Just one game remains in the 2025 NFL season. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will face off in Super Bowl 60 to determine which team is able to emerge with the Lombardi Trophy in a Super Bowl 49 rematch.
What about the rest of the teams around the NFL? They have shifted their focus to the offseason and have begun preparing for free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.
The top of the 2026 NFL Draft could end up being unpredictable. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is a near-lock to be the No. 1 overall selection, but Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s return to school has thrown the remainder of the top five into flux.
Will the New York Jets go with a defensive talent at No. 2 with Moore off the board? If so, players like Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey will draw attention. Should the Jets want to continue building up their offense, they could roll with receiving weapons like Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson or even Makai Lemon.
There are a few other blue-chip stars who play at lower-value positions that could interest the Jets. Notably, running back Jeremiyah Love and safety Caleb Downs could draw consideration as the team looks to improve in all facets of the game.
How could the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft look? Below are the latest expert projections with both the first-round order and the draft pool largely set.
2026 NFL mock draft roundup: Round 1
Here’s how the first 32 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft could unfold, according to draft experts from CBS Sports, NFL Media, The Athletic and Yahoo Sports as Super Bowl 60 draws nearer.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
- CBS Sports (Blake Brockermeyer): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
- NFL Media (Eric Edholm): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
- The Athletic (Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
- Yahoo Sports (Charles McDonald and Nate Tice): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Yahoo Sports: ‘Mendoza is a clean operator whose sheer professionalism could lift the floor up for a franchise that’s been in the doldrums for oh so long. Mendoza is accurate, has good size, moves well in the pocket, and constantly finds the right answer from the pocket (he’s already a standout in situations like third down, the red zone and two-minute drives). He’s not an overwhelming athlete, but can create and scramble for yards when things go astray.’
2. New York Jets
- CBS Sports: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State
- NFL Media: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State
- The Athletic: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State
- Yahoo Sports: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami (FL)
NFL Media: ‘Reese is far from a finished product, and there will be pressure on the Jets to weaponize him early, but if they’re patient, he could become a forceful pressure player and eventual game-changer.’
3. Arizona Cardinals
- CBS Sports: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
- NFL Media: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
- The Athletic: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
- Yahoo Sports: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
CBS Sports: ‘Francis Mauigoa excelled during the Hurricanes’ playoff run and has been a model of consistency over the past two seasons at right tackle. He’s thickly built with excellent power and can move defenders against their will in the run game. He’s above average in pass protection with good technique and the feet to play in space.’
4. Tennessee Titans
- CBS Sports: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami (FL)
- NFL Media: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- The Athletic: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- Yahoo Sports: Arvell Reese, edge, Ohio State
The Athletic: ‘The Titans could go edge at No. 4 (Texas Tech’s David Bailey), but everything in GM Mike Borgonzi’s world right now has to be about helping quarterback Cam Ward. There are spots in need of upgrades all over the place, but the Titans are pretty desperate for a true WR1.’
5. New York Giants
- CBS Sports: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
- NFL Media: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- The Athletic: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- Yahoo Sports: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
NFL Media: ‘Don’t rule out an offensive lineman here, but Lemon and Malik Nabers could be an excellent duo for Jaxson Dart and a new Giants offense. Lemon is a tough, competitive, yards-after-catch specialist who’ll fit a hard-nosed John Harbaugh team.’
6. Cleveland Browns
- CBS Sports: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- NFL Media: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
- The Athletic: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
- Yahoo Sports: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Yahoo Sports: ‘Cleveland has to rebuild its offensive line, no matter who is the head coach of this team next season. The Browns are getting a little old up front (and, frankly, bad) so it’s time to add talent at offensive tackle. Spencer Fano has the ability to start right away with long-term development upside that the Browns need.’
7. Washington Commanders
- CBS Sports: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
- NFL Media: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
- The Athletic: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
- Yahoo Sports: David Bailey, edge, Texas Tech
CBS Sports: ‘David Bailey is a natural edge rusher with the ability to win with speed and exceptional quickness in tight spaces. He’s a dynamic player who can wreck a game and has shown improvement against the run.’
8. New Orleans Saints
- CBS Sports: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- NFL Media: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- The Athletic: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- Yahoo Sports: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
NFL Media: ‘The Saints don’t need to splurge for a back this early, but Love might be too good to pass up. Kellen Moore thrived with a balanced Eagles attack in 2024, and he could add a terrific playmaker to a budding offense behind Tyler Shough. Imagine Love’s spin moves on the Superdome turf – it could be electric.’
9. Kansas City Chiefs
- CBS Sports: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
- NFL Media: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami (FL)
- The Athletic: Rueben Bain Jr., edge, Miami (FL)
- Yahoo Sports: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Athletic: ‘Miami led the nation in sacks, and Bain was an offense-wrecking machine. He frequently drew double teams, yet still finished with 9.5 sacks and 83 total pressures, according to PFF. Lined up alongside Chris Jones, Bain immediately would revitalize the Chiefs’ slumping defense.’
10. Cincinnati Bengals
- CBS Sports: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- NFL Media: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- The Athletic: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
- Yahoo Sports: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
CBS Sports: ‘The Bengals’ defense, especially the secondary, had a rough season, but help is on the way. Caleb Downs is a high-IQ leader who excels in both phases. He can erase tight ends, play in the box as a run stuffer and is an excellent tackler in space.’
11. Miami Dolphins
- CBS Sports: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- NFL Media: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
- The Athletic: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- Yahoo Sports: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Yahoo Sports: ‘McCoy is still in the running to be the first cornerback selected despite not playing this season due to a knee injury. The Dolphins could draft any position and it would make sense, but they could use a young cornerback with some pedigree.’
12. Dallas Cowboys
- CBS Sports: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- NFL Media: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- The Athletic: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- Yahoo Sports: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
NFL Media: ‘It won’t shock me if Styles ends up going higher than this come April, even if off-ball linebackers don’t tend to come off the board in the top 10 very often in this era. Styles is a prospect bursting with upside and potential – and one of my favorite players in the entire class.’
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- CBS Sports: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- NFL Media: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- The Athletic: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- Yahoo Sports: Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
CBS Sports: ‘[Simpson] has a strong arm, can hit every area of the field with velocity and touch and processes quickly with strong anticipation. Experience will be his biggest hurdle.’
14. Baltimore Ravens
- CBS Sports: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
- NFL Media: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
- The Athletic: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
- Yahoo Sports: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
The Athletic: ‘A big, powerful athlete with quick hands and plenty of grit in the run game, Ioane played both guard spots, right tackle and even a bit of center at Penn State. One of the few consistent bright spots for the Nittany Lions this season, Ioane just feels like a Raven.’
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- CBS Sports: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
- NFL Media: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- The Athletic: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
- Yahoo Sports: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
Yahoo Sports: ‘Allen has been a steadying force for Georgia’s defense ever since he stepped on the field as a freshman. He has intangibles and a well-rounded game that would fit in Todd Bowles’ defense. And really any defense, to be fair.’
16. New York Jets (via Colts)
- CBS Sports: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
- NFL Media: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- The Athletic: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- Yahoo Sports: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
NFL Media: ‘The Jets probably can’t afford to get out of Round 1 without some offensive firepower, and Tyson brings it. He’s a splash-play machine and a deep threat, although his injury history could be a limiting factor.’
17. Detroit Lions
- CBS Sports: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
- NFL Media: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
- The Athletic: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
- Yahoo Sports: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Athletic: ‘The Lions’ offensive line could use a youth infusion, and Lomu, more than any of the other available offensive tackles, would fit perfectly with what Dan Campbell wants. He is durable (800 snaps at left tackle last season) and allowed only two quarterback hits all year, according to PFF. It’s possible he could step in at guard before shifting outside, if required.’
18. Minnesota Vikings
- CBS Sports: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
- NFL Media: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
- The Athletic: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre
- Yahoo Sports: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
NFL Media: ‘We don’t yet know if Harrison Smith will return for another season, but either way, the Vikings must upgrade at safety. I’ll bet Brian Flores will love watching the highly impactful McNeil-Warren meet ball-carriers and make plays all over the field.’
19. Carolina Panthers
- CBS Sports: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- NFL Media: Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn
- The Athletic: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
- Yahoo Sports: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Yahoo Sports: ‘Woods could go much higher than this, or much lower. His flashes are as good as any defensive player in this draft class, but he had a maddeningly inconsistent year on an underwhelming Clemson team. The Panthers need to continue to add needle-movers to their defense and if Woods reaches his ceiling, the Panthers could have a monster front with Woods and Derrick Brown.’
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
- CBS Sports: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
- NFL Media: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- The Athletic: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- Yahoo Sports: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
The Athletic: ‘Cisse was known as one of the fastest players in South Carolina’s program last year after transferring from NC State. That’s some serious gas on a team that includes world-class sprinter Nyck Harbor, who has topped 22 miles per hour on the GPS.’
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
- CBS Sports: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
- NFL Media: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- The Athletic: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
- Yahoo Sports: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
CBS Sports: ‘Kadyn Proctor settled in this season and had his best year for the Tide. I’d consider kicking him inside to guard, where I think he can excel. He can maul in the run game and has shown better consistency in protection.’
22. Los Angeles Chargers
- CBS Sports: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
- NFL Media: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
- The Athletic: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
- Yahoo Sports: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
NFL Media: ‘The Chargers don’t mind pass rushers with atypical measurements, and Howell matches the temperament they are looking for, with a violent, urgent play style. This feels like a great match to protect against Khalil Mack’s potential departure/retirement.’
23. Philadelphia Eagles
- CBS Sports: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
- NFL Media: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
- The Athletic: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
- Yahoo Sports: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Yahoo Sports: ‘Freeling has been a big riser over the back half of the college season and might go even higher than this when this cycle is all said and done. He has good size with long arms and a frame that could add even more bulk.’
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
- CBS Sports: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
- NFL Media: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
- The Athletic: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
- Yahoo Sports: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Athletic: ‘Trying to land QB2 in this draft class (whether it’s Simpson or another prospect) should be on the table for Cleveland, either by trading up or sticking at 24 and hoping he falls. If that doesn’t work, though, landing Boston – a big receiver who runs like a smaller receiver (with great ball skills) – would be a fine alternative.’
25. Chicago Bears
- CBS Sports: Zion Young, edge, Missouri
- NFL Media: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson
- The Athletic: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
- Yahoo Sports: Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
NFL Media: ‘Parker’s declined production in 2025 could keep him out of Round 1, but he checks a lot of boxes for the type of edge the Bears seek, with his long-arm rush a difference-making move.’
26. Buffalo Bills
- CBS Sports: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- NFL Media: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
- The Athletic: C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia
- Yahoo Sports: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson
CBS Sports: ‘Explosive on screens and slants, KC Concepcion can break tackles and also stretch the defense vertically. He has good acceleration, separates after the catch and attacks the ball in the air. He’s also a dangerous return weapon.’
27. San Francisco 49ers
- CBS Sports: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
- NFL Media: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
- The Athletic: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
- Yahoo Sports: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Yahoo Sports: ‘Miller is a right tackle with good size, quickness and light feet as a pass protector. His agility would make him a great fit for a Shanahan offense that likes to have its linemen constantly on the move.’
28. Houston Texans
- CBS Sports: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
- NFL Media: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
- The Athletic: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
- Yahoo Sports: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
CBS Sports: ‘Kenyon Sadiq is a fluid mover who runs like a big wide receiver. He catches naturally away from his body, finds soft spots in coverage and is a dependable target you can count on. He offers big-play ability after the catch and is a solid blocker.’
29. Los Angeles Rams
- CBS Sports: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
- NFL Media: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- The Athletic: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
- Yahoo Sports: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Athletic: ‘ACC offenses wisely stayed away from Terrell this year, but that didn’t limit his impact. The younger brother of Falcons starter A.J. Terrell, Avieon didn’t record an interception but broke up nine passes and forced five fumbles. His play is reminiscent of former LSU and NFL star Tyrann Mathieu.’
30. Denver Broncos
- CBS Sports: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
- NFL Media: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
- The Athletic: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- Yahoo Sports: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Yahoo Sports: ‘A long-term linebacker prospect is exactly what the Broncos need and they get a talented one here in Hill. He was injured to close the season, but the Broncos can use his talents here to give them a more complete defense with young talent at all three levels.’
31. New England Patriots
- CBS Sports: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami (FL)
- NFL Media: Akheem Mesidor, edge, Miami (FL)
- The Athletic: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
- Yahoo Sports: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
NFL Media: ‘The Patriots’ first four picks a year ago were on offense, and though they could continue helping Drake Maye, a pass rusher also makes sense. Mesidor fits their needs, assuming his age and injury history are not overly concerning to New England decision-makers.’
32. Seattle Seahawks
- CBS Sports: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
- NFL Media: R Mason Thomas, edge, Oklahoma
- The Athletic: T.J. Parker, edge, Clemson
- Yahoo Sports: Cashius Howell, edge, Texas A&M
CBS Sports: ‘Emmanuel Pregnon is physical at the point with excellent strength and leverage, and he’s also effective as a puller. He can maul defenders and has held up well in pass protection with good hands and a strong anchor.’