Final NFL Mock Draft: Texans land defensive steal at end of Round 1

The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away, where teams are finalizing their draft boards before things kick off in Pittsburgh on April 23.

There are a number of storylines to monitor heading into the first round, including multiple teams with two first-round picks, including the New York Jets (2, 16), New York Giants (5, 10), Cleveland Browns (6, 24), Kansas City Chiefs (9, 29), Miami Dolphins (11, 30) and Dallas Cowboys (12, 20). There's been plenty of discussion about an early run on offensive tackles and a defensive-heavy first round, which could make for some interesting moves come draft night.

With that in mind, we're unveiling our final NFL Wires mock draft of the 2026 offseason. Our editors made player selections for all 32 picks in the first round. Here are the results.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

All signs point to Fernando Mendoza being the pick. GM John Spytek has said teams have called to inquire about trading up and his response suggests there’s no chance they are trading out. Add that new QB Kirk Cousins watched tape with Mendoza on his visit and spoke of him as if it’s already a foregone conclusion they will be teammates, and what you have is pretty strong confirmation of what we have all expected since the Raiders locked up the top pick at the end of the season – that they are ready to turn in their card and make the reigning Heisman Trophy and National Champion the team’s next franchise QB. – Levi Damien, Raiders Wire

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

The Jets’ long awaited choice here is between Bailey and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. Considered the more pro ready prospect, they go with Bailey. Pre-draft reports indicate the Jets are leaning more toward Bailey as well… we’re going to find out whether or not that’s a smokescreen one way or another. If it is Bailey, his stats do all the talking. He had 19.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in 2025. – Nick Wojton, Jets Wire

3. Arizona Cardinals: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State

The Cardinals would really prefer to do what they did in 2023 and trade back to get a tackle. However, with no trades materializing, they get the high upside Reese. He matches the profile the Cardinals target — athletic, premium position and from a big program. He would be the third Ohio State player they have selected in the first round in four years. They have a big need off the edge, as their group of outside linebackers outside of Josh Sweat combined for 5.5 in 2025. With Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter comps, he has the potential to be a perennial All-Pro. – Jess Root, Cards Wire

4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

The Titans could very easily opt for a defender at No. 4 overall or even trade down. But with Love still on the board and an opportunity to grab a true game-changing player, Tennessee leaps and immediately improves one of their skill positions. Not only will Love boost their backfield production, but his receiving ability will generate mismatches and provide second-year quarterback Cam Ward a security blanket underneath. – Dan Benton/Bryan Manning Titans Wire

5. New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The Giants appeared to be targeting linebacker Sonny Styles for the longest time, but cold water has been poured over that notion in recent days. A trade down is a very legitimate option, but in this mock, general manager Joe Schoen stays put and snags safety Caleb Downs, who is a near-perfect match for John Harbaugh’s defense. He’s a Day 1 starter whom Harbaugh believes has “gold jacket” potential.

– Dan Benton, Giants Wire

Ohio State Buckeyes Sonny Styles (0) tackles Grambling State Tigers running back Byron Eaton Jr. (10) in the first half of the NCAA football game at the Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

TRADE! 6. Dallas Cowboys (from CLE): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Trade terms:

• Browns receive: Nos. 12, 20, 2027 second-round pick
• Cowboys receive Nos. 6, 24

Once the Giants went defense, with the player most likely to reach them, the Cowboys gamed it out that a top defender wasn’t going to fall to 12, especially since they are out on Rueben Bain and possibly Jermod McCoy. If they didn’t land a Day 1 starter at LB, they were likely to trade either this year’s 3 or next year’s for one year of Jordyn Brooks with no franchise tag option. Now they get four years, at least, of Styles – the top LB by far. Still having a second first-round pick to get their secondary addition and the Cowboys are the Nowboys. – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire

7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

With Sonny Styles and Jeremiyah Love off the board, GM Adam Peters listens to trade offers here, but nothing materializes. Instead, he lands the draft’s top wideout to pair with QB Jayden Daniels and WR Terry McLaurin. Tate is unfairly criticized for being Ohio State’s No. 2 receiver, but he became a star in his own right. He has everything NFL teams covet in a wide receiver and gives the Commanders a legit outside option opposite McLaurin. Washington is thrilled to land Tate. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire

8. New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami

Few teams have done as much work on wide receivers as the Saints, but with Tate off the board there isn’t someone I’m comfortable taking at this pick as Bain. Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) has major injury concerns and Makai Lemon (USC) isn’t as well-rounded an athlete as you’d like. With so little separating those guys from second-round prospects like Chris Bell (Louisville) and Germie Bernard (Alabama), I’m willing to wait. So our other priority is addressing the defensive line. Bain would compete with Carl Granderson to start right away, but whoever wins that battle is still getting almost 30 snaps a week in the rotation. That’s plenty of time to make an impact. Bain doesn’t have the measurables teams look for but don’t overthink it. He’s a heavy-handed and productive pass rusher who can liven things up for Brandon Staley’s defensive front, with or without Cameron Jordan. – John Sigler, Saints Wire

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona

I’m fifty-fifty on any wide receiver not named Carnell Tate with this first pick, but Tyson could certainly serve an important role for Kansas City as a rookie. Whether he’d be able to develop into a Batman capable of making Rashee Rice his Robin remains to be seen, and if the Chiefs pick him here at No. 9, that’s exactly what they’ll need him to do. If the board falls the way it did in this scenario, I would rather Kansas City trade down in a bid to pick up additional draft capital that can help get the Chiefs dynasty back on track. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire

10. New York Giants (from CIN): Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Had Jordyn Tyson still been available, he would have been the pick here. However, with Tyson off the board, the Giants turn their attention to Francis Mauigoa. Although there is some concern with his back, Big Blue takes the plunge and lands a player who will shift inside to right guard – arguably the better position for him at the pro level. His size and skill will help shore up a notable weakness, while the added positional versatility provides a bonus. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

This offseason alone, the Dolphins have lost Jack Jones, Kader Kohou, Rasul Douglas, Kendall Sheffield, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Artie Burns at cornerback. While they’ve brought in a few veterans on short-term deals to take their spots, none of them should be a team’s top cornerback. The 22-year-old All-American could be just that after recording 27 passes defensed and eight interceptions in 44 games between Virginia Tech and LSU. – Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire

Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) lines up before the snap against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

12. Cleveland Browns (from DAL): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Cleveland Browns successfully trade down here with the Dallas Cowboys and stack more assets to rebuild a young team. With this selection, 12th overall, they select Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling to complete their offensive line rebuild. Young, long, and an elite athlete, the Browns shoot for the moon on Freeling, whose best football is still ahead of him. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Sadiq is a tight end in a wide receiver’s body, which makes him a fantastic fit in Sean McVay’s offense. He would reunite with former Oregon teammate Terrance Ferguson, giving the Rams two dynamic pass-catching tight ends to pair with their receiver tandem of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. McVay would find creative ways to get Sadiq involved, whether it’s attached the formation, in the slot or split out wide. Like Ferguson, he can play just about anywhere. With how dedicated McVay is to 12 and 13 personnel, Sadiq fits that trend perfectly in Los Angeles.– Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire

14. Baltimore Ravens: Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane, OL, Penn State

Kenyon Sadiq's absence makes this a slam-dunk pick for a Ravens offense looking to add more physicality up front, while landing a player who could be a ten-year starter at offensive guard and a perennial Pro Bowler.   Even with John Simpson returning on a three-year, $30 million deal after two years spent with the Jets, upgrading the offensive guard position is imperative for a team looking to take pressure off quarterback Lamar Jackson.  While Baltimore has said all the right things about Emery Jones, Ioane would be a Day 1 starter at a critical position.   Ioane plays with intense power and quickness, using 330 pounds of elite force, playing in 44 games and making 32 starts at Penn State. According to PFF, he allowed zero sacks and three pressures in 310 pass blocking snaps in 2025.  – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

There is a lot of talk about Jermod McCoy being out of the first round talk given the lingering issues from his torn ACL. Jason Licht can play the long game due to his seat being cold as ice, while also having a track record that shows he is not afraid to draft players who have an injury history. Mix all that with the team's need at the position, and McCoy may be their guy. – Andrew Harbaugh, Bucs Wire

16. New York Jets (from IND): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

A wide receiver seems pretty locked in here for the Jets. Their defense needs a lot of fine tuning, but this pick position is the perfect area to find a running mate for No. 1 wideout Garrett Wilson while also getting another potential top WR that can get his feet wet in the NFL in 2026 before the Jets potentially land a franchise QB in next year’s draft. A 5-foot-11 playmaker, Lemon had 79 catches, 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games played in 2025. – Nick Wojton, Jets Wire

Oct 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) plays in their game with the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

17. Detroit Lions: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

With both Francis Mauigoa and Monroe Freeling off the board, the Detroit Lions select a player that it’s been tied to a lot throughout the NFL draft process. The Lions and Brad Holmes don’t overthink it, finding their Taylor Decker replacement in Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. At 6-foot-7, 352 pounds with a 33 3/8-inch arm length, Proctor is a mass of humanity. Detroit addresses its bread and butter right out of the chute. – Josh Helmer, Lions Wire

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

This is a mock draft pick that has been slotted in here for weeks now, and I see no sense in changing it anytime soon. Thieneman fits a need, is an athletic player the team covets, and his versatility is something that Brian Flores will covet. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire

19. Carolina Panthers: Kevin “KC” Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Given the uncertainty at both tackle positions in 2027, Utah’s Spencer Fano was heavily considered here. But the Panthers need to find out in 2026 if quarterback Bryce Young is worth moving forward with, so we’ll take a more immediate contributor in Concepcion. The explosive Charlotte, N.C. native may be the best route runner and separator in this class, and can provide a much-needed spark to an offense that averaged the sixth-fewest yards and points per game in 2025. – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire

Sep 27, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) reacts after a touchdown reception against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

20. Cleveland Browns (from GB, via DAL): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Coming back on the clock, the Browns finally address the wide receiver room. Outside of signing special teamer Tylan Wallace, one of the league’s worst wide receiver rooms has remained as such. Now injecting a first rounder into the room, the Browns look to start the overhaul. That part starts with the elusive and explosive Omar Cooper Jr. Predominantly a slot at the college level, Cooper has the skillset and play-strength to play outside. He instantly becomes the best receiver in the room. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

There is absolutely no reason that Utah’s Spencer Fano is still on the board at No. 21 but if this is how things work out, the Steelers should run to the podium with that card. Pittsburgh currently needs a starting left guard and if starting left tackle Broderick Jones can’t go at the start of the year, they could need a starting left tackle. Fano can play either spot at a high level and honestly could start at all five spots on the offensive line. His combination of technique and agility is rare for the position and while he might not be the strongest offensive lineman in this draft, he more than makes up for it with everything else in his game. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Lawrence has been one of the biggest risers, going from a Day 3 pick to a player who could crash the first round, thanks to a productive pre-draft circuit. He is a twitchy, high-energy edge rusher who wins with an explosive first step. His ability to bend the corner and disrupt the pocket is undeniable, as evidenced by a success win rate over 20% the past two seasons. As Khalil Mack reaches the twilight of his career, Lawrence could be the guy to opposite Tuli Tuipulotu for the long haul. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Blake Miller, OL, Clemson

Philadelphia is moving towards a zone run blocking scheme, and will likely emphasize more athletic offensive tackles, paving the way for Miller to be the handpicked successor to an All-Pro right tackle.   The Lane Johnson era has to end at some point, and Miller is the type of prospect who'll keep the dominance at a key position elevated for years to come. The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder was a four-year starter at Clemson, and followed a Freshman All-American season with three straight All-ACC selections. Miller set the Clemson records for career offensive snaps (3,778) and consecutive starts by a non-specialist (54). while starting every game of his collegiate career from 2022-25. Miller finished his career as one of only two Clemson offensive tackles since 1986 to have multiple seasons of 950+ snaps. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire

Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) blitzes as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3.

24. Dallas Cowboys (from JAX, via CLE): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

We’re doing what we think the Cowboys are going to do, not what we’d like to do. Faulk is a young player, just 20 years old at the time of the draft, and he’d be a perfect fit for the 4i position. Faulk has a high ceiling, and though there are other players who could have more impact, this feels like the way the Cowboys are heading, so we’ll acknowledge that. – KD Drummond, Cowboys Wire

25. Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

The Bears could go several directions with this pick, which is why I’ve had a different selection with each of these mock drafts. This time, I’m targeting a massive position of need at safety with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Chicago lost three safeties this offseason, including both starters All-Pro Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. While the Bears did lock down Coby Bryant to occupy Byard’s vacancy, they still need to fill Brisker’s spot, and it’s going to happen in the NFL draft. McNeil-Warren is a physical defender who would fill that void left by Brisker, and he’s known for his ballhawking prowess having nine career forced fumbles utilizing the Peanut Punch. It just makes too much sense for him to land in Chicago. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire

26. Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

With the change to a 3-4 base defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, Allen makes a ton of sense for the Bills. Allen can fly around the field, and yes the Bills could use a nose tackle for this next season, but Allen could help shore up a weak run defense in recent years. Allen likely signals he will replace Matt Milano in the lineup as well. – Nick Wojton, Bills Wire

27. San Francisco 49ers: Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami

I don’t think it’s an offensive tackle, especially now that the Trent Williams contract is sorted out. If the 49ers are truly committed to “best player available” at this spot, there’s a strong chance Mesidor is sitting atop their board. His age (25 years old) and lengthy injury history are the reason his stock pushed him down this far in this year’s draft. If he was a couple years younger he may be a top-15 pick. That’s not bad value for a 49ers team that needs an edge rusher who can get to the quarterback off the edge. Mesidor has some versatility to kick inside, but he also has the tools to be a three-down player outside. Another name to watch here is Missouri edge rusher Zion Young. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Oct. 4, 2025. Ohio State won 42-3.

28. Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

Houston is known for trading back and given the Cardinals' potential need to target Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, that’s very much in play. However, if there's one player who might stand pat, it's McDonald. The Buckeyes star is coming off one of the best seasons for a defensive tackle, racking up 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. Two of his best games were against Texas and Miami, arguably two teams loaded with future NFL talent. Add in that he's only 21 and still growing, Houston could be getting a prospect who's yet to reach even his floor that already has Day 1 production that teams covet for their defensive lines. The Texans would probably love to land McDonald on Day 2, but if they feel like he's going to be out of the running to fall into Friday's second round, Nick Caserio might just pull the trigger and call it a day. – Cole Thompson, Texans Wire

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR): Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The second Utah lineman to come off the board in Round 1, Lomu represents a doubling down on Brett Veach’s commitment to keep Patrick Mahomes healthy through his 30s. This pick would be eerily similar to Kansas City’s selection of Josh Simmons in 2025, and may pay greater dividends in Year 1 if Lomu can stay healthy and available through his rookie season. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire

30. Miami Dolphins (from DEN): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The All-Big Ten wideout caught 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season, using his 6-foot-4 frame to become his quarterback’s favorite target. With pre-draft comparisons to Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, Miami could completely change the outlook for their offense by putting Boston above Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert in the wide receiver room that Malik Willis will be throwing to in 2026. – Mike Masala, Dolphins Wire

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

31. New England Patriots: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

The mere mention of the Patriots drafting another offensive tackle in the first round for a second straight year will likely elicit plenty of eye rolls. I am sure that Patriots quarterback Drake Maye would disagree after getting smacked around by elite defenses throughout the team's Cinderella playoff run.

Patriots right tackle Morgan Moses is 35 years old, and Arizona State's Max Iheanachor would be the perfect prospect to sit behind him as a student and an emergency replacement. Iheanachor is a very green prospect considering he only started playing football five years ago, but the physical potential is off the charts for the 6-foot-6 and 321-pound offensive lineman. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire

32. Seattle Seahawks: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

Assuming the Seahawks don’t trade out of pick No. 32 (which they most assuredly will, given they only have four picks in the draft) I’d love to see them to reinforce the defensive line. Yes, I know they have more pressing needs at running back and even cornerback. But as we saw in the Super Bowl, defensive lines that relentlessly harass quarterbacks win championships. Seattle’s defensive line is unquestionably elite, but Leonard Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence aren’t getting any younger. The Seahawks should beef up their defensive line to keep it elite and fresh with young talent. Young’s draft profile has him as a round 1-2 pick, which is perfect for where the Seahawks are picking. – Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: NFL Wire: Final mock draft ahead of Thursday's first round