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Jordan Reid
Sure, I am already looking forward to the 2026 NFL draft.
I do know we’re nonetheless digesting all of the greatest staff matches and rookie outlooks coming off the 2025 NFL draft. There are additionally nonetheless 12 full months of finding out tape, watching video games and touring to predraft occasions earlier than we get to subsequent 12 months’s first spherical. However this 2026 class seems actually thrilling. I see a handful of quarterbacks who might doubtlessly go in Spherical 1, and there are some actually good gamers on either side of the ball who might make an enormous leap this season.
To get an early gauge on the category, I am discovering first-round touchdown spots for prime prospects in my way-too-early mock draft. A number of notes earlier than we get rolling:
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I didn’t make the draft order. The order of those groups does not replicate who I feel will make the playoffs or who’s going to the Tremendous Bowl. We merely took the inverse of Tremendous Bowl odds from ESPN BET, breaking some ties primarily based on the 2024 standings and tweaking the again finish to make sure the suitable variety of groups from every convention are within the playoff slots (Nos. 19-32).
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That is tremendous early. I simply bought house from the 2025 draft and have not spent a ton of time watching tape on these 2026 prospects but. That is primarily based solely on the place issues stand proper now, what I’ve seen from the category to date and what I am listening to across the league.
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I additionally anticipate loads to vary between now and subsequent April (or actually even this fall). Fourteen gamers I had in final 12 months’s way-too-early mock ended up getting into Spherical 1 — I really had Will Campbell to the Patriots within the prime 5! — however 13 have been taken later within the draft and 5 went again to high school.
Listed here are my early first-round projections for April 2026. 4 quarterbacks get picked in Spherical 1, and I even included two early trades that make sense. Let’s start with one in all them. (Underclassmen are famous with an asterisk.)
See extra on the 2026 draft class:
Miller, Rittenberg and Yates on prime prospects
Projected commerce: Browns leap to No. 1
Per our ESPN BET-based draft order, Tennessee has the highest choose once more. We do not know who will really have the No. 1 choose subsequent 12 months, however the Browns have two first-round choices after their draft-night commerce with the Jaguars. So I am having Cleveland ship the upper of its two picks (No. 3) and its 2027 first-rounder to the Titans to maneuver as much as the highest spot.
If this occurred, it could be the third time in 4 years the No. 1 choose can have modified fingers.
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
The Browns drafted two quarterbacks final week: Dillon Gabriel in Spherical 3 and Shedeur Sanders in Spherical 5. However Cleveland did not handle the place with any of its 4 picks within the prime 70, and it’d take a much bigger swing subsequent April. Klubnik made large strides in his second season as a starter, ending 2024 with 3,639 passing yards, 36 landing passes and solely 6 interceptions. He could possibly be the long-term reply.
Klubnik maintains a powerful platform whereas going via his reads and is constant regardless of the defensive construction. He additionally has the mobility to flee strain, however he has B-level arm energy, so it is going to be necessary for him to indicate that he can throw into tight home windows this season. His recreation jogs my memory a whole lot of Bo Nix.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
Proctor is an enormous prospect at 6-foot-7 and 360 kilos. He is a mauler within the run recreation, and if he will get fingers on rushers cleanly, he can rapidly neutralize them. The pop in his fingers and general energy are his greatest traits, however he should change into extra constant in go safety. The 19-year-old has the potential to be a top-five choose. The Giants do have Andrew Thomas at left sort out, however their offensive line stays a piece in progress.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
If I have been making a way-too-early rankings board, Woods would have an argument to be on the prime. At 6-3 and 315 kilos, he has a nonstop motor and wreaks havoc. He has glorious hand energy to stack, shed and disrupt performs. Woods had three sacks final season on the inside, and his pass-rush upside could be welcomed in Tennessee.
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina*
If the Jets are selecting this excessive, they most likely did not have an awesome 2025 season. And meaning they might be available in the market for a quarterback, regardless of one other 12 months on Justin Fields‘ contract.
Sellers’ excellent traits make him a contender for a meteoric stand up the board. He is a real twin menace, having handed for two,534 yards and 18 touchdowns with 7 interceptions in 2024 whereas speeding for an additional 674 yards and 7 scores. Sellers must enhance his pocket imaginative and prescient and ball safety (six misplaced fumbles in seven video games), however he has the bodily instruments that NFL groups covet. He jogs my memory a whole lot of Donovan McNabb popping out of Syracuse.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
After getting their quarterback at No. 1, the Browns might use their second first-round choose to maintain Downs in-state. He is the entire bundle at security — energetic, instinctive and able to shutting down the center of the sector. He had two interceptions and 7 go breakups final season, however Downs may also make performs within the backfield through the blitz; his 7.5 tackles for loss was 14th amongst all defensive backs.
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
The Raiders might use extra safety for quarterback Geno Smith, particularly with Kolton Miller‘s long-term future with the franchise in query. He is a free agent after the season. World is a 6-8, 312-pound Nevada switch who has improved every season. He broke out in 2024, giving up solely 5 pressures and 0 sacks. World is an agile go protector who wants so as to add energy. But when he thrives within the Large Ten in 2025, do not be shocked if he’s the primary sort out off the board.
Projected commerce: Rams transfer up the board
Similar to the Browns, the Rams acquired an additional choose for this draft due to a commerce they made final week. On this state of affairs, Los Angeles takes the choose it acquired from Atlanta and makes use of it to maneuver up 4 spots. To get it accomplished, the Rams would ship the No. 11 choose, their second-round choose after which a 2027 third-round choose to the Panthers for the No. 7 choose and a fourth-rounder.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
This is Matthew Stafford‘s inheritor obvious. Stafford will flip 38 earlier than the 2026 season, so this can be a good spot for the Rams to select Nussmeier, whose 79.1 QBR ranked eleventh within the FBS in 2024. Nussmeier’s arm is extra versatile than highly effective, and his anticipation abilities end in a number of the most enjoyable throws I’ve seen on tape. Interceptions are a problem — he threw a number of picks in 4 video games final season — however he could possibly be a first-round choose if he cleans these up.
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Sure, the Saints drafted Tyler Shough within the second spherical this 12 months, however that will not cease them from drafting one other QB in the event that they’re within the prime 10. Keep in mind, Derek Carr is not a lock to stay with New Orleans past 2025.
Allar took an enormous step as a junior in 2024, throwing for 3,327 passing yards and 24 touchdowns with 8 interceptions. He has prototypical dimension (6-5, 238 kilos) and each uncooked device a coach might need. He is identified for his sturdy arm however nonetheless must work on his ball placement and progressions; his completion charge enhance from 60% in 2023 to 66.5% in 2024 bodes nicely. Allar ought to be within the first-round dialog if he continues his upward trajectory.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson*
The Colts have lately used their first-round picks on edge rushers Kwity Paye (2021) and Laiatu Latu (2024), so we all know they don’t seem to be afraid to speculate draft capital on the place. Paye does not have a long-term contract and is presently set to play 2025 on the fifth-year possibility. Parker had a breakout season in 2024, with 11 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss and 4 compelled fumbles. He’s a flexible participant able to taking part in from a number of pre-snap alignments and stances, utilizing his size as a run defender and shutting pace within the go rush.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
The Patriots went offense-heavy within the 2025 draft after utilizing free company to bolster their protection. We’ll add extra to that protection with Faulk, a towering 6-6 edge rusher with a stout base. He can play a number of alignments, and he completed the 2024 season with seven sacks. He is already among the best run defenders within the nation however must change into extra constant speeding the passer to be picked on this a part of the draft.
Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*
After the projected commerce down, the Panthers would purchase additional draft capital and nonetheless have the possibility to pick out Hill, the kind of rangy center linebacker that Carolina presently lacks. He is explosive with nice vary. His play pace and talent to sift via visitors make Hill a real sideline-to-sideline off-ball linebacker. However he may also get into the backfield, as his 15.5 tackles for loss was the seventeenth most amongst all FBS defenders in 2024. Carolina might use Hill as a blitzer.
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
The Seahawks drafted Gray Zabel in Spherical 1 this 12 months, however they might simply return to the offensive line subsequent April. Proper sort out Abraham Lucas has struggled to remain on the sector in Seattle. Maybe the Seahawks will search for extra assist there. Fano is a bodily, heavy-handed blocker who takes satisfaction in placing rushers on the bottom. He has mild ft in go safety and gave up just one sack final season. He has performed each left and proper sort out in faculty and will even slide inside to protect within the NFL. Fano could be an awesome slot in a zone-blocking scheme due to his capability to make efficient blocks in house.
Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, USC*
The Cowboys handed on taking a large receiver early this 12 months, so that they nonetheless want a high-level complement to CeeDee Lamb. Enter Lane, who had 12 landing catches on 43 receptions final season. Lane has a high-end catch radius and sudden motion traits at 6-4, 195 kilos. I simply need to see extra consistency. I used to be in attendance for his three-touchdown efficiency within the Las Vegas Bowl, however Lane had fewer than 50 yards in seven of the 12 video games he performed final season. If he expands his route tree and has a couple of extra huge video games this fall, he might entrench himself because the WR1 of the category.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
With Jalen Ramsey on the commerce block, the Dolphins want younger defensive backs. McCoy makes loads of sense right here as an energetic, bodily nook. He displays nice consciousness and has a fast learn on routes run in his protection. He had 4 interceptions and eight go breakups final season, so the ball abilities are there, too. McCoy could possibly be CB1 subsequent 12 months if his recreation continues to ascend.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State
I really had Dennis-Sutton on this train a 12 months in the past, however he determined to return for his senior season as an alternative of getting into the 2025 draft. The Cardinals have boosted their defensive entrance this offseason, and Dennis-Sutton could be a continuation of that. He flashed in 2024, with 15 tackles for loss (thirteenth amongst FBS defensive linemen) and eight.5 sacks. Dennis-Sutton will look to construct on a dynamite School Soccer Playoff semifinal efficiency towards Notre Dame (six tackles, two sacks, a pick-six and a compelled fumble).
LT Overton, DT, Alabama
Positive, the Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon this 12 months, however you may by no means have too many defensive tackles. Cameron Heyward shall be 37 getting into the 2026 season; the defensive position might see some turnover. Overton matches what the Steelers have regarded for up to now, because the 6-5 283-pounder can play off the sting or scale back inside. His 13.4% strain charge at defensive sort out final season was second greatest within the FBS. He most likely would have been a top-60 choose had he declared for the 2025 draft, however Overton has the chance to spice up his inventory much more — particularly if he can enhance his sack complete (two final season).
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
The Bears did not handle operating again till the seventh spherical final week (Kyle Monangai), so that they could possibly be in search of D’Andre Swift‘s successor in 2026. Their 4.0 yards per rush tied for third worst within the NFL final season. Love was electrical for the Irish in 2024, averaging 6.9 yards per carry (tenth greatest within the FBS) en path to 1,125 speeding yards and 17 speeding touchdowns. He additionally had 237 receiving yards. He is an explosive strider, and his physique management permits him to suit his 6-foot, 206-pound body via coin-slot-sized operating lanes.
A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State*
The Vikings have loads of questions at nook, save for lately prolonged Byron Murphy Jr. They did not choose one this 12 months, so it could possibly be the place they aim instantly in 2026. Harris thrived in his first season at Penn State after transferring from Georgia, displaying straightforward vertical pace and change-of-direction capability. He attaches in man protection but additionally reveals consolation in zone. Scouts simply need to see extra ball manufacturing, as he had just one interception in 2024.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*
Tate is subsequent in line out of Ohio State’s extensive receiver manufacturing facility and could be a superb addition for Denver to assist quarterback Bo Nix. He’s a easy, efficient-moving receiver who had 52 receptions for 733 yards and 4 touchdowns final season because the Buckeyes’ WR3. With Emeka Egbuka off to the NFL, Tate has an opportunity to step up his manufacturing and additional present his dependability as a go catcher and route runner.
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Carnell Tate comes up with a phenomenal diving catch for an OSU TD
Will Howard goes deep to Carnell Tate for a 25-yard diving landing reception for Ohio State.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*
Many thought the Bucs would discover Lavonte David‘s successor early within the 2025 draft, however that place continues to be open. Allen is a affected person second-level defender who quarterbacked one of many nation’s greatest defenses final season. He is an aggressive hitter who can fill gaps in a rush coming downhill towards the run. However I might prefer to see higher consciousness in go protection.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
The Texans have massively overturned their line after a disappointing 2024, and there is a good likelihood that overhaul will proceed into 2026. I appreciated the Aireontae Ersery choose final week, however Houston has a whole lot of work to do in bettering C.J. Stroud‘s safety. Mauigoa considerably improved at proper sort out final season, not giving up a sack. The 6-6 315-pounder can management blockers on the level of assault. And whereas there may be appreciable debate amongst scouts about whether or not Mauigoa is a sort out or guard within the NFL, Houston wants a lift at each spots.
Nic Anderson, WR, LSU*
There aren’t many clear prime choices on this receiver class proper now, however I am projecting an enormous season from Anderson. That may put him within the first-round combine. After setting the Oklahoma freshman landing receptions document in 2023 (10), he performed in just one recreation in 2024 due to a quad harm after which transferred to LSU. Enjoying with Nussmeier at quarterback will assist his profile. The Chargers might put collectively a strong group of younger receivers in Anderson, Ladd McConkey, Tre Harris and Quentin Johnston.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
After buying and selling up for his or her future QB earlier on this mock draft, the Rams can use this choose on the successor for proper sort out Rob Havenstein, who shall be 33 and a free agent in 2026. Lomu’s recreation facilities on his energy profile and extensive physique, which he makes use of to generate motion on the level of assault. He might nonetheless add weight to his body (6-6, 304 kilos) and is anticipated to make a significant leap in his second faculty season. His taking part in type, construct and development are harking back to Colts left sort out Bernhard Raimann.
DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado*
Inexperienced Bay went all-in on offense via the primary two days of the 2025 draft, so outdoors cornerback continues to be on its listing of wants. We do not know whether or not Jaire Alexander will stick to the Packers but, too. However McKinney would increase the unit. He has an extended and slender construct at 6-2, 190 kilos, which permits him to excel in press protection. Enjoying reverse Travis Hunter final season, he wasn’t afraid to play the ball within the air, ending with 10 go breakups and three interceptions.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
The Bengals surprisingly didn’t handle defensive sort out on this 12 months’s draft, so it looms as an enormous want getting into 2026. They want somebody with Banks’ nice 6-6, 325-pound dimension in the course of the road. He confirmed flashes final season, and if he can proceed to progress in 2025 and enhance his sack complete (4.5), he has the traits to be a top-20 choose.
Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon*
Edge rusher is a transparent weak spot on the Commanders’ roster. Uiagalelei took a significant step ahead as a sophomore in 2024, with 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. At 6-5 and 270 kilos, he’s a flexible edge rusher who already has a longtime repertoire of pass-rush strikes. Coach Dan Quinn would love having him speeding the passer in D.C.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson*
At 5-11 and 180 kilos, Terrell is smaller than older brother A.J., who performs nook for the Falcons. However Avieon Terrell is a pest for opposing receivers, as his 11 go breakups tied for the fifteenth most within the FBS final season. The loaded Clemson defensive entrance ought to deliver a whole lot of strain this season, which might result in extra interceptions for Terrell (two). The 49ers nonetheless want their Charvarius Ward substitute.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Three of the Payments’ first 4 draft picks this 12 months have been devoted to the defensive entrance, however that should not cease them from including extra. Bailey was a late switch to Texas Tech from Stanford, the place he completed with seven sacks and three compelled fumbles in 2024. He’s most snug from a stand-up place, and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich might scheme him off the sting in Buffalo.
Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
The Lions surprisingly didn’t draft an edge rusher till the sixth spherical this 12 months (Ahmed Hassanein). Aidan Hutchinson performed solely 5 video games final season (damaged leg), however he was nonetheless the one Lions participant with greater than 4 sacks. Howell — who could possibly be an enormous riser on this class — can assist. He spent a lot of 2024 behind Shemar Stewart and Nic Scourton however starred within the Las Vegas Bowl, ending with a sack and an interception.
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas*
Muhammad’s perspective and upside could be an ideal match for Zach Orr’s protection. His 11 go breakups tied for the fifteenth most within the FBS final season, and he did not quit a landing as a zone-heavy nook. Scouts need to see him generate extra turnovers (just one interception in two seasons), however he’ll get alternatives to indicate that progress with Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba now within the NFL.
Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
The Eagles have damaged a few of their draft traits lately. In 2024, they drafted a nook in Spherical 1 (Quinyon Mitchell) for the primary time since 2002. This 12 months, they drafted an off-ball linebacker in Spherical 1 (Jihaad Campbell) for the primary time since 1979. Let’s hold that going with Stowers, who could be their first Spherical 1 tight finish since 1988. Stowers broke out final season, catching 49 passes for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns. His capability to create after the catch is particular, as his 8.1-yard post-catch common was eighth greatest amongst FBS tight ends. He might finally exchange Dallas Goedert.
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Diego Pavia finds Eli Stowers for Vanderbilt TD
Diego Pavia throws a pleasant go to Eli Stowers to increase Vanderbilt’s lead vs. Georgia Tech.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon*
Bryan Cook dinner and Mike Edwards are free brokers after the 2025 season, which leaves Kansas Metropolis’s long-term security outlook unclear. Thieneman is rugged and performs with urgency. In run help, he fires up the alley with aggression and seeks out contact. He additionally makes probably the most of his alternatives across the ball, recording six interceptions and two compelled fumbles in 2023 at Purdue. Now at Oregon, he is anticipated to be a agency ultimate line of protection for the Geese.
