The first month of the 2025 NFL season is in the books and we’re now entering Week 6 of the
The first month of the 2025 NFL season is in the books and we’re now entering Week 6 of the college football season. It’s more than enough time for there to be rising and falling 2026 NFL draft prospects and that creates an opportunity for an early mock draft.
Ahead of the October portion of the NFL schedule, let’s dive into our first 2026 NFL mock draft of the season.
1. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
The most popular pick for the New Orleans Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft would be a quarterback. However, Garrett Nussmeier is having an up-and-down season and LaNorris Sellers still seems a bit too raw to gamble the first overall pick on. So, New Orleans takes the best player in the class. Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. has been dominant this season, generating 19 pressures with 15 run stops (PFF). For a Saints defense that entered September ranked 31st in ESPN pass-rush win rate (22 percent) and 23rd in run-stop win rate, this could be an All-Pro addition for the defensive front.
Related: NFL Defense Rankings 2025
2. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
The New York Jets need hope and a face of the franchise. While the rushing attack has been very productive with dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields, the consistency of this passing game isn’t enough. What Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has shown this season, though, is the ability to tailor his play-calling to the quarterback’s strengths. LaNorris Sellers is a project for a coaching staff to take on, but his physical tools at 6-foot-3 are unmatcheed. He would step into an offense that already has Garrett Wilson, Braelon Hall and a young offensive line with a bright future. This is exactly the situation you’d want Sellers to walk into.
Related: Heisman Trophy Power Rankings Entering October
3. Tennessee Titans: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
In an ideal world, the Tennessee Titans would find a game-changer on offense to help out Cam Ward. The best path in the 2026 NFL Draft, however, will be to take the best player available. That’s Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk. A first-team All-SEC freshman selection in 2023, the Tigers’ 6-foot-5 pass rusher could thrive in Tennessee. It would be a bit of a similar situation to Abdul Carter with the New York Giants, with Faulk freed up for one-on-one matchups on the edge because Tennessee has Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat on the interior. It would transform the Titans’ pass rush, and an improved defense means better field position for Cam Ward’s offense.
Related: Tennessee Titans Coaching Candidates to Replace Brian Callahan
4. Cleveland Browns: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Cleveland Browns front office certainly knows already that neither Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders will become a franchise-caliber starting quarterback. So, general manager Andrew Berry uses the first of the team’s first-round picks on a quarterback who will fit perfectly in Kevin Stefanski’s system. Between his arm strength and ability to read defenses, Mendoza would be able to transition smoothly into this offense.
5. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Quarterback will have to be a consideration early in the 2026 NFL Draft for the Miami Dolphins, given the limitations Tua Tagovailoa has put on the offense in the last season-plus. However, his contract likely buys him another year. So, Miami addresses a secondary that has allowed the highest QB rating in the NFL this year. Caleb Downs is the rare safety worthy of a top-five pick, with a high likelihood of becoming a perennial Pro Bowl selection. The NFL comparisons to Ed Reed are wildly exaggerated, but Downs can be a star.
Related: Miami Dolphins Coaching Candidates to Replace Mike McDaniel
6. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Baltimore Ravens ruling out Nnamdi Madubuike for the season so quickly with a neck injury has to raise some long-term questions about the future of his career. Even if he returns, defensive tackle is a glaring weakness on this Ravens defense. Clemson Tigers defensive tackle T.J. Woods got off to a slow start in September, but he is unquestionably the best defensive tackle prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. He’d be a plug-and-play starter in Baltimore who could help fill a void at a position that is now without Madubuike and Michael Pierce.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
The Las Vegas Raiders opted not to take right tackle Armand Membou, and that decision has already proven costly this season. While Kolton Miller received a contract extension this offseason, Las Vegas still needs another dependable tackle opposite him. Spencer Fano has spent the last two seasons dominating at right tackle for Utah, so there aren’t even concerns about him having to make a Joe Alt-like transition in his rookie season. Adding Fano would be a huge step toward fixing this offensive line.
8. Carolina Panthers: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Carolina Panthers have had a void at edge rusher ever since trading Brian Burns. It needs to be filled early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker, a former 247Sports four-star recruit, offers the ability to win with power coming off the edge and has also demonstrated the ability to set the edge as a run defender. While he lacks the athleticism to become a blue-chip pass rusher at the next level, he can be a three-down player who greatly improves the effectiveness of the Panthers’ defensive line.
9. New York Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
It’s a mini-run on offensive tackles in our 2026 NFL mock draft. Andrew Thomas hasn’t demonstrated that he can stay healthy in the last two seasons, and there’s no long-term answer at right tackle for the New York Giants. Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is a multi-year starter at right tackle. Put him and Thomas together, and now the Giants have two bookends who can provide the front office with a real opportunity to evaluate quarterback Jaxson Dart in 2026.
10. Houston Texans: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
This would certainly be a bit of a gamble for the Houston Texans. Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor is far from being a finished product, with his play ranging from All-American left tackle to adequate. It’s the athleticism at 6-foot-7 and his raw power that lead you to believe he can become a Pro Bowl blindside pass protector in the NFL. Given the state of the Texans’ offensive line, this would be a worthwhile gamble.
11. Dallas Cowboys: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
With Kenny Clark a potential cap casualty ($21.5 million cap savings), the Dallas Cowboys should be snagging a defensive lineman early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks, at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, was one of the best interior defenders in the nation this past season. The size and strength he offers makes him a nightmare to block. Pairing him with Osa Odighizuwa would maximize both players.
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12. New England Patriots: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
It’s time for the New England Patriots to find a No. 1 wide receiver. Drake Maye has all of the tools to be a top-10 quarterback in his prime years, but he needs that go-to receiving threat. At 6-foot-2, Jordyn Tyson offers the prototypical size, route running, and athleticism to be a top receiver in a great offense. He’d fill that No. 1 role perfectly in New England, which helps Maye ascend to that next level of consistent play.
13. Denver Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
The Denver Broncos have one of the league’s best defenses, but the first year of the Dre Greenlaw contract has been a disaster and Alex Singleton might bolt in free agency next offseason. In steps Anthony Hill Jr., the best off-ball linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft. Hill’s combination of athleticism and instincts makes him the ideal player to range from sideline to sideline. In Vance Joseph’s system, Denver would get the most out of Hill, and he could become their best off-ball linebacker in years.
14. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Recovering from ACL surgery has kept Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy out for the start of the 2025 college football season, but he’s expected back on the field by November. There’s no question who is the best cornerback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft when healthy. McCoy would instantly step in as the Los Angeles Rams’ CB1, and with that pass rush doing an outstanding job creating pressure on quarterbacks, he’d have an immediate chance at grabbing four-plus interceptions as a rookie.
15. Chicago Bears: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Ben Johnson is squeezing everything out of this Chicago Bears passing game that he can, but that’s a lot harder to do when you have the worst rushing attack in the league. D’Andre Swift has already proven he won’t be with the team beyond this season, so Chicago needs to be in the market for an RB1. Jeremiyah Love, the consensus top running back in the 2026 NFL Draft class, offers game-changing ability with the football in his hands. He isn’t necessarily made to be a workhorse running back, but Johnson could find a David Montgomery-type RB2 to pair with Love.
16. Washington Commanders: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Jayden Daniels has proven very comfortable checking it down to tight end Zach Ertz in the last two seasons, but relying on a 34-year-old who has been worn down by injuries isn’t a long-term strategy. Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq is who should be Ertz’s replacement. This is a 6-foot-3 offensive weapon with elite athleticism who could thrive working the middle of the field with defenses focused on Terry McLaurin and not letting Daniels scramble away from them.
17. Arizona Cardinals: Makai Lemon, WR, USC Trojans
Marvin Harrison Jr. isn’t proving to be quite what the Arizona Cardinals hoped he would become. What Kyler Murray needs right now is someone who can create separation easily, providing that quick target who can get open and create those passing windows. USC Trojans wideout Makai Lemon has proven to be that guy over the past year-plus, making up for his size (5-foot-11) with route running and quickness. He’d complement MHJ nicely and provide Murray with an excellent trio that includes Trey McBride.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Minnesota Vikings defense is excellent, but cornerback is a position that has continued to prevent this unit from reaching that elite level. That can change after the 2026 NFL Draft. Clemson defensive back Avieon Terrell offers above-average athleticism and instincts, with the arm length to also disrupt passes that way. Plus, he’s a willing tackler.
19. Cincinnati Bengals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
There’s little chance of Trey Hendrickson returning to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2026, and Shemar Stewart has shown why some teams weren’t as high on him as Cincinnati. So, the front office needs to find more pass-rushing help. David Bailey is thriving since transferring to Texas Tech, strengthening his status as a potential top-20 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Related: College Football Defense Rankings 2025
20. Kansas City Chiefs: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Looking ahead to the future of this Kansas City Chiefs offense, they have a chain-mover in Rashee Rice and an explosive weapon in Rashee Rice. However, once Travis Kelce retires, there isn’t really that big-bodied weapon who Patrick Mahomes can oft it up to. At 6-foot-4, Washington Huskies wideout Denzel Boston provides reliable hands, outstanding body control, and a willingness to make contested catches through contact. He would round out the Chiefs’ receiving corps, giving Mahomes one of everything.
21. Dallas Cowboys: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Trevon Diggs almost certainly won’t be back with the Dallas Cowboys next season, and it’s evident this team doesn’t have much depth at cornerback behind DaRon Bland. LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane is thriving in coverage this season, responsible for allowing just 77 receiving yards on 20 targets. He can start opposite Bland and quickly help this Cowboys pass defense get back on track next season.
22. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The Cleveland Browns started our 2026 NFL mock draft by grabbing a quarterback, and now they give him a wide receiver. As with Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate is overshadowed at Ohio State by Jeremiah Smith. Don’t let that take away from how good of a receiver Tate is. His frame, football IQ, body control, and the ease with which he gets open can help Tate quickly become a No. 2 receiver in the NFL.
23. Seattle Seahawks: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
In the absence of Jermod McCoy, Colton Hood has made himself one of the biggest 2026 NFL Draft risers this season. The 6-foot cornerback would likely be the replacement for Riq Woolen in the Seattle Seahawks secondary, hopefully becoming the No. 2 cornerback who could help Mike Macdonald consistently field the best defense in football.
24. Los Angeles Rams: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Inexperience is the only reason Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore isn’t going higher in our 2026 NFL mock draft. He delivered a great performance on the road against Penn State, showing composure under pressure, and he’s a far more effective deep passer than his predecessors (Dillon Gabriel and Bo Nix). Moore’s physical tools are more enticing, too. Sean McVay could build his offense around Moore, and landing on a team with Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua, all while being mentored by Matthew Stafford, is the ideal setup for long-term success.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
After bypassing Jihaad Campbell, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers grab their long-term successor for Lavonte David in the 2026 NFL Draft. Arvell Reese has been playing like an All-American linebacker this season for one of the best defenses in the nation. The athleticism at 6-foot-4 is rare, but unlike former Buccaneers linebacker Devin White, Reese offers better instincts and decision-making.
Related: NFL Power Rankings 2025
26. Indianapolis Colts: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
The Indianapolis Colts have demonstrated this season that the environment already exists for a young quarterback to be successful. Daniel Jones has raised the floor for this unit, but now the team needs to find a ceiling-raiser at quarterback. Nussmeier’s athleticism leaves something to be desired, but the arm strength, touch, and field vision are excellent.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
After bypassing Jihaad Campbell, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers grab their long-term successor for Lavonte David in the 2026 NFL Draft. Arvell Reese has been playing like an All-American linebacker this season for one of the best defenses in the nation. The athleticism at 6-foot-4 is rare, but unlike former Buccaneers linebacker Devin White, Reese offers better instincts and decision-making.
28. Detroit Lions: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
It’s time for the Detroit Lions to find a No. 2 edge rusher to pair opposite Matayo Uiagalelei. The Oregon Ducks edge defender earned first-team All-Big Ten honors last year, and he’s been just as good this season, generating 4 sacks in September. Put him on the opposite side of Hutchinson, and Detroit can have one of the most well-rounded pass rushes in football.
29. Los Angeles Chargers: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia
The Los Angeles Chargers defense continues to play well under coordinator Jesse Minter, but there’s a strong likelihood that he’ll be an NFL head coach in 2026. That will put pressure on the Chargers front office to start investing a lot more into this defense. Georgia defensive tackle Christen Miller would be the perfect replacement for Poona Ford, who left to join the Rams this past offseason.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa
The San Francisco 49ers simply can’t go another year without pouring significant resources into the offensive line. It should start in Round 1, with Iowa offensive tackle Gennings Dunker. Brock Purdy would get an immediate Week 1 starter at right tackle, whose power as a run blocker should also help one of the NFL’s worst rushing offenses improve.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Cornerback is certainly a need for the Philadelphia Eagles, but it’s hard to imagine Howie Roseman straying from taking the best player available. Isaiah World is one of the Big Ten’s top offensive tackles, with the size and athleticism that NFL coaches covet. Philadelphia needs a succession plan behind Lane Johnson, and the opportunity to learn from Jeff Stoutland would help World reach his ceiling.
32. Buffalo Bills: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Based on his play since returning from a myriad of injuries, it’s difficult to imagine linebacker Matt Milano receiving a new deal from the Buffalo Bills when his contract expires. It’s been evident this season how much Buffalo is hurting for high-end play at linebacker. A reigning second-team All-Big Ten selection, Ohio State’s Sonny Styles offers athleticism that can help him be a highly effective three-down player who is just as comfortable dropping back in coverage as he is flying in to stop the run.
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