The 2026 NFL Draft is set to begin on Thursday at 8 PM in Pittsburgh, featuring potential shocking trades and top talent selections. Mock drafts are proliferating as teams and fans speculate on player placements.
Key points
2026 NFL Draft starts Thursday at 8 PM
Event takes place in Pittsburgh
Mock drafts are popular leading up to the draft
Expect shocking trades and top talent selections
Mentioned in this story
Pittsburgh
NFL
The NFL is just days away from the start of the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams, fans, and media will gather in Pittsburgh for one of the sportâs premier events.
The draft delivers life-changing moments, shocking trades, and the next wave of professional football talent. It all begins Thursday at 8 PM.
In the lead-up, mock drafts flood the media landscape, resembling a March Madness bracket. Everyone wants to predict who goes where, which trades unfold, and which teams land the top talent.
Here is one more full first-round 2026 NFL mock draft:
Top-5
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
This is the surest bet in the draft. No drama needed â Mendoza heads to the silver and black. The only guaranteed correct pick of any NFL mock draft.
2. New York Jets: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
After trading for Geno Smith, the Jets must improve their offensive weapons. Tate, the top receiver in the class, forms an exciting Ohio State duo in New York.
3. TRADE Dallas Cowboys (12, 20 for ARI 3, 65): EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech Arizona looks to trade down, and Dallas outbids Kansas City to land a local product. Bailey could reignite the Cowboysâ defense.
Q&A
What time does the 2026 NFL Draft start?
The 2026 NFL Draft starts on Thursday at 8 PM.
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft being held?
The 2026 NFL Draft is being held in Pittsburgh.
What are some potential trades expected in the 2026 NFL Draft?
There are discussions around several trades that could shake up the first round of the draft.
What is the significance of mock drafts before the NFL Draft?
Mock drafts help predict player selections and trades, generating excitement and speculation among teams and fans.
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4. Tennessee Titans: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Head coach Robert Saleh wants a defensive playmaker. Styles offers versatility, leadership, and the ability to command the defense.
5. New York Giants: WR Makai Lemon, USC
Lemon joins Malik Nabers to give Jaxson Dart another dynamic weapon. Despite inconsistent buzz, his talent remains undeniable.
Rounding out Top-10
6. Cleveland Browns: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
With their once-dominant line gone, Cleveland begins rebuilding the trenches. Mauigoa provides a foundational piece.
7. TRADE Kansas City Chiefs (9, 74, 176 for WAS 7, 147): EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Kansas City jumps up for a defensive difference-maker while Washington gains extra capital. Reese continues Ohio Stateâs dominant draft showing.
8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Trade rumors around Alvin Kamara grow louder. Drafting Love strengthens that possibility while boosting the offense.
9. Washington Commanders: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
After trading down, Washington still lands a defensive cornerstone. Downs brings versatility and immediate impact.
10. New York Giants: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
The Giants keep building around Dart. Sadiq adds elite athleticism to an already loaded skill group.
Picks 11-16
11. Miami Dolphins: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Miami replaces Minkah Fitzpatrick with a rangy, high-upside safety who rivaled Downs as the top DB in the class.
12. Arizona Cardinals: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Tyson stays in-state, giving Arizona another offensive weapon and potentially enticing a veteran quarterback.
13. TRADE Pittsburgh Steelers (21, 85, 135 for LAR 13): OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Pittsburgh addresses a sudden need on the interior line with a plug-and-play starter.
14. Baltimore Ravens: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
After missing Ioane, Baltimore strengthens its secondary with a physical corner to pair with Nate Wiggins.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
With their former corner duo gone, Tampa Bay reloads with one of the draftâs most intriguing defensive backs.
16. New York Jets: OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Fanoâs versatility helps stabilize the interior line and protect Geno Smith.
Top 10 power moves in college football
Top 10 power moves in college football
17-22 run on trenches
17. Detroit Lions: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Freeling fills a key need and could form an elite tackle duo with Penei Sewell.
18. Minnesota Vikings: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Woods replaces Javon Hargrave and fits perfectly in Brian Floresâ aggressive scheme.
19. Carolina Panthers: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Proctor protects Bryce Young and brings long-term stability to the offensive line.
20. Arizona Cardinals: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
After adding offense, Arizona secures a disruptive edge defender to balance its roster.
21. TRADE Cleveland Browns (24, 39 for LAR 21, 61): EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
Cleveland stops Bainâs slide and pairs him with Myles Garrett, betting on his upside despite measurables concerns.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
The Chargers add strength and depth to an already improving defensive front.
Picks 23-26 receiver stacks
23. TRADE Buffalo Bills (26, 126 for PHI 23): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Buffalo jumps up to land a dynamic playmaker, pairing him with D.J. Moore to elevate the offense.
24. Los Angeles Rams: WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
The Rams end their trade-back streak with another weapon, adding to a strong receiving corps.
28. Houston Texans: DT Christen Miller, Georgia
Miller keeps the Texansâ defensive front dominant, continuing Georgiaâs pipeline.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Kansas City continues its strong track record at cornerback with another high-upside selection.
30. Miami Dolphins: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
Miami protects Malik Willis with a future blindside tackle.
31. TRADE Los Angeles Rams (39, 93 for NE 31): QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
The Rams secure Matthew Staffordâs successor, giving Sean McVay a developmental quarterback.
32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
The defending champions strengthen their secondary with another high-level corner.
