2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Fernando Mendoza to the Saints, Garrett Nussmeier to the Jets, Plus Landing Spots for Rueben Bain Jr. & Caleb Downs

Four weeks into the 2025 NFL season and the first month of college football, the 2026 NFL Draft board is beginning to take shape. At quarterback, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has surged into the QB1 conversation, landing in New Orleans in this projection, while LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier slots to the Jets as they reset under center. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Oregon’s Dante Moore also crack the top 10 as QB-needy teams look for answers. On defense, Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. continues to dominate the trenches and profile as one of the top non-quarterback prospects, while Clemson’s Peter Woods headlines a strong defensive line class. With early-season injuries, uneven QB play, and shifting team needs, this updated mock draft reflects the volatility of a class still defining itself heading into October.

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Mock Draft Breakdown By Position Groups

2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

1. New Orleans Saints – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Fernando Mendoza’s rise at Indiana has him climbing into QB1 talk. His pocket presence, frame, and arm strength let him attack every level of the field with confidence. While not a dynamic runner, he throws accurately on the move. Paired with Kellen Moore’s system, Mendoza projects as a high-upside franchise QB for New Orleans.

2. New York Jets – Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

The Jets move on from Justin Fields and land Garrett Nussmeier, LSU’s gunslinger. Nussmeier thrived in 2024 after Jayden Daniels, showing NFL-level arm strength and rhythm passing. He excels pushing the ball vertically and extending plays outside structure. His decision-making is volatile, but the upside fits the Jets’ need for a true franchise QB.

3. Tennessee Titans – Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

The Titans add Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., one of the top defenders in college football. Bain dominates with size, leverage, and power, collapsing pockets and holding ground vs. double teams. His versatility to line up across the front makes him scheme-proof. With Cam Ward set at QB, Bain becomes the cornerstone of Tennessee’s pass rush.

4. Cincinnati Bengals – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Spencer Fano gives the Bengals a polished, Day 1 offensive line upgrade. At Utah, he graded as the nation’s top run-blocking tackle in 2024 while showing elite footwork and athleticism. He can play guard or tackle, giving Cincinnati flexibility up front. Protecting Joe Burrow becomes priority one, and Fano delivers a Pro Bowl-caliber anchor.

5. Cleveland Browns – LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina

South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers is the pick as Cleveland seeks offensive life. Sellers offers elite athleticism, big-play ability, and NFL-level velocity on vertical throws. He can generate offense both in structure and as a scrambler. Turnovers and accuracy remain concerns, but his dual-threat skill set gives the Browns a high-upside QB gamble.

6. New York Giants – Francis Mauigoa, OT/OG, Miami

The Giants fix their offensive line with Miami’s Francis Mauigoa. A five-star recruit and two-year starter, Mauigoa brings violent hands, explosive power, and ideal guard versatility. His twitchy lower half helps in both gap and zone schemes. Though speed rushers can stress his range, Mauigoa is a plug-and-play NFL starter at guard or tackle.

7. Miami Dolphins – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is the most complete safety in the 2026 class. Miami ranks near the bottom in coverage, making his versatility invaluable. Downs thrives as a deep safety, nickel defender, and box presence with elite football IQ. While interceptions are limited, his tackling, instincts, and leadership project Pro Bowl potential early in his career.

8. Carolina Panthers – Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham fills Carolina’s glaring pass-rush void. At 6’3”, 248, Barham flashes Micah Parsons-style versatility, rushing from both linebacker and edge alignments. His speed-to-power traits and burst create consistent disruption. With refinement in pass-rush counters and recognition, Barham could be the defensive centerpiece Carolina’s rebuild demands.

9. Las Vegas Raiders – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

The Raiders invest in Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor, one of the most imposing linemen in college football. At 6’7”, 360, he combines massive size with rare athleticism and SEC-tested strength. Proctor projects as a true franchise left tackle. Conditioning and finishing consistency remain question marks, but his upside is among the highest in the class.

10. Houston Texans – Isaiah World, OT, Oregon

Oregon’s Isaiah World gives Houston a needed blindside protector for CJ Stroud. The 6’8” Nevada transfer has elite length, fluid footwork, and displacement power in the run game. He looked strong against Penn State’s defensive front, proving he can handle top competition. Still raw technically, but his upside could push him into the OT1 conversation.

11. Dallas Cowboys – Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk replaces the production lost after Dallas moved on from Micah Parsons. Faulk is a violent, alignment-versatile defender with elite length and power against the run.

12. Chicago Bears – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love adds a home-run threat to Chicago’s young offense. He’s an explosive playmaker with elite top speed, strong contact balance, and three-down versatility.

13. Minnesota Vikings – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Peter Woods is a dominant interior force for Clemson, blending rare athleticism and power. His hand usage, versatility across the defensive front, and natural feel for the game make him a top-tier disruptor. The Vikings land a cornerstone defender with Pro Bowl upside.

14. Arizona Cardinals – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Jordyn Tyson gives the Cardinals a versatile weapon to pair with Marvin Harrison Jr. He’s a polished route runner with deceptive speed, RAC ability, and vertical threat skills. With size and separation tools, Tyson profiles as a future WR1 in Arizona’s offense.

15. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Avieon Terrell, brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, projects as one of the top corners in the 2026 NFL Draft. He thrives in man coverage with fluid hips and competitive instincts, while his tackling ability in the open field sets him apart. A future CB1 for the Rams.

16. New England Patriots – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

T.J. Parker is a disruptive, three-down EDGE with elite strength and violent hands. At Clemson, he posted 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in 2024, proving his high floor as a run defender and pass rusher. The Patriots land an instant-impact starter off the edge.

17. Washington Commanders – Kenyon Sadiq, TE/WR, Oregon

Kenyon Sadiq is a versatile matchup weapon with the size of a tight end and the movement skills of a wide receiver. A natural hands-catcher with RAC ability, he can line up all over the formation and provides Washington with a dynamic seam threat.

18. Denver Broncos – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Makai Lemon projects as a high-floor slot receiver with elite quickness, toughness, and football IQ. He excels at uncovering versus leverage, making contested grabs, and providing a reliable chain-moving target for Sean Payton’s system.

19. Cleveland Browns (via JAX) – Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa

Gennings Dunker is a physical, nasty blocker who brings Iowa’s trademark toughness to the Browns’ front. With guard/tackle flexibility, quick feet, and raw strength, he projects as an immediate starter to protect Cleveland’s new QB investment.

20. Seattle Seahawks – Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

The Seahawks land a versatile defensive chess piece in Arvell Reese. With rare size, speed, and range, he can blitz, cover, and stop the run, though his technique and discipline need refinement. His upside fits perfectly in Seattle’s hybrid front.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

The Steelers plan for life after Aaron Rodgers with Dante Moore, a quick-release passer with natural arm talent and mobility. Moore thrives on timing throws and making plays on the run, though deep-ball velocity and mechanics under pressure remain developmental concerns.

22. Baltimore Ravens – Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida

The Ravens shore up their run defense with Caleb Banks, a 6’6”, 325-pound force with rare length and burst. While he must improve pad level and consistency vs. double teams, his upside as a disruptive 3-tech or nose makes him a high-impact interior piece.

23. Indianapolis Colts – Mansoor Delane, CB, Auburn

With Charvarius Ward nearing 30, Indy invests in Auburn’s shutdown corner Mansoor Delane. Allowing just six catches on 20 targets through five games, Delane’s fluid hips and instincts outweigh questions about size and raw speed. A plug-and-play boundary corner.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Bucs add pass-rush juice in David Bailey, a Stanford transfer who’s thrived at Texas Tech. At 6’4”, 270, he combines length, bend, and power, logging pressures against NFL-level linemen. A natural fit opposite their young secondary investments.

25. San Francisco 49ers – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

With Brandon Aiyuk a possible trade piece and Jauan Jennings headed to free agency, the 49ers reload at WR. Carnell Tate, overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith, is a polished route runner with strong hands and versatility across alignments.

26. Los Angeles Rams – Austin Barber, OT, Florida

The Rams solidify their offensive line with Austin Barber, an experienced SEC tackle with length and athleticism. While he plays high at times, Barber’s mobility and hand usage make him a strong fit in Sean McVay’s zone scheme.

27. Dallas Cowboys (via GB) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Dallas adds a potential CB1 in Jermod McCoy, who led the SEC in interceptions and PBUs before an ACL injury. A long, instinctive zone corner with press ability, McCoy projects as a future starter once healthy.

28. Kansas City Chiefs – Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

The Chiefs grab Matayo Uiagalelei, a versatile pass rusher with prototypical length and athleticism. Though his pass-rush arsenal is raw, his upside as a multi-front edge makes him a strong developmental fit in Kansas City.

29. Los Angeles Chargers – Domonique Orange, IDL, Iowa State

At 6’4”, 325, Domonique Orange is a powerful space-eater with surprising athleticism. While his technique and length need refinement, his explosiveness gives the Chargers a disruptive rotational piece on the interior.

30. Detroit Lions – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

The Lions add Colton Hood, a competitive press-man corner with ball skills and return ability. His physicality and instincts fit Detroit’s scheme, though tackling consistency and long speed remain areas for growth.

31. Philadelphia Eagles – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Eagles secure a big-bodied X receiver in Denzel Boston. At 6’4”, 209, he wins with catch radius, body control, and contested-catch ability, giving Philly another red-zone weapon alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

32. Buffalo Bills – A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State

Buffalo invests in Penn State’s A.J. Harris, a fluid, physical corner with scheme versatility. While not an elite athlete, his instincts, toughness in press-man, and run support ability make him an immediate contributor.