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It's prime time for Sporting News to expand its 2026 mock draft to two rounds, just a little more than two months before the real NFL draft.
There are several key prospects working for their final push for scouts to improve their stock during measurements, medical evaluations and workouts during this week's Combine or upcoming individual pro days.
With that in mind, here's looking at the latest projections, expanding to go No. 1 through No. 64 overall:
IYER: Ranking the top 100 free agents ahead of the 2026 season
NFL Mock Draft 2026
Round 1
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (6-5, 225 pounds)
The Raiders are locking into this strong pocket passer to clean up their franchise QB situation. Mendoza is the ideal clutch option coming off his Heisman and national championship for ultra-competitive part-owner Tom Brady under new coach Klint Kubiak.
MORE: Ranking Raiders' top options for potential No. 1 overall pick
2. New York Jets
- Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (6-3, 275 pounds)
The Jets need to get their new premier pass rusher for Aaron Glenn's defense and Bain can be the disruptive defensive option to take over games with no good QB selection on the board with Mendoza gone.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (6-0, 205 pounds)
The Cardinals would be reaching to consider quarterback this early, too in the quest to replace Kyler Murray. They also have a need to add more defensive firepower for Nick Rallis. This do-everything playmaker is exactly what they need in a rebuild of the entire attack.
4. Tennessee Titans
Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)
The Titans will look to get new coach Robert Saleh some needed defensive upgrades. it would make a lot of sense to target the rangy Reese to help them make a lot of big plays as a key chess piece.
5. New York Giants
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (6-2, 200 pounds)
The Giants need to upgrade their recieving corps opposite Malik Nabers with Wan'Dale Robinson looking like he will the slot in free agency. Tyson would form a great 1-2 punch outside with Nabers to raise the big passing quotient of Jaxson Dart in Year 2.
MORE: Sporting News' way-too-early first NFL power rankings for 2026
6. Cleveland Browns
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Browns also will have the offensive line in mind early to better protect whomever they start at quarterback and also rebuild their aging front. Mauigoa, after the Hurricanes' strong run to the national title game, gets the nod over several other sound tackle prospects to take over on the left side.
7. Washington Commanders
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 214 pounds)
The Commanders need to clean up their backfield given all their injury issues and more limited situational talent. Love would be ideal to give them a three-down option who can play well off the running of Jayden Daniels.
8. New Orleans Saints
David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-3, 250 pounds)
The Saints need to upgrade the pass rush for Brandon Staley and for the 3-4 base scheme, Bailey can be impactful both pressuring quarterbacks and dropping back to make plays in coverage.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 195 pounds)
The Chiefs will consider running back, offensive tackle and cornerback based on who's available and their pressing needs after free agency, but at the moment, it wouldn't surprise anyone to go for another big-play, speedy outside threat for Patrick Mahomes, trying against after the Xavier Worthy disappointment so far.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 285 pounds)
The Bengals need to upgrade their pass rush with Trey Hendrickson looking like he will walk in free agency. Faulk can replace Hendrickson's high energy and production and also become a real outside asset vs. the run.
11. Miami Dolphins
- Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 193 pounds)
The Dolphins need to boost their cornerback after trading Jalen Ramsey and McCoy gives them the size, toughness and physicality to be stronger in man coverage. They can be patient with McCoy's recovery as Jeff Hafley rebuilds the defense.
12. Dallas Cowboys
- Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (6-0, 190 pounds)
The Cowboys need a smooth cover man with nice size to help clean up the cornerback across from DaRon Bland with Trevon Diggs gone and Delane would be a good fit in the new defense of former Eagles assistant Christian Parker.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons)
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (5-11, 180 pounds)
The Rams have some key cornerback issues with a potential free agency depletion ahead, so it would make sense to go for this savvy immediate starter, the brother of the Falcons star A.J. Terrell.
14. Baltimore Ravens
- Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (6-3, 315 pounds)
The Ravens need to beef up their impact up front with a versatile, explosive interior disruptor. Woods is an ideal fit for new coach Jesse Minter's scheme.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (6-4, 243 pounds)
The Buccaneers need to restore the versatility in their second level for Todd Bowles' defense. Styles is just a notch or two below former college teammate Reese in providing that rangy playmaking.
MORE: Updated list of picks for 2026 NFL Draft
16. New York Jets (from Colts)
- Makai Lemon, WR, USC (5-11, 195 pounds)
The Jets need to get Garrett Wilson some receiving help for their presumed new franchise QB. Lemon would be a great complement with his route-running and big-play ability in the open field after the catch.
17. Detroit Lions
- T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson (6-3, 265 pounds)
The Lions need to have a physical thumper to better complement Aidan Hutchinson at end in their 4-3. Parker's strength and power can feed well off Hutchinson's quickness.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 326 pounds)
The Vikings could use some beefing up of their defensive line as part of a reinforcement plan for Brian Flores. The secondary can also be addressed, but it would also be tempting to take a strong run-stuffer of this talent and production level.
19. Carolina Panthers
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State (6-4, 330 pounds)
The Panthers need some interior line help in front of Bryce Young and the running game and Ioane would be a nice upgrade on either the left or right side.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M (6-2, 248 pounds)
The Cowboys also need to work on the front of their pass defense for Parker to help fill the void created by the Micah Parsons trade. Howell is a fluid, explosive athlete who can have a big situational impact at first, rushing the passer.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)
The Steelers might need to realize that Broderick Jones might be just an injury-riddled left tackle bust. Fano can be a better answer up front for Aaron Rodgers with his quickness and athleticism in pass protection, coming in a nice frame..
MORE: What Mike McCarthy hire in Pittsburgh means for Aaron Rodgers
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama (6-7, 366 pounds)
Proctor would either serve as a contingency for Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater as they return from injuries as strong bookend tackles or slide right into being a massive physical force to upgrade guard for Justin Herbert and Omarion Hampton.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 245 pounds)
Dallas Goedert had a career year scoring touchdowns, but he just turned 31 years old and is a pending free agent. Sadiq would add another welcome explosive element to create mismatches between A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to get open down the seam for Jalen Hurts.
Rick Osentoski
24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (6-4, 209 pounds)
The Browns may think about qa uarterback in this mock after getting Mauigoa to be their new pass-protecting rock at tackle, but they also need big-play weapons for the outside in Todd Monken's offense. Boston would help Shedeur Sanders or whoever else starts big-time stretching the field as a well-rounded go-to guy.
25. Chicago Bears
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (6-7, 315 pounds)
The Bears should think about looking at upgrading the tackles' pass protection for Caleb Williams, with Braxton Jones being a free agent. Freeling's massive frame and athleticism should be intriguing to turn some athletic potential into dominance in time.
26. Buffalo Bills
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma (6-2, 249 pounds)
The Bills' pass rush disappeared in the playoffs when they needed it most, costing defensive-minded coach Sean McDermott his job. Thomas can bring the needed energy and production, packing a wallop in a smaller, relentless frame.
27. San Francisco 49ers
- KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (5-11, 190 pounds)
The 49ers need to think about wide receiver early with Brandon Aiyuk likely to be gone, Jauan Jennings as a free agent and Ricky Pearsall having durability issues. Concepcion is a dynamic after-the-catch and open-field talent who works well with Brock Purdy in Kyle Shanahan's offense
28. Houston Texans
Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon (6-5, 318 pounds)
The Texans' weak offensive line might lose average right guard Ed Ingram in free agency and needs more youthful talent upgrades. Pregnon moves so well for such a physical, nasty presence inside.
29. Los Angeles Rams
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama (6-2, 208 pounds)
The Rams won't be surprising anyone anymore by stashing their future starting QB behind MVP Matthew Stafford to get a head start in developing him well as an accurate intermediate passer in Sean McVay's system. Simpson would be better off sitting than being thrust into a bad team's starting job.
30. Denver Broncos
C.J. Allen, LB, Georgia (6-1, 235 pounds)
The Broncos may need to replace free agent Alex Singleton and it would make sense to replace him with this latest Bulldogs rangy starter, who covers a lot of ground to make big plays vs. run and pass.
31. New England Patriots
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah (6-6, 304 pounds)
The Patriots need to consider a bookend right tackle for 2025 first-rounder Will Campbell with Morgan Moses turning 35 in early March. For the short term, they could also kick Lomu inside to beef up blocking on the left side next to Campbell to replace weak link guard Jared Wilson, given the Super Bowl pass protection disaster.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (6-0, 195 pounds)
The Seahawks likely will need to reload at cornerback after the Super Bowl with Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe heading into free agency. Hood would be ideal as a big, speedy and physical cover man to help Mike Macdonald help replace one or both of them.
MORE: Complete list of NFL Combine records
Round 2
33. New York Jets
Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina (6-0, 190 pounds)
Hood also would be a good target to address the other big defensive need opposite Sauce Gardner for Glenn, but the speed, quickness and fluid coverage of Cisse is also a fine fit.
34. Arizona Cardinals
Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (6-4, 305 pounds)
The Cardinals, with Calais Campbell as a free agent, could use more beefing up front and Miller can be the latest dominant disruptor from the Bulldogs.
35. Tennessee Titans
Chris Bell, WR, Louisville (6-2, 220 pounds)
The Titans need to consider a top outside wide receiver for Year 2 of Cam Ward and Bell would be a sneaky good addition from a strong outside class.
36. Las Vegas Raiders
Gennings Dunker, OT, Iowa (6-5, 315 pounds)
The Raiders will hope Kolten Miller is healthy and effective at left tackle for Mendoza and then land the mighty Dunker for the ideal bookend on the right side.
37. New York Giants
Dillon Thienmann, S, Oregon (6-0, 205 pounds)
The Giants need an effective clean-up man to put next to Jevon Holland and upgrade from Tyler Nubin and Thienmann would give them what they lost in Xavier McKinney.
38. Houston Texans (from Commanders)
- Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-6, 330 pounds)
The Texans need to boost their interior run-stopping and can get the bonus of getting more pass-rush juice for DeMeco Ryans' elite defense.
39. Cleveland Browns
- Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texans (6-3, 238 pounds)
The Browns hit on Carson Schwesinger in last year's draft, but need to address the outside of their defense with Devin Bush as a free agent. Hill is solid upfield but is ideal in the strongside role with his coverage and blitzing skills.
40. Kansas City Chiefs
- Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (6-0, 190 pounds)
The Chiefs need to be prepared to lose cornerbacks in free agency, led by Jaylen Watson. Abney's versatile coverage would work well playing off Trent McDuffie for Steve Spagnuolo.
41. Cincinnati Bengals
- Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (6-0, 185 pounds)
The Bengals, after addressing the void in the pass rush with Faulk early, should pivot to more defensive help in the secondary. Johnson is a good ballhawk for either zone or man.
42. New Orleans Saints
- Chris Brazell II, WR, Tennessee (6-5, 200 pounds)
After addressing their pass rush early, the Saints can turn to helping Kellen Moore and strong-armed Tyler Shough with this massive big-play target in the Mike Evans mold.
MORE: Why is the NFL Combine always in Indianapolis?
43. Miami Dolphins
- Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (6-6, 315 pounds)
Between Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson, the Dolphins shouldn't mind going after a tackle upgrade.
44. New York Jets (from Cowboys)
- Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech (6-4, 321 pounds)
The Jets can address the Quinnen Williams void with the pick they got from Dallas. Hunter is a rising run stopper with some untapped inside pass rush upside.
45. Baltimore Ravens
- Max Klare, TE, Ohio State (6-5, 243 pounds)
The Ravens are likely to lose Isaiah Likely in free agency and Mark Andrews is 30. Klare would give Lamar Jackson a needed athletic field-stretching weapon to help reinforce the position.
46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (6-3, 280 pounds)
The Buccaneers, after taking Styles early, can address the second-level pass rush for Todd Bowles. Mesidor offers size and athletic punch in his own right after former teammate Bain.
47. Indianapolis Colts
- LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama (6-5, 278 pounds)
Overton would be a good fit in their defense to replace free agent Kwity Paye. He has good line versatility for Lou Anarumo's front.
48. Atlanta Falcons
- Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-3, 240 pounds)
Height would be a good rebound for the Falcons with Arnold Ebiketie in free agency. He can be a dynamic situational pass rusher at first before bulking up to start.
49. Minnesota Vikings
- A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU (6-0, 222 pounds)
Harrison Smith may retire and the Vikings could use to reload with a playmaker. Haulcy is a hard-hitter who will also make some big plays on the ball for Flores.
50. Detroit Lions
- Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (6-6, 330 pounds)
The Lions need to consider some tackle help opposite Penei Sewell. Iheanachor can develop into a strong left tackle in time to keep Sewell dominating on the right.
51. Carolina Panthers
- Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri (6-2, 237 pounds)
The Panthers need to get more active on the second level for Ejiro Evero. Trotter is a physical run-stopping tackler with some coverage upside.
52. Green Bay Packers
- D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana (5-9, 170 pounds)
With their first pick in this draft, it would make sense for the Packers to address corner. Ponds is ideal for their new scheme with his feisty outside coverage for his size.
53. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (6-0, 201 pounds)
The Steelers should love his quickness and route running as the ideal slot or outside target to play well off DK Metcalf and become a trusted rookie go-to guy for Aaron Rodgers.
MORE: Here are the fastest 40 times in NFL Combine history
54. Philadelphia Eagles
- Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern (6-7, 325 pounds)
With Lane Johnson getting close to the end, Tiernan can give them a right tackle option who can also play guard.
55. Los Angeles Chargers
- Connor Lew, C/G, Auburn (6-3, 300 pounds)
With Bradley Bozeman retiring, the Chargers can go here for a direct replacement to further address their line issues. He would be a cheaper way to get the talent of free agent Tyler Linderbaum.
56. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (6-0, 195 pounds)
Scott would be a nice get to put opposite Travis Hunter as the Jaguars make the first pick of this mock. He can do a little of everything well for Anthony Campanile.
57. Chicago Bears
- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (6-2, 182 pounds)
The Bears might see some voids created at safety in free agency. McNeil-Warren would provide some hard-hitting and ace ballhawking coverage in the same package.
58. San Francisco 49ers
- Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M (6-5, 315 pounds)
The 49ers need to get more athletic and younger in their interior line blocking. Bisontis fits with his blend of agility and physicality.
59. Houston Texans
- Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati (6-4, 240 pounds)
The Texans need an active upfield linebacker to clean up against the run and be effective on blitzes. Golday is the ideal target, already meeting with the team at the Combine.
60. Buffalo Bills
- Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana (6-2, 209 pounds)
Sarratt might be the ideal No. 1 for Josh Allen outside with his clutch ability to stretch the field at times and also serve as a reliable big target in the red zone.
61. Los Angeles Rams
- Kamari Ramsey, S, USC (6-0, 205 pounds)
Kamren Curl is a free agent and the Rams may need to move on to Kamren Kinchens. Ramsey would be an intriguing option to start right away in a secondary bound for big changes.
MORE: Top 10 bench press workouts in NFL Combine history
62. Denver Broncos
- Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (5-11, 209 pounds)
Price should go in the second round after being the shadow of Jeremiyah Love. He is an athletic, well-rounded back with three-down potential to be more efficient running for Denver.
63. New England Patriots
- Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt (6-4, 235 pounds)
The Patriots need to get some help behind Hunter Henry and increase their passing pop in 12 personnel. Stowers could be the new explosive field-stretcher for Josh McDaniels to help Drake Maye.
64. Seattle Seahawks
- Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama (6-1, 204 pounds)
The Seahawks may not be able to keep Rashid Shaheed in their wide receiver mix. Going to Bernard as a dynamic, versatile replacement makes sense.
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