2026 NFL Draft: Daniel Jeremiah unveils eye-opening mock 1.0 for NFL.com

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network has unveiled his first mock draft ahead of April’s 2026 NFL Draft. The college football season has come to an end, and now the NFL is taking center stage.

There’s plenty of incredible prospects available, but one who won’t be hearing their name called in a few short months is Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Instead of being a top-five pick, he opted to return to the Ducks for another season, and that’s led to some serious unknown at the top of the draft.

Regardless, the Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock, and Jeremiah’s insight is as valuable as ever. Check out his first mock draft, beginning with Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza heading to Sin City.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

A phenomenal season for the Heisman winner. Mendoza threw for 3,349 yards and 41 touchdowns to just six interceptions. He’ll be the first quarterback taken in April after leading Indiana to a national title.

Jeremiah: “Mendoza clearly distanced himself from the rest of the field at quarterback this past season, culminating in Indiana’s first ever national title. With 39 touchdowns and no interceptions in the red zone since 2024, the Heisman Trophy winner offers the kind of rare production the Raiders can’t pass up.”

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

Reese spent three seasons at Ohio State, playing in a total of 36 games. During that time, he had 112 career sacks, 13.5 tackles for a loss, and 7.0 sacks. He would also defend two passes.

Jeremiah: “The Jets have needs all over their defense. Reese is versatile and athletic. I think he’ll benefit from working off the edge full time after also playing off-ball linebacker during his Buckeyes career.”

3. Arizona Cardinals: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Offensive line will be at a premium, per usual in the NFL Draft. Evidently, Jeremiah believes Fano is the best of the bunch. No matter if he’s protecting Kyler Murray or someone else.

Jeremiah: “The big question is who will be playing quarterback for the Cardinals in 2026, but there’s no clear QB answer for them at this point in the draft. They make a selection that will benefit whoever ends up under center. Fano has the versatility to play four different spots on the O-line (all but center) if needed.”

4. Tennessee Titans: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami 

Mauigoa is brimming with potential. He’s been a huge part of Miami’s offense, led by transfer quarterback Carson Beck. Now, he’ll look to protect another former Miami quarterback in Cam Ward.

Jeremiah: “This offseason is about helping Cam Ward take the next step, and that starts with doing a better job of protecting him. Mauigoa has excellent size/strength and still has room to develop.”

5. New York Giants: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU 

The Giants secondary was a disaster in 2025. Wide receiver seems like a popular route for them to go, but going with the best corner in the draft wouldn’t be too shabby to start off the John Harbaugh era.

Jeremiah: “The Giants could add a receiver later in the draft. It’s a deep class at the position. But Delane would immediately be their most talented cornerback.”

6. Cleveland Browns: OLB David Bailey, Texas Tech

Bailey spent the first three seasons of his college career at Stanford. Then, ahead of his fourth and final college season, he transferred to Texas Tech, becoming an All-American with 19.5 tackles for a loss and 14.5 sacks. For his career, Bailey had 163 total tackles, 42.0 tackles for a loss, and 29.0 sacks.

Jeremiah: “Cleveland should take the best player available here. A receiver could also be in play, but Bailey has the best get-off of any pass rusher in the draft. Alex Wright is a solid edge who signed a contract extension in November, but Bailey is a different caliber of player. Myles Garrett would have some talented running mates up front.”

7. Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Styles has been a major piece of Ohio State’s stout defense over his time in Columbus. This past season he amassed 77 tackles, seven tackles for loss, nine run stops, three pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble and a sack.

Jeremiah: “Styles reminds me of Fred Warner, who was drafted by the 49ers when current Commanders GM Adam Peters was an executive in San Francisco’s front office. Keep in mind that Bobby Wagner is 35 and headed for free agency.”

8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Love was one of the best offensive players in the entire country during his time with Notre Dame, known for his blend of explosive and powerful runs. He’d play in 41 games over three seasons, rushing for 2,882 yards and 36 touchdowns during that time. He also caught 63 passes for 594 yards and another six touchdowns.

Jeremiah: “I love — no pun intended — the idea of pairing Tyler Shough with the most electric playmaker in the draft.”

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

Bain was one of the more feared pass-rushers in all of college football this past season, and for good reason. Kiper has moved him firmly inside his top ten after a campaign where he amassed 64 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 68 pressures, eight run stops, one forced fumble and one interception. 

Jeremiah: “Bain is my favorite fit for the Chiefs. Andy Reid has always had an appreciation for players with a junkyard-dog mentality like Bain possesses, having coached Trent Cole and Brandon Graham in Philadelphia.”

10. Cincinnati Bengals: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

The Bengals defense couldn’t keep up with their impressive offense, and it cost them a shot at the playoffs in 2025. Part of that included letting opposing passers have their way. McCoy could prevent that.

Jeremiah: “Cincinnati needs help all over the field on defense. McCoy missed the 2025 season due to an ACL injury, but his 2024 tape was outstanding. He’s squarely in the mix to be the top CB in the draft.”

11. Miami Dolphins: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): WR Makai Lemon, USC
14. Baltimore Ravens: G Vega Ioane, Penn State
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
16. New York Jets (via IND): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State 
17. Detroit Lions: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
18. Minnesota Vikings: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
19. Carolina Panthers: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
22. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
23. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
25. Chicago Bears: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
26. Buffalo Bills: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
27. San Francisco 49ers: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
28. Houston Texans: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
29. Los Angeles Rams: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
30. Denver Broncos: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
31. New England Patriots: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina