Jimmy Kempski Unveils 2026 NFL First-Round Mock Draft

Jimmy Kempski has released his anticipated 2026 NFL first-round mock draft, showcasing significant predictions for various teams. This mock draft includes 32 picks that underscore the strategic positioning of franchises seeking to correct their past mistakes and build for the future.

2026 NFL First-Round Mock Draft Overview

• 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
• 2. New York Jets: Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State
• 3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
• 4. Tennessee Titans: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
• 5. New York Giants: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
• 6. Dallas Cowboys (TRADE with Browns): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
• 7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
• 8. New Orleans Saints: Reuben Bain, EDGE, Miami
• 9. Kansas City Chiefs: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
• 10. New York Giants (from Bengals): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
• 11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
• 12. Cleveland Browns (TRADE with Cowboys): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
• 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
• 14. Baltimore Ravens: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
• 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
• 16. Philadelphia Eagles (TRADE with Jets): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
• 17. Detroit Lions: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
• 18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
• 19. Carolina Panthers: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
• 20. Cleveland Browns (TRADE with Cowboys): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
• 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
• 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
• 23. New York Jets (TRADE with Eagles): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
• 24. Arizona Cardinals (TRADE with Browns): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
• 25. Chicago Bears: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
• 26. Buffalo Bills: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
• 27. San Francisco 49ers: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
• 28. Houston Texans: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
• 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
• 30. Miami Dolphins (from Broncos): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
• 31. New England Patriots: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
• 32. Seattle Seahawks: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Key Highlights

Teams are positioning themselves to address their immediate needs while also planning for long-term success. The Raiders lead off with quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a cornerstone pick for their future. Meanwhile, franchise trades, like that between the Cowboys and Browns, indicate aggressive moves to secure emerging talents.

Prominent names include Arvell Reese from Ohio State, Taylor Made as an edge defender for the Jets, and Monroe Freeling, expected to succeed Lane Johnson for the Eagles. The diverse positions, from offensive tackles to quarterbacks, reflect the draft’s depth and the teams’ varied strategies.

This first-round mock draft projects not only player selections but also sets the tone for each franchise’s upcoming development cycle as they prepare for a competitive 2026 NFL season.