Matt MillerNov 19, 2025, 06:30 AM ET
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Matt Miller is an NFL draft analyst for ESPN, offering in-depth scouting on the nation’s high professional prospects. A Missouri native, Matt joined ESPN in 2021 and in addition contributes to SportsCenter, NFL Stay and ESPN Radio. Previous to becoming a member of ESPN, Matt spent 11 years as a senior draft analyst at Bleacher Report.
With the common season of the 2025 school soccer season winding down and the 2025 NFL season practically two-thirds accomplished, I determine this can be a good time to try the 2026 NFL draft and make new projections for the primary 32 picks.
To make clear, there’s loads of time between now and the beginning of the draft April 23 in Pittsburgh. Past the homestretch of the season, some gamers might resolve to go again to highschool, whereas others might surprisingly declare early. We even have predraft occasions equivalent to all-star video games and the mix that have a tendency to change draft boards. And groups’ wants will evolve as they transfer towards the upcoming offseason.
Our draft order for this mock draft is predicated on the standings by Week 11. 4 groups at present have a number of first-round picks: the Rams (from the Falcons), the Browns (from the Jaguars), the Cowboys (from the Packers) and the Jets (from the Colts). However I truly projected two extra trades in Spherical 1 right here.
Listed below are my projections for all 32 first-round picks in 2026, beginning with these couple of trades to shake up the highest of the board. (Underclassmen are famous with an asterisk.)
Bounce to a projected commerce:TEN-NYJ | NYG-CLE
See extra on the NFL draft:Place rankings
Projected commerce: Jets transfer as much as No. 1 general
Armed with two first-round picks and an extra second-round decide in 2026 because of the deadline trades of cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive sort out Quinnen Williams, the Jets are shifting as much as Tennessee’s spot at No. 1 on this mock draft. For the reason that Titans used their 2025 No. 1 decide on quarterback Cam Ward, they could possibly be persuaded to maneuver down and accumulate draft capital to construct round their younger QB. On this deal, the Jets would ship each of their first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 28) and their 2027 second-round decide to the Titans for the highest choice.
1. New York Jets (through projected commerce with 1-9 TEN)
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana*
Jets common supervisor Darren Mougey didn’t load up on draft capital by buying and selling away Gardner and Williams to look at groups decide quarterbacks forward of him. So I had the Jets aggressively transfer up for Mendoza, a pocket passer with nice contact and timing who can carve up a protection with surgical accuracy whereas offering sufficient mobility to execute on the transfer.
Mendoza may not be in Caleb Williams‘ class in terms of top QB prospects over the past five years, but he’s the most effective on this class and the Jets should take swing on the place. Justin Fields was simply benched, and Tyrod Taylor isn’t the long-term reply. Mendoza’s 30 landing passes to 5 interceptions reveals how cautious he’s with the soccer.
Projected commerce: Browns flip spots with the Giants
Just like the Titans, the Giants drafted their quarterback of the long run in 2025 in Jaxson Dart, making them a first-rate candidate to maneuver down. With the Browns in quarterback flux and sporting a number of first-round picks within the 2026 draft, Cleveland would ship the No. 3 decide to the Giants to maneuver up one spot. New York would additionally obtain third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to maneuver all the way down to No. 3.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
The Browns’ many makes an attempt to discover a franchise quarterback have failed, so it’s again to the drafting board. Moore began 5 video games at UCLA in 2023 earlier than transferring to Oregon and sitting behind Dillon Gabriel — whom he’d truly be changing right here — in 2024. Moore has performed with poise and contact this season, finishing 72.8% of his passes for two,190 yards and 21 touchdowns to 5 interceptions whereas exhibiting nice arm expertise.
He isn’t a shoo-in to declare for 2026, given his restricted expertise (15 begins), however Moore’s penchant for making powerful throws from muddy pockets would slot in Cleveland. Moore alone wouldn’t be a fast repair, however matching him with RB Quinshon Judkins and TE Harold Fannin Jr. would give the Browns a younger, high-energy offense.
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Why Oregon’s Dante Moore tops Riddick’s 2026 QB prospect record
Louis Riddick particulars why Oregon’s Dante Moore tops his record of 2026 NFL draft QB prospects.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami*
Not needing a quarterback, the Giants can do the good factor and commerce down to amass extra draft capital. They’ve wants throughout the offensive line, and whereas the 2026 draft class doesn’t align with their want record completely, Mauigoa can be a plug-and-play starter at proper sort out reverse Andrew Thomas. Some scouts see Mauigoa as a guard on the subsequent degree due to his stocky 6-foot-6, 315-pound body, however his skill to create area within the run recreation with energy and people-moving expertise would increase what the Giants might turn out to be with Dart and RB Cam Skattebo. Mauigoa has allowed only one sack all season … which is identical variety of touchdowns he has scored.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State*
For the Titans to get a real analysis of Ward, he wants a go-to receiver to throw to alongside rising supporting gamers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Tyson is the big-play deep menace Tennessee’s offense is lacking, as he has 57 receptions for 628 yards and eight touchdowns this season after catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. At 6-2 and 200 kilos, he doesn’t have hulking measurement, however Tyson elevates to play the ball within the air like a a lot bigger participant whereas nonetheless offering the pace to tear off huge runs. With its younger offensive line constructing chemistry, the most effective factor Tennessee can do for Ward is construct up a forged of younger receivers round him like Cincinnati did for Joe Burrow.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama*
Geno Smith has not labored out in Las Vegas, and a quarterback reboot is coming. Maybe the Raiders could possibly be a vacation spot for a veteran like Kyler Murray or Mac Jones ought to both be obtainable, however Las Vegas can be a first-rate candidate to draft a quarterback ought to one be on the board. Simpson has began solely 10 video games in school, however he’s enjoying with impeccable poise and timing after growing for 3 seasons. The 6-2 208-pounder has thrown 22 touchdowns to only two picks this season. Simpson’s inexperience will should be vetted by scouts, however his instincts and processing are starter degree.
Editor’s Picks
2 Associated
Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State*
If the Saints transfer ahead with Tyler Shough at quarterback, they’ll be left with two apparent wants: edge rusher and huge receiver. Drafting the most effective participant obtainable from these positions is the transfer for GM Mickey Loomis, and Reese is arguably the nation’s high participant this season. He aligns at each linebacker and edge rusher for Ohio State, with 6.5 sacks, 17 pressures and 58 tackles this season. His skill to affect the sport with an explosive first step would deliver a spark to the Saints’ entrance 4 that has been lacking since Trey Hendrickson left in free company after the 2020 season.
Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami*
The Commanders have wants alongside their defensive entrance seven, particularly at edge rusher and linebacker. Bain has three sacks, 40 pressures and a time to first stress of two.58 seconds this season (thirty second within the FBS) regardless of going through fixed double-teams. The 6-3 275-pounder is flexible, with the power to align as a 6-technique alongside the suitable aspect of the protection and as a 3-technique in speedier line of defense packages. With Von Miller nearing the tip of his profession (he turns 37 in March) and Jacob Martin coming into free company, Washington must improve on the sting.
Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn*
Hendrickson will turn out to be a free agent after the season, and his return to Cincinnati is hardly assured contemplating the acrimonious nature of his preseason holdout. Joseph Ossai and Cam Pattern can even be free brokers, leaving the Bengals with wants up entrance regardless of drafting Shemar Stewart within the first spherical this 12 months and Myles Murphy in 2023. Neither has had a lot of an affect, so maybe Faulk might break by. At 6-6, 285 kilos, Faulk is constructed within the mould of Hendrickson with the ability to lock out offensive tackles and the quickness to get to the quarterback. He has two sacks and 24 pressures this season and may rush from the within and outdoors.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State*
Downs is the highest participant on my board and the Cardinals might use a security improve, so this might be a wedding of want and worth. Security may not be Arizona’s largest want — that is determined by what occurs with Murray at QB — however stealing the most effective participant of the draft whereas bettering the again finish is how good groups are constructed. Jalen Thompson will likely be a free agent this offseason and Budda Baker turns 30 in January, so including Downs — who has deep vary and the power to play within the field — would make sense. He’s generally in comparison with the Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton, however Downs is extra bodily as a hybrid security.
Sit up for the 2026 NFL draft
• Early mock drafts: Miller | Reid | Yates• Kiper’s Huge Board | Reid’s high 50 ranks• Draft notes, risers | QB Scorching Board• Greatest by place | Draft order | Extra
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah*
The Rams’ offensive line will should be retooled after the season, as proper sort out Rob Havenstein is popping 34 and set to turn out to be a free agent. Fano, who has performed each left and proper sort out at Utah, is pro-ready with fast fingers and well-developed instincts in cross safety. There are scouts who consider the 6-6, 308-pound junior may be greatest suited as an inside participant due to his lack of elite power, however his quickness and understanding of angles make him a perfect slot in Los Angeles. Doubters of Fano’s skill as the most effective pure sort out within the class must examine his stat line: zero sacks allowed and solely 4 pressures surrendered this season. He’s the kind of proper sort out the Rams can construct the subsequent model of their line round.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee*
Earlier than the 2025 season even began, the Dolphins misplaced their complete beginning secondary from 2024 as a result of free company, trades and accidents. And whereas a number of the new additions have been constructive, this protection might nonetheless use a real No. 1 outdoors cornerback. McCoy hasn’t performed but in 2025 after struggling an ACL tear in January however put sufficient nice tape out in 2024 that scouts nonetheless think about him the highest nook within the class. And whereas the Dolphins might think about a quarterback right here, there isn’t one on the board that might be a severe menace to push Tua Tagovailoa in 2026.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson*
In 2025 mock drafts, the Vikings have been a first-rate candidate to handle defensive sort out early. They selected the free agent route as a substitute with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, however each gamers are on the incorrect aspect of 30. So a necessity nonetheless stays. Woods, who was the preseason No. 1 participant for some scouts, is a three-down menace at 6-3 and 315 kilos. His stat line isn’t a jaw-dropper, with 2.0 sacks and 9 pressures, however he not often loses a rep. In that means, he’s much like Quinnen Williams popping out of Alabama — and he might develop comparable expertise as a 3-technique. The Vikings might additionally have a look at a security to switch veteran Harrison Smith or an additional huge receiver to play within the slot, however getting the draft’s greatest defensive sort out right here can be a steal.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame*
It’s unlikely that Love will nonetheless be obtainable at this decide come April, however we’ve seen groups cross on elite operating backs due to positional worth. I feel Love is likely one of the three greatest gamers within the class and an RB prospect on par with Bijan Robinson or Saquon Barkley. Love can be a dream come true for the Cowboys, whose No. 1 operating again (Javonte Williams) is about to be an unrestricted free agent. A real dwelling run menace at 6-foot and 214 kilos, Love has ripped off landing runs of 98 and 94 yards in back-to-back seasons. His elite endurance and burst are perfect for a zone dashing scheme, plus he has the all-around skill to spice up the Cowboys’ loaded passing assault.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Regardless of getting good worth in including Mike Inexperienced within the second spherical of the 2025 draft, the Ravens nonetheless lack affect cross rushers who can function in area and have solely 15 sacks this season (tied for twenty ninth within the NFL). Bailey, who leads the FBS in sacks (12.5) and ranks second in hurries (55), has been a nightmare for offenses since transferring from Stanford earlier than the season. The 6-3, 250-pound edge rusher wins with quickness off the snap, has sufficient pop in his bull rush to rock again tackles and reveals a relentless motor that results in second-chance sacks and QB hits. After beginning the season as a Day 2 prospect, he has shortly performed his means into the highest 20.
USC huge receiver Makai Lemon, Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. ESPN Illustration
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon*
The decline of Kansas Metropolis’s offense might be blamed on a number of issues, however the lack of an explosive run recreation and tight finish Travis Kelce‘s decreased role are two prime factors. Unless Love somehow falls to this spot, I don’t see the Chiefs going operating again in Spherical 1 — particularly after whiffing on Clyde Edwards-Helaire within the first spherical in 2020 — however they may goal Kelce’s substitute right here. Sadiq’s skill to shake protection and decide up yards after the catch would permit him to thrive in Kelce’s function. The 6-3, 245-pound junior has solely 30 catches this season however has scored six touchdowns.
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State*
The way in which Houston determined to remake its offensive line this previous offseason was met with criticism across the league. The trouble didn’t appear sufficient in defending quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has missed two video games due to damage this season. The Texans must hit on their OL rebuild and will use one other early draft decide up entrance after deciding on sort out Aireontae Ersery within the second spherical in 2025. Ioane is the most effective inside lineman on this class, locking down Penn State’s left guard spot for a lot of the previous three seasons. At 6-4 and 330 kilos, he’s a mauler who makes use of his leverage to clear dashing lanes and hasn’t allowed a sack all season.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC*
Tetairoa McMillan was a terrific addition at No. 8 in 2025, however the Panthers haven’t gotten the identical return on 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette. As quarterback Bryce Younger‘s rookie contract comes to a close, Carolina should take another shot at a young pass catcher. Lemon is an efficient, smart route runner at 5-10 and 191 pounds. He won’t wow you with leaping grabs on 50-50 passes, however he’ll carve up defenses and decide up yards after the catch. Very like Ladd McConkey, Lemon is a quarterback’s greatest pal on beneath routes and supplies sufficient downfield skill to open up the offense. Lemon can be a dream counterpart to McMillan’s skill to physique defensive backs.
T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson*
Aidan Hutchinson is a one-man present on Detroit’s line of defense, which ranks useless final in cross rush win price since offenses are in a position to key on him. Parker is the kind of operating mate we’ve tried to match to Detroit in mock drafts for a number of years now. At 6-3 and 265 kilos, he performs the sting with size and power which can be pro-caliber, which led to 11.0 sacks as a sophomore in 2024. Whereas he has solely 2.0 sacks this season as offenses slide to cease him, Parker’s effort and upper-body power are precisely what Detroit wants reverse Hutchinson in a 4-3 scheme.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State*
The Steelers might flip a coin to resolve whether or not to draft a quarterback or huge receiver, as each are of equal want. Quarterback can be the perfect decide, however the Steelers wouldn’t be in vary for a starting-caliber prospect right here and would seemingly add a veteran in free company if Aaron Rodgers retires or doesn’t return. That leaves huge receiver, a place the Steelers have traditionally drafted very nicely. Buying and selling for DK Metcalf gave Pittsburgh a real WR1, however the group now wants a WR2. At 6-3 and 195 kilos, Tate has the vertical skill to win excessive and make performs on 50-50 passes. Extra importantly, he has succeeded within the No. 2 function subsequent to celebrity sophomore Jeremiah Smith. Tate has seven touchdowns on 39 receptions this season.
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah*
After buying and selling as much as draft Moore, the Browns might use their subsequent first-round decide to guard him. Lomu, a redshirt sophomore left sort out, has the instruments to play a number of positions up entrance, in response to NFL scouts. That positional versatility might turn out to be useful since Cleveland has to face quite a lot of offseason selections with its line. The Browns have 4 offensive linemen set to hit free company, they usually’ve cycled by choices at left sort out due to accidents and missed draft picks. Lomu’s athletic instruments leap off the tape along with his mild ft and simple restoration agility. It’s straightforward to see a path for him to develop in Cleveland, homing in on a talent set that has helped him permit zero sacks and solely 5 pressures this season.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Jamel Dean has been nice this season, however the 29-year-old will likely be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. That will increase the chance of Tampa Bay drafting a cornerback early. Delane, who transferred to LSU from Virginia Tech earlier than the season, has been the most effective protection nook I’ve seen on tape. At 6-foot and 190 kilos, he reveals exceptional toughness by the route and battles with receivers for the ball. Delane has grabbed two interceptions and allowed a completion proportion of simply 29% when focused by opposing quarterbacks this season. Some groups would possibly flag his shorter than excellent arm size, however Delane has the feisty traits that Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles appreciates in his corners.
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Mansoor Delane comes up with an interception
Mansoor Delane grabs interception vs. Arkansas Razorbacks
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon*
The Chargers want to handle the inside of each traces this offseason — be that at guard, middle or defensive sort out. With the highest inside O-lineman off the board, the Chargers might search for a difference-maker on Jesse Minter’s line of defense. Washington, who strikes very nicely at 330 kilos, would kind a wall alongside 2025 third-rounder Jamaree Caldwell. Each gamers might bottle up the run recreation and nonetheless crash the pocket in Minter’s system. Washington was recognized by scouts as a possible riser within the preseason, and he has lived as much as these expectations. Beefing up the line of defense with a top-20 participant can be a traditional Jim Harbaugh transfer.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State*
The 49ers invested a number of picks within the 2025 draft alongside the line of defense, including Mykel Williams (edge), Alfred Collins (DT) and CJ West (DT). However the 49ers are final within the NFL with 12 sacks, so extra assist is required, particularly at defensive sort out. McDonald, who traces up at nostril sort out for the Buckeyes, has been an elite run defender as a first-year starter but additionally provides pass-rush skill, with three sacks and 5 pressures this season. At 6-3 and 326 kilos, the junior has additionally added 44 tackles by 10 video games, an unreal quantity for a nostril sort out.
Damon Wilson II, Edge, Missouri*
A prized recruit within the switch portal, Wilson arrived at Missouri after leaving Georgia. He has posted seven sacks and an interception this season whereas impressing along with his first-step quickness and use of size at 6-4 and 250 kilos. Wilson jogs my memory of James Pearce Jr. in his athletic profile and is posting the stats to again up that comparability. Dallas might use a participant like Wilson off the sting after buying and selling away Micah Parsons and rebuilding the inside line of defense by buying and selling for defensive tackles Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama*
The Bears might go quite a lot of instructions right here, together with security and edge rusher, however Chicago must discover a long-term left sort out. Braxton Jones was unable to lock down the job and will likely be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, whereas Theo Benedet has had pass-protection points. Proctor’s tape has been up and down due to inconsistent steadiness and leverage, nevertheless it’s uncommon to discover a 360-pound left sort out who can transfer like he does. There are conversations about placing him at guard a la Mekhi Becton, however the Bears want a blindside protector for Caleb Williams. Proctor’s motion skill would slot in seamlessly if he can turn out to be extra constant.
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Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor rumbles his solution to a 1st down
Kadyn Proctor takes the direct snap and hurdles his solution to an Alabama first down.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington*
The Payments have struggled to find huge receivers in free company and the draft, with 2024 second-rounder Keon Coleman being inconsistent previous to being a wholesome scratch in Week 11. At 6-4, 210 kilos, Boston is able to enjoying on the surface and within the slot, making him a enjoyable complement to the speedy Khalil Shakir. Boston’s skill to win 50-50 balls is strictly what Josh Allen must make huge performs in scramble drills. Together with the bodily attributes, Boston has been productive, catching 52 passes for 730 yards and eight touchdowns this season after scoring 9 touchdowns in 2024.
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina*
Generally a prospect’s talent set matches so completely with an NFL group that the match appears inevitable. That’s the case with Cisse and Mike Macdonald’s protection in Seattle. The explosive, fast Cisse has turn out to be one of many nation’s high cornerbacks after transferring from NC State, permitting solely seven completions on 23 passes into his protection whereas selecting off one cross. Devon Witherspoon is a star at one nook spot, however Cisse would steadiness out the secondary reverse him, particularly with Riq Woolen set to turn out to be an unrestricted free agent.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee*
The Titans’ second decide from our projected commerce nets them one of many nation’s most balanced protection gamers. Hood is well-traveled, as Tennessee is his third faculty, however he’s producing Spherical 1 tape with the Vols. The 6-foot 190-pounder has one interception and 11 passes defensed this season whereas permitting solely 5.3 yards per try when focused. With the Titans addressing receiver earlier, Hood would bolster a cross protection that has allowed completions on 70.6% of cross makes an attempt, the second worst within the NFL.
Breaking information from Adam Schefter
Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
The Eagles not often draft for pure want in Spherical 1, choosing gamers who slip by the cracks and could possibly be plugged in future use. That’s the case with Bernard, a dynamic receiver who might assume the slot function instantly and doubtlessly substitute A.J. Brown down the highway. Bernard traces up throughout Alabama’s offense as a runner and receiver; he has eight touchdowns, 48 catches and 676 yards from a wide range of alignments. Whereas he’s constructed like a operating again at 6-1 and 204 kilos, Bernard is an explosive route runner. He has proven powerful fingers in contested-catch conditions and makes use of artful strikes to create area.
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Quarterback Drake Maye is an MVP candidate regardless of a comparatively nameless set of huge receivers. And whereas Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs are viable veteran choices, the group should prioritize growing younger starters. Bell represents the identical kind of bodily mismatch that Hollins supplies. At 6-2 and 227 kilos, most cornerbacks can’t maintain their fingers on Bell. And from the slot, he makes use of his 4.4 pace to run previous safeties. Bell’s growth will embody increase his route tree, however he’s comparable in that solution to DK Metcalf popping out of Ole Miss.
CJ Allen, LB, Georgia*
After addressing a necessity with an offensive sort out earlier in Spherical 1, the Rams might go along with a price decide right here and put Allen in one of many center linebacker spots in Chris Shula’s base 3-4 scheme. Allen is a heat-seeking missile with wonderful diagnosing skill and fast reflexes to pursue the ball. Scouts have in contrast him to Roquan Smith, which is smart given his sideline-to-sideline aggressiveness and pace. Whereas Nate Landman and Omar Speights are doing a high quality job this season, Allen could possibly be a key improve to the backbone of Los Angeles’ protection.
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Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas*
Linebacker Alex Singleton is about to hit free company within the offseason, opening the door for a contributor in the course of Vance Joseph’s protection. Hill has been Texas’ center linebacker since arriving on campus in 2023 and in addition reveals skill as a cross rusher and key blitzer towards cell quarterbacks. There may be debate across the league about his greatest professional place, as some scouts might see Hill transfer to edge rusher full time. However Denver would greatest use him at his present place, letting him wreak havoc on AFC West quarterbacks.
