2026 NFL Mock Draft: Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Dante Moore Lead Promising QB Class

The 2026 NFL Draft is still months away, but with the 2025 college football and NFL seasons in full swing, it’s time for another projection. Mock Draft 2.1 is a revamped edition that reflects how much clearer the picture has become for all 32 NFL teams and their needs. Throughout the college season, we’ve updated the 2026 NFL Draft Big Board Rankings, giving us a much better idea of where prospects stand and how the class is shaping up.

As usual, I like to start by breaking down the draft by position to provide a clear view of how the first round might unfold based on positional trends and early projections.

• Quarterbacks

  This version features four first-round quarterbacks, one fewer than the previous mock. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, and Oregon’s Dante Moore are all strong candidates to go inside the top ten. The fourth, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, has slipped from early QB1 contention into the late Day 1 to early Day 2 range but remains a high-level prospect with starting-caliber traits.

  
  

• Offensive Tackles

  The offensive tackle class remains one of the strengths of this draft. Six tackles project inside the first round, led by Utah’s Spencer Fano and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa. It’s a group defined by versatility—several prospects can play on either side or even move inside to guard. At the top, Fano and Mauigoa both have plug-and-play potential and project as long-term starters.

  
  

• Edge Rushers

  The edge class is deep and highly productive, led by Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., who has been dominant all season. Following him are Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, and Clemson’s T.J. Parker, all capable of becoming immediate contributors. This group features power, speed, and scheme versatility across multiple fronts.

  
  

• Wide Receivers

  What was once seen as a weaker receiver group has developed into a more balanced and deeper class. Five wide receivers are projected in Round 1, led by Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. While this class may lack an elite top-five talent, it’s filled with polished, high-floor options who can fill WR2 and WR3 roles early in their careers.

  
  

• Running Backs and Tight Ends

  Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is the only running back projected to go in Round 1, bringing legitimate three-down versatility and explosive open-field ability. Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq headlines the tight end group, offering hybrid receiver-tight end traits that fit perfectly in today’s NFL offenses.

  
  

• Defensive Line and Linebackers

  Clemson’s Peter Woods remains the top interior defensive lineman in this class, but several others are pushing for late first-round consideration. At linebacker, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese has risen into top-ten territory because of his versatility and ability to rush off the edge or play downhill from the middle. Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham also fits that modern hybrid mold—an off-ball linebacker with edge-rush potential and athletic traits that mirror Micah Parsons.

Class Overview

Overall, this draft class remains fluid but rich with talent. Once you move past the top 10–15 prospects, there’s a deep pool of players with mid-first to-second-round grades. Expect significant movement over the next few months as the college football season winds down and the pre-draft process begins.

2026 NFL Mock Draft 2.1 — Updated First-Round Projections

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

Mendoza brings NFL size, arm strength, and poise to a Saints offense that needs a true field general. He’s calm from the pocket, accurate to all levels, and confident working through progressions. The physical and mental tools point to long-term starter potential.

2. New York Jets: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Simpson operates best in rhythm, using quick feet and a compact release to stay on schedule. He reads coverages well and throws with anticipation, giving the Jets a steady, timing-based passer who can bring structure to an offense in search of it.

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

Bain plays with heavy hands and explosive power off the edge. His leverage, motor, and advanced technique allow him to win across multiple fronts. Tennessee gets a ready-made disruptor who can anchor their pass rush for years.

4. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Moore flashes natural arm talent and composure under pressure, showing the ability to layer throws with touch and velocity. He still needs refinement with his mechanics, but the upside is undeniable. Cleveland secures a developmental quarterback with legitimate franchise potential.

5. Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Downs is the most complete defensive back in the class. His instincts, range, and tackling reliability stand out on every snap. Miami lands a high-floor, high-IQ defender capable of elevating their coverage flexibility from day one.

6. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

Fano’s movement skills and technical consistency make him one of the safest linemen in the draft. He’s scheme-versatile and rarely loses balance in pass protection. The Giants gain a steady edge protector with Pro Bowl-level upside.

7. Arizona Cardinals: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Tate’s polish as a route runner and strong hands translate cleanly to the next level. He thrives in rhythm offenses and can win both inside and out. Arizona adds a reliable, chain-moving complement to Marvin Harrison Jr.

8. Las Vegas Raiders: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Proctor combines rare size and strength with improving footwork and balance. He’s trending toward becoming one of the most complete tackles in college football. The Raiders secure their blindside anchor for the future.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Reese brings length, range, and downhill power to the Bengals’ front seven. His athletic profile fits a modern hybrid linebacker role, able to blitz or drop in coverage. With improved play recognition, he projects as an early starter and long-term defensive centerpiece.

10. Washington Commanders: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Lemon’s versatility and football IQ make him a natural fit for Washington’s evolving offense. He separates with sharp routes and finds soft spots in coverage, excelling from the slot. A high-floor receiver who can create mismatches across formations.

11. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson

Woods is one of the most dominant interior defenders in college football. His power, first-step quickness, and leverage make him a constant disruptor. Baltimore adds a versatile trench anchor capable of playing multiple spots in its aggressive front.

12. Carolina Panthers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson is a smooth, explosive route runner with true WR1 upside. He creates separation with precision and body control, flashing vertical playmaking ability. Carolina lands a dynamic weapon to help elevate its young quarterback.

13. Minnesota Vikings: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Mauigoa combines rare movement skills with excellent balance and strength. A natural fit in either zone or power schemes, he brings a physical tone to Minnesota’s offensive line. Long-term, he profiles as an All-Pro caliber tackle with Day 1 impact.

14. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Lomu has steadily developed into one of the most dependable tackles in the country. He’s technically sound with the frame and footwork to handle NFL edge speed. The Rams secure a reliable blindside protector to solidify their offensive line.

15. Houston Texans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Love is a dynamic, three-down back with burst and home-run ability. He’s smooth in space and effective as a receiver, projecting as a versatile weapon in modern spread offenses. Houston adds a true difference-maker to complement its young core.

16. Dallas Cowboys: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

Bailey is a twitchy, high-motor edge rusher who wins with speed and bend. He’s improved his strength and technique, becoming one of college football’s most efficient pressure creators. Dallas reloads its pass rush with an ascending, scheme-flexible talent.

17. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Parker is one of the most productive edge defenders in the country. He wins with violent hands, power, and balance, collapsing pockets with consistency. His motor and versatility make him a strong fit opposite Montez Sweat in Chicago’s 4–3 front.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Nussmeier combines NFL arm talent with excellent rhythm and anticipation. He’s aggressive attacking windows and has the confidence to challenge tight coverage. Pittsburgh adds a polished, pro-ready passer with long-term starter potential.

19. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern

Tiernan is a veteran left tackle with refined footwork and strong balance in pass protection. He’s technically sound and plays with great awareness against speed rushers. Cleveland secures a steady, high-floor starter to stabilize its offensive front.

20. San Francisco 49ers: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Delane is a smart, smooth corner who thrives in zone and match concepts. His instincts and closing burst help him make plays on the ball without losing leverage. The 49ers land a disciplined cover man built for their defensive structure.

21. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Sadiq brings rare athleticism and mismatch ability to the tight end position. He’s fluid as a route runner and dangerous after the catch, fitting perfectly into a modern spread system. Denver gains a versatile offensive weapon with big-play upside.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Caleb Banks, IDL, Florida

Banks flashes elite size, length, and explosion for an interior lineman. His ability to collapse the pocket and rush from multiple alignments gives him real upside. The Chargers add a disruptive interior force to anchor their defensive front.

23. Los Angeles Rams: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

McCoy is a long, instinctive corner with excellent ball skills and zone feel. He’s comfortable playing off or in press and shows real turnover production. If healthy, he projects as a future CB1 for the Rams’ young secondary.

24. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Terrell is a fluid, competitive corner who mirrors routes with precision and confidence. His tackling and physicality stand out in run support. Dallas adds a technically advanced defender who fits perfectly in its press-man scheme.

25. New England Patriots: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

Bell brings rare size and explosiveness at 6’2”, 225 pounds. He’s physical through contact and uses refined releases to beat press coverage. His blend of strength and body control gives the Patriots the true boundary target they’ve lacked.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Boston is a long, fluid receiver who wins above the rim and thrives in contested situations. He’s reliable in the red zone and on vertical concepts, offering size and catch-radius versatility. Seattle adds a physical complement to its speed-heavy receiving corps.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech

Height flashes burst, bend, and an active rush plan off the edge. Though lighter than ideal, his first-step quickness and flexibility create immediate passing-down value. Tampa adds a developmental rusher with high-energy traits.

28. Detroit Lions: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Hood is a confident, twitchy cover corner with plus speed and recovery burst. He thrives in press situations and has shown flashes of ball production. Detroit adds a competitive, athletic corner who fits their aggressive coverage style.

29. Kansas City Chiefs: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Howell’s speed-to-power rush and flexibility make him a dangerous edge threat. He wins with hand usage and closing burst, though he’ll need added strength versus the run. Kansas City gets another developmental athlete with impact potential in its rotation.

30. Buffalo Bills: Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan

Barham brings versatility and explosiveness to the second level. He can play off-ball or as an edge hybrid, flashing natural pass-rush traits and sideline range. Buffalo adds a high-upside, modern linebacker who fits multiple sub-packages.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State

Harris combines size, instincts, and physicality with true scheme flexibility. He’s sticky in man, decisive in zone, and strong in run support. Philadelphia gets a polished, versatile corner capable of starting early.

32. Indianapolis Colts: Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa

Dunker is a rugged, physical lineman who plays with balance and a finishing mentality. While his athletic range limits him to the interior, his strength and awareness make him a dependable plug-and-play guard. The Colts continue their tradition of drafting tough, intelligent blockers.