2026 NFL Draft: PFF releases mock with blockbuster trade for first overall pick

The 2026 NFL Draft landscape took a dramatic turn this week. In response, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus has released a new mock featuring a blockbuster trade for the No. 1 overall pick. 

The New York Giants have slid into pole position due to their prolonged losing-streak which coincided with Brian Daboll’s firing, and all eyes shifted to quarterback-needy contenders. Despite being the top seed in the NFC, Sikkema has the Los Angeles Rams wasting no time, predicting them to send both of their first-rounders to New York in a bold attempt to secure their quarterback of the future.

As you can tell, this 2026 Mock Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Check it out below, and see which big swings Sikkema took for your favorite team and players at the moment.

1. Los Angeles Rams (via NYG) — QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

The Rams move aggressively to No. 1 overall in Sikkema’s projections, using their extra first-round capital to secure a long-term answer at quarterback. Mendoza has played like a true franchise-level signal-caller, showing the traits of a passer capable of justifying this type of trade-up.

With Matthew Stafford approaching the end and no clear successor in place, this kind of bold move makes structural sense for a team ready to reset. Los Angeles likely needed to part with both of its first-round picks to get this done, but the payoff could define the next decade of the franchise.

2. Las Vegas Raiders — QB Dante Moore, Oregon

The Raiders must solve their quarterback situation, and picking at No. 2 gives them a rare opportunity to do so without a massive trade-up. Moore’s accuracy, touch and natural ball placement are advanced for a first-year starter, making him one of the class’s cleanest projections. 

His age and long-term ceiling only strengthen the argument for Las Vegas to pull the trigger here from Sikkema. Whether Geno Smith stays or not, Moore represents the organization’s best path forward.

3. Tennessee Titans — EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Tennessee’s slide in the draft order hurts its flexibility, but it still lands an elite defensive weapon in Reese. His hybrid linebacker/edge skill set means his raw numbers don’t fully illustrate how disruptive Sikkema believes he can be. 

Reese’s explosiveness, leverage and shocking power for his size allow him to win against blockers 60+ pounds heavier. His projection mirrors last year’s Jalon Walker conversation, with some evaluators believing Reese is the better prospect.

4. Cleveland Browns — WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

The Browns may avoid chasing a quarterback with their first pick if Shedeur Sanders shows enough late in the season, opening the door to land a true WR1. Sikkema believes Tyson is a high-end separator both against man and zone, as he’s consistently sitting above the 80th percentile in separation metrics. 

When healthy, he can dominate a passing game as a dynamic, three-level receiver. The risk comes from his extensive injury history, which clouds his draft range but not his talent.

5. New Orleans Saints — EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Sikkema has New Orleans landing one of the most productive and versatile defensive linemen in the class in Bain. Over a two-season sample, he’s posted elite grades as both a run defender and a pass rusher, making him a scheme-proof addition. 

His 6-foot-3, 270–280-pound frame allows him to play up and down the defensive line, something the Saints traditionally covet. Even after a slight slide in the draft order, New Orleans comes away with a premium value player.

6. Washington Commanders — EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Washington’s defensive problems begin in the trenches, and Sikkema believes Howell can immediately help reverse that trend. His shorter arms create debate about his projection, but the production is undeniable, as he’s amassed three straight seasons with pass-rush grades above 90.0. 

Howell wins with burst, leverage and technique, posting win rates north of 19% despite the perceived measurables concern. The Commanders simply need impact players, and Howell provides exactly that for Sikkema.

7. New York Jets — WR Makai Lemon, USC

Sikkema has the Jets landing what he believes to be their preferred receiver style in Lemon, a highly competitive, high-IQ player who wins with quickness and polish. He may not have prototypical size or long-speed, but he consistently thrives in contested catch situations and after the catch. 

His mentality and skill set make him an ideal complement to Garrett Wilson. With New York’s passing game in need of playmakers, Lemon brings the exact profile Aaron Glenn would covet in his eyes.

8. Arizona Cardinals — OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Sikkema believes Arizona must upgrade its offensive line after another season of inconsistency, and Mauigoa fits the bill. He brings power and a mauling mentality in the run game, exactly what the Cardinals want in their offensive identity. 

Though he plays right tackle, his traits allow him to kick inside or potentially stay outside depending on team needs. With uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray’s future, solidifying the line is a necessity regardless of direction.

9. New York Giants (via ATL, LAR) — WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

After trading down earlier, Sikkema still has the Giants landing a polished, reliable weapon in Tate. His route running and hands are already NFL-ready, and his consistency stands out, with virtually no poorly graded games all season. 

Pairing him with Malik Nabers gives New York one of the most promising young receiver tandems in the league. For a team still searching for offensive identity, Tate immediately elevates the passing attack.

10. Cincinnati Bengals — DT Peter Woods, Clemson

Despite investing heavily in the defensive line the past three drafts, Cincinnati still needs more interior disruption. Woods didn’t fully meet preseason expectations, but the high-end tools and flashes remain undeniable. 

Sikkema thinks his combination of strength, explosiveness and leverage gives him one of the higher ceilings in the DT class. Safety Caleb Downs could be tempting here, but positional value keeps the Bengals focused on the trenches.

11. Minnesota Vikings — S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
12. Miami Dolphins — TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
13. Baltimore Ravens — DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
14. Kansas City Chiefs — CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
15. Dallas Cowboys — RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
16. Carolina Panthers — LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
17. Detroit Lions — EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
18. New York Jets (via IND) — DT Christen Miller, Georgia
19. Pittsburgh Steelers — WR Denzel Boston, Washington
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
21. Houston Texans — OG Vega Ioane, Penn State
22. Los Angeles Chargers — OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
23. Philadelphia Eagles — CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
24. Chicago Bears — S A.J. Haulcy, LSU
25. Buffalo Bills — EDGE Joshua Joseph, Tennessee
26. San Francisco 49ers — WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
27. Cleveland Browns (via JAX) — OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
28. Dallas Cowboys (via GB) — EDGE Romello Height, Texas Tech
29. Seattle Seahawks — OG Gennings Dunker, Iowa
30. New England Patriots — DT Caleb Banks, Florida
31. New York Giants (via LAR) — CB Aveion Terrell, Clemson
32. Denver Broncos — LB C.J. Allen, Georgia