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NFL Country
A couple of Authors
It is the season for mock drafts, so what is yet another? Our NFL Country journalists shared their experience by means of making first-round picks for his or her groups as we shut in at the opening pick out of the 2026 NFL draft Thursday (8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) in Pittsburgh.
There used to be no marvel who would pass No. 1, however how issues opened up thereafter is the thriller NFL enthusiasts had been looking forward to — particularly with six groups now maintaining two first-round selections after the Cincinnati Bengals traded the No. 10 pick out to the New York Giants for defensive take on Dexter Lawrence II over the weekend.
So, what number of quarterbacks went within the first around? Which cross rusher in the end got here off the board? Keep tuned to determine.
You’ll watch the overall mock draft right here, however with out additional ado, listed below are the selections:
Ryan McFadden’s pick out: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Las Vegas is ushering in a brand new generation with trainer Klint Kubiak and second-year basic supervisor John Spytek. There is not any higher means to do this than by means of taking the Heisman Trophy winner who can solidify the way forward for the quarterback place. Mendoza’s accuracy and decision-making will mesh neatly with Kubiak’s gadget. Extra importantly, the trainer desires winners on his staff, and Mendoza is recent off main Indiana to the nationwide championship. Time will inform whether or not Mendoza would be the Week 1 starter or if that function will pass to Kirk Cousins. Something is bound: The Raiders may have a short- and long-term solution at quarterback, one thing they have not had in reasonably a while.
Wealthy Cimini’s pick out: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
The Jets spent maximum in their loose agent cash on their protection, however they nonetheless desire a dynamic presence within the entrance seven. Bailey, with 14.5 sacks final season, will also be that participant. Arvell Reese will draw robust attention on account of his tantalizing attainable, however Bailey will get the brink (no pun meant) as a result of he is extra pro-ready.
Josh Weinfuss’ pick out: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State
The Cardinals produce other wishes they may be able to cope with, however with such a lot uncertainty about the way forward for the quarterback place, Reese is sensible on account of his skill to be now not handiest an have an effect on participant however any individual who can transition to the NFL seamlessly. He will be becoming a member of a crowded pass-rushing team, so choices should be made, however pairing Reese with Josh Sweat up entrance may give Arizona a potent one-two punch up entrance.
Turron Davenport’s pick out: Sonny Kinds, LB, Ohio State
Heart linebacker is a top rate place for Robert Saleh’s protection. Now Saleh will get a participant frequently in comparison to 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, who ascended underneath Saleh to turn into one of the vital league’s height defensive gamers. Kinds, a transformed security, has the characteristics to guy the center of the sphere and clog passing lanes. Including a defender would possibly now not appear as though it is helping Cam Ward, however bettering a protection that gave up 28 issues final season will take some force off of the younger quarterback.
Jordan Raanan’s pick out: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
He is nonetheless to be had? That’s what the Giants are considering if Love remains to be at the board. Most likely the highest participant on this complete draft being there for the 5th pick out makes this a possibility new trainer John Harbaugh cannot cross up. The speculation of a flexible playmaker who can create mismatches with opposing protection is engaging. It is why basic supervisor Joe Schoen lately mentioned Love is greater than a working again. He is an offensive weapon. The Giants want extra of the ones.
Daniel Oyefusi’s pick out: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
With two first-rounders, the Browns may upload a take on or extensive receiver right here. The herbal left take on choices may well be too wealthy, and a equivalent argument might be made for extensive receiver; a industry again can be best. Mauigoa performs proper take on, however GM Andrew Berry mentioned he would not typecast take on potentialities by means of their school place. He additionally named newly bought veteran Tytus Howard as an solution to play left take on, which might make this pairing paintings.
John Keim’s pick out: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Commanders added a lot of assist on protection in loose company, in particular within the entrance. However to assist the cross rush, they want more potent nook play. Remaining season, they ranked thirty first in yards consistent with cross try allowed (7.6) in addition to in opposing QBR (52.9). Delane’s versatility — he can play guy or zone — would permit new coordinator Daronte Jones to higher conceal coverages.
Katherine Terrell’s pick out: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
There are a couple of place teams the Saints may believe reinforcing at No. 8, however extensive receiver is a large precedence after they did not signal a height cross catcher in loose company. With 4 defensive gamers long past within the first seven selections, this board fell in some way that permits the Saints to take arguably the most productive receiver within the draft. This option would give second-year quarterback Tyler Shough an instantaneous improve to an offense that lacked receiver intensity on the finish of final season.
Nate Taylor’s pick out: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
The former 8 selections are all affordable, leaving the Chiefs with the most productive cross rusher nonetheless to be had in Bain. The Chiefs desire a new starter at the reverse facet of George Karlaftis, and Bain has the skill to temporarily expand in this type of function for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. One more reason the Chiefs must covet Bain is that he’ll be in reinforce of Chris Jones, who had the load final season of looking to uplift the cross rush regardless of frequently going through two inner linemen.
Raanan’s pick out: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
That is any other one the place the Giants are simply pinching themselves that Downs remains to be to be had. He is one of the vital preferrred defensive gamers and most secure potentialities on this draft. The Ohio State standout will also be the Kyle Hamilton or Ed Reed for Harbaugh. He would possibly now not have compatibility the similar bodily profile as Hamilton (6-foot-4, 220), however there may be not anything that Downs (5-11, 206) cannot do neatly.
Marcel Louis-Jacques’ pick out: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
There is a rising trust around the league that the Dolphins will cope with the trenches with the No. 11 pick out, and with basic supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan proclaiming Miami’s passion in flexible offensive linemen, Fano suits the outline. He can play proper take on or guard, and the Dolphins most probably would want him to guy the guard spot for no less than a yr. Same old beginning proper take on Austin Jackson is within the ultimate yr of his contract and has struggled to stick wholesome. Fano supplies a succession plan if Miami comes to a decision to transport on.
Todd Archer’s pick out: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
If issues begin to fall this fashion, I’d search for the Cowboys to transport within the height 10 and ensure they get one of the vital premier defensive gamers with a industry. But when they continue to be at 12, Tyson turns into a fascinating identify to look at. What about George Pickens? All of the Cowboys are assured with Pickens nowadays is yet another. This does not anything to resolve the defensive problems, however it does make the offense extra explosive for quarterback Dak Prescott.
Sarah Barshop’s pick out: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
The Rams do not know the way for much longer quarterback Matthew Stafford will play, so they are fascinated by benefiting from alternatively lengthy that may well be. Via drafting Lemon, the Rams upload a 3rd receiver at the back of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Adams has just one season left on his contract, so by means of taking a receiver at No. 13, the Rams also are getting ready for the longer term.
Jamison Hensley’s pick out: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
With Baltimore having a look to enhance the cross coverage for Lamar Jackson, this resolution used to be a no brainer. The Ravens make a choice the most productive inner lineman on this yr’s draft in Ioane, who did not surrender a sack in his previous two seasons. This is able to mark the primary time the Ravens have drafted a guard within the height part of the primary around. However Baltimore must make this sort of funding after final season, when Jackson confronted a force fee of 37.1% (the second one worst within the league in 2025).
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Ravens take Olaivavega loane with No. 14 pick out in NFL Country mock draft
Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley selects Penn State guard Olaivavega loane with the fourteenth pick out of the NFL Country mock draft.
Jenna Laine’s pick out: Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
The Bucs have not had an edge rusher with double-digit sacks since Shaquil Barrett in 2021. Normal supervisor Jason Licht has been very open about this being a place they have got now not had nice luck in drafting. Mesidor provides them the manufacturing they have wanted — 12.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for a loss and 4 pressured fumbles in his ultimate school season — and trainer Todd Bowles indicated he do not need an issue deciding on a participant who’s 25 years previous.
Cimini’s pick out: Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana
Garrett Wilson wishes a working mate at receiver, so the Jets seize one among Mendoza’s height choices at Indiana. Cooper’s run-after-catch skill will assist an offense that lacked explosive performs final season. Do not be stunned if the Jets industry up for one of the vital different receivers.
Eric Woodyard’s pick out: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Lions’ offensive line unquestionably wasn’t as much as par final season, because it had the second-worst cross block win fee (56%). Detroit is thinking about shifting All-Professional Penei Sewell from proper take on to left however may unquestionably get pleasure from including any other elite prospect at the offensive line. Freeling, who has a prototypical body for an offensive take on at 6-7, 315 kilos, may enhance the cross coverage round quarterback Jared Goff. Freeling’s enjoy at Georgia used to be essentially at left take on.
Kevin Seifert’s pick out: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Vikings have not given up at the go back of longtime starter Harrison Smith, who’s considering retirement. However Smith is off the roster for now and, after all, Thieneman is just too just right and flexible of a prospect to cross over. Intervening time basic supervisor Rob Brzezinski has made transparent that he may not overthink draft choices. This one is apparent to many.
David Newton’s pick out: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The most productive safeties within the draft have been long past, so Carolina will get the elite tight finish it hasn’t had since Greg Olsen nearly a decade in the past. This offers quarterback Bryce Younger an alternative choice to take his recreation to the following degree the best way drafting extensive receiver Tetairoa McMillan helped final yr.
Archer’s pick out: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Hood used to be just a full-time starter for three hundred and sixty five days, however it used to be a extremely productive yr at his 3rd college in 3 years. It got here towards top-notch festival. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker has had luck with excessive selections comparable to Pat Surtain II, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Hood has some rising to do, however the upside is there.
Brooke Pryor’s pick out: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
After reinforcing the trenches in 3 consecutive drafts, the Steelers upload a talent place participant right here. Although the staff already added a bona fide No. 2 receiver at the back of DK Metcalf by means of buying and selling for Michael Pittman Jr. in March, the placement nonetheless wishes intensity. Concepcion additionally provides versatility, with a fast talent set that enhances Metcalf and Pittman. Trainer Mike McCarthy says he values extensive receivers who can do multiple factor, and Concepcion’s prowess as a dynamic returner exams that field.
Kris Rhim’s pick out: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Normal supervisor Joe Hortiz and first-year defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary can be leaping for pleasure if the draft performed out this fashion. A proper ACL tear most probably will be the explanation why for McCoy losing to 22, however he’s nonetheless one of the vital preferrred gamers on this yr’s draft. Cornerback is not one of the vital Chargers’ height wishes, however he is the type of skill L.A. would not simply cross on regardless of having holes somewhere else. Remaining season, he recorded 4 interceptions, seven passes defensed and 44 general tackles for the Volunteers.
Tim McManus’ pick out: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
With industry winds swirling round A.J. Brown all offseason, the Eagles are more likely to be shifting on, in line with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, from one of the vital biggest receivers in franchise historical past. They’ve completed some paintings to account for his attainable departure by means of signing Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore to one-year offers sooner than buying and selling with the Inexperienced Bay Packers for Dontayvion Wicks. However basic supervisor Howie Roseman might not be shy about including extra playmakers to counterpoint DeVonta Smith if the draft-board worth strains up.
Oyefusi’s pick out: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
A overdue run on extensive receivers leaves the Browns empty-handed in Spherical 1, so the pivot is to McNeil-Warren, a playmaking security. Cleveland has used three-safety lineups at a excessive fee, so McNeil-Warren may slot right away into an interchangeable and flexible function along Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman, neither of whom is signed previous the 2026 season.
Courtney Cronin’s pick out: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The truth that Proctor used to be nonetheless to be had at No. 25 settled the controversy of drafting an offensive lineman over a cross rusher. Chicago had the most productive pass-blocking unit final season, however there may be uncertainty at left take on on account of Ozzy Trapilo‘s knee harm. In spite of being a rookie, Proctor would shoot to the highest of the checklist of choices to begin day one. And every time Trapilo is in a position to go back, the Bears would be able to transport Proctor inside of to protect.
Alaina Getzenberg’s pick out: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
Howell represents a cross rusher for the longer term underneath new coordinator Jim Leonhard. Although his brief arm period is a priority at 30ΒΌ inches, Howell brings the velocity — 14.52 mph whilst rounding the nook in a pass-rush drill on the mix — the quickest pass-rush velocity by means of any DL prospect since Will Anderson Jr. (14.9 mph) in 2023, consistent with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. The one hiccup is that if the Expenses make a decision to industry again right here given the loss of a second-round pick out.
Nick Wagoner’s pick out: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
With the run on receivers and safeties, the 49ers most probably would industry down on this situation. In the event that they make a pick out right here, offensive line or an edge rusher makes essentially the most sense. In a detailed name, Lomu will get the nod forward of Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor on account of Lomu’s more secure ground as opposed to Iheanachor’s upper ceiling. His enjoy at the left facet would make him a logical inheritor to Trent Williams, who signed a two-year extension this week, when he is waiting to retire.
DJ Bien-Aime’s pick out: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
McDonald can change into how trainer DeMeco Ryans envisions the construction of his protection in 2026: taking part in extra mild containers. This manner, the Texans can stay a two-high security shell to give protection to towards explosive performs within the passing recreation. Houston had the fifth-fewest snaps with mild containers towards the run in 2025 because it most well-liked impartial or loaded containers, in line with Subsequent Gen Stats.
Taylor’s pick out: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The perfect situation for the Chiefs is that one of the vital height receivers remains to be to be had. Since that isn’t the case, including any other defensive lineman can be smart. The Chiefs want intensity at the back of Chris Jones and Omarr Norman-Lott. Woods is an intriguing prospect who must be greater than able to contributing in a rotational function.
Louis-Jacques’ pick out: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
With lots of the extensive receivers off the board, the previous Auburn Tiger is the pick out right here. Faulk is a high-character participant who must be capable to shield the run in an instant making an allowance for his power and measurement (6-6, 275 kilos). He is nonetheless growing as a cross rusher, however he may shape an exhilarating tandem with Chop Robinson at the edge.
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Dolphins make a choice Keldric Faulk with No. 30 pick out in NFL Country draft
The Dolphins make a choice Auburn defensive finish Keldric Faulk with the No. 30 pick out in NFL Country mock draft.
Mike Reiss’ pick out: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
This can be a best-case situation with regards to worth matching up with want. Will Campbell (No. 4 pick out in 2025) returns because the beginning left take on, and 35-year-old Morgan Moses is again because the beginning proper take on. The 6-6, 317-pound Miller may fill an instantaneous void because the swing take on whilst growing as Moses’ attainable long term substitute. Miller began 54 video games at Clemson, and scouts view him as sturdy and having a professional mindset.
Brady Henderson’s pick out: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
With a league-low 4 picks, the Seahawks most probably will glance to industry again. However on this situation, they pass with a substitute for Riq Woolen by means of taking Johnson. Jadarian Worth used to be additionally a attention given Kenneth Walker III‘s departure. However Seattle’s offseason has been outlined by means of disciplined choices; GM John Schneider sticking to his board to take Johnson can be any other one.