2026 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
As we approach the halfway mark of the season, who are some of the prospects teams should be looking to add?
With Week 9 games looming, we are approaching the halfway point of the 2025 NFL Regular Season. There have been some positive surprises like the Indianapolis Colts, but the first month and change of the season has also revealed dire needs for some teams. Without Lamar Jackson on the field, the Baltimore Ravens have fallen apart. The Houston Texans offense has been rough and needs many reinforcements. Teams like the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins could use complete makeovers.
Luckily, we sit at right around the halfway point between last year’s 2025 NFL Draft and the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. With some of the draft prospects playing their best ball and Halloween right around the corner, there isn’t a better time to indulge in a fairly early 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
For clarification, I will be using Tankathon’s projected draft order. At the time of writing this piece, we are in Game Week 9, so the order will reflect how the teams stacked up at this point. I also will not be including any trades that haven’t already happened - it’s too soon to predict Draft Day movement. With those notes out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the potential fits for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Note: The draft order was determined prior to the BAL/MIA game on Thursday Night Football
1. New Orleans Saints (1-7) - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
With the news that NOLA is turning to rookie Tyler Shough to start, there might not be a better time to discuss quarterbacks of the future for the Big Easy. While I personally have Ty Simpson at the top of my board, teams may be wary of his limited experience as a starter.
Enter Fernando Mendoza, who at both Cal and Indiana has put his team on the map. Mendoza has a capable arm and is willing to push the ball to any spot on the field. If Indiana makes a deep playoff run, Mendoza will be talked about as the clear QB1 choice in this draft.
2. New York Jets (1-7) - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The Jets are the next team up, and they also need a difference-maker at the signal-caller position. Justin Fields has been largely turnover-free, but at the same time, he has given the offense little to no juice in the passing game.
Simpson has been the best quarterback in college football this season. His ability to create and mitigate pressure, along with an arm that can challenge any area of the field, makes Simpson a tantalizing option in the draft.
3. Tennessee Titans (1-7) - Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio State
Even if the Titans end up with a pick this high, it’s probably too soon to give up on Cam Ward. A bad offensive infrastructure and poor roster in general have held back Ward’s development, and this team needs all the talent it can get.
Arvell Reese has had an Abdul Carter-esque rise over the course of this season. With more reps at pass rusher, Reese will play himself into consideration of being the first non-quarterback drafted. A Reese/Jeffrey Simmons pairing could be foundational for years to come.
4. Cleveland Browns (2-6) - Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
In similar fashion to New Orleans, the Browns have two young quarterbacks that they have to evaluate. However, both of these players were late round draft picks last year, and the one that we have seen has shown no plus traits of being a potential franchise quarterback.
Dante Moore has the chance to be special. He possesses an adequate arm, is a good creator out of structure, and has run the Oregon offense effectively in all but one of their games. Moore could be the quarterback of the future if the Browns punt on their two rookies after one season.
5. Miami Dolphins (2-6) - Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami
If there ends up being a change in the front office or coaching staff for the Dolphins, this could be another team that looks to add a quarterback early. However, Miami’s ownership has seemingly given Mike McDaniel a vote of confidence in the midst of a poor season.
If continuity is the plan, the offensive line is the next-most important position to address. Mauigoa has been a monster at right tackle for the Hurricanes this season, keeping Carson Beck upright and mauling in the run game. If the Dolphins choose to address their line, keeping Mauigoa in the stadium he’s played in for the past three seasons is a pretty smart plan.
6. New York Giants (2-6) - Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Rookie QB Jaxson Dart has been a bit of a revelation for the Giants. This team is still only 2-6, but Dart’s athleticism and toughness have breathed new life into the Giants offense.
For Dart to grow as a passer, having a better front line is a must. Spencer Fano has been an excellent right tackle for the Utes this season and can be an immediate starter from Day 1. A line bookended by Andrew Thomas and Fano is a lot better than what most teams could put out there.
7. Baltimore Ravens (2-5) - Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
Now that Lamar Jackson is expected to return to the starting spot, I wouldn’t expect the Ravens to remain a Top 10 pick holder for too long. Jackson’s absence, however, has revealed just how poor this roster is without the MVP dragging them to wins.
With this in mind, Baltimore needs to add true blue-chip talent wherever they can. Rueben Bain Jr. is a monster off the edge, collapsing edges in the run game, and delivering consistent pressure as a pass rusher. Bain could finally end the Ravens’ constant need for a 30+ year old edge rusher addition in August every season.
8. Las Vegas Raiders (2-5) - Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State
Pete Carroll’s Raiders are no strangers to selecting “non-premium” positions early in the draft. While the offensive line is in rough shape, this Raiders defense needs all the help it can get at every position.
Caleb Downs is and has been one of the five best players in college football since he started at Alabama as a true freshman. Now at Ohio State, Downs has continued to take his game to the next level, improving in coverage and thriving in run support. Downs can be a rare cornerstone piece at the safety position.
9. Arizona Cardinals (2-5) - Makai Lemon, WR, Southern California
Arizona’s defensive overhaul from this offseason has been real, going from one of the worst last year to closer to league average. Where the Cardinals regression has occurred has been on offense; that side of the ball that was hardly addressed in this past draft.
Makai Lemon can be a solution to a stagnant passing offense. Perhaps the best pound-for-pound receiver in this class, Lemon is an electric player who can route up the best DBs and make contested catches at will. Lemon would pair perfectly with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride to consistently put defenses in a bind.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) - Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
After investing in the defensive line with Shemar Stewart and (sort of) giving Trey Hendrickson a new deal, the Bengals should continue to address one of the league’s worst defensive fronts.
Clemson’s defensive performance and effort have been underwhelming, to say the least, this season. Despite this, Peter Woods has still been the clear-cut best interior defensive line prospect. If Cincinnati can figure out a solution that keeps Hendrickson home, adding Woods could transform this unit from a weakness into a strength.
11. Washington Commanders (3-5) - Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Part of the reason for Washington’s significant step back this season has been the defense. A group that sat near the middle of the league last season has found itself in the bottom quarter, lacking true difference-makers along the defensive line.
Keldric Faulk can be the number one edge rusher this team needs. While a lot of Faulk’s appeal is based upon projection, the rare size, speed, and strength are hard to pass up on. If he pans out, Faulk will be a monster 4-3 defensive end, capable of wrecking games as a run-stopper and pass rusher.
12. Los Angeles Rams via ATL (3-4) - LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
With the Falcons being a highly inconsistent group, the Rams are reaping the rewards of last year’s draft-day deal. Given that this is the first of two picks, the Rams can deal with a premium position early, one that could be useful for the future.
It’s no secret that Matthew Stafford is getting up there in age. LaNorris Sellers could be the potential long-term replacement that the Rams will need soon. Sellers’ athletic tools are rare, and the chance to pair him with an offensive mind like Sean McVay might break the league if it pans out.
13. Minnesota Vikings (3-4) - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The offensive struggles have been real for the Vikings to start the season. While the quarterback position has been less than stellar, it would be rough to move on from JJ McCarthy after only two NFL starts.
In this case, the Vikings actually look to make their defense even more potent. Jermod McCoy still has yet to return from an ACL injury suffered in January, but he should be back on the field soon. Judging from his 2024 tape, McCoy is the best cover corner in this class. McCoy and Byron Murphy could form a strong coverage tandem that would pair well with Brian Flores’ pressure packages.
14. Houston Texans (3-4) - Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
It’s been seven games, and the Texans offensive line concerns have not been put to rest. If this team is going to get back to the dominant force they’ve been during CJ Stroud’s first two seasons, the line has to be figured out.
Kadyn Proctor is a step in the right direction. Proctor’s effort has left much to be desired this season, but his traits are rare. With size and strength to upend most rushers, Proctor can be a plus starter early if he fully commits to what the team needs from him.
15. Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1) - Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Last year, Dallas decided to go for the less sexy move in the draft and continue to address their offensive line. So far, Dallas’ early offensive line additions have brought good returns and have given the run game new life.
Now, it’s time to do the same thing on the other side of the ball. Losing Micah Parsons is rough, but adding an edge rusher with the size and bend of Uiagalelei is a step in the right direction towards making the defensive line a force in the pass game.
16. Carolina Panthers (4-4) - Cassius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
Through eight games, no team may have a better rookie class than Carolina. Tetairoa McMillan is emerging as a true WR1, early edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen have become key rotation players, and the Day 3 picks have all chipped in.
This team still lacks a true number one edge rusher, something Cassius Howell has a good chance of becoming. Howell’s speed and bend have already been on display for No. 3 ranked Texas A&M’s staunch defense. If he pans out, Howell could be the final piece to a Panthers defensive front that went from last in the league in 2024 to a strength in 2025 and beyond.
17. Chicago Bears (4-3) - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
During Ben Johnson’s first draft as a head coach, the Bears were no strangers to selecting offensive skill position players. So far, Colston Loveland hasn’t produced much, but is clearly part of the Bears long-term plans.
Here, Chicago follows it up by adding their RB1 of the future in Jeremiyah Love. The Notre Dame back has already accounted for double-digit touchdowns, and can bring a home run hitting ability to the Bears backfield.
18. Cleveland Browns via JAX (4-3) - Caleb Lomu, OL, Utah
Earlier in the draft, the Browns added their potential quarterback of the future. Here, using Jacksonville’s pick, Cleveland adds to an offensive line that has performed poorly so far in 2025. Lomu has the chance to be a long-term option and left tackle, something the Browns have needed, frankly, since franchise great Joe Thomas retired nearly a decade ago.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
After adding Aaron Rodgers and trading for DK Metcalf, the Steelers offense looks the best it’s been since the Ben Roethlisberger days. While Metcalf has been a reliable option in the passing game, one wide receiver is never enough.
Carnell Tate can be the perfect complement to Metcalf’s ability to win over the middle. Tate’s ability to consistently win along the sideline and be a viable deep threat may be enough to convince Rodgers to come back for one more season.
20. San Francisco 49ers (5-3) - Isaiah World, OL, Oregon
Through eight games, the 49ers may be the team most afflicted by injuries to key players. Despite this, the Niners have been able to win games and stay competitive in a tight NFC West race. It’s clear, however, that this team needs to add reinforcements to key positions.
The offensive line has to be addressed sooner rather than later. With most of the top tackle options gone, the 49ers turn to Isaiah World. The Oregon tackle can hold down the right side or slot in behind Trent Williams and be the eventual franchise left tackle. Either way, the offensive line needs new blood in 2026.
21. Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) - Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
The Bolts have been rolling through the first half of the season, mainly due to Justin Herbert’s MVP-caliber performances. The offensive side of the ball looks to be potent, but the defense isn’t the Top 5 unit it was a year ago.
Adding a premier corner talent can help to change that. Terrell has been the most consistent Clemson defender to start their season, and like former Tiger Nate Wiggins, plays much bigger than his frame suggests. Terrell could become the CB1 for a team that currently fields Donte Jackson and Benjamin St. Juste for far too many snaps per game.
22. Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
After stumbling to a 0-2 start, the Chiefs are 5-1 in their last six games and look to be back on track. With Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy back in the lineup, this passing offense is hard to stop. The key weakness, however, is Travis Kelce fighting against Father Time.
While the Chiefs have invested in backup tight ends over the last few seasons, none of them are the athletic mismatch that Sadiq is. Whether it’s backing up Kelce for a season or immediately taking over, Sadiq will give the Chiefs one of the most diverse and difficult passing attacks to deal with in the league.
23. Los Angeles Rams (5-2) - Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas
Earlier, the Rams used the Falcons pick to select their quarterback of the future. Here, they add the signal caller on the defensive side of the ball with Anthony Hill Jr. The athletic Longhorns linebacker has done a bit of everything for the Texas defense through three seasons. In LA, with a talented front supporting him, Hill will be able to use his athleticism to be a game-wrecker as a traditional stand-up backer.
24. Detroit Lions (5-2) - TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson
Concerns about the Lions dealing with coaching brain drain were dispelled after two or three games. This team is back at the top of the NFC and has the talent to be competitive in the playoffs. After giving star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson a massive contract extension, the Lions continue to bolster the defense here.
Hutchinson has never had a consistent rusher on the other side of the ball to take off some of the pressure. TJ Parker can be the edge rusher that solidifies the Lions rushing attack. While the effort of the Clemson defense has left much to be desired, Parker’s traits might be too rare to pass up.
25. Buffalo Bills (5-2) - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Throughout the Josh Allen era, the Buffalo Bills have consistently been contenders in the AFC. Despite this, General Manager Brandon Beane has had more than a few whiffs in the draft, particularly in the first round.
That ends here, with Jordyn Tyson. A receiver with a strong frame and ability to win both down the field and with contested catches, Tyson can be what the team hoped Keon Coleman would be from the jump, giving Allen his first true WR1 target since Stefon Diggs.
26. Seattle Seahawks (5-2) - Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
It’s safe to say the Sam Darnold for Geno Smith swap has worked out well for Seattle. Perhaps the biggest change was letting DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett go so that Jaxon Smith-Njigba can take WR1 reps.
While JSN has been a revelation, ideally, Seattle has multiple premium pass-catchers. Adding Denzel Boston, who plays his college ball 15 minutes up the road. Boston has a huge frame and can operate as the Tee Higgins to JSN’s Ja’Marr Chase, putting defenses in a bind.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) - CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
In a similar fashion to San Francisco, Tampa Bay has been ravaged by injuries early in the season. Also, like the 49ers, the Bucs have still managed to win a whole lot of games. One of the key contributors in these wins has been the greybeard, Lavonte David.
David is still playing at a high level, but isn’t getting any younger. Georgia’s CJ Allen can be the natural replacement for David. With excellent horizontal speed and strength, Allen is a strong run-fitting linebacker who can close out plays in a hurry.
28. Denver Broncos (6-2) - Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
There aren’t many weaknesses to identify early in the season for Denver. Both of their losses have come at the end of games, and this team continues to dominate on defense. Sean Payton also has the run game dialed in, making Denver a tough team to beat.
One spot that could use an upgrade is the receiver room. Even with Courtland Sutton and multiple Day 2 and Day 3 draft picks, nobody in this group really takes over as a WR1. Alabama’s Germie Bernard has the potential to be that player. A do-it-all receiver (who Payton can also deploy out of the backfield) in a similar mold to Emeka Egbuka is exactly what this group needs, and can take Denver from a great team to a potentially elite group.
29. New England Patriots (6-2) - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Drake Maye’s ascendancy has the Patriots back at the top of the AFC East. Through eight games, nobody has been a more impressive deep ball thrower, despite having an average supporting cast.
Where the Pats can take a step is on defense. The additions to the front and back ends have given good returns, but adding a linebacker like Styles could make this group complete. Arvell Reese’s running mate, Styles, is an excellent backer in his own right and can be the in-between player New England needs.
30. Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) - Connor Lew, iOL, Auburn
For the most part, Philly has been able to avoid the dreaded Super Bowl hangover that curses so many teams. One of the spots that the Eagles could improve, however, is the interior offensive line. Whether it’s due to injury or regression, the interior isn’t as stout as it was last season.
Auburn center Connor Lew can be an immediate fix to this issue. Lew can step in immediately as the center, or slide over to play guard, both of which can help the Eagles out immediately and get this line back to the best in the league.
31. Dallas Cowboys via GB (5-1-1) - A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
Earlier in the draft, the Cowboys added Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei to try and replace some of the production lost with the trade of Micah Parsons. Now, thanks to the Parsons trade, Dallas adds his teammate A’Mauri Washington. Washington can immediately be a part of the interior defensive line rotation, adding to a group that has to be better against the run.
32. Indianapolis Colts (7-1) - David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
I’m not sure that anyone predicted the Colts to be an NFL-best 7-1 through eight weeks of play. Daniel Jones’ career resurgence, along with running back Jonathan Taylor on pace to break records, has this offense performing at historic levels.
Indy’s defense, while improved from last season, isn’t nearly as good as the offense has been. Despite new additions in the secondary playing well and veterans on the defense front producing, this group still can use more juice. David Bailey has the juice and has shown as much with 10.5 sacks through eight games at Texas Tech. The Stanford transfer is playing at a high level and could be the piece that keeps a potentially elite team at the top of the league in 2026.
Best Available Prospects:
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Caleb Banks, DL, Florida
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
Mansoor Delane, CB, Louisiana State
Keon Sabb, S, Alabama