2026 NFL Mock Draft: Wild-Card Losers Choose Round 1 Picks
Following a thrilling wild-card weekend, the NFL is poised for significant changes as NCAA prospects prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. With six teams eliminated from the playoffs, coaching vacancies have opened up while franchises look to build for the future.
Coaching Changes and Draft Needs
The recent departure of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin leaves eight teams searching for new leadership: Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Tennessee, and the New York Giants. To enhance their rosters, these teams are likely to rely on the upcoming draft.
2026 NFL Draft Overview
This year’s NFL Draft class stands out for its depth, particularly on the defensive side. Teams can expect a wealth of defensive line and edge-rushing prospects, along with standout cornerbacks and linebackers considered among the best in a decade. Additionally, there is notable depth in talented wide receivers and interior offensive linemen.
First-Round Pick Predictions
- 1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
- 2. New York Jets: QB Dante Moore, Oregon
- 3. Arizona Cardinals: LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
- 4. Tennessee Titans: Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn
- 5. New York Giants: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
- 6. Cleveland Browns: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
- 7. Washington Commanders: Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (FL)
- 8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
- 9. Kansas City Chiefs: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
- 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech
- 11. Miami Dolphins: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
- 12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
- 13. Los Angeles Rams: QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
- 14. Baltimore Ravens: Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson
- 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
- 16. New York Jets: WR Makai Lemon, USC
- 17. Detroit Lions: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
- 18. Minnesota Vikings: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
- 19. Carolina Panthers: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
- 20. Houston Texans: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
- 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
- 22. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
- 23. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
- 24. Cleveland Browns: OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
- 25. Chicago Bears: Edge LT Overton, Alabama
- 26. Buffalo Bills: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
- 27. San Francisco 49ers: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
- 28. Dallas Cowboys: Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
- 29. Los Angeles Rams: OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
- 30. New England Patriots: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
- 31. Denver Broncos: DT Christen Miller, Georgia
- 32. Seattle Seahawks: IOL Gennings Dunker, Iowa
The upcoming draft will be critical for teams looking to rebound from disappointing seasons. The focus on both offense and defense creates an exciting landscape for franchises eager to reshape their futures in the NFL.
