The calendar flips, the noise builds, and once again the NFL finds itself staring into the mirror of its own future.

Welcome to the 2026 NFL Draft.

It’s the season of smoke screens and second-guessing, where every rumor carries just enough truth to feel dangerous.

Over the years, the draft has become more than just a player selection process — it has turned into a cultural phenomenon filled with storylines, drama and intrigue. It has captivated audiences and dominated headlines; in fact, the only thing crazier than considering all the possibilities is trying to predict how it will all unfold.

If there’s one word to best describe this year’s draft, it’s “volatile.”

In my 30-plus years of analyzing the draft, this is without a doubt one of the most difficult drafts to project in recent memory. It lacks top quarterback talent, and elite prospects are few and far between. However, if your team needs help at edge rusher, wide receiver or on the offensive line, you’re in luck — this class is deep at those spots.

There is a general feeling that there isn’t much difference between players selected in the teens and those who will be selected at the end of the first round. With so many players having similar grades, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder this year. Some teams will chase ceilings. Others will cling to floors. A few will panic. And one or two will change their franchise forever.

With so much unpredictability, I am here once again to offer some insights and opinions on this year’s first round with the release of my 2026 final mock draft, which has become an annual staple of the Times News for the past 26 years and has been ranked as one of the most accurate mock drafts in the industry over the past 17 years according to The Huddle Report.

This mock isn’t just about who fits where — it’s about how the league thinks. It’s about tendencies, desperation, and the constant tug-of-war between need and value. That’s how this works.

Trades will happen. Risers will rise. Fallers will fall. And by the end of it, we’ll have a clearer picture of where the NFL is headed next.

So buckle in, here is how I see things unfolding tonight (before the first trade blows it all up)…

1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)

There will be no surprises here. Mendoza has been ticketed to Las Vegas since leading Indiana to the college football national championship back in January. The Heisman Trophy winner isn’t a flawless prospect, but the organization’s thirst for a face of the franchise makes this a relatively easy call. Kirk Cousins will take the youngster under his wing to help ease his transition. Las Vegas bets on upside at the most important position in sports.

2. New York Jets — David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)

The Jets are in a complete rebuild and have needs all over their roster. This selection will be a two-horse race between Arvell Reese and David Bailey to provide an edge-rushing presence for Gang Green. There is an argument to be made that Bailey can have a more immediate impact, while Reese would require more coaching to reach his peak level. The Jets canceled their Top 30 visit with Bailey last week, but drafting a player who led the FBS in pressure rate and tied for the lead in sacks would certainly give the Jets defense some much-needed punch.

3. Arizona Cardinals — Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame)

Some might say the draft starts at pick No. 3. I believe Arizona’s preference is to trade down to acquire more draft capital, but it takes two to tango, and trading up inside the top three isn’t easy. Two teams to keep an eye on, though, are New Orleans and Kansas City. Right tackle is Arizona’s biggest need, but not at No. 3. If the Cardinals move down a few picks, Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano will certainly enter the equation. Apparently, Arizona’s ownership has been leading a late charge to draft Love, and where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. Running back isn’t the team’s biggest need, but how can you argue with selecting the draft’s top-ranked player? Pair Love with Ty Simpson (hint, hint …) and all of a sudden, the Cardinals change their whole offensive identity.

4. Tennessee Titans — Arvell Reese (EDGE, Ohio State)

I truly believe Tennessee’s hope is for David Bailey or Jeremiyah Love to fall to them, but if that doesn’t happen, this should be a decision between Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. Everywhere Robert Saleh has gone, he has been quite persuasive in prioritizing the pass rush. He drafted defensive end Jermaine Johnson while with the Jets and brought him over to Tennessee in a trade. Saleh gets a new toy in Reese, who adds a different dynamic as someone who can both edge rush and play off-ball linebacker.

5. New York Giants — Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)

After trading Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals, the Giants now have two picks in the top 10, and I truly believe that trade changed the trajectory of New York’s draft plans. I can see Caleb Downs or Sonny Styles being John Harbaugh guys with this pick, but the team also needs to build around Jaxson Dart. With Malik Nabers coming off a torn ACL and Wan’Dale Robinson now in Tennessee, a playmaking receiver could be just what the doctor ordered. Every team picking sixth through ninth could theoretically target a receiver, so the Giants land an offensive playmaker with their first pick. If Jeremiyah Love ends up falling to them here, I don’t think the Giants would think twice.

6. Cleveland Browns — Spencer Fano (OT, Utah)

This pick is prime trade bait, and the Browns have made no secret that they’re willing to trade down. A team like Dallas jumping Washington for Sonny Styles makes a lot of sense and would allow Cleveland to move down a few picks for a left tackle (such as Kadyn Proctor or Monroe Freeling). One other crazy idea is if Jeremiyah Love fell to the Giants at No. 5, they might be able to trade up with Cleveland at No. 6 to get Jordyn Tyson in addition to Love. Talk about a draft haul! If Cleveland sticks and picks here, Fano and wide receiver Carnell Tate could be on their radar. Fano has the versatility to play all positions on the offensive line, and if the Browns are comfortable with him transitioning back to left tackle (he played right tackle in 2024 and 2025 for Utah), they’d be plugging a huge hole.

7. Washington Commanders — Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)

Washington doesn’t have a second-round pick, so the Commanders are another team that could be interested in trading back to recoup draft capital. If Dallas jumps ahead of Washington for Styles, I could definitely see a situation where the Jets or Rams make a play to trade up here to select Carnell Tate. If he’s still on the board, though, I just can’t see Sonny Styles making it past Washington. He is a Dan Quinn guy through and through — versatile, tough, athletic, high-character — and would give the team a young player to build around for years to come. Other players to keep on the radar for Washington are Tate and cornerback Mansoor Delane.

8. New Orleans Saints — Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)

I wouldn’t be shocked in the least if New Orleans tries to trade up into the top four for a premier edge rusher (Reese or Bailey). The Saints need a receiver, but they also lost a lot of talent on defense this offseason. I feel two Ohio State Buckeyes could be in play with this pick — safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Carnell Tate. Downs can immediately become the leader of the New Orleans defense from Day 1, while the Saints can probably get a starting receiver in the second round to play across from Chris Olave.

9. Kansas City Chiefs — Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)

Picking in the top 10 is uncharted territory for the Chiefs, and we know Andy Reid has a penchant for addressing the trenches with early picks. This would lead me to players such as Rueben Bain Jr. on the edge and possibly behemoth Kayden Proctor at left tackle. Bain’s short arms could cause him to fall out of the top 10, but it sounds like Bain is Kansas City’s top target. Kansas City also could use more pass catchers, and a wild-card name to keep an eye on for the Chiefs is Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.

10. New York Giants (from Cincinnati) — Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)

The Giants will have plenty of options with this pick, but I really feel the name of the game for New York in the first round is to surround Jaxson Dart with as much talent as possible. Assuming a playmaker (Jordyn Tyson) is chosen with their first pick, the Giants can look at protecting their star quarterback here, and a name that has been linked to them for a while now is Francis Mauigoa (provided the team is comfortable with his medicals). I could also envision a scenario where New York looks to upgrade its secondary with either Caleb Downs or Mansoor Delane.

11. Miami Dolphins — Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama)

Miami’s current roster resembles Swiss cheese, with holes everywhere, and the Dolphins need to leave the draft with four to five immediate starters. Having two first-round picks is a step in the right direction. Some could argue that receiver is the team’s biggest need, but this draft is deep with receivers, so I don’t think it’s imperative to draft one at No. 11. This is a sweet spot for offensive linemen, though, and one of Francis Mauigoa (RT) or Kadyn Proctor (LT) should still be on the board. Proctor is rocketing up draft boards, and there is even a chance he could be selected in the top 10.

12. Dallas Cowboys — Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)

Here’s what I think I know — Dallas would love to trade up to get an elite front-seven defender (Reese, Bailey, Styles or Bain) to help fill the void left by Micah Parsons. However, I’m not sure the Cowboys want to part with their second first-round pick (No. 20) in this year’s draft, as they have too many holes to fill. If Dallas stays put, it has to be a defensive player here, with names like Caleb Downs, Mansoor Delane and Keldric Faulk leading the pack.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta) — Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)

The Rams explored the possibility of trading Davante Adams in the offseason, and Puka Nacua checked himself into rehab after biting a woman in a drunken stupor on New Year’s Eve. This has obviously led to wide receiver being a chalk pick for the Rams. Carnell Tate can man the slot between two stud receivers to give Los Angeles a talented trio for an expected Super Bowl run. Makai Lemon is the popular pick to go to the Rams, and the team certainly has a connection here with GM Les Snead’s son working at USC. Don’t dismiss tight end Kenyon Sadiq here, either, to team with former Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson in three-tight-end sets.

14. Baltimore Ravens — Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)

The two most logical positions for the Ravens to target in the first round are a pass catcher or an offensive lineman. Francis Mauigoa (RT), Kadyn Proctor (LT) or Olaivavega Ioane (G) would all make perfect sense here, especially Ioane, who seems to be in everyone’s mock draft and is probably the safest pick of the trio. However, Isaiah Likely is no longer with the team, and Mark Andrews is now in his 30s, so bringing in a freak athlete and a glorified oversized slot receiver to create mismatches all over the field makes perfect sense.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Ahkeem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)

The Bucs can’t afford to ignore their biggest needs: a pass rusher and a replacement for Lavonte David. GM Jason Licht emphasizes finding high-character athletes with college production, and Mesidor certainly fits the bill — 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles in his final college season. Head coach Todd Bowles indicated he would not have a problem selecting a player who is 25 years old. Tampa Bay can probably trade down a few picks and still land Mesidor. Another option could be Kenyon Sadiq, who is a freak that could help open up the passing game and fill the void left by Mike Evans.

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis) — Makai Lemon (WR, USC)

The Jets have plenty of draft-pick ammunition (two picks in the second round and two picks in the fourth round) to trade up for a receiver if Carnell Tate is the apple of their eye. The Jets did not have a receiver surpass 400 yards last season, so they really need to add a complement to Garrett Wilson. If Makai Lemon gets past the Rams, he might just fall into New York’s lap. However, reports state that Lemon bombed his interviews with teams, which could lead to a draft-day slide if teams aren’t comfortable with his character. A natural guard like Vega Ioane could really help beef up the trenches for a team that would prefer to run the ball.

17. Detroit Lions — Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)

The Lions need offensive line help after cutting Taylor Decker this offseason. I believe the two tackles Detroit has in its crosshairs are Kadyn Proctor and Monroe Freeling, each of whom would provide a large, sizable bookend with All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell. I’m not sure Proctor makes it to them, and there may be teams trying to trade up ahead of Detroit for Freeling. If they’re forced to look elsewhere, Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk has all the intangibles that head coach Dan Campbell covets in a player and would be a nice complement to Aidan Hutchinson.

18. Minnesota Vikings — Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)

It seems like everyone is mocking Dillon Thieneman to the Vikings as a one-for-one replacement for Harrison Smith, but I’m not sure that is the direction Minnesota will go. Peter Woods seems to be a polarizing player in this year’s draft, but the Vikings definitely need to upgrade the interior of their defensive line. Minnesota coaches have met with Woods multiple times pre-draft, and that’s usually a good indicator of their interest.

19. Carolina Panthers — Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)

If Minnesota passes on drafting Thieneman, I think Carolina would be more than happy to turn in his name on the card. Thieneman is one of the best coverage safeties in the draft and has the versatility that will speak to general manager Dan Morgan. If Carolina doesn’t select the Oregon product, the Panthers might look to another Duck in tight end Kenyon Sadiq should he still be on the board. The more resources you can surround Bryce Young with, the better.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay) — Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, UCF)

Defense is the name of the game for Dallas early in the draft, and I think the Cowboys need to come out of the first round with an edge rusher. Ironically, this is the Micah Parsons pick that the Cowboys received from Green Bay, so it makes perfect sense to use this pick on a replacement (although let’s be real here — what rookie can really replace Parsons?). This might be a bit early, but I have heard the Cowboys really like Lawrence, which makes a lot of sense considering their new assistant defensive line coach was a defensive analyst for UCF last season. Two other names that will be in play with this pick are Keldric Faulk and CJ Allen.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Blake Miller (OT, Clemson)

The Steelers have used their first-round pick in each of the past three drafts to strengthen the trenches. However, Pittsburgh’s sense of urgency at offensive tackle increased significantly this past week with news of left tackle Broderick Jones suffering a setback with a neck injury he suffered late last season. Wide receiver is also a need, as the Steelers don’t have much behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman. A slot receiver is probably on their wish list, and Omar Cooper might be just what the doctor ordered.

22. Los Angeles Chargers — Olaivavega Ioane (G, Penn State)

The Chargers were one of my most difficult picks to project in this year’s draft. I think their dream scenario would be for guard Vega Ioane to fall to them, as he would fill their biggest roster need on an offensive line that was a MASH unit last season. While I think there’s a good chance he’ll be gone by their pick, he does play a position that sometimes slides down the board. They could also look to address the defensive line, especially with someone to eventually replace Khalil Mack. Ahkeem Mesidor, Malachi Lawrence and T.J. Parker could all be options.

23. Philadelphia Eagles — Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)

Ten of the last 12 picks the Eagles have made in Rounds 1-3 have been defensive players, so I fully expect the pendulum to swing back to the offensive side of the ball with this pick. The two positions that I’m zeroing in on are offensive line and wide receiver. Lane Johnson is 35 years old, so the Eagles must have a succession plan in place, whether that is Monroe Freeling or Max Iheanachor. I truly believe that AJ Brown has contract parameters in place with New England and will be dealt after June 1. A receiver could be in play here (Denzel Boston?), but Philly did address the position somewhat by trading for Dontayvion Wicks and bringing in Hollywood Brown.

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville) — Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)

The draft plan for Cleveland is simple — come out of the first round with a starting left tackle and a starting wide receiver. Since I had the Browns taking Spencer Fano earlier in the round, I’m locking in on wide receiver with this pick. There will be a few options available here (Boston, Concepcion, Cooper), but Boston gets the nod as a bigger outside receiver, as opposed to the others, who are more suited to play in the slot.

25. Chicago Bears — T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)

Last year, Chicago had only 35 sacks in 17 regular-season games. That has been an issue for the Bears, really, since Khalil Mack left the franchise, as Chicago has struggled to find a consistent pass rusher over the years. Montez Sweat was finally able to put together a solid season, but Bears fans want more from the group, and Parker would be able to help with that. If one of the top offensive tackles (perhaps Blake Miller) happens to still be on the board, Chicago could really use an upgrade over Ozzy Trapilo at left tackle.

26. Buffalo Bills — CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)

This is going to be a very unsexy pick for the Bills, but when you look at the state of their linebacker room, you’ll understand. The middle of their defense lacks a “green dot” player to lead the unit, and Allen is the consensus top player at off-ball linebacker. It just makes too much sense to grab a plug-and-play starter at this point in the first round. Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell would also make a lot of sense here, as he brings the fastest pass-rush speed by any defensive lineman since Will Anderson in 2023, but his short arm length is a legitimate concern. The Bills could also explore trading down, as they currently don’t have a second-round pick.

27. San Francisco 49ers — Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah)

All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams just re-signed for two more years, but Father Time is undefeated and Williams is 37 years old. Lomu can start out at guard and eventually transition to tackle to eventually succeed Williams. Other options that could be in play with this pick are wide receiver and edge rusher. KC Concepcion specializes in his ability to separate and can also return punts. Malachi Lawrence could be a sleeper pick at defensive end.

28. Houston Texans — Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)

Guard and defensive tackle are the two biggest holes on the Houston Texans’ roster. McDonald was the tip of the spear for Ohio State’s defense last year and is a talented widebody capable of resetting the line of scrimmage. He can make stops in the backfield and collapse the pocket on occasion, which will only make Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter even more effective. Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller is also a popular pick to be mocked here.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams) — Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)

Cornerback is a major position of need for the Chiefs, having lost Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in the offseason. Kansas City typically prioritizes meeting with its first-round picks, and both Colton Hood and Chris Johnson came in for Top-30 visits. If we’re looking for a fun wildcard possibility, look no further than Kenyon Sadiq. I don’t believe he’ll still be on the board this late in Round 1, but I find it very ironic that Sadiq’s Top-30 visit was planned on the same day Travis Kelce was in the building to sign his contract extension with the club. A Sadiq-Kelce combo would transform the Chiefs into one unique offense before the official passing of the torch.

30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver) — Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)

What Miami does at pick No. 11 likely dictates the direction here, but my lean for both of their picks is offensive line and defensive back. Miami’s entire secondary is undergoing a significant, low-cost rebuild, so cornerbacks such as Colton Hood or Chris Johnson should be attractive options here. I also wouldn’t discount the Dolphins flirting with a wide receiver late in Round 1 to help fill the void left by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, so KC Concepcion or Omar Cooper are names that could be in play.

31. New England Patriots — Max Iheanachor (OT, Arizona State)

As I said in my Eagles blurb, I fully expect AJ Brown to become a Patriot this summer, so that takes the shine off using this pick on a receiver. Last year, Drake Maye was under constant duress, so if right tackle Max Iheanachor somehow slides this far, I think he would be a strong consideration to bookend last year’s first-round pick Will Campbell. If not, I’m thinking the Patriots might look to address their edge rush. A few names to consider are Ahkeem Mesidor, Malachi Lawrence and Zion Young. Lawrence is a fringe first-rounder, but he has picked up a lot of steam in the days leading up to the draft and has as much upside as any rusher on the board.

32. PROJECTED TRADE Arizona Cardinals (from Seattle) — Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)

The Seahawks have only four picks in this entire draft, so I could definitely see them exploring moving out of the first round. They’re in an attractive position to make a deal because all first-round picks carry a fully guaranteed fifth-year option on rookie contracts. This could be a very attractive landing spot for a team wanting to move up for quarterback Ty Simpson. Arizona currently has pick No. 34, but it might want to try to hop in front of the Jets (pick No. 33) to land its guy. Moving up two spots would cost only a fifth- or sixth-round pick (a small price to pay if the Cardinals think Simpson is their future franchise quarterback). If Seattle does keep the pick, though, Colton Hood or Chris Johnson would be nice replacements for Riq Woolen at corner. Jadarian Price was also a consideration given Kenneth Walker’s departure.