The 2025 NFL season is coming to an end and ushering in the most exciting moment: Super Bowl 60, where the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will compete for the chance to win the world championship.
However, the NFL’s other 30 teams are already thinking about how to compete in next year’s big game. For most of them, it all begins and ends with the 2026 NFL Draft, which kicked off last week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. With the Senior Bowl in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start predicting which prospects will be available at certain points in the draft.
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Will the quarterback be No. 1? How many people will enter in the first round? Which teams will fill needs in the trenches as opposed to skilled positions? Many things can happen. Following the Senior Bowl, here’s our first-round mock draft, which contains no surprises:
The Las Vegas Raiders are almost certain to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Indiana quarterback will be the core piece of the franchise they hope to build long-term.
2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The New York Jets may hold off on drafting a quarterback because of a weaker class. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese can help on defense.
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The Arizona Cardinals selected Rueben Bain Jr. with the third overall pick. His rushing ability might be just what they need on defense.
4. Tennessee Titans: Carnell Tate, wide receiver, Ohio State
The Tennessee Titans selected wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick, giving Cam Ward a young weapon for his sophomore season.
The New York Giants selected offensive tackle Spencer Farno out of Utah. To protect Jaxson Dart, who was reckless at bat, Fano could provide protection.
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Will the Cleveland Browns draft one of the quarterbacks they have on their roster? Well, it didn’t matter if they couldn’t protect them, so they selected offensive tackle Francis Mauligoa with the sixth pick.
7. Washington Commander: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Washington Commanders improved their defense with Caleb Downs, who could be considered the best overall player in the draft depending on who you ask.
The New Orleans Saints drafted Texas Tech’s David Bailey with the eighth overall pick on their defense. His work as a pass rusher will help them develop their organization on that side of the ball, which is important as their offense looks to take a step forward with it.
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The Kansas City Chiefs are having a terrible year. However, they still have the pedigree to win every year. Adding a superstar running back could be a way to get their offense back on track. Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love was their ninth overall pick.
The Cincinnati Bengals need to improve their defense if they want to win again under Joe Burrow. Cornerback Mansour Deline from LSU will anchor their secondary.
11. Miami Dolphins: Kendrick Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
The Miami Dolphins are starting over, starting with edge rusher Kendrick Faulk, the 11th overall pick from Auburn. If they start over, the high-end pass-rushing upside is something to seriously consider.
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12. Dallas Cowboys: Jordin Tyson, wide receiver, Arizona State University
The Dallas Cowboys give Dak Prescott another weapon with wide receiver Jordin Tyson at No. 12 overall. They’re coming off a down year in 2025, and getting their offense back to the high-octane group it was with Prescott should be a priority.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jermon McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Through a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, the Los Angeles Rams selected cornerback Jamon McCoy from Tennessee with the 13th overall pick. Los Angeles being an elite team with two first-round picks will help them stay in the league’s Class A division.
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The Baltimore Ravens selected defensive lineman Peter Woods with the 14th overall pick. For the new coach, revamping the defense is the most important thing. If they don’t figure out this side of the ball, this will be another wasted year in Lamar Jackson’s prime.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have given Baker Mayfield another weapon in USC receiver Makai Lemon. If they lose Mike Evans, they may try to replace him to get back on track.
16. New York Jets (from IND): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
The New York Jets selected linebacker Sonny Styles from Ohio State with the 16th overall pick. This is their second pick of the first round, thanks to a trade with the Indianapolis Colts.
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17. Detroit Lions: Avierori Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Detroit Lions selected Clemson’s Aviellori Terrell to help improve their secondary. Dan Campbell’s team will be looking to bounce back in 2026.
18. Minnesota Vikings: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State
The Minnesota Vikings selected defensive lineman Kayden McDonald from Ohio State with the 18th overall pick. Under a new general manager, it might be wise to work on the defensive line so they can win more games if their offense gets back on track under Kevin O’Connell.
19. Carolina Panthers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon State
The Carolina Panthers, who are having a shockingly good year in 2025, selected tight end Kenyon Sadiq with the 19th overall pick in an attempt to provide Bryce Young with a weapon.
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20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers): CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
The Dallas Cowboys used the pick they received from the Green Bay Packers in the Micah Parsons trade to select linebacker C.J. Allen from Georgia with the 20th overall pick. After adding offensive weapons with their first option, it only makes sense to use this one on defense.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Ty Simpson with the 21st overall pick. He was the second quarterback drafted in the first round. This could be a smart move for them regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers returns or not.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Vega Ioane, OL, Penn State
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Penn State’s Vega Ioane with the 22nd overall pick, giving Justin Herbert more protection. They can’t go another year without taking a step forward as a team, and protecting Herbert is key to making that happen.
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23. Philadelphia Eagles: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
The Philadelphia Eagles added another edge rusher, Clemson’s TJ Parker, at No. 23 overall. With Jalen Carter already there, their pass rush will be unstoppable if a player like Parker can help them.
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAC): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Cleveland Browns used a draft pick from the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire Denzel Boston from Washington. With their first pick, they added offensive line help, which in turn makes adding a wide receiver late in the first round very helpful for whoever they have under center.
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25. Chicago Bears: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida State
The Chicago Bears desperately need help attacking opposing quarterbacks. Caleb Banks is their No. 25 overall pick. Becoming an impactful defensive unit could be the key to this team winning a Super Bowl as soon as next season.
26. Buffalo Bills: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The Buffalo Bills have added another weapon in Josh Allen in the form of wide receiver KC Concepcion out of Texas A&M. He can’t rely entirely on his offense, so it would make sense for him to have another good weapon at his disposal.
27. San Francisco 49ers: Kadyn Proccor, OT, Alabama
The San Francisco 49ers added offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor with the 27th pick. The Alabama star will help them get Brock Purdy established. This team is looking for better health, so they’re looking for a quality young tackle.
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28. Houston Texans: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
The Houston Texans added linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas to add strength to their already elite defense. If they do something like this and get better/healthier play from C.J. Stroud, they might as well be a Super Bowl team.
29. Los Angeles Rams: Emmanuel Pregnon, OL, Oregon State
Matthew Stafford needed more protection up front, so Emmanuel Pregnon was their choice with the 29th overall pick. With a second first-round pick, one of the best teams in the league has a chance to get even better.
30. Denver Broncos: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The Denver Broncos selected offensive tackle Caleb Lomu from the University of Utah with the 30th overall pick. Bonix will thank them for that. He was seriously injured during the most important time of the playoffs, so strengthening his protection should be the top priority.
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31. New England Patriots: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
South Carolina cornerback Brandon Cisse, 31, is a player for the New England Patriots. Even Super Bowl teams need help, and adding more players to Mike Vrabel’s defense would be a smart organizational move.
32. Seattle Seahawks: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Seattle Seahawks selected Texas A&M edge rusher Cassius Howell. Whether they win or not, their defense is already stacked, so adding another good option on the defensive line will increase their advantage.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: First-round predictions after the Senior Bowl
