2026 NFL Mock Draft: Two QBs in First Round, Jeremiyah Love Rises
The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, with teams actively preparing for player selections. As free agency winds down, team evaluations are in full swing. This article presents a mock draft that analyzes potential player picks and emerging trends based on recent happenings in the NFL landscape.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Overview
Here’s a comprehensive look at the first round predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft:
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas Raiders | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
| 2 | New York Jets | Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans | Jeremiyah Love | RB | Notre Dame |
| 5 | New York Giants | Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns | Kadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama |
| 7 | Washington Commanders | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | Miami |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech |
| 9 | Kansas City Chiefs | Spencer Fano | OT | Utah |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins | Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn |
| 13 | Los Angeles Rams | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State |
| 14 | Baltimore Ravens | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State |
| 15 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Akheem Mesidor | EDGE | Miami |
| 16 | New York Jets (via IND) | Makai Lemon | WR | USC |
| 17 | Detroit Lions | Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia |
| 18 | Minnesota Vikings | Dillon Thieneman | S | Oregon |
| 19 | Carolina Panthers | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon |
| 20 | Dallas Cowboys (via GB) | Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama |
| 22 | Los Angeles Chargers | Olaivavega Ioane | IOL | Penn State |
| 23 | Philadelphia Eagles | Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah |
| 24 | Cleveland Browns (via JAX) | KC Concepcion | WR | Texas A&M |
| 25 | Chicago Bears | Kayden McDonald | DT | Ohio State |
| 26 | Buffalo Bills | T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson |
| 27 | San Francisco 49ers | Peter Woods | DT | Clemson |
| 28 | Houston Texans | Emmanuel Pregnon | IOL | Oregon |
| 29 | Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR) | Colton Hood | CB | Tennessee |
| 30 | Miami Dolphins (via DEN) | Cashius Howell | EDGE | Texas A&M |
| 31 | New England Patriots | Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana |
| 32 | Seattle Seahawks | Jadarian Price | RB | Notre Dame |
Key Players to Watch
Two standout players have garnered significant attention leading up to the draft:
- Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame): Selected by the Tennessee Titans at No. 4, Love has seen a rapid rise in rankings.
- Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama): Projected to go as high as No. 6, Proctor’s potential is backed by his size and athleticism.
Jeremiyah Love’s Rise
Jeremiyah Love’s ascension in the mock drafts reflects his increasing value. The Titans’ offseason moves suggest they might focus on offensive needs, making Love a prime pick. Analysts note that his skill set is highly desirable for teams looking to enhance their backfield.
Kadyn Proctor’s Potential Impact
Kadyn Proctor’s prominence in discussions among teams indicates he may be an early pick. His blend of size and athleticism positions him well for a top-10 selection. Teams are recognizing his capabilities, with expectations that he will soon be a leading offensive lineman in the NFL.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, these players will be pivotal in shaping the future of their respective teams. Expect teams to strategize carefully to address their most pressing needs.
