The excitement from the NFL Scouting Combine has barely faded, yet a wave of major trades has already disrupted many early projections for the 2026 draft. One of the biggest shocks came from the blockbuster trade involving All-Pro pass rusher Maxx Crosby, a move that has dramatically reshaped how teams are expected to approach the draft. Because of these changes, many previous mock drafts have quickly become outdated. The latest projections now reflect a reshuffled draft board and the new needs created across the league.
### Top Picks in the First Round
**1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana**
The Las Vegas Raiders are widely expected to target a quarterback, making Fernando Mendoza from the Indiana Hoosiers a logical choice for the first overall selection. The young quarterback is viewed as a potential long-term franchise leader. With minority owner Tom Brady closely involved with the organization, many believe he will be impressed with Mendoza’s skill set and leadership qualities.
**2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State**
The New York Jets cannot afford to miss with such a high pick. Arvell Reese of the Ohio State Buckeyes is considered a reliable selection and a strong fit for the team’s defensive scheme. His ability to contribute in all three downs makes him particularly appealing. While players like Caleb Downs and David Bailey are also possible options, Reese’s versatility and overall completeness give him the edge.
**3. Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame**
The Arizona Cardinals could consider trading down, as other teams may want to jump ahead of the Tennessee Titans to secure a top pass rusher. However, if Arizona keeps the pick, Jeremiyah Love from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish offers tremendous value. While the Cardinals need help on the offensive line, particularly at right tackle, Love is rated higher than most available linemen and could become a dynamic offensive weapon.
**4. Tennessee Titans – David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech**
Tennessee Titans could strengthen their pass rush by selecting David Bailey of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. His ability to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage and operate effectively in space makes him a standout defensive prospect. Paired with Oluwafemi Oladejo, he could form a formidable defensive duo under new head coach Robert Saleh.
**5. New York Giants – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State**
The New York Giants need reinforcements in their defensive backfield, and Caleb Downs provides a versatile option capable of fitting into multiple defensive schemes.
**6. Cleveland Browns – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama**
Although some scouts question whether Ty Simpson from the Alabama Crimson Tide deserves such a high selection, the Cleveland Browns may still choose him based on their need at quarterback.
**7. Washington Commanders – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State**
With veteran Bobby Wagner approaching the end of his career and Frankie Luvu nearing the final year of his contract, the Washington Commanders could target linebacker Sonny Styles to strengthen the defense.
**8. New Orleans Saints – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon**
The New Orleans Saints have a pressing need at tight end, making Kenyon Sadiq from the Oregon Ducks a logical choice. In addition to his elite athletic ability, he has significant potential as a developing offensive weapon.
**9. Kansas City Chiefs – Francis Mauigoa, T, Miami**
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to prioritize strengthening their offensive line. Selecting Francis Mauigoa from the Miami Hurricanes would address that need.
**10. Cincinnati Bengals – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami**
The Cincinnati Bengals could choose Rueben Bain Jr. to help replace veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
### Mid–First Round Highlights
The next group of selections focuses largely on teams addressing critical roster weaknesses:
* **11. Miami Dolphins:** Spencer Fano (Utah) strengthens an offensive line that struggled throughout the season.
* **12. Dallas Cowboys:** Cornerback Mansoor Delane (LSU) fills a major defensive need.
* **13. Los Angeles Rams:** Makai Lemon (USC) adds speed to the receiving corps.
* **14. Las Vegas Raiders:** Carnell Tate (Ohio State) boosts a receiving unit lacking depth.
* **15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:** Linebacker CJ Allen (Georgia) fits perfectly in coordinator Todd Bowles’ defensive system.
* **16. New York Jets:** Edge rusher T. J. Parker (Clemson) strengthens the team’s new 3-4 defense.
* **17. Detroit Lions:** Offensive tackle Monroe Freeling (Georgia) replaces departing veteran Taylor Decker.
* **18. Minnesota Vikings:** Defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (Auburn) helps improve the pass rush desired by coordinator Brian Flores.
* **19. Carolina Panthers:** Edge rusher Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) strengthens the defensive front.
* **20. Dallas Cowboys:** Tackle Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) addresses offensive line concerns depending on the future of Terence Steele.
### Late First Round Selections
Teams in the latter part of the first round focus on adding weapons and defensive upgrades:
* **21. Pittsburgh Steelers:** Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) pairs well with star receiver DK Metcalf.
* **22. Los Angeles Chargers:** Guard Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State) replaces departing linemen including Mekhi Becton.
* **23. Philadelphia Eagles:** Cornerback Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) strengthens the secondary.
* **24. Cleveland Browns:** Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (Tennessee) adds needed receiving talent.
* **25. Chicago Bears:** Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas) provides speed and defensive versatility.
* **26. Buffalo Bills:** Receiver KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) replaces some of the explosiveness lost after trading Stefon Diggs.
* **27. San Francisco 49ers:** Defensive lineman Peter Woods (Clemson) fills a potential gap if Jordan Elliott departs in free agency.
* **28. Houston Texans:** Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) provides interior defensive depth.
* **29. Kansas City Chiefs:** Receiver Denzel Boston (Washington) could contribute immediately.
* **30. Denver Broncos:** Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) adds speed and receiving depth.
* **31. New England Patriots:** Offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (Arizona State) prepares for life after veteran Morgan Moses.
* **32. Seattle Seahawks:** Cornerback Colton Hood (Tennessee) helps the reigning Super Bowl champions rebuild their secondary.
### Round Two Overview
The second round continues with teams targeting depth and long-term development. Notable selections include:
* **33. New York Jets:** Avieon Terrell (Clemson, CB)
* **34. Arizona Cardinals:** Caleb Lomu (Utah, OT)
* **35. Tennessee Titans:** Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon, G)
* **36. Las Vegas Raiders:** Lee Hunter (Texas Tech, DL)
* **37. New York Giants:** Chris Bell (Louisville, WR)
* **38. Houston Texans:** Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M, G)
* **39. Cleveland Browns:** Blake Miller (Clemson, OT)
* **40. Kansas City Chiefs:** Chris Johnson (San Diego State, CB)
* **41. Cincinnati Bengals:** Dillon Thieneman (Oregon, S)
* **42. New Orleans Saints:** Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas, RB)
Other teams use second-round picks to reinforce defense and offensive depth, including the Baltimore Ravens selecting receiver Elijah Sarratt, the Detroit Lions adding edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, and the Denver Broncos taking tight end Eli Stowers.
The second round concludes with the Seattle Seahawks selecting offensive lineman Gennings Dunker from the Iowa Hawkeyes.
### Overall Impact
- The dramatic trade involving Maxx Crosby has significantly reshaped expectations for the upcoming draft. Teams are now adjusting their strategies based on new roster needs, unexpected player availability, and shifting priorities across the league. As the draft approaches, further trades and free-agency decisions could continue to reshape the order and create even more surprises.