It’s been a long, winding road, but we’re almost there. The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off tomorrow night, and we’ve got another mock draft with a different pick for the Washington Commanders at No. 7 overall. Adam Peters adds one of the top offensive players after using free agency to rebuild the defense.
A pick known for months is now set in stone. Fresh off an FBS-high 41 touchdowns and a national title, Mendoza has the accuracy, decision-making, and toughness to be a Day 1 starter in the desert. It’s going to take a little while for Vegas to get back to relevancy in the AFC West, but a core of Mendoza, Ashton Jeanty, and Brock Bowers on offense isn’t a bad start.
The Jets pass on more polished edge rushers for Reese’s sky-high athletic ceiling. He’s an interchangeable defender with explosive power who can thrive as a cornerstone for New York’s ongoing rebuild.
After allowing 59 sacks last season, the Cardinals have no choice but to fortify the trenches. Mauigoa is a plug-and-play starter at right tackle who provides an immediate boost to their league-worst run-block win rate. Keep an eye on a trade back here.
Tennessee decides to give second-year QB Cam Ward an electric weapon rather than addressing the defense. Love is an explosive threat who averaged one 40-plus yard run for every 21 handoffs last season, making him the most dangerous playmaker in the class.
John Harbaugh finds his Ray Lewis centerpiece for the Giants’ defense. Styles’ combination of size, range, and instincts makes him a rare linebacker prospect worthy of a top-five selection in a Harbaugh-led system.
Bain is a rugged, heavy-handed playmaker who checks every box for the Browns He’s as powerful a prospect to enter the NFL in some time at 265+ pounds and a player that showed up in every big time moment for the Hurricanes over the years. He’s a future DPOY candidate and the pairing here with Myles Garrett could be flat out unfair to counter.
Washington lands the premier route-runner in the draft, and a heck of a complement to Terry McLaurin. Washington has tried in years past to add talent alongside McLaurin in the form of Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, or even the likes of Kelvin Harmon and Antonio Gandy-Golden. Tate finally solves the problem. He isn’t a true burner over the top, but his body control, hands, and nuance in the intermediate areas of the offense will allow Washington to expand what they do through the air.
The Saints keep the top corner in the class in Louisiana. Delane is a polished technician who excels in press-man coverage, providing the Saints with a shutdown option to anchor their secondary.
Bailey’s lethal first step led to 14.5 sacks last year, giving Steve Spagnuolo a unique body type to play opposite of George Karlaftis. Continuing to work on his hand counters and upright play style on early downs will allow Bailey to evolve into a high level defender in short time.
The Giants double down on Buckeyes to fix their secondary. Downs is one of the smartest players I’ve ever have the chance to evaluate, possessing the range and sure-tackling ability to thrive in a John Harbaugh-led defense.
The Dolphins prioritize the trenches with their first pick, snagging one of the most versatile lineman in the class. Fano can play any spot up front, giving Miami a long-term solution for an offensive line plagued by durability issues.
Dallas allowed a league-high in points and big plays last season, making Thieneman a mechanical necessity. He is an elite eraser on the backend who can play the roof of the defense or slide down into run support.
Sean McVay finds a YAC specialist to complement Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Lemon forced 21 missed tackles last season, making him the perfect threat to exploit space in the Rams’ offensive system at all three levels.
Protecting Lamar Jackson is priority number one, and Ioane is the definition of a tone-setter. He didn’t allow a single sack over the past two seasons and will provide a physical presence on the Ravens’ interior. If there’s one player in this class that could be an All-Pro after his rookie season — something that hasn’t happened since Micah Parsons in 2021 — it’s Ioane for me. Heck of a ballplayer.
The league is all over the place on Tyson as it stands. Could he go higher? Absolutely. Are the injury concerns a major talking point for teams? You bet. Does he have potential All-Pro talent? Oh yeah. It’ll be interesting to see where he lands Thursday night.
After adding Reese at No. 2, GM Darren Mougey adds one of the premier weapons in the class in Sadiq. At 245 pounds, the top speed (mph) Sadiq reached in his 4.39 40 at the combine was the same as Lions’ RB Jahmyr Gibbs when he ran 4.36 years ago. The context? Sadiq is 45 pounds heavier. He’s an athletic marvel who will expand the Jets’ offense the moment he steps into the facility.
Taylor Decker is gone and more pop is needed up front for Detroit. While Penei Sewell could make the switch to LT, Freeling has the versatility and athletic profile to play either spot right away. Freeling, an 18-game starter for Georgia, has as good an athletic profile in the class at the position.
The Eagles trade No. 23 and a 2027 4th-round pick to Minnesota for No. 18.
Howie Roseman moves up five spots to secure an immediate starter at right guard, and the heir apparent to Lane Johnson. At 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds, Proctor has unlimited potential and will benefit from a year of development alongside the Eagles’ veterans.