Projected Team

Philadelphia

PROSPECT RNK

29th

POSITION RNK

6th

We saw last year how important the O-line is in Philly. Injuries and lack of depth derailed the entire offense. With Lane Johnson’s future uncertain after the 2026 season, this gives them a clear succession plan moving forward. Smart, boring, correct.

  From

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1 – Pick 24

Denzel Boston


WR

Washington

• Jr

• 6’4″

/ 210 lbs

Projected Team

Cleveland

PROSPECT RNK

37th

POSITION RNK

6th

REC

62

REYDS

881

YDS/REC

14.2

TDS

12

Cleveland needs size and reliability at WR, and Boston gives them both. His size, speed and catch radius make him a great asset for whoever is at QB.

Round 1 – Pick 25

Kayden McDonald


DL

Ohio State

• Jr

• 6’2″

/ 326 lbs

Projected Team

Chicago

PROSPECT RNK

32nd

POSITION RNK

3rd

The Bears had no problem creating turnovers in 2025, but stopping the run was an issue. McDonald helps fix that as a plug-and-play run stuffer.

Round 1 – Pick 26

CJ Allen


LB

Georgia

• Jr

• 6’1″

/ 230 lbs

Projected Team

Buffalo

PROSPECT RNK

41st

POSITION RNK

5th

You never question linebackers from Georgia — they’re pro ready — and Buffalo needs a defensive leader. CJ Allen is smart and violent, which fits what Jim Leonard wants.

Round 1 – Pick 27

Keldric Faulk


EDGE

Auburn

• Jr

• 6’6″

/ 276 lbs

Projected Team

San Francisco

PROSPECT RNK

34th

POSITION RNK

6th

Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are both coming off season-ending injuries, and Bryce Huff unexpectedly retired, so you can see why Faulk is needed.

Round 1 – Pick 28

Caleb Banks


DL

Florida

• Sr

• 6’6″

/ 327 lbs

Projected Team

Houston

PROSPECT RNK

48th

POSITION RNK

6th

Houston stacking defensive talent is terrifying, and Banks is a luxury pick with massive upside. The rich get richer, and his potential in this defense won’t be fair for the AFC South.

  Mock Trade from

Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1 – Pick 29

Colton Hood


CB

Tennessee

• Soph

• 6’0″

/ 195 lbs

Projected Team

Dallas

PROSPECT RNK

40th

POSITION RNK

6th

Hood is one of the more patient CBs in this draft at the line of scrimmage and is very comfortable in press, reminding me of Jaylon Johnson. He fits the Cowboys’ new defensive identity and could be a Day 1 starter.

  From

Denver Broncos

Round 1 – Pick 30

Dillon Thieneman


S

Oregon

• Soph

• 6’0″

/ 201 lbs

Projected Team

Miami

PROSPECT RNK

38th

POSITION RNK

3rd

Miami’s secondary overhaul continues, and this revamped group could use the versatility Thieneman brings. The 4.35-second 40-yard dash he ran in Indy matches the speed you see on film.

  Mock Trade from

New England Patriots

Round 1 – Pick 31

Ty Simpson


QB

Alabama

• Jr

• 6’1″

/ 211 lbs

Projected Team

Arizona

PROSPECT RNK

11th

POSITION RNK

2nd

PAYDS

3567

RUYDS

93

INTS

5

TDS

30

Quarterback is a major need, and Simpson is the consensus No. 2 QB in this draft, so Arizona couldn’t afford to wait and risk missing on him. Simpson at 31 feels like the most realistic outcome for the Cardinals.

Round 1 – Pick 32

R Mason Thomas


DL

Oklahoma

• Sr

• 6’2″

/ 241 lbs

Projected Team

Seattle

PROSPECT RNK

44th

POSITION RNK

5th

This is a Seahawks defender through and through: bendy and violent with a non-stop motor. Thomas is relentless and physical, and it won’t take long for him to fit in.