2026 NFL Mock Draft & Betting Picks Version 2: Where is the Love?

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2026 NFL Mock Draft & Betting Picks Version 2: Where is the Love?

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2026 NFL Mock Draft & Betting Picks Version 2: Where is the Love?

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Fernando Mendoza is a virtual lock to go at No. 1 overall, and the NFL Draft odds back that up.

However, the NFL Combine just passed, and it allowed some rare athletes like Jeremiyah Love to separate themselves from the pack, forcing teams to consider them in the Top 10, and maybe even the Top 5.

Here’s how my 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Version 2 plays out — plus some NFL Draft picks I'm making right now.

Latest NFL Draft bets

2026 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0

1. Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, IndianaOdds to go No. 1: -20000

The draft cycle is officially here because the Fernando Mendoza slander has started.

No, he’s not an Andrew Luck or Trevor Lawrence prospect. But he’s not Kenny Pickett either. People in the know thought Mendoza could be in this position before this season started because of his physical tools. Then he won everything. The Raiders need a QB, and there’s a reason Mendoza is -20000 to go first overall.

2. Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio StateOdds to go No. 2: -165

Reese may have been overshadowed by teammate Sonny Styles at the combine, but he’s also an explosive athlete who played linebacker and edge rusher for the Buckeyes. Expect him to be a primary edge rusher in the pros in a similar vein to Micah Parsons. Reese is the -130 favorite to be the No. 2 overall pick.

3. Cardinals: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas TechOdds to go No. 3: +370

I had the Cardinals taking an offensive lineman in my first mock, but they just released Kyler Murray. This roster has holes everywhere, so why not draft an elite player at a premier position? Bailey is that. He was the most productive edge rusher in college football this season, and at +370, there’s value for him to be the No. 3 overall pick**.**

Bet to make: Bailey to go No. 3

4. Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre DameOdds to be drafted by TEN: +200

I can’t believe I missed this in my initial mock. I had the Titans getting Cam Ward a weapon and taking wideout Jordyn Tyson. While I like Tyson, he’s not a rare and elite prospect. At least not like Love is. And supporting Ward with a run game could be a great move for his development.

Bet to make: Love to be selected by Titans

5. Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

Theoretically, John Harbaugh took this job because he likes the Giants' roster. That includes QB Jaxson Dart.

Keeping him upright is paramount, so grabbing one of the best tackles in the draft is a no-brainer. Mauigoa has great size and has some of the cleanest tape of any prospect in this draft class.

6. Browns: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Browns need a complete overhaul of the offensive line, so they can’t pass up the opportunity to grab one of the top two tackles in this draft class.

Fano is quick-footed in the passing game, and a dawg when it comes to run blocking. He’s the type of guy the Browns can build a line around.

7. Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

No one saw their stock rise higher at the combine than Styles. The Buckeyes linebacker didn’t just test through the roof, he’s in the upper atmosphere. Styles is the type of defender head coach Dan Quinn would love to get his hands on.

8. Saints: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Tyler Shough gave the Saints hope that they found their QB of the future. Now, they need to give him a weapon across from Chris Olave. I have Jordyn Tyson as my WR1, but the Saints have an affinity for Buckeyes wideouts, and Tate does everything well.

9. Chiefs: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, OregonOdds to be drafted by KC: +400

The Chiefs just traded away All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie. To me, it looks like they are punting on next year and won’t be rushing Patrick Mahomes back following his injury.

Why would Travis Kelce come back? So, K.C. drafts his replacement. Sadiq had a great year for the Ducks and was another combine standout, running a 4.39 40 at 241 lbs.

Bet to make: Sadiq to be drafted by Chiefs

10. Bengals: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Bengals defense is a mess, and Trey Hendrickson is all but gone. So, if they get a chance to draft arguably the best defender in the draft, they can’t pass on him. Downs has an insanely high football IQ, with great instincts and playmaking ability. He’s the leader the Bengals need.

11. Cowboys (mock trade via Miami): Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

The Cowboys address the big hole left by the Micah Parsons trade here by jumping up one spot and grabbing one of the best three edge rushers in the draft. The Miami product’s arm length got some headlines at the combine, but his raw power and dominance in the CFP are more than enough for the Cowboys to take him here.

12. Dolphins (mock trade via Dallas): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

The Dolphins need help all over the defense, so they'll happily drop back one spot to pick up some more draft capital, and still have their pick of the litter when it comes to cornerbacks. Jermond McCoy is my top corner, but he still hasn’t worked out, and Delane is excellent in man coverage with elite ball skills.

13. Rams: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Rams addressed one of their big needs by trading for Chiefs All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie. Next, they need a right tackle to protect Matthew Stafford, and Freeling is flying up boards following the combine. He has the perfect build for an NFL tackle, with surprising athleticism.

14. Ravens: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State

It always seems like the Ravens get great players to fall in their lap. That happens here with Ioane.

The Ravens get arguably the best offensive lineman in the draft, which also happens to be a position of need, as the interior line needs an upgrade.

15. Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

The Buccaneers need reinforcements on the defensive line, and while Faulk may be in a tier below the top guys in this draft, his great size and athleticism make him a tantalizing prospect.

16. Jets: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Who knows who will be the quarterback for the Jets at this point? Could they pull the trigger on Ty Simpson here? Whoever it is needs more weapons, and Jordyn Tyson is my WR1 in this class. Arizona State was a different team when he was healthy this season, thanks to his great combination of size, speed, and great hands.

17. Lions: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

Mesidor is what you would call Dan Campbell’s type. The violent edge rusher was super productive in Miami’s playoff run, and he’ll be a great running mate across from Aidan Hutchinson. He’s one of the older prospects in the draft at 25 years old, but that won’t matter to Campbell.

18. Vikings: Jermond McCoy, CB, Tennessee

The Vikings have holes all over their defense, but it’s the secondary that needs a major upgrade. They can’t pass up the opportunity to select my top corner.

While McCoy didn’t play this past season due to injury, and has yet to test during this cycle, his tape from 2024 is good enough to risk taking him at this spot.

19. Panthers: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

The Panthers' interior defensive line needs to be better this season, so they address that by selecting the dynamic Woods. He collapses pockets with his unique combination of strength and quickness, and does well enough against the run. Although some wish he were more productive at Clemson.

20. Cowboys: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

The Cowboys got their Micah Parsons replacement with their first pick, now they keep improving their defense by addressing the secondary. McNeil-Warren is the versatile defender this defense needs. He’s long and athletic, making plays in both the passing and running games.

21. Steelers: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

The Steelers have nothing at wide receiver behind DK Metcalf, and Lemon should complement him well. The USC product is tough with excellent body control, great hands, and is shifty after the catch.

22. Chargers: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

We all know how Jim Harbaugh feels about offensive lineman, and Proctor has mouth-watering measurables. However, the tape hasn’t really lined up with that, so kicking him inside might be what’s best for his career. Which is where the Chargers need an upgrade anyway. Either way, it gives them more depth with both tackles coming off injuries.

23. Eagles: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

Even if Lane Johnson doesn’t retire, the Eagles need to rejuvenate their offensive line. Lomu is closer to his teammate Fano than most will realize, and can play all four tackle and guard positions. That versatility is something Howie Roseman will love.

24. Browns: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

After addressing the offensive line with their first pick, the Browns need to upgrade their receiving corps. Boston is a physical route runner who attacks the football and will be a great red zone target.

25. Bears: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

The Bears accomplished a lot without being able to pressure the QB. I think they'll go get an edge rusher in free agency. (The Maxx Crosby rumours are swirling.) So, why not draft someone who can collapse the pocket from the interior? Banks is a freak whose stock has risen throughout this process.

26. Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Bills went out and traded for Bears wide receiver DJ Moore, addressing one of their biggest issues over the last few seasons. Now, they can retool the defense and get a new leader in the middle of the field in Allen. He’s got a high football IQ and plays bigger than his size. Buffalo will love him.

27. 49ers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

It sounds like Brandon Aiyuk is the next receiver to have his bags packed to head out of San Francisco, and Juwan Jennings is a free agent. Concepcion might be the most explosive wideout in this class and would be a great fit in Kyle Shanahan’s system.

28. Texans: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Texans re-signed Trent Brown, so tackle isn’t as pressing a need, so they make one of the best defenses in the league even stronger with the selection of Thieneman. Strong safety was arguably the only spot on the Texans' D that needed an upgrade, and Thieneman can step right in.

29. Jets (mock trade via Kansas City): Ty Simpson, QB, AlabamaOdds to be drafted by NYJ: +225

The Chiefs just got this pick with the Trent McDuffie trade. But they’re clearly looking to acquire as much draft capital as possible to rebuild around Patrick Mahomes, so they’ll happily move down to get even more from the Jets, who desperately need a QB. Simpson has an underrated arm and great instincts.

30. Broncos: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

With Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad both becoming free agents, linebacker is suddenly a need for the Broncos. Denver should be happy to select either Allen or Hill here. Hill's tape impressed me a little more this season, and he is the more athletic of the two.

31. Patriots: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

We all saw what happened to Drake Maye in the Super Bowl. The Patriots need to improve on the offensive line. They also need a right tackle, which is where Miller lined up at Clemson. He also has prototypical size and strength for the position and is climbing up draft boards during this process.

32. Seahawks: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The champs don’t have many needs, but corner Tariq Woolen could leave via free agency, and Terrell could step right in. He's a high-effort corner who can play outside or in the slot, and loves to hit, which is something his potential “Dark Side” teammates would love.

All odds courtesy of DraftKings sportsbooks, one of our best betting sites.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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