2026 NFL Mock Draft: ESPN reveals new first-round mock after Week 8 of college football

With the 2025 college football season already past the halfway point, and the current NFL season not that far behind, ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid took the opportunity to overhaul his projection of how the 2026 NFL Draft could play out next April.

Of course, with 11 weeks left in the NFL regular season, plenty of things can change, including the projected draft order, which is based on the league’s current standings. And since college football players have until mid-January to formally declare their intention to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, any inclusion of underclassmen in this mock is mere speculation at this point. But that’s what makes it fun, right?

In the meantime, check out ESPN’s updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft after Week 8 of the 2025 college football season:

1. New York Jets: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Given the franchise’s decades-long issues at quarterback, this is a no-brainer, especially if the winless Jets ultimately secure the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft. And given what he’s already accomplished this season, including a FBS-best 21 passing touchdowns and 191.01 quarterback rating, Mendoza is making a strong case to be the top quarterback off the board in April.

ESPN: “Mendoza is a decisive pocket passer who has impressed this season after transferring to Indiana from Cal. … His ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that is predicated on timing and accuracy.”

2. Baltimore Ravens: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

While it’s unlikely the Ravens will have this high of a pick, especially once star QB Lamar Jackson returns following the Week 7 bye, it’s clear they could use a pass rusher of Bain’s talent level. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Hurricanes EDGE currently ranks eighth in the FBS with 24 pressures and has the elite athleticism to play all along the defensive line at the next level.

ESPN: “Baltimore desperately needs someone who can generate pressure up front, and Bain has a strong argument for being the best defensive lineman in the country. … His hand power and knockback strength would immediately boost a Ravens defense that needs playmakers.”

3. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Much like the Jets above, the Browns’ annual search for a franchise quarterback is expected to continue in 2026 after settling on rookie third-round pick Dillon Gabriel at QB. And while there’s no guarantee Moore, a redshirt sophomore, will leave after just one season as Oregon’s starter, he’s proven himself more than capable of making the jump with a 72.3 completion percentage that ranks seventh nationally.

ESPN: “Moore was surging up draft boards prior to an underwhelming performance against Indiana, but he is a calm distributor with the arm strength to get the ball to all three levels of the field. … The Browns have plenty of questions of their own under center, as rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders haven’t established themselves as long-term options.”

4. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

After selecting franchise QB Cam Ward at No. 1 overall in the 2025 draft, the Titans will likely be looking for his defensive counterpart with their first pick in 2026. And while the 6-foot-6, 270-pound Faulk has managed just two sacks through the first seven games this season, his talent off the edge — especially as a run-stuffer — is unmatched in this draft class.

ESPN: “The Titans took care of the quarterback need in the 2025 draft by picking Cam Ward, but they still have a ton of needs around him and on the other side of the ball in 2026. Edge rusher is near the top of the list, and the 6-6, 270-pound Faulk is an NFL-ready run defender who continues to show flashes as a pass rusher.”

5. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

While the Dolphins face a potentially transformational offseason, especially if the team opts to move on from head coach Mike McDaniel and QB Tua Tagovailoa, it’s clear Miami has a serious deficit in the backend of its defensive secondary. Considered one of the best defensive players in college football, Downs would be a homerun selection for any team in the Top 5.

ESPN: “With Mendoza and Moore off the board here, we’ll take one of the top defensive players with this pick. The Dolphins desperately need secondary help, and Downs would provide a building block on the back end alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick.”

6. New Orleans Saints: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

After selecting Tyler Shough in the second round last year, the Saints could look to the defensive side of the ball in 2026. And with linebacker a particular area of need, Reese would make a lot of sense in New Orleans. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Reese is currently tied for third in the Big Ten — and 14th nationally –with 5.5 sacks through seven games this season.

ESPN: “Reese is one of the best prospects regardless of position, and there will be debates on whether he’s best suited as an edge rusher or an off-ball linebacker at the next level. The Saints need help in both areas, and Reese is a versatile game wrecker.” 

7. New York Giants: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

After securring its newest franchise QB in 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart, the Giants would be well served to build up support around him moving forward. That includes adding a few more offensive options, and Tyson certainly fits that bill. Tyson currently leads the Big 12 with 628 yards on 57 receptions and eight touchdowns this season.

ESPN: “Jaxson Dart is showing signs of being the Giants’ next franchise QB, so New York should help him by stocking up on playmakers. With Malik Nabers expected (back) in time for the 2026 season, drafting Tyson would give Dart another security blanket and a potent one-two punch at wide receiver.”

8. Arizona Cardinals: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Given their repeated injuries this season, especially at running back, the Cardinals could have a lot of holes to fill this offseason. But with Kyler Murray entrenched at QB, providing him better protection will be key. That’s where the 6-foot-6, 300-pound Fano fits in. Fano has been an anchor at left tackle for the Utes, which are second in the Big 12 with just six sacks allowed all season, one by Fano.

ESPN: “Fano is a punishing run blocker who generates movement with ease. He has allowed only two pressures all season and is an extremely effective, quick-footed pass protector who can mirror edge rushers. Fano and Paris Johnson Jr. could serve as a talented pair of bookends for that Arizona line.”

9. Las Vegas Raiders: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

The Raiders went through a bit of a roster overhaul this past offseason, and that included trading for veteran QB Geno Smith. But given his NFL-leading 10 interceptions this season, a change at QB could be coming. And while Sellers’ 2025 season hasn’t gone how anyone expected, his intangibles and elite physical traits have made him a likely Top 10 pick, and a fit in Las Vegas.

ESPN: “Vegas could be on the hunt for another signal-caller, and the 6-3, 240-pound Sellers is intriguing. The skill set is awesome. But there are mixed opinions on Sellers, who has struggled in South Carolina’s disappointing offense (this season).”

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Much like Sellers above, Woods has been a supreme disappointment — as has the entire Clemson football team — this season. Still, the former five-star product still has all the physical traits NFL teams covet from a down-lineman, and the Bengals would be wise to rush to the podium if the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Woods is still available at No. 10 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

ESPN: “Cincinnati took edge rusher Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 draft, and Woods could pair with him as a difference-maker on the inside as the Bengals build toward the future. Woods has only 0.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss this season, but his high-end traits should translate into an impact player at the next level.”

ESPN’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft, pick Nos. 11-32:

11. Houston Texans: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
12. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
13. Carolina Panthers: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
15. Washington Commanders: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
16. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
17. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
18. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
19. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
20. Detroit Lions: LT Overton, DL, Alabama
21. Los Angeles Chargers: A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
22. New England Patriots: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
23. Denver Broncos: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
24. Los Angeles Rams: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
25. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
26. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
27. Philadelphia Eagles: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
28. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
29. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
31. Indianapolis Colts: Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Missouri
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M