Full 2026 NFL mock draft: Dane Brugler predicts all 7 rounds and 257 picks

My reward for finishing “The Beast”? — I go right to work on a seven-round mock draft, all 257 picks.

Though the process is time-consuming, it is a worthwhile exercise because it forces me to focus on team needs and organizational draft trends. As much as mocks can be — well — mocked, NFL teams also do them until the draft as they work through different scenarios.

The NFL Draft (April 23-25) will be full of trades, although maybe not too many in the first round. But I only have one trade scenario in this seven-rounder, with the Dallas Cowboys moving into the top 10 to get their guy (and we know Cleveland, the team on the other end of that deal, is never shy about trading back).

Like always, I also included team-by-team hauls at the bottom of the article.

(Note: An asterisk indicates a projected trade.)

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

This is my fourth mock draft of the 2026 draft cycle, and it’s the fourth time Mendoza is at No. 1, unsurprisingly. The Heisman Trophy winner will be the first player drafted next Thursday and should immediately increase optimism around the Raiders’ organization.

2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State

A pass rusher, be it Reese or David Bailey, appears to be the Jets’ favorite. Reese isn’t a tweener — he is a “whatever you want him to be” edge defender. He can set an edge, play off or be a full-time pass rusher. That type of hybrid skill set can be utilized.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

It won’t be surprising if the Cardinals use this pick on a pass rusher such as Bailey, but the idea of securing their right tackle position for the foreseeable future will be an appealing option. It will be interesting to see if the Cardinals receive any viable trade offers to move back.

4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech

Head coach Robert Saleh wants to collect pass rushers and have a healthy defensive line rotation. (In his four seasons at the Jets’ helm, the team drafted a first-round pass rusher twice.) It’s not a hard sell on why Bailey makes sense for Tennessee.

5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Over John Harbaugh’s 18 years as head coach in Baltimore, the Ravens drafted nine positions in Round 1, including safety (three times). Though using a top-five pick for that position is uncommon, Downs has rare football intelligence and (despite not testing in any drills) is above the line in terms of on-field athleticism.

6. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE*): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

*Projected trade: Browns receive Nos. 12, 20 and a 2027 fourth-round pick; Cowboys receive Nos. 6 and 39*

The Cowboys could sit at No. 12 and have an impact defender fall to them, but it won’t be surprising if the organization gets aggressive. Styles would not only be an immediate starter at a position of need, but also wear the green dot as a rookie.

In this projected trade, the Cowboys surrender two of the first-rounders they hold this year (plus a 2027 pick), but they get back into Round 2.

7. Washington Commanders: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

A backfield that includes Jayden Daniels and Love would be bad news for defenses. Though the price tag is high for the position, Love has the talent to become a top-five running back before the end of his rookie contract.

8. New Orleans Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Pass rusher or cornerback are attractive options here, but the Saints urgently need to find upgrades at wide receiver — especially as they figure out if quarterback Tyler Shough is a short-term stopgap or a long-term answer.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami

Bain is one of the more polarizing prospects in this draft (for multiple reasons). But his profile fits Kansas City and would give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo an inside-outside disruptor on the defensive line.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Bengals have drafted several first-round cornerbacks over the years, but never in the top 15. That streak could come to an end with Styles and the top-tier pass rushers off the board in this scenario. Delane would be one helluva consolation prize.

11. Miami Dolphins: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn

First-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan spent the past 20 years in the Green Bay organization, and there is plenty about Faulk’s profile that screams “Packers.” His speed and length on the edge at 275 pounds would make for a promising building block on a rebuilding roster.

12. Cleveland Browns (from DAL*): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Mendoza going No. 1 and the Browns looking to trade back — those are about the only two things we for sure know will be happening early in Round 1. Fano will be high on the Browns’ wish list if they stick and pick at No. 6, and he’s a no-brainer at No. 12 in this trade-back scenario.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

The Rams could go in several directions here, but wide receiver is the most fun outcome and makes sense for the organization long term. Plenty of evaluators around the league believe a fully healthy Tyson would be in the mix for WR1 in this class. That he was limited during the draft process might not matter as much to the Rams as it might for others.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Despite the departures of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, tight end isn’t a major need with Mark Andrews still at the top of Baltimore’s depth chart. But Sadiq is more of a dynamic asset who can line up across the formation and block his tail off. He would give Baltimore a multidimensional pass catcher.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

Edge rusher and linebacker are arguably Tampa Bay’s top two areas of need, but do the Bucs see any prospect — at either position — worthy of this spot? They are in a position to go best player available here, which might be Ioane, who would provide an immediate upgrade at left guard.

16. New York Jets (from IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Jets not having a player with more than 400 receiving yards last season still blows my mind. Lemon doesn’t have elite size or speed, but he is extremely quarterback-friendly with his route manipulation and toughness.

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Though he’s inexperienced in areas, Freeling is an ascending player with above-average size and athletic traits. The Lions have short-term options opposite Penei Sewell, but Freeling has the talent to earn his way onto the field at some point during his rookie season.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy is a tough player to project in a mock draft — some teams are comfortable with his 2025 knee injury, while others won’t consider him in the first round. I don’t know how the Vikings feel, but adding his level of talent to a Brian Flores defense would be fun to watch.

19. Carolina Panthers: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

As Carolina continues to build its defense, Thieneman has the versatility that will speak to general manager Dan Morgan and the Panthers coaches. He would upgrade both the coverage and run defense from day one.

20. Cleveland Browns (from DAL*): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Draft the offensive lineman first, then the receiver? Or vice versa? The answer for Cleveland is debatable, but it works out well in this scenario. After selecting Fano earlier, adding Concepcion’s dynamic inside-outside versatility is a good fit here.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Cooper would be an ideal complement next to DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in the Steelers offense. With his ball skills and run-after-catch ability, Cooper is dangerous out of the slot as a catch-and-create player.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami

The Chargers have an ascending pass rusher in Tuli Tuipulotu, but short-term contracts and unproven players are mostly behind him on the depth chart. Because of his age and other factors, Mesidor has some question marks, but he is an NFL-ready disruptor.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama

This pairing has been mocked to death, and I almost changed it just for variety’s sake. But it makes sense for Philadelphia. Proctor can compete for a starting role at guard as a rookie, while also giving the Eagles a long-term succession plan behind right tackle Lane Johnson.

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

The Toledo coaches brought McNeil-Warren from Florida to Ohio, and the Browns would love to keep him in the state. He is a tall, rangy safety with the athleticism and ball skills that will translate well to an NFL secondary.

25. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson

The Bears have the edge rushers to line up today and play competitive football, but they would love to add another talented pass rusher to their rotation. Parker didn’t quite have the 2025 season many expected, but his motor and leveraged power led to disruption against the pass and run.

26. Buffalo Bills: Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCF

The Bills’ drafting history under general manager Brandon Beane has leaned more toward bigger defensive ends, so this would be a chance to go with a lighter, more explosive option. Though he’s not super bendy, Lawrence has the initial burst and rush explosiveness to create problems for blockers.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

I don’t think the 49ers are going into draft night stressing that they must find a long-term solution at left tackle. But if the right player falls in their laps, it would make sense for them to go that direction — and Lomu could be that player. He is a work in progress (in several areas), but his athletic footwork and body control form a great foundation.

28. Houston Texans: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

Based on how much several teams like Bisontis, there is a good chance Ioane isn’t the only guard drafted in the first round. The former Aggie is strong and efficient and would immediately push for starting reps as Houston continues to revamp its offensive line.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Chiefs have used a top-60 draft pick at wide receiver in three of the past four drafts, but the position remains unsettled for them. Boston is a tall ball winner and would be somewhat of a pivot from what this team normally drafts early at the position.

30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

I don’t think anyone expects this pick to be a quarterback or running back, but every other position might be on the table as the Dolphins facelift their roster. Cornerback certainly falls in the “need” category, and Johnson has the talent and intangibles to be a cornerstone player on defense.

31. New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

With 54 starts over the last four seasons, Miller is this year’s iron-man prospect, which head coach Mike Vrabel will obviously appreciate. As long as Drake Maye is their quarterback, it will be impossible for the Patriots to devote too many resources to the offensive line.

32. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Seattle enters draft weekend with just four draft picks, so this spot is a prime candidate to be dealt. But if the Seahawks stick and pick, a cornerback or edge rusher makes the most sense, given who will be available. Hood would offer ascending cover talent.

Team-by-team results

(Notes: Teams are listed in alphabetical order; players are designated by round selected and overall pick)

Arizona Cardinals

1 (3). Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

2 (34). Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

3 (65). Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

4 (104). LT Overton, DL, Alabama

5 (143). Latrell McCutchin Sr., CB, Houston

6 (183). Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama

7 (217). Quintayvious Hutchins, edge, Boston College

Atlanta Falcons

2 (48). Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

3 (79). Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

4 (122). Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan

6 (215). Carver Willis, OL, Washington

7 (231). Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana

Baltimore Ravens

1 (14). Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

2 (45). R Mason Thomas, edge, Oklahoma

3 (80). Trey Zuhn, OL, Texas A&M

4 (115). Skyler Bell, WR, UConn

5 (154). Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State

5 (162). Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

5 (173). Landon Robinson, DT, Navy

5 (174). Avery Smith, CB, Toledo

6 (211). Evan Beernsten, G, Northwestern

7 (250). Brett Thorson, P, Georgia

7 (253). Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M

Buffalo Bills

1 (26). Malachi Lawrence, edge, UCF

3 (91). Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky

4 (126). Malik Benson, WR, Oregon

5 (165). Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo

5 (168). Brandon Cleveland, DT, NC State

6 (182). Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss

7 (220). Toriano Pride, CB, Missouri

Carolina Panthers

1 (19). Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

2 (51). Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

3 (83). Travis Burke, OT, Memphis

4 (119). Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina

5 (158). Wesley Williams, edge, Duke

5 (159). Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri

6 (200). Fernando Carmona, G, Arkansas

Chicago Bears

1 (25). T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson

2 (57). Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

2 (60). Jalen Kilgore, S, South Carolina

3 (89). Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

4 (129). Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

7 (239). Jager Burton, G/C, Kentucky

7 (241). Anterio Thompson, DT, Washington

Cincinnati Bengals

1 (10). Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

2 (41). Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

3 (72). Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri

4 (110). Joshua Josephs, edge, Tennessee

6 (189). Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

6 (199). Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC

7 (221). Adam Randall, RB, Clemson

7 (226). Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, G, Texas A&M

Cleveland Browns

1 (12). Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

1 (20). KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

1 (24). Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

3 (70). Derrick Moore, edge, Michigan

4 (107). Markell Bell, OT, Miami

5 (146). Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State

5 (149). Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon

6 (206). David Gusta, DT, Kentucky

7 (248). Karson Sharar, LB, Iowa

Dallas Cowboys

1 (6). Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

2 (39). Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona

3 (92). Romello Height, edge, Texas Tech

4 (112). Chris McClellan, DL, Missouri

5 (152). Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

5 (177). Alex Harkey, G, Oregon

5 (180). Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

7 (218). Rene Konga, DT, Louisville

Denver Broncos

2 (62). CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

4 (108). Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

4 (111). Logan Taylor, OT/G, Boston College

5 (170). Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame

7 (246). Bryson Eason, DT, Tennessee

7 (256). Jalen Huskey, S, Maryland

7 (257). Caden Barnett, G, Wyoming

Detroit Lions

1 (17). Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

2 (50). D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

4 (118). Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami

4 (128). Caden Curry, edge, Ohio State

5 (157). Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma

5 (181). Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

6 (205). Gary Smith III, DT, UCLA

6 (213). Owen Heinicke, LB, Oklahoma

7 (222). Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech

Green Bay Packers

2 (52). Dani Dennis-Sutton, edge, Penn State

3 (84). Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

4 (120). Febechi Nwaiwu, G/C, Oklahoma

5 (153). Tim Keenan, DT, Alabama

5 (160). Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M

6 (201). Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana

7 (236). Jaden Dugger, LB, Louisiana

7 (255). Michael Heldman, edge, Central Michigan

Houston Texans

1 (28). Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

2 (38). Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M

2 (59). Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame

3 (69). Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M

4 (106). Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

5 (141). Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

5 (167). Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU

7 (243). Matthew Hibner, TE, SMU

Indianapolis Colts

2 (47). Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

3 (78). Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

4 (113). Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

5 (156). Anthony Lucas, edge, USC

6 (214). Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

7 (249). Lorenzo Styles, CB/S, Ohio State

7 (254). Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M

Jacksonville Jaguars

2 (56). Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa

3 (81). Jaishawn Barham, edge, Michigan

3 (88). Justin Joly, TE, NC State

3 (100). Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State

4 (124). Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

5 (164). Rayshaun Benny, DT, Michigan

5 (166). Michael Taaffe, S, Texas

6 (203). Hezekiah Masses, CB, California

7 (233). Colbie Young, WR, Georgia

7 (240). Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame

7 (245). Joe Fagnano, QB, UConn

Kansas City Chiefs

1 (9). Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami

1 (29). Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

2 (40). Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

3 (74). Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

4 (109). Austin Barber, OT, Florida

5 (148). Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

5 (169). Cameron Ball, DT, Arkansas

5 (176). Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana

6 (210). Louis Moore, S, Indiana

Las Vegas Raiders

1 (1). Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2 (36). Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

3 (67). Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana

4 (102). Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas

4 (117). Kamari Ramsey, S, USC

4 (134). Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College

5 (175). Keagen Trost, G, Missouri

6 (185). Nadame Tucker, edge, Western Michigan

6 (208). Collin Wright, CB, Stanford

7 (219). Trey Smack, K, Florida

Los Angeles Chargers

1 (22). Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami

2 (55). Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

3 (86). Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson

4 (123). Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

6 (204). Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

Los Angeles Rams

1 (13). Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

2 (61). Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

3 (93). Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia

6 (207). Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

7 (232). Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson

7 (251). J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida

7 (252). Aidan Hubbard, edge, Northwestern

Miami Dolphins

1 (11). Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn

1 (30). Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

2 (43). Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

3 (75). Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

3 (87). Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

3 (90). Bud Clark, S, TCU

3 (94). Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State

4 (130). Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas

5 (151). Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC

7 (227). Matt Gulbin, G/C, Michigan State

7 (238). Kendal Daniels, LB, Oklahoma

Minnesota Vikings

1 (18). Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

2 (49). Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech

3 (82). A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

3 (97). Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

5 (163). Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati

6 (196). Mason Reiger, edge, Wisconsin

7 (234). J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois

7 (235). Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky

7 (244). Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama

New England Patriots

1 (31). Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

2 (63). De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss

3 (95). Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon

4 (125). Max Llewellyn, edge, Iowa

4 (131). Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M

5 (171). Dalton Johnson, S, Arizona

6 (191). Jeremiah Wright, G, Auburn

6 (198). Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo

6 (202). Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati

6 (212). J’Mari Taylor, RB, Virginia

7 (247). Damonic Williams, DT, Oklahoma

New Orleans Saints

1 (8). Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

2 (42). Zion Young, edge, Missouri

3 (73). Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

4 (132). Brian Parker, OL, Duke

4 (136). Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana

5 (150). Justin Jefferson, LB, Alabama

5 (172). Joe Royer, TE, Cincinnati

6 (190). Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU

New York Giants

1 (5). Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

2 (37). Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

4 (105). Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

5 (145). Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State

6 (186). Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina

6 (192). Anez Cooper, G, Miami

6 (193). Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech

New York Jets

1 (2). Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State

1 (16). Makai Lemon, WR, USC

2 (33). Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

2 (44). Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

4 (103). Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

4 (140). Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State

5 (179). Kage Casey, G, Boise State

7 (228). Tyre West, DL, Tennessee

7 (242). Jackson Kuwatch, LB, Miami (Ohio)

Philadelphia Eagles

1 (23). Kadyn Proctor, OT/G, Alabama

2 (54). Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

3 (68). Max Klare, TE, Ohio State

3 (98). Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State

4 (114). Logan Jones, C, Iowa

4 (137). Carson Beck, QB, Miami

5 (178). Logan Fano, edge, Utah

6 (197). Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama

Pittsburgh Steelers

1 (21). Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

2 (53). Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech

3 (76). Kyle Louis, LB/S, Pittsburgh

3 (85). Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

3 (99). Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

4 (121). Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan

4 (135). Jack Kelly, LB, BYU

5 (161). DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson

6 (216). Trey Moore, edge, Texas

7 (224). Enrique Cruz, OT, Kansas

7 (230). Emmanuel Henderson, WR, Kansas

7 (237). Ryan Eckley, P, Michigan State

San Francisco 49ers

1 (27). Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

2 (58). Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

4 (127). Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

4 (133). Beau Stephens, G, Iowa

4 (138). George Gumbs Jr., edge, Florida

4 (139). Jack Endries, TE, Texas

Seattle Seahawks

1 (32). Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

2 (64). Keyron Crawford, edge, Auburn

3 (96). Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

6 (188). Robert Spears-Jennings, S, Oklahoma

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1 (15). Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

2 (46). Gabe Jacas, edge, Illinois

3 (77). Keyshaun Elliott, LB, Arizona State

4 (116). Devin Moore, CB, Florida

5 (155). Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech

6 (195). Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy

7 (229). Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston

Tennessee Titans

1 (4). David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech

2 (35). Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

3 (66). Keionte Scott, DB, Miami

4 (101). Connor Lew, C, Auburn

5 (142). VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

5 (144). Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame

6 (184). Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky

6 (194). Jordan van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech

7 (225). Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama

Washington Commanders

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