2026 NFL Mock Draft: ESPN shakes up first round, including trades up for No. 1 and No. 2 picks

The 2026 NFL Draft picture is sharpening as teams hit the stretch run. Matt Miller’s latest ESPN mock draft outlined how franchises might navigate a class rich in quarterbacks, premium defenders and offensive linemen.

Per usual, quarterbacks dominate the early storyline, with Miller projecting multiple trade-ups as teams scramble to stabilize the most important position in the sport. At the same time, he spotlights a deep group of defensive disruptors and offensive line anchors capable of reshaping the trenches for years.

While team needs and boards shift weekly, Miller’s mock offers a snapshot of potential outcomes. From elite defenders like Caleb Downs to rising quarterbacks like Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore, the projected top 10 is stacked. Check out his full mock draft below. 

1. New York Jets — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (via projected trade with 1-9 TEN)

In Miller’s latest ESPN mock draft, the Jets make an aggressive move up the board to secure Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Miller notes that GM Darren Mougey didn’t acquire extra draft capital just to watch other teams scoop up quarterbacks, making Mendoza the clear target. 

With Justin Fields benched and Tyrod Taylor not viewed as the long-term answer, upgrading the position became a priority. Mendoza’s 30–5 TD-INT ratio and refined accuracy give New York a much-needed stabilizing force under center.

2. Cleveland Browns — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon (via projected trade with 2-9 NYG)

Miller has Cleveland jumping up one spot in a deal with the Giants to grab Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. The former UCLA transfer has flashed poise, accuracy, and arm talent this season while completing nearly 73% of his attempts. 

Despite limited college experience, Miller argues Moore’s toughness in muddy pockets and natural throwmaking ability give Cleveland a potential long-term answer. Pairing him with Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. could fast-track a young, explosive Browns offense.

3. New York Giants — Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (via projected trade with 2-8 CLE)

After drafting their quarterback of the future in 2025, the Giants trade back in Miller’s mock and build around Jaxson Dart with Miami tackle Francis Mauigoa. Mauigoa’s versatility and people-moving strength make him a plug-and-play option at right tackle opposite Andrew Thomas. 

While some scouts project him as a guard, Miller highlights his power in the run game and steady pass protection. Allowing just one sack all season, Mauigoa gives New York a needed building block up front.

4. Tennessee Titans — Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (via projected trade with 2-8 NYJ)

Miller projects Tennessee moving down and still landing a dynamic weapon for quarterback Cam Ward in Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson. The 6-foot-2 playmaker brings high-end vertical speed and outstanding ball-tracking ability, something the Titans have lacked. 

His production over the past two seasons — 132 catches, 1,729 yards, 18 TDs — underscores his ability to separate and win downfield. Miller argues that surrounding Ward with young offensive talent is crucial for his development, mirroring Cincinnati’s early blueprint for Joe Burrow.

5. Las Vegas Raiders — Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Miller sees the Raiders resetting at quarterback with Alabama’s Ty Simpson, whose poise and timing have impressed evaluators. With Geno Smith struggling in Las Vegas, the door is open for a long-term solution. 

Simpson’s three seasons of development and 22–2 TD-INT line this year show a polished passer ready to run an NFL offense. Though inexperienced as a starter, Miller stresses Simpson’s instincts and processing as traits that translate immediately.

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

In Miller’s mock, the Saints swing for one of the most disruptive defenders in the country in Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. His hybrid linebacker-edge skill set and explosive first step have translated to 6.5 sacks, 17 pressures, and 58 tackles this season. 

With glaring needs at receiver and edge, Miller slots Reese in as the best available difference-maker on the board. He brings a level of juice New Orleans has lacked since Trey Hendrickson’s departure.

7. Washington Commanders — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

Miller continues the defensive run with Washington selecting Miami edge defender Rueben Bain Jr., one of the most versatile front-seven players in the class. Bain’s blend of strength and burst allows him to line up anywhere from a 3-tech to a wide rusher. 

Despite constant double-teams, he has posted three sacks and 40 pressures with elite time-to-pressure metrics. With an aging defensive line and depth lacking, Miller views Bain as a high-impact addition for Washington.

8. Cincinnati Bengals — Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

The Bengals address major uncertainty along the defensive line in Miller’s mock by picking Auburn standout Keldric Faulk. With Trey Hendrickson potentially departing next offseason, Cincinnati needs an edge with power and versatility. 

Faulk’s 6-foot-6, 285-pound frame and ability to rush inside or outside make him an ideal scheme fit. Miller believes he can provide the spark recent first-rounders, like Myles Murphy, have yet to deliver.

9. Arizona Cardinals — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Miller calls Caleb Downs the best overall player on his board, and in this mock the Cardinals happily scoop him up at No. 9. While safety isn’t Arizona’s biggest need, Downs’ combination of physicality, range, and hybrid alignments makes him too good to pass on. 

With Budda Baker aging and Jalen Thompson set for free agency, the timing is perfect. Downs’ style draws comparisons to Kyle Hamilton, but Miller argues he brings even more physicality.

10. Los Angeles Rams — Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (via 3-7 ATL)

Rounding out Miller’s top 10, the Rams land Utah’s Spencer Fano to rebuild their offensive line. Fano has allowed zero sacks and just four pressures this season while showcasing excellent hand usage and instincts. 

Though some scouts see him as a guard, Miller believes his athleticism and mastery of angles make him a natural fit at tackle in L.A.’s system. With Rob Havenstein aging and hitting free agency, Fano becomes the franchise’s next long-term cornerstone up front.

11. Miami Dolphins — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
12. Minnesota Vikings — Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
13. Dallas Cowboys — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
14. Baltimore Ravens — David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
15. Kansas City Chiefs — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
16. Houston Texans — Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
17. Carolina Panthers — Makai Lemon, WR, USC
18. Detroit Lions — T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
19. Pittsburgh Steelers — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
20. Cleveland Browns — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (via 6-4 JAX)
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
22. Los Angeles Chargers — A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
23. San Francisco 49ers — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
24. Dallas Cowboys — Damon Wilson II, Edge, Missouri (via 6-3-1 GB)
25. Chicago Bears — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
26. Buffalo Bills — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
27. Seattle Seahawks — Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
28. Tennessee Titans — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (via 8-2 IND & projected trade with NYJ)
29. Philadelphia Eagles — Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
30. New England Patriots — Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
31. Los Angeles Rams — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
32. Denver Broncos — Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas