NFL mock draft: How free agency, trades are altering first round
An NFL offseason that’s been largely rooted in hypotheticals is about to become a lot more real this week.
While free agency doesn’t officially begin until Wednesday, Monday marks the start of the league’s negotiating window – or legal tampering period – for players hitting the open market. And it shouldn’t take long for deals to materialize for the most highly sought-after figures.
The immediate fallout could be far-reaching. And while teams often have divergent strategies for handling free agency and the draft, early moves on the former front inevitably have a way of informing approaches for the latter.
2026 NFL mock draft
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Here’s one pick that won’t be changing during this exercise. There’s even less of a mystery around this selection than there was a year ago with the Titans at No. 1, as the Raiders haven’t openly pondered any trade possibilities. Mendoza, a rhythmic and clean distributor, sizes up as a nearly ideal trigger man for new coach Klint Kubiak’s system. The Maxx Crosby trade heightens the importance of identifying a formidable supporting cast to bring aboard through free agency and the draft, but at least Las Vegas has ample resources with which to enact its offseason transformation.
2. New York Jets – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
Even with plenty of cap space with which to play, Gang Green shouldn’t see its outlook here altered much during free agency. Acquiring a game-wrecking force in the front seven typically necessitates a lofty investment through the draft, and the Jets are poised to have their pick of the top options once Mendoza’s name is called. David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. each have solid cases for this spot, but Reese looks like the most explosive of the two. While it might take some time to put things together as a full-time edge rusher, the Ohio State standout could give Aaron Glenn the cornerstone talent the defense has lacked since sending off Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner at midseason.
3. Arizona Cardinals – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
Bringing back James Conner doesn’t preclude Arizona from making Jeremiyah Love the earliest running back pick since Saquon Barkley. But there might rightfully be some trepidation about asking a ball carrier to shoulder the load for a team that could be treading water behind center in 2026. A blur off the edge, Bailey would pair with Josh Sweat to give the Cardinals a fearsome tandem with which to throw off the NFC West’s high-powered offenses.
4. Tennessee Titans – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
At the NFL scouting combine, first-year Titans coach Robert Saleh answered questions about Rueben Bain Jr. by saying the Miami edge rusher’s tape was ‘undeniable.’ Here, however, Tennessee might be drawn to another player with an unimpeachable track record. Perhaps some might see taking a running back this high as a dessert-first move for a franchise that still has plenty of work to do in other areas to enact a proper support system for 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward, but Love’s explosiveness and aptitude for slipping would-be tacklers could change the complexion of the Titans’ attack.
5. New York Giants – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
In a draft short on elite prospects, it might be difficult to keep a savvy defender with superlative production out of the top 10, even if he doesn’t play a premium position. Prior to the combine, that school of thought seemed to apply most notably to safety Caleb Downs, Styles’ former Buckeye teammate. Now, however, it probably also holds true for the linebacker and unquestioned star of testing and workouts in Indianapolis. Styles’ knack for getting in the right place to make plays against the run should be of immense interest to a defense that ranked last in yards allowed per carry (5.3). With John Harbaugh focused on overhauling the culture for Big Blue and elevating the team’s baseline operations, the singularly athletic linebacker could be an immediate asset on both fronts.
6. Cleveland Browns – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
Surprised? Don’t be. While Freeling hasn’t been the same top-10 fixture of mock drafts that fellow offensive linemen Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano have, the towering tackle sets himself apart from his peers with the build and athleticism of a true blindside protector. That could make him a major draw for Cleveland, which seemingly has its answer on the right side after trading for Tytus Howard and handing him a monster extension. With the Browns showing few signs of making a bold move at quarterback until at least 2027, the team can afford to take a more patient approach in developing Freeling while still hoping he can become the eventual linchpin of a new-look line.
7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
The Commanders look poised for another aggressive offseason as the team tries to claw its way back to the NFC’s contending class. For all the splashy moves the team might make, however, it could be difficult for Washington to solve its pass-rushing problem on the open market. Dan Quinn might not have the kind of qualms with Bain’s arm length that others possess, as he’ll take a difference-maker off the edge in whatever form one might come in.
8. New Orleans Saints – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
If New Orleans can build on the solid offensive framework instituted in Year 1 under Kellen Moore, the team could be a legitimate worst-to-first threat in the lackluster NFC South. Getting there, however, will no doubt entail equipping promising second-year signal-caller Tyler Shough with more firepower. Some had pegged the Saints as a leading candidate for Love, but his expected ascension into the top five could have New Orleans instead considering a fitting complement for Chris Olave. Tate, a fellow former Buckeyes wideout, should slide in nicely to Moore’s scheme thanks to his precision and penchant for working back to the ball.
9. Kansas City Chiefs – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Brett Veach is up to his old tricks in selling high on a top cornerback, this time sending Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for a pick package that includes the No. 29 overall selection. And with Jaylen Watson joining McDuffie in Los Angeles, restocking at the position could be the call here. But Veach might be inclined to stick to his ways, including prioritizing premium positions with his top draft choices. Already an advanced and accomplished entity out of the slot, Lemon can immediately differentiate himself from the Chiefs’ other receivers with his easy sense for separation and competitiveness at the catch point.
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
As the debate about positional value rages on, Cincinnati stands to benefit greatly if teams higher up in the order turn their nose up at a safety. Downs can’t match the pure physical tools of Derwin James or Kyle Hamilton, but that’s the only way in which the two-time unanimous All-American doesn’t measure up to any of the top safety prospects of the last 20 years. No defense was scorched by running games and tight ends alike as badly as the Bengals were, so there’s plenty of incentive to import a player who was college football’s pre-eminent force in the former category and has plenty of room for growth in the latter.
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
The Dolphins’ new leadership group has a number of different avenues it can pursue as it settles down for what could be an expansive reset, with the team officially parting ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and bringing aboard Malik Willis. Should Mauigoa fall out of the top 10, however, the choice could be relatively straightforward. Whether at guard or as an eventual right tackle replacement for Austin Jackson, the punishing blocker could help first-year coach Jeff Hafley establish his vision of a forceful run game,
12. Dallas Cowboys – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
If Delane is still available when Dallas first comes on the clock, there shouldn’t be too much of a debate within the Cowboys’ draft room. The consensus All-American has developed a mastery of man coverage, which would open up plenty of possibilities for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker to mix and match his scheme to his available talent.
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Dealing for McDuffie reinforces that the Rams are all in on maximizing NFL MVP Matthew Stafford’s remaining window. Taking Sadiq, a matchup nightmare still requiring some polish, might not seem fully aligned with that mentality. But Sean McVay and Les Snead were previously enamored a hybrid tight end in Brock Bowers, and Sadiq could feast in an offense that came to embrace using three tight ends.
14. Raiders (from Baltimore Ravens) – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
It’s fitting that Las Vegas would be in search of a burly bouncer capable of safeguarding the franchise’s new headlining act. Ioane is adept at dispatching all sorts of defenders, and there wouldn’t be any projection required in letting him go to work on the interior.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
Jason Licht sure has a type, gravitating toward young prospects known for their character and work ethic. Though he’s hardly a finished product as a pass rusher, the 20-year-old Faulk shouldn’t have any trouble winning over the Buccaneers after drawing rave reviews for his leadership and persistence in college. And it doesn’t hurt that the 6-6, 276-pounder has an impressive skill set that could make him a reliable presence for a front seven in flux.
16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Similar to the Jets’ predicament at edge rusher, the wide receiver hole is one best filled via an early draft pick rather than a costly veteran. Though Tyson’s extensive injury history could loom over him come April, the 6-2, 203-pounder clears the bar in a variety of categories for a top-flight wide receiver.
17. Detroit Lions – Spencer Fano, OT/G, Utah
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Since the combine, no one has crashed the first-round conversation quite like Thieneman has. The 6-0, 201-pounder combines sizzling speed and admirable instincts to make plays in coverage almost anywhere on the field. As an eventual successor to Harrison Smith, Thieneman would provide plenty of flexibility and versatility on the back end of Brian Flores’ defense.
19. Carolina Panthers – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
With Bryce Young entering a critical year and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s outlook uncertain after suffering a torn patellar tendon in the playoffs, Carolina is in a difficult spot. Enter Proctor, a massive protector who could step in on the blind side, replace Taylor Moton later on at right tackle or even kick to guard.
20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)
Dallas already made one move to add to its pass rush by working out a trade for Rashan Gary. But Jerry Jones shouldn’t stop there given how shaky things size up on the edge as it currently stands. Already armed with a deep bag of tricks as a pass rusher and self-labeled ‘seasoned rookie’ – he’ll be 25 next month – Mesidor should be an attractive instant-impact option thanks to his hustle and know-how.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
This is the first major change prompted by Monday’s moves. With Michael Pittman Jr. being paid a handsome sum after coming aboard via trade with the Colts, the Steelers might not feel compelled to invest their top draft pick at receiver as well. Instead, they can look to resolve another longstanding issue in the secondary, where Terrell could settle the spot opposite Joey Porter Jr. or take over in the slot at some point.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Even after the Bolts signed center Tyler Biadasz prior to free agency, the interior line still looks like the team’s biggest potential pain point. But with Ioane off the board and a fairly precipitous drop at the position after him, Los Angeles shouldn’t force the issue on the first day of the draft. Instead, the Chargers can fortify their front on the other side of the ball with Banks, who has the talent to go in the top half of Round 1.
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
Between A.J. Brown trade rumblings and the uncertainty of the future of the Eagles’ front, there’s plenty of unrest about Philadelphia’s offense for both the near and long term. But Jaelan Phillips departing for Carolina creates another headache for Howie Roseman with the pass rush. The arm length debate didn’t quite engulf Howell the same way it did Bain, but it could prove even more consequential to his draft slot. Still, the Eagles might be willing to look past that shortcoming and instead prize what the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year can do with his considerable burst and bend.
24. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Cleveland is better situated to use its second first-round pick to select a receiver from a deep class at the position than it is to find an offensive tackle here. With his go-get-it mindset frequently paying off on tight-window throws and even errant passes, Boston would make life a degree or two easier for the Browns’ future quarterback.
25. Chicago Bears – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
They didn’t land Crosby as some speculated they might, but the Bears still have a chance to ramp up the disruptiveness of their front four. Woods’ high-end flashes separate him from all other interior defenders other than Banks, though his inconsistency could cost him a spot on Day 1.
26. Buffalo Bills – T.J. Parker, DE/OLB, Clemson
The Bills are switching to Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 scheme at a time when the roster’s edge-rushing talent looks particularly precarious. Parker might end up making his mark via persistence and power more often than quick wins, but his unyielding approach pays off against both the pass and the run.
27. San Francisco 49ers – Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
If the Trent Williams saga comes to a head – and Monday’s report that the team is open to trading the left tackle seems a bit ominous – San Francisco won’t have the benefit of patience in identifying a fallback plan. Lomu could be in for a bit of a rough initial acclimation period when taking on pro defensive ends, but his upside as a pass protector is unmatched at this point in the draft.
28. Houston Texans – Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
Re-signing Trent Brown should be taken as a reflection of Houston’s desperation along a still-problematic offensive line. A late bloomer who never played football until reaching junior college, Iheanachor is the kind of project the Texans’ staff needs to demonstrate it can cultivate.
29. Chiefs (from Rams) – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
With Watson and McDuffie gone, Kansas City could be staring down a crisis at cornerback. McCoy has legitimate top-10 talent, but his draft stock could be somewhat volatile after he missed all of last season following a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in January 2025.
30. Denver Broncos – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Cooper is one of college football’s premier threats at racking up yards after the catch and making things happen with the ball in his hands. That sure sounds like the kind of threat that Sean Payton would relish being able to deploy, especially when Bo Nix and the offense get backed into a corner.
31. New England Patriots – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
After New England missed out on Alec Pierce and added Dre’Mont Jones, wide receiver leapfrogged edge rusher as perhaps the most glaring area for Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf to address. Concepcion can capitalize on Drake Maye’s arm strength with his proven ability to separate.
32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
Other than running back, corner might be the only spot where the defending champs have some actual reimagining to do. Hood’s physical approach to coverage and run-stopping should make him a natural fit for Mike Macdonald’s group.
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