Complete 2026 NFL first-round mock draft prediction: The Dallas Cowboys select…

Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks for their 29-13 Super Bowl winning victory over the New England Patriots. With this game now complete, we can officially close the book on last season and start looking towards 2026. So, with that in mind, below is a prediction for the first round of the draft in April for all 32 teams who hold a pick in the first-round. This is a no-trade mock draft.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

There should be no mystery here. The only way Mendoza isn't the No. 1 pick as if someone makes an offer the Raiders can't refuse. That seems highly unlikely though.

2. New York Jets: EDGE/LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Unfortunately for the Jets there's not a QB worthy of drafting here. Reese is a nice consolation prize though due to his position flex to play either LB or Edge, which are both positions of need for the Jets.

3. Arizona Cardinals: OT Spencer Fano, Utah

Plug-in Spencer Fano opposite Paris Johnson Jr. at right tackle in the Cardinal suddenly have been upgraded offensive line ready to protect whoever they decide to play QB in 2026

4. Tennessee Titans: EDGE Ruben Bain Jr., Miami

Getting help for second-year QB Cam Ward could be the priority here, it may be too hard for new HC Robert Saleh to pass up on Ruben Bain. Pairing him with DT Jeffrey Simmons would be huge for their defense.

5. New York Giants: WR Makai Lemon, USC

With all of the top WRs on the board the Giants decide to bypass their OL need to get second-year QB Jaxson Dart another weapon. Lemon is the most QB-friendly WR in the draft and complements Malik Nabers nicely.

6. Cleveland Browns: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech

Despite the need for the Browns to really address/upgrade their OL, the idea of pairing David Bailey with Myles Garrett is too good to pass up. This pass rushing duo would be absolutely terrifying.

7. Washington Commanders: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Bobby Wagner out, Sonny Styles in? The Commanders defense was pretty bad last year and Styles can step in as a rookie and immediately upgrade things. He's a foundational piece they can build around for years to come.

8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

It's a copycat league and after watching the Falcons have the success they've had by drafting Bijan Robinson, the Saints decide to follow suit. Love is an upgrade who would immediately help second-year QB Tyler Shough.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Patrick Mahomes could use some more help around him whether it's protection up front, another weapon in the passing game or at RB. Carnell Tate would be a great addition and fill one of those needs.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami

In order to help keep Joe Burrow healthy and fill a need on their OL, Francis Mauigoa makes a ton of sense here. He was in OT during his time at Miami, but is expected to kick inside to OG at the next level.

11. Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

As a defensive minded HC, Jeff Hafley could prioritize upgrading that side of the ball. Miami's CB position has been a problem spot for them, but Jermod McCoy could improve that as long as his medicals checkout.

*12. Dallas Cowboys: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

The way the things has played out so far has arguably the best player in the entire draft still on the board for the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12. Caleb Downs is one of the few blue-chip players in the 2026 draft class and could be a perfect fit in Christian Parker's defensive scheme. He is a difference-maker and would immediately make his impact felt on the field as a rookie. He also fits the culture Brian Schottenheimer is continuing to try to build in Dallas. This would mark the first time Dallas has drafted a safety in the first-round since 2002 (Roy Williams).

13. Los Angeles Rams: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

The Rams have use Band-Aids at the cornerback position for years now, but finally choose to address one of their bigger roster need" by drafting Mansoor Delane. He's a scheme diverse plug-and-play starter as a rookie.

14. Baltimore Ravens: G Vega Ioane, Penn State

The Ravens need to do a better job of protecting and keeping QB Lamar Jackson healthy, and it starts in the trenches. Vega Ioane is a plug-and-play starter who will immediately upgrade their interior OL.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: EDGE Keldric Faulk

Keldric Faulk's lack of QB sacks production during his time in Auburn is a bit alarming, but he has a higher ceiling than just about any other pass rusher in this draft class. He also fills big need" for Tampa Bay.

16. New York Jets: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Talent wise Jordyn Tyson would've been off the board much earlier than this, but his concerning injury history he could slide right in the lap of the Jets. He and Garrett Wilson would give them a young talented WR duo.

17. Detroit Lions: EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Since becoming the Lions HC Dan Campbell seems to have a good idea of exactly the type of players he wants on his team. Akheem Mesidor fits the criteria and addresses a need and DE opposite Aiden Hutchinson.

18. Minnesota Vikings: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Avieon Terrell has the versatility to play inside or out and didn't shy away from run support. That versatility and his stickiness in coverage would make him a good fit in Brian Flores' blitz-heavy scheme.

19. Carolina Panthers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Carolina has more pressing needs on defense as well as replacing some of their iOL they'll be losing to free agency, but the idea of pairing Boston with Tet McMillan is too good to pass up.

*20. Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

With Jadeveon Clowney, Sam Williams, and Dante Fowler all hitting free agency, and with just Donovan Ezeiraku and James Houston under contract, defensive end is a glaring need" for the Cowboys. Cashius Howell fills the prototypical size Dallas typically look for at the position, but if they are implementing more 3-4 disciplines under new DC Christian Parker that may no longer be the case. Howell would fit in nicely in Parker's scheme and likely become an immediate sub-package player while he pushes for in every-down role as a rookie.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama

Even if Aaron Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh, they still need to find their QB of the future. There's a lot to like about Ty Simpson, but further improvement is needed and a year behind Rogers could be a win-win for everyone.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: OT/G Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

Kadyn Proctor (6'7'', 360) was a three-year starter at LT during his time in Alabama, but is expected to kick inside to G in the NFL. With Zion Johnson hitting free agency the 20-year-old could step in and fill that void Day 1.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

With Dallas Goedert more than likely exiting via free agency, the Eagles need to find his replacement. Kenyon Sadiq is an athletic TE who could make an immediate impact as both a blocker and receiver as a rookie.

24. Cleveland Browns: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

There's a possibility the Browns could lose the majority of their OL to free agency. Selecting Caleb Lomu here helps address that glaring need and gives them a blindside protector to build around.

25. Chicago Bears: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Ben Johnson rebuilt/upgraded the offensive line last year and in a plan to do the same defensively this year. At 6'6'', 330-pounds, McDonald would be a good starting point to build around and upgrade the unit.

26. Buffalo Bills: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

With Josh Allen needing more weapons in the passing game and with a new offensive minded HC (Joe Brady), selecting KC Concepcion make sense here. He could be an immediate starter as a Z or in the slot as a rookie.

27. San Francisco 49ers: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

While Trent Williams is still playing at a Pro Bowl level at almost 38 years old, the 49ers may need to invest in his replacement sooner than later. Freeling has the potential to start right away, but even a year behind Williams wouldn't be bad.

28. Houston Texans: G Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M

The Texans need to continue to invest and upgrade their OL if they want to give their QB C.J. Stroud the best chance to succeed. Drafting Bisontis here would help accomplish that goal. He's a plug-and-play starter.

29. Los Angeles Rams: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Cornerback is arguably the Rams biggest roster need" and Colton Hood could immediately help upgrade the position as a rookie. He's explosive, aggressive, and has continued to improve his route recognition.

30. Denver Broncos: LB CJ Allen, Georgia

With Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad both potentially exiting via free agency, the Broncos could be looking for new starter. CJ Allen really misses tackles, is quick to read/diagnose, and would start immediately as a rookie.

31. New England Patriots: EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson

New England could be losing their best pass rusher to free agency (K'Lavon Chaisson), which is why T.J. Parker makes sense here. He had a disappointing 2025 season, but improved draft stock at the Senior Bowl.

32. Seattle Seahawks: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

With Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe, and even Coby Bryant all possibly leaving in free agency, Seattle needs to find the replacements. Brandon Cisse not only fits the need, but could be an upgrade as a rookie as well.