NFL Mock Draft: Early 1st-Round Projections for 2026

NFL Mock Draft: Early 1st-Round Projections for 2026 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

All eyes are on the upcoming 2025 NFL season with training camps kicking off across the league last week, but that doesn't mean we can't take an early look at the 2026 NFL Draft class.

There's obviously a ton that will change over the next few months with regards to the draft landscape, but this time of year, we can forecast the biggest needs every NFL team is likely to have on their roster heading into the offseason, and preview some of the top prospects in college football who could fill those spots and be worthy of first-round consideration.

Here's an early look at how the first round of next year's draft could turn out, using the latest Super Bowl odds to determine the pick order:

1. New Orleans Saints

Arch Manning | QB | Texas

There's still plenty Manning has to prove on the field now that he's the full-time starter for the Longhorns, but if he lives up to the hype, he could end up leading the same franchise that once made his grandfather the No. 1 overall pick.

2. Cleveland Browns

LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina

There are multiple quarterbacks who could ultimately make the leap into this spot with a stellar 2025 season, but if we're talking upside and traits, my money's on Sellers. He's got the size, athleticism, arm talent and playmaking ability to be special at the next level.

3. New York Jets

Drew Allar | QB | Penn State

Another promising passer with high-end physical traits, Allar could launch himself into the top-5 conversation if he makes a similar jump in development to the one we saw from him last year, with consistency and mental processing being the key improvements to make.

4. New York Giants

Peter Woods | DL | Clemson

The G-Men already have some formidable weapons along their defensive front, but that shouldn't stop them from adding another one in Woods, who would team up with Dexter Lawrence to give them one of the most dominant interiors in the entire NFL.

5. Tennessee Titans

T.J. Parker | Edge | Clemson

I wouldn't count out Ohio State safety Caleb Downs here, but for most teams, finding an elite edge rusher is going to take priority over a top-end safety prospect. Parker is an explosive defender who can win with both speed and power off the edge.

6. Indianapolis Colts

Cade Klubnik | QB | Clemson

Unless Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones prove to be something they've yet to show us as starting quarterbacks, the Colts will be in the market for a new one next year. Klubnik made huge strides last year in every area of his game, and continued development could make him a top-10 pick.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State

The Raiders simply need to stockpile as much talent as possible, regardless of position, making this an ideal scenario for them. Downs is the top-rated player on my overall board heading into the season, with rare playmaking skills that fit perfectly with what the modern NFL demands from his position.

8. Carolina Panthers

Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami (FL)

If Ikem Ekwonu sticks around long-term, he could be a better fit at guard, and the Panthers could target an upgrade at the left tackle spot here. Mauigoa is arguably the best of a loaded class at the position, with the traits to immediately be the ideal blindside protector for Bryce Young.

9. Miami Dolphins

Anthony Hill Jr. | LB | Texas

There's a bigger need at corner, but in this scenario, the Dolphins would be wise to take the value of a do-it-all front seven playmaker like Hill instead of reaching at a weaker spot. Hill can stuff the run, cover in space, and even get after the quarterback to create splash plays.

10. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)

Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama

After landing a new franchise quarterback earlier in the top 10, the Browns protect their investment by finding a long-term upgrade at left tackle. Proctor still needs a ton of improvement when it comes to technique, but his physical traits give him limitless potential.

11. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

Garrett Nussmeier | QB | LSU

Thanks to this year's draft-day trade with the Falcons, the Rams could be in prime position to land a successor for Matthew Stafford. Nussmeier still needs to show more consistency this season, but he's got all the tools to be a quality starter at the next level.

12. Seattle Seahawks

Keldric Faulk | Edge/DL | Auburn

Versatility, athleticism and physicality are always welcome in Mike Macdonald's defense, and the trenches would get an ideal prospect in Faulk, who has the frame, skill set and experience to line up anywhere across the defensive front and wreak havoc.

13. New England Patriots

Rueben Bain Jr. | Edge | Miami (FL)

Mike Vrabel's defense needs an influx of talent across the edge-rushing group, and next year's class should give them plenty of quality options, no matter where the Pats end up picking. Bain is a violent, explosive player who can set a strong edge against the run, and get to the quarterback often.

14. Arizona Cardinals

Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State

Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride already give Kyler Murray a fantastic 1-2 punch in the passing game, but if the Cards get the chance to add another dynamic pass-catcher like Tyson, they should jump at the opportunity to make the offense that much more dangerous.

15. Dallas Cowboys

Spencer Fano | OT | Utah

Next to dragging out contract negotiations with star players unnecessarily, spending first-round picks on offensive linemen seems to be one of Jerry Jones' favorite activities. Adding a new franchise left tackle in Fano would allow Tyler Guyton to move back to his more natural spot on the right side.

16. Chicago Bears

Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah

Ryan Poles might still be sold on Braxton Jones as a sufficient left tackle, but I'm not. Barring a breakout performance from Jones in 2025, the Bears should be in the market to improve that spot if they want Caleb Williams to reach his lofty potential, and Lomu's film screams high-quality starter.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana

For yet another offseason, the Steelers will be in need of a long-term solution at quarterback, regardless of how Aaron Rodgers plays in 2025, or if he returns in 2026. Mendoza is an intriguing prospect who showed flashes of brilliance at Cal, and could surge into the first-round conversation.

18. Houston Texans

Isaiah World | OT | Oregon

Even if 2025 second-rounder Aireontae Ersery makes an immediate impact, the Texans should keep investing in the offensive line around C.J. Stroud. A transfer from Nevada, World was dominant against Mountain West competition, and could be worthy of a top-20 pick if he proves he can do the same in the Big Ten.

19. Denver Broncos

Dani Dennis-Sutton | Edge | Penn State

If Nik Bonitto doesn't get a long-term contract extension, the Broncos could be in the market for another high-impact edge defender. Dennis-Sutton has rare athleticism for his size, with the versatility to get after the quarterback, set the edge against the run, and even drop back into coverage and make big plays.

20. Los Angeles Chargers

Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee

The Chargers could go in any number of directions with this pick, but with no corners off the board so far, that's where the value meets their biggest needs. McCoy is working his way back from a torn ACL, but his film shows a fluid, instinctive corner who shows all the mental and physical traits of a potential shutdown player.

21. Minnesota Vikings

A.J. Harris | CB | Penn State

I would expect the interior of the defensive line to also be a primary focus for the Vikings in the first round next year, but they could also use another top-flight corner to help Brian Flores' pass defense. Harris has the size, athleticism and ball skills to be a big-play magnet when passes come his way.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CJ Allen | LB | Georgia

Lavonte David is still one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL at 35 years old, but this might be the last run for his Hall of Fame career. The Bucs need to find a successor, and Allen's combination of athleticism, range, intelligence and versatility make him an ideal candidate.

23. Cincinnati Bengals

LT Overton | DL | Alabama

No matter what happens long-term with Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals need more reinforcements across the entire defensive line. Overton is a huge, versatile trench warrior who can line up anywhere along the defensive front, and he's been battle-tested against top competition in the SEC.

24. Los Angeles Rams

Austin Barber | OT | Florida

After securing a new franchise quarterback for the future earlier in the round, the Rams can now do the same for the left tackle spot. Barber is a powerful blocker who plays with a punishing mentality from snap to whistle, and could be a dominant force with a few technical improvements.

25. Green Bay Packers

Matayo Uiagalelei | Edge | Oregon

Rashan Gary is a stud, but the Packers are still waiting for a breakout from Lukas Van Ness, a top-15 pick who has just seven sacks in two seasons. If he struggles to produce in 2025, Green Bay could spend another first-rounder on a high-upside egde rusher like Uiagalelei, a 20-year-old who posted 10.5 sacks for the Ducks last year.

26. San Francisco 49ers

Denzel Boston | WR | Washington

Jauan Jennings wants a new long-term deal, and if he doesn't get it, the 49ers will need another big-bodied target to replace his presence in the passing game. Boston would be an ideal fit, with the size, strength and physicality that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses in contested-catch situations.

27. Washington Commanders

Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame

There are some pressing needs on defense and along the offensive line, but Washington could also use a dynamic playmaker in the backfield next to Jayden Daniels. Love has the explosiveness and athleticism to be a big-play machine for an already high-powered offense, and he could prove to be a steal this late.

28. Detroit Lions

Tyreak Sapp | Edge | Florida

After watching injuries destroy their defensive front last year, the Lions are already dealing with more before the 2025 campaign even gets underway. Spending a first-round pick on a well-rounded edge defender like Sapp would help bolster their depth right away, and give Detroit a long-term bookend across from Aidan Hutchinson.

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson

Trent McDuffie keeps proving that being undersized doesn't have to keep you from being a high-impact corner at the next level. The Chiefs could try to strike lightning twice at the position with Terrell, who makes up for his smaller frame with fluid movement skills and playmaking instincts.

30. Baltimore Ravens

Nicholas Singleton | RB | Penn State

Derrick Henry has been a unicorn his entire career, but how much longer can he sustain his usual production and impact? He'll turn 32 at the end of this season, and the Ravens could look to find another physical, explosive runner to replace him, keeping their offensive backfield just as dangerous.

31. Philadelphia Eagles

Antonio Williams | WR | Clemson

Jalen Hurts already has a dynamic pass-catching duo with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the Eagles could use an upgrade at the WR3 spot. Williams is an undersized but dynamic receiver who can create consistent separation and make big plays after the catch, and could be a strong value this late.

32. Buffalo Bills

Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon

This secondary misses the days of prime Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, and this pick could help them return that unit to being one of the better ones in the league. Thieneman is one of the most underrated players in this class, but that probably won't be the case if he lives up to his potential this season.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.