NFL: 2026 mock draft top 10 picks

The 2026 NFL Mock Draft top 10, as projected by Fox Sports, offers an early look at how teams could shape their futures with elite young talent. From franchise quarterbacks to game-changing defenders, this group reflects where the league is headed. While plenty can change, these projections show which players teams are already keeping a close eye on.

1. Fernando Mendoza

Projected pick: No. 1 – Las Vegas Raiders
Position / School: QB, Indiana
Mendoza profiles as a franchise quarterback with poise, accuracy, and command of the offense. The Raiders continue their search for long-term stability at QB, and Mendoza gives them a potential face of the rebuild. His calm pocket presence and leadership traits fit a team ready to reset offensively. Las Vegas would be betting on upside and immediate credibility under center.

2. Arvell Reese

Projected pick: No. 2 – New York Jets
Position / School: LB, Ohio State
Reese is a rangy, explosive linebacker who thrives sideline to sideline. The Jets add another impact defender to a unit built on speed and physicality. His instincts and downhill tackling ability fit perfectly in a defense that values pressure and versatility. New York would be reinforcing its identity as a defense-first contender.

3. Francis Mauigoa

Projected pick: No. 3 – Arizona Cardinals
Position / School: OT, Miami
Mauigoa is a powerful offensive tackle with elite size and movement skills. Arizona continues to invest in protecting its quarterback and stabilizing the trenches. His presence immediately upgrades pass protection and the run game. This pick signals a commitment to building a durable, long-term offense.

4. Caleb Downs

Projected pick: No. 4 – Tennessee Titans
Position / School: S, Ohio State
Downs is an elite, instinctive safety who impacts the game in coverage, run support, and as a blitzer. Tennessee adds a true defensive cornerstone who can immediately lead the secondary. His versatility fits a Titans defense that values toughness and adaptability. This pick helps modernize the unit while keeping its physical identity intact.

5. Spencer Fano

Projected pick: No. 5 – New York Giants
Position / School: OT, Utah
Fano brings toughness, consistency, and a nasty streak in the run game. The Giants prioritize offensive line play as they continue reshaping their offense. He projects as a long-term starter capable of anchoring the line. New York gets reliability and physicality up front.

6. Carnell Tate

Projected pick: No. 6 – Cleveland Browns
Position / School: WR, Ohio State
Tate is a polished receiver with strong hands and smooth route-running ability. Cleveland adds a dynamic weapon to elevate its passing attack. His ability to win one-on-one matchups makes him an immediate contributor. This pick injects youth and explosiveness into the Browns’ offense.

7. Rueben Bain Jr.

Projected pick: No. 7 – Washington Commanders
Position / School: EDGE, Miami
Bain is a relentless edge rusher with power and burst off the line. Washington continues to invest in its defensive front, aiming to control games in the trenches. His upside as a pass rusher is significant. The Commanders get a potential cornerstone defender.

8. Peter Woods

Projected pick: No. 8 – New Orleans Saints
Position / School: DL, Clemson
Woods is a disruptive interior lineman with rare explosiveness and strength for his age. The Saints continue to invest in the defensive front as they transition toward a younger core. His ability to collapse pockets and stop the run makes him an instant rotational contributor with star upside. New Orleans secures a long-term building block in the trenches.

9. Jeremiyah Love

Projected pick: No. 9 – Kansas City Chiefs
Position / School: RB, Notre Dame
Love is a dynamic, big-play running back who thrives in space and as a receiver. Kansas City adds another versatile weapon to keep its offense unpredictable and explosive. His speed and vision pair well with an offense built on misdirection and tempo. This pick signals the Chiefs’ commitment to staying ahead offensively rather than reacting.

10. Keldric Faulk

Projected pick: No. 10 – Cincinnati Bengals
Position / School: EDGE, Auburn
Faulk brings length, power, and upside as a pass rusher. Cincinnati looks to maintain its defensive strength while planning for the future. His physical traits suggest significant developmental potential. The Bengals add another weapon to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Conclusion

Mock drafts are always snapshots in time, but this Fox Sports top 10 gives a strong sense of the talent expected at the top of the 2026 class. Player development, team needs, and the upcoming season will inevitably shift the board. Still, these names represent the kind of impact prospects that can define the next generation of NFL stars.

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