Jordan ReidJan 6, 2026, 06:30 AM ETCloseJordan Reid is an NFL draft analyst for ESPN, providing in-depth scouting on the nation’s top pro prospects. Jordan joined ESPN in 2021 and also contributes to SportsCenter and ESPN Radio. He played quarterback at North Carolina Central University and then went on to coach there from 2014-18.Follow on X
play0:12Jayden Maiava throws 12-yard touchdown pass to Makai LemonJayden Maiava throws 12-yard touchdown pass to Makai Lemon
play3:37Analyzing the tape on Cashius Howell’s three sacks in a rowSEC Network analysts Gene Chizik and Matt Stinchcomb break down Howell’s elite pass rushing as he gets to the quarterback on back-to-back-to-back plays.
play0:38Clemson’s Avieon Terrell forces a fumble on Bauer SharpAvieon Terrell hits Bauer Sharp as he’s falling and Ricardo Jones picks it up for Clemson.
Stephen A., Finebaum in agreement on No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL draft (2:49)Paul Finebaum and Stephen A. Smith explain why they are currently favoring Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza over Oregon’s Dante Moore as the top pick in the draft. (2:49)
Jayden Maiava throws 12-yard touchdown pass to Makai LemonJayden Maiava throws 12-yard touchdown pass to Makai Lemon
Analyzing the tape on Cashius Howell’s three sacks in a rowSEC Network analysts Gene Chizik and Matt Stinchcomb break down Howell’s elite pass rushing as he gets to the quarterback on back-to-back-to-back plays.
SEC Network analysts Gene Chizik and Matt Stinchcomb break down Howell’s elite pass rushing as he gets to the quarterback on back-to-back-to-back plays.
Clemson’s Avieon Terrell forces a fumble on Bauer SharpAvieon Terrell hits Bauer Sharp as he’s falling and Ricardo Jones picks it up for Clemson.
The 2025 NFL regular season concluded Sunday, which means the 2026 NFL draft order is set for the first 18 picks. We now know the Raiders will have the No. 1 selection. So let’s project which prospect Las Vegas might take and how all 32 first-round picks could play out with a brand-new mock draft.
For this mock draft, we know the order for pick Nos. 1-18 but then used ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) to project the order for Nos. 19-32, covering slots for the 14 NFL playoff teams. Four teams also have multiple picks: the Rams (from the Falcons), Jets (from the Colts), Browns (from the Jaguars) and Cowboys (from the Packers).
Here are my projections for all 32 first-round picks in 2026, starting with a new QB in Las Vegas. (Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.)
Jayden Maiava throws 12-yard touchdown pass to Makai Lemon
Jayden Maiava throws 12-yard touchdown pass to Makai Lemon
After dealing defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, the Jets need to rebuild their defense from the inside out. McDonald would be a great start. He’s a forceful run defender who constantly creates chaos for opposing offenses. His 7.8% run stop percentage ranked second among FBS defensive linemen this season. McDonald can also be disruptive as a pass rusher (three sacks this season) and can push the interior of the pocket.
It could be time for the Lions to develop a succession plan for left tackle Taylor Decker, who will be 32 before next season and struggled with injuries in 2025. Detroit needs young talent on the offensive line, and Lomu is a 6-foot-6, 304-pound redshirt sophomore who is loaded with potential. He improved his consistency in pass protection this season, giving up only six pressures and zero sacks, but Lomu still needs to add strength to his frame to become a better run blocker.
Minnesota lacks young, high-upside players in the secondary, which drafting Delane would solve. He is technically sound with a savvy skill set, which would fit nicely into Brian Flores’ diverse scheme. Delane has the speed to turn and run with targets in man coverage, but his eyes in zone coverage are among the best of any corner in this year’s class. His 27.8% completion percentage allowed was the third-lowest rate in the FBS, and he had 11 pass breakups and two interceptions this season.
Reminder: Pick Nos. 19-32 are based on ESPN’s Football Power Index projections for the playoffs, and the order won’t be final until after Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8.
The Bears’ pass rush was inconsistent this season, as they were 31st in pass rush win rate (28.8%) and tied for 22nd in sacks (35 sacks). Howell would give Chicago a tenacious, energetic edge rusher, as his 11.5 sacks this season were the fourth most in the FBS. Howell’s size (6-foot-2, 248 pounds) and arm length might scare off some teams, but the Bears need a disruptive pass rusher to complement veteran Montez Sweat. Howell would be just that.
Analyzing the tape on Cashius Howell’s three sacks in a row
If there’s a receiver in this draft who would excel in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, it’s Boston, whose 11 receiving touchdowns were the fourth most among all wide receivers in the FBS. He’s a strong-handed perimeter target who wins a high percentage of contested catches and is also a willing blocker in the run game. With Jauan Jennings scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, Boston would fill the void as a bigger-body receiver who’s unafraid to do the dirty work as a run blocker.
Quinyon Mitchell is a foundational player at one outside corner spot, but the Eagles have a void at No. 2 corner. Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo have been inconsistent, while Cooper DeJean is best at nickel. Cisse is a long, active corner at 6-foot, 190 pounds. His dependability in press coverage and awareness in zone would allow him to excel in coordinator Vic Fangio’s coverage scheme. Cisse is a name to watch in the predraft process, as he could be a riser during the offseason circuit.
Clemson’s Avieon Terrell forces a fumble on Bauer Sharp
Avieon Terrell hits Bauer Sharp as he’s falling and Ricardo Jones picks it up for Clemson.
Keep in mind that we have three-plus months until the draft starts April 23 in Pittsburgh. There are still three games left in the 2025 college football season, too. Some players could decide to head back to school before declaration day later this month, while others could surprisingly leave early to join the class. We also have predraft events such as all-star games and the combine, which will shake up boards. And let’s not forget that every NFL team’s needs will continue to evolve as they take inventory of their rosters this offseason and sign players in free agency to fill voids. That all said, this is where things stand right now.
The Raiders haven’t drafted a QB in the first round since 2007 (JaMarcus Russell). They’re in desperate need of a franchise quarterback after the Geno Smith trade didn’t work out, and Mendoza provides a long-term solution for a franchise that has been looking for a QB since Derek Carr was released following the 2022 season. Mendoza’s poise, toughness and accuracy stood out in his lone season with the Hoosiers, as he won the Heisman Trophy while leading them to a 14-0 record. With tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders have building blocks on offense that would help Mendoza thrive right away.
With Kyler Murray possibly leaving this offseason, the Cardinals have a major question mark at quarterback. But with Mendoza and Moore coming off the board, Arizona would pivot to the offensive line. Mauigoa is one of the cleanest evaluations of this draft class as a rock-solid, consistent lineman who stands 6-foot-6, 315 pounds. He’s the model of consistency and would fit as a plug-and-play option on an offensive line that has major right tackle questions. Arizona’s current right tackle, Kelvin Beachum, is 36 and set to be a free agent. The Cardinals’ offensive tackles finished last in run block win rate (69.9%), and Arizona gave up the third-most sacks in the league (59).
The Titans are lacking talent throughout their roster and spent the No. 1 pick on QB Cam Ward last year, so they’re in position to take the best player available. Reese is arguably the top player in the draft. He’s explosive and plays with plenty of physicality. He flipped back and forth between linebacker and edge rusher this season, but I prefer Reese in an edge rusher role in the NFL. He would give Tennessee a talent boost up front to join four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Reese played only 97 snaps at the edge, but his 18.5% pressure rate at that position ranked seventh in the FBS.
It should be the Giants’ main objective to get playmakers around quarterback Jaxson Dart. With Malik Nabers recovering from a torn ACL and Wan’Dale Robinson set to become a free agent after a breakout 1,014-yard season, receiver is a major need for New York. Tate is a polished wideout capable of executing every branch on the route tree. He has sure hands, can separate against all types of coverage and makes plays downfield, as evidenced by his 17.1 yards per catch this season (32nd in the FBS). Tate would provide Dart with a true deep threat who can also work the intermediate levels of the field.
Unless they want to package their two first-round picks to move up, the Browns won’t be able to pick a quarterback. But they do need pass catchers to join breakout rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and veteran wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Tyson is a creative route runner who can make catches outside the strike zone with his strong hands at the catch point. He’s also capable of making big plays after the catch. Durability will be the main thing to watch with Tyson during the predraft process, as he has been derailed by nagging injuries in each of the past two seasons, missing three games in 2025 because of a hamstring injury.
Washington has only two edge players (Dorance Armstrong and Javontae Jean-Baptiste) signed through next season, and both are coming off season-ending injuries. The Commanders need youthful pass rushers, and Bailey was the most productive in the country, leading the FBS with 14.5 sacks this season. He also had 23 tackles for loss, and his 20.1% pressure rate was the highest of all FBS defenders. Bailey’s excellent first-step quickness helps him race past blockers with ease, and he is a rugged defender with a diverse set of pass-rush moves and powerful hands. Bailey’s performance against Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals was one of the best I saw from any defender this season.